Unforgettable, p.9
Unforgettable, page 9
“That’s sweet, Blako.”
“But here’s the bonus.” He picked up the other book. “Alexander Martin. You didn’t tell me there was a book with your work in it. And not only that, a bio and pictures of you.” He flicked over the pages until he found the one he wanted. “You, without a shirt on and skimpy shorts in the great outdoors. You look amazing.”
Alex stared at the photograph. “It was in Vanity Fair. They were running a feature on up-and-coming American artists and they included me.”
“Wish I read Vanity Fair. I’d have been thinking, hey, I know this guy while I was ogling your pecs and the bulge in your shorts.”
Alex leaned in to kiss Blake. “You are adorable.”
“As are you, sir.” They set the books back down on the table so they could hold each other and kiss properly.
“What’s the bedroom like?” Alex whispered.
“C’mon, Mr. Subtle.” Blake took Alex’s hand. “I don’t want to keep you in suspense too long.” He pushed the bedroom door open and ushered Alex inside, cupping his ass cheeks as he guided him across the room.
“Now what?” Alex gave him a cheeky smile.
Blake threw him down on the bed and climbed on top of him. “You know what. What you’ve been craving all day. You and me having sex. Me inside you, fucking the cum outta you.”
Alex’s eyes blazed with desire. “Okay, you’re never going to convince me that you’re a slow mover, ever again.”
“Your fault. You’re just so damned amazing. I get hard just thinking about you.” He tugged at the hem of Alex’s polo and pulled it up and over his head. “Look at you,” he whispered. “That beautiful chest. A sculptor’s dream.” He lowered his head to feast on Alex’s tiny nipples.
Alex writhed under him and ran his hands through Blake’s curls holding him gently in place while Blake licked and nibbled his way from one pebbled bud to the next.
“Get naked,” Alex said.
“Yes, sir.” Blake grinned at him and shucked off his T-shirt. Alex’s admiring gaze flitted over Blake’s defined torso. “Like what you see?”
“More than like.” He ran his hands over the dusting of dark curly hair on Blake’s chest before fumbling with Blake’s belt. “Want to see all of you.” Blake raised himself so that Alex could pull his shorts down along with his briefs. “There it is,” Alex murmured. “Long and hard and beautiful.” He cupped Blake’s ass cheeks, holding him in position as he teased Blake’s cockhead with his tongue, lapping at the pre-cum that spilled from the slit.
Blake shuddered from the visceral sensation and from the view of Alex’s mouth enveloping his erection, lush lips gliding up and down the rigid length. He wasn’t going to compare what Alex was doing with his ex or any of the other few men he’d been with, because there was no comparison. A blow job had never given him this impossible high before. Once again Alex was proving to be the most incredible lover he’d ever had. And please, God, let no one take him from me!
He framed Alex’s face with his hands, forcing him to look up. Want him to see the ecstasy on my face, want him to know he’s the best. His loud groan of pleasure made Alex’s eyes sparkle, and he sucked harder then pushed Blake onto his back, taking his shorts and briefs completely off him, all the while never releasing Blake from his mouth.
Blake widened his legs and combed his fingers through Alex’s soft sandy-blond hair. Alex cupped Blake’s balls and ran his tongue over the sac then under it, along his taint to his hole. Blake knew he was going to explode any second. He gritted his teeth and exerted all his willpower to not come in Alex’s mouth, but the guy wasn’t making it easy.
“Need to taste you too,” he said with a note of desperation.
Alex released him and looked up, mischief in his expression. He swung his body around so that his dick was a tantalizing inch or so from Blake’s mouth, then resumed his sucking.
Blake didn’t hesitate. He gripped Alex’s erection at its base then ran his tongue up the hot length before devouring the head, taking it all the way to the back of his throat. He heard Alex gasp. It sounded as if Alex was loving this too, which was what he wanted, although the rock-hard shaft pulsing in his mouth was a pretty sure proof of Alex’s enjoyment.
