Burden Page 18

  Jesse came with a harsh cry, his fingers tight around his dick as he shot hard, and Randy kissed him until the tremors subsided. “My turn,” Randy whispered, moving gently inside him, knowing he was close to his own climax. He ran his fingers over Jesse’s torso, scooping up his come. Randy locked gazes with Jesse as he brought his hand to his lips and tasted him, loving the low moan that rolled out of Jesse.

  Too many sensations. Randy shuddered as he came, his back arched, his cock pulsing as he filled the latex. Jesse held him, his hands on Randy’s shoulders, and as the last of the mini jolts ebbed away, they kissed, slow and sweet and oh so tender.

  “You taste of me,” Jesse murmured against his lips. “Not fair. I don’t get to taste you.”

  “Next time,” Randy promised. “I’ll feed you every drop.”

  For a long time, they lay together, arms around each other, neither saying a word. The only sound was their breathing. Randy knew they couldn’t stay like that, but he didn’t want to break the spell, to shatter the peace that surrounded them, to lose the warm contentment that spread through him.

  Let me hold on to this for as long as it lasts.

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  JESSE DECIDED he liked these kinds of dreams. He was warm, strong arms enfolded him, and soft lips pressed kisses to his shoulder and neck, while lower down, there was definitely something going on. Then he opened his eyes and realized it was no dream.

  Thank God.

  He shivered as Randy’s lips brushed over the back of his neck. “It’s on days like these that I’m glad I got my hair cut,” he murmured.

  Randy chuckled against his nape. “So I get easier access?”

  “God, yes.” Then Jesse shuddered as Randy moved his hand higher, and he was caught between two hot spots, both of them competing to drive him out of his frigging mind. “You… you keep doing that, and I am gonna be shooting my load all over this bed.”

  In a flash Randy flipped him until Jesse was on top of him, then reached for the lube. “Get ready,” he barked out, thrusting the tube into Jesse’s hands. Jesse didn’t waste any time. He straddled Randy’s waist and reached back with slick fingers while Randy gloved up. Less than a minute elapsed before he sank onto Randy’s dick, groaning at how fucking hard it was inside him.

  They were both too close to make it last, and it wasn’t long before Randy thrust up into him and shuddered as he shot into the latex, his hands tight on Jesse’s hips as he held him there. Jesse gave his cock a good tug and creamed Randy’s chest, his breathing rapid and harsh.

  Jesse bent over and kissed him softly on the lips. “Do I get this every morning during your stay?” As soon as he’d uttered the words, however, he instantly regretted them. Randy only had a finite amount of time in Maine. Sooner or later, he’d have to go back.

  Can’t think about that. Not now.

  Randy’s face tightened for a moment, then relaxed. “Well, that depends on two things,” he said with a smile. “One, if I get to share this bed with you every night, and—”

  “You’d better, if you like your balls where they are,” Jesse growled.

  Randy winced. “Ouch. And I was about to say—two, only if we take it in turns.” He craned his neck and kissed Jesse on the lips. “Tomorrow morning, I get to ride again.” He bit his lip. “Although, what Mitch and Nikko will have to say about the sleeping arrangements remains to be seen.”

  Jesse chuckled. “One thing you can count on with Mitch—you always know what he’s thinking, because he damn well tells you.”

  Randy laughed. “Yeah, I had noticed.” He sighed. “One of us has to make a move, babe. And seeing as you’re the one sitting on my dick….”

  Jesse’s sigh echoed his. “Damn. Okay.” He lifted himself higher, and Randy’s softened cock slipped from his body. Jesse leaned over again and kissed him. “Tonight. Here.”

  Randy cupped his cheek. “It’s a date.”

  Jesse would be counting the hours.

  “I TAKE it you didn’t like the couch.” Mitch’s gaze met Randy’s in the rearview mirror. Beside him, Nikko smacked Mitch’s thigh, and Mitch jerked his head to stare at him. “What? You said the same thing this morning.”

  “Yes, but that was to you. And it wasn’t for sharing.”

  Jesse snickered. “I’m amazed you kept quiet about it as long as you did. We’re almost at your parents’.”

