Love in La Terraza

By Ethan Day

Resplendence Publishing, LLC

http://www.resplendencepublishing.com

Love in La Terraza
Copyright © 2012 Ethan Day
Edited by Michele Paulin and CJ Slate
Cover art by Adrian Nicholas

Published by Resplendence Publishing, LLC
2665 N Atlantic Avenue, #349
Daytona Beach, FL 32118

Electronic format ISBN: 978-1-60735-579-3

Warning: All rights reserved. The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. Criminal copyright infringement, including infringement without monetary gain, is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by up to 5 years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000.

Electronic Release: September 2012

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and occurrences are a product of the author’s imagination. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, places or occurrences, is purely coincidental.

For those who dream of a love that comes along when you need it most.

A big hug to Tiffany Mason for going above and beyond to ensure I made it to the party.

My eternal gratitude to Michele Paulin for your expertise with all things wordy.

To the entire Resplendence gang that I met in Philadelphia last year—my heartfelt thanks for making me feel so incredibly welcomed.

And a special thank you to Amy and Jambrea for agreeing to be my extra set of eyes.

Chapter One

Cain Elliott walked through the door of Sully’s Tavern, the punishing afternoon sun bearing down upon him as if to further prove his insignificance in this otherwise great big world. He’d failed yet again and spent the entire forty-five minute drive back to Ingle, Illinois from Chicago trying to think of something, anything else, he could do that he’d had yet to try.

Thus far, Cain had come up with zero, nada, abso-fuckin-lutely nothing and was currently coasting on empty and looking forward to one thing—getting sloppy-ass drunk.

Not the typical answer to a problem, Cain admitted to himself as he scanned the crowd for his group of friends, but all the hope he’d started out with so many months ago had slowly seeped away as each attempt to save La Terraza was met with failure. It had been replaced with fear and self-loathing, and Cain was coming around to the realization he would lose the very thing his grandmother had entrusted him to protect, the one thing he loved most in this world, his home.

Sully’s was packed, the usual happy hour crowd already on their way toward turning those work-day frowns upside down. A cozy sports bar with a friendly neighborhood vibe, the tavern served up greasy, fried foods, like cheese sticks, buffalo wings and potato skins along with an impressive array of imported and domestic microbrews on tap.

Owned by an ex-professional football player who’d come out of the closet after retiring, Grant Sullivan’s watering hole had become this enchanted odd gray area where gays and straights cohabitated peacefully. The vibe was always low key and relaxed. It never felt cruise-y, yet a guy could certainly pick up a hell of a lot more than a good buzz by the end of the night.

Tables and booths were littered amongst the multiple pool tables and each flat screen featured a different game of ball, whether it be of the basket, foot or base variety. The dark wood and leather-looking, vinyl-clad interior made it the perfect place to hide out from the mid-summer heat and drink all your problems away.

Cain brushed his ash-blond hair off his sweaty forehead, feeling dehydrated and all around deflated. He’d shed his sport coat and tie in the car, and his white cotton button down and khakis appeared slightly rumpled due to the heat and wrinkles of the day.

A waitress passed by with a tray full of steaming fried appetizers, and his stomach started to growl. He placed a hand on his firm, flat tummy, deciding the one benefit of being too poor to eat was easily maintaining his mid-twenties boyish figure. Dollar drafts from four to six were his only savior, the saving grace for the bit of sanity Cain had left. He wouldn’t be able to maintain the buzz he’d come to depend upon at the end of every week without them.

Spying Nicole waving madly from the booth all the way in the back, Cain plastered on his most-convincing, fake smile and waved back to let her know he’d spotted her. Pointing toward the bar to signal he’d be getting a drink before heading that direction, Cain watched, waiting until she slid back down into her seat before allowing his smile to melt away. Waving a half-hearted greeting at the occasional acquaintance, he slowly made his way through the crowd looking forward to an ice cold beer.

As he stood in line debating whether he should order one or two drafts right off the bat, he settled on two.

“And a shot of 151.” A last minute impulse addition to his order once it was finally his turn.

Yes, rum is good—a happy liquor if indeed there is such a thing.

Cain tossed some bills onto the counter and picked up his shot, hesitating momentarily as he noticed the guy watching him from farther down the bar. He smiled at Cain in that very familiar, I’d-like-to-get-you-naked kinda way.

Sexy with a classical-cultivated, preppy vibe, Cain thought. The guy practically had Log Cabin stamped across his forehead. His thick, nut-brown hair was parted down the side and brushed up off his forehead. It was long on top but cut short along the sides and back. Cain briefly pondered what it might feel like to run his hands through it, then shot the guy a quick smile while offering a cheers, before downing his shot.

The bartender still stood there, the bottle of rum in his hand as if he’d been able to sense Cain might need more than one.

“Damn, I look that bad?”

The bartender just shrugged, smiling and waiting to be told he was wrong.

Cain rolled his eyes but nodded, confirming he’d like that second shot after all. The people waiting behind him had begun to grumble, so he sucked down the sequel and quickly paid, begrudgingly leaving a two dollar tip. He whispered a fond farewell to the bills then snagged the two mugs, glancing at bachelor number one once more while thinking, Not tonight, beautiful.

With that, he headed off to face the music and downplay the severity of his situation.

The round of heartfelt cheers and warm greetings as he approached the table helped lift his sad-sack spirit just enough to help sell an almost completely genuine laugh.

“Any luck?” Eddie asked, his voice sounding painfully hopeful.

Eddie Duke was one of Cain’s tenants, along with Nicole and Stuart Stevens, a young pseudo-hippie married couple more commonly known as Nic and Stu who were currently seated just on the other side of him. He said pseudo because one could tell it was merely a phase, some last ditched attempt to abstain from conforming and ending up just like their parents. In twenty years, they’d be republican, wing-nut pod-people with a litter of greedy, selfish children who went off to college not knowing how to do their own laundry.

Cain sighed, not sure if he even wanted to stay all of a sudden. “Nope, no luck.”

“That sucks, dude,” Stu said, lightly running his hand over Nic’s back, as if he could sense she might be more worried than Cain.

“I just don’t understand it,” Nic said. “There’s no reason you shouldn’t be able to get some kind of a loan for all the repairs. The building is paid for, right?”

Nic was pretty, yet almost plain looking, with a peaches-and-cream complexion and dark black hair while Stu was thick and beefy, in that hunky, hetero frat boy way. He worked as trainer at the local gym, and she was a freelance editor—mostly of romance novels.

“Yep, no previous mortgage mucking things up, and to be clear, I can get a loan,” Cain said, taking a quick drink from his beer. “But the terms scare the shit out of me, and the interest is so high I may as well be using one of those title loan rackets.”

“It’ll all work out, you’ll see.” Eddie said, his voice laced with a tone of reassurance.

Eddie was sweet but beginning to sound naïve. He was one of Cain’s very best friends, the older, wiser, gay brother Cain had never known he’d wanted until they’d met. Eddie was blind and taught at a school for the blind, located about a block from La Terraza. His curly mop of black hair and olive skin made his light-blue eyes seem even paler and more iridescent than they actually were.

Eddie’s current main squeeze, Matt Harris, pulled up a chair so Cain could sit as there wasn’t any room left in the booth. Always the gentleman, Matt could see and had been with Eddie long enough that he now did small things like pull out people’s chairs, open doors and lightly touch them on the arm or elbow to let them know he was there.

“Have a seat, buddy. You seem beat.” Matt winked.

Wearing mainly tweed jackets, denim or corduroy, Matt seemed more like a bookworm or an English professor than he did any man’s hero, but to Eddie, Matt was exactly that. He owned a convenience store and a small, all-natural foods market. Average in height but thin, his hair seemed perpetually in need of a cut.

Matt worshiped the ground Eddie walked on. It was endearing, watching the two of them together. It sort of forced hope upon a person, proof that it really could happen, that eventually one would find that sort of love.

Cain flopped down and glanced around the table realizing one friendly face was missing. “Guess she was too busy to make it yet again.”

“You hungry? I couldn’t finish these,” Nic said, shoving her plate of cheese sticks across the table at him.

Cain smiled at her, grabbing one and taking a bite. She’d started doing this a few weeks ago, not eating all of her food and giving it to him when they went out. It was how he knew Nic would end up being an awesome mom.

“And her not being here has nothing to do with you, Cain.” Nic continued. “It’s all the wedding stuff.”

“That being the case, I, for one, am happy she isn’t here.” Stu pretended as if his hands were claws whipping through the air as he made some sort of screechy dinosaur sound. “Bridezilla!”

Eddie laughed, forever amused by the endless array of sound effects Stu had at the ready.

Nic smacked her husband despite the well-received reaction. “Weddings are stressful on the girl, damn it.”

“Um, as I recall our own nuptials,” Stu began, “I was frickin’ terrified.”

“Nice!” She slapped him again. “I wasn’t that bad!”

“No babe, you were great. It was the thought of being stuck dipping into one honey pot for the rest of my life that had me…” He trailed off, seeing her turn slowly, firing off one of her truly scary, I’ll-cut-a-bitch glares.

Cain shivered off the chill that came over him, crunching away on another cheese stick and remembering why he never wanted to be on her bad side.

The missing Bridezilla in question was Emily Haven, Cain’s best friend growing up. Most of the small town of Ingle, Illinois was owned by the Haven family, and Emily had been spoiled rotten as a result. If she wanted it, then most of the time her daddy got it for her. That being said, there were rare occasions, when she realized not everyone in the world was as wealthy as her family, at which point, she could become generous to a fault.

“Why don’t you just ask Emily for a loan?” Nic asked, shrugging apologetically as if knowing she shouldn’t have suggested it in the first place.

“Because she’s my friend, not my ATM,” Cain reminded her. “As much as I want to throttle her most of the time, I love her too much to ever risk ruining that over money.”

“How can you love something like that?” Stu asked, genuinely confused by it.

Cain laughed. “I know she can be semi-horrible, but I guess I’m just used to her. We’ve been besties ever since grade school, when she offered me the use of one of her spare princess tiaras on the playground.”

Matt and Eddie snickered under their breath.

“Hey! I could totally work a tiara in my tiny-tot days.” Cain took another long drink, finishing off what was left of his first beer and beginning to feel the tension in his neck and shoulders fade from the combination of food, rum and beer.

“Now, we know what to get him for Christmas next year,” Matt said under his breath.

Cain smiled but couldn’t seem to pull off a laugh, mainly because he’d seriously begun to doubt the fact he’d still own the apartments come Christmas.

That made him feel even worse—the thought of putting people out on the street during the holidays. He had several tenants at the moment, not including himself. Seven people would have to find a new place to live, once Cain was forced to sell La Terraza to the real estate conglomerate that had been harassing him for the last eighteen months.

He sensed his friends were all trying to steer the conversation away from his financial woes, so Cain tried to think up something that might do the trick. Unfortunately, nothing came to mind aside from the pricey items on the bullet-point repairs list from hell permanently etched into his brain—none of which he couldn’t afford to have fixed.

He’d spent nearly everything his Grandmother Gladys had left him updating the electrical, but the roof had begun to sprout leaks and needed to be replaced, the plumbing was on its very last leg and there were a few structural things that weren’t life threatening just yet, but if left untended, they eventually would be. The exterior desperately required stonework and some tuck-pointing, and several sections of support beams needed to be replaced in both the cellar and along the roofline due to old termite damage and rot.

Cain took another long gulp from his beer, feeling as if he were slowly sinking into quicksand. He felt panic building in his chest, the utter sense of hopelessness threatening to take him over. He was just about to hop out of his chair and run for the nearest exit when Eddie interrupted his fretting.

“Who’s staring at us?” Eddie’s shoulders and back writhed as if he physically felt someone’s gaze upon his back.

“How does he do that?” Cain asked, flabbergasted by what the blind man could see that the rest of them had been oblivious to.

Everyone except Eddie turned to look about the room. Cain somehow knew there was only one direction in which to concentrate his efforts.

Yep, there he is, still holding up the bar.

Cain started to grin the instant their gazes met. Mr. Preppy did indeed still seem to have his heart set on conquering Cain’s wild unknown. In truth, the guy was a little slice of heaven, perhaps someplace warm and safe where Cain might rest his weary head for the evening…well…after all the spirited fucking and sucking, of course.

“Mrs. Madrigal has a gentleman caller,” Matt said to Eddie out of the corner of his mouth.

Cain took a cue from Nic and smacked Matt in the arm for his trouble. “I hate it when you call me that.”

“What’s he like?” Eddie asked, now grinning as well.

“Damn!” Nic hissed under her breath.

“That good?” Eddie asked,

Cain scowled over the implied insult. “I’m going to try forgetting you sounded that surprised by the fact.”

“I’m hotter than him.” Stu smirked as he nodded his head in confidence.

“Sorry, Cain,” Eddie mumbled. “Didn’t mean that the way it sounded.”

“Since you won’t be fucking me tonight, that’s sort of a moot point, Stu.” Cain shook his head before reaching across the table to give Eddie a reassuring squeeze of forgiveness.

“The wife does frown upon any extracurricular activities.” Stu winked at Cain while nudging Nic in case she may have thought him serious for even a moment.

“Are you all still staring at him?” Eddie asked.

They glanced between one another, quickly turning back to face the table in shame.

“Way to drive him away there, people,” Eddie said.

“Shit, I—” Nic glanced up quickly then looked back down at the tabletop like a child who’d just been scolded. “I think he’s coming over!”

Cain sat up straight, eyes wide, more frightened by the high-pitched squeal of Nic’s voice than surprised over the fact he was about to land himself a hook-up for the evening.

Eddie shook his head as if he were attempting to get his hearing back. “Good god, woman, another octave or two higher and only dogs would’ve been able to hear that.”

“Pardon me for interrupting,” a deep, sexy southern voice came from behind Cain. “I couldn’t help but notice the entire table staring at me.”

Cain turned, looking upward at the man in question and trying his best to not laugh. “Hiya.”

“No pardon needed.” Eddie stood up from the table while yanking on Matt’s arm. “We were just leaving.”

Cain felt the heat flush his cheeks the instant Eddie had said it.

Not at all obvious.

Matt stood, clumsily. “Please take a seat, though. Cain was planning to hang.”

Cain rolled his eyes. “And I’m just dying to keep you company, sir. In exchange for taking me off their hands my daddies can offer you two goats, a head of cattle and skillet.”

Eddie was already shaking his head in disgust. “Please try and stick around long enough to make it through the first act, Mr…?”

“Abrams. Henry Abrams,” he said, extending his hand before noticing the white folding cane in Eddie’s hand.

Cain thought he was kinda cute, standing there slightly awkward for a moment as he tried to decide what to do with his hand now that it was already out there. He tossed Henry a lifeline by taking it instead, shaking his hand.

“The second act does have a bitchin’ musical number you don’t wanna miss, Mr. Abrams. My name is Cain Elliott.”

“May I sit?” Henry asked as everyone said their goodbyes to Eddie and Matt who scurried off into the crowd, whispering to one another.

“Please,” Nic said, smiling as if she were Cain’s self-appointed social director, having completely missed the cues Eddie had thrown down like gas on an already flaming forest fire.

Cain could tell Stu had not but wasn’t quite able to figure out a subtle way to tell his wife they were now intruding upon and likely impeding the sacred homo mating dance.

“So what is it you do, Henry?” Nic asked.

Cain could tell she was wired up and ready to play Debbie Drill Sergeant, already commencing with the interrogation.

Henry started to answer, but Cain dreamily placed two fingertips over the man’s lips.

He laughed to himself, realizing he’d had just enough alcohol to make him fearless. “Let’s not do the whole, this is me and that is you shakedown, gorgeous. I’m feeling like a little mystery might do me some good. How about you?”

Henry’s forehead crinkled, as if he were thinking real hard about whether or not he liked where this was going. His playful half smile told Cain he was still amused if nothing else.

“We can always have share-time later, you know, after—if the sex is hot, that is.”

Henry blushed, but he started to laugh. Cain could tell the man knew he was at least half joking for the benefit of their audience across the table.

“Well, what if he’s a serial killer or something?” Nic asked, visibly disgusted with Cain.

“He most likely wouldn’t come out and say so just because you asked him, dear.”

Nic started to object then must’ve realized Cain had a point.

“You aren’t a serial killer, right?” Cain muttered out of the corner of his mouth.

“No, sir, I am not.” He smiled at Nic, pouring on the charm. “I hereby solemnly swear to inflict no pain or suffering upon your good friend.”

“Not even if I beg you to?” Cain asked.

Nic smiled, even blushed slightly as she giggled, settling in next to her husband.

Henry laughed, tossing his head back slightly as he reached over, placing his large hand on Cain’s thigh and giving it a seductive squeeze. “You’re too much.”

“He really is the worst,” Nic said, not looking pleased with Cain’s behavior.

“At behaving myself, she meant to say,” Cain added, glancing down at the hand on his lap.

Henry made no attempt to remove it, and Cain didn’t ask him to.

“Are you always like this?” Henry asked. “Or is this charming rogue routine you have going here a result of all the shots you had at the bar earlier?”

“Oh fuck!” Nic yelled, then placed a hand over her mouth as if she feared something else might escape it.

Cain had watched Stu whisper something into her ear moments before and assumed he was cluing her in to the fact they might need to make themselves scarce.

“That’s the right attitude, baby.” Stu got up, holding out a hand for his wife. “Let’s go home and fuck.”

Her eyes got as big as saucers, and her face bright red.

“Sure…baby,” she said with a squeak, scooting out of the booth.

Henry watched them, seeming to be amused by all of it, especially when Nic leaned back over the table for her glass, sucking down the rest of her cocktail before surrendering her territory by vacating completely.

Henry flagged down a passing waitress and ordered them each another round of beers, whispering something into her ear before allowing her to run off and complete her task.

“Hope you don’t mind.” Henry shrugged as if to say he didn’t really care either way as he lifted his beer bottle. “I took the liberty.”

“I am nearly empty.” Cain sighed, thinking that was true on so many levels. “And this is America, land-of-the-free-to-liquor-me-up-and-take-blessedly-sinful-advantage-of-me.”

“God bless America,” Henry said with a wink. “Though I can see why they shortened that down to just land of the free.”

“It was a bit wordy originally, I agree.” Cain smiled, allowing his head to fall to the side and turning slightly so he could stare into Henry’s dreamy, dark-brown eyes more easily. “Difficult to fit onto a button or a bumper sticker, I imagine.”

Henry nodded. “Indeed.”

“So you must be either new or just passing through, ‘cause I’ve lived in Ingle all my life and even though I’m a bit tipsy, I’m fairly certain I’ve never laid eyes upon you before.” Cain finished off the very last of his second draft, before discarding the mug onto the table.

Henry sat up in his chair, finally removing his hand from Cain’s leg. “So we’re going to have share-time, after all? That was what you called it, right?”

“Well, no, I don’t know… I was just being silly before,” Cain said, already missing the mildly possessive heat from Henry’s hand.

“Though I guess you weren’t necessarily asking me so much as surmising who you thought me to be.” Henry nodded, apparently thinking he had that right.

“Now, that sounds like an interesting idea. We should totally do that,” Cain said, grinning evilly.

“Do what, exactly?” Henry looked slightly frightened.

“You tell me who you think I am, and I’ll do the same for you.”

Henry now appeared to be very frightened. “That sounds dangerous.”

The waitress came back with two beers and one shot, handing one bottle to Henry before placing the other two items in front of Cain. Henry rummaged his wallet out of his back pocket and paid her, cautiously keeping one eye on Cain as he told her to keep the change.

“And it looks like you’ve started already.” Cain smirked, staring at the shot. “What does this shot say you think about me?”

“That you looked thirsty.” Henry shook his head, taking a drink as he tried to force back a grin.

“You’re good.” Cain picked up the shot glass and sucked down the rum, gasping slightly from the burn. “Thanks, by the way.”

“Welcome,” Henry replied.

Cain tapped the table with two of his fingers, making a drum-roll sound. “So come out with it already, Mr. Abrams. Inquiring minds wanna know.”

“You’re serious?” Henry asked.

“I’m ready to be dazzled by your intuitive prowess.” Cain went to take a drink but paused for a moment, slowly running the tip of his tongue along the lip of the beer mug, gently licking off some of the foam before finally taking a drink.

Henry watched intently, swallowing hard as his eyebrows slowly rose up. “That you’re a bit of tease is the only thing the coming to mind at the moment.”

Cain laughed loudly, placing the mug onto the table. “I likely deserved that. What else?”

Henry sighed, leaning forward in his chair until there was about a foot separating the two of them. “Aside from my initial musings upon seeing you come through the front door—which mostly had to do with me imagining what you’d look like naked—I’d have to say my first impression was that you seemed like someone who might be in need of a friend.”

Cain was stuck on the whole naked part before the rest of it sunk in.

Henry must’ve seen the change in his expression because he added, “As someone who is new to town, I’m perhaps a bit more attuned to spotting things others who’ve known you for years might overlook.”

Cain wanted to look away, but with Henry right there in his face, he didn’t have anywhere else to go.

“Of course, you also weren’t trying to put on a happy face when your friends weren’t watching, either.” Henry cleared his throat, looking panicked for moment, as if he’d just spoken out of turn. “I also thought you were beautiful and couldn’t help but imagine that underneath whatever sadness had a hold of you this evening lies a good-natured man with friends who seemed genuinely excited to see him.”

This sort of blatant honesty wasn’t exactly what Cain had in mind, nevertheless he was somewhat hypnotized by it, as if having the curtain ripped away allowed him to take the first breath of fresh air he’d been able to get in weeks.

“The way you jumped in to rescue me after I tried offering my hand to a man who can’t see showed me you’re also an inherently kind and chivalrous man, the kind who’d reach out and lend a helping hand to perfect stranger.”

Cain just sat there, stunned, mouth slightly agape.

Henry’s forehead scrunched up, and he sighed as if he’d given up. “Despite the saucy, flirty front you put on after the way your friends ran out of here, you’d blushed at the time, a visible sign that you were embarrassed by it and self-conscious about that fact, which I found so incredibly sexy. That was first moment I found myself wanting to kiss you.”

Cain glanced down at his lap when Henry’s hand found its way back to his knee.

“The thing that got me in the gut more than all the rest of it combined was the fact that anyone who still managed to look that fucking sexy at the end of what had obviously been a very shitty day was someone I wanted to get to know.”

Cain blinked several times, finding it difficult to catch his breath. “Well…fuck me.”

“I’m certainly still hoping to.” Henry was being cute but quite serious at the same time. “Unfortunately, I can’t get a read on whether or not I’ve completely screwed the pooch, which is why I can’t seem to make myself stop rambling on incessantly.”

“I think you can stop now, Henry.” Cain grabbed his beer, suddenly feeling quite naked, despite being fully clothed.

“Damn…I was afraid of that.” He sat back, cringing. “Knew I shoulda stopped after the wanting to see you naked part.”

“Oh no, we’re totally still having sex.” Cain grabbed him by the arm in order to pull his attention back. “I’m merely calling uncle on all the insight bullshit. You are officially the grand master guru, and I bow at your feet unworthy…and mildly disoriented to boot.”

“Disoriented I can work with,” Henry said, sitting back up in his chair. “You still planning on telling me about me, or should we stop now and try not to tempt fate?”

“I think you’re likely the most unusual trick I’ve ever had,” Cain said, his gaze now running up and down Henry’s frame. “And I can’t wait to get you naked.”

Henry smiled, briefly looked as if he might have something to say, but simply winked instead. “Your place or mine?”

“I’m about a block and a half away,” Cain said before downing the rest of his beer in one long gulp. “You?”

“That was impressive,” Henry said as Cain fought to get his wind back. “You’re certainly closer; I’m in a hotel out by the interstate.”

“My place it is.”

Henry stood, taking another swig off his long neck.

Cain got up, feeling slightly dizzy and attempting to decide if it was the alcohol or the man…or both.

Chapter Two

Walking along the sidewalk, Cain watched as Henry squinted through the dark as he was being led along the eight-foot stucco and brick wall toward the gate that opened into the courtyard. Ivy snaked up the plaster, having nearly completely covered the long wall which was capped with terracotta roof tiles. The Spanish influenced architecture was a little out of place for northern Illinois, but La Terraza had been originally been built as apartments for the professors of an all-girls college that now housed the school for the blind where Eddie worked a few blocks away.

“Where in the hell are you taking me?” Henry asked, beginning to sound a bit nervous.

“To my home,” Cain said, stopping in front of the wrought-iron gate.

The outside lights were all on, including the twinkle lights he’d just finished wiring into the dogwood trees. The rose-colored lamps glowed in the fountain that gurgled in the center of the courtyard. He opened the gate and watched as Henry stumbled forward, already drunk on the visual bonanza.

This place looked its absolute best like this.

La Terraza was like an aging conquistador, still dashing in the hazy light of night, inspiring romance at each and every turn of the head.

Eventually the light of day would rise, revealing the cracks and wrinkles that time in an unforgiving environment had cruelly left behind.

Cain winced, the physical manifestation of the very real pain it caused him, knowing he may not—no strike that—knowing he most likely would not be able to save his Grandmother’s beautiful, beloved La Terraza, the only place she’d ever felt at home and the only one he had as well.

“Wow,” Henry said, walking slowly into the private courtyard and turning slowly while making his way across the brick and cobblestone paved patio as if attempting to drink it all in at once. “This place is…amazing.”

Cain felt his chest swell with pride, impressed with Henry a little more for instantly being able to see what he had the very first time he remembered coming here as a very small child. “Like magic.”

He was slightly envious. Despite how beautiful and breathtaking this place was, one only got one first time. Cain smiled, holding back a tear that threatened to escape. Fear and desperation now seemed to come and go, gripping him in waves of panic, only to vanish as mysteriously as they had come.

Built back in the 1920’s, the apartment complex was shaped like a U and built out of limestone, brick and stucco. Inspired by the villas along the coast of southern Spain, she was a true beauty—a jewel that went mostly unseen by the general population. That made the place more special, as if only a lucky few were allowed behind the velvet curtain.

There were eight apartments altogether, four two-story, two bedrooms on the right and left and four single-story, one bedrooms across the back, two up and two down.

“It’s stunning, Cain,” Henry said, genuinely astounded as he headed toward the fountain which sat in the center. “Like Romeo and Juliet—the Capulets and the Montagues.”

