Taking Stock Chapter 3 Copyright 2009 by Mark Corlis
This is a copyrighted work. Reproductions of any kind will not be permitted without the express written consent of the author.
If there's a reason you shouldn't be reading this, then don't. Standard disclaimers do apply.
Author's notes:
Welcome to chapter 3 loyal readers! Thank you so much for all of the wonderful comments I've received so far. The kind words really do touch me. I hope this installment meets with the same fanfare. Please don't forget to let me know what ya think at mcnc1966@gmail .com.
For fans of "In The Blink Of An Eye," I have returned to work on the next chapter and will be posting it as soon as possible. Your patience is greatly appreciated!
Mark
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Thad Barber was no ordinary attorney. He had the reputation of being one of the finest corporate attorneys in the area, and a real bulldog to be up against. He'd also made himself a side reputation as a staunch defender of gay rights and freedoms. Just the prior year, he'd defended against a gay man being evicted from his apartment for being HIV positive. The case garnered national attention and added heartily to his already formidable resume.
The years had been kind to him. Standing 6 foot 5, he maintained his shape, for the most part, by swimming and jogging daily. Grey hair had begun to peak through his otherwise brown mop, giving him a bit of a distinguished air. Add in bifocal lenses in Prada frames and he looked the part of the studious jurist.
While in college, he met the man who would touch his life profoundly. His name was Vincent Channing, and he was one of the most talented art students he'd ever met. Paintings had been one of Thad's secret passions throughout his life. The artwork Vin (Thad's pet name for him) produced was a treat for the senses, allowing patrons the opportunity to disappear into it and interpret it in many different ways. Thad was immediately taken, coming to view the new canvasses often.
What he hadn't figured was being equally struck by the artist. A chance encounter at the school's display area led to Thad being pierced by Cupid's arrow on the spot. He made excuses to visit repeatedly, hoping to catch Vin if even for a second. The man was not what you would expect a future attorney to be attracted to.
Where Thad was cranial and cautious, Vin was flamboyant and disliked planning intensely. The common ground between them was slim, but both were open minded enough to enjoy learning about the other's worlds. Over many cups of coffee, the two found that being not at all alike could lead to some great adventures. Thad learned more than he ever thought possible about modern art where Vin gained a fairly in depth knowledge of legal issues facing homosexuals in the modern world. Very slowly, the two became an inseparable couple, not placing the least bit of importance on sex. Small kisses and lots of hand holding was satisfactory, adding to the magic they felt when around each other.
The defining moment for Vin was watching Thad in action, arguing a case against their university's board of regents. They had denied a charter for the formation of a new gay fraternity on campus. Threats from various large donors to the school's endowment pressured the board into quickly rejecting the idea of an alternative organization on their campus. Vin related the story to Thad over dinner one night in passing.
He was completely unprepared for the outrage the future lawyer exhibited. They quickly exited the restaurant so Vin could take Thad to talk to those involved. After getting the facts for a few hours, he decided that this was a case worth arguing and vowed to fight with everything he had against this injustice.
Watching Thad work was a stunning experience for the ostentatious artist. Precedents from years of case examples were drawn upon. Exhaustive depositions of all the key figures were taken. He even took the time to draw upon the exposure other attorneys had trying similar cases. All the while, Thad remained cool and organized. His methodical ways left no stone unturned. Vin fell deeply in love watching passion become action. He stood by, offering assistance wherever he could. That help ranged from retrieving library books to bringing Thad food so he didn't forget to eat.
In the end, the sheer volume of facts collected easily overwhelmed the regents' arguments. Thad exposed the donors' unjust influence and the individual board member's prejudices. The jury sided with him unanimously, granting the organization's charter immediately without restriction. The university, in their extreme disgrace, set about replacing the board in its entirety and setting new guidelines for endowment donations. They even set up new scholarship funds specifically for gay students.
