"Luke, why can't you just eat from the wrappers like everyone else?"

"It's tacky. We're not having lunch at some construction site. When I'm home, I like things to be nice."

Jon took a step and kissed Luke. "Well it is nice. A little anal, but nice."

The Inn - Chapter 11

The Fourth of July found the whole gang, including Cathy, relaxing on Luke's patio. They would have a fairly good view of the fireworks with all the comforts of home. Luke, Jon and Joe sat around the table and Cathy and Paul occupied the two lounge chairs. There was beer in the cooler and potato chips and corn chips on the table, along with Cathy's guacamole, artichoke dip and salsa.

As darkness took over the pyrotechnics began. They all Oo'd and Ah'd at each flash of light and color. After about 45 minutes the entire sky lit up in a barrage of rockets and deafening percussion bombs, signaling the end of the spectacle.

"I love fireworks," said Joe. "I thought I always did, but my mom says when I was little I was scared to death of them."

"I hear a lot of dogs don't like them," said Paul. Joe looked at him. He couldn't decide whether or not it was another barb.

Cathy said, "I'm glad tomorrow's Sunday. Let's stay outside for a while. It's a lovely night."

Luke put some music on, loud enough so they could hear it on the patio. The five chatted, snacked and drank until almost one and then the party broke up. Jon, of course, spent the night with Luke. Neither was tired, and they went into the bedroom and undressed. They were both uncommonly horny. For a second Jon wondered if Joe and Paul were, too--maybe Cathy spiked the dip. He laughed to himself.

The men spent almost the next two hours fucking practically non-stop. Luke was tireless. They each had three orgasms and were finally spent.

"Damn, Luke! You wore me out! What are you, 31 going on 18?"

Luke was still breathing heavily. "That's what you do to me. It's easy when you love someone like I love you. Not bad for a couple of old men, huh? Let's try for four."

"Oh, my God! I've created a monster!"

Instead they held one another and were soon fast asleep.

One Friday toward the end of July, Jon called Luke in the afternoon.

"Hi, babe. Hey, I gotta work late."

"That sucks. How late will you be?"

"I don't know. An hour, maybe two. No later than that."

"What about dinner? Do you want me to make something for you?"

"Nah, that's okay. Four of us will be here, so we'll probably order Chinese or a pizza."

"Okay. Do you want to unwind at The Inn, or are you coming straight home?"

"The Inn gets a little crazy Friday nights. I'd rather just relax with you at home."

"Okay, I'll be waiting. I love you."

"Love you too, babe. See you tonight. Bye"

Jon walked in the door at 7:30 carrying a large folder stuffed with papers. He tossed it on the coffee table as Luke put his arms around him from behind. Then he began to massage Jon's shoulders.

"Oh, that feels great. Mmm." Luke continued for several minutes, then turned Jon around and they kissed.

"What's all that? You hardly ever bring work home with you."

"It's what I've been working on the past week. We have a chance to land a huge contract--one of the biggest we've ever had. I have to triple-check the production specs and it's complicated shit. They need it Monday morning."

"So what's it for?"

"It's a military contract. I'm not supposed to say more than that. I'd tell you if you want me to, it's not Top Secret, but it's not that interesting anyway.

"No, I understand."

"It's just a lot of number crunching, time and material estimating, and since it's mil spec everything has to be just so."

"Does that mean you're going to be working all weekend?"

"Not tonight. It can wait until tomorrow."

"What about tomorrow night? Can we go into the city?"

"Probably not. I want to try and finish it tomorrow night so we can have Sunday to ourselves. But why don't you go ahead and go? It'll be easier for me to concentrate without a stud muffin distracting me."

"I could go to The Inn and you can call me when you're done."

"No, go on and see the guys. They've come to expect us on Saturdays. You'll have fun."

"I'll think about it."

Luke went into the kitchen and made a vodka tonic for Jon and got a beer for himself. They relaxed on the couch.

"Did you eat?" asked Luke.

"Yeah, we had Chinese."

"Then you'll probably be hungry later. I grilled a flank steak and asparagus and there's a baked potato. Just let me know and I'll fix you a plate."

"Thanks. Have I told you how wonderful you are, lately?"

Luke smiled and put his arm around Jon's shoulder, pulling him close. Jon rested his head on Luke's chest. He never tired of listening to Luke's breathing and heartbeat. It was comforting, like all was right with the world. Even though Jon was very athletic and strong, Luke was more muscular and he felt it was his role to protect Jon. God help the person who ever tried to harm Jon. Luke had no doubt that if he had to, he would kill to protect him.

They relaxed and watched TV until eleven. Luke asked, "Are you hungry?"

"I'm starved--for you."

The men walked to the bedroom.

