Luke started putting the food on the grill and Jon made sure everyone had drinks. The group migrated out to the patio.

Jon went back to the kitchen to get a clean platter. He heard a knock at the door and when he opened it he saw a middle-aged couple.

"Mr. Sorensen!" Jon exclaimed.

The Inn - Chapter 16

"Hello, Jon. This is my wife, Linda."

"I'm pleased to meet you. I'm Jon." Jon shook her hand. He didn't know what else to do or say.

"Is Luke here?" asked Mr. Sorensen.

"Oh, yes. I'm sorry, come in and I'll get him."

When Jon left, they glanced around Luke's condo. They were favorably impressed with how nice it looked. The furniture was understated and contemporary with a masculine feel.

Jon walked up to Luke at the grill and said in a low voice, "Luke, your parents are here--both of them. They're in the living room."

Luke looked at Jon in disbelief. "Damn, what are they doing here?" He turned to Cathy and asked her to watch the grill for a few minutes. "Jon, I want you to come with me."

They went to the living room and Luke shook his father's hand. His mother put her hand to her mouth when she saw Luke's bruised and swollen face. Luke gave her a quick hug. Jon felt a little nervous and hung back a few feet.

"What brings you here? I don't think you've ever been here before."

"Your mother wanted to see you after I saw you in the hospital and told her what happened."

Mrs. Sorensen said, "Luke, are you all right? You don't look good and you look tired."

"I'll be fine, it just hurts a lot and I have a hard time sleeping. We're having a little party for some friends; they were a big help to Jon and me through all this."

"We'll be going, then--we don't want to intrude. We just wanted to be sure you're okay," said Mr. Sorensen.

Jon was shocked at Luke's next words: "Why don't you stay for a while? We have plenty to eat and drink."

"Well, if you're sure it's all right..." said Mrs. Sorensen.

"Can I get you something to drink?" asked Jon. He got a beer for Luke's father and white wine for his mother. The four of them walked out to the patio.

"Everyone, these are my parents, Greg and Linda."

The group welcomed the couple and introduced themselves. Most of them weren't fully aware of the strained relationship they had with their son. The Sorensens were initially uncomfortable with the group--they assumed they were surrounded by homosexuals. It wasn't too long before they began to relax, finding everyone friendly and they all seemed to be "normal." A short time later Linda found herself chatting with Cathy and Angie; Greg was talking baseball with Joe, Chris and Tom. Luke took the ribs and chicken off the grill and arranged it on platters while Jon brought out the cole slaw and potato salad Cathy had brought.

"Dig in, everybody!" Luke said. He went inside to get condiments and Jon followed.

"Luke, you never cease to amaze me. What made you invite your parents to stay?"

"It would be pretty ignorant not to, and since I'm on my own turf I figured it should be okay. So far they seem civil, but if I hear one slur I'm kicking their butts outta here. No one is going to insult our friends in my house."

Luke headed back to the patio to finish grilling and keep an eye on his parents. There was a knock at the door. Jon answered and was pleased to see Connie.

"Connie! I'm glad you could make it. Come on in."

"Thanks, Jon. You have a very nice place here."

"This is Luke's place; I live just up the road. What would you like to drink?"

"A beer will be fine. How is Luke feeling?"

"It depends on when you catch him, he has his ups and downs. Tonight he seems a little better. Come out to the patio and I'll introduce you."

Jon introduced Connie to the crowd, then stood beside Luke, putting his arm around his back and resting his hand on his shoulder. "And this is Luke. Luke, my boss Connie."

Luke smiled and shook Connie's hand. "I'm happy to meet you. I've heard many good things about you and your company."

"Luke, it's a pleasure to meet you finally. Jon mentions you frequently, and I've been wanting to meet the man who's responsible for his joie de vivre. Whatever you're doing, keep it up! Oh, um..." Connie waved his hand. "Never mind."

Jon and Luke laughed at Connie's faux pas. Connie saw Cathy. "Now there's a familiar face. Excuse me a moment." Connie went up to Cathy and they began talking.