Blake slid his lips up and down over the rigid, throbbing length, relishing every glorious inch of it while he caressed and teased Alex’s balls, bringing muffled groans of pleasure from him. Blake stroked Alex’s butt, squeezing the twin globes of smooth round flesh, dipping into the cleft and probing at Alex’s opening. Alex moaned when Blake slid a finger inside him. His cock pulsed and spilled pre-cum on Blake’s tongue and Blake pushed his finger farther inside Alex, finding his sweet spot, causing him to suck harder and cup Blake’s ass so he could pull him deeper into his mouth.
Blake was so close, and he knew from the way Alex’s body had stiffened then spasmed against him that he was right there with him. Blake almost choked on the torrent of hot, salty cream that filled his mouth, but he tightened his arms around Alex’s waist, swallowing him, holding him as he groaned out his pleasure and his body convulsed.
He teetered on the edge of orgasm then yelled when his release overwhelmed him and he came with great body-wracking jolts.
Recovering from that euphoric high wasn’t easy, especially as Blake wanted to hang on to the bliss enveloping him. Had sex always been this terrific? Yes. Or rather, it had been since he and Alex had found each other again. But before, not so much. There was no point in comparing what he had now with before. It just didn’t exist.
They both lay quietly for a few moments, letting their breathing return to normal. Blake was content to stay, his face buried in Alex’s groin, inhaling the scent of spent cum and musk. At Alex’s insistence, he scooted back to his original position, tightened his arms around Alex and nuzzled his throat, licking his Adam’s apple then sucking lightly on it. He laid his head on Alex’s chest, listening to the steady beat of his heart while Alex combed his fingers through Blake’s hair.
“What are you thinking?” he asked.
“That I’ve never been happier,” Alex replied. “That I hope this isn’t all a dream, and you’ll not vanish in a puff of smoke as if the last few days had never happened.”
“Not going to vanish.” Blake kissed Alex’s chest. “I think you should start resigning yourself to the fact that we’re back in each other’s lives for good. I hope that doesn’t alarm you too much.”
Alex continued to caress Blake’s hair. “Don’t hear any alarm bells going off. But I do have an empty void in my belly. It’s wondering where all that delicious Italian food went.”
Blake grinned, pecked Alex’s nose and slid off the bed. “C’mon then…a quick shower then we’ll eat.”
“Good idea, then we’ll be strong enough for round two.”
“Or even three.”
“How about four?”
“Let’s not push our luck.” Blake threw an arm around Alex’s waist and, laughing together, they hurried into the bathroom.
* * * *
Later, in his condo, Alex wondered how long he should wait until he felt it might be safe to ask Blake to move in with him. He hated this bit about having to leave because either he or Blake had to be up early in the morning. Mostly Blake and his office meetings. They were important of course, but wouldn’t it be so much nicer if they lived together, and he could see Blake off after getting him off, of course, then coffee and maybe even some breakfast together?
Yes, it had only been a few days since their reunion, but deep inside him, he knew he was going to do his level best to make this work between them again. And he was sure it was what Blake wanted too.
They were so good together, and not just in bed, although their last bout of lovemaking before he’d left had come close to making him feel that the earth had moved at the moment of climax. He knew it had just been the bed’s box-springs, but it had been so real, so all-consuming. His lips still tingled from the pressure of Blake’s mouth on his, and it was difficult to erase from his mind the way everything else in the universe had shrunk down until it was just the two of them, alone in the cosmos.
He shook his head at his crazy thoughts that he hadn’t dared share with Blake. He didn’t want Blake to think that the man who’d come back into his life was some kind of airhead. But it was romantic, wasn’t it? Maybe Blake would appreciate the analogy…
His gaze fell on the unopened mail from the day before, still on the kitchen counter where he’d left it.