Each apartment had its own private stoop that led onto the large shared terrace with the exception of the two apartments along the second floor in the back. Those had private balconies that overlooked everything, though much of the views were blocked by two of the four dogwood trees that sprouted large pink blossoms in the spring.

“You own this?” Henry asked, shaking his head as he went back to Cain. “You lucky dog. It’s gorgeous.”

“It’s not all romance and roses, but thank you. I’m glad you approve.”

“Shit, I’m sorry—probably think I’m quite the hick, fresh of the farm or something.” Henry leaned in, pausing long enough to kiss Cain. “Fuck you’re hot. I’m an architect, by the way. Hence my shock and awe over your pile of bricks here.”

“An architect?” Cain grinned, kissing Henry this time, with slightly more interest now. “My goodness, but that makes you so much hotter than you already were.”

“Oh yeah?” Henry laughed, now looking frightened. “You have a thing for architects?”

“I’m a property owner, baby.” Cain discretely ran the palm of his hand over Henry’s semi-hard cock.

Henry groaned, a low grumbling noise as he dry humped Cain’s hand. “I’m not complaining, mind you. Just not something I run into a lot.”

“Then consider tonight your extremely lucky night. You’re like a Beatle or a Bieber.” Cain leaned in, kissing him softly, sensually sucking on his bottom lip for a moment before mumbling, “Second apartment on the left.”

Henry began walking Cain backward in that direction, pausing when he heard someone coughing. Henry turned toward the sound, and Cain frowned, seeing Ned Snead slithering out of his loft apartment in the back.

Perpetually dressed in all black, the guy was just plain creepy looking. With bony arms, gangly legs and dark circles under his eyes, Ned looked like an Addams Family reject. His eyes seemed to be stuck into a sneer, disgusted by and loathing anyone who stumbled across his path.

“He live here?” Henry asked, visibly not caring for Ned in the least.

“He does.” Cain sighed, tapping Henry on the chest. “But I’m over here. Remember me, that charming guy you picked up at the pub around the corner?”

Henry smiled, kissing Cain once again, as if apologizing for forgetting why he was here.

“Is that music, or am I hallucinating?” Henry asked, pulling away from Cain’s lips.

Cain winked as Dean Martin belted out the lyrics to That’s Amore. “I don’t hear anything. Must be my kisses.”

Henry laughed, seduction pouring off of him in waves. “I’m going to make this a night you’ll never forget then, stud.”

Hearing that, Cain felt his dick go rock-hard. “Bring. It. On.”

“Open. The. Door,” Henry said, nudging his head to signal they had arrived at Cain’s apartment.

“Oh…right,” Cain felt his face flush with heat, grateful for the lower lighting as he fumbled to fish his keys from his pant’s pocket. He hopped up the two steps onto the covered stoop and went about unlocking the door, jiggling slightly, feeling Henry’s warm breath on the back of his neck.

“Please tell me you’re a bottom?” Henry whispered, his hand squeezing and kneading Cain’s ass.

“Fuck…I mean, yes.” Cain tried to swallow as his voice had just cracked, but found it difficult as the anticipation ratcheted up about one-hundred-and-fifty percent. “I am. I mean…I can be versatile, but yes. I definitely enjoy taking it up the ass.”

“Unless you plan on taking it right here, right now, I suggest you get that door open.”

“Christ,” Cain whispered with the click of the lock, stunned into a sexual haze at the feel of Henry pressing his hard-on against his ass.

Henry reached around Cain, pushing open the door as Cain stood there sporting a goofy smile. “Want me to carry you over the threshold?”

“Huh?” Cain turned then realized he’d drifted off in anticipation. “No…fuck…I mean, come in, please.”

“Don’t mind if I do.” Henry pushed them both through the door, his hand massaging Cain’s erection through his khakis.

A floor lamp sitting behind the chair and ottoman in the far corner lit the room, along with the light above the sink in the tiny L-shaped kitchen.

Their mouths came together in a heated power play of spirited sucking and lip smacking. It went from sweet to primal in the seconds it took to move things indoors.

A bit nervous at having the critical eye of an architect examining his hand-me-down interiors, Cain was more than happy keeping the focus on the sex. It was the only nerve racking bit about dating older guys in general, they’d passed that age where shabby could still be considered chic.

Henry absently kicked at the door until he managed to get it shut while hastily attempting to un-tuck and unbutton Cain’s shirt.

The clumsy fumble to get skin-on-skin was on, and Cain already had Henry’s belt off. Now, he worked on getting his pants undone.

“What are you hiding inside here, sir,” Cain mumbled in between kissing.

“How many fucking buttons are on this damn thing?” Henry said, hands sliding underneath, too impatient to wait any longer for naked skin.

Cain groaned when Henry roughly twisted a nipple. He broke away long enough to rip the shirt over his head, yanking and stepping on it in order to pull his hands free—made more difficult by the fact Henry was back on him the second he spied bare flesh.

“Fuck, you feel incredible.” Henry jerked Cain’s shirt the rest of the way off with one hand, still twisting and torturing Cain’s nipple with the other.

Cain desperately yanked on Henry’s polo, pulling it over his head and stopping long enough to take in the man, now naked from the waist up. If there was such a thing as the man lottery, he’d just won it. Henry’s upper body was built. Cut arms and shoulders and a chest that had some hair in the center, nearly made Cain come in his pants right then.

“Everything okay?” Henry asked, as if he might be worried he wasn’t measuring up to Cain’s approval.

Cain growled, all but leaping back into his arms, shoving his tongue down Henry’s throat.

Henry took a few steps back in an attempt to keep from being knocked over by the force. They both dry humped one another, Cain moaning his approval the instant Henry’s hand squeezed his ass.

Cain was attempting to touch Henry everywhere at once on the off chance his ticket to Henry-land became suddenly revoked. It wasn’t insecurity so much as an unnatural fear that anything this hot was bound to come with an expiration date.

Cain had long ago accepted the fact he wouldn’t be winning any beefcake awards anytime soon…or likely ever considering he hated lifting weights. He was aware he had an appeal, however. He wasn’t so studly that men fell at his feet, but he did all right, mostly getting hit on by older guys, a fact he’d never been the least bit upset over.

Cain ran his fingers into Henry’s hair as the man drove him nearly insane kissing and sucking his way down Cain’s neck. He shivered as Henry’s large hands pulled his jeans and briefs down, the elastic waistband slowly sliding over his hips as Henry fell to his knees.

His stiff cock bounced freely in front of Henry’s face.

Cain felt the warm breath on his dick.

Henry sat there for a moment, just staring at him, hands roaming slowly as he took in every visual inch of Cain. It wasn’t until the silence and anticipation became more than Cain could bear, when his body began to shake from need and want, that Henry finally leaned in and kissed Cain’s stomach, just below his belly button. From there, he moved to Cain’s balls, licking and taking them into his mouth.

Cain watched as a thin thread of pre-cum dripped from the head of his cock onto Henry’s cheek. His eyes rolled back into his head when Henry finally took him into his mouth. Cain moaned, his voice trembling needy encouragements, nearly shooting right then as the head of his dick hit the back of Henry’s throat.

“Not gonna last long,” Cain whispered, taking Henry by the hair on the back of his head and guiding Henry’s mouth up and down the length of his erection.

Henry tugged on his nuts, and Cain blew, shoving his cock down the man’s throat and vocalizing his praise. Henry swallowed each shot Cain fired off, continuing to lick and suck, moaning his approval.

Standing back up, Henry smiled briefly before kissing him slowly, sharing the taste of Cain’s semen still evident on his tongue.

Cain groaned his appreciation as he pushed the man’s pants and briefs down. Henry was a little more than average in length, but his cock was thick and had a large head. It almost looked angry standing straight up, hard, wet, slick and dripping pre-cum.

Falling to his knees, Cain couldn’t keep the smile from his face.

“You look pleased,” Henry remarked, grabbing the shaft by the base and aiming the head at Cain’s lips.

Cain licked the wet tip slowly then wasted no time before he began sucking. His own cock got hard again imagining how Henry would feel in his ass. He savored every inch, each vein and ridge, his lips stretched as his nose came to rest in Henry’s pubes. Cain breathed in the warm, musky scent before pulling back, an action he repeated again and again, never picking up the pace since he didn’t want Henry to come, not in his mouth at any rate.

When Henry began calling him baby and praising his pouty little cock-sucking lips, Cain knew with complete certainty that this was exactly what he was meant to do with those lips. It took everything he had to not go crazy and suck the man silly, but he didn’t have to torture himself for long.

Henry pulled him off, yanking Cain back up onto his feet. They kissed furiously, Henry sufficiently worked into a frenzy, his hands all up in Cain’s ass.

“This what you want?” Henry asked, possessively, forcing a finger inside Cain’s hole.

“Fuck, yes,” Cain whispered, momentarily forgetting he’d been raised with manners before adding the obligatory, “please.”

Henry’s tongue went right back into Cain’s mouth as he worked on toeing out of his shoes.

Cain whimpered, Henry’s dry digit being forced farther inside causing some discomfort, yet not enough to prevent him from pushing back, attempting to take in more.

Henry kicked his shoes out of the way and tried kicking his legs free of his pants. He let go of Cain in order to free his left foot which was tangled up in denim, his briefs still caught halfway down his thighs.

They each started laughing as Cain hopped across the hardwood floors of his living room trying to kick his own pants the rest of the way off. Henry, now free of his jeans, was on Cain’s heels ready to help.

“Oh shit!” Henry grabbed Cain by the arm to keep him from falling, tossing his jeans in the process. “Careful!”

They both went down, hitting the floor with a loud thud.

“Ow,” Cain said, laughing.

“Your dismount could use a little work,” Henry commented.

“At least, I broke your fall,” Cain said, his arms slipping around Henry’s waist.

“Seems fair since it was your klutziness that took both of us down.” Henry took the opportunity to kiss Cain again. “You hurt?”

“Don’t think so.” Their gazes locked, the heavy breathing from all the unintended calisthenics beginning to regulate. “Think I only hit my head. Nothing up there to damage in the first place.”

Henry thrust his hard-on into Cain’s, taking the liberty of brushing his mussed-up hair off his forehead.

The mood in the room shifted, growing more serious as they kissed some more. He was already pushing Henry’s briefs the rest of the way down, using his feet to help remove them. Cain needed to have the weight of Henry’s naked, six-foot frame pressing down into his. It made him feel safe, protected from the world at large which seemed to be turning against him as of late.

“You’re so beautiful,” Cain whispered once Henry pulled his lips away.

His head cocked slightly to the side. “Thank you, Cain.”

For a flicker of an instant, they each seemed to drop their guard long enough to truly see one another. Cain felt certain Henry bore witness to the vulnerability and self-doubt he’d been attempting to keep hidden inside, and somehow Cain recognized the loneliness behind Henry’s eyes.

They stared intently, trapped there, as if under some sort of spell.

“Wow,” Henry whispered to no one in particular.

Cain nodded his agreement, and their mouths came back together. Cain once again moaned as Henry ground their erections together. Their tongues slowly intertwined as the urgency faded, replaced by a desire Cain hadn’t experienced in a very long time.

Henry wedged his knees in between Cain’s legs, forcing them farther apart.

Cain emitted some sort of a noise, feeling Henry’s fingers kneading into the soft flesh between his balls and asshole.

“Upstairs…need condoms,” Cain muttered in between kisses, his hand wrapping around Henry’s thick cock. “Want you inside me.”

Henry didn’t immediately respond, his fingers pressing into Cain as his breath caught in his throat from Cain slow-jacking his cock. “Fuck, you feel incredible.”

The heat from their bodies rubbing together was enough to drive Cain past the edge where sense and sanity could be reached.

“So hot.” Cain muttered before lightly biting and sucking on the side of Henry’s neck, just below his ear.

Henry pushed himself up with his arms onto his knees, sitting on his heels while supporting Cain who’d followed as if they’d become stuck to one another. His lips never left Henry’s neck. He tweaked Cain’s nipples, twisting and pulling before he broke away, standing and leaving Cain in an overheated heap on the floor.

The pained expression on Cain’s face must have said it all.

Henry smiled, brushing the back of his hand across Cain’s cheek before walking back to where he’d left his pants. Cain smiled, finding Henry’s one sock on, one sock off adorable, in that wanting-to-have-sex so badly you no longer care about such details sort of way. Henry bent over, rummaging through his pockets and retrieving a small plastic bag that held a condom and small sample of lube.

Cain began to get up until Henry shook his head. “Don’t you move so much as an inch.”

Cain laughed under his breath, leaning back and opening his legs. He propped himself up with one arm and slowly jacked himself off with the other, balls resting on the wood floors.

Henry elicited a groan of approval before dropping to his knees, fiddling with the bag as they kissed again. Cain scooted closer as Henry ripped open the condom and rolled it on. By the time he’d lubed himself up, Cain had grabbed him by the shoulders and pulled himself up. Henry sat back on his heels again, guiding his cock as Cain sat, the head invading Cain’s ass as he lowered himself slowly.

He called out softly in pain, legs shaking as more and more of Henry invaded his body. Henry licked a nipple, pulling lightly on the hard nub of flesh with his teeth. He had one hand on his dick and the other on Cain’s ass, his fingers digging into the soft flesh.

“So tight, baby.”

All other communication cut off as Cain kissed him, whimpering slightly from the discomfort as Henry’s tongue thrust into his mouth. Only when he was full did he stop, fingers weaving into Henry’s thick head of hair.

“Feel so incredible,” Henry gasped as they stared into one another’s eyes once more.

Cain’s lip trembled as he bit down, the heat and pressure of being stretched open—connected to Henry in such an intimate way—his skin tingled all over in response.

“You okay?” Henry asked. “I’m not hurting you?”

Cain answered with a kiss, using his thighs to support his own weight while grabbing hold of Henry’s wide shoulders for balance.

Slowly, he worked his ass up and down.

“Damn…Cain,” Henry said, his eyelids fluttering.

“Fill me up,” Cain said as Henry bit into his other nipple, sucking and nibbling.

Cain called out in pleasured-pain, riding Henry faster.

They were locked together, bodies drenched in sweat as they both struggled to hang on to one another. When Cain begged for more, pleading to be fucked harder, Henry took him by the back of the legs and got him onto his back. He took Cain’s ankles into one hand and pushed forward as far as he could, lifting Cain’s ass into the air, giving him everything he’d asked for as Henry took him hard.

Cain placed a hand over his head, bracing himself in an attempt to keep his slick body in place against the wood floors. Henry pounded into him, his pelvis slapping against Cain’s ass with each thrust. Cain let out a soft grunt each time Henry forced himself back inside. It hurt, but he wanted more, his own cock close to exploding.

Henry pulled out abruptly, and before Cain had the chance to object, he was rolled over onto his stomach. Henry roughly yanked him back and up onto his knees.

Looking over his shoulder, Cain watched as Henry entered him again.

Cain felt as if he were on fire as Henry fucked him from behind, groaning loudly, signaling he was getting close. Cain reached between his legs and began jacking himself off.

“Fuck me,” he managed to get out just as Henry started to come.

Cain also began to shoot, Henry grabbing him by a shoulder and pumping until he’d filled the condom inside Cain’s ass.

Cain’s arms lost any and all strength so he laid his head onto the cool wood floors, gasping for air as sweat ran down his face. He felt Henry still squeezing his ass cheeks, not quite ready to pull out.

“That…amazing,” Henry mumbled.

Cain smiled, nodding his head in agreement, still unable to speak and mourning the softening of Henry’s cock. He closed his eyes and said a silent prayer that this wouldn’t be the last time Henry Abrams was inside him.

* * * *

Standing naked in his kitchen, Cain had rummaged through the pitiful amount of food in his fridge and cabinets and made the best out of a bad situation. He gathered the grub onto a tray and carried it over to the living room floor where Henry still laid, spread out across the area rug his head propped up with a cushion from the couch.

“My living area has never looked so good,” Cain said as Henry sat up to take the tray so Cain could sit.

“This place is truly amazing.” Henry gawked at all the architectural details of the room, trying to take it all in.

The palm of his hand ran slowly across the hand-scraped floors along the edge of the rug while glancing up at the exposed beams and stucco stretching out across the ceiling. There were less flashy, understated flourishes like the harvest-earth tone colors used in the Spanish-influenced, hand-painted tiles along the fireplace surround, the oil-rubbed bronze light fixtures and trim accents on the doors and the graceful archways and cove ceilings in the cozy dining area and attached kitchen.

The inside of La Terraza was every bit as unique and special as the outside. It had been built with care and attention to the smallest of details.

Cain took a deep breath trying to keep himself in check, but it was difficult to separate his person from the brick and mortar around him as it all felt like part of his soul. This place was his home, had been handed down to him with the expectation he would guard it and keep it safe from those who might seek to bring her harm.

Cain glanced down at the hand on his leg.

“Stay here with me, beautiful,” Henry said.

Smiling down at the man then over to the tray, Cain cringed. “Okay, so my foraging skills leave a lot to be desired. You want the beer, the soda or the bottle of water?”

“You brought one of each?” he asked.

“I only have one of each.”

“Oh, well then any of the above,” Henry wiggled his eyebrows, apparently content with having dodged the decision making bullet on that one.

Cain passed him the beer and the water, keeping the soda for himself, then spread out the truly odd display for his guest, which consisted of jumbo marshmallows, an assortment of snack-size bags of chips, pickles, cheese, crackers and the small frozen pizza he’d baked and cut up.

Henry laughed, taking it all in before grabbing a slice of pizza.

“I don’t entertain much.”

“I totally love that about you,” Henry said, leaning in for a kiss.

Cain popped open his can of Coke and grabbed a slice for himself. “You can’t be the jealous type. You’re entirely too hot, who in their right mind would ever cheat on you?”

“Unfortunately, that’s not the case, but thank you all the same.”

Frowning, Cain shook his head, finding that difficult to believe. “Where are you from again?”

“Atlanta.” Henry grabbed a napkin to wipe the cheese off his chin. “Lotta hot guys down there, way too much competition for a cutie like you. I’d have to lock you away to keep from losing you. How old are you, anyway?”

“Twenty-six. You?”

“Thirty-one.”

Cain snickered under his breath.

“Don’t even say the ‘D’ word, asshole.”

With that, Cain really lost it.

Henry nodded. “I thought that’s what you were thinking, smart ass. I’m not old enough to be your daddy.”

“I think you’re just about old enough to be anybody’s anything-you’re-willing-to-be.” Cain winked.

“I did thoroughly enjoy being the guy inside of you.”

“As did I, baby. That dick of yours was…” Cain got a chill and jiggled, just thinking about it.

Henry burst out laughing, but his face and neck went as pink as a Georgia peach. “That was hands down the best compliment I’ve ever been given in my whole life.”

“Truly, it’s a gift meant to be shared, and I’m volunteering myself to be the shar-ee, anytime you might need to, you know…”

“I love that the guy who was begging me to fuck him harder less than hour ago now has trouble saying the words.”

Cain cringed. “It’s annoying, I know. I have issues. It’s not pretty.”

“I find it adorable and quite the compliment to me, like maybe I brought it out in you, driving into such a fever that you couldn’t keep yourself from uttering such filthy words.”

Cain took a deep breath, as if Henry had just wounded him in the most destructively pleasant way possible. “So you’re an architect?”

Henry nodded, smiling from ear to ear but not calling him out on the sudden change of topic. “Just started working with the guys over at Hamilton-Bach. If things go well, it could become Hamilton-Abrams-Bach.”

Cain felt that sock in the gut, and apparently couldn’t hide it from Henry.

“Everything all right?” Henry asked, visibly concerned. “Did I say something wrong?”

“Of course not!” Cain smiled, able to recover quickly. “They’re the big dogs around here. That’s…amazing for you. Congratulations.”

Henry searched Cain’s eyes as if trying to determine if Cain was telling the truth. Cain didn’t want to ruin the moment by telling him Ham-Bach’s real estate and acquisitions division was representing the conglomerate that was pressuring him to sell La Terraza. He and Henry were clicking, having too good of a time and this was most likely just a one-nighter anyway. No reason to muck things up.

Finally, Henry nodded, biting off a hunk of pickle, talking and crunching away. “They wooed me, saw some of my work in Atlanta and convinced me to relocate. I was certainly flattered.”

“As well you should be.” Cain smiled his appreciation of Henry’s success. “Never had much drive to learn a trade, preferring to be a landlord and mess about with the gardening and landscaping for the building.”

“That’s work, Cain,” Henry added, reaching over to poke him in the side. “You enjoy it?”

“Yeah, I do. Still feel hinky about not going to college at times. Just a simple guy, I guess. Not trying to be a captain of industry, but, you know.”

“I think it’s amazing, this place. Can certainly see why you’d not want to leave it every day to go work somewhere else.” Henry looked around the room once again, smiling. “Gonna have to do some research and find out who designed this place.”

“Oh, I know!” Cain started to raise his hand then stopped about halfway up, realizing he didn’t need to be called on.

Henry laughed at him then leaned over and kissed him quickly before biting off some more pickle.

Jeez, he even chews hot, Cain thought, distracted by the sight he now beheld. His gaze ran along Henry’s naked frame and he sighed wistfully. Most definitely a show-er.

Henry was grinning again. “You gonna actually tell me or continue to leave me hanging?”

“Huh…oh, um…shoot now I forgot his name!”

Henry rolled his eyes. “Such a tease.”

Cain chuckled, shaking his head that he was not. “Mario something? Bell, maybe? I remember the Mario because of the video game, but—”

“Holy fucking shit,” Henry mumbled, interrupting Cain’s train of thought. “Mario Bello?”

“Yep, that’s it, that’s the one! He somebody important?”

“Yeah, he’s like a god to many an architect, a total rock star back in the day who managed to dabble in just about everything, from commercial to residential—even designed furniture.”

Henry seemed lost as he glanced around the room once more in awe. “I’m actually sitting inside a Bello.”

Cain was surprised by the man’s awe. “You just had sex in a Bello.”

Henry broke out laughing again. He leaned over and kissed Cain, this time not pulling away quite so quickly. For a brief moment, Cain wondered if this Bello fellow was the reason the real estate people wanted the place so badly. He’d feared they’d wanna tear the place down, as they refused to tell him what their intentions for the property were, but perhaps that wasn’t the case.

Cain lost his train of thought as their kiss deepened, Henry’s tongue intruding a little deeper with each thrust. The passion quickly took over, and Cain lay backward as Henry crawled over him. In an instant, all playfulness was gone, replaced by longing and flesh and hot wet tongue.

* * * *

They’d been laying on their sides, staring at one another through the dark for a good five minutes. Henry had surprised him, taking his hand after they’d crawled into bed then refusing to let go of it. The light from the living room cast a faint glow into the bedroom at the top of the stairs, just enough to make out the faint curves in Henry’s shoulder and arms along with a glint of light in his eye.

Cain had wanted to ask him a million questions but stopped short, not feeling all that sure Henry was in the mood to talk—or spend the night for that matter. Cain hadn’t asked him to. He’d simply followed him upstairs and into the shower before crawling into bed with him. That would lend one to think Henry wanted to be there, but some guys were too polite to say they wanted to go after all the fun was over. Others weren’t polite so much as more worried about what others might think of them if they didn’t stay and were unable to make that graceless exit.

Despite what anyone might otherwise try and tell themselves, there was nothing graceful about a fuck ‘n go. It was more akin to a dine ‘n dash except no one called the cops.

Cain wouldn’t have thought much about it had Henry evacuated the apartment after the sex, but he was happy the man had stayed. There was an odd sort of earnestness about Henry that Cain would’ve been disappointed to discover was merely a mask.

“What are you thinking about over there?” Henry asked.

Cain shrugged, leaning forward to kiss the back of Henry’s hand. “What an odd day it’s been, I guess.”

“I’m gonna do my best to not take that personally.”

Cain laughed. “You are definitely the bright spot.”

“Care to tell me what’s got a boy as sweet and sexy as you so blue?”

“That’s probably more like a fifth date kind of a topic.”

Henry whistled, and Cain could tell his eyes had widened in shock and awe. “You’re that messed up, huh? Damn. And now I’m saddled with the knowledge you have fifth date kinda drama to look forward to?”

“I am that guy—a charmingly, adorable mess.” Cain laughed. “How’s that for lame spin?”

“The bright side for me would be that you’re apparently still planning to see me that far down the road, making this the budding romance that hasty sex built.”

Cain felt the corners of his mouth curling up as his face flushed with heat. “Well sure…after sex like that? You bet my sweet ass I’ve planned for more.”

Henry burst out laughing. “It was good for you, huh?”

“Oh baby.”

Henry scooted closer. “Is it okay that I’m staying? I hate hotel rooms. Guess I could have asked before crawling right into bed with you.”

“Or my rude ass could have issued an invitation.” Cain scooted closer as well, leaning in to give Henry a soft peck on the lips. “I’m real glad you stayed.”

“That mean you’ll go out on a date with me tomorrow night?” Henry asked.

“Like that.” Cain nodded. “Could make you dinner?”

“I’d like that, thank you very much.”

“Anyone ever tell you you’re kinda sweet?” Cain asked.

“Come here,” Henry said, lifting an arm for Cain who rolled over, backing in and snuggling up in his arms. “And for the record, you can tell me anything, Cain.”

“Thanks…‘preciate that.” Cain sighed, thinking a safe place to rest his weary head was just what the doctor ordered.

“Sooner rather than later, you know. In case, I need to make a run for it.”

Cain laughed as Henry squeezed him tighter, hugging him closer to contradict the comment he’d made in jest. The man was too good to be true, so Cain reminded himself not to get comfy. The fact he worked for the men who were attempting to terrorize him into selling his home was likely to be an issue. Cain was just paranoid enough to momentarily imagine they’d hired the man to romance the property out from under him.

“God, you smell amazing,” Henry added, pressing his nose into Cain’s hair and breathing him in then exhaling.

And with that, all worry and concern floated right out the window.

“FYI…I’m a morning sex kinda guy,” Henry clarified. “In case you were wondering.”

“Finally…a decent reason to get up in the morning. I’ve been waiting for one for years.”

Henry hugged him tight once more. “I’ll remind you, you said that.”