The results exceeded Thad's wildest dreams. Jubilation reigned across campus, even within organizations that catered to heterosexuals. He became a hero to many, and would always be honored as a champion of human rights. Several national wire services picked up the local story, coming to town to interview Thad live. He greatly appreciated the opportunity to regale audiences with their triumph over wrong doing, but developed a great distaste for reporters, a condition that would stay with him his entire career. He even caught the attention of a prestigious law firm, the very firm he continued to practice with today.
His life with Vin was the greatest result of the whole thing. While he was knocked over by the law student's passion, Thad was equally bowled over by the artist's devotion to him during the process. If it wasn't for Vin's careful watch over him, he might very well have wasted away by the time the case ended. He knew without a doubt that he wanted to spend the rest of his life with the man, but had no clue that Vin felt the same way.
At a party to celebrate the victory, everything came spilling out. The two men talked about the future for hours. They expressed their most intimate hopes and dreams, discovering in the process that they were much more alike then first thought. Passionate kissing and a mind numbing sex session cemented their deep feelings for each other.
Thad smiled as he took a swig of his vodka martini, being thankful for the good fortune life had bestowed upon him and Vin. His law career had been prosperous, allowing him the luxury of defending pro bono clients against the various inequities that existed in society. Vin had become a recognized talent in the art world, but chose to devote his life to schooling prodigious students at a local college. His devotion to his pupils never wavered over the years, finding his true calling in life.
The last fifteen years had, indeed, been good to them. Not only had their professional lives been wonderful, their personal lives had thrived as well. Many of the people they met professionally had become extremely close friends as well. It was one of those very friends, an investment officer for a local charity, that had arranged to retain Thad on behalf of Jordan Maxwell. He was being compensated generously, even though he'd never met his newest benefactor.
The whole situation intrigued him. After receiving all of the proposed contract documents, he learned that his retainer had been paid by none other than Taylor Bryant. He was well aware of the man's reputation, often wishing to meet him, but never crossing paths. He checked out the young man he was hired to represent with friends exhaustively. The complete picture of Jordan's career had been laid out before him, and it had him wishing he could be the plaintiff's counsel against those bastards at Stephenson. What he couldn't grasp was Taylor's extreme interest in a relatively low level financial employee. A man with his expertise and wealth could afford to hire the best, so why was he insistent upon this man? It wasn't Thad's place to answer those questions, only to represent his client's interests to the best of his ability. He'd done just that, preparing a list of suggested amendments to the contract designed to enrich his client significantly. The opportunity to present these ideas came upon him as he observed a young, well dressed man being escorted to his table.
Even though he'd always been lower in the hierarchy, Jordan had heard of Thad Barber and his hard charging reputation. The name of the lawyer was the one detail Taylor had intentionally omitted, correctly guessing that the younger man would be terribly intimidated. The withheld info was of no comfort as Jordan approached the impeccably dressed counselor.
"Jordan Maxwell," he said, extending his hand to a rapidly standing Thad. "I'm pleased to meet you."
"Thad Barber," the man replied, shaking Jordan's hand firmly.
Attorney and client sat down, ordering cocktails from a nearby waiter, making small talk until the drinks arrived.
"Thank you for agreeing to see me, Mr. Barber," Jordan said.
Thad immediately raised his hand. "Mr. Barber was my father. My name is Thad and I work hard for a living, so let's dispense with the formalities."
Jordan breathed an obvious sigh of relief, feeling more comfortable with Thad right away.
They talked about general interests, the market, investment strategies, and the recent legal cases surrounding securities fraud. Thad was pleasantly surprised to find Jordan quite knowledgeable on subjects they spoke of. His opinion of Taylor Bryant changed as well. Instead of viewing their proposed arrangement as one of man conquering boy, he now saw them as capable associates who could work together to enhance an already tremendously successful business. He was glad he'd taken on this client after all.
After several strong Grey Goose and tonics, Thad moved them to the matters at hand. He decided to lay out his ideas forwardly, not stopping until they were all out, then pausing for discussion and client opinions.
"I've looked over the contract papers in great detail," he began. "I think you have a good opportunity here, young man." Jordan smiled, happy that Thad agreed with him on that one. "I see a few changes we can make, though, to turn this from a good happening into a momentous one."
