Chapter 8

Brian walked into work whistling.  Daphne had known Brian over 6 years and she didn't remember him ever whistling.

"Welcome Back, Brian.  I am afraid there are a lot of messages waiting for you on your desk.  There is also a teleconference scheduled for 10:00 with the home office.   

"Thanks, Daph." He kissed her on the cheek and walked into his office.

Brian could see there was a lot he missed but glancing at things it looked like everything had been handled correctly.  He dove into his tasks feeling refreshed and loved.

Justin landed in San Francisco shortly after 1:00 p.m.  He felt the melancholia of separation wash over him while on the flight but now his mood was lifting at the thought of the continued tour and, of course, he had a new challenge.  He needed to get Jarod laid.

Jarod was waiting for him at luggage pick up.  "Hey, Jarod, so great to see you." Justin gave him a friendly hug and kiss on the cheek. "It's good to see you."

"I noticed you didn't say you missed me." Jarod laugher.

"I actually did miss seeing that face every day. However...."

"It is hard to miss someone when you are making love to the man of your dreams."

"Glad you understand." Justin laughed.

San Francisco's show was a hit.  Each stop more people were recognizing him.  This made him more uncomfortable and put Jarod on point for the job he was hired for.  He was ever vigilant to make sure Justin was safe. Justin did take Jarod out on Friday after the gallery closed.  After being recognized and nearly mobbed shortly after they arrived, Jerod didn't feel the situation was secure and they left.

Los Angeles was the next stop.  Justin hadn't been back in a few years but had spent time here when Rage had been a failed movie attempt.  He made a couple contacts and met up with a couple or acquaintances.

It didn't take long for Justin to realize this was not going to be the place for Jarod.  The men they met up with were all far more aggressive than timid Jarod could deal with at a personal level.  For a man that was so comfortable dealing with Justin's security he was not secure in who he was. The two of them did go to a club one night.  Justin felt like dancing so he hoped Jarod danced even if it was just with him. They both needed to loosen up a bit. They danced and drank. Justin soon found out what a great dancer Jarod was.  He couldn’t figure out why a guy with moves like that was self conscious so much of the time. It felt great to just move to the music.

After several driving beats the music changed. Justin looked at Jarod. “You game?”

Jarod smiled, “Sure.’

Dancing close with Jarod reminded him of dancing with Brian.  Jarod and Brian were nearly the same height though Jarod was broader.

Justin draped his arms over Jarod’s shoulders and Jarod’s arms went around Justin’s waist. At first the space between them was intentional but as the music took them away their bodies pressed together. Justin’s head ended up on Jarod’s chest. Jarod’s hand moved up and down Justin’s back.

Justin looked up into Jarod’s face. Just on instinct Justin raised himself on his tiptoes and Jarod lowered his mouth to Justin.  They both stopped moving and their arms tightened around each other. The kiss deepened. Jarod’s tongue slipped into Justin’s mouth and Justin sucked gently on it. Jarod let out a groan and pulled his mouth away. “God, Justin.”  Jarod broke all physical contact. “I am SO sorry. I am not sure what just happened.”

Justin took a steadying breath and then laughed a little. “Now I known what the problem is with your love life.  That, my man, was a kiss. A kiss that curls your toes. A kiss that blows your mind. A kiss that gets you horny as hell.” Justin laughed. “That was a kiss that makes you want to go to the back room and get sucked off by any twink.”

Justin took a breath.  “Or it was a kiss to be shared with a lover.  A kiss that warms your heart. A kiss that makes you yearn for just one more.”

They walked off the dance floor together. “I think it is time to head to the hotel.” Justin said.  “It has been a long day.”

In the taxi heading back Jarod didn’t know what to say. Justin didn’t know what Jarod was thinking but he needed to rescue him. “So Jarod, what are you thinking?”

“I am thinking I better start looking for a new job.”

“Oh come on, Jarod.  It was a kiss. Brian kisses his best friend like that all the time.”

Jarod looked at him in disbelief.

“I am serious.  The difference is you are new to this and I wasn’t very fair.  I needed tonight. Lord knows I am horny as hell and would love to rip off your clothes right now and have my way with you but,” Justin took a breath, “You deserve far better than that. Your first time shouldn’t be sober, or close to it, with someone who is in the moment with you.  Not dreaming of someone else.” Justin looked over at Jarod. “Does that make sense?”