Cain wiggled back, attempting to snuggle in closer and feeling strangely content, all things considered.

“Good night, Henry.”

“Good night, Cain.”

With that, Cain closed his eyes and drifted off.

Chapter Three

Cain twitched, snorting as he came to, certain he’d heard a woman giggling. He felt a warm hard body shifting behind him and smiled when Henry ground his erection into his ass.

“Good morning to me,” Cain muttered.

Henry made a long throaty groan.

Both of their eyes popped open when they heard, “Keep it G, bitches—or save it up for my bachelorette party if nothing else. You two can be the entertainment.”

“Em?” Cain said, rubbing at his eyes and staring down the bed to find his bestie perched on the foot of it.

In all her early morning glory, Emily Haven’s wildly, manufactured mane of blonde curly locks were on display, a sliver metallic scarf keeping the front half tied down. Too thin for her build, her clothes hung on her frame, held up by her shoulders and too-large boobs, which had been a gift from her mother on her eighteenth birthday. The woman almost never allowed herself any excess outside of the alcoholic variety, and she never failed to appear as rich as she really was.

As friends, they’d been a total mismatch from the very beginning—the princess and the pauper—but Cain adored the very sweet girl hiding underneath the protective monster Emily kept firmly in place much of the time.

“What the fuck, dude? Knock much?” Cain asked.

“I take it you know this person?” Henry muttered, gently thrusting his erection into Cain’s ass once more.

It was instinctual on Henry’s part, but Cain found it difficult to concentrate regardless.

“That’s not at all distracting,” Cain mumbled to Henry in response.

“I could ask him the same thing about you, studly,” Emily said, placing a hand on Cain’s leg. “Who’s the hunk, C? And why am I the last to friggin’ know everything these days?”

“Why are you here?” Cain said, kicking her hand off his leg. “Unannounced?”

“Rowr,” Emily cringed. “You did give me a key, remember? Hope you’re taking notes, mystery dude. Cain and mornings don’t mix.”

“He all but promised me morning sex, which you’re presence is hindering,” Cain pointed out.

“Ouch, jeez, okay, so you have every right to be pissy.” She was already pouting. “I get that, but it’s an emergency, C!”

Cain sat up, forcing his eyes all the way open. “Is everything okay? No one’s hurt? Greg’s okay?”

She ignored the question, staring off into space melodramatically. “I’m desperate, and you’re like my only hope and shit!”

Cain was confused then smirked. “Unbelievable. If this has something to do with the damn wedding—”

“Duh, what else?” Emily said, cutting him off.

“That does not constitute an emergency, Em!” Cain flopped back down into the bed. “Life-threatening injury, that would be an emergency. World War Three, terrorist attack, zombie riots…all acceptable reasons to break into my apartment and cock block me.”

“It’s your damn cousin! Mother’s tried everything!” Emily started pouting once more, something she’d never figured out didn’t work so well on anyone other than straight men. “She even begged the man, but he refuses to do the flowers for my wedding—which is unacceptable!!”

Cain sighed, glancing over at Henry who was now staring at her wide-eyed after that last shriekish outburst.

“Daddy even offered him triple his rate, and he just laughed and hung up on him.” She sprung up off the bed her hands up in the air ala Evita. “I mean, really…harsh much? So you see, I had to break in and cock block you. Eduardo has to do my flowers, and that stuck up, meany butt Charlie is holding him hostage!”

Emily had begun to hyperventilate, now pacing the room as if she were a caged animal. Henry turned to Cain, still in shock and asked, “Is the fifth date drama you were referring to?”

“No, sweetie.” Cain sighed, patting the poor man on the head then brushing the hair off his forehead. “I should be so lucky.”

That had Henry nodding blankly, his mind now occupied, likely reeling over the possibilities.

Cain turned his attention back to Emily. “Charlie and I don’t exactly get along, you know this?”

Cain loved his aunt dearly, but her son, Charlie, was anal, and not in the good way. Little Mister Holier Than Thou had always been entirely too perfect and never fucked up anything he set out to do. It was so annoying. They’d grown up next door to one another, but Charlie Donovan considered Cain to be a hot-gay-mess of the highest order—disorganized, a dreamer, always lost in one daydream or another. Charlie wasn’t wrong. Cain was all of those things. Charlie was merely the first and only person who disliked Cain because of them.

“Well, can’t you, like, talk to your moms?” Emily stomped her feet a few times, her snazzy clogs against the hardwood floor making her sound like a Clydesdale.

She was referring to Cain’s mother and his Aunt Tracy, whom Cain considered a second mother.

When Cain sighed, saying nothing, she ran to the side of the bed and dropped dramatically to her knees. “Pwease Cainey-wainey…my wedding has to be perfect…it’s my whole-life’s-happiness?”

Her wide, pleading blue eyes were more than he could handle. He folded like a cheap tent. “Fine, I’ll try talking to my mom.”

Henry nearly leapt out of the bed as Emily yelped and squealed at the top of her lungs. She projectiled herself up onto the bed, landing atop Cain who grunted from the force of her landing while doing his best to avoid her attempts to kiss him all over the face.

“I knew you would!” More squealing and face kissing. “I totally love you!” Still with the squealing and face kissing. “The best friend I ever had!” Emily added.

It wasn’t until Cain giggled like a little kid that she stopped then kissed Henry once on the cheek. “I don’t know you, but I love you, too!”

With that she was back on her feet, looking over her clothes. “I didn’t roll into any cum spots, right?”

Henry emitted some sort of indiscernible noise, as if he might be fearful for his life.

“Please, Emily…go away,” Cain pleaded.

“Okay, fine!” She clapped then ran around in a little circle before snatching her gigantic purse off the floor. “I’m going.”

“Thank god,” Cain whispered.

Henry nodded his agreement as she headed for the door.

She stopped, grabbing hold of the doorjamb and glanced back at Henry. “You fuck him good and hard now, sweetie. Cain likes it a little rough.”

Cain’s mouth fell open as she clomped down the stairs, giggling and clapping.

Henry had the tiniest hint of amusement on his face as he turned to Cain. “A little rough, huh?”

Cain laughed nervously. “Well…no! I mean…not really.”

Henry rolled atop Cain, who could feel he was already on the way back to hard. “Which is it, no or not really?”

Cain was having a little trouble catching his breath as Henry ground into him. He watched nervously as Henry slid his hands up Cain’s arms, gathering both wrists into one large fist, gripping them tightly together.

“I’ll take your silence to mean ‘not really’.”

With that, Henry covered Cain’s mouth with his own, swallowing Cain’s moan. Cain’s erection was painful enough considering how badly he needed to pee, but when Henry forced his legs open Cain realized he was about to be full of something else.

* * * *

Henry stood just outside the door to Cain’s apartment, unable to make himself stop grinning like an idiot. He shook his head, surveying the stunning courtyard in the early morning daylight. The sound of rushing water from the fountain relaxed any remaining tension from his shoulders that the sex hadn’t.

He felt amazing.

This place was amazing.

Best of all, Henry was beginning to believe that Cain might end up being pretty amazing, as well.

Hopping down the few steps onto the shared courtyard, Henry perused all the stone planting beds, lushly filled with leafy greens and already sprouting flowers.

“Can’t believe he takes care of this all by himself.” He quickly surveyed the entire common area, counting fourteen, no fifteen, large planters, plus another four even larger areas around the dogwoods. That didn’t include all the landscaping along the exterior wall he’d passed on their way in last night.

“Absolutely amazing. It’s like an oasis.”

There were hanging planters placed along the balconies leading off the back end of the complex and a deck area built up on a platform, sitting beneath a pergola made from thick cedar beams. A long picnic-style table sat underneath.

The landscaping alone would’ve been a full-time job in and of itself.

“Color me impressed.” Henry took another deep breath, reminding himself that he needed to proceed with caution. “For once, don’t rush in full force, asshole.”

It was his typical M.O. to meet a guy, get a little too into him before he should then crash and burn for coming on too strong or discovering he wasn’t the only man dating the object of his affection. He’d tired of all the games, tired of wasting time on people who weren’t worthy of it and was sick of finding himself disappointed at the end of every relationship.

Moving too quickly was probably not a good idea.

He’d literally just moved to town and was already making plans with the first guy to strike his fancy. They’d just met for crying out loud. Would it kill either of them to take a day? It was stupid. He wasn’t just asking for it; he was practically begging to be screwed over.

“You don’t even have his phone number so you can’t call and cancel dinner, you idiot.”

He could go back and knock on the door and make up some excuse.

He loathed the idea of lying to Cain. Henry despised being lied to, so what would it say about him if he started off doing the very thing he hated.

“Small town. No doubt, reputations are made quickly, and they stick.”

What harm will dinner do? I mean, really. It’s just dinner. We don’t even have to have sex…

Though, after the exceedingly hot fuck they’d just shared, being able to keep their hands off one another seemed unlikely. He was already slightly addicted to making Cain plead.

“Gooooood morning,” a feminine voice called out behind him.

Henry turned to find Cain’s girlfriend from the night before standing behind him, holding out a large cup of coffee and smiling from ear to ear. He cleared his throat, trying to recall if he’d ever gotten her name while blushing slightly at having been busted doing the walk of—well, more like the linger of shame, considering he was still loitering.

“Is that for me?” Henry asked, a bit confused.

“I left Cain’s on his stoop,” she said with a wink. “Name’s Nicole, but everyone calls me Nic. I gotta run. Errands. You can leave the mug on my stoop or with Cain. Grrreat seeing you again.”

She reached over patting him on the chest a couple times while winking. “Such a stud.”

He took the coffee and thanked her, confused as she turned in a twirl of turquoise and hemp jewelry, dark hair and white cotton before heading toward the gate.

“Glad you spent the whole night,” she called back, giggling.

He choked on the coffee, which went down the wrong pipe. He spun around when Frank Sinatra drifted across the air. A pair of voices, which were not Frank, began singing along to Mind if I Make Love to You.

“Guess everyone’s awake,” Henry said, conceding the boys weren’t so bad at backing up Mr. Sinatra.

Taking a sip of coffee, Henry went back to worshiping at the marvel Mario Bello had gifted to the people who’d been fortunate enough to have lived between these walls over the years.

The stories they could likely tell.

He’d have to try working a full tour of the place out of the landlord.

His smile immediately faded when he saw that creepy asshole from the night before coming down a stairwell and walking along the far side of the complex. Something about that guy really chafed him. The way he stuck next to the wall, like a rat that refused to walk out in the open. He never once looked up and made eye contact, but Henry had no doubt Mr. Snead was aware of his presence.

“Something wrong with that boy,” a man said from behind him. “Creepy kid, that one.”

Henry turned in time to see a second old man coming out of the apartment adjacent from Cain’s and standing next to the one who’d spoken to him.

“Probably into devil worship,” the new one said.

“I’m Tony. This is my brother Vito, and you must be the new love interest.”

Henry smiled despite not caring for the term “new” love interest. At least, it insinuated there may not be any others. He walked over to shake both their hands only to have one of them shove a fresh-baked scone into his instead.

It was still warm.

“You looked hungry,” Tony said.

At least, he thought it was Tony. They resembled one another a little too closely. He guessed them to be around seventy, each one in baggy pants held up with suspenders and sporting a slight potbelly. An unruly mass of cottony white hair stuck straight up into the air on each of them, as if they’d been surviving without a brush or comb for days.

Aware he was being equally assessed by each of them, Henry smiled, hoping he was coming off favorably. His stomach grumbled after catching a good whiff of the pastry which appeared to have fresh blueberries baked inside. Henry took a bite and chewed slowly, unable to hold back the grin of appreciation.

“Wow,” he mumbled, taking a second bite. “Amazing.”

Tony gently smacked Vito in the arm as if to congratulate him on a job well done then asked. “Don’t suppose your some kinda handyman, huh?”

“Architect,” Henry said, laughing as the hope on their faces was replaced with disappointment.

“Next to useless,” Vito said as the other nodded in agreement.

“Still, you continue to make our Cain there as happy as you apparently did about,” Vito stopped to glance at his watch, “forty minutes ago, and you’ll be all right in our book.”

Henry didn’t need a mirror to know his face was now blood red.

“Next time, tell Cain to shut his bedroom window,” Tony pointed up, and Henry followed the line of sight to the open second-story window. “Sounds have a way of magnifying in this courtyard, you know.”

“Still, we congratulate you on your incredible penis,” Vito said with a shrug.

“Indeed!” Tony started to chuckle. “Cain screams very highly of it.”

They each cackled over their own joke as Henry forced a swallow, sucking down some coffee while trying to get past his own humiliation. The brothers gave him two thumbs up then turned abruptly toward the sound of a door opening to one of the apartments in the back.

Henry was just this side of mortified, now understanding some of the odd comments Nic had made, having referred to him as a stud. He counted apartments, adding up exactly how many people had listened to them having sex.

The brothers whispered at one another as an older woman came out of her apartment all decked out in a pantsuit. Her hair was dark red, and her makeup was perhaps a bit much for daytime, which had Henry imagining her to be some aging Mary Kay rep. who refused to retire.

Henry spun around, hearing a door behind him. He cringed slightly, sucking down the rest of his coffee as Cain grinned, appearing curious before noticing the coffee and baked goods Henry held. He hadn’t intended to still be here, but as his gaze locked with Cain’s, he wasn’t sorry he’d stuck around. Butterflies seemed slightly inappropriate for a man his age, let alone over a guy he knew next to nothing about, but there they were, fluttering around and making a mess of his gut.

The sweet-looking little old lady passed by, winking at Henry instead of Tony and Vito.

“The new guy’s stealing our thunder!” Tony protested.

“Good morning, Cain,” she said, throwing him a wink as well.

Cain gave her a quick wave. “Good morning, Mrs. Robinson.”

Henry did a double take, ready to ask the obvious question, but the brothers started yelling and catcalling at her.

“Take my heart; it’s yours, Ruth!” Vito yelled.

“You don’t want it!” Tony declared. “He’s had multiple bypass surgeries! Take mine! It’s strong like an ox!”

Vito smirked. “Dumb as an ox is more like it.”

“At least, I don’t have to take those little blue pills, if you catch my drift.” Tony nodded curtly.

“Ha! Like that’s something to brag about.” Vito threw his hands into the air. “You stay hard for what? The time it takes for me test my blood sugar?”

“Nah!” Tony yelled, backhanding his brother in the shoulder. “You’re jealous ‘cause I got the real deal.”

Ruth was long gone, yet they hadn’t seemed to notice, which led Henry to believe it was more about one upping each other than actually docking the boat.

“I’m not sure you should know how long your brother can keep an erection,” Cain said, looking mildly disturbed.

“What?” Vito looked as if he’d been struck. “Why, ‘cause we aren’t gay?”

They didn’t wait for an answer before Tony piped in. “You homos these days…think you invented the penis.”

“We ain’t fairies so we can’t talk about sex now?” Vito asked to no one in particular, looking up into the sky for answers.

Tony placed his hands together as if he were ready to pray. “I’ll have you know, we’ve been comparing notes for decades.”

“You’d think someone who sticks their pecker up another man’s ass would be a little less judgmental,” Vito said as Tony nodded in agreement.

Cain was speechless, standing there with his mouth hanging open.

The brothers shook their heads at them and went back inside their apartment, arguing about who Mrs. Robinson would pick.

“That was…mortifying,” Cain said, shaking his head.

“You think so?” Henry asked, walking over to grab the coffee Nic had left there for Cain then handing it to him. He pointed toward the bedroom window, and Cain glanced up while taking a drink. “They all heard us having sex this morning.”

Cain spewed his mouthful of coffee into a fine mist that Henry managed to jump clear from.

Cain’s eyes went wide as saucers staring at the open window. “Oh…god!”

“That’s pretty much what it sounded like,” Stu said, passing by with a snarky grin. He was decked out in his gym gear and sunglasses, his hair slicked back. “I’m off to work, boys. Peace out.”

Cain began hyperventilating so Henry assumed he might be a teensy bit upset by this news. He bit back his laughter and grabbed Cain up into a hug.

“I think I might want to die,” Cain whispered. “The things I said…during.”

Henry couldn’t help it; he started laughing.

“This is so not funny.”

“It’s a little funny,” Henry said.

“It’s like the all new and improved humiliation hour, starring me.”

“God damn it, your cute,” Henry said.

“I’m a fucking nightmare, one you should’ve run from, fleeing as fast as your legs would carry you. Yet you’re still here? What’s up with that? Aren’t you supposed to just be a trick?”

“You said I was a trick. I never said that.”

“I know, but you fuck like a trick?” Cain asked, visibly confused.

“Certainly sounded that way to us,” Matt said as he and Eddie snickered, locking the door to their apartment and heading for the gate.

“Oh shut up!” Cain’s face was flushed as he shoved it into Henry’s chest, attempting to hide from the world.

Henry grinned, getting a bit embarrassed, as well. “I’ll go out on a limb and assume that fucking like a trick is a good thing?”

“It was good, like…really good,” Cain’s voice was muffled, “like the kind of good that only comes along once in a blue moon and usually by someone you’ll never see again.”

“Really?” Henry shrugged. “I was a little nervous, actually.”

“Seriously?” Cain now stared up at him in disbelief. “No, you’re just fucking with me, right? What you just did to me in there… I won’t be forgetting that for a very long time. If ever. Fuck, I really hope I don’t ever get Alzheimer’s. It would really suck forgetting that fuck.”

“You say fuck a lot,” Henry pointed out.

“So…that was…not your best?” Cain asked, ignoring Henry’s commentary over his use of language.

“Jesus, I hope not.”

“Oh god…me too,” Cain mumbled then realized he’d said it aloud.

Henry’s eyebrows arched upward. “I’ll take that to mean I’ll get another shot at proving myself correct.”

“If you just can’t seem to stop yourself, who am I to object.”

Henry kissed Cain, softly…slowly, only pulling away when he heard the music coming from Tony and Vito’s. “Every time I kiss you, I hear music.”

Cain sighed as the brothers both serenaded them and each other from inside their apartment.

“Living here can be…interesting,” Cain said.

Henry made an odd noise, signaling he approved either way, and kissed Cain again as the music swelled all around them. He wasn’t sure where any of this was heading, but damned if he gave a shit in that moment.

Chapter Four

Cain came down the stairs rubbing at his wrists, which were still a bit pink from where Henry had gripped them too hard. There was a rather large smile on his face as a result. As horrified as he’d been, knowing his tenants had listened to him having sex earlier that morning, it wasn’t enough to make him regret having had it. Henry had worked him over in the very best way possible. He was half hard now remembering it.

In Cain’s world, there were three classifications of fornication, the first being the regular, run-of-the-mill sex—the most common variety of suck and fuck. It was good. It was great. It was the foundation for happy gay men the world over. Then there was making love, which included all sorts of inside feelings, definitely a rare occurrence in his experience—a fact Cain hoped would change someday.

Finally, there was the down-and-dirty fucking, which was also accompanied by inner feelings but of an altogether different nature. This third classification was flesh searing and borderline depraved—not the kind of thing he could handle on a daily basis, but one that never failed to make him feel sexy for days after.

Cain had experienced this latter type earlier that morning.

Henry had ridden his ass hard, and he’d loved every last second of it.

Pausing for a moment, Cain sighed, thinking about Henry’s firm grip, fingers digging into his hip, the palm of his hand making repeated contact with his ass, teeth sinking into his neck and the twisting and pulling on his nipples and nuts.

“May not be able to sit down on hard surfaces for another day or two, but damn…”

He was a little embarrassed by the fact he liked it so much.

Cain hopped down the last few steps into the living room. His head cocked to the side as he noticed Henry loitering outside in the courtyard. It was just past dusk, and the little light left in the sky was rapidly fading into night. His back was turned to Cain, who stood there for several moments enjoying the view through the large picture window before stepping outside.

Henry turned, facing him after hearing the door open. “Hello, gorgeous.”

Cain laughed under his breath as he came down the steps and gave Henry a quick peck on the lips, while trying not to freak out over the fact he wasn’t freaking out. “What are doing out here, sir?”

Henry slipped his arms around Cain’s waist and returned the peck.

“Just taking it all in. This place has such an awesome feel, you know?” Rolling his eyes, Henry grinned. “Of course, you know that. You live here.”

They kissed again, taking a little more time to slowly explore one another with some tongue action.

“Oye! Get a room, mates!” A man called out in a thick accent, sounding like a butch Eliza Doolittle.

Much to Cain’s disappointment, Henry pulled away, now preoccupied with the last of his tenants, Pixie and Thrash. The couple walking by consisted of a younger, very cocky man in full strut mode, chomping away on his gum. Technically, he wasn’t a resident, though one would never know it considering he was here all the time. Dressed in a black leather vest and too-tight white-leather pants, he carried a guitar case in one hand. His hair had been sculpted up into a severe black faux-hawk with dark purple tips.

“Shut up, asshole. I think it’s fucking hawt!” the young lady walking with him said, carrying a smaller case that held her drum sticks.

“Have a good night, Pixie,” Cain said, hoping she caught the disapproval written all over his face.

She giggled, making him believe it hadn’t bothered her if she had.

They were both too thin, pierced and tattooed up one side and down the other, and Pixie was dressed in a plaid, Catholic schoolgirl mini and a painted-on halter tee, likely of her own design.

“You think everything’s hot, you dirty little nymph,” Thrash said, shoving his hand up her skirt as she squealed in delight.

As if on cue, the timer switched over and all the lights in the courtyard came to life.

“Showtime!” Thrash yelled, chasing Pixie toward the gate while scream-singing.

“They’re in a band,” Cain said.

Henry’s eyebrows arched upward. “You have a very eclectic mix living here.”

“They’re harmless,” Cain informed him. “Her real name is Stacey, and she’s from Carbondale, Illinois, and Tim isn’t even British. I made him give me a copy of his driver’s license when it became clear he was becoming an unofficial renter. He’s from friggin’ Nebraska, for crying out loud.”

“Does Pixie know this about Thrash?” Henry asked, not seeming fond of perpetuating the lie.

“I have no idea, but from the sound of her orgasms at three and four in the morning, I’m guessing she wouldn’t give a shit either way.”

Henry stood there, staring into Cain’s eyes for a moment, as if he were trying to come to some sort of conclusion about the man in his arms.

Ella Fitzgerald began playing softly from the Scalia brother’s apartment, and they heard one yelling at the other, “Turn it up, you moron. They can probably barely hear it!”

They both laughed, but Henry adapted quickly, beginning to slow dance with Cain in his arms. It wasn’t lost on Cain that the song happened to be Making Whoopie.

“What’s the story with those two?” Henry asked.

“Vito’s the oldest, lived here for like fifteen years, moved in sometime after his wife died in a plane crash of all things. I think initially he did so in an attempt to woo my grandma, Gladys, not that it did him any good. Tony came about four years ago, after his wife passed away from breast cancer.”

“Sad stuff,” Henry said.

“I don’t think Ella’s doing the trick. They’re still just talking.” Vito said, sounding frustrated.

“You think homos prefer a male singer, too?” Tony asked.

“Are they for real?” Henry asked.

“You’ll have to forgive them.” Cain sighed, resting his chin in the divot of Henry’s chest as he looked up at the man. “My grandmother made them promise to look after me before she passed away, which to them means finding me a husband, so you’ve been warned.”

“When did she pass?” Henry asked, apparently skipping right over the whole husband landmine.

“Almost two years now.” Cain found it difficult to believe as he still felt her presence all around him. “She left La Terraza in my very ill-equipped hands.”

Henry appeared to have noted the tone of disappointment in Cain’s voice but apparently decided to let it go for the time being, giving him a soft kiss instead—a way better salve for his wounds than any words might have been.

“What about your parents?” Henry asked

“My parents live across town in the same tiny ranch I grew up in, next door to my mother’s sister.” Cain smiled. “They would just love you.”

Henry grinned, moving Cain around in a circle and keeping time with the music. “I usually do well with parents.”

“Certainly not a hard sell, buddy.” Cain laughed, stumbling over Henry’s feet. “Sorry, kinda clumsy.”

“If it makes you feel any better, my mother would chew you up,” Henry commented, humming off key under his breath.

“That a good thing or a bad one?” Cain asked.

“Definitely good. She’d find you absolutely adorable.” Henry let go with one hand, spinning Cain in a circle before reeling him back into his arms. “Cute as a box of puppies, she’d probably say.”

“And your dad?” Cain asked, grinning over the implied compliment.

“Daddy wouldn’t care so much, not too fond of the gay stuff, just one of the many things they love to argue about.” Henry sighed, as if the mere thought exhausted him.

“Sorry to hear that. Not sure I’ve ever heard my parents utter a cross word to one another, at least not seriously. They joke around a lot.”

Henry stopped, cupping Cain’s face in his hands and kissed him. Cain moaned softly, arms tightening around Henry’s waist as their tongues slowly danced. He couldn’t help but notice how much he loved having some part of Henry inside him as he sucked the man’s tongue deeper down his throat.

“He’s smooth that one,” Cain heard Tony Scalia saying.

Cain broke away, happy to see the evidence of pained lust on Henry’s face when he did. “We should go inside.”

Henry smiled, seeming to understand Cain wasn’t in the mood for an audience as he nodded his agreement.

“Way to go, loud mouth,” Vito said. “You fucked up his mojo.”

Cain tried to ignore their arguing as he led Henry inside.

* * * *

Henry immediately tried picking things back up where they’d left off outside, attempting to pull Cain into another kiss.

Twirling out of the way, Cain shook his finger. “You stay over there, buddy, just out of arm’s reach.”

Henry laughed, a particularly knee-weakening confidence coming off of him in waves. “That very evident hard-on in your pants is singing an entirely different tune, baby.”

“Don’t ‘baby’ me, with that Southern boy charm and swagger.” Cain backed away toward the kitchen as the oven timer started to buzz. “We’re going to sit down and share a meal, a glass of wine or two and have some semblance of an adult conversation before having any adult…anything else.”

Henry continued to advance as Cain backed away, tripping up the step into the kitchen and dining area.

“I’m as serious as a heart attack, Henry…”

* * * *

“…Abrams!” Cain screamed.

Cain was bent over the small dining table, the place settings disheveled and salt shaker laying on its side. The poor kid groaned and panted away as Henry licked and gently bit Cain’s tight pink hole, thrusting his tongue quickly in and out.