He pulled revised sample contracts from his nearby briefcase and continued on. "First, I propose a performance based bonus formula, half paid in cash, the other half in company equity. Mr. Bryant is gonna depend on you an awful lot, and you should be rewarded for all efforts that are positive to the organization."
"Second, I think we should ask for an additional $50,000 in salary. Any additional guaranteed money is ,of course, an obvious plus for you. If the bonus formulas I propose are accepted, and you perform at or above expectations, then the salary figure will be a pittance. I want it structured this way so you are protected in a down market."
"And last, I propose that Bryant Financially fund a high quality benefits and retirement plan in full. With health costs skyrocketing daily, this is a no brainer. Your future will also be protected via the 401K plan." He, then, revealed a surprise of sorts to Jordan.
"Mr. Bryant's recent changes to the contract are generous and more than agreeable."
That got Jordan's complete attention. "Changes?" he inquired.
"I'm sorry," Thad replied. "I thought you were aware of them. The offer now includes transportation to work daily either via limousine or company car, your choice. It also includes a country and beach club membership, which you'll find mega helpful when entertaining important clients. The last addition was an annual clothing allowance of $10,000. Gotta look like a big dog to run with them." Thad grinned after completing the last statement.
Jordan sat silently in astonishment. He was amazed at the generosity of the entire thing, but worried that most of it came about because of their new feelings for each other. A part of him felt like he was being purchased for future services, while another part considered things a part of normal investment firm compensation. He considered all he was told carefully before deciding to come clean about their budding romance.
"Wow," was the first word from Jordan's mouth. "that's an amazing offer. I need to bring you up to speed on something first, though." Thad leaned forward in his chair, listening intently as Jordan continued. "Taylor and I have begun to get personally involved with each other. Nothing too serious has happened yet, but the future looks bright for us at this time. Do you think that, just maybe, he's trying to buy my affection?"
Thad considered his answer carefully for a moment or two. " I have to admit I've never met Mr. Bryant. His reputation for honor among a world of thieves is well known, though." He paused momentarily before hopping out on a limb. "Jordan, it's always been my belief that human beings have a fundamental need for companionship, be they gay or straight. I further believe that life is a risk/reward game, and sometimes the largest risks yield the greatest dividends. You'll have to trust your heart on this one. I can tell ya from my experience that it could work out better than you ever dreamed of."
He spent the next half hour relating the story of Vin and him with a gleam in his eye. Jordan hung on his every word, thrilled that he was sitting with a living example of the life he so badly craved. His heart became more warm with each passing word, getting sidetracked with dreams of his situation following a similar path. Happiness welled up within him as Thad concluded his abridged biographical account. Jordan smiled with glee when he finished.
"I appreciate you sharing that with me," he said sincerely. "It's nice to meet someone who's living proof that everything I've ever desired is totally possible."
"Well, I enjoy talking about it. No part of my life would be complete without Vin in it. He's my reason for waking up everyday, and I couldn't imagine a moment without him."
Jordan's eyes got a bit misty when Thad revealed his extreme love and admiration for his partner. "But let's not tell him that. I don't think I could handle letting his head swell any further," the smiling jurist quickly added. Both men got a hearty laugh at that one.
Fear of being seen as weak for tearing up caused Jordan to quickly steer things back to business for the moment. "I think we ought to go ahead with the changes you recommend, Thad. I think the amount of money involved may keep Taylor as focused on business matters as he will be on romantic ones."
"A wise decision, my friend," Thad agreed.
With the business concluded for now, the two men continued an easy conversation, talking about themselves and the men in their lives. The more Jordan learned about Vin, the more he was dying to meet him. It was very reassuring to note that two people could be so different, yet so completely devoted to one another. It gave Jordan the courage needed to move forward on all fronts with Taylor.
They ate a light pasta dish and consumed a bottle of red wine, talking and laughing the entire time. A table side preparation of Bananas Foster and strong black coffee capped the meal perfectly. Once Thad covered the bill, they moved in unison to the club's front portico area.
