Borrowing Trouble(38)

Landon grasped Jay’s cock and didn’t even have time to offer a blowjob before Jay howled, dropped his forehead to Landon’s, and was spurting over Landon’s bare cock and legs.

Their mouths met again, tongues tangling lazily and sweetly as their labored breathing began to settle.

“Fuck me, Landon.”

“Apparently, we didn’t make that consideration.”

Jay put his cheek to Landon’s and they lay catching their breath. “That was wild,” Jay said. “I swear you make me cum like a damn kid. I can’t even last five minutes with you.” Jay sounded mildly embarrassed by the fact.

“Fucking-A, Jay. That’s the best compliment ever. And in case you didn’t notice, I’m not a whole lot better off.”

Jay rolled off Landon with a contented sigh, tucking himself away before sitting down on the floor, leaning his back against the couch. Landon put himself to rights as well and swung his legs over the side of the couch, then went to grab each of them a water. Jay took his, casting a lazy grin Landon’s way.

“So, how are you?”

“Now he wants to talk, when I can’t breathe,” Jay said in his most put-upon tone.

Landon playfully nudged the back of Jay’s head with his elbow.

When Jay turned a look full of affection and warmth on Landon, he really had to contain himself. “I’m good. Real good.”

“What does that mean?” Landon asked.

“Just that I’m good.” Jay drank from his water before clearing his throat and turning bashfully away. “I, um, went to see that counselor we used. In Starkville. It’s been helpful. We talked on the phone earlier today before I called you, too.”

Well, the man was just full of surprises. “I’m glad you say it’s helpful.”

Jay turned toward Landon. “I just wanted to say thank you, because you’ve been really patient with me.”

“Oh.” Landon gave Jay a kiss on the temple, feeling a little silly, but happy Jay only ducked his head and hid a shy grin at the action. “Of course, Jay. This was never meant to be any pressure. It could be two guys who are convenient in this one horse town. Or whatever.” Liar.

Jay fell silent, like he didn’t know what to say to that any more than Landon. Too soon. Don’t push. Landon told himself. Hell, he hadn’t even told Mitch about their little affair, because he didn’t need anyone else to tell him how badly this could all turn out. But surely, Jay was coming out of his shell and making strides. Landon could give it a little more time.

“Jay, this isn’t something you have to prove to me. You just get right with you, okay. Figure out what to do for you for once, something you can live with for you and for your kids. Don’t think about me, or about Bethany, or what folks will think. It’s hard, being raised around here. But this is big.” Landon ran his fingers through Jay’s hair, lightly massaging his scalp, enjoying how Jay leaned into the touch.

“You’re too good to me, Landon.”

“I know,” he said. Jay reached up and gave him a gentle shove. They fell silent again. The afterglow was too nice, and the companionable moment was just that. There was no recrimination, and Landon meant it fully when he meant he was Jay’s friend here, as well as his lover. Even if his heart was in it deeper than he’d intended, Jay hadn’t asked any more than Landon could give, hadn’t played games with him. The mutual respect he felt, made all the difference to Landon. If they went their separate ways, or just ended up friends, he’d be very sad, but wouldn’t be bitter. Jay was no user, not telling Landon pretty words like some selfish prick.

Jay started randomly humming a song as Landon rubbed his scalp. It was amazing how quickly the sound of the man’s gentle, deep voice quieted Landon’s thoughts. The long day caught up with Landon, the calm of the moment settling in his bones, and with a smile, he drifted off to sleep on his couch.





Chapter 17


“You know you were kind of a jerk,” Brittany said.

“I know, I know. I thought you slept with my crush, though,” Landon replied, readjusting the phone on his shoulder as he reached for a box of instant oatmeal to put in his basket.

“Well, you know, heterosexual men tend to sleep with women, so being a jealous basket case every time he flirts with someone isn’t quite the way to handle the straight-boy crush.”

Landon grimaced. He still didn’t know whether he should say anything about that to his friends. He wasn’t much up for the lecture, nor was it his business to out the man, even to people Jay may never see again.

“Please tell me you’re not a dick around the ex-wife.”

Again, Landon grimaced. “Landon!” Brittany scolded. “You need to get it together, sweetie. Seriously, you can’t go around acting like a raging, jealous queen. Even if by some miracle you did start sleeping with him, his ex is a sacred thing, you know. They have kids.”

“I know that, B. Seriously. I wasn’t necessarily a dick. I just thought bad thoughts.”

“Honey, haven’t we all.”

“Anyway,” Landon said with a huff. “I just wanted to clear the air. I felt bad I was such a jerk.”

“Oh, it’s understandable. For the record, I so would have hit that.”