Jarod thought  for a minute.” Yes it does.  All accept the part about Brian kissing his best friend like that.”

Justin laughed out loud.  “You have to know their relationship for that to make sense.  I just am pointing out that a kiss isn’t sex. And, I don’t know if you realize this but, you are an amazing kisser.  Brian is the only other one who had that immediate effect on me. Holy Shit! I need Brian and we need to find you a stud...SOON.”

With that, Jarod started laughing.  The tension was broke and both men slumped in the car seat.  

After being dropped off, Jarod made sure Justin was safe in his room and he went to his own.  Jarod didn’t go to sleep. His mind was racing. He had never wanted someone so bad in his life.  The thing was that Justin was probably right. They were both drunk and horny. They would have had the same reaction no matter who they were kissing.  He wished he had half Justin’s experience. He wished he had any experience. He had never felt like kissing a woman. He needed to find a man he could love.

Brian and Justin tried to talk at least 3 times a week. As the weeks went on Justin noticed the slurred speech late at night again.  There had been another night he had sung Brian to sleep. He was glad they would be together again in 10 days.

Brian’s schedule seemed to be lightening up a bit.  He had some sound clients now and he really didn’t want any more.  The problem that this was he had more time to be alone. More time to drink.

One Friday Brian just went home and started drinking. He sat in the hot tub with his bottle of Jack. He saw Dan coming across the grass.  He was sure Daphne had called him.

“Dan, you are just in time to strip and help me knock off the rest of this bottle.”

Dan shrugged and did just that.  They passed the bottle back and forth both getting drunker than the should. Once they finished the bottle they got out and dried off.  They could barely stand up and ended up hanging onto each other as they did.

“I could use a pizza. What do you think?”

Dan picked up his phone where he had dropped it and after a few clicks he said.  
“Pizza will be here in 30.  We should probably get dressed before it arrives.”

Brian moved toward Dan. “I really do like the view the way it is.” He wrapped a hand around Dan’s neck and kissed him, sliding his other hand to Dan’s dick.  Dan leaned into the kiss wrapping an arm around Brian’s waist. After another minute Dan gently pushed Brian away.

“Hey, buddy. If we don’t stop this we are both going to hate ourselves in the morning.”

With that Brian took a step back and shook his head trying to clear his thoughts.  He reached for his briefs. As he pulled them on he lost his balance and fell on his but on the ground. Brian looked up at Dan and dissolved in tears. “I miss him. Why is it I can handle 2 businesses.  I used to handle a different fuck 5 nights a week. But I can’t be without him.”

Dan sat down on the grass next to him.  “It’s a little thing called love.” Dan smiled at him.  Tomorrow night we will go out and find a couple fucks for you.” Brian looked at him and nodded.

They sat there until the buzzer rang.  Dan grabbed his pants and walked to the gate bringing back the pizza.

The men sat on the patio in silence eating their dinner both with their own thoughts.

Justin couldn’t believe they were packing the show up in LA and would be headed for Austin tomorrow.  That meant only a few more days until he saw Brian. It was Wednesday. Brian was supposed to arrive next Tuesday.  He began feeling like a little boy. The excitement was growing.

His relationship with Jarod had come back to an even keel after a couple awkward days. He really was glad he had a friend like him.

Back in New York Brian continued his pattern of drinking too early and too much.  Daphne had seen enough. She had made a few phone calls. One to Dan, one to the airline, and one to Jarod.

“Hey, Jarod, this is Daphne.  I hope everything is good in Texas.”

“Other than dealing with a 6 year old waiting for his playmate to come over and play.”
That is why I am calling.” Daphne chuckled. “Mine is acting like a sullen teenager that is trying to drown his feelings. But, I found a solution.”  Daphne went on to tell Jarod Brian would be coming tomorrow instead of next week.

“You are brilliant!”

“Now I just have to get Brian on the plane sober enough they will let him on.”

Daphne texted the details to Jarod and put her plan in place.

Dan had gone into Brian’s place while he was at work and packed his luggage and put the suitcases in his car.

Daphne did her best to keep Brian extra busy to he didn’t have a chance to drink as much.  

On his end, Jarod made sure Justin had finished everything he needed to OK and talked to the gallery about Justin taking off a couple days which they agreed to.  He then upgraded Justin’s room to the penthouse suite.

A driver was lined up to pick Brian up at the airport.  He was bringing Brian to the suite. Jarod would then come up with an excuse to Justin up to the top floor.