He sifted through the envelopes stopping at one that was obviously from an attorney’s office. “Huh…” It was postmarked Bakerton, Virginia, and a cold shiver coasted down Alex’s spine. This could not be good news, or any kind of news he wanted from the town he’d left years ago. For a moment he considered throwing it in the trash, unopened, but then curiosity got the better of him and he tore the envelope open.
From: Atherton, Johnson and Straub,
Attorneys-at-Law
12 Brennen Ave., Bakerton, Va.
Dear Mr. Martin, it is our sad duty to inform you that your mother, Charlene Martin, passed away on Oct 14th 2021. Your father, Harold Martin has informed us that, despite your past differences, he would be obliged if you would attend the funeral of your late mother and consult with him at The Mercy Home for the Elderly about your future as the only remaining member of the family.
The date, time and place of the services in memory of your mother are October 31st 2022, at 3pm and will be held at The Church of Abiding Love in Bakerton, Virginia.
Please contact us for further information.
Sincerely, Henry Atherton.
Alex stared at the letter for many long moments, unable to believe what the actual fuck he was reading. The man has the fucking audacity to contact me after all these years, to tell me that the woman who never liked me, never mind loved me, has passed and he expects me to attend her funeral. That mother fu—
For a moment he thought his head might explode from the anger that filled him. He gripped the edge of the counter to stop himself from rampaging across the living room floor in a senseless quest for something to punch. Not the wall, he told himself as he stared at it in a blind fury. Chances were he’d break his fist, and his father was not worth one iota of pain, never mind the cost of repairing the plaster.
“Goddamn him!”
The piercing ring of his cell startled him. Blake. Oh God, he couldn’t talk to him right now. I’ll most likely have a screaming fit if I start telling him about this letter. But Blake was always so calm, so sensible. Perhaps he’d help him climb down from this mountain of rage that swelled within him.
“Hey there, beautiful.” Blake’s voice was low and sexy. “Just wanted to make sure you got home okay, and tell you goodnight.”
“Blake.” He knew his voice, by contrast, sounded decidedly unsteady. More like a croak than a voice really.
“What’s wrong? You sound weird.”
“My mother died.”
“Oh, I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be, I’m not.”
“Alex.”
“I’m not sorry, Blake. I hope you’ll understand when I say I’m not in the least bit sorry or upset.”
“Well, yes, I know there was no love lost between you and your parents, but, Alex…”
“There’s no but, Alex, Blake. That bitch sent me away to suffer for close to five years in a place that could’ve driven me mad, or to kill myself, and now my father wants me to come to her funeral and to talk about my future. That’s what I’m upset about. Fucking angry about. My future, Blake, like it would have anything to do with him. I have lived my life pretty damn well without either of them. Without him even wondering where the hell I was or what I was doing—and Blake, I was good with that.
“I didn’t want him or my mother fucking up my life again. Hell, I don’t think I could even have looked at them, never mind talk to them. I know I must sound cold but they’re a part of my past I want to forget, and I had more or less. And now this. And get this, he said that despite our past differences he wants me at the funeral. Past differences sounds like we had a petty argument about the weather forecast or something, not that he had me locked up for five years of my fucking life!”
“I’m guessing you’re not going to the funeral.”
Alex snorted. “You couldn’t be more right about that.”
“How’d he know how to get in touch with you?”
“Through some attorneys. The price of being somewhat well-known.” He sighed. “I’m looking at the letter, Blake, and where she’s being buried is called The Church of Abiding Love. Abiding Love, Blake. The irony is almost laughable.”
“You want me to come over?” Blake asked.
“No, it’s late, and you have an early morning meeting. I’m a big boy and I can handle this, but I appreciate the offer.”
“If you’re sure.”
“I’m sure. Go to bed, Blake. I’ll see you tomorrow night?”
“Of course. Come over, and I’ll make you some dinner. You can be dessert.”
Alex smiled, hoping Blake could hear it in his voice when he said, “I can’t wait. Love you, Blako.” There he’d said it. Too late to take it back now.
