Total pages in book: 76
Estimated words: 73107 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 366(@200wpm)___ 292(@250wpm)___ 244(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 73107 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 366(@200wpm)___ 292(@250wpm)___ 244(@300wpm)
“I’m cool with that.”
“Awesome. Not for sale, though. Just for personal use.” I swallow roughly. No way I’d sell them. “And afterward, they’ll make a good dart board.”
He huffs out a laugh. “Set one up in Johnny’s bar and have a go at me.”
“Not a bad idea,” I tease. “He’d call me on it, though. Tell me I’m being a grouchy ass.”
“He wouldn’t be wrong.”
“Hey, I’m not always a grouch. In fact, I had an honest conversation with Beth tonight.”
“You are full of surprises.”
“Long overdue.”
“And? Don’t keep me in suspense.”
“We cleared the air.”
His eyes light up. “How do you feel?”
I think about the conversation for a split second before admitting, “Better.”
“Good. You seem lighter.”
“Do I? Not grumpy?”
“Apparently, no grumpiness is detected when you’ve cleared the air. No grumpiness when you’re coming or kissing me either.”
I push down on my cock with the heel of my hand. “Oh damn, stop it.”
“Why? Is it making you hard?”
“Fuck yes.”
“So sorry! Not. Maybe we shouldn’t talk anymore if it’s causing blue balls.”
“Brat! I can’t be the only one.” I sound whiny even to my ears.
“Of course not. Want to see?”
He pans the camera down his chest.
“Hell yeah.”
Aaron arches a brow. “You first.”
Fine by me. I sit back and make sure the camera is at a good angle before making quick work of pulling out my cock and lazily stroking myself. I hear him suck in a breath right before he pushes back the covers, revealing his boxer briefs.
“Oh God,” my voice rumbles as I drink up the screen. His hard cock is stretching the fabric as if ready to burst through.
He pushes down the waistband, and his shaft strains against his hand.
Soon enough, we’re both stroking and moaning, and because it’s been so long—or maybe because it’s him—I’m already close. I swipe my thumb over the head to collect the precome gathered there and keep going.
“Every time with you was great.” Aaron’s gruff voice is like a hair trigger, going straight to my balls.
“Yeah, so fucking good.”
It doesn’t take long before I’m shooting all over myself, my eyes shut and my back arched. A moment later, I hear Aaron’s long groan as he finds his release too.
I sink against the couch, rein in my runaway breaths, and try not to make more of a mess than I already have.
When I can speak again, I rasp out, “Thanks. I needed that.”
“Me too.” He draws out the word with a satisfied expression.
I want him here with me in my space, sharing my bed, night after night. If I could reach through the screen to kiss him and hold him, I would. My chest aches with a piercing longing I haven’t felt in a very long time.
We smile sleepily at each other before reluctantly deciding to clean up and retire to bed.
“Well…night, Aaron.”
“Night.” Aaron grins dreamily before the screen goes black.
25
AARON
Truth be told, I look forward to my chats with Jack by text or phone. But it’s been about two weeks since that video call, and I’m craving that contact—craving him. Not just seeing his face but hearing his voice. Low when vulnerable, a rumble when coming apart at the seams.
Sure, I could get my needs met in other ways, but anyone else would feel wrong and hollow. We didn’t talk about what we are besides friends—with benefits maybe, which suits me fine. Most of the time. But there’s this itch beneath my skin to do something. Something other than what I’m doing day in and day out. To make bolder decisions, but I also don’t want to make any wrong moves.
I spent all last weekend in the workshop at my mom’s house, even called my dad after to chat about it because it’s our common ground.
But now it’s Friday after a long day—they all feel long lately—and I have Jack on the brain.
After downing a glass of water, I lift my cell. Hey, want to video call tonight?
Can’t.
The one-word response makes me uneasy. No worries. Got a hot date or something?
My fingers shake as I fire off the reply. I don’t like the idea of him being with anyone else, despite not having any commitment to each other.
Actually, I’m on the road.
I rack my brain, trying to remember if he mentioned his weekend plans. Normally, it’s all about work, family, or photos. I feel bad texting back, knowing he has to use voice-to-text so he can be hands-free, but I can’t help myself. Where to?
San Jose.
I drop my plastic cup, and it clatters in the sink. Are you messing with me?
No, I’m serious. I’ll be in your area for the night.
I can barely concentrate on responding because, holy shit, Jack is in town. In my town. Why didn’t you tell me?
I thought showing up was our thing.
I snicker before I grow serious. Where are you?
About to get off the freeway. See you soon.