When Luke got up Saturday morning Jon was already immersed in his project. He hadn't even dressed, wearing only a robe.

"Did you eat breakfast?"

Jon shook his head. "Just coffee. There's more in the kitchen."

Luke went to the kitchen and poured himself a cup of coffee. He retrieved eggs and the flank steak from the fridge and whisked five eggs with a little milk and a dash of nutmeg. Keeping an eye on the eggs as they cooked, he cut the flank steak into thin strips, pausing to stir the eggs a few times. When they were done he piled the eggs on two plates and laid several strips of steak next to each one. After getting knives and forks he went back to the living room. He set a plate on the desk where Jon was working.

"You can't work all day on an empty stomach."

Jon paused and looked up. "Oh, Luke, that looks wonderful. Thanks." He stretched his head toward Luke. Luke bent down and they kissed. He carried the other plate to the coffee table and began to eat. He remained quite and watched Jon work. He looked so serious as he worked at the computer--he was logged in to the computers at work. Luke was amazed when Jon used the calculator. His fingers were a blur and he never took his eyes from his paperwork. Luke wondered how the machine could keep up.

Luke finished his breakfast and took his plate to the kitchen. Jon was only half-done with his. Luke thumped his finger on the desk a couple of times and Jon looked up. "Eat!"

Luke went into the bathroom. He showered and shaved, then got dressed. He picked up his phone and called Cathy.

"Hi, Luke. How are you?"

"Mornin'. I'm fine. I was wondering if you want to do some shopping in town today. Jon is tied up with a project and I want to stay out of his hair."

"I was going to do that anyway, so sure, let's do it together."

"Good. What time?"

"Any time is fine. I'm ready now. Come on over when you're ready. Just call me when you leave so I'll know when to expect you."

"Okay, probably about an hour."

"See you then, hon. Bye."

"Bye."

He returned to the living room. "Jon, take a break for a sec." Jon looked up. "Cathy and I are going to do some shopping. I don't know how long we'll be gone, but most likely most the afternoon, knowing her. Now please promise me you'll eat something later. There's all kinds of food in the fridge you can throw together for a sandwich. It won't take five minutes. Promise?"

"I promise, mom."

"Good. I'll be back before dinner time, and I'll make something for us. Maybe I'll ask Cathy to join us--she has us over enough. It won't take you away from your work for more than an hour, tops. You'll need the break by then. I decided I'm going to visit Carl and the guys after all, so you'll have the evening to yourself. Okay?"

"That sounds fine. What time do you think you'll be home tonight?"

"I don't know, but probably earlier than we usually get back. It won't be as much fun without you--around midnight or one. Need anything from your place when I pick up Cathy?"

"I don't think so. I checked the mail on Thursday, so I think I'm good."

"Okay. I'm gonna go, I want to stop at Paul's and return his Josh Groban CD then I'll go to Cathy's. Got everything you need?"

"Luke, I'm fine. I think you've thought of everything. Except one item."

"What?"

"Get over here and kiss me, then get outta here."

Luke jumped in his car and headed toward Paul's. When he got there he knocked on the door. Joe answered.

"Hi, Luke. Come on in."

"Hey, what brings you here?" asked Paul.

"I wanted to return your CD. That guy has an impressive voice. Thanks for loaning it to me."

"Oh, you're welcome. I thought you'd like it. Have a seat. Want some coffee?"

"No, thanks. I'm coffeed out already."

Joe said, "I'm off to Denver tonight. My company is sending me to a seminar, and I want to get there early so I can visit some people. I'll be back next Thursday. What's Jon up to?"

"Work. They've got some big-ass contract they're trying to clinch and Jon has been under the gun all week. Then yesterday he comes home with this big fuckin' pile of paperwork that's going to take him at least all day and night to finish. It just makes me mad he has to spend half his weekend doing something he isn't even getting paid for. It's not like he gets overtime. And it's gotta be done by Monday morning"

"It comes with the territory," said Paul. "This doesn't happen often, and I'm sure you're more wound-up about it than he is. Jon can handle it."

"I know he can, I just resent the intrusion and I worry he's under too much stress. I'm heading to Cathy's and we're going shopping, then I'm going into the city tonight. That way Jon can concentrate on his work."

"That's a good idea," said Joe. "I don't know who's under more stress--you or him."

"Me neither. A while ago we were talking and he told me how much he worries about me at my job. I kinda brushed it off. Now here I am doing the same thing."

"Monday's only two days away," said Joe. "By then it will all be finished and everything will be back to normal."

"I'm hoping Jon finishes tonight so we can at least have tomorrow together. I better get over to Cathy's. I'll see you guys tomorrow or Monday." Luke called Cathy and told her he was on his way.