His smile grew wider when Blake said softly, “Love you too.”
“Then that’s all that matters.”
Chapter Eleven
The first thing Alex remembered on waking the following morning after a mostly restless and sleepless night was the letter from his father’s attorneys. And dammit if that wasn’t what he wanted furthest from his mind. He groaned and buried his face in his pillow.
Think of Blake instead, he told himself. Think of the fantastic night we had together, how amazing, how incredible our love making was, and how you can’t wait to do it again, and again tonight.
His cell chimed, and he reached for it to peer still bleary-eyed at the screen. A text from Blake. That was all it took to make him feel ten times better.
Good morning, sunshine, hope you slept well.
So-so. How about you?
Like a log, and I’m hard as one.
I’ll be right over.
LOL. Just kidding. I’m at the office.
Already? He glanced at his watch. Shit. It was already nine o’clock, and he had to be at the gallery at ten.
It’s nine, Alex. Didn’t you have a meeting with Doreen?
Yes. Sorry, I have to jump in the shower and caffeinate before I leave. I’ll text you later.
Don’t forget about tonight.
As if. Bye, love you.
There was a slight pause then Alex breathed a sigh of relief when Blake texted, Love you too.
In the shower, Alex wondered if Blake had thought any more about fostering Joey. Maybe I should’ve been more encouraging. Instead of just saying I’d help, I should suggest that we’d foster the boy together. They could move into my condo. It’s bigger, which would be a point in our favor. Blake’s apartment is maybe too small for foster requirements.
While he toweled off, he decided he’d mention it to Blake when they met later in the day.
* * * *
Doreen looked excited about something when he met her at the gallery a few minutes after ten.
“Sorry I’m late,” he said, entering her office.
“No problem. Coffee?”
“Please.”
She got up and poured him a mugful from her coffee maker. “I had a very good phone call last night. I was going to call you, but it was late. And I figured you and Blake… Well, you know.” She waved her hands about as if in explanation.
Alex grinned. “Very subtle, Doreen. As a matter of fact, I slept at home last night.”
“Alone?”
“Very much alone. Blake had an early morning meeting so I left him so he could get some shut-eye.”
“I should think he needed it.” Doreen cackled behind her hand.
Alex rolled his eyes. “You were telling me about a phone call.”
“Oh, yeah. Oliver Stevenson. He owns a gallery in Frisco. The exhibition that was planned to start in two weeks has fallen through. The artist had a change of heart, or something. Oliver sounded pissed so I didn’t press for details, but he wants to book you instead when you’re done here. He said he’d heard and read glowing reviews of your exhibition here.”
“Oh, that’s great. Did he say for how long?”
“A month, but he wants you to hold the two weeks following open, just in case you’re wildly popular, which I told him you were.”
Alex kissed her on the cheek. “You are good for my ego.”
“I wouldn’t say it if ’tweren’t so.” She smiled sweetly. “You have another week here then we’ll get you packed up and on your way. I’ll come up for the day you open and stick around for a couple of days in case you need me. Maybe Blake can visit?”
“I’ll ask, but…” Shit, he might be up to his eyes with the foster application, and I won’t be here to help. Damn.
“What’s wrong, honey?”
“Oh, just something Blake and I were planning.”
“Getting married already?” She widened her eyes when Alex didn’t scoff at the idea. “Wait, are you?”
“No, no. It’s just that Blake’s got himself attached to this kid, Joey, from an abusive home. The matron at the care center has talked to him about fostering Joey but he’s hesitant because he’s only got a one-bedroom apartment. Something that wouldn’t look good apparently on his application, so I was going to suggest they move in with me, but I haven’t done that yet, and now with me being out of town for maybe six weeks or so. Shit, I don’t know how he’ll feel about that.”
Doreen frowned. “The Frisco gallery is a big deal, Alex.”
“I know, and I’m sure Blake will understand that, but I feel bad about leaving him to deal with the foster thing alone.”