Initially motivated by guilt, after Cain had mentioned he might be too sore to handle taking it up the ass tonight, Henry now found himself ready to blow as he listened to the effect his tongue had on his new lover. Wiggling his ass, attempting to push back into Henry’s mouth, wanting more, Cain was dripping wet with sweat. Granted, Henry had been eating the man’s ass for a good ten minutes, but Henry had Cain tied into knots of desire, begging for release, penetration, an end to world hunger…

His ranting had turned into nonsensical gibberish, so Henry was merely guessing.

Cain’s cock was so hard it sat rigidly up against his stomach. He cried out when Henry reached around him and fisted his erection, jacking him off. It took about four pulls before Cain’s nuts exploded, legs shaking and twitching as Henry continued licking his ass until the man was completely spent.

Henry was up on his feet and jacking himself off, pinning Cain to the top of the table with one hand as he too came, shooting his seed across Cain’s butt cheeks.

He smiled, not bothering to contain his own joyful screaming. Cain was still murmuring under his breath, draped across the table like a wet rag. Henry milked the last bit of cum out of his cock, his body twitching when he kept the friction going a little too long.

Enjoying the visual of his semen dripping down that pale white ass and running along the crack toward Cain’s hole, Henry shivered this time. “Not sure I’ve ever seen anything look as incredible as you do right now.”

“I’ll try not taking offense…not looking me in the face and all.” Cain was still breathing heavily and unable to form complete sentences.

Henry groaned, finally able to stand on his own once again. “Don’t blame me. It’s not my fault you have a perfectly sinful-looking bubble butt.” He gave Cain’s ass a squeeze, smearing the already cooling cum.

“Can’t move…think you broke me.”

“Surprised your neighbors didn’t come crashing in, thinking I was murdering you the way we were thrashing about there.”

Henry yanked his jeans back up and ran to the sink. Pulling off a wad of paper towels, he walked slowly back, admiring the view one last time before cleaning Cain up.

“The only thing sinful in here is that tongue of yours, Mr. Abrams.” Cain finally pushed himself up after Henry gave his ass the all’s-good pat of reassurance. He held onto the table for a moment as if unsure his legs were gonna work. “You keep that kinda shit up, and you’ll have to kill me in order to get rid of me.”

Henry burst out laughing, holding his pants up with one hand, the other one holding his stomach. “Christ, you issue the most disturbing compliments.”

Cain glanced down at his pants still around his ankles.

Henry buttoned his jeans before moving in for another quick kiss. “You shouldn’t be allowed to wear clothes.”

“Anything you say, baby.” Cain stepped out of his jeans and kicked them toward the couch.

Henry laughed again, giving him another peck then watching as Cain carefully walked toward the oven, stopping once to stretch his neck and back. Henry glanced at his shirt on the floor and decided to leave it, following Cain to see how he might be able to help.

“Dinner salvageable?” he asked, washing his hands.

“It’s lasagna, so yeah. A quick nuke and it’ll be good to go.” Cain turned to inspect the bread. “The cheesy bread, not so much, but I hadn’t tossed the salad before you tossed mine so we still have that.”

“And the wine,” Henry added, taking the open bottle of Chianti from the counter and pouring them both some.

“Thanks.” Cain took the glass offered to him, partaking of a quick sip. “Man, it’s like you stepped right out of my fantasies and materialized into real life.”

“I was thinking the same thing all day long,” Henry said, not thinking before adding, “I keep waiting for the proverbial rug to be pulled out from under me.”

Cain nodded then cringed slightly. “There is one thing.”

Henry groaned, taking a couple really big swigs. “Okay, hit me.”

“I wasn’t going to say anything as I had no reason to think this would be anything more than a one-night…thing.” Cain turned away, fiddling with cutting the lasagna.

“Don’t do that,” Henry said, making him face him once again. “Whatever it is, I’m sure there’s a solution of some kind out there.”

“It’s your new job. Hamilton-Bach represents some real estate conglomerate—pressuring me to sell La Terraza, like bordering on harassment, calling all the time. That type of thing.”

“I can see about getting them to stop doing that when I go into the office on Monday. Cain, I’m sure it’s just an over-eager associate bucking for a sales commission.”

Henry saw the creases of worry forming across Cain’s forehead.

“I don’t want you to do that, Henry. You don’t need to get involved.”

“I’m not up on everything going on with the Real Estate and Development division, but it doesn’t hurt to ask around.”

“Even still, I’d feel better if we at least tried keeping ourselves separate from any of that.” Cain took another quick drink then reached over, running the back of his hand over Henry’s chest. “Maybe it won’t be a big thing if we don’t go poking the hornets’ nest, you know?”

Henry rolled his eyes, thinking Cain was being silly, but nodded his agreement, happy he did so when Cain smiled like a kid who’d been handed that brand new toy he’d been pining for.

As their lips drifted together, Henry decided it might be time to acknowledge there was something more here than a typical garden-variety lustfest. As ridiculous as it sounded to him, considering it had barely been more than twenty-four hours since they’d met, Henry found himself more nervous about how long he’d get to stay as opposed to how soon he’d be able to leave.

* * * *

The next morning, Cain decided to take Henry on that tour of La Terraza he’d been hinting at the entire evening before. The man had already nosed his way into every nook and cranny of Cain’s apartment, and since the Scalia brothers’ was an exact copy, they’d skipped them and headed to Eddie and Matt’s for an unscheduled coffee date.

Eddie’s apartment was a mirror image of Nic and Stu’s , identical layouts except everything was flip-flopped. They were located on the ends of the building which meant they had windows on three sides instead of just two. It took nearly no prodding before Eddie figured out Henry hoped to get a tour, which Matt was happy to provide.

Henry and Matt barely made it halfway up the stairs before Eddie began hastily pumping Cain for deets, which was when Cain realized why Eddie was being so hospitable.

“Is this like one of those lesbian relationships I hear tales about?” Eddie asked, grinning evilly. “Is the U-haul already out front? China patterns chosen? Seriously, has he even left?”

“Yes, he’s left, rudeness.” Cain gave him the evil eye, even though the man couldn’t see it. “He went back to his hotel yesterday and came back for dinner-”

“And never left. Yes, I see how this works.”

“Oh shut up.” Cain smiled despite being mildly annoyed.

“We all know the sex is good.” Eddie chuckled.

Cain refused to allow himself to be humiliated over that any longer. As much as he’d like to, there was no changing reality.

“Can’t believe what a screamer you are,” Eddie added, taking a sip of coffee. “I know you’re still here, you know. I hear you breathing.”

“One might assume I was waiting for a topic to come along that I didn’t find offensive.”

“Oh, right…sorry.” Eddie cringed then sat there as if he were trying to think of something else to talk about. “But seriously, does Henry have a huge dick or is he working some sort of new technique?”

Cain laughed out sheer nervousness, placing his head on the counter and groaning in response.

* * * *

Cain was standing in the bathroom of the vacant one-bedroom apartment located next door to Mrs. Robinson’s. He’d been staring up at the large water stain on the ceiling, before deciding to climb up onto the tub in an attempt to feel the ceiling.

Henry rushed into the room. “Careful there, buddy.”

“Thanks,” Cain said as Henry took hold of him, those hands now resting on his hip and stomach. “Yep, it’s damp. There’s a leak, damn it.”

Cain found himself not caring quite as much as he slid down Henry’s hard body, slowly being lowered to the floor. He started to climb back up onto the tub. “We should totally do that again.”

“Get down, you goof.” Henry was laughing under his breath as he yanked Cain down and paused mere moments before kissing him.

Hands immediately wandered and hard-ons sprouted. Cain had just gotten to work on Henry’s zipper when he heard Mrs. Robinson calling out his name.

“Are you in there, sweetie?” she asked.

They stared into one another briefly, smiling as they straightened out each other’s clothes.

“Yeah, be right there, Ruth!” Cain pulled Henry back down for a last quick kiss. “Totally to be continued.”

He sighed, glancing up at the wet ceiling once more as he followed Henry back out into the apartment.

Grandma Gladys had always privately referred to Ruth Robinson as being a fast woman—at least by the standards put in place by her generation—married five or six times and never without a man when she wasn’t. Of course, by today’s standards, no one would bat an eye, but it was certainly one of the reasons the Scalia brothers were always trying get into her pantsuits.

Ruth was an odd mix of contradictions—sweet as apple pie yet not afraid to give ya some lip if she felt she was being treated unfairly. Despite the very obvious fact she was forever dating god knows how many men at the ripe old age of nobody-knew-for-sure, Cain had never once heard her gossiping or bragging about any of them.

“Oh, you have company. I apologize, dear.” Ruth smiled sweetly.

Cain wasn’t buying it, considering he’d seen her peek out her windows at them when they’d passed her door. “Not a problem. What can do for ya, darlin’?”

Henry smirked over Cain’s impersonation of his Southern twang.

“My bathroom has that horrible musty smell again, Cain.”

“It can’t be the plumbing; I just had a guy out here last month.”

He certainly hadn’t forgotten. The asshole had fixed her leak then gleefully informed Cain that all his plumbing would need to be replaced. Of course, he’d kept that secret to himself.

“Well now, I don’t presume to know what’s causing it, dear, just that it’s come back. You told me not to wait so long to tell you these things if it ever happened again, so here I am.”

He grinned, as was she, though hers was most likely motivated by sarcasm. He’d been a little cross with her at the time, which wasn’t fair to Ruth. He hadn’t even been mad at her, just frustrated about where to find the money for yet another bill he couldn’t afford to pay.

“I did apologize for that, Ruth,” Cain frowned. “I thought you’d forgiven me.”

“Oh I did, dear,” Ruth smiled. “Happily forgiven…just not forgotten.”

Cain sighed, not happy with that answer, while knowing she’d stop torturing him at some point. “I’m giving Henry a tour of the property, so we’ll be heading down to the cellar later. I’ll let you know if we find anything.”

“Thank you so much, Cain.” Ruth glanced over at Henry. “Nice to see you back so soon, Mr…?”

“Sorry, this is Henry Abrams, Ruth.”

“Lovely to meet you, ma’am,” Henry said.

Ruth glanced back and forth between the two of them as she and Henry shook hands. “Charmed.”

With a knowing smirk, she turned and headed out the door, leaving them in peace.

Henry whistled. “That one’s certainly holding a grudge.”

“You think?” Cain buried his face in his hands, groaning in misery and praying she was just old and smelling shit that wasn’t really there.

Henry kneaded the muscles in Cain’s shoulders, eliciting a groan of pleasure from him.

“Didn’t mean for my little tour to create extra work for you, baby.”

“If there’s something wrong, it’s usually better—and cheaper—if you catch it early. Need to run upstairs to Snead’s apartment to see if I can find the leak currently fucking up the ceiling here. It’s weird, but the longer a space sits empty the more things seem to go wrong with it.”

“Spaces are meant to be lived in,” Henry crossed the room, taking one last look at the kitchen cabinets.

“I really need to get someone in here.” The truth was he hadn’t had the money to spend on the newspaper ad.

He glanced over at Henry, thinking he could do a hell of a lot worse for a tenant. Then he recalled Eddie’s U-Haul crack and thought better of it, knowing he’d never live it down.

Henry ran his fingertips along the wood grain. “So well built, beautifully crafted, yet simple and unassuming.”

“You talking about me or the cabinets?” Cain asked.

“Both.” Henry winked, following him out the door.

As they headed upstairs and made their way to Snead’s door, Henry took Cain’s hand, the pad of his thumb massaging Cain’s palm.

Something else that was so simple and unassuming, yet still beautiful, Cain thought, knocking on the door.

After waiting and having no one answer, Cain unlocked the door, praying they wouldn’t find tortured and dissected animals inside. He hadn’t wanted to rent to Ned Snead, but he was too desperate for the income to be picky. The guy gave him the creeps, though.

“I don’t normally let myself in like this, but he’s usually gone the entire weekend and I need to check for the leak,” Cain admitted, opening the door and heading inside.

He was stunned by what he saw, turning in a circle as he surveyed the interiors. From the look on Henry’s face, it wasn’t only him.

“How long has he lived here?” Henry asked.

“Almost six months.” Cain went farther inside, calling out to make sure no one was home.

The apartment was nearly empty aside from the simple cot in the living room and the TV sitting atop the side table that had been left there by the previous tenant.

“Gives a whole new meaning to living without the excess,” Henry said.

“This is weird, right?” Cain felt odd being in here all of a sudden. “Not just me being weird.”

“Not just you.” Henry thumbed back toward the doorway. “Should I wait in the hall?”

Cain’s eyes widened. “Fuck, no! You aren’t leaving me in here by myself.”

Henry laughed, seeming to understand how creepy that might be.

Making a beeline for the bathroom, Cain was down on all fours in seconds. He popped out the access panel in the wall to check the pipes then clicked on the flashlight he’d pulled out of his back pocket and scowled at the water dripping from one of the fittings. He reached down and twisted the shut-off valve to prevent further leakage.

“Have to come back up and see if I can tighten it myself,” Cain said, turning when Henry made no comment. “Where’d you go?”

Cain sighed in relief, hearing Henry in the other room. “You gotta see this.”

Cain rounded the corner into the bedroom. “Some watchdog you’d make.”

Henry stood in front of the closet which had a few pairs of jeans and T-shirts hanging inside along with a pair of shoes and random undergarments sitting atop the shelf. A large tool box was on the closet floor next to a crow bar.

“I’m outta here.” Cain spun around and headed for the front door with Henry laughing at his heels on the way out.

“You act like you don’t wanna look inside?” Henry asked, his voice laced with ornery.

Cain stood in the hall just outside the door, shaking off the chills. “Let’s go before your nosiness gets us impaled by Satan’s miscreant.”

“You’re the one renting to him,” Henry reminded him as Cain locked the door.

“Come on, smarty pants.” Cain grabbed the man by the arm, dragging him away from the door. “Let’s finish up this tour so I can find something more useful you can do with that mouth of yours.”

Henry’s laugh radiated through his body, instantly making him feel more at ease as they headed for the door at the end of the hall.

They went through the attic so Henry could take a look at the construction, getting an idea of how the place had been put together before heading to the cellar. Much to Cain’s dismay, they discovered Ruth’s pipes were indeed leaking, in several places no less. Henry seemed to note the look of despair on Cain’s face because he offered to help him fix it.

“I’m not an expert mind you, but I put in some time working construction in my day. If it’s nothing major, we might be able to do it ourselves.”

Henry’s offer elicited a bear hug from Cain that nearly knocked the man over.

“Thank you, thank you, thank you!” Cain said, kissing him before he could get another word out. “You help me with my pipes and I’ll totally tend to yours later.”

That had Henry grinning, but Cain didn’t give him much time to ponder the possibilities before he dragged the man back out of the cellar so they could go purchase supplies.

* * * *

It was nearly nine at night before they’d finished replacing the bad pipe, the multiple T-fittings and brackets, but it was done, and all for less than thirty bucks, which had Cain euphoric.

Henry on the other hand seemed a little worse for the wear. The wife beater he wore was soaked through with sweat under the arms and around the center of his chest and back. Cain wasn’t complaining, though Henry was slightly grumbly.

They’d stopped by his hotel room and picked up a few changes of clothes on their way to the home improvement center since Cain had invited him to stay the rest of the weekend if he liked.

Apparently, Henry liked.

Cain did as well. He very much liked the way the big, beefy man looked in the beat-up pair of jeans. Henry’s hair was damp around his face, and he ran his fingers back through it, getting it off his forehead. He removed the leather tool belt Cain had lent him, laying it on the kitchen counter before getting himself a large glass of water.

As Cain watched the man guzzling it down, he couldn’t help but think Henry looked primed and ready to walk onto a plumber-themed porn set and lay some thick beefy pipe of his own.

Henry was visibly startled when he turned to find Cain standing right behind him.

“Jeez, scared the shit…” Henry watched Cain drop to his knees, “…outta me.”

Cain smiled, doing his very best to seem innocent, despite the fact he was currently unfastening Henry’s belt and jeans, which fell around Henry’s ankles. Cain moaned seductively as he shoved his nose into Henry’s brief-covered crotch and inhaled deeply. He all but ripped the man’s underwear down, wasting no time before licking and sucking each sweaty ball into his mouth one at a time and getting off on the salty-sweet tang combined with the musky scent of man sweat.

Henry’s dick was only about half hard when Cain sucked him all the way into the back of his throat.

He wasn’t half hard for long.

As far as payment for services rendered went, Cain was practically floating on an erotic high, thinking for once he hadn’t gotten screwed in a business transaction.

“God damn it, Cain.” Henry white-knuckled the kitchen counter as he instinctively thrust his cock down Cain’s throat. “Please tell me I get to fuck your tight little ass tonight.”

Cain groaned, letting the man know things were looking favorable on that front.

Henry grabbed him by the hair, taking control of Cain’s cock sucking, apparently deciding he preferred Cain doing things his way.

Spoke too soon. Looks like I’ll be getting screwed after all.

Chapter Five

The offices of Hamilton-Bach were housed inside a two-story building constructed of bronze, steel and glass which lent the structure a contemporary, sculptural feel, resembling a piece of modern art more than it did office space. The long, vertical battens and large panes of glass allowed light and shadow to play off the reflective surfaces, making the interiors feel warm and open as opposed to hard and cavernous.

Humming some tune he’d been unable to get out of his head all morning, Henry walked through the front door of Hamilton-Bach, rested and recharged, ready to attack another day at work. He felt as if he were on fire, able to do no wrong, and in the zone that had him destined for success.

Much of that was due to Cain; Henry could no longer deny that.

Though it had only been a few weeks since they’d met, as each new day came and went, Henry became more and more certain he’d finally found the guy. Not the one as he’d never believed there was only one person out there for everyone, but certainly one of the many who might be right for him.

It went beyond the typical he makes me feel good crap. Though Cain did make him feel great—more than great actually.

Henry had never been with anyone who was quite as…responsive in the sack as Cain was. So much so that he’d feared it was all part of an act in the beginning. Not that he was knocking his own skills, Henry knew he was proficient, but when it came to Henry’s dick, Cain was a bit like an addict who’d found a new drug.

It honestly wasn’t until he’d overheard Nic mentioning she’d never seen Cain so happy that Henry had decided to let go of any doubts or suspicions and stop looking for things that had never been there to begin with.

I’ll just have to resign myself to being the rock-star, sex-stud my new boyfriend believes me to be.

He laughed to himself, realizing he sounded like an idiot, while trying to prevent any added swagger seeping into his strut due to his rapidly over-inflating ego.

The icing on the exceedingly hot sex-cake was how god damn sweet the man was. He practically oozed earnestness, to the extent Henry wanted to wrap him up and protect the little guy from all the evils in the world. Strangely enough, Henry was aware that he didn’t need to do that. Life could certainly get Cain down, but it would never keep him down. He was amazingly strong and resilient, a quality that made Henry respect Cain, every bit as much as it made him want to fuck him.

Henry breezed past his assistant, Anna Washington, who watched intently as Henry went into his office.

Turning on his computer, he smiled up at her and did a little jig, which had her normally sour puss smiling, before he flopped down into his chair.

As usual, she was impeccably dressed, having that slightly glossy sheen he’d come to expect due to the makeup and her penchant for silk blouses. Her real name was Anjanetta and she was one of the few people of color that worked at the firm, a deficiency Henry wasn’t used to coming from Georgia.

He felt much more at home around her than he did most of his other colleagues.

“Good morning, Miss Anna,” Henry said, wiggling his eyebrows. “Hope you had as awesome a weekend as I did.”

He looked her up and down, knowing full well she dressed to be noticed, though never over-the-top or what anyone might consider overtly sexual. She definitely had a fondness for jewelry, as well as extravagant taste in handbags and footwear. She was the type of woman who never left the house without her war paint on.

“Somehow, I’m thinking that’s a big fat no,” Anna said, her sarcasm rearing its ugly head. “I get the feeling an entire commune full of flower children couldn’t have had as awesome a weekend as you.”

“You would be right, there, Anna.” Henry sighed, placing a hand over his chest. “I think I’m in love, and as there is quite possibly only one guy, like my guy, out there in this big, beautiful world, it’s not possible for anyone else to be as happy as me…‘cause I ain’t sharing.”

“Oh, is that all?” Anna scoffed. “Thought you won the lottery or something.”

“You choose money over love?” Henry was disgusted. “Anna, you wound me.”

“In my experience, the money will last longer.” She sniffed, leaning against the doorjamb. “And that ain’t saying much, honey, ‘cause this girl loves to shop.”

Henry laughed. “Lucky for me, I still have all my priorities straight. Who needs retail therapy when you can have mind-blowing se—well, never mind about any of that.”

Henry straightened in his seat as Anna groaned as if she had his number.

“Would you mind if I left a little early today, boss?” she asked. “My lease is up next month, and my asshole landlord is kicking me out so he can move in his soon-to-be next ex-wife. Now, that’s the love I’m most familiar with.”

“I don’t mind at all.” Henry was aware she was attempting to be negative again, but he wasn’t listening too intently as she went on about what she was looking for in a new home on the off chance Henry happened to run across any apartments during his own search for a place.

He’d decided to rent for a year, make sure he would be happy here and spend a little time getting the lay of the land and figuring out exactly what part of town he wanted to live in. Now, there was only one place he had in mind. He’d very nearly asked about the vacant apartment at La Terraza, but he wasn’t sure if that would be too weird or end up putting a strain or undue pressure on their still-budding relationship.

Henry spent most nights in Cain’s bed, although they had stayed in his hotel room a handful of times. There was a difference between sleeping there every night and physically moving in. Not a huge difference, but still. They weren’t ready for that, couldn’t possibly be. He’d heard of guys meeting, moving in quickly and having successful relationships, but not nearly as often as the crash-and-burn variety that seemed to occur most often.

“I actually may know of a place,” Henry blurted out. “My boyfriend owns a beautiful old apartment complex, and there’s a vacancy.”

Better if he helped fill that apartment so there’d be no temptation to do something stupid, himself.

She seemed cautiously optimistic. “Where’s it at?”

“It’s called La Terraza, only about six maybe eight blocks from the office,” Henry said, picking up his cell. “I can give him a call now. If you like something older, with some real character—”

“Um…I’ll drive by at lunch and just take a peek. No sense disturbing the man if I don’t like what I see.” Anna backed out of the office, pointing back toward her desk. “Don’t wanna hurt the boss’ boyfriend’s feelings, right? I’m gonna get back to work.”

“Sure…of course.” Henry was momentarily confused, until realizing the poor girl might not want to see her boss after leaving work at the end of the day. Not the most desirable option for her. “Let me know if you want directions.”

“Oh I’ll find it,” Anna called back. “Got GPS on my cell phone, thanks!”

Feeling slightly awkward, he kicked himself for being so stupid. Of course she doesn’t want to live there, idiot. He’d leave it for a few days then apologize.

Henry opened his e-mail and began going about the business of his day, cringing when he glanced back out at her. He could tell she purposely avoided looking his direction. He realized he had no coffee and cursed himself again, getting up from his desk since he was now too embarrassed to ask her to get it.

* * * *

Fumbling absently for the intercom, Henry looked up from the new set of plans for the Peterman Group’s project and tapped the call button.

“Mr. Bach to see you,” Anna said.

“Send him in.” Henry craned his neck, waving the older man into his office as he came from behind his desk. He glanced at the clock on the wall and realized he’d worked straight through lunch.

He noted Anna was still avoiding any direct eye contact but tried to put it out of his mind as he opened to door. “Come on in, Franklin.”

“Henry!” the old guy jovially said, patting Henry on the back while leading him away from the door. “Shameful I haven’t been by more, but I wanted to check in on you.”

“Things are great, thank you!” Henry smiled, waving his hand toward a chair.

“No thanks, my boy. Can’t stay, can’t stay, unfortunately.” Franklin smacked him on the back again. “Things coming along on the Peterman designs?”

“Yes, sir, just fine, thanks. We’ve got another meeting set up in a few weeks.” Henry shoved his hands in his pockets. “Have the latest plans here if you wanted to take a look?”

“That’s fantastic, but no. I trust they’re in quite capable hands. The Peterman Group was certainly happy to see you come on board, young man, they certainly were.”

Henry began to understand something was off, noting the fact Franklin wouldn’t look him in the eye.

“Look, Henry, there’s no easy way to broach the subject, so I’ll just come out with it.”

“I wish you would, Franklin. Hope you know I’m here for the long haul, so whatever’s bugging you please, let’s deal with it.”

“Knew there was a reason I liked you, kid,” Franklin said, clearing his throat. “It’s come to my attention you’ve become acquainted with a young man named Cain Elliott.”

Henry glanced back out the door and saw Anna quickly look away. He’d need to have a little discussion about loyalties if she intended to continue working with him. “I hope this isn’t going to be a gay thing, Franklin. I made both you and Larry aware of the fact—”

“Of course not,” Franklin interrupted. “We told you that the instant you disclosed that fact to us. I wasn’t even aware your relationship was of that nature, to be honest. And now that I do, I certainly applaud your choice. Elliott is fine young man. I even admire him in a sense. Knew his grandmother Gladys well. She was fine, spirited woman.”

“I’m not sure I understand, then.”

“It’s about the property, La Terraza.” Franklin now looked him in the eye. “Not sure if you’re aware, but we have a very important client who’s extremely keen on that particular parcel of land.”

“Jeez, you make it sound like they want the land and not the building.” Henry said.

“That’s correct.”

“You can’t be serious.” Henry was astonished. “You have to know who designed that building.”

“I do indeed, and it’s a damn shame the building can’t be saved, but we aren’t in that business, Henry. Obtaining that property will bring in a two-hundred-million dollar contract. I don’t have to tell you something like that would solidify your standing in the firm. You’d be able to write your own ticket after that, son.”

Henry felt sick to his stomach. “I’ll be honest with you, Franklin. I can’t imagine Cain selling La Terraza…ever.”

“I’d urge you to try imagining it. You’ll be more apt to help Elliott do so, if you can.”

Henry nodded that he understood Bach’s meaning, but his head spun. He remembered Cain mentioning the company’s interest, but never imagined anyone wanting to tear the place down. It was borderline sacrilegious—bad enough destroying another architect’s work in the first place, let alone a true artist like Mario Bello.