Everything in New York went off as planned.  When Brian realized he had been duped he said a few choice words about Daphne but then broke out into a smile and said he owed her a raise.

Brian arrived in Austin but in true Brian fashion he didn’t go to the hotel but went straight to the gallery.  He was dressed in Armani and had a dozen red roses. He walked in and people instinctually parted for him to enter. Justin’s back was to the door as he talked to an attractive woman. Brian took a couple steps  into the room and it was obvious he had caught her attention from the look of lust that crossed her face.

Justin turned to see what had caught her attention. Before his head could dictate his heart had his legs pumping.  He didn’t remember crossing the room. All he remembered was being in Brian’s embrace and feeling his lips as the pressed against his. The woman had a flash of disappointment but then started clapping as did all the patrons. Jarod had watched it all unfold. There was nothing that made him happier than seeing Justin in the arms of his love.

After the initial greeting Justin pulled himself together back into the professional artist he was.

Brian moved to the corner by Jarod and watched Justin work the room. He shook Jarod’s hand and thanked him for his part of the plan.

“Anything to keep him happy.” He gestured toward Justin.

“He is getting good that that.” He had never seen Justin look so comfortable when he was the center of attention, unless you count the times he was a gogo dancer.

“He is a pro.”

The gallery emptied and the doors were locked. Jarod looked around for Justin and found him exactly where he expected to.  In Brian’s arms.

“Excuse me for interrupting but you two will need this.” He handed Justin a keycard. “Our stuff has been moved upstairs. You 2 are in the Penthouse and I am in the room across the hall.  It is made for security personnel. I am sure it is perfectly safe because you can’t even take the elevator up without the keycard.”

Justin broke free from Brian long enough to give Jarod a quick kiss. “Thank you for all this.”

“It is Daphne you have to thank and Dan I believe had a part.  I just followed instructions. The gallery doesn’t expect you back until next weekend.  I will handle things at this end. Just let me know if there is anything I can do for you.  Otherwise I will contact you on Friday.”

Justin gave Jarod another quick hug and Brian and Justin were out the door on their way to paradise.

The took the hotel limo from the gallery to the hotel.  By the time they arrived both of them were having a hard time breathing normally.  Using their keycard the took the elevator up to the top floor. By the time the elevator made it up to the 20th floor half their clothes was on the floor of the elevator.  Their breathing was heavy and erratic. They were one body with a frenzy of arms and legs. They couldn’t get close enough. When Brian finally entered Justin contentment fell over both of them and they made love until the sun was peeking over the horizon. The finally collapsed in contentment and slept until noon.

Brian called room service and had coffee, rolls, and fruit sent up.  When it was delivered the morning paper was also on the cart. The server looked a bit surprised. “Um, good afternoon gentlemen.  Looking at Justin, wrapped in the hotel’s robe. “Sir, I just want to tell you how amazing I think your work it. I had the privilege of seeing it with my college art class. I can feel every stroke on the canvas.” He looked over at Brian, “And I think I know where that passion comes from now.” He was nearly hyperventilating just being in the room with these two gorgeous men.

Justin caught Brian’s eye and without saying anything they agreed it was the servers lucky day. Brian picked up the phone and called room service back explaining they would like the server to assist them for about 45 minutes.  

Justin walked over to the server and started unbuttoning his uniform. He stopped a second and looked at the young man.”You game for some adventure?” All he could do was nod. What’s your name?”

“Dean”

“How old are you?”

“I turned 21 last week. Actually on the day we saw your paintings.”

By now, Brian had circled behind Dean and pulled the unbuttoned uniform off his shoulders.  Underneath was a very well muscled young man.

The next 30 minutes Justin and Brian schooled Dean on the art of lust and creativity.

45 minutes later he was walking out the door straightening his uniform with a smile on his face.

Justin and Brian collapsed on the bed. “Now that was fun!’ Justin said.

Justin rolled on his stomach and propped his chin on Brian’s chest looking at his face. “You know I miss having sex with you every day but I just miss you nearly every minute.”

“Only nearly?”  Brian cocked his finger telling Justin to come up closer.  

Justin drug his tongue up Brian’s chest, finding one nipple and then the other.

Brian grabbed him by his upper arms, “Get the fuck up here.” He claimed those lips he loved so much.

An hour later they were they were still in bed.  “I think we should do something.” Justin said.