"It was a distinct pleasure meeting you, Jordan. I hope we get the opportunity soon to meet on a social basis, " Thad said.
"I would enjoy that very much," Jordan responded eagerly.
"Then it's decided. I'll get with Mr. Bryant tomorrow and, during the course of business, suggest that you and he join us for dinner sometime. If he bites, I'll set it up for later in the week."
"Sounds wonderful," Jordan said, barely able to contain his excitement.
The two men shook hands again and parted for the evening, Thad to his Mercedes convertible and Jordan to the waiting limousine. Carl, as usual, stood ready with the rear door opened.
"I trust things went well, Master Jordan," he said as the young man entered the vehicle.
"More then well, actually, Carl," he replied.
"I'm pleased for you. I think you and the boss are gonna be a tremendous team, both on and off the battlefield."
Jordan smiled feverishly. He was hoping for exactly that. In his dreams, he envisioned them meshing their investment knowledge and maximizing returns for their clients. The business would grow soundly based on their combined achievements, yielding them great respect, and, maybe, a hint of jealousy from their peers. On the personal front, he longed for them to become unable to live without each other. He saw them as gray haired men in later life, eyes still ablaze for each other. Their love became stronger each day as they moved through the years. Pictures of this idyllic life played out before his eyes, mesmerizing him completely.
Jordan was so captive to his fantasy that he didn't realize their travel path until Carl pulled through the ornate gates of the Bryant Estate. He hadn't realized that this was their destination, but wasn't the least bit upset at their arrival. His smile returned as Taylor appeared clad only in a pair of fairly tight board shorts, his sexiest feature on proud display. He opened the rear door, offering Jordan his hand, then pulling him into a tight embrace. Jordan returned the affection, melting into Taylor's shirtless body.
"Things go well?" he asked, fearing he was pushing too hard.
"Just fine, but I'm so glad to be here right now." He tightened his hold and planted a few light kisses across his chest. Taylor cradled Jordan's head, running several fingers through his silky hair. His heart beat fiercely at Jordan's sincere words, being consumed by unfamiliar, yet wonderful, feelings.
"Let's get you changed," Taylor moaned as their sensuous embrace continued.
"Changed?" Jordan questioned, leaning back from the warm chest. "Exactly what do you propose I change into?"
Taylor gave him a Cheshire cat grin. "Come with me. I've got everything taken care of." He led Jordan into the house and to the door of a bedroom. The younger man's heart momentarily skipped a beat, trying to anticipate what might come next. Taylor, ever the hard one to figure out, opened the door, motioning Jordan inside.
"Everything you need is on the bed. I'll see you on the veranda when you're ready," he said as he walked away, leaving Jordan in shock.
After watching Taylor turn tail and leave, he cautiously looked inside the door. Entering the room, he saw something that started his warm feelings for Taylor all over again. Lying in front of an Abercrombie and Fitch shopping bag was a single long stem rose, white this time, though. A note saying "Thinking Of You" was attached to it. Jordan couldn't stop smiling as he brought the flower to his nose. He inhaled deeply, letting the hypnotic fragrance consume him. "I wonder if Taylor knows how much these little gifts affect me?" he thought aloud. Running his fingers over the delicate petals one last time, he set the bud down softly and moved on to the bag.
Carefully opening it, he removed the tissue paper to reveal a pair of the store's latest board shorts. Another note read, "Wear me, and only me. Meet me on the beach." Jordan examined the garment, amazed, as always, at Taylor's exquisite taste. He quickly threw his sport coat and tie to the bed, followed closely by his button down shirt. Wing tip shoes and argyle socks were ripped off, as were his pants and boxer briefs. He stood naked for a few moments, enjoying the feel of the cool air conditioning on his bare skin. He gave a cock a few short tugs, then decided to speed up his pace.
He admired the shorts for one more quick second, then stepped into them. Padding over to a nearby mirror, he pulled at them, making sure their positioning was as flattering as possible. Running his hand over his slightly accentuated bulge, he headed down the hall toward the veranda. As he passed through the living room, a voice yelled out from the kitchen.