“He’s made a valiant effort to keep the place afloat, Henry.” Franklin started to head toward the door. “Everyone recognizes that, but he’s fighting a losing battle and word around town is he hasn’t been able to secure a loan to make the necessary improvements the city will no doubt eventually force him to make.”

Henry looked Franklin in the face, unable to miss the veiled threat in that last statement.

“You’ll be doing him a favor, really,” Franklin said, the tone in his voice perking up as if he were now offering a silver lining. “If he sells now, he stands to make a sizeable profit. Hell, we may even be able to squeeze out a little more for him, knowing there’s a personal connection for one of our future partners.”

Henry nodded, staring blankly at the carpeting.

“If he holds out too much longer though, he’ll lose the place and end up having nothing to show for it but grief and regret. If you truly care for him, I’d strongly recommend you sit him down and make sure he understands the score.”

Franklin seemed worried for a moment, walking back over to give Henry another pat on the back. “I’ve got to run. Have a reservation for the back nine at the country club. We really need to get you out on a golf course, Henry. You have a great evening, and feel free to take a couple days if you need it. Maybe you can take Elliott away for a long weekend and grease the wheels for this deal. Be mighty grateful to you if you could.”

With that, Franklin was gone, with nothing other than a cool rush of air to evidence he’d ever been there to begin with.

Henry went back to his chair and sat down. Franklin’s words all rumbled around his now buzzing, distracted brain. He hadn’t realized things were so dire for Cain. It broke Henry in two, knowing Cain had been keeping that from him and wondering if that decision had been fueled by some sort of idiotic attempt at self-sacrifice or, worse, out of fear or a sense of distrust.

Did he fear I’d run and tell the boss how bad things are?

Did Cain think Henry would dump his ass for not being more financially sound?

Henry now understood why Cain had been so sad the night they’d met and figured this was what all that “fifth date drama” nonsense had been about.

So many things now made sense, like why he never wanted to go out to eat and insisted on cooking them dinner instead.

And Henry had opened his fat mouth a few days back, teasing Cain by accusing the man of being too cheap to go out.

“Stupid!” Henry hissed.

He’d only been kidding around at the time.

“Shit…I didn’t know, damn it.”

“I bet you’re pissed at me,” Anna said, slinking into the room but hanging close to the door as if she feared he’d blow his top and she’d need to make a run for it. “And while I didn’t exactly tell Mr. Bach, I’m not going to lie and say that I didn’t intentionally mention it in front of his assistant.”

Henry’s eyes widened, and he got up out his chair, indeed ready to blow his top.

“And I’m really, really, really sorry, Henry, but I knew someone had to tell you. I just didn’t want to be the one to make you look the way you do right now.”

Henry closed his eyes and took a deep, cleansing breath, wishing he’d paid more attention during the few yoga classes he’d managed to make it through. Breathing was a big part of relaxation or some such nonsense.

“Okay, I said what I had to,” Anna sighed. “You can yell at me now.”

He rounded the front of his desk and leaned back, propping himself up. “I’m not going to yell at you, and I’m not even angry…now that you’ve explained yourself.”

“I’ve worked here for a long time, been assigned to several associates over the last six years, Henry. The one constant at Hamilton-Bach—”

“Let me guess, Hamilton and Bach?”

“Well, them too, but no. The bottom line is the one constant I was referring to. At the end of the day, money motivates policy. I’ll be honest and say it’s why I’ve stayed. It’s the greedy sons-a-bitches who stay in business.”

After he nodded that he understood her meaning, Anna quietly ducked out the door and returned to her desk. Henry was ruined for work; the rest of his afternoon would be shit. He stumbled back behind his desk and sat down, mind racing in hopes of coming up with that one solution no one else had managed to think up. Already at war with himself, Henry was incensed and outraged that another architect would even consider demolishing anything Bello had designed. At the same time Henry was saddened for Cain and everything he was about to lose.

Henry was well aware of exactly how much the building and tenants meant to the man with whom he was falling in love.

There was a darker more obsessive side of Henry’s personality, the one that was ever striving for success. Henry was unsure exactly how much of the better parts of himself he’d be willing to sacrifice in order to satisfy his own more selfish drive, and that frightened him. Unable to deny that side of him existed, he was already making justifications in the back of his mind as to why Cain might be better off.

Henry slammed his fist into the top of his desk, pissed off at himself for even going there. He groaned, wishing he could go back and unlearn what he now knew.

* * * *

Henry waved back at Matt who’d spied him through the window that looked out over the courtyard from Eddie’s apartment. Henry was exhausted, and for the very first time since walking through that gate all those weeks ago, he’d not been looking forward to coming back to La Terraza.

He heard Nic squealing and glanced through their window, watching Stu toss her over his shoulder before spinning her around in circles while she laughed and giggled, pleading for him to stop.

He’d seen Mrs. Robinson climbing into the back of a limo as he’d come in, all decked out in sequins, glittering in the late afternoon summer sunshine. Off on yet another date with a mysterious man of means.

“Henry!” the Scalia brothers yelled in unison. Vito carried a plate of burgers and hot dogs out to their tiny gas grill to BBQ.

“All hail the conquering hero!” Tony added.

“Wanna wiener?” Vito asked, forking a dog which he held up into the air for clarification.

Henry laughed over that one, though his heart wasn’t quite in it.

“Don’t tease the butt pirates,” Tony said, slapping his brother.

Keeping his smile firmly in place, Henry passed by all of them on the way to Cain’s apartment, aware of the homeless future ahead of them. Part of him wished he still didn’t know. It was already killing Henry, so he could only imagine how it had affected Cain, who’d been dealing with the knowledge for god knows how long.

He thought back to his conversation with the brothers and Ruth the weekend before as they’d professed their undying love for Cain…

“Such a sweet boy. The apple of his grandmother Gladdie’s eye,” Ruth had praised.

“We know he needs to raise the rent,” Vito said, eliciting a nod of agreement from Ruth and Pixie who’d joined everyone outside for a potluck, alfresco community dinner under the stars.

Everyone accept Snead had turned up.

“That extra rent would help him keep the ship afloat and running smoothly,” Tony added.

“And if we were in the position to help we would,” Vito piped in.

“He knows we can’t afford to pay more, and he never asks,” Ruth said, clutching her pearls as she got a little misty-eyed.

“He’s a saint!” Tony declared.

Pixie’s large eyes bugged out, looking even larger than normal. “You said it, gramps.”

They’d all been well aware Cain was struggling, just not to what extent. Henry climbed the two steps up the stoop and took a deep breath, unsure exactly how he’d tell Cain he knew.

Part of him wanted to play along, pretending as if everything was all right and hoping Cain would tell him whenever he was ready. But Henry cared about him too much to let him suffer and fret in isolation. Plus he felt obligated at some point to spell things out for Cain, to make sure he understood the score. Whoever was interested in purchasing the property wasn’t backing off.

He’d table that last bit for now.

One hurdle at a time, right?

Henry suspected Cain would spend every last penny he made from the sale helping the people who now called La Terraza home find and relocate to a new one. As Henry stood there, staring at the door knob, his chest began to ache, knowing Cain wouldn’t suffer the loss of this place easily. He prayed it wouldn’t kill the man he’d fallen in love with, forever altering who Cain was, moving forward into the future.

“You gotta actually turn the knob to get the door to open there, Einstein,” Vito called out.

Henry turned. “Thanks, you wise-acre.”

He slipped inside as the brothers cackled at one another while arguing about both the origins of and why they’d ever been called wieners in the first place.

Dropping his leather messenger bag by the door, Henry stumbled into the living room while massaging the back of his neck. Cain was nowhere to be found, but he could be heard.

“That you, baby?” Cain yelled from upstairs.

“Assuming you don’t have more than one baby, the answer to your question would be yes.”

“Very funny, asshole!”

Henry smiled. “You coming down or want me to come up?”

“Depends on how badly you wanna see me, I guess,” Cain said.

There are no words.

“I’ll take that to mean I’m coming up.”

“God love a man who knows how to read between my lines,” Cain said, using that playful carefree tone that somehow never managed to betray how bad things were just under the surface, a fact that made Henry’s chest ache for Cain all the more.

Taking the stairs two at a time, Henry was already out of his tie and working on the buttons of his shirt by the time he came into the bedroom.

Cain stood next to the dresser which had one drawer pulled open, showcasing the fact it was empty. Henry laughed as Cain beamed like he’d just revealed the eighth world wonder.

“Before you say anything.” Cain closed the top drawer and opened another just underneath, which was also empty. “This second drawer is only empty because I’m cleaning it.”

He’d used finger quotations when saying the word “cleaning”.

“So there’s no reason to freak out, if that would happen to be your inclination upon receiving more than one drawer this early in a relationship.” Cain winked, closing the lower drawer then reopening the top one while whispering, “If it doesn’t freak you out, though, you can totally have both drawers.”

Henry stood in the doorway, shirt halfway open and un-tucked, not exactly sure when it had happened. Perhaps he always had, from the very first moment he’d lain eyes on the little shit. How could he not have fallen in love with someone whose generous spirit infected all those who’d come into contact with him.

“Okay, you’re totally freaking me out now.” Cain cringed, slowly sliding the drawer closed while moving in front of the dresser as if to further block Henry’s view. “Not ready for a drawer at all yet, check that.”

Henry quietly crossed the room, taking Cain into his arms and kissed him.

Cain moaned approvingly as Henry slowly took charge, their tongues intertwining in a sensual dance, with Cain following his lead yet again. Henry only broke away long enough to yank off both of their shirts, before going right back to where he’d left off.

Cain had begun working on getting his pants undone, and Henry backed them toward the bed. His fingers snaked underneath the elastic waistband of Cain’s gym shorts, thankful to discover he wasn’t wearing anything else underneath.

It was mere seconds later that they were both completely naked. Henry pushed Cain, who fell back onto the bed, wide-eyed and breathing heavily.

“You know…I could find you one, maybe even two, more drawers if you’d like. Just throwing that out there.”

“Shut up, Cain.”

He nodded his compliance as Henry crawled onto the bed, hovering over his body. They intently stared at each other as their hands gently wandered over the hills and valleys of one another’s bodies. Forcing Cain’s legs open with his knees, Henry let his full weight press down upon Cain, who sighed softly from the pressure, his legs wrapping around Henry’s waist.

They once again kissed and ground into one another, their combined pre-cum quickly lubricating and making each thrust that much more deliciously torturous. Cain already shook from the anticipation as Henry kissed and sucked his way down the man’s neck, nibbling on his earlobe which always managed to drive Cain slightly crazy.

“Henry,” Cain whispered, followed by a soft moan.

“I love you,” Henry whispered, saying it now, before the penetration, before the ejaculation so Cain wouldn’t have to wonder about the motivation that inspired his declaration.

He pulled back in order to make eye contact, still dry humping him.

Cain chewed on his lip, looking a little nervous or unsure as to what he should do or say.

“I love you,” Henry said it again, though this time, he wasn’t whispering.

Cain just nodded, looking slightly stunned until Henry started to lean in for another kiss, which is when he blurted out, “Me too…love you, I mean. Me too love you.”

Henry ground their hard cocks together again, slowly humping Cain.

“I do love you, Henry Abrams,” Cain said, finally getting it out the way he’d no doubt intended the first time.

Henry kissed him roughly, claiming his mouth as he forced his tongue down Cain’s eager throat. Cain pulled his body farther up the bed, now moaning more loudly as the head of Henry’s hard, wet cock pressed into his ass. Cain attempted to push down in order to force Henry all the way in.

Henry pulled away. Breathing haggard, he shook his head no, while reaching back to grab a condom and the lube.

“But I want you like that,” Cain whispered. “Just you.”

Henry ripped open the plastic wrapper and rolled on the condom. “And we’ll go there once we’ve both been tested.”

“Never wanted anyone inside me the way I do you,” Cain said, as Henry worked the lube over his dick.

Henry was quickly back on top of him, giving Cain the thing he craved most. Cain’s mouth opened and his eyes squeezed shut as the thick head passed through his tight muscle.

Cain’s hand slapped on Henry’s shoulder as he braced himself, panting as Henry pushed farther inside, slowly and steadily. His eyes popped back open once Henry was all the way in.

“I found out today what you’ve been keeping from me.” Henry oh so slowly pulled back out only to repeat the process all over again. “I know how bad things are, how close you are to losing La Terraza.”

Cain dug his fingers into Henry’s shoulders, legs tightening around his waist. Henry saw the discomfort playing out on Cain’s face, not knowing if it were his words or his cock that was responsible.

“I wish you’d felt like you could’ve talked to me, trusted me enough to confide in me.”

“I…” Cain’s breath caught in his throat. “Didn’t wanna bring things down—oh god, Henry.” Cain moaned, his eyes rolling back into his head. “Didn’t need that kind of strain on something so new.”

Henry bit down on his lip. The pressure on his cock, now deep inside, was intense. His pelvis pressed firmly against Cain’s ass.

“You don’t need to hide from me anymore,” Henry said, repositioning Cain’s legs over his shoulders so he could slowly begin to take him over the edge. “There are no parts of you I don’t want to see.”

Cain nodded, twisting Henry’s nipple.

“You don’t have to go it alone anymore.”

Cain turned away and closed his eyes.

“Don’t look away from me, baby.” Henry’s voice shook, the friction and pressure nearly enough to drive him insane. “Look at me, Cain.”

Cain took in a deep breath of air and did as Henry had asked.

“You’re so safe with me. I won’t let go.” Henry watched the walls come down as Cain’s eyes began to well up. “I can’t promise to have any solutions for you, but whatever happens, you won’t have to go through it alone if you don’t want to.”

When the first tear rolled down Cain’s temple, Henry picked up the pace.

“I love you, Cain,” he said, his own voice now strained and raspy.

Cain fisted wads of the comforter as Henry took him even faster, the moaning in the back of his throat getting louder and more frequent.

“Don’t close your eyes.” Henry fought to hold on until Cain was ready to blow. “Stay here with me.”

“God…Henry!” Cain screamed, never breaking eye contact and shooting straight up the center of his chest without ever laying a finger on his cock.

Henry lost the fight, his own orgasm filling the condom now buried deep inside Cain’s ass. His entire body tingled as he too went over that cliff, free falling while wrapped up in Cain’s arms, never looking away, never breaking contact.

* * * *

Cain had slept better last night than he had in months. For the first time, he was able to truly relax and let go of some of the fear and feelings of self loathing. While a part of him would have loved for Henry to never know exactly how dire his situation with the building was, he couldn’t deny how much it helped having someone to talk to about it.

They’d lain naked in bed for hours after having sex, and Cain had just let it all go, talking until he thought he might lose his voice. Henry hadn’t said much, other than the occasional, I’m so sorry, baby, but he held Cain and listened. No one had ever done that for him, and Cain couldn’t deny that something inside of him had been altered by that one simple act of kindness.

Henry had become more to him than just the man he’d fallen in love with. He was Cain’s hero, as well.

Now, Cain laughed at Henry who was on the phone with his mother as they each lay sprawled, naked, across the living room floor.

“No, Mother, I have no idea why Dad would do something like that. You know damn well I think you’re both mad as hatters.”

It was still early on Friday evening, and they’d just eaten an enormous Italian dinner which Henry had delivered. They’d not left the apartment since Henry had come home early from work the day before. He’d placed a moratorium on all clothing or anything else that might otherwise prevent skin-on-skin contact, calling it a naked weekend.

The bathrobe hanging on one of the wrought-iron hooks next to the front door was the only thing either of them had put on, figuring the delivery people might not appreciate or understand the rules of the naked weekend.

“You’re quite right. It’s not at all acceptable behavior for me to speak about my parents that way. Very disrespectful, I agree.” Henry placed a finger to his temple, his hand in the shape of a gun as he pretended to shoot himself in the head. “Yes, ma’am, I likely do get that from Daddy.”

Cain made a tsk-tsk sound, signaling his own disapproval over his boyfriend’s atrocious behavior.

Henry sneered at him then grabbed his crotch while mouthing the words, Suck it.

He burst out laughing when Cain wiggled his eyebrows and nodded he was good with that.

“Yes, I’m eating very well, I assure you.” Henry rolled his eyes, which suddenly widened. “Jesus, Momma!”

Cain was now frightened himself, considering Henry’s face went white.

“I was referring to actual food and not my new boyfriend, yes.” Henry placed a hand over his eyes, visibly mortified.

Cain bit his lip to keep from laughing.

“No I was not being facetious or attempting to placate you. I’ve no doubt even put on a few pounds.”

Cain nodded his agreement there, peering down at his own swollen tummy, now stuffed with pasta. He rubbed the rounded mound, lightly patting his belly which had Henry chuckling.

“No, I’m not laughing at you; I’m laughing at that new boyfriend you seem to be so curious about.”

Cain winked then whispered, “You forgot sexy.”

Henry rolled his eyes before shoving him with the pad of his foot.

“Yes, he’s sitting right here.”

Cain sat up straight at hearing that, shaking his head.

“You’d like to speak with him?” Henry asked.

Cain shook his head a little more emphatically, not enjoying the evil expression on Henry’s face.

“I’m supposed to be meeting his parents this coming week, so I certainly think it’s fair that you get a crack at him. Hold on for a moment. I’ll hand him the phone.”

Henry was doing his best to squelch the satanically evil giggling as he held out the phone.

Cain threw his arms into the air, mouthing the words, You are fucking dead!

He took a deep breath and grabbed the phone, hand shaking slightly as he placed it up to his ear. “Hello?”

“Mr. Elliott, it’s so lovely to finally have the opportunity for a little chat.” Henry’s mother had a soft, sweet voice, every bit as warm and welcoming as Henry’s smile and those dark brown eyes.

“It’s very nice to meet you, Mrs. Abrams, and please call me Cain.”

Henry was making weird faces at him, while tugging on his genitalia in an attempt to make Cain laugh, thereby forcing him into making an ass out himself while on the phone with the man’s mother.

Cain turned his back to Henry.

“Only if you’ll call me, Darla. I’m very much looking forward to meeting you when we come up for a visit next month. I can’t tell you how comforting it is to know Henry has made so many new friends.”

“Thank you, Darla. I feel pretty fortunate myself.”

“I do pray you don’t think ill of me about before. I was certainly not attempting to pry into the private details of your relationship with my son.”

“No, ma’am, I’m sure you weren’t.”

Cain glanced back at Henry who nodded while whispering, “Yes, she was.”

He shot the man a nasty look, knowing full well Henry hadn’t a clue what the hell they were even talking about. Cain laid down on his stomach, eyes bugging out slightly in discomfort, and he made a solemn vow to never again eat that much food in one sitting.

“I don’t wish to keep you, dear, I really just wanted to hear your voice and let you know how grateful I am to know you’re looking after my son. He has a propensity for working too much, and I worry about his health as a result.”

“Well, he hardly works at all these days,” Cain said, grinning evilly himself as he heard Henry scoffing from behind him.

“He must like you a great deal, then,” Darla said with a sigh. “That’s music to this mother’s ear.”

Cain gasped, holding in his yelp when Henry bit into his ass. He reached back and slapped the crap out of him. It was pure reflex, but the loud smack startled them both.

“Thank you, Mrs…Da…Darla,” Cain stuttered, rolling over to see Henry frowning as he rubbed at the newly forming red handprint on his hip. “I’ll give you back to Henry now.”

He passed the phone back, smiling sweetly and able to tell Henry was itching for a little payback. Cain reached back to rub his ass, reminding the shit head who had started it in the first place. He felt the ridges made by the impression of Henry’s teeth in his ass, but he wasn’t bleeding. It had startled him more than anything.

“Yes, Mother, I love you, too.” Henry smiled. “I’m glad to hear that. He is a nice boy. Yes…love you, too. Give Dad my best.”

Henry ended the call then screamed, “Ouch, dude!”

Cain was laughing under his breath. “I don’t wanna hear it, Nosfer-ass-tu…you sick-o little butt vampire.”

That had Henry laughing, though still rubbing at his hip. “Not my fault you rolled over. Looked like two fuzzy cantaloupes…and I do love me some melon.”

“You’re the biggest fuckin’ pervert I’ve ever met in all my life.”

Henry smiled, showing off all his pearly whites. “Baby, you say the sweetest thangs.”

“You can shelve the southern-boy flirting.” Cain groaned, rolling onto his back. “I’m too stuffed to feel even remotely sexy so you’re wasting your time.”

“You feeling sexy isn’t really a requirement for me. That warm tight hole of yours is incentive enough.”

Cain laughed, holding his stomach and groaning. “Fuck, we should go for a walk or a run.”

“Noooo can do!” Henry yelled. “That would be a die-rect vie-o-lation of the naked weekend—unless you intend on risking arrest for public indecency, that is.”

“You are so full of it. You just make this shit up as you go along.”

“However.” Henry walked across the floor on his knees and insinuated himself between Cain’s legs. “I’m more than willing and able to assist you with some physical exertion.”

Henry was now on his hands and knees, hovering over Cain.

“How could you possibly wanna have sex with me right now? You have to be every bit as miserable and feel as hideous as I do?”

Henry took Cain’s hand and placed it between his legs so Cain could feel he was getting hard. “My dick doesn’t give a damn about your feelings—or mine, for that matter.”

Henry moaned, taking his hand away once Cain started jacking him off. “Oh yeah, just like that, baby.”

Cain opened his legs wider, unable to prevent the wicked grin spreading across his face as Henry’s fingers worked their magic on his hole.

“This is so wrong,” Cain mumbled.

“I’m about to make it so right,” Henry said.

Chapter Six

Cain had done his best to prepare Henry for the meeting with his family, but Henry still appeared to be mildly shell-shocked. They were all staring, his parents, aunt, and cousin Charlie—who was visibly confused as to how Cain had landed such hottie. Henry was certainly on his best behavior if nothing else as the six of them, currently crammed around the dining room table in the modest, two-bedroom ranch which sat in a subdivision on the southeast side of town called Richwood—a baby boomers’ haven from back in the day.

It didn’t help matters that his parents suffered from a nasty affliction of low-grade hoarding, an unforeseen side effect of discovering the home shopping channels in the mid-nineties. Paul and Jean Elliott had shit crammed into every nook and cranny—much of it still in the unopened boxes it had originally been packaged in. It bordered on a sickness, one Cain continually threatened to treat with a match if they didn’t rein it in.

The antique china cabinet sitting along the west wall of the dining room was too large for the room as it was and stuffed so full Cain feared it might pop open at any time, killing them all in some sort of freak retail avalanche.

“He’s so tall!” Paul bellowed, looking Henry up and down.

The fact was made more evident as everyone in Cain’s family was short. Both Cain and Charlie towered over their parents at five foot, six inches. It would’ve been amusing to anyone on the outside looking in, like a pack of hobbits were hosting a dinner for the Jolly Green Giant.

Cain’s father and sweet little mother, who everyone referred to as Momma Jean, were each a bit on the round side—full figured as Momma Jean liked to say. Neither one of them seemed to age, looking exactly the same for as far back as Cain could remember. He’d begun to fear they’d made some sort of unholy union with Beelzebub, and while praying for their tainted, unholy souls, he crossed his fingers in hopes he’d age even half as well.

They’d nicknamed Cain “String Bean” as a child and, to this day, enjoyed whipping that one out at inopportune moments. His cousin, Charlie, had been dubbed “Lil’ Dumpling” as he’d been on the chunky side growing up. Cain could eat anything and never have it come back on him while Charlie had to work to stay fit, merely one more thing he resented Cain over—not that he’d ever cop to it.

Paul became suddenly more excited, blurting out, “We should all run out of the house screaming ‘giant!’ while Henry chases us around the yard! It’ll freak out the neighbors!”

Henry’s mouth opened, but nothing came out, as if he wasn’t sure whether or not Paul was being serious.

Cain placed his head in his hands, mortified.

His father had volunteered to help with their church’s annual July Fourth fireworks display, and the ringing in his ears hadn’t quite subsided. Apparently, none of the geniuses helping out had the forethought to bring ear plugs.

“Whose bright idea was it to let him anywhere near explosives?” Cain asked.

Paul turned to Henry. “We hate our neighbors! They’re all assholes!”

His cousin, Charlie, laughed to the point of bordering on tears as Momma Jean and his Aunt Tracy each pointed Charlie’s direction.

Momma Jean reached over and smacked Paul upside the head. “Stop talking! You’re breaking our eardrums!”

“No!” Dad yelled back, looking disgusted. “You know I hate beets!”

Cain was ready to crawl under the table and die, even though Henry seemed to be amused by it all. “Thanks so much, Charlie. Great call on the fireworks.”

“Does anybody see beets on this table?” Momma Jean asked, attempting to sort out where his father had pulled that from in the first place.

“Be glad your homos, boys!” Dad screamed. “These women never listen!”

“It’s not my fault,” Charlie clarified. “I was in charge of getting volunteers, and he begged me.”

“Having a vagina makes you blind not deaf,” Aunt Tracy said to no one in particular as she spooned a helping of mashed potatoes onto her plate.

“Mother, please,” Charlie pleaded, his lip curling as if something in his tummy had just soured.

Momma Jean and her sidekick, Aunt Tracy, had always been attached at the hip. Born only a year apart, they looked exactly alike though Tracy was taller and had lighter colored hair. They were the real team, and the husbands were merely there to do the heavy lifting. Tracy had been married and divorced twice while Mamma Jean stuck with the “one who brung her,” as she liked to say. Basically, that left poor Dad to do the heavy lifting for two.

Charlie rolled his eyes at the ladies who still cackled over Tracy’s short-but-to-the-point Vagina Monologue. “The poor guy said it had always been his dream.”

Charlie didn’t need to say anything else. Dear old Dad had a storied reputation for big dreams.

It was a quality Cain came by quite naturally. Of course, Cain was a little more monogamous when it came to his big dreams. He had very few and was exceedingly faithful to them. His father was quite loose and freewheeling when it came to dreams—like a street hustler and his Johns. Once Paul had his fill of one experience, he was on to the next big thing.

Momma Jean claimed to be truly surprised he’d never attempted to trade her in for a newer model, but for whatever reason, she was Paul Elliott’s one and only constant.

“If you came around more often, Cain…” Momma Jean trailed off, knowing she didn’t need to go any further.