“Haven’t we been doing something all morning?” Justin swatted Brian.

“I mean actually leave the room, the hotel! I might start thinking you don’t want to be seen with me.”  

“More like I don’t want to share you with anyone. You are being recognized more every day. I am greedy. I want you all to myself. But what were you thinking?”

“ I want to go on a bat cruise.”

Brian looked at him like he had lost his mind.  

“I am serious. Does it help if I tell you we can rent the boat for just the 2 of us and it happens at sundown.  And when we get done I will screw your brains out.” He kissed him just to forecast what could be.

“You know I can’t turn you down. Your wish is my command and when we get back my command is your duty.”

“I can live with that.”

They had an early dinner since they hadn’t eaten much all day and then headed down to the boat they had reserved.  It was muggy, hot evening. Being on the water helped things feel a little cooler. It didn’t help the two men refused to go without physical contact at all times.

The boat was positioned for the best viewing.  It started. First the captain pointed out just a few specks in the sky.  The there were a few more and then more still. Soon the sky was filled with bats heading out to feed. Neither Brian or Justin said anything.  The sheer numbers were amazing.

As the numbers tapered off Justin leaned over to Brian and brushed his lips over Brian’s.  “Thanks for coming with me.”

“I have to say bat watching has never been on my to do list but this was pretty amazing. Now I think you have to hold up your end of the deal.”

Justin turned his back to Brian and raised his ass. Brian swatted it. “Ouch.” Justin jumped. Brian smirked.

As they walked back to the hotel Justin started singing softly, “All of me loves all of you.” That was about all he got out before Brian brought his lips down on his.

“Baby, I think we should get back to the hotel.”  

They walked briskly the rest of the way. Justin stopped at the elevator. “You go up.  I will be up in five minutes.” He leaned over and gave him a quick kiss. “Just get comfortable.”

True to his word he was arrived less than 5 minutes later.  He had a mysterious bag in his hand. Justin pulled out a pint of ice cream. “I thought we could use a little dessert and cool off.” Justin dipped into the ice cream and flung the spoonful so it hit Brian right in the middle of the forehead and quickly another one hit him in the chest.

By now Brian was headed for Justin as quickly as he could.  He flattened himself against Justin who automatically started licking the ice cream off his chest. Soon ice cream was everywhere on the two now naked men.  Tongues and fingers had trailed everything, not to mention entire bodies sliding against each other. Things progressed into the bed and before long they were clinging to each other as Brian smoothly entered Justin, claiming his heart once again.

The men spent every minute together during the visit.  They say Jarod a couple times but he was good at his job and when people didn’t need to know he was there they didn’t know it.

Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, they spent most of the day in bed and the evenings at the gallery. Brian couldn’t have anticipated how proud he was of his Sunshine.  

But time wasn’t on their side.  It was Sunday night and Brian was leaving the next morning.  They stayed until the last guest left.

Jarod came over. “Hey, would you like me to get a car for you?”

Brian responded, “No, I think we will walk home. Hey, Jarod, I don’t know if I will see you again before I leave tomorrow.  I just want you to know how much I appreciate you taking such good care of Sunshine. I will be forever in your debt.” He leaned forward and gave Jarod a kiss.

It was not like the kiss he had shared with Justin but it still explained where Justin got his skills.

“Brian, you don’t owe me anything.  I am just doing my job.”

“Your job description doesn’t say anything about you having to support him because I am a jerk.”

“No problem, Brian. Hope you have a safe trip home.”

Jarod walked away.

Brian took Justin’s hand and lead him out the door. They strolled down the walk spending as much time kissing as walking.  As they were in each other’s arms not paying any attention the first rain drop hit them. They both looked up just as the sky opened up. They started running toward the hotel but Justin stopped running, pulling Brian back to him. He looked at Brian and his face shone brighter than the sun. He just tilted his head up and just let the rain splash on it. Brian wrapped his arms around his Sunshine and looked to the sky like he had.

Slowly they continued walking to the hotel not even noticing the rain.

Laying in each other’s arms after making love for the last time before Brian left they didn’t say anything.  They kissed they touched. They listened to their heartbeats.

Brian dressed for his flight home. “We are going to make it, Sunshine.  We will figure out another meet soon. I love you!”

Justin hugged him and looked into Brian’s face. “You are always in my mind and always in my soul.”

And with that Brian was gone.