  “Yeah, I’m becoming more… restrained in my old age.”

  Nikko made a choking sound.

  Randy didn’t know where to look. Jesse covered Randy’s hand with his own and squeezed it gently. Randy cleared his throat. “So, how many people will be there for lunch?” Anything to change the subject.

  “All the family, from what Mom said. Apparently, some of them can’t make it for the Labor Day weekend, so this will be a substitute. We’re talking my brother, Gareth—you met him at the trial—my sister Deirdre, her husband, Eric, and their kids, Ben and Debbie, and my sister Monica, her husband, Shaun, and their kids, Lisa and Cal. The kids are all in their twenties except Cal—he’s nineteen.” He chuckled.

  Nikko smacked him again. “You promised. Your best behavior, all right?”

  Randy was intrigued. “What’s going on?”

  Nikko twisted in his seat to look at Randy. “Cal’s bringing someone with him, and it’s a big deal.” He smiled. “His first boyfriend.”

  Randy had to smile back. “Aw, that’s great.”

  “And speaking of boyfriends….” Mitch caught Randy’s eye in the mirror again. “You two. Is it official?” Nikko smacked him yet again, and Mitch glared at him. “What? We need to know these things before we get there. I mean, we know they’re fu—”

  “Mitch!” There was a warning note in Nikko’s voice.

  Randy glanced across at Jesse, who was staring at him. What struck Randy most was his questioning gaze, the way his hand rested over his heart, his eyes, wide and shining….

  Randy smiled and took a step out over the precipice. “I guess it’s official, seeing as we love each other.” Then his heart melted when Jesse lifted his hand to his lips and kissed it.

  Nikko twisted around again, his jaw dropping. “Love…. Oh wow. That’s wonderful.”

  “See?” Mitch said triumphantly. “That makes me feel better. Now I know what to say when Mom asks me why Randy and Jesse keep sneaking off to be alone today. I’ll tell her, they have an excuse. They’re in love.” He grinned at Randy in the mirror. “Best excuse ever.”

  Randy couldn’t argue with that.

  It wasn’t long before Mitch pulled into a long driveway with a pale blue-painted house at the end. He parked behind a line of cars. “Looks like we’re the last to arrive.”

  “Ready for mayhem?” Jesse asked him with a grin.

  Randy kissed his fingers. “I’m ready for anything.” It wasn’t a line. Right then he felt fucking invincible.

  LUNCH WAS over, and Randy was sitting by the piano, listening to Nikko play, lost in the beautiful harmonies. “I had no idea.”

  “That I played piano?” Nikko smiled. “I’ve played since I was a child.” His fingers danced over the gleaming keys, and Randy was mesmerized. Nikko nodded toward the living room through the french doors. “I’m in awe of Valerie right now. How she managed to seat and feed sixteen people is just amazing. I don’t think I’ve ever seen so many of us here at one time.”

  Randy followed his gaze. Not everyone had congregated in the living room—some were in the kitchen, talking with Valerie, or sitting at the dining room table. Both couches were fully occupied, along with the armchairs, and the younger members of the family were sitting on chairs and floor cushions, taking animatedly. Mitch’s nephews and nieces were about the same age as Jesse, and he’d obviously warmed to them right away. The chatter from their end of the table during lunch had been lively. Cal and his boyfriend, Dale, had sat together, Dale joining in the conversations now and then, but mostly his attention had been focused on Cal. Randy liked the way
Dale put his arm around Cal’s shoulders, letting Cal lean against him.

  “Dale seems nice,” Randy murmured. They both looked so young. Randy liked the idea that they felt confident and relaxed enough to be themselves. It said a lot about Mitch’s family.

  Nikko nodded. “I like him a lot. But then again, I’ve known him for a while. He’s at college with Cal, which is where I met him.”

  “Are you nearly finished with your master’s?”

  Nikko sighed. “Yes, and then the hard work really begins. Sometimes I think Mitch is right. I must be crazy for wanting to teach.”

  “Any kid who gets you as his teacher will be lucky,” Randy said sincerely. Nikko’s eyes shone.

  “Nikko? You got a minute?” Mitch hollered from the living room. “You, too, Randy.”

