Relax. Recharge. Read!

10/2/2025

Jay looked down at the files, then up at Eric. It was the truth, and he could see it in Eric’s face, hear it in his voice. For reasons not entirely clear to Jay, he believed and trusted this man, though he barely knew Eric. Nodding slowly, he took the plunge. “I don’t think you’re crazy. I think you’re right.”

Eric grinned and gathered everything together. “I’ll show you more later tonight and tomorrow. But now—” Eric folded his napkin, set it on the table beside his plate and drained his water glass. “—if I remember correctly, we have some things to discuss, and we probably shouldn’t do it here. I’d like to see your house.”

Jay’s insides twisted in excitement mixed with apprehension. Eric couldn’t be too angry with him or he wouldn’t be making such an effort to pursue Jay. Still, Jay hadn’t called, and he should have, if nothing more than to cut things off and not leave Eric hanging. Now he had to explain everything. Better to get it all out in the open and find out if Jay’s life would be a deal breaker before they went too much farther. He smiled softly, suddenly feeling like a shy and uncertain teenager. All he could manage was a shaky “Okay.”

Eric stood and slung the carry bag over his shoulder, waiting patiently for Jay to follow before heading out of the dining hall. “I’ll drive. I can drop you back here later, or in the morning, so you can get your Jeep.” He waggled his eyebrows and pushed through the door leading to the parking lot.

The short drive to Jay’s house was quiet and intense. He couldn’t help thinking back to earlier that day at the crime scene and then later at Eric’s house. Each time Eric got close, put his arm around Jay, he felt surrounded by the man. He was powerful without being pushy, worried about Jay being embarrassed and made sure that didn’t happen. It was obvious he took the responsibility of looking out for someone, even casually, very seriously.

Eric had quietly taken control of the situation and shielded Jay from hurt, both physical and mental. He’d made Jay feel important, hadn’t judged or faulted him.

Eric pulled the car up the drive and parked alongside the house. Jay sucked in a quick breath and let it out slowly when Eric reached over and rested his hand on Jay’s leg and then began caressing along his inner thigh for a few seconds. He enjoyed the way his groin heated up, cock pleasantly warm and full. It was too much to hope Eric would understand the stupidity that was his life. Jay had a fake fiancé and lived in a bubble of scrutiny, but he couldn’t help thinking maybe there was a slight chance Eric at least might be open to an occasional and casual relationship.

Out of the car, they crossed the short distance to the front steps and walked up together. Eric’s hand landed solidly on Jay’s shoulder, and it felt good, right. Unlocking his door, Jay let it swing open and motioned inside. “Mi casa es su casa.”

Eric ran his hand down Jay’s arm. He used his thumb to gently stroke Jay’s knuckles as he took the key ring from him. “You have a copy of the keys to my house.”

“Yours, and mine, are both owned by the resort.”

“Hmm. Doesn’t seem fair, you get keys to mine, but I don’t get keys to yours. We’ll have to fix that tomorrow.”

Jay’s heart skipped a few beats, and his stomach flipped. “You really believe what you said about bad date-movie plots and second chances?” Even as he spoke, he reminded himself not to get his hopes up.

“Sure do.” Eric’s other arm slid around Jay’s back, pulling him closer. Jay loved the feeling of Eric’s rock-hard, yet very comfortable, body against his. They fit together so well. When Eric dipped his head and ran his lips lightly over the shell of Jay’s ear, Jay shuddered and moaned softly. Eric leaned back and smiled. A gentle nudge and Jay was herded inside.

“You… um… want a beer or….” Jay took the keys when Eric held them out to him, dropped them on the table, and led the way to the living room, stopping near the couch. His words trailed away when Eric moved behind him and slipped both hands over Jay’s shoulders.

Warm air hit Jay’s neck when Eric breathed out, “I’m good. I have everything I want right here.”

Jay swallowed and leaned back against Eric, delighting in that feeling of being surrounded again. Dragging one hand across Jay’s back, Eric paced away. He shed his leather jacket, draping it over a chair, and settled on the couch in front of Jay. He leaned back, let his legs drop open slightly with his hands folded between them. Jay stayed rooted where he was, standing there feeling on display and naked even though he still had his clothes on.

“About that call,” Eric said quietly.