“Yeah-heah!” Charlie said, nodding in agreement. “It would be awesome to have a little more help around here.”

Henry placed his hand on Cain’s arm. “I’m likely to blame for that, I’m afraid. Been keeping him all to myself.”

“Aw, already taking bullets for his man… Well, that’s just…” Momma Jean placed a hand over her heart, “the sweetest.”

She took to fanning her face as Aunt Tracy rolled her eyes. “Careful boys or she’ll blow, and once the geyser over there gets going, there’s no stopping her.”

Mamma Jean shot her sister a most hateful-looking sneer, but Tracy wasn’t too far off the mark. His mother had always had a bit of a soft heart.

Paul chuckled, somehow not needing his hearing to know they were poking fun at his wife.

“While we’re on the topic of what would be awesome, perhaps you could do me a favor and stop torturing Em, Charlie,” Cain said, smiling sweetly.

“I’m not torturing the girl. I told her no.” Charlie was instantly pissy. “Torturing her would be stringing her along and never committing one way or the other.”

“What’s all this about?” Momma Jean asked, both her and Tracy’s interests now piqued.

“Charlie refuses to let Eduardo do the flowers for Emily’s wedding,” Cain explained, not intending for it to come out sounding like a child tattling on his sibling—something Henry took note of as his eyebrows hitched.

“For your information, Eduardo is every bit as anti-Conrad Haven as I am. That prick has done everything humanly possible to discourage any sort of queer community projects or programs in this town. And I’m not about to apologize to you or anyone else for both having and sticking to my principles. I will not now nor will I ever take one cent of that pig’s money.”

“Wow!” Cain shook his head, sucking down some iced tea.

“Sweetie, it’s not the girl’s fault that her father is a swine,” Tracy said, passing Dad the roast beef.

“Poor, sweet Emily,” Momma Jean said, sighing and already in distress.

“Thanks,” Charlie said, directing a scowl at Cain. “Now, I’m the bad guy.”

“She’s an odd one.” Henry was still mildly scarred from his initial meeting with her. “Very excitable.”

Cain tried not to laugh, while not allowing Charlie’s indignation to bug him in the least. “It is unfair that she’s constantly judged and shunned by so many people for things she’s never done.”

“Christ almighty,” Charlie said, “one would think people threw garbage and hissed at the girl the way you’re going on about her.”

“That’s enough, the both of you,” Tracy said when she noticed Cain opening his mouth to offer a response. “You should be ashamed of yourselves, acting this way in front of company.”

“The Good Lord knows we’ve been waiting long enough for the two of you to settle down.” Momma Jean smiled at Henry as if he were the best thing since sliced bread. “We’d certainly like Henry to come back.”

“Don’t you worry, ma’am.” Henry winked. “It’d take a lot more than that to run me off.”

“You are the first boy either of them has brought home to meet us,” Tracy informed him.

Cain laughed when Charlie muttered, “There’s a reason for that.”

“Does he get a plaque or a sash?” Cain asked.

“You shush it,” Momma Jean said.

“Don’t you two start henpecking those boys!” Paul yelled, causing everyone to jump and nearly startle out of their seats.

Mamma Jean and Aunt Tracy both muttered curses to one another, Dad’s screaming having apparently taken its toll on their nerves.

“‘Bout time you did something first,” Charlie said, staring daggers at Cain.

“It does make one wonder about you, General Slutmeister,” Cain fired back at Charlie. “First out the gate, yet still the last haggard mare left wandering the fields looking for trade.”

Henry choked on his food, covering his mouth in attempt to not spew his green beans across the table.

“I don’t understand why you two boys fight so much,” Tracy said.

“They used to be the best of friends when they were little,” Mamma Jean added, as if attempting to reassure Henry they weren’t completely rotten children.

Cain offered no explanations and neither did Charlie.

“Stop trying to make those boys eat those damn beets!” Paul screamed.

“There are no beets!” Mamma Jean screamed, muttering a quick prayer for patience. “One time I brought home beets.”

“Over a month ago, mind you,” Tracy chimed in.

Mamma Jean scoffed. “You’d think I’ve been forcing them down his throat for years.”

Henry was trying not to laugh, poor guy, and it was contagious, quickly spreading around the table.

“What’s so damn funny?” Paul asked, looking irritable that everyone was having a laugh and he’d been left out. “I’m not hearing so well today. You need to speak up!”

Cain rolled his eyes and reached over to pat his father on the shoulder. He’d laid the groundwork for his evil plan to force Charlie into doing Emily’s flowers, so now he could sit back and relax for the rest of the evening. He tried with all his might to not seem too prideful about the fuss his mother and aunt continued to make over Henry, but for once, it was nice to have something in his life as the focus of the family.

It was almost always Charlie did this or Charlie accomplished that—one would think he walked on friggin’ water. There was a hint of guilt laced within his enjoyment, but Cain cut himself some slack considering the source of all that fuss was Henry, who was so generous and genuine with his attention, that Cain believed it well deserved.

For all the crap now raining down upon him with regard to La Terraza, Cain felt incredibly blessed to have Henry, who truly helped provide some shelter from the storm. He hadn’t given up on his home just yet, though he realized his time for fighting was nearing an end.

* * * *

They’d barely made it inside Henry’s car before Cain’s cell started ringing. He cursed, trying to get his seatbelt on while fumbling with his phone.

He leaned back when Henry swatted his hands away, leaning over him to buckle the belt for him. Cain spied Emily’s name on the screen, announcing it was she who was so rudely calling. He punched the green accept button, giving Henry a quick peck on the lips as he settled back into the driver’s seat.

“Please tell me you have good news!” Emily demanded.

“I’m really sorry, Em, but Charlie really hates your father. We’re talking the loathing kind of hatred. He got all scary looking when I brought it up and still refuses to touch one penny of your dad’s money, calling him a gay-hater. And believe me when I say Charlie really loves his principles.”

“Really?” Henry asked, making fun of the way Cain said the word.

“Why does everyone hate Daddy?” Emily growled, sounding more like an angry Chihuahua than a killer Cujo.

“Because he’s like Darth-Vader ruthless,” Cain said, squinting all evil-like at Henry.

“I don’t understand what that means?” Emily asked, sounding genuinely clueless. She’d never been great with names that weren’t sewn onto a label.

“Your father is a fucking asshole of monolithic proportions, who runs over anyone and everyone to get what he wants.” Cain shrugged seeing the disapproval written all over Henry’s face when he glanced Cain’s direction as they backed out of his parent’s driveway.

“But he’s always so sweet, like a teddy bear?” Emily huffed, and Cain could tell she was getting pissier.

“He’s like that with you, darling. To the rest of the world, he’s a great, big meanie-butt.”

“Charlie doesn’t have a right to take that out on me!” Emily squealed. “Fine, he wants to be that way? Perhaps I’ll just contact Eduardo directly.”

“You could try, but from the way Charlie tells it, Eduardo hates your father even more, Em.” Cain pulled the phone away from his ear when she began shrieking.

Henry’s eyes widened, one brow arching up in disbelief as he steered the car around a sharp curve.

Cain was counting down, “Three, two, one…”

And just like turning off a switch, the phone went silent.

Cain put it back up to his ear, as if it were nothing out of the ordinary and continued on. “The good news is neither of them appears to have any issues with you personally, well aside from Charlie calling you a ridiculous individual, but he says the same thing about me, mind you.”

“Your use of the words, good news leads me to believe you have a plan?” Emily asked, now as cool and calm as could be, post tantrum.

“It’s just an idea, and I’m not sure it will work, but you could go down there in person and offer to purchase the flowers wholesale directly and have them shipped to the store,” Cain said, pointing for Henry to make a right. “Then you could offer to take whatever fee they would have charged you to do the flowers and offer to give that to a charity of their choosing. That way—”

“They aren’t taking Daddy’s money. You’re brilliant!”

Cain started laughing after Emily began happy-shrieking. While every bit as annoying as tantrum-shrieking, there was no danger to anyone’s eardrums. “It will also be tougher for either of them to decline, knowing the money would be going to charity. Makes them look a little petty if nothing else.”

“I love you, Cain!” Emily had downgraded to giggling now. “Will you come with me? I want you there to see Charlie’s face.”

“Bullshit. You want me there because you know Charlie will be less comfortable saying no when he knows it’ll get back to his mother.”

“We’ll make an afternoon of it,” Emily said. “Lunch and mannie-peddie’s? My treat?”

“Well now, you know I can’t say no.” He heard her clapping.

“I’ll call this weekend to pick a date.”

“For lunch?” Cain asked. “You have to schedule me?”

“I’m a very busy girl, C! Love your bits…laterz!”

He flinched, hearing the call disconnect. “I totally hate being a grown up. Scheduling stuff sucks.”

Chapter Seven

Cain sucked Henry’s cock with full abandon, sweat pouring off the both of them. Every muscle in Henry’s body strained to prevent the orgasm that now raced toward a climax. He muttered curses and praises under his breath, having to remind himself not to touch.

Cain had mentioned that he didn’t believe Henry was capable of lying back and allowing Cain to take control, that doing so wasn’t in his nature. At the time, Henry had thought it would be the easiest bet he ever won, but now, he wasn’t so sure Cain was wrong.

Cain had worked over Henry’s entire body with his mouth and watching the man suck him off in that particular moment had him tied in knots. It took everything he had not to push Cain off, bend his ass over and fuck him within an inch of his life.

Henry’s nipples were raw from teeth and tongue, his ass still wet with spit from Cain rimming his hole, and Henry felt like a live wire as a result. All he wanted to do when he got this turned on was fuck some ass—Cain’s ass to be exact.

It was what had him fighting so hard to not come.

Cain tugged on Henry’s nuts and slipped a finger in his ass as he sucked Henry all the way to the root, pushing him over the edge. Henry let out a howl as he unloaded down the back of Cain’s throat, loving the way Cain moaned, as if the taste of Henry’s seed were the most satisfying thing that had ever passed over the man’s lips.

He almost came again when Cain sat up, that sly, cock-teasing smile spreading those red, swollen lips and the hair around his face wet with sweat. He looked so pleased with himself one would’ve thought he’d been the one who’d just been serviced.

“That was fucking hot,” Cain said, a low laugh escaping him.

“Christ, boy, I would tear up that ass of yours right now if you hadn’t just sucked me dry.”

“Oh yeah?” Cain repositioned himself, straddling Henry, who was still breathless. “Exactly what would you do to me?”

Henry was momentarily speechless, watching Cain start to jack himself off and fairly certain he’d never witnessed anything sexier.

Snapping out of his haze, Henry propped himself up on one arm, slipping his free hand under Cain’s open legs and working two fingers inside his hole.

“I’d bend you over this bed and slap that pale white ass of yours with the palm of my hand until it was nice and bright pink,” Henry said, fingering Cain deeper as he moaned his approval. “You’d like that, huh?”

“Yes…I believe I would,” Cain said, barely more than a whisper as he started to ride Henry’s hand, attempting to take more.

“Once I had you so hot you were panting and pleading for my dick, I’d spread that ass open and feed you my full length in one, long—”

Cain’s scream cut him off as he blew his wad so hard it made an audible splat as hit Henry across the chin and chest.

Henry was now the one grinning as Cain muttered and moaned all sorts of delicious invitations of depravity, riding Henry’s fingers until he’d emptied his nuts.

Cain fell onto his side, sprawling out like a wet doll that’d been used and abused. He smiled upon opening his eyes to find Henry covered in his semen. “Damn, you look good.”

Henry laughed. “I should be pissed. Barely got my imaginary cock in your ass before you busted a nut.”

Cain tried to laugh, not quite able to pull it off due to a lack of oxygen. “There’s something about the way you sound when you talk nasty to me that I really seem to enjoy.”

Henry got off the bed and went into the bathroom to clean himself off while yelling back at Cain, “Right, ‘cause your warped fondness for rough trade is all my doing.”

“You don’t exactly hate it,” Cain reminded him.

Henry couldn’t hold back his laughter, rinsing out the washcloth after he’d finished wiping down the bucket of cum he’d been hosed down with. “You are correct, sir. I do not mind in the least.”

“Besides,” Cain said as Henry made his way back to bed, “who doesn’t love a man who’s good with his hands?”

Henry grunted, all but falling over himself. They wriggled around the bed to situate themselves, each still too warm to attempt getting under the blankets.

“Both you and your hands are quite helpful.” Cain winked, both men now lying on their sides, facing one another.

Henry cringed, knowing he shouldn’t but feeling as though he needed to bring it up. Over a week had gone by since their dinner with Cain’s parents’, and Henry had been dodging Franklin for most of that week at the office.

“Look, I know how badly you want to handle everything yourself, but I wish you’d let me help you with La Terraza, Cain. I have some money set aside or perhaps I could cosign a loan for you?”

The amusement on Cain’s face was quickly replaced with strain. “Henry, you can’t… I couldn’t let you do that.”

“I realize it’s not ideal, considering we’ve not been together very long—”

“That’s putting it mildly, Henry. I love you for offering, but—”

“You’re afraid of putting a strain on our relationship,” Henry interrupted. “I get that, and I know I should be worried, too, but I’m just not. I feel like I need to say that.”

“What about your job?” Cain asked. “I doubt they’ll be singing your praises for stepping in. I’m sorry, but I’ll have to think of something on my own. I refuse to drag you into it.”

Henry wasn’t happy with that answer and was surprised by the disappointment he experienced. “You’re running out of options, Cain.”

“Thanks for the vote of confidence.” Cain scowled, not seeming pleased by that last bit.

“Just say yes, please.” Henry reached over, running the back of his hand over Cain’s cheek. “I’m sick of knowing how unhappy you are, constantly torturing yourself over all this.”

“Sorry I’m bringing you down.” Cain rolled onto his back.

“You know that’s not what I meant.” Henry couldn’t hide his disappointment. “Not exactly the outcome I was hoping for. You’re running out of time, baby. Please think about that, and let me worry about my job.”

“How the hell do you know how much time I have left?” Cain asked.

“I just do. You know it, too.” Henry sighed. “Look, I’m not sure how, but they seem to be fully aware of your financial situation. Franklin all but told me—”

Cain rolled over, turning his back to Henry and slipping under the covers. “I’m tired.”

“Shit,” Henry whispered, placing his hands over his face. “I feel like I owe it to you to tell you what I know.”

“Can you get the light?” Cain asked.

Henry sighed, slowly pulling back the sheets while reaching over to turn off the lamp. “Didn’t mean to upset you.”

He heard Cain sigh, too. “Let’s just get some sleep, okay?”

“Sure.” Henry rolled over, kissing the back of Cain’s head before slipping his arm around him. He was relieved when Cain wriggled back into his body.

As they lay there in silence, their breathing slowing, regulating into a syncopated rhythm, Henry tried to convince himself he wasn’t attempting to use the situation to insinuate himself more substantially into Cain’s life and did his best not to succumb to the fear that Cain’s refusal was an attempt to keep him at arm’s length.

* * * *

The mood in the entire apartment had shifted dramatically since Henry had brought up the topic of losing La Terraza the night before. Cain had been quiet all morning, keeping his distance and ducking back behind those inner walls.

Henry pretended to work on the Peterman project while Cain spent several hours outside piddling around with the landscaping. Henry guessed he’d forgotten to put sunscreen on his face. Cain had worn a hat but still had a little raccoon action going on from having also worn sunglasses.

The tension was something Henry despised, and he’d worn himself out attempting to figure out a way to turn back the clock and do that whole thing over again. He never should’ve opened his big mouth to offer his help then lowered the boom with how fucked Cain was after he’d refused that help. Despite the fact everything Henry had told Cain was the truth, Henry wasn’t able to completely convince himself that his motivations for offering those truths were completely honorable.

Having Cain reject his offer stung a bit more than Henry had liked.

He couldn’t deny the fact he wanted to be the white knight, riding in to save the day just in the nick of time. The minute that had been taken away from him, Henry had gone into full self-defense mode, spouting off about the big bad wolf coming to blow Cain’s house down.

It was a shit move he now regretted. He should have waited a few days at least. If nothing else, it couldn’t have been misconstrued as vengeful.

The truth of the matter was something Henry was desperately trying to ignore, doing everything within his power to pretend Cain hadn’t said no because he had doubts about them as a couple or worse yet, the possibility that Cain didn’t trust him.

That killed him.

Even now, with Cain standing in the middle of the kitchen in his underwear, arms dangling lifelessly at his sides, Henry tried to overlook that bit of obvious. He’d been unable to keep himself from poking the wound, further irritating the man he cared about having just told Cain he’d be better off selling it now if he wasn’t going to do whatever it took to save the place.

“Why are you pushing for me to sell all of a sudden?”

“All I’m doing is asking questions, Cain. Is this place truly your dream or the one you adopted when your grandmother passed away and left it to you?” Henry paused, looking into Cain’s eyes while waiting for an answer that never came. “You continue torturing yourself to the extent I’m beginning to think you enjoy it. I’ve offered to help you, yet you refuse it. I don’t know what else to do? I’m not even saying you should or shouldn’t sell. I’m merely attempting to understand why you keep putting yourself through the drama.”

“You told me once that you were tired of games, no longer interested in love that came with conditions,” Cain said, standing his ground when Henry stepped up into dining area.

“That’s still true.” Henry knew by the look on Cain’s face exactly where he was headed.

“Well, I’m the real deal, Henry, but I don’t come all tied up in a perfect uncomplicated package. The things about me that you claim to love are the very things that make it impossible for me to let this place go.”

“You think I don’t know that?” Henry sighed, clenching his fists before shaking the stress out of his hands and arms. “Damn it, Cain. I do love that about you. I respect it. What I don’t get is your unwillingness to accept my help while still refusing to sell. That makes no sense. It is lose-lose for you.”

“I can’t accept your help, Henry. It’s too soon. I don’t dare put that kind of pressure on us as a couple. Maybe if it were a year down the road…”

The ache in Henry’s chest told him to stop but wasn’t as potent as his fear or the desire to dig until he found the bare root of Cain’s true reasoning.

“Then sell La Terraza and take the damn money!” Henry growled, visibly frustrated. “Do you truly believe martyring yourself is the way to go? You’re talented, Mr. Green Jeans, so take the money and open your own landscaping business, take a vacation around the world with it, give it to fucking charity if that makes it easier to swallow, but to not sell or take your one shot at saving the place? That’s just stupidity.”

He could tell he’d wounded Cain, who was sensitive about not having gone to college, and already wished he hadn’t used that word.

“Caring about something, believing in it, doesn’t make me stupid!”

“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said that…and I didn’t mean it like that, either.”

“I don’t know, Henry. I guess your eagerness to get me to sell or put you on the title by cosigning a loan… It just seems a little conveniently timed, that’s all. Perhaps your motivations are a bit bent toward your own agenda?”

“Jesus, Cain, it was a simple fucking question, and all of a sudden, I’m up to something? Is this your typical response to anyone that doesn’t agree with you?”

“Nice, Henry. Turn it back around on me.”

“Hey, I’m just trying to figure out how I became the bad guy here.”

You are the bad guy, asshole, the one who won’t stop pushing and meddling.

Cain said nothing, folding his arms but not moving an inch otherwise. Henry went back down into the living, unsure what to do or say.

Finally, he turned back and said. “I hate to point out the obvious, but you’re always going on about how hard it is, that you feel like you’re fighting a losing battle and sinking in quicksand. These are all things you’ve said to me.”

“So quit because it’s hard?” Cain asked, desperation now written all over his face. “Does this mean the only things worth fighting for, according to you, are the ones that come easily? A few bumps, and I’m supposed to give up? Wring my hands and throw in the towel?”

“I’m just trying to be straight with you. Maybe you need to grow up and accept the reality of the situation you’re in.”

“And what’s in it for you when I sell?” Cain asked.

Henry closed his eyes, trying to count to ten. “That’s not the point, damn it!”

“It is to me! It’s a really big point.” Cain growled his frustration, but held to his little patch of flooring in the middle of the kitchen as if he feared moving might result in concession. “Giving up now, would that be the version of me that’s most palatable to you? The guy who fights just enough to not seem weak and spineless but not enough to become an obstacle to inconvenience you and your agenda?”

“I don’t have a god damn agenda.”

“Fuck, Henry, you don’t even believe that.”

“I-I love you, Cain.” Henry shrugged. “Perhaps that’s my agenda. But since you brought up the topic, I need you to answer me this one question, Cain. Please explain to me exactly what makes your dreams more noble than mine or anyone else’s for that matter?”

Cain opened his mouth, but nothing came out.

Henry saw in Cain’s eyes that he’d never thought about it from anyone’s perspective but his own. And Henry got that. He understood being blinded by the single-minded pursuit of something. He’d spent years doing exactly that with regard to his career, which had always taken precedence over anything else. Deep down, he feared it still might, that all this pushing was nothing more than an inner drive to steer things toward the outcome that best fit his own career.

Was that why he wanted Cain to sell?

Henry couldn’t make himself believe that to be the truth. “I’ve offered to help you save this place, knowing full well, as you have pointed out, that doing so might place my own professional career at risk. I think I’ve done so partially because I believe La Terraza should be protected, but mostly, I believe I’d be doing it for you, Cain. But what’s beginning to bug me now brings up a whole other question. Would you be willing to do the same for me?”

“Why do I have to make the choice?”

“Because you do, god damn it!” Henry yelled, causing Cain to jump slightly.

They each stood there, Henry waiting for an answer while Cain stared back, no expression on his face.

Henry grabbed his jacket, ripping it off the back of the sofa. He stared at the floors for a brief moment before meeting Cain’s gaze once again. “Guess I’ll take this argument and your silence to mean you’ve already made your choice.”

With that he walked out, quietly. He didn’t slam the door, didn’t raise his voice or say good riddance. He didn’t even say goodbye. He just left Cain standing alone in the middle of his apartment and walked out of the gates of La Terraza for what would likely be the very last time.

* * * *

Standing in the middle of his kitchen, Cain discovered that, with each second that ticked by, it became more and more difficult to breathe. Finally, his legs seemed to buckle as he grabbed a hold of his chest. Dropping to his knees, he sat on his ankles, gasping for air as panic settled in and tears began to flow.

He didn’t want to lose anything and didn’t understand why the cost had to be his and his alone.

Unable to catch his breath, he sobbed so quietly the silence was deafening. There was nothing but tears and gasping for oxygen which he couldn’t manage to get into his lungs. Life always seemed to come calling with a bill he was unable to pay, but for the first time in his relatively short life, Cain suffered a crippling desperation over what he’d just lost.

With his hands dangling lifelessly at his side, the rest of his body heaved and shook.

It was as if the color had drained away from everything and everyone around him, leaving him lost in a sea of black, white and shades of gray.

* * * *

Swiping his keycard, Henry cursed under his breath, trying to stay dry as he hovered underneath the jersey jacket he’d fished out of the backseat of his car. The green security light flashed and the lock clicked, unlatching just as he began to pull on the heavy glass door to the offices of Hamilton-Bach.

He all but leapt inside, stumbling clumsily as he ripped the jacket off his head and held it away from his body so it now dripped all over the black slate floors as opposed to soaking through onto him. Unsure what to do with it, he hung it from one of the hooks on the steel coat rack just inside the door. Henry took stock of his condition; jeans drenched from the knees down and hating that squishy feel of wet socks inside tennis shoes.

Taking a deep breath, Henry headed toward his office. He was a bit of a mess, he recognized that. It had only been a few hours since he’d walked out of Cain’s apartment—most likely for the very last time. He wasn’t sure he could even stand to go by and pick up the few belongings he’d left behind.

Doing his best to ignore the slicing pain in his chest, which seemed to accompany that last thought, Henry sat behind his desk and removed his shoes and socks. It was well after midnight, so he certainly didn’t expect to run across anyone else at this point. The cool air conditioning on his damp feet had him rubbing them together as he scooted closer to his desk, firing up his computer.

His head pounded, but he couldn’t sleep nor could he stand laying in that quiet, cold, impersonal hotel room with nothing but his thoughts and regrets to keep him company. To say he was still angry would’ve been a bit of an understatement. Each time he replayed that argument inside his head, Henry got more pissed.

Yes, Cain hadn’t been completely wrong in the sense that Henry had a great deal to gain should he decide to sell La Terraza. He couldn’t deny that fact, nor could he honestly deny that a part of him wanted Cain to sell. The level of determination and sheer will that Cain seemed to possess in spades was admirable, but also foolish and naïve. He was being offered a very generous amount of money to sell that property, likely more than it was realistically worth if looking at it purely from a financial perspective. It was irresponsible of Cain to let that go if he couldn’t or wouldn’t be able to save the property.

Henry sighed, digging his fingers into his temples in an attempt to release the pressure building inside his skull.

“God damn it, Cain,” he muttered, wishing the man hadn’t managed to crawl quite so deeply under his skin.

It would have helped Henry feel slightly less sanctimonious if there wasn’t a part of him still cheering Cain on. Henry loved the foolish kid more for his rose-colored, painfully romantic and old-fashioned, go-down-with-the-ship mentality. That entire building complex was a work of art that deserved to be protected and preserved for generations to come. It killed Henry that one lone man who had no background in design and no formal education beyond high school was willing to risk everything to save something an entire architectural firm filled with people who knew better weren’t.

Still, Henry thought, the little bastard had no right accusing him of ulterior motives. That stung more than anything else—that Cain believed Henry to be that selfish. “I god damn offered to help him try to secure a loan.”

Which would have likely cost him big with regard to his standing at this company, not that his stubborn little ass would even hear of it.

That pissed Henry off more than anything. If he wouldn’t fucking grab at any real chance to actually save the thing, then why suffer through the rest of it? He was just going through the motions only to end up losing it all and having nothing to show for it.

“It’s stupid, damn it,” Henry muttered, again. “And it pisses me off.”

Cocking his head to side and peering out the office door, Henry glanced out across the main room, certain he’d heard someone laughing. He sat perfectly still for a moment before deciding he was hearing shit.

Then he heard it again.

Up and out of his chair in one swift, silent move, Henry headed out into the main area, not enjoying the feel of cold tile under his still frozen feet and already missing the carpeting in his office. He paused, listening carefully while praying he wasn’t about to stumble across thieves. Henry stood up straight when he heard a man’s muffled voice coming from somewhere back toward the partners’ offices, followed by more laughter. He headed that direction, deciding to investigate further.

