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Step one in Brad’s Guide to Finding Himself and Falling in Love: Make a new friend. Nailed it.
Fuck. This man. I barely know him, and I’m already wondering what kind of fence he’d like around his backyard. White picket?
“If you could have any one thing, like a wish without all the potential baggage and repercussions, what would it be?” Brad’s smile tips up, as if he likes that question. He doesn’t have to consider it for long. “A good cuddle sesh.” His answer takes me so off guard, it’s a moment before I can say anything at all. “Really?” “Yeah, man. It’s been a while for me, you know? I miss, just, like…touching someone. Holding.” Fu-u-uck. How long would it take to custom-order a ring?
Joey’s chuckle is warm, like melted milk chocolate. It makes me feel warm, too, and my resolve to find Joey’s person strengthens.
oh you adorable idiot
“He’s like… If niceness were a man,” I say. “His eyes are warm like brownies. And he’s all muscly in a kinda soft way? Like a loaf of challah. Add some chocolate sprinkles on top for his hair, and there you have it.” “Sounds…edible,” Jason mumbles.
Jacqueline (Fall In Love With The Sound of Words) and 1 other person liked this
“Plus,” Brad goes on, utterly serious, “you make people happy, Joey. You’re calm and patient and genuinely kind. You’re flexible in your thinking, but not so much that you’d compromise your morals. And I’m not sure if you know this, but sometimes you smell like sawdust. Like those happy memories you mentioned from your childhood. I could see that becoming someone else’s happy memory, too, you know? You’re a catch. Inside and out. And someday, you’re going to make the right guy very happy.”
Family isn’t always given, you know? Sometimes it’s earned. And I think that makes it all the more important. Choosing to love? I don’t think there’s anything greater than that.”
“Maybe it’s stupid, not protecting myself. I do get hurt sometimes. But if you spend your life building walls, you might miss out on the people who’d see you for who you are. I don’t want to miss out on that.”
“Hey, Joey?” I say, trying not to let my nerves show. He waits patiently. Always patient. “So, uh, it turns out I really like your face. And, if you’re still amenable, I’d very much like to greet your tonsils with my tongue.”
“I don’t have a perfect answer,” he says. “All I know is I understand cum gutters now because of you, and I’m pretty sure I’d like to test yours out if you’d let me.”
“Oh, shit,” Brad whispers. “There’s Greg again, huh?” I pause, my lips on his neck. “Did you name my dick Greg? As in…gregarious?” “Yeah?” “Of course you did,”
Brad follows after me, using the claw of the hammer to tug the nails free and then lightly knocking the panels loose after I demonstrate the process for him. He has a smile on his face the entire time we work, and when I point out the nails he’s removing are called brads, he gleefully starts making jokes. “Fuck, that brad was tight. Really had to wiggle my way in.” “Heh. Wanna watch me hammer myself?” “Hello, brad. I’m Brad. Prepare to meet your doom, as there can only be one.” I wonder if he’d prefer a spring or fall wedding.
let out another breath, hands landing on his stomach before drifting down toward the band of his underwear. I slip my fingers beneath it, dropping down to a crouch as I tug the material down over his cock. It bobs once freed, waving almost proudly, as thick as I’d imagined and perfectly straight. I give the top of it a small tap, watching it dip a mere inch before popping up again. “Hello, Greg,” I whisper. “I’m Brad. It’s so very good to meet you.” Joey makes a choked sound above me. “Did you just…give my dick a handshake?” “It’s only polite,”
Brad lifts his hand slowly, cool air washing over my chest as he trails his pointer finger downwards. It takes me a minute to realize he’s not just rubbing our cum into my skin, but… “Did you just spell out your name?” I check. He makes a satisfied sound, patting the side of my stomach before hopping up with energy I’m not expecting. “I sure did.
“I think…” I take a breath and start again. “You said once that hugging releases endorphins that make people happy and calm. Since meeting you, I’ve been more calmly happy than I can remember being in a really long time. Maybe ever. You’re like a hug, Brad. Always. Whether or not we’re touching. So if this gives you even a fraction of what you’ve given to me, then yes. Anytime you want it…or need it…I’m here.”