"Enjoy yourself, Jordan," a very bubbly Leonard exclaimed. He and Carl stood arm in arm, both smiling graciously at the shirtless man.
"Thank you, I intend to," he replied with a sly grin and headed outside.
Once on the veranda, he descended a flight of wide concrete stairs to the grass of the back yard. A trail lit in fluorescent Malibu lights marked the way forward. He followed the illumination for several hundred feet, until he came to a stop with soft sand beneath his bare feet. The mesmerizing sound of waves crashing into the shore echoed all around. He looked around, absorbing the breathtaking surroundings. He could see Taylor standing off in the distance, staring silently at the brilliant full moon. It's reflection cast millions of sparkles across the water's surface, lending a fairytale like quality to the entire scene.
Creeping up silently behind Taylor, he wrapped his arms tightly around his man's waist. He kissed his way from his shoulder blades to back of his neck, his chin coming to rest on his broad shoulder.
"Hi," he said, nuzzling his cheek tightly against Taylor's neck.
"Hi yourself," he said back, locking his fingers with Jordan's. He was becoming addicted to the energy that passed between their touching digits.
"Have a good day," Jordan mumbled as he snuggled harder into the warm skin.
"It's looking up now," he said grinning.
Tiring of small talk, Taylor spun himself around, then pulled Jordan's body tightly to his. Their increasing bulges smashed together, settling into a light rubbing motion. He tilted Jordan's head sideways, bending to bring their lips together. Every so lightly, he touched them together, before moving backward to look into Jordan's eyes. The brown pools swirled with passion, sucking Taylor deep into them. What he saw only raised his need for his man.
He returned to the point he left off at, finding Jordan's mouth accepting of his invading tongue. It probed deep in the oral cavity, trying to travel across every inch of it possible. Jordan's tongue fought to rub against its counterpart valiantly. In the end, the touching was too much, causing it's owner to give in totally. He practically fused his body with Taylor's, as the erotic sensations threatened to knock him out. Their arms tightened around each other as the kiss became more urgent. Taylor's hands cascaded up and down Jordan's back, even dipping low enough to feel the firm globes of his incredible ass.
When they could bear no more, their faces moved backward. Eyes remained locked on each other. Chests heaved up and down. Bulges had increased tremendously, with small wet spots present at their highest points. Taylor took Jordan's hand in his, pulling him down the beach.
For a few minutes, they walked hand in hand, grains of sand squishing between their bare toes. Casual glances between them, followed by shy smiles said everything that needed to be communicated. The exileration between them grew with every passing second. An enchanting warmth surrounded both of them. Wanton heat and electricity was exchanged between their bodies as they walked through the ebbing waves. They moved along the shore until they reached a rock outcropping.
Taylor climbed carefully along the closest boulder, extending his hand to Jordan when he reached its summit. He helped the boy balance along the sharp edges until they were about halfway up the jetty's length. When he located a suitably flat rock, he sat down, then pulled Jordan into his lap. He wrapped his arms around him, getting him cozily settled against his half naked body. While running his fingers lightly over Jordan's knuckles, he knew that now was the time to deal with a few things tugging at his mind.
"So, are we moving along too fast?" he inquired.
Jordan continued to look away from Taylor as he pondered the question. "Are you thinking we are?"
"I don't know truthfully," he began. "Part of me says we are. I mean I have been through a whirlwind of feelings and strange sensations I've never felt. My body is retching at me about the foreign emotions. The rest of me says that I've never met a guy as wonderful as you, and I, probably, never will again."
"I really like you so much, Jordan. I'm scared shitless, though. Everything I try in my personal life turns to shit, and I'd hate to see you dragged down with it."
Jordan thought carefully about what Taylor said. He was petrified also, yet he felt so strongly for Taylor he had to see where this avenue ended. He chose his words carefully.
"I'm very scared, too. I mean, seventy-two hours ago I was a small fish in a big pond struggling to make silk outa straw. Now, I'm here with the sexiest, sweetest man alive negotiating a large employment contract and flying a private jet across the country. It's like I've been caught up in a huge tornado, wondering where it was gonna spit me out at."