  Nikko rolled his eyes. “Now what? If Valerie wants to organize family games again, I may decide to take a walk in the yard.” He squeezed Randy’s arm. “A word to the wise. Don’t get on Mitch’s team. He’s really competitive.”

  Randy laughed. They got up from their seats and went into the living room, where everyone had gathered. Mitch was beside the fireplace, his gaze focused on Nikko as he beckoned him over. Jesse stood in the doorway to the dining room, smiling at the assembled family. Randy went over to stand beside him, and Jesse automatically took his hand.

  “Having a good day?” Jesse asked him.

  Randy shook his head. “Nope. I’m having a great day.” The atmosphere was laid-back, and Mitch’s family was a delight. Everyone had been so easygoing and friendly, and by the time a couple of hours had passed, Randy felt like he’d known them a good deal longer.

  He inclined his head toward Mitch and asked Jesse under his breath, “What’s going on?”

  “No idea.”

  Mitch held up his hand, and the room fell silent. He turned to face Nikko, his expression gentle. “This weekend is a kind of anniversary. A year ago, you first came here and met my family.” He smiled. “Well, I guess they’re your family now.” Murmurs of agreement echoed around the room. “We’ve all come to love you, and sometimes it’s difficult to remember a time when you weren’t around. I knew, back then, that you were a very special man, and if anything, this past year has only reinforced that.”

  Nikko’s face had a glow to it, his eyes alight. “Look who’s talking,” he said softly.

  Mitch smiled. “You’ve changed my life, sweetheart, to the point where I couldn’t imagine you not being in it. So that got me thinking.”

  He reached into the pocket of his jeans, and suddenly Randy knew exactly where this was heading. He gripped Jesse’s hand tightly, unable to tear his gaze away as Mitch got down on one knee, accompanied by Nikko’s soft gasp.

  Mitch held out the small black box, opened to reveal a white-gold band. “Nikko Kurokawa, will you make me the happiest man alive? Will you marry me?”

  Nikko clutched his chest. “You sneaky….” His face erupted into a wide, beaming smile. “Like you don’t already know the answer.” He bent over and slowly kissed Mitch, his hand on Mitch’s cheek. Mitch rose to his feet, took Nikko’s hand, and slipped the ring onto his finger. Nikko gazed at it, tears sparkling in his eyes, before throwing his arms around Mitch’s broad chest and hugging him tightly.

  The onlookers burst into rapturous applause, and Randy lost sight of the couple as they were surrounded by family members, all wanting to exchange hugs and kisses.

  Once she’d gotten her share of hugs, Valerie wiped her eyes and gazed at Malcolm. “Now I know why he told me to make sure we had champagne in the house.” She shook her head. “He told me we were celebrating Nikko finishing his master’s.”

  “I’ll go get the glasses out,” Malcolm said, kissing her cheek. He gazed back at Mitch and Nikko, and smiled. “You finally get to plan your baby’s wedding.”

  Mitch cleared his throat. “Er, Dad? Not exactly. I’ve already planned it.”

  Nikko blinked, then grinned. “Someone was awfully confident I’d say yes.”

  Mitch beamed. “Didn’t doubt it for a second. And yeah, the wedding is already booked.” His eyes twinkled. “Think garlands, lights, snow, sleigh bells….”

  Nikko’s eyes widened. “We’re getting married at Christmas? This year?”

  “Well, I’m not gonna wait around until next year.” Mitch stared at Randy and Jesse. “And you two are gonna be there as well, so you’d better make a note in your diaries.”

  Randy laughed. “Can’t wait.” The joy in the room was infectious. He pulled Jesse into a hug, kissing him on the lips, loving how Jesse threw his arms around Randy’s neck and returned the kiss wholeheartedly.

  “Hey. Is there about to be another announcement?” That came from Gareth.

  Randy grinned at him. “Only if you’re about to make one.”

  Guffaws erupted from Deidre, Monica, and Mitch, while Valerie glared at them.

  Deirdre snorted. “Sorry, Mom, but we all know that’s not going to happen.”

  “Yeah,” Monica agreed. “Besides, Gareth doesn’t need a woman. He’s got his dogs—”

  “His house, with the forest right up against his backyard,” Shaun added, his eyes bright.