Luke parked his car and went into Cathy's building. He pressed the intercom button and the door buzzed almost immediately. He took the stairs and went into Cathy's apartment since the door was open.

"Morning," Luke called out.

"In the kitchen, Luke. Did you eat breakfast? I have some bacon and toast here."

"Yeah, I've eaten. I had to make sure Jon ate. He's so wrapped up in work I didn't want him going without so I made breakfast for both of us."

"You do hover over him, don't you? I think we're two of a kind. I do the same thing."

"I know you do. You do it to both of us. Do you know how much we appreciate it? You're like the mother we never had. Or at least the mother I never had. I think Jon's is more motherly."

"What do you mean?"

"Jon wants me to go with him to Rockford when he visits his parents. I'm not so comfortable with that. My parents live 15 minutes from here, and I'd never subject him to them. We haven't even seen each other in over two years."

"If Jon wants you to meet them, I'm sure it will be okay. Trust him. He knows what he's doing. He'd never put you in a situation where you'd be uncomfortable. I've met his parents and they're very nice people."

"They were probably nice to you because they thought their boy had finally met a cute girl who was marriage material."

"No, they already knew about Jon and Michael. They really are very nice and they know what's going on with Jon. And Jon's father took me aside and asked me to watch out for him. All he cares about is that his son is safe and happy."

"God, there are really parents like that? Hard for me to believe."

"You'll see. Anyway, if I can't feed you, let's start shopping."

They went to the lot and got into Luke's car. He pulled onto the street and headed toward town.

Cathy asked, "Is this a 5-speed or 6-speed?"

"Five," answered Luke.

"I love stick shifts. Mine's an automatic. I couldn't pass up the price, but I hate automatics."

"You can drive us back if you want. I love this car."

They parked the car and started walking.

"Where did you need to go?" asked Cathy.

"Well, I'm not sure. I want to get a present for Jon. He's been working so hard the past week, and even though it's not an occasion, I'd like to get him something nice. Just to let him know how much I appreciate him."

"That's sweet, hon. What about the jewelry store? Too intimate?"

"Jeez, what is it about women and jewelry? I was thinking more along the lines of flowers. I was even thinking I could just pick a bunch of them along the road."

"Men! Get in here."

Cathy and Luke walked into the jewelry store and browsed. Neither Jon nor Luke wore jewelry, but then Luke spotted the watches. He noticed a gold-cased Movado watch. It had a plain black face and gold hands. Only an opalescent dot marked the 12 o'clock position. It was very masculine looking with its leather strap. He asked to see it.

Luke admired the watch and thought how handsome it would look on Jon. "How much?" asked Luke.

"Today it is $475. Normally it is $565," stated the clerk with a heavy accent.

"Can you engrave it? Can I get it today?"

"Oh, yes! We can do that right here. Whatever you want."

"$450 with the engraving and I need it today."

"I don't know..."

"Okay," said Luke. He placed the watch on the counter and started to turn.

"Wait! I can have it for you by five o'clock. What do you want me to engrave?"

The salesman handed Luke a pad of paper. Luke wrote:

To Jon, You keep me living. Love, Luke

He handed the paper back to the salesman.

"All right, it will be ready at five o'clock. We close at six. But since it is engraved, you need to pay for it now."

"Okay." Luke took out his debit card. He paid for the watch and they left.

"Holy crap, Luke. I thought you were going to get him a bracelet or something. What's the deal?"

"I don't know, I just felt like doing it. Sometimes I don't feel like I appreciate him enough. He really has made my life worth living. And he's been working hard the past week. I just felt like doing something for him"

"Well, hell, what do I need to do? I could use some jewelry!" Cathy laughed.

Luke wrapped his arm around Cathy. "You just need to be yourself. You keep us in line and focused. You're Mother Earth to the rest of us."

"That's not exactly the role I think I want to play."

Cathy and Luke walked around town and did some window shopping. They stopped in a couple of stores to browse and Cathy picked out two blouses and a scarf. Five o'clock was approaching so they headed back to the jewelry store and Luke picked up the watch. He took it out of the case and looked at the back.

Cathy put her hand on Luke's shoulder. "Oh, that's beautiful. Jon's going to love it."

"Cath, can you keep this until tomorrow? Jon has a thing about going through pockets before putting clothes away, and I don't want him to see it until then. We'll all get together tomorrow afternoon at The Inn and I'll give it to him then."

"Sure. I'll put it in my purse and pass it to you tomorrow when we're there."

"Great. Thanks."

Luke and Cathy headed home, with Cathy at the wheel.

"Oh, I love your car, Luke. It handles like a dream!"

Luke was impressed with Cathy's ability to drive a stick. Most people slip the clutch or ride it, and don't know when to shift or use the clutch. Cathy was a pro.