Taylor winced at the boy's admission. He wanted to whisper words of encouragement and hold him tight until it all went away, but he knew it was delusional to think he could comfort things like this away. No, he realized, this was gonna take some extreme communicating. He chose to sit back and allow Jordan to get everything off his chest.
"The problem is, though, that I've never been happier than I have in this wind tunnel. You have made me realize a great many things about what I want and deserve in life, and for that I'll be forever grateful." He took a deep breath before moving ahead.
"Are we going to fast?" he repeated. "If we are, then nature intended us to be moving at this pace."
Jordan turned to face Taylor when he was done. Staring into the blue orbs, he leaned forward and initiated another oral tug of war with the man of his dreams. As the pair of tongues did their patented Tango, their arms returned to holding each other frantically. They held on like the other would leave forever if released. The collision of their faces and bodies eased some of tension, but an underlying current of worry still flowed.
The men returned to their original position and stared at the choppy ocean. A large oil tanker cruised by the jetty, on it's way to a berth in the near by port. Jordan had never been so close to a ship this massive. He imagined the exotic ports of call, imagined visiting them with Taylor. A world with just the two of them in it, free from all the cares of the world. Even though he knew that his fear would have to be dealt with, he couldn't help but smile and walk on air whenever Taylor came to mind. He would do anything to have a chance, even the most minuscule chance, at true love. Of all the concepts he accepted, true love was the one he believed in most of all. This opportunity was not gonna pass him by without a fight.
"I want you to know something," Jordan began, turning in Taylor's lap to face him again. "You may be rich, powerful and successful, but none of that matters to me. You could mount tires for a living and I'd still be enthralled with the person inside. I really do appreciate all you've done for me so far, but it's not what's of consequence. Please don't hate me for saying these things, but I couldn't go on another second without you knowing."
Taylor sat in utter amazement, unable to verbalize what he wanted to say. He was shocked that anyone, let alone an incredible guy like Jordan, would want him for his soul. He hugged the boy to him, squeezing him harder than ever, fully intent on never letting him go. Fear would have to cast aside, and he'd have to adjust to his new feelings. He was determined to do just that.
"Thank you," he said, as a lone tear fell down his cheek.
Jordan brushed Taylor's cheek lightly, catching the drop on his finger. He examined the salty liquid momentarily, then lifted his wet digit to his mouth, imbibing what he saw as Taylor's very essence. It satisfying to know that a part of this man would now always be with him. He kissed up the trail left on Taylor's cheek, once again merging their mouths into a single entity.
This kiss was different. It was filled with all of the rapidly escalating fervor they felt for each other. It was as if they exchanged a piece of themselves, a piece from deep within. For better or worse, in the name of great happiness or great pain, they were bonded. Life was never gonna be the same from here on out.
Taylor broke the kiss, placing Jordan back in his resting place. He hugged him from behind, returning to lightly swiping the boy's knuckles. They remained like this for quite a while, saying little, just enjoying each other's company. It was a great comfort to both of them that needless words could be avoided, and the simplest body contact could say everything. They sat melded together until the increasing winds started lashing them with salt spray.
"I think we better go," Taylor said, laughing slightly at their salt water soaked bodies.
Jordan smiled back at him, ocean water dripping from his hair. "I think you might be right."
They rose from the rock, Taylor taking great care to help Jordan navigate the rock maze. His primordial need to protect this boy was now greater than ever. He would have gladly carried him off the rocks, but he knew that mothering the young man was not a good idea.
With their feet firmly on the beach, they turned toward the house. Taylor placed his arm around Jordan's shoulders, his boy responding by wrapping both arms around his midsection. The arrangement was awkward, but neither was willing to separate. Slowly, they made their way across the sand and into the back yard. They entered in a different spot, coming up the side of the smaller building Jordan had observed on his first visit here.
The structure was a home as Jordan had suspected. Its entire front was comprised of a covered porch done in natural wood. A hammock was visible in the far corner, muted voices coming from the general vicinity of it. As they got closer, he could make out two bodies lounging in the suspended bed. It swayed slowly in the strong sea breeze.