Peeking around the corner, he was surprised to find there was someone else standing just outside Franklin’s office eavesdropping on whoever Henry’s boss was conversing with. Strike that, Henry thought, catching a whiff of the cigars, they were celebrating.

Whoever it was had their back toward Henry.

Rounding the corner, he inched his way closer, able to tell it was a woman, blonde and young, judging by the style of dress. He froze, seeing the gigantic leather purse resting on the floor at her feet, the long strap of the handle dangling from her hand.

He’d seen that monster of a bag once before, the first morning he’d woken up in Cain’s bed.

Emily?

Henry crept farther down the hall, for the life of him unable to figure out why she of all people would be conducting espionage at Hamilton-Bach.

The closer he got the more words he made out. He stopped again when he heard Franklin saying Cain’s name.

“He’ll be forced to sell within weeks, Conrad, and if he still resists we can call in a favor with the county and get an inspector down there ASAP. My guy on the inside has been systematically sabotaging the mechanics of the building for almost eight months. Best I can tell, the electrical nearly drained the last of the finances left to him by his grandmother.”

“So we’ve finally got the little faggot on the ropes,” Henry heard the other man say. He assumed the “Conrad” Franklin was speaking to was Emily’s father. “It’s been a long time coming, Franklin, and I appreciate all the extra…help…you’ve been to me on this deal.”

Henry’s blood boiled, and he was unable to believe what he was hearing.

“I thought that battleaxe grandmother of his would never croak,” Franklin said.

“Amen to that,” Conrad said. “It’s taken a little time and patience, but we’re almost home.”

“I’ll see to it my mole on the inside prepares for quite the show should we need to get the county involved. That kid won’t know what hit him.”

“Certainly save me a ton of money should Elliot decide to remain stubborn.”

They both laughed once again, and Henry could see that Emily was shaking; her fist wrapped so tightly around the leather strap of that purse he thought it might cut clear through it. He was just about to alert her to his presence, right before walking inside that office and tendering his notice, which would most definitely be effective immediately.

Emily surprised him, however, by walking into Franklin’s office before he could reach her.

Henry took a few more steps, intending to join her, but stopped when she began to speak in a low, guttural tone he’d not heard come from the silly flibbertigibbet until now.

It caught him off guard.

“Cricket!” Conrad said, sounding a bit fazed by her presence. “What are you doing here this time of night?”

“Following you, Daddy,” Emily said. “And not very happy with what I’ve just heard. How could you do this?”

“This is business, Cricket.” Conrad’s voice had grown significantly more stern. “It doesn’t concern you, young lady.”

“To my very best friend, no less?”

“I’ll have you know, I’ve offered that boy an exceedingly generous price for the property. If he insists on continuing to be so stubborn, I can’t help that.”

“Cain doesn’t give a shit about money, Daddy,” Emily said, her voice now shaking. “It’s one of his many great qualities—certainly one that I cherish. Do you know that in all the years I’ve known him, not one time has he ever asked me for anything other than my friendship and loyalty?”

“I don’t doubt he’s a fine young man, sweet pea, but—”

“Don’t you mean faggot, Daddy?” Emily asked. “That is the word you used, isn’t it?”

“Now, I do apologi—”

“Not one time has Cain ever judged me or been mean to me, never been jealous or envious over all that I have—”

“All that you have thanks to me, Cricket.”

“Maybe you don’t have friends. Hell, Daddy, maybe you don’t even need or want them, but your family, those of us who have to share your name, we do need those things. All my life people have hated me because of the things you’ve done, and I’m sick of it! This is the last straw!”

Henry closed his mouth, which had been hanging open in shock for god knows how long, and leaned back against the wall, deciding to let the girl have her say before he followed up with his.

“I suggest you hold your tongue, Emily.”

Conrad’s voice was cold and calm.

“Let me tell you what I will do, Daddy. I promise you this and now. If you continue screwing around with my friend, Cain Elliot, hell, if you so much as look at him sideways, I’ll never speak to you again.”

“I am going to give you five seconds to walk your ungrateful little ass out of this offi—”

“I will go to the police myself, so help me, Daddy! I won’t rest until they throw your fucking ass in jail!”

Henry jerked as her voice ratcheted back up into her normal, screechy tone.

“How dare you threaten me!”

“You push me and see what happens.” Emily stormed out of the office, and both she and Henry jumped, startled by one another.

“It’s your word against mine!” Conrad said, storming out after her with Franklin hot on his heels.

Emily strode over and took Henry’s arm in hers. “Looks like I’m not the only witness after all, Daddy.”

Henry looked Franklin dead in the eye. “And you can consider my resignation effective immediately, you good for nuthin’ piece of hammered shit.”

“Shall we?” Emily asked, smiling sweetly at Henry.

“After you milady,” Henry said, keeping a firm grip on her arm as he felt her trembling underneath all the bravado.

Henry ushered her into his office and sat her down in a chair then went about gathering all of his personal belongings, fearing they would no longer be there if he didn’t. He quickly exported his contacts list onto a flash drive, slipped on his sloshy shoes then got the poor girl out of there.

He could tell she was in shock, as he loaded her into his car along with his file box full of shit. They were drenched since the rain had yet to ease up.

Henry barely got out of the parking lot before Emily started bawling.

At first, he’d tried talking to her, attempting to get her to focus on conversation in hopes she might stop. But all he got back was some sort of obnoxious blubbering he couldn’t make heads nor tails of.

In the end, Henry steered the car with one hand while holding hers with his other one, letting her get it all out. If he’d heard his father saying some of the horrible things hers just had, Henry would probably cry, too. At least, that’s what he told himself, cringing slightly when she began using the cuff of his shirt to wipe her nose.

Chapter Eight

Cain’s eyes fluttered open when he heard the soft knocking coming from his front door. He glanced around, realizing he was curled up on the floor in the middle of the kitchen.

Musta passed out here, he thought, cringing in pain as he pulled himself up onto his feet and stumbled for the door.

Praying it was Henry coming back to either apologize or yell at him some more, Cain realized he didn’t particularly care which at that point.

All he wanted was Henry. Nothing else mattered without him. Living in this place without him would be torture, the kind Cain wasn’t strong enough to survive.

Judging by their reaction after he opened the door, Cain figured his hope must have been obvious to his friends huddled together on his tiny stoop, especially when it drained from his face.

Nic, Stu, Eddie and Matt were all standing there, the looks on their faces ranging anywhere from pissed to pathetic.

“Morning, sweet pea,” Nic said, holding out a large mug of already creamed and sugared up coffee. “Made it extra yummy for you.”

“Jesus, what did Henry do? Take out an advert?” Cain asked. “Headline: I dumped my selfish, loser boyfriend!”

“We heard you two arguing last night,” Stu said. “Amazingly clearly.”

“You heard all of it?” Cain asked.

“Sort of came drifting through the fireplace.” Nic shrugged. “Didn’t realize things were quite that dire for you financially. I mean, we knew they weren’t great—”

“That you were struggling,” Eddie clarified.

“And you two?” Cain asked Eddie as all four filed inside. “You heard us from across the courtyard?”

“We thought we might need reinforcements,” Nic admitted.

“We’re very sorry to hear things aren’t…going well,” Matt said.

“Well, don’t write me off just yet, guys,” Cain said, closing his front door and taking a sip of coffee. “At least, not where Henry is concerned.”

“What does that mean?” Stu asked as they all moved into the living room.

Cain shrugged, feeling his eyes well up once again. “It means that Henry was right, at least with regard to most of it. I am going to lose this place. It’s not a question of if anymore…merely when. But that doesn’t mean I have to lose Henry as well.”

“You…you’re actually going to do it?” Nic was visibly shocked, sitting on Stu’s lap so Matt and Eddie could also fit on the sofa.

“You’ll be able to live with that?” Eddie jumped in.

“I fucking hate moving,” Stu mumbled, coughing after Nic elbowed him in the gut.

“I’ll have to find a way to live with it, Eddie. I can’t save her, but I might be able to save what I have with Henry.”

Nic was confused. “But we overheard Henry say he’d offered to help get you a loan.”

“I can’t do that, Nic.” Cain rubbed his tummy after taking another sip. “I just can’t. It’s too much pressure for a couple who’s only been dating for a few months. Perhaps if we’d been together longer…I don’t know. Plus, I have a feeling it would cost Henry his job. It just doesn’t feel right.”

“So you’re going to sell this place in order to keep him?” Nic asked. “That’s just not fair, Cain.”

“No dear,” Eddie said, looking particularly sad all of a sudden. “He’s selling it before he loses it…and Henry in the process.”

Matt began massaging Eddie’s shoulders, as if he’d been able to sense his other half was upset.

“It’s silly, I guess,” Eddie sighed, getting a bit misty-eyed. “I love this place so much, and you guys have become like my family. It’ll be so odd not running into each of you on a daily basis.”

That pushed Cain over the edge. Tears rolled down his cheeks. “I’m so sorry I’ve let everyone down.”

“Stop that, both of you,” Matt said, seeing Nic well up as Stu hugged her from behind. “You’re being silly.”

Cain was slightly taken back.

“Where we sleep doesn’t dictate our lives,” Matt continued. “Nothing will change unless we allow it to. Living within these walls doesn’t offer us anything other than convenience. We can still meet at Sully’s every Friday for Happy Hour. We can still get together to share a meal and catch up with one another’s day.”

Cain nodded. “I certainly hope so.”

“You’ve done the best you could, Cain,” Stu said, rubbing Nic’s arms to comfort her. “We all know how hard you’ve fought.”

“I just don’t want everyone to be mad at me,” Cain sighed. “Don’t know what’s going to happen to Vito and Tony…and Ruth? Grams would be so ashamed of me. She trusted me.”

“She recognized no one else would fight as hard to keep this place going,” Matt said, pointing out the difference. “Anyone else would have already sold the place. But now, it’s time for you to start thinking about Cain and stop fretting over the rest of us and your grandmother.”

“Sure, I mean, we can all help the geriatric set get situated somewhere else,” Stu said.

Nic nodded, though she didn’t seem all that convinced herself. “Gladdie wouldn’t want you to keep La Terraza if it meant losing the guy you love.”

“I’d appreciate if you could all keep this to yourselves so I can tell everyone together tomorrow night.”

They all nodded in agreement.

“I’m heading down to Henry’s office this morning to sign the papers. I’ll do everything I can to push back the sale date to give everyone as much time as possible.”

“Sure, of course,” Eddie said, pointing back toward the door. “Guess we’ll all leave you to get ready.”

“I’m really sorry everyone,” Cain said. “I promise you I couldn’t feel any worse.”

They all jumped in shushing and scolding him as they each hugged him and left, giving him pats of reassurance that did nothing to alleviate his anxiety.

* * * *

Taking a deep breath, Cain pulled on the heavy glass door that led into the inner-sanctum of the very devil who’d been riding his ass for well over a year now. It certainly didn’t feel good, straggling in here with his tail between his legs to do the one thing he’d sworn to never do.

As he stepped inside, Cain wasn’t the least bit surprised by the slick interiors of glass, chrome and pitch-black, shiny slate tile. Even the black plastic chairs and leather sofas in the small waiting area seemed to gleam.

“Good morning, Mr. Elliott,” an older woman said, leaning over the shoulder of the younger receptionist, who seemed less than pleased over having her personal space invaded.

“Good morning, Hamilton-Bach, how may I direct your call?” the receptionist said after tapping her earpiece.

“You know who I am?” Cain asked the older lady, suspiciously.

“I’m Mr. Bach’s personal assistant,” she said, warmly. “I make it my business to know everyone of interest to the company.”

Cain got a chill up his spine, despite the tone that was obviously meant to put him at ease.

“I’d like to see Mr. Abrams, please,” Cain said.

The receptionist started to open her mouth, but the other lady grabbed her by the shoulder, cutting her off. “Of course, though…perhaps I can show you to one of our conference rooms while you’re waiting.”

Cain shrugged. “Sure, whatever. I just need to speak Henry, please. It’s very important.”

“Right this way.” She smiled, taking Cain by the arm when he came around the desk and ushering him down a long hallway before showing him into a conference room. “Would you care for coffee, juice, a water or soda?”

“Huh?” Cain asked, shaking the fuzziness out of his head. “No…I mean, sure, coffee would be fine.”

She nodded and backed out of the room, closing the door behind her.

Cain couldn’t for the life of him figure out why she’d bothered. The walls were nothing but large panes of glass, so it wasn’t as if there were anywhere to hide from prying eyes. He hoped Henry wouldn’t send him away, but looking out across the office, Cain knew that whatever did happen, there would be an audience.

He flopped down into one of the leather chairs and said a silent prayer that it wasn’t too late, that he hadn’t screwed up the best thing that had ever happened to him by choosing brick and mortar and stone over the one man who had loved him for exactly who he was.

Cain took a deep breath, feeling panic begin to rise. He placed a hand on the long, boardroom-style table for balance, his head spinning just a bit.

It wasn’t too late, couldn’t possibly be.

He was here after all, ready to sacrifice everything to be with Henry.

Turning when he heard the door opening, Cain frowned slightly as an older gentleman came into the room. His heart caught in his throat, thinking perhaps Henry refused to even meet with him.

“Good morning, Mr. Elliott,” the old man said, extending a hand which Cain didn’t bother to take. “Yes, well, I’m Franklin Bach, son, an old friend of your grandmother.”

Cain said nothing. Gladdie had certainly never made mention of this man so he seriously doubted the validity of that last bit.

“Look, Mr. Bach,” Cain said, frustrated when the man came over to the table and took a seat. “Can you please tell Henry I’m here to sell? I’ll sign whatever papers he wants, but I have to see him.”

“That’s wonderful news, Mr. Elliott!” Franklin said. “I’m sure Henry will be pleased to hear it, though I’m afraid he’s stepped out at the moment.”

“Oh.” Cain stared down at the table.

“Of course, he could walk through those doors any time now,” Franklin said. “If you’d like, I’d be happy to walk you through the contracts while you’re waiting. Get that part out of the way now. Then perhaps you and he can go celebrate.”

It was the last thing Cain wanted to do, and there was something off-putting about the old man, something that made Cain feel uneasy. He sighed, nodding his head. The sooner it was done the sooner he and Henry could talk…alone.

“Excellent!” Franklin stood. “I’ll go grab the contract.”

They both turned when the door opened again, and another lady came stumbling through the door with a tray that held a thermos of coffee and the usual accoutrements. Mr. Bach sat back down.

The lady smiled while Bach eyed her closely as she approached the table. She stumbled again, dropping the tray onto the table with a loud crash and sending the pitcher of hot coffee, creamer, cups and spoons flying across the table.

“My goodness!” Bach screamed.

Cain reacted quickly, springing up to grab hold of her and managing to keep her upright.

“I’m so sorry,” she gasped, near breathless and fidgeting as she took Cain by the hand and thanked him profusely all the while apologizing.

“Would you please stop blathering on and go get something to clean this mess up?” Bach screamed, absolutely furious.

“It’s fine, really.” Cain smiled at her in an attempt to put her at ease before glaring at Bach. “It was an accident. No harm done.”

Somehow, he feared the chick would be looking for a new job by day’s end.

“Of course, just an accident,” Bach said, his temper still evident, though he was making an attempt.

“I’ll be right back with some towels.” She was still shaking his hand, but Cain felt something else as she folded his hand over into a fist, passing him something she apparently didn’t want her employer to see.

“See that you do, Anna,” Bach said, shaking his head and waiting until she left.

“You were going to go get those contracts?” Cain reminded him, taking a seat and doing his best to act natural.

“What? Oh…yes…” Bach glanced back at the door, as if he were afraid to leave Cain alone.

“I don’t actually have all day, Mr. Bach.” Cain pointed toward the clock on the wall. “I have another appointment in about an hour, though I suppose I could just come back after…”

“No, please, have a seat, Mr. Elliott,” Bach said, already heading for the door. “I’ll be right back. Shouldn’t take us long to get through the finer points of the contract.”

Waiting until the man had exited the room and disappeared from sight, Cain opened his hand to find a folded piece of paper. He quickly opened it, sighing when he realized it was upside down.

Finally able to make out what appeared to be someone’s hastily scribbled handwriting, he read: Henry quit. Don’t sign shit!

Cain’s mouth fell open in shock, which didn’t last for long. He was up and out of that room as fast as his feet would carry him, without breaking into a run. He couldn’t help but notice the faint smile on the receptionist’s face as he breezed past her on his way out the front door, as if she were happy Cain had managed to escape with his soul intact. He’d made it all the way to the parking lot before remembering he hadn’t driven.

At the time, it had seemed like a good idea to walk. It gave him time to collect his thoughts and practice what he wanted to say. Now, he cursed himself as he hightailed it toward the sidewalk, unable to put enough distance between himself and that godforsaken company.

Cain felt his pockets for his cell, only to realize he must have left it back at the apartment. He tried his best not to panic, thinking Henry had quit because he intended to go back to Atlanta, a thought that made him so sick to his stomach he actually thought he might puke for a moment.

Panic finally took hold of his limbs, and he started to run, looking all around for a payphone, seeing nothing and realizing he didn’t know Henry’s phone number by heart even if he did stumble across one.

The faster he ran the more terrified he became.

Hope that everything might turn out okay began to feel thin, and for the very first time, Cain allowed the thought to creep inside that he really was too late.

Henry could already be gone, and Cain might never get the chance to tell him how much he loved him, might never get the opportunity to prove that he believed Henry to be worth any sacrifice, to explain that any life without him wasn’t one Cain wished to suffer living.

Desperation was now the only fuel feeding his fire to move as fast as his feet would carry him.

“I’ll run all the way to Georgia if I have to,” Cain whispered through his huffing and puffing. “Whatever it takes, I won’t ever give up on us again.”

* * * *

Sitting on the stoop outside Cain’s apartment, Henry was more nervous that he could ever remember being.

More nervous than he had been telling his parents he was gay.

More nervous than he had been walking into a gay bar for the very first time.

More nervous than he’d been the first time he’d made love to another man.

All he could do now was wait and pray that it wasn’t too late, that he hadn’t fucked around being a dick head and ruined the best thing that had ever happened to him.

He felt eyes on him, all peering out of their windows at the evil asshole who was attempting to ruin their happy home. It wasn’t fair, because Henry had never wanted that. He loved this place, loved La Terraza as much as any of the rest of them.

It had brought him everything.

The most happiness he’d ever known had come during the time he’d spent inside these walls, but he couldn’t deny there had been a part of him that wanted Cain to sell.

A very selfish part at that. Cain hadn’t been wrong about that much.

He had also offered to sacrifice all of that in order to help Cain keep La Terraza, as well, so while he was guilty on some level, Henry’s feelings for Cain were stronger. His love of this building, which had been so beautifully and meticulously designed by one his heroes had outweighed his own greed and desire to leave his own mark on this world.

That had to count for something!

The only real question was what Cain would do about it. Henry had packed all his bags, which sat all around him on the stoop to Cain’s apartment. If he were asked to leave this place today, he’d go straight to his car and head south, back down to Georgia. No way could he stay here and run into Cain. If he couldn’t have him for his own, Henry didn’t ever want to see the man again.

Henry was willing to tell him all of that and more, before he asked the one question he’d been too afraid to ask before. Why had Cain really turned down Henry’s offer to help him save La Terraza?

It was the only answer that mattered to him now, yet he was terrified to hear it.

In the back of his mind lived the fear that Cain didn’t love him as much as Henry did him. If that were the real reason, Henry had to know. It would break him in two, but better to know now than a year down the road.

Hanging his head, Henry begged whoever might be listening out there in the universe to give him this one thing—the love of this one man. He would never again need to ask for anything else because he’d finally have everything he ever needed.

He listened to a door open and slam shut and knew the natives had finally become restless.

“You have some nerve showing your face here!” Nic screamed from her own stoop.

“I take it this means there’ll be no coffee this morning?” Henry asked, already cussing himself for tweaking her nose with sarcasm.

“You son-of-a-bitch!” Nic’s voice ratcheted up into some otherworldly shriekish octave. “You don’t deserve him.”

“I don’t doubt that, Nic.” Henry sighed.

“I truly hope your job is worth making each of us homeless, not to mention backing poor Cain into a corner and forcing him to give up.” Nic stopped, her arms trembling she was so mad.

Henry watched her, thinking she literally might burst into flames she was so pissed. “I quit my job last night, I’ll have you know.”

“What do you mean you quit! Cain went to your office this morning to sign the papers.”

Henry slowly stood, his hand on his chest, thinking someone had just socked him a good one. “Say that again?”

“Henry… Cain’s at Hamilton-Bach, signing the papers right now. He’s selling La Terraza to the real estate company. He’s doing it so he can be with you, you asshole!”

Henry was halfway certain his heart had stopped beating, but before there was time to even register what was happening or make any attempt to offer an explanation to Nic, he leapt off the porch, over his suitcases and began sprinting for the gate.

“Hey…where the hell are you going?” Nic yelled. “I’m not done chewing your ass!”

Henry rummaged through his pockets for his keys as he flew out of the gate and onto the sidewalk, Nic still cussing him from inside the courtyard.

“Oh come on!” Henry yelled, throwing his hands in the air as he discovered a delivery truck blocking his car which was parallel parked on the street just outside the complex. “Can you move your god damn truck?”

“Hey, fuck you, pal,” the delivery guy said in response as he unloaded a dolly full of meat and produce for the restaurant across the street. “You’ll have to wait.”

Having some sort of spastic fit, Henry’s arms flung wildly through the air before he took off running on foot. The offices of Hamilton-Bach were only six or eight blocks away, all he could do at this point was get there as fast as he could and pray it wasn’t too late.

He managed his cell from his pocket, thinking he could text or call while he ran, perhaps he’d get lucky and catch Cain before he did something neither of them would be able to undo. Dialing as he rounded the corner, Henry was only vaguely aware of the shadow cutting across the sidewalk. He looked up just in time to see it was Cain.

They both grunted from the impact, and Henry’s phone flew out of his hand as he attempted to grab hold of Cain.

They both toppled over one another.

Henry managing to twist his body just enough to take the brunt of the impact as he pulled Cain down with him.

They each grunted a second time upon hitting the ground and sprawling out amongst the grass and ivy alongside of the building.

Henry held on tight, afraid to let Cain go, despite Cain’s groan of discomfort and the pain shooting up his own back.

“You okay?” Cain finally asked, crawling up Henry’s body until they were face to face.

Henry’s face was currently contorted in pain, but he popped one eye open to see Cain rubbing his forehead.

“Please tell me you didn’t sign anything,” Henry said. “I’ll never fucking forgive myself if—”

Cain silenced him with a kiss, the taste of him was like coming home after a long absence, even though it had only been a day since their last kiss. The fact Henry had feared he’d never get another opportunity made it all the sweeter.

Tongues softly danced as Cain for once demanded control. Lips lightly smacked as Henry lay back, afraid for it to end for fear it would allow the rest of the world back in. That was the last thing Henry wanted, preferring to have Cain all to himself for as long as he could.

“I was afraid you left,” Cain said in a hushed breath between kisses.

Henry could tell Cain had been crying, and he finally couldn’t take it any longer. He took Cain’s face in both hands to stop the kissing long enough to get an answer to his question.

“Good god, man…put me out of my misery already…did you sell La Terraza?”

Cain laughed, shaking Henry’s hands loose and wiping his cheek onto his shoulder. “No sir, I did not, thanks to this.”

Cain rolled off of Henry, and they both sat up.

Cain passed the note over.

Henry read it and laughed. “God bless you, Anna!”

Cain seemed confused and rightfully so. “You didn’t leave?”

“And I won’t so long as you tell me I have a reason to stay,” Henry said.

Cain laughed, rolling his eyes when he started to get misty again. He shook his head, forcing all of it back inside.

“I solemnly swear to never leave you, Cain, if you can look me in the eye and make me believe the reason you wouldn’t accept my help was because you were unsure whether or not you truly loved me?”

Cain looked really confused. “Are you kidding? I fucking worship you, Henry. You’re the kindest, most considerate… There’s nothing I wouldn’t do for you…to you… You’re like oxygen to me, baby. I can’t breathe without you nearby, can’t imagine any life worth living without you in it. There is no place or person…no building that means more to me than you do, Henry Abrams. I could suffer the loss of anything so long as I have you.”

Henry nodded, rolling his eyes as he reached out and gently caressed Cain’s cheek with the back of his hand. He sniffled back his own mess, taking Cain’s hand and placing the palm onto his chest, just over his heart.

“Thank you for saying all of that, Cain. I promise you I will never forget a single word of it, and I’ll endeavor to ensure that I never again take all that you have offered me for granted. My heart is yours for as long as you’ll have it, and I will protect yours with a fierce determination unlike any you have ever seen before.”

“Holy shit…I do,” Cain whispered.

Henry started to laugh, leaning in for another kiss to seal the vows they’d just made to one another in front of God and every other random stranger who had happened by them on foot or in their car within the last few minutes. He’d been aware people were watching them as he’d shared a kiss with Cain, sitting cross-legged in the grass.

Nothing else mattered since Henry had already been given all that he could ever want and then some. The entire world could witness his love for Cain and could kiss his hairy ass if they didn’t fuckin’ like it.

Cain slowly managed to scoot even closer, placing his legs over Henry’s in an attempt to wrap them around his waist. “I’m thinking we better find our way inside before we really put on a show.”

“Think you might be able to find me one or two more drawers?” Henry asked, running his fingers through Cain’s hair.

“So long as you let me into your drawers, I don’t see why not,” Cain said, grinning.

“Like that’s a problem we’ve ever suffered from?” Henry shook his head as he shoved Cain off of him so they could both get up.

Cain waited while Henry went to grab his phone out of one of the shrubs then took his hand when he finally returned. “You’ll have to let me carry you over the threshold, though.”

Henry laughed, shoving his phone into his back pocket.

“I’m serious. You’re moving into my place so I have to carry you. Won’t be official otherwise, and we’ll be living in sin.”

“You can’t carry my big ass. I’m twice your size, buddy.”

“Dude…don’t be a size-ist. I may be compact, but I pack a mean punch. It’s just wrong… You should know better.”