  “His pool,” Eric interjected.

  Mitch gave Randy an amused glance. “My brother is happy as he is. Just because his siblings are all married—or about to be—doesn’t mean he has to follow the trend.”

  Randy gazed at Gareth, who appeared to take all the amusement in his stride. Except… when everyone had gone back to congratulating the happy couple, Randy couldn’t help but notice a couple of things. How Gareth’s mouth turned down slightly. His gaze narrowed. His eyes tightened underneath. Gareth is not as happy as Mitch thinks. For a moment, Randy’s heart went out to him. Then Gareth caught him looking, and all trace of whatever emotion Randy thought he’d glimpsed vanished, lost beneath a warm smile.

  “Champagne!” Malcolm announced. “Come into the kitchen, everybody, and grab a glass. Then we’ll have a toast to Mitch and Nikko.” He glanced at Randy and Jesse, his eyes warm. “And maybe a toast to wish our best for the other couples here today.” He cleared his throat. “Yes, Cal, that means you too.”

  Laughter rang out, and Cal flushed. Dale kissed his cheek and smiled. “I think that’s a great idea.”

  Randy held back as the family filed into the kitchen, his hand on Jesse’s back. When they were alone, he took Jesse in his arms. “I know I don’t have all the answers right now as to how this is gonna work. I’m just playing this by ear. But I meant what I said last night. I love you, and I’ll find a way to make this work, because… we have to.”

  Jesse locked gazes with him. “I love you, too, and I’m holding on to that, because….” He sighed. “I just keep thinking these two weeks are gonna fly by, and then—”

  Randy stopped his words with a gentle kiss. When they parted, he held Jesse’s face in his hands. “Let’s not think about that, all right? Let’s just enjoy the time we have. We’ll deal with reality in a little while.” He smiled. “Now, how about a glass of champagne?”

  Jesse chuckled. “Just so you know? Champagne always goes straight to my head, so if you’re considering having your wicked way with me tonight….” He waggled his eyebrows. “You’ll definitely be in luck.”

  Randy snorted. “Who are you kidding? I knew I was getting lucky way before there was any mention of champagne.”

  Jesse gave a mock gasp. “Are you suggesting I’m easy?”

  Randy gave him an intense look. “Nope. I’m saying neither of us can keep our hands off each other, and I can’t wait to get you alone tonight, because I’m gonna—”

  It was Jesse’s turn to stop his words with a kiss. “Don’t spoil it,” he whispered against Randy’s lips. “Surprise me.”

  Randy grinned. “I aim to.”

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  THE FIRST week of Randy’s visit went by slowly, which was just fine as far as he was concerned. Every morning, he and Jesse got u
p early and went for a walk along the beach, drinking coffee and talking. So much talking. Jesse spoke of his high school days and his family, and Randy knew him well enough to catch the pain in his voice. He longed to do something to ease that pain, but it wasn’t his battle. Randy spoke of his parents, living in Florida, where they’d both taken early retirement. In that respect, he envied Mitch the closeness of his family. Both Randy’s parents were content with their lives, playing golf, sailing, his mom’s charity work, his dad’s hobbies…. They were proud of him, he knew that, but they were happy for him to live and work in New York. Come to think of it, they hadn’t been all that close-knit a family when Randy was growing up. He’d spent more time with his Aunt Carol and her family than his own.

  After their walks, it was back to the house, where they stayed out of the way. Nikko worked on his music and studies, and Mitch was up to his eyeballs in getting ready for the new school year—September sixth loomed ever closer on the horizon. Randy and Jesse would sneak up to the attic, where they’d make out like teenagers, more often than not ending up under the covers, making love.

  There was a lot of that.

  In the afternoons, Jesse went off to work, and Mitch and Nikko took Randy out in the car, showing him around Maine—or as much as they could in the time available. He got to see more of Portland and other small towns along the coast. Randy could understand why Nikko had been so keen to move there. It was certainly nothing like New York. Randy loved the peace and quiet of the inland towns, their… desolation, almost, but it was the coast that seemed to seep into his bones, filling him with a contentment he’d rarely known.