Leonard and Carl looked up and noticed the two men approaching. Leonard lay flat on his back with Carl curled up against him, his head resting on the prone man's chest. They motioned for Taylor and Jordan to join them, which they gladly did.
"Evening, boss," Leonard said as they took a seat on a patio loveseat nearby.
"Evening Leonard, evening Carl," Taylor answered. "You two look comfortable."
"Very," Carl cooed, decreasing the space between him and his man.
Leonard stroked Carl's back lovingly while continuing. "Hate to talk shop now, but Thad Barber called and he'll be here at 8:30 tomorrow morning to see you." The mere mention of the impending powwow sent shivers up Jordan's spine.
"No problem," Taylor said. "Thanks for setting that up."
"It's what I do boss," he quickly replied.
"Well, you two enjoy the rest of your evening and we'll see ya tomorrow."
"Night, boss. Night to you too, Jordan," the men replied.
Jordan and Taylor rose from their seat, resuming their journey to the main house. Seeing the two employees together like that had verified something Jordan had suspected all along. The two were life partners, and had probably been together a long while. He decided to probe and see what he could find out the rest of their story.
"I always thought Leonard and Carl were more than co-workers," he stated as they entered the house.
"Oh yeah," Taylor started. "They've been together since they were teenagers. All of us should aspire to experience half the love they do." He blushed as he realized what he'd said.
Jordan stepped to Taylor, placing a small smooch on his lips. "I was thinking of aspiring to experiencing twice what they do." His omission of the word "love" was intentional, fearing that using it would scare Taylor further.
"That would be nice," he said. "They've been with me a long time and I don't think I've ever seen them argue. Their caring ways toward each other just seem to get better and better as the years pass." Taylor smiled as he recalled life with his two confidantes.
An exhausted yawn escaped Jordan's body at that moment. He'd been going all day and his energy stores were spent. "I guess I better be headed home," he started. "Markets are closed tomorrow, so I'm bound and determined to make up on the sleep I've lost."
Taylor took his boy's hand, leading him out of the living room. "You'll be going nowhere. I've got plenty of room for you right here." They eventually reached his bedroom door, which opened and pulled Jordan through. Taylor shut, then locked it. He stepped toward his dresser, selecting a pair of plaid boxers for the boy.
"You can change in there," he told Jordan, motioning to the bathroom. The young man wasted no time in scooping up the shorts and moving into the restroom.
When the door closed behind him, he collapsed against it for a second. A thousand notions rattled around in his skull. Even though things had moved forward rather quickly, he was comfortable with their current position. What scared him, though, was Thad's visit. He had talked Jordan into agreeing to measures to protect his own interests. Would those clauses now stop his developing relationship dead in its tracks? Would Taylor think he was out for gain and not true love? He had valid worries, but nothing was gonna change tonight. His life was held by fate, and things were gonna fall where they would.
He stripped off the still damp trunks, placing them in the bath tub. Sand still peppered his skin, so he used a damp wash cloth to remove it. Once he was satisfied that it would do for the night, he put the boxers on. After smoothing them out over his thighs, he checked the mirror. He had to admit, he loved that Taylor's choices grabbed him in all the right places. It made him feel sexy, something that didn't happen often. A deep breath and mental pep talk were the final things before heading back into the bedroom.
Taylor sat up on the bed, perusing the day's paper. He'd put on a pair of boxers as well, his muscular legs extended in front of him. His left testicle was slightly visible from the positioning, a fact not lost on Jordan. He was almost transfixed by it as he approached the terribly sexy man. He longed for the day when Taylor would be "his man," but that quantum leap hadn't happened yet.
Jordan's entry was always a major affair for Taylor. He could stare at the boy's body for hours and never tire of it. For tonight, though, major fireworks would have to wait. Tomorrow was a big day for them. Since it was a holiday, the markets would be closed but there was still much to be done.
"C'mere you," Taylor said as he patted the bed beside him. Jordan cautiously moved toward him.
