Second Chance(32)

“None of your business,” Nate said curtly, but with a grin to tell her he was kidding—at least partly. If he wanted to invite Jack back here sometime then it would be Cass’s business too. He wasn’t sure he was ready for that, especially when this thing with Jack wasn’t anything serious. Not that there was anything wrong with casual sex, or sex with friends as long as it was safe and consensual, but Nate wasn’t totally comfortable explaining that to his daughter if she asked.

“Ooh. Secretive. But given that the only person you’ve been seeing is your old mate Jack, I reckon it’s him. Am I right?” Cass raised her eyebrows, and then grinned triumphantly when Nate didn’t deny it.

“None of your business,” he said again, turning to stir the frying onions and garlic in the pan. His phone buzzed in his pocket again but he ignored it. “Hurry up with those mushrooms. I’m ready for them now.”

Cass got back to chopping. When they were done she brought them over and Nate moved aside so she could tip them into the pan. That done, she put the chopping board down and put her arm around Nate and squeezed. “I think it’s cool if he’s like… your boyfriend or whatever.”

Surprised by the rare display of physical affection, Nate turned to smile at her. “Yeah?”

“Yeah.” Cass pulled him into a hug and he held her, still amazed by how big she was now. Almost as tall as him, and strong as she kept her arms around him for a moment before letting go and putting some space between them again. “Okay. What else do you need me to chop?”



On Friday night, Nate dropped Cass off at a party in Marlham before going over to Jack’s. He stopped at the supermarket on the way back to buy condoms and lube just in case Jack wanted to fuck. They hadn’t discussed what they might do together, but Nate was versatile and wanted to keep his options open. He hadn’t bothered to bring the strap-on cock he used for topping though, because it seemed a little presumptuous before they’d talked about what they were both into.

Full of excited anticipation about being alone together, Nate rang the doorbell.

Jack answered almost immediately. “Come in.” He ushered Nate inside before giving him a hug and a kiss on the cheek. “Do you want a drink? Tea, coffee, alcohol, something else cold?”

“Just a glass of water is fine, thanks.”

Nate followed Jack to the kitchen.

“Sparkling or tap?” Jack asked.

“Sparkling please.”

Jack poured glasses for them both and added ice and lemon.

“Cheers,” Nate said as Jack handed one to him.

There was a short pause while they faced each other, gazes locked. Nate’s heart beat a little faster.

When Jack shifted position, Nate noticed his feet were bare on the slate floor. “Want to go up to my room? Or we could sit in the living room for a while.”

Keen to get past this awkward formal part of the evening and onto something more intimate, Nate said, “Your room is fine with me.”

“Cool.” Jack’s features relaxed into a smile. Then his gaze dropped to the supermarket bag in Nate’s hand. “Shall I take that? Does it need to go in the fridge or anything?”

“No. Well, not unless you like your lube chilled.”

Laughing, Jack shook his head. “Definitely not. Come on then.”

Upstairs, Jack closed the door while Nate put his drink down and tipped the lube and condoms out on the bed. “I brought these so we had the option. No pressure.”

“No second thoughts then?” Jack grinned.

“No. You?”

Opening the drawer of his bedside table, Jack pulled out an identical bottle of lube—still sealed—and a new packet of a different brand of condoms. “This should answer your question. I went shopping after work today too.”

“Awesome.” Nate chuckled, glad that Jack seemed as keen as he was.

“Make yourself comfortable while I put some music on.”

Nate took off his shoes, socks, and jacket, and then unbuttoned the shirt he was wearing so he could slide it off. Down to jeans and T-shirt, the same as Jack, he got onto the bed. Lying on top of the duvet, he pulled the blanket up to cover his feet and legs.

Jack joined him as the familiar sound of “Money” by Pink Floyd filled the room. “I put this whole album on, is that okay? Or would you prefer a mixed playlist?”

“No, this is perfect.” They lay on their sides facing each other. Dark Side of the Moon was another album they’d listened to on repeat as teens, the familiar beat taking Nate back through the years. He remembered lying with Jack, staring at the ceiling and trying to ignore his feelings.

He reached for Jack, putting a hand on his hip and shuffling closer, seeking Jack’s lips with his own. He could finally act on the impulse he’d suppressed for so long when his attraction to Jack was unreciprocated. The thrill of it surged through Nate’s blood, a raw primal energy that made him deepen the kiss, loving how Jack responded in kind.

Taking charge, Nate pushed Jack onto his back, and knelt astride him, still kissing. One hand in Jack’s hair he held him where he wanted him, enjoying the sensation of Jack’s warm palms sliding up beneath his T-shirt over the muscles of his back. Heat pooled in Nate’s groin and he ground down instinctively. His packer rubbed over Jack’s cock and Jack arched up to meet him, but Nate didn’t get much sensation that way. It didn’t matter for now though; this still felt good, kissing Jack, and having Jack rubbing against his bulge. It felt so right, as if they were meant to be together this way.