“Fine,” Henry said, “but we’re getting someone to record it, ‘cause I’m puttin’ this shit on YouTube.”

Cain laughed. “I’ll be the poster boy and hero to scrawny, short men the world over.”

“Hopefully not a hero with a broken back.”

“Oh ye of little faith…so sad.”

Henry dropped his hand and tossed an arm over Cain’s shoulder. “Now that’s where you’re wrong, babe. Faith is all I have left.”

Cain glanced his way, a familiar look of lust written all across his face. “After I get you inside, I’ll show you exactly what faith gets you in this day and age.”

Henry laughed, throwing his head back as they rounded the corner.

* * * *

Detective Mitch Grantham and his partner Paul Warner were each hovering over the computer monitors as a young female officer adjusted the feeds from the cameras they’d set up all throughout the cellar underneath La Terraza. In all, eight hidden cameras had been put in place, hoping to catch Ned Snead in the act.

Henry had gone to the police to report what he’d overheard Franklin Bach saying about having a man on the inside. The good detectives had immediately gone about setting up a sting, even though Henry had told them Bach would have likely already warned the man.

They not so kindly disagreed, stating he wouldn’t have continued to hang around had that been the case. It was obvious they didn’t care to hear any theories outside of their own, and Henry got the impression they’d had their eye on Franklin for some time. They wouldn’t have been this eager to expend all this time and expense on busting a low-level deviant like Snead unless they believed it could lead them to a much bigger fish.

They’d completely taken over the spare bedroom on the main floor of their apartment, turning it into their on-site command center.

“So you live here, too?” Warner asked, smirking as he looked at Henry, before surveying the bedroom noting there was no bed in the second bedroom, only office furniture.

“I do, indeed,” Henry said, all but daring the man to say something.

“I hate to break up the tea party, ladies,” Grantham said, scowling at his partner. “But we could use your input over here, Warner.”

Detective Warner gruffly muttered something under his breath as he went back to staring at the monitors.

Henry nodded his thanks, not really caring too much for either of them, despite catching a bit of a vibe off Grantham.

“Anything?” Cain asked, rushing into the room as fast as he could while balancing a tray of coffee mugs, all filled with steaming black brew.

Grantham shook his head, taking a mug from the tray. “Nothing yet. This could take a while, Mr. Elliott. Thanks for this.”

The other two officers chimed in with thanks as well as they each took a cup for themselves. Henry could tell Cain was extremely impressed by all of it, thinking they did this sort of thing for everyone no doubt. He didn’t have the heart to burst Cain’s bubble by informing him that wasn’t the case.

“You have an incredible place, Mr. Elliott,” Grantham said. “You’re very lucky. Can’t imagine it would suck to come home to La Terraza at the end of the day.”

Henry was about to say thanks for the compliment when Cain blurted out, “We have a vacancy, officer. Hell, we’re likely about to have two of them if Henry’s right about Ned. I’d be happy to show you the one that’s open though.”

“Thanks,” Grantham said, with a sly smile Henry didn’t care for, as if he’d been hoping Cain would say something like that. “I recently relocated here from Chicago. Been looking for a place.”

“How cool!” Cain was visibly excited. “Wouldn’t suck having a real life cop around, huh Henry?”

“Not in the least,” Henry said flatly, not bothering to hide his lack of enthusiasm.

Grantham grinned again, as if he could tell Henry might be a little jealous over Cain’s level of interest.

“What was that you said before about a tea party, Mitch?” Warner asked.

“Sorry,” Grantham mumbled, turning his attention back to the monitors.

Cain whacked Henry on the arm, so excited over the prospect of having an empty apartment filled that Henry couldn’t help but smile and shake his head. It was difficult to imagine he had anything to be jealous about considering the way Cain looked up at him, all swoony and exuding sweetness.

Henry had respected Emily’s wishes and not informed Cain that her father was the one trying to purchase La Terraza out from under him. He’d told her he would be reporting Bach, hoping she’d understand that fact could eventually lead back to her father.

Of course, he’d have promised Emily just about anything at the time in order to get her to stop crying. She’d been teetering on the verge of hysterics for a good thirty minutes after the confrontation with her father, the evil Conrad Haven.

He’d managed to get a hold of her fiancé, Greg, who’d come and collected her from Henry’s hotel room. He hadn’t known where else to take her at the time and still wasn’t even sure how she’d gotten to Hamilton-Bach, let alone how she’d gained access to the office at such a late hour. Each time he’d gotten Emily calmed down to the point he could attempt to get any information out of her, she’d burst into tears again.

The one sentence she managed to get out was a plea for Henry to never tell Cain that her father was involved.

Please don’t tell him it was Daddy.

She’d said it over and over again, even after Henry promised her he wouldn’t.

He’d never realized exactly how much water a human being could hold until that night. He was surprised the poor girl hadn’t required hospitalization for dehydration.

It was clear she was ashamed and even clearer exactly how much she treasured Cain’s friendship, considering how terrified she was by the thought of losing it.

Henry didn’t believe for one second Cain would ever blame Emily for anything her father had done. Cain had certainly never hidden his disdain for the man, but he wasn’t the type who’d cut ties with someone he loved over something they had no control over. And Cain loved Emily—Henry hadn’t understood why until that evening, but while he still found her to be a slightly frivolous individual, he did respect her on an entirely new level.

“We’ve got movement, people,” Grantham said, propped up with one arm, leaning atop the computer desk as he watched Snead on the monitors.

“Where did he get those keys?” Cain asked, seeing Ned tossing them into the air with one hand and holding a crowbar in the other.

“Probably broke into your apartment, swiped your set and made himself a copy,” Warner commented.

“What’s he looking for?” the lady officer asked.

Grantham took a sip from his cup. “Not sure? Maybe the best spot to do the most damage?”

“Aw man!” Cain said, chewing on his fingernail, likely worried about the repair bill. “Do we really have to let him dama…”

Cain trailed off as the entire room went dead quiet, watching Ned Snead go ape-shit crazy, swinging the crowbar into a lead sewer pipe over and over again.

“Je-sus!” Henry said.

“That dude is psycho,” the lady cop said, her eyes wide as saucers as they watched Snead go to town.

“Think that’s enough?” Grantham asked Warner.

“If it’s not, I’m not sure what the hell would be,” Warner said, nudging his head toward the door. “Let’s go get the little freak.”

Henry grabbed Cain and pulled him out of the way as Warner got on his walkie-talkie and issued a call to action, announcing they were going in. They supposedly had cops already on each of the two entrances to the cellar. The one woman stayed put, monitoring the feeds as Grantham and Warner disappeared.

Cain cringed, hypnotized by Ned who was still whacking away on the pipes. Cain groaned, able to see the pipe start to leak.

Ned stopped swinging suddenly, dropping the crowbar in a panic as cops came rushing toward him. Henry and Cain couldn’t hear anything but could tell there was a lot of yelling as Snead fell to his knees and placed his hands behind his head.

“It’s okay, baby,” Henry whispered, hugging Cain who was muttering. “They got him. It’s all over now.”

“Thank goodness, the bank finally came through with a loan,” Cain said. “We’re gonna need it to fix all that damage.”

“Insurance should cover this, Cain. That’s not what anyone would consider normal wear and tear.”

Henry was more than a little suspicious over the fact several of the banks Cain had gone to for loans had begun calling over the past few days, stating they were suddenly able to put together some new terms for him. He was certain Haven had something to do with it, had probably done everything he could to ensure Cain couldn’t get a loan before Emily had threatened to go to the police, not that they’d ever be able to prove it.

Asshole had all the local banks in his pocket, no doubt.

As they watched the cops dragging Snead out of the cellar, Henry smiled, feeling Cain latching onto him a little tighter, an act that was quickly becoming one of Henry’s favorites. He kissed him on the forehead, keeping it G as Emily would say, considering there was a lady cop in the room.

“Come on,” Henry said, pulling Cain toward the door. “Let’s go give the bastard our best evil glare as they perp walk his ass to a squad car.”

Cain chuckled, patting Henry on the chest. “That does sound semi-satisfying.”

“Stick with me, kid,” Henry said. “I do aim to satisfy.”

“Is it bad to wish someone might shiv the fucker in prison?” Cain asked, looking truly disturbed by his newly discovered dark side.

“Well, it’s certainly not good, baby,” Henry said, trying his best not to laugh. “But understandable, if nothing else.”

Chapter Nine

Grinning like a complete idiot as he came through the door of Sully’s tavern, Cain suffered déjà vue-y flashbacks to only a few months before, when he’d held what seemed like the weight of the world on his shoulders and believed all was lost. Now, he was walking in the hero, having just signed a new short-term loan providing him enough money to make all of the necessary improvements to La Terraza.

Luckily, he now had a handsome architect on permanent retainer to oversee every step of the renovations. Cain was aware it was something he could’ve handled himself, but there was a lot he didn’t know, and having Henry around would prevent him from getting taken by any unscrupulous repairmen. Plus, the man was currently between paychecks so it was a project that could keep him occupied while he went searching for work.

Cain began laughing the instant the entire table of friends, family and beloved tenants erupted into applause upon seeing him. His face went beet red, of that he harbored zero doubts. They were all yelping and making a general nuisance of themselves, and he loved them for it.

Nic got to him first, grabbing him up in a hug just before Stu wrapped his big beefy arms around the both of them. One by one, they each took a turn, the Scalia brothers and Ruth, Eddie and Matt, Cain’s parents and aunt—of course, Emily and her fiancé, Greg were nowhere to be found.

“She swore she’d be here,” Henry said, seeing the look on Cain’s face.

“I’ll believe it when I see it,” Cain said, taking advantage of the opportunity to give Henry a quick peck.

“I’m not much of a hugger,” Detective Grantham said, awkwardly offering a hand for Cain to shake.

Cain shook his head at the man and hugged him anyway, though he made it a quick, in-and-out, in an attempt to lessen the torture.

“You finally all moved in, Mitch?” Matt asked as everyone took a seat around the three tables they’d pushed together in the center of the bar.

“I am, thanks. It’s official,” Mitch said with a smile that almost seemed painful, as if he weren’t used to socializing with others…or used to smiling, for that matter.

“Welcome to your new home,” Ruth offered, raising a glass of wine as a toast.

Cain took a swig from Henry’s beer while he ordered another round for the table from the waitress.

“Thank you, Mrs. Robinson,” Mitch said.

“Let me take this opportunity to let you all know there will be several minor inconveniences in the coming months as repairs get under way,” Cain said, grinning sheepishly.

That elicited a round of pained groans from the entire table as Cain rolled his eyes.

Henry tossed his arm around the back of Cain’s chair. “Don’t you listen to any of it, babe.”

“We’re so proud of you,” Mamma Jean said, beaming.

“Sure as shit never thought you’d pull through it, kid,” his dad said plainly which garnered some snickering as well as a smack upside the back of the head by his mother then his aunt. “What? Don’t act like it was just me.”

Cain sighed. “Charlie was a big help with all the loan stuff, so please tell him I said thank you. Too bad he couldn’t make it tonight.”

“He’s on another date with that uppity little bastard I can’t stand,” Aunt Tracy said, looking longingly at Henry. “Why he can’t find a nice young man like your Henry.”

Cain turned to Henry and whispered, “Finally found something I do better than my cousin.”

Mitch chuckled under his breath, having overheard it.

Henry winked. “I’ve no doubt you do a great many things better.”

It was a statement full of leery implications, and Cain was suddenly ready go home and work on making a list.

“Exactly how long before all the construction gets under way?” Eddie asked, looking mildly stressed.

Cain understood. Any changes, especially the kind that came with construction crews leaving shit all over the place, were more of a hazard for him. Cain always made sure nothing was moved or altered throughout the courtyard as it was dangerous for Eddie who required continuity throughout any living and public areas.

“You know I’ll take care of you, Eddie,” Cain said, smiling when Eddie did, having put him at ease.

“You do have me, as well,” Matt reminded him.

“Yes, of course,” Eddie took a sip from his wine glass. “But you’re not always around, lover.”

“I’ll be on hand, as well, guys,” Henry said with a sigh. “Not like I have a job to run off to anymore.”

“I was actually hoping to speak with you about that, Henry,” a voice said from behind them.

Cain turned when Henry started to get up out of his seat.

“Larry, what brings you here?” Henry asked, shaking the man’s hand.

“Your assistant, Anna, told me I could find you here,” Larry Hamilton said. The older man’s smile was warm yet tinged with trepidation. “Hopefully, I can add to what is obviously some sort of celebration.”

“We’re celebrating the fact that I didn’t lose La Terraza,” Cain said, not bothering to hide his snide tone from the other half of Hamilton-Bach.

Henry folded his arms, staring at Hamilton as if attempting to figure out what the man was up to.

“Yes, I believe you are owed an apology, Mr. Elliott,” Larry began. “You may or may not choose to believe me when I say that I had no idea Franklin had stooped to such underhanded measures in an attempt to obtain your property. That’s not to say I didn’t know we were trying to acquire it, but to my knowledge, you were being offered a fair price and we were making an honest bid.”

Henry nodded, though his face was still filled with doubt. “I must say, I was shocked by Franklin’s behavior, but honestly, Larry, that you could’ve been party to it was damn near difficult to swallow.”

“I’ll take that as a compliment, son,” Hamilton said. “Let me continue by stating that Franklin is no longer associated with Ham-Bach. As a matter of fact, it’s very soon going to be just Ham—that is, unless I might be able to persuade you into something more along the lines of Hamilton-Abrams?”

Cain turned to Mamma Jean who’d just gasped as if the man had just handed Henry a check for a million dollars. She shrugged off his glare.

Henry glanced down at Cain.

“Don’t look at me,” Cain said. “I’ll support you in whatever you do. It’s your career, pal.”

“Look here, you don’t need to say anything now,” Larry said. “Just think it over for a few days, and if you’re at all interested, we can meet for dinner and discuss it further.”

“I can do that much, Larry,” Henry said, moving out of the way when the waitress came back with a tray filled with miscellaneous beers and cocktails. “I appreciate you coming down here personally.”

“The Peterman Group wasn’t happy to hear you’d gone, and neither was I, for that matter.” Larry looked around the table before settling on Cain once again. “I am sincerely sorry for any distress caused to you on behalf of the company, Mr. Elliott. I am deeply ashamed to have discovered any of it was going on.”

Cain smiled, finding it difficult to doubt his sincerity. “Thank you for saying so, sir.”

“I won’t intrude any longer on your evening,” Hamilton said, shaking Henry’s hand once more. “I look forward to hearing from you, Henry. I hope I get the opportunity to prove you hadn’t completely misplaced your trust in the company when you relocated here.”

“Thank you again, Larry,” Henry said. “Hope you and the misses have a great weekend.”

Hamilton nodded then waved at the table before turning to leave.

Henry was chewing on his lip when he sat back down, and Cain could tell he was a million miles away. He’d mentioned on multiple occasions how much he’d liked Hamilton and how betrayed he felt by Ham-Bach’s crooked business dealings. Cain had never wanted anything to be truer than he did the words that had just come out of Larry Hamilton’s mouth. If for Henry’s peace of mind if nothing else, Cain thought, taking him by the hand before turning to the rest of the table and announcing that everyone was invited to the terrace of La Terraza for a dinner party under the stars the next night hosted by him.

As the table erupted in conversation once more, Cain heard Emily’s voice from behind him and turned.

“I hope that invite includes me?” she asked, her hands on Cain’s shoulder as she looked down as he leaned back in his chair, looking up at her.

“You know it does,” Cain said, happy she’d shown up. He understood she was busy, with a life of her own, but he missed her.

“It better, though I do have my own key, so it’s not like you can keep me out,” Emily added.

Henry sat up, having heard that. “We’ll be needing that key back as you can’t be trusted to use it responsibly.”

Emily giggled, shaking her head at him. “Isn’t cute when they act like they actually have a say in it?”

Henry scowled her way, not appreciating the insinuation as she plopped herself onto Cain’s lap. “I take it this celebration means you’ll continue to be the slum lord of La Trashaza?”

“Don’t call it that, butt munch,” Cain said, winking at her.

“I’m glad you get to keep your odd little apartment building.” She sighed softly, taking a drink from Cain’s beer. “Anything my bestie wants, he should get.”

Cain shook his head at her as Matt scooted a chair over for Emily to sit in.

Cain’s new husband still seemed preoccupied, likely mulling over everything Hamilton had said during his drive-by. Cain did his best to control the conversation so Henry wouldn’t have to try to split his focus so much. It was the best thing about being with Henry in his humble opinion, being near him was all Cain needed from the man, to feel his presence.

As long as Cain had that, he had more than any man had a right to ask, though he’d happily accept more whenever offered.

* * * *

Henry sighed, smiling when Cain squeezed him tighter as they slow danced around the fountain back at La Terraza. The Scalia brothers had their windows open, and Tony Bennett was belting out It Only Happens When I Dance With You.

A light mist brushed across Henry’s arm as a soft breeze blew through, and Cain chuckled.

“What’s so funny?” Henry asked, his eyes closed, enjoying the heat from Cain’s body radiating into his.

“Nothing really,” Cain mumbled, his face buried in Henry’s chest. “The mist from the fountain tickling the hairs on my arm, that’s all.”

“Hmm,” Henry groaned his understanding.

“Worse then me Mum and Dad, those two are,” Thrash said, sounding disappointed by the sight he was forced to behold.

Henry’s eyes popped open, and he scowled at the little fucker, but he didn’t offer a response beyond that.

“Leave them be, shit head,” Pixie said, slapping Thrash in the gut as they headed for the gate, on the way out to their next gig.

Thrash coughed from the force of her fist.

“They’re kinda sweet,” she continued, “as far as boring gay dudes go.”

Henry grinned, hearing Cain laughing under his breath.

All in all, La Terraza was fairly quiet on this Friday’s eve. The heat from the early September sunshine was all but gone as dark had descended upon them. The warm glow from all the twinkle lights throughout the courtyard and coming from the fountain created a soft, misty haze as Henry and Cain kept time with the music.

Mrs. Robinson held a finger up to her lips as she tried to quietly sneak by them on her way out for a late date. The click from her heels gave her away, though.

“Have a lovely evening, Mrs. Robinson,” Cain said.

Henry glanced down to see he hadn’t even opened his eyes. He’d just known it was her by the sound of her shoes.

“Thank you, boys,” she whispered. “I’d offer the same, but I appear to be a little too late.”

Henry winked at her when Cain moaned his thanks.

Nic and Stu still hadn’t made it back from the bar, but there was a soft glow coming from the front window of Matt and Eddie’s apartment that had Henry thinking those two were most likely getting it on.

They’d gotten rid of the criminal element in the building and rented out the last vacant apartment to Henry’s old assistant, Anna. Of course, now that he would likely be going back to work with Hamilton, she might very well end up being his assistant again.

Cain had spent the entire morning outside, working on the landscaping and had never looked quite as happy as he had coming inside earlier that afternoon covered in dirt and sweat.

Everything was as it should be.

“Think we’ll still be here, dancing like this in another forty or fifty years?” Henry asked.

“I’d like to think so, assuming I can still stand up,” Cain said, resting his chin in the divot of Henry’s chest as he looked upward. “You have me down on my knees so often they may be completely blown out by that point.”

“I’m sorry, baby,” Henry winked. “I hadn’t thought about the repercussions and the wear and tear on your fragile, little body. Terrible to think there’ll come a day when you can no longer get down on your knees for me. I’ll go find you some knee pads tomorrow. Need to prolong that impending catastrophe for as long as possible.”

“Why the hell I find you so sexy when you’re behaving like a complete and utter ass is beyond me.”

“We’re gay men, Cain. We’re supposed to like ass—genetically predisposed to being drawn to the ass.”

Cain laughed under his breath, twisting out of Henry’s arms and heading toward the stoop to their apartment.

“Where are you going?” Henry asked.

“Inside, so we can test out this theory of yours on ass.”

Henry grinned, his eyes lighting up as he shoved his hands into his pockets and followed Cain, lagging just far enough behind to enjoy the view he was about to unwrap. “You do realize I may require repeated access to your ass, baby…really have to pound it into you again and again…before you truly trust my hypothesis?”

Cain turned after pushing open the front door and began walking backward inside the apartment. “This is America, land-of-the-free-to-take-blessedly-sinful-advantage-of-me, remember?”

Henry hopped up the two steps, following Cain inside and muttering, “God bless America.”

About the Author

I am a gay man living in Missouri...I can hear the gasps already!! How very un-chic of me, yes I know. It was here I was born and here I have stayed.

I'm currently single but always looking for that special someone that makes my heart skip a beat...in addition to being able to put up with my neurotic ass. The worst thing about being a romance writer is finding a real life hottie that can live up to the fantasy I create in my head and subsequently thrust upon him before actually getting to know the real him. I can hear you getting all judgie... it's an occupational hazard!! To all my past and future boyfriends, my sincerest apologies. I can't help myself!

I was the youngest of four children and the only boy, so needless to say, I was spoiled rotten. I've always had an extravagant fantasy life. When I played with my Star Wars action figures as a child, I liked to make up my own stories. Naturally, Luke Skywalker and Han Solo were totally meant for each other, and Princess Leia made a bitchin' wise cracking Fag Hag.

I somehow managed to survive high school living in a small racist town in Southeast Missouri and emerged unscathed, realizing life was too short to pretend to be anything other than who I was. I was the little homo that could... so damn it, I did! It was all very Lifetime Movie Network meets After School Special I assure you.

After a few stints in college, I eventually signed up for a Creative Writing course. I took the class because there were no tests. For once my scholastic laziness paid off, and I found an outlet for all the fantasies running amuck in my head. It was love at first write, and I've been doing it off and on ever since.

Now I've decided it's time to un-barricade the doors and unleash my imagination onto the world. So very sorry world!! My fantasy life is now available for public consumption and I'm desperately hoping you're really, really hungry.

Also Available from
Resplendence Publishing

Actually by Mia Watts

Law student, Aaron Hedlund, is on the cusp of a new career with a cute boyfriend. Life is easy and perfect, until he gets a call that shatters his plans.

When Ian Mitchell discovers that his sexy former student, Aaron, is back in town, he’s relieved to know that someone will help Aaron’s little brother recover from the death of their parents. But as Aaron struggles to keep the family together, Ian finds that getting close enough to help may be more temptation than he can handle.

And the biggest challenge of all is showing Aaron that fixing shattered plans can become a blessing, actually.

Breaking Cover by Sean Michael

Handcuffs and Lace Series

Home for six months after an undercover assignment at BDSM club Testing Leather, Homicide detective Brian Hurley can't shake the memories, or the feelings he developed, for undercover partner Griffin McManus.

Griffin's having his own problems in the aftermath of the job, and he shows up on Brian's doorstep, hoping one last night together will allow him to put it all behind him.

Will reconnecting as themselves help them let go, or will they find everything they need in each other?

Vamplet by Dakota Rebel

As We Like It Series

To be or not to be? That is the question in this tale of love, loss and vampires.

The Castle Elsinore, home to the royal family of Denmark, has played host to myriad secrets over many years. Recently, it has been the scene of the suspicious death of King Hamlet, the hasty remarriage of the Queen to Old Hamlet's brother and the late night meetings of young Prince Hamlet and his lover Felix.

Two broken boys, Hamlet and Felix have found comfort in their friendship since childhood. As they entered adulthood, their friendship grew into deeper feelings. Hamlet leans on his mate for support after the loss of his father and Felix takes strength from Hamlet as he endures the abuse of his own parent.

But something is rotten in the kingdom of Denmark.

The return of his father leaves Hamlet frightened and confused, not sure if the old King is a ghost or is truly one of the undead. Just when Hamlet thinks his life cannot become any more difficult, a life-shattering tragedy sends him into a downward spiral of confusion and despair. As his visions become sharper and more frequent, Hamlet can only wonder if what he sees is real or if he’s truly lost his mind.

Facing Fitz by Kim Dare

A to Z Series, Book 4

It took Harvey months to work up the courage to let his friends set him up on a date with Fitz—a dominant he’d been admiring from afar ever since he set foot in the local kinky clubs. But, when their first scene ended in disaster before it even got started, he was very quick to retreat.

Forget going back to the club where he made a fool of himself. Harvey’s determined never to leave the house again. Facing Fitz is out of the question.

Fitz, however, has other ideas. Intrigued by what he saw on that first date he’s determined to do a real scene with Harvey. Dominant to the core, Fitz has no intention of walking away from a boy he’s genuinely interested in without a fight.

Harvey is going to have to get over his embarrassment and face Fitz sooner or later and, with the help of a few friends, Fitz is determined he’ll do that tonight.

Line of Fire by Simone Anderson

SEALS at the Ready Series

Christian Williams has lived with his secret his whole life, and he’s not ready to give it up. He’s especially not ready to face the consequences.

Consequences be damned, Hayden Medema is tired of living a lie. Don’t Ask Don’t Tell is dead and gays are serving openly in the rest of the military. The Navy SEALs should be no different.

After coming face to face at a gay bar in a different city and a whirlwind weekend of sex, Christian and Hayden along with fourteen other SEALs are sent on what appears to be another routine mission, until someone learns their secret and everything goes horribly wrong.

Romero and Julian by Brynn Paulin

Stay away from them!

Wesley Romero and Micah Julian have heard the admonitions their entire lives, but when lightning-fast attraction strikes them one night, they can’t deny the connection that binds them. Their families may be engaged in a long-standing feud, but Wes and Micah want to solve their differences in a more civilized manner—in bed and in each other’s embrace, where arm-to-arm combat has never been so good.

In the Shadow of a Hero by Anna Mayle

A cop dies in the city, life goes on. For one little boy, though, it changed everything. Haunted by his past, Maxwell Thomas has grown up homeless and friendless, trapped by his guilt. Prowling the city, the small man guards the Church District like a vigilante, trying to make up for his crime. When he rescues the wrong rent boy, he is pulled back into the madness that destroyed him as a child. And now, another cop's life is on the line...

Nick Kenna is a beat cop with dreams of being a detective. When he stumbles across a murder and the very unusual suspect, he finds himself caught, not only by the mystery of the vagrant he's apprehended, but something deeper that sparks between them.

Will Nick be able to save Maxwell, from his past and himself? Or will love be lost as the broken man fades into the shadow of his hero?

www.resplendencepublishing.com