“Our relationship is….” Spencer tried to think of the right word to use and finally settled on, “Fine. Everybody is civil to each other, but they’ve made it clear they don’t understand me, and everyone tends to be happier when we keep our distance.” He shrugged. “I see them for a few days every couple of years, usually around a holiday.”
“Does that bother you?” Emilio asked quietly, his tone almost soothing.
Spencer shrugged again, even though Emilio couldn’t see him. “It isn’t great,” he admitted. After a deep breath, he added, “And I wish it could be different. But it can’t.”
“Why?” Emilio asked. “Do they have an issue with you being gay?”
“Yes and no,” Spencer answered honestly. “I mean, coming out pointed out another difference between us, but I was never what they expected in a son.” He swallowed hard and tried to sound nonchalant as he said, “It’s no big deal. They have my brother and now grandkids. And I like it here.”
Without saying a word or turning around, Emilio reached a soapy hand behind himself and held it out. The invitation was clear, and Spencer hesitated only a moment before taking it. He hurried over to the sink and threaded his fingers with Emilio’s. Within seconds, he was tugged up against that broad, hard body and squeezed tightly.
“I’m sorry it’s like that for you, cariño. Maybe it’ll get better one day.”
It wouldn’t, and Spencer had long since stopped deluding himself by hoping otherwise, but he didn’t say that, partly because he didn’t want to sound bitter and partly because, despite his maturity, Emilio was still really young and the last thing Spencer wanted to do was jade him.
After letting himself enjoy the warmth and strength of Emilio’s embrace for a bit longer, Spencer stepped back and said, “Are you ready for me to dry?”
Thankfully, Emilio didn’t press the topic further. He turned the handle on the faucet and started rinsing off suds before handing the wet dishes to Spencer. They worked together companionably, and by the time they were done, Spencer was no longer thinking about the loss of his family and was instead thinking about how nice it was to share simple everyday tasks with Emilio.
“Emilio?”
“Uh-huh?” Emilio handed Spencer the last glass, turned off the water, and dried his hands with a towel as he turned around.
“How long do you think the remodeling project will take?”
“Why?” Emilio asked, his eyes sparkling and his lips tilted upward in a wicked grin. “Are you already in a rush to get me out of here?”
“No,” Spencer responded right away.
“Good answer, cariño.” Emilio swept him into his arms once again and kissed his cheek. “Good answer.”
EMILIO gazed into Spencer’s warm, brown eyes and felt as much as heard the man’s breath quicken. He smirked and puffed out his chest a little. His ego was healthy enough to get off on that reaction, on how quickly and easily he could ramp up the smart, successful older man.
“You ready to go back to bed?” he asked, keeping his voice low. Then he licked his lips.
“Mmm hmm,” Spencer said as he bobbed his head, his gaze locked on Emilio’s mouth.
“Damn, you’re sweet,” Emilio rasped.
“Huh?” Spencer slowly dragged his eyes up to meet Emilio’s.
“You like my mouth?” he asked sensually as he dipped his head down so his breath ghosted over Spencer’s skin. “Want to feel it all over your body?” He trailed his fingers over Spencer’s shoulders, his arms, his chest, and his belly, making Spencer whimper. “Think I can make you cum that way?” He ran one finger from the head of Spencer’s engorged cock to the root. “Or do you want me to suck you?”
Spencer grabbed Emilio’s shoulders and bucked forward as he cried out. “Emilio?” he panted. “I’ve never—” Emilio moved his finger up the length of Spencer’s shaft and the rest of Spencer’s sentence garbled as his eyes rolled back in his head.
“What’s that?” he whispered. “I don’t think I heard you.”
“God,” Spencer whispered, his eyes still closed. “You make me feel so much.” He blinked his eyes open. “Please,” he begged. “Don’t tease me. It’s not ever like this for me, just….” He gulped and pierced Emilio with his stare. “Please don’t tease me.”
Filling the man with desire was one thing, but terrifying him in the process was quite another. “Hey,” Emilio said softly as he gathered Spencer in his arms and cuddled him close. “I ain’t teasing you. I’m gonna make you feel so good.” He dragged his stubble over Spencer’s smooth cheek. “Let’s go to bed so I can show you.”
They started walking toward the bedroom, Emilio’s arm around Spencer’s shoulders, and then Spencer halted and turned to face Emilio. “What about you?” he asked.
“Uh, what do you mean?” Emilio furrowed his brow in confusion.
“You said you’re going to make me feel good. But what about you? What are you getting out of it?”