Once he had his man on the bed, he slid the covers back for both of them. They slid underneath, and Taylor placed his arm around Jordan's neck, guiding him softly to rest on his chest. Once they were positioned, he drew the covers over them, making adjustments to assure Jordan's comfort. He rubbed up and down the boy's spine, taking in the feeling of both the soft skin and the supple muscles. Jordan sunk into the back rub, tightening his grip around Taylor.
"I had a really nice time tonight," Taylor told him.
"I did too, but I always do with you," Jordan replied.
"I know things are a bit scary for both of us right now, but I really think if we just go with it, we'll both be OK," Taylor averred.
"I agree," Jordan said, yawning loudly. He was horribly comfortable and safe against Taylor's chest, and the relaxed atmosphere was taking its toll. He snuggled in closer and closed his eyes, sleep claiming him moments later.
Taylor felt the body on top of him let go, and the rhythmic breathing begin. Jordan was sound asleep as he watched him intently. His soft, chestnut locks fell over his forehead lazily. A look of complete peace had come over his face. Taylor moved the offending hairs, and placed a lingering kiss on the boy's forehead. He laid back and ran his hand along Jordan's spine. The repetitive motions and the shallow breathing all combined to consume Taylor's consciousness, and he quickly joined Jordan in dream world.
A commotion caused his eyes to bolt open. "What's that noise," he pondered. Was it crying? No.....it was laughter. A child's laughter coming from somewhere near the bedroom. He reached to have a morning stretch, finding the bed next to him empty. The laughing continued, accompanied by high shrieks of delight. A muffled adult voice could also be heard, but what is was saying couldn't be understood. Taylor was a bit confused, so he rose and donned his plush bath robe.
The first thing he noticed was various toys scattered about the bedroom floor. Planes, cars, and stuffed animals were placed about. Taylor stepped on one of the cars, eliciting a not so nice response from his mouth. He paused to rub his injured sole, now more determined than ever to unravel this mystery.
Being careful to avoid all pitfalls in his path, he made it out the bedroom door and started moving down the hallway. Various framed pictures adorned the walls, catching Taylor's attention totally. They all appeared to be of a child, showing its progression from newborn baby to, perhaps, six years old. The child had bleach blond hair and crystal blue eyes. The eyes had a definite effect on Taylor's memory, they looked remarkably familiar. He examined each photo in detail, eventually ending up near the kitchen's entrance.
He looked around as he entered. What looked like a half eaten bowl of cereal lay unattended on the table. Several different types of small action figures adorned the area around the bowl. Taylor's confusion level increased more as the smell of fresh brewed coffee invaded his nostrils.
"Coffee, that's what I need," he thought, hoping to clear the fog he was currently in.
Finding the source of the smell, he poured himself a steaming cup, sniffing the rich aroma deeply. As he took the first sip, the sound of childish giggling was heard again. Deciding to investigate further, he grabbed his beverage and headed into the next room.
There he discovered the source of the foreign noises. The child in the photographs lie on his stomach before the television, laughing heartily at a cartoon he was watching. Taylor studied the little person for a few seconds. He was the cutest little boy he'd ever seen. He was wearing a pair of Spiderman briefs and a matching t-shirt. His tiny bare feet were being kicked up and down impatiently as he viewed the animated program. His hair was longer than most boys, flowing down almost to the top of his shoulders. As Taylor took the sight in, the young boy stretched vigorously and noticed the adult male standing near him.
"Daddy," he exclaimed, getting up and running toward Taylor at full speed.
Taylor's eyes shot open as he sat straight up in bed. His mind was in a fierce daze as he examined the bedroom. Jordan must have moved off of him during the night, and now lay curled up facing away. His breathing never changed, so Taylor's sudden moves hadn't disturbed him. Further checking verified that room was just as it had been when they got in bed, devoid of any evidence of a small child.
Taylor shook his head as he ran his fingers through his hair. "It was a god damn dream," he remarked breathlessly. "What the fuck was that all about?????"
TO BE CONTINUED......