"Who taught you to drive a stick-shift?"

"My dad. He believed everyone should know how to drive a stick. You don't get the chance too often any more."

"Well, your dad did good. I'd trust my car with you any time."

Cathy glanced at Luke and smiled. "Thanks."

Cathy pulled into the Jewel parking lot. She needed some groceries and Luke thought he'd stock up, too. Cathy started to pull out a shopping cart and Luke stopped her.

"We only need one. We're not getting that much."

The pair traversed the aisles. Luke loaded up on produce and they headed to the meat section. Cathy loaded a large package of chicken breasts into the cart, then selected a beef roast. She looked over some T-bones but rejected them and selected six sirloin steaks.

"Are you expecting an army?" asked Luke.

"I get nervous if my refrigerator is less than full. It never goes to waste.. Do you need any chips or dips or snacks?"

"No! Only for special occasions. If it's in the house, we'll eat it. If it isn't, we won't miss it."

"Good strategy."

"I try to eat healthy. It's just too easy to grab a bag of chips and dip late at night. I try to watch what I eat. Are you done?

"I think so. I got pretty much all I need right now."

"Why don't you bring the car around. I'll check us out."

"Okay, here." Cathy was digging in her purse for her card.

"Forget it, Cathy. For the number of times you've fed Jon and me, this is on us."

"Oh, Luke, that's not right. I love it when you guys come over."

"I know. So do we. So let us do this."

Cathy smiled at him. "Well, all right. But you guys better spend a lot more time with me."

Cathy pulled up to the entrance to her building. She and Luke carried her groceries inside and took the elevator to the third floor. Luke helped her get everything stowed.

"Cathy, why don't you come over for dinner with Jon and me?"

"I'd like to, but I promised my mom I'd see her tonight. But thanks anyway."

"Maybe another time, then. We'll celebrate when Jon's company lands this contract. Speaking of which, I should get back and feed him. Then I'm going to see the gang in the city."

"Okay, have fun. And thanks for the groceries." Cathy stood on her toes and kissed him on the cheek.

Luke got back to his place to find Jon still absorbed in his paperwork. Luke kissed him on the top of his head and went to the kitchen to put away the groceries.

"What do you want for dinner, Jon?"

"Whatever you want to make. I did have a sandwich earlier, so don't go to a lot of trouble."

Luke broiled pork chops and made mashed potatoes. He put some frozen peas in the microwave. He fixed plates for both of them and put them on the coffee table.

"Come on, it's ready. Sit over here with me."

Jon got up, stretched and sat beside Luke. "This is way too much. But it's delicious, the pork chops are really juicy."

"Just eat what you can, it'll keep. How's your work coming along?"

"Not bad. I have a good feeling about it--I think we're going to get this contract. I should be able to finish it tonight."

"Good, we can do something tomorrow to celebrate.

Luke met the gang at Roscoe's on Halsted Street. They talked a while and he danced with Carl, then Chris. At 11:30 they decided to find a quieter place to relax. They went up the street about a block to Buck's Saloon and got beers, then took seats on stools by the large window facing Halsted Street.

Carl said, "It's too bad Jon isn't here, I like it when he's with us. Jon's a nice guy."

"I know. He means everything to me. Now I can't imagine living without him. I wish we had met ten years ago."

"Jon's a good guy," said Mike. "We all love him. Will both of you be here next weekend?"

"We'll try."

"You know," said Chris "I don't think of you as 'Luke' any more. I think of you as 'Luke and Jon'."

Luke smiled. "I do, too. I'm always thinking about him. Well, guys, I'm going to head back. I want to see if Jon's still working. Damn, I hope not."

They all stood and gave Luke a hug. "Tell Jon we missed him," said Chris.

"I will," Luke said as he left.

Carl watched as Luke crossed Halsted Street. He noticed Luke seemed to stand a little straighter, and walked with more purpose. He decided it was because Luke was happier than he'd ever been. He continued to watch Luke until he turned down a side street and disappeared from view. Carl started to turn back to the guys when something caught his eye. He peered and saw three young men, probably early 20s, walking north on the other side of the street. They were crossing the side street Luke had just taken. When they reached the sidewalk on the opposite side they stopped for a few seconds. They were looking in Luke's direction. They turned and followed the path Luke had just taken.

Carl said, "Hey guys, I don't like the looks of this." The others turned just in time to see the three strangers.

"I don't, either," said Tom. "Let's go!"

The four of them crossed Halsted and headed for the side street.

Jon had finished his project and rested his head on his arms at the desk. He fell into a fitful sleep. Suddenly he gasped and jerked his head up. His heart was racing and for some reason he felt frightened. He looked at the clock--it was midnight. Luke should be home before too long.

# # #

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