I decide, despite the limitations of my body, I’m going to try very hard to have Joey’s babies.
“I’ll never wreck you,” Joey says, his voice rough as he maneuvers me through the doorway. “Not ever.” “It’s just an—” The word expression dissolves into a yip as Joey tosses me onto the bed. I bounce once, and then there he is, crawling over me, his crotch slotting against mine and his eyes so earnest I have no choice but to shut my mouth and listen. “All I will ever do is worship you,” he promises, leaning down to press a kiss near my ear. The next one lands on my neck, his stubble making me break out in goose bumps. “I will make you feel good. Only good, bub. There’s nothing in this world I
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“What I should have said is I love how you make me feel,” I say, slipping my fingers back inside his body. He pulls in a breath, arching his hips, his eyes never leaving mine. “I should have told you that you make me happy. And that I’m so grateful you trust me in this way.” “Joey,” he mouths, no sound accompanying the word. “I should have said you make my life brighter, bub. That every day you’re in it is better simply because it has you.”
I don’t think he realizes just how easily he draws people in, like the smell of cinnamon rolls or, ooh, one of those big sunflowers you can’t help but stop and stare at. And holy freaking shit. I’m his bee! “Hey,” I whisper to him as the master of ceremonies gives his closing speech. “Pst. Joey. Joey-roo. Wanna pollinate me later?” He turns to me slowly. “You know,” I hedge, bouncing my eyebrows. “With your stamen. I’ll do a little”—I wiggle my fingers—“and you’ll give me your sunflower seed.” Alex leans around Joey to stare at me. “Maybe we should discuss our…stamens later?” Joey suggests. I
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“None of them have your green eyes, Brad. None of them will feel the same wrapped around me at night. None of them are capable of being what I need because I’m already in love with you. I love you, okay? So no. You told me not to settle, and I’m not settling for anyone but the man I love. I’m not giving you up without a fight, got it?”
“You love me?” Fuck. “I do,” I say, despite the way my nerves are flayed open. “Good,” he says firmly. “Because I’m kinda in love with you, too, dude. And you not feeling the same way would’ve really spoiled this whole grand gesture thing I’m trying to pull off.”
“I don’t want you with anyone else, Joey. And I don’t want to be with anyone else, either. I’m sorry I fucked this up, but I was trying to tell you thirty days isn’t nearly enough time for me. Not when it comes to you. I’d like to share all your days if that’s something you’d like, too. I can’t promise to always get things right. I mean, case in point right here. But I can promise I’ll always do my best. Because you’re worth it. You’re my baby kangaroo-roo. And, if you’ll let me, I’ll be your boomer.” “Fuck, bub,” I rasp out, my relief mixing with a heavy dose of joy and so much affection it’s
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“You’ll stay with me, Baby?” His smile widens at my question, and he throws his arms out wide. “Yeah, Johnny. ’Cause I’ve…haaad—” “Oh boy.” “—the time of my—” “Are we really doing this?” “—li-i-ife, and I—” “Dude,” some guy says, stopping beside us. “Are you doing Dirty—” “Dirty Dancing, dude, fuck yeah!” Brad says, holding out his hand. The guy slaps his palm. “Good movie.”
“Joey,” he pants. “Yeah?” I murmur against his mouth, my palms smoothing over his ass. “I’m going to lie on this bed,” he says. “Okay?” “And you’re going to get up on this bed.” “Sure.” “And then you’re going to king me.” My confusion must be written across my face because Brad goes on without my having to ask. “Treat me like your throne, king, and sit on my motherfucking face.”
I’ve always loved having my partners ride my face. Granted, this is the first time a man is treating me like their own personal bicycle seat. Joey, specifically. But the sheer size of him, the power I know is leashed beneath my fingertips, his thick-as-fuck thighs cradling my head, and his weight all but smothering me… I don’t think it gets better than this.
“Oh, holy fuck,” I gasp aloud. “There’s no way I’m not going to think about this during our wedding.” “What?” Joey asks, his eyes flaring wide. “What?!” I shout. “Fuck, I’m gonna—” Joey’s words cut off into a groan, and he comes in a flash across my fist, painting his stomach in a dirty abstract work of fucking art as his ass clamps tight around my cock.