Everyone was fixing plates and finding a place to sit. Cathy had brought a blanket and the three women had an impromptu picnic on the lawn next to the patio. Luke was keeping an ear cocked in case one of his parents got out of line, but everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves. Linda re-joined her husband and the couple found themselves talking with Chris, Mike and Paul.

"Luke, come over here," said Mike. "You probably haven't heard all of this." They related in detail what happened the night Luke was attacked.

"Oh, my heavens!" said Linda. "Then you men are heroes! There's no telling what might have happened to Luke if you weren't there."

"Everyone watches out for each other in that neighborhood," said Chris. "It's rare for something like this to happen, but it used to be common not too many years ago."

Luke stood. "Everyone, I want to thank you all for coming tonight and for everything you've done for Jon and me. Jon has been putting up with me the past week, and I haven't always been a model patient. And Tom, Chris, Carl and Mike--if it weren't for them you might be at a funeral tonight instead of a party. I just want you all to know that I realize how fortunate we are to have you as our friends. Jon and I are grateful and thankful to each of you. I'd love to give everyone a big hug, but I think you'll have to settle for my thanks and we love you all."

The group smiled and clapped softly. Luke smiled, raised his beer to them, and sat down slowly with Jon standing behind him, Jon's hands gently resting on his shoulders. Jon bent down and quickly kissed the top of Luke's head. He felt a little self-conscious doing that in front of Luke's parents, but he decided he wasn't going to change his behavior for anyone.

"Luke, your mother and I are going to get back home now. Thank you for inviting us in, we had a nice time."

Luke started to get up.

"Don't bother--I know it must be difficult. Jon can show us out."

Luke shook his father's hand and his mother pecked him on the cheek. They said good night to the others and Jon led them to the door.

"I'm glad you came, Mr. and Mrs. Sorensen. I'm sure it meant a lot to Luke. Have a pleasant evening."

"You, too," said Mr. Sorensen.

"It was nice meeting you, Jon. Good night now," said Mrs. Sorensen.

The couple got in their car and Greg started driving. "I've never been in the middle of so many homosexuals in my life!"

"They weren't all homosexual," said Linda.

"No? How could you tell?"

"I couldn't, but I was talking with the gals and from our conversation I got the idea several of them are straight."

"I have to admit, they weren't like what I would expect. They all seemed like nice, normal young people."

"I thought so, too."

Jon returned to the patio and smiled at Luke. "Anyone need drinks?" he asked.

"I don't know," said Carl. "It's getting dark, and we're not used to driving in the wilderness."

"Why don't you spend the night?" asked Luke. "Between Jon and me we have enough room, as long as a couple of you don't mind sleeping on a couch. Tomorrow we can all have breakfast and you'll have a fresh start."

"It's okay with me. What about you guys?" he asked of the others.

They all agreed. Chris and Mike took out their phones and called neighbors to ask them to feed their cats.

"Okay, Jon, where's that beer?" rumbled Carl.

Jon offered a beer to Connie, but he decided he should be calling it a night. He said goodbye to everyone and Jon and Luke walked him to the door.

Luke shook Connie's hand and said, "I'm glad we got a chance to meet."

"Me too, Luke. Now take care of yourself, but I know I don't need to say that. I know Jon, and I know you don't have any choice in the matter."

Connie shook Jon's hand and patted him on the back. Jon and Luke returned to the patio.

"Your parents seemed nice, Luke. We had a good time talking with your father," said Tom.

"That's what everyone thinks. You didn't live with them."

"Oh, sorry. I just meant they seemed okay."

"I know. They were on their good behavior. I don't even know why they showed up tonight. They haven't given a damn about me up to now. It's a relief they're gone."

Jon returned from the kitchen with a six-pack. He had heard Luke's reply and after he handed out the beers he put his hand on the back of Luke's neck.

"Wow! Your hands are cold!" said Luke.

Jon massaged Luke's neck. "Don't let it bother you, hon. Obviously they care about you or they wouldn't have come. Maybe they're mellowing in their old age."

"I seriously doubt that. Anyway, let's figure out the sleeping arrangements before we get too wasted. Jon, why don't you and Tom and I go to your place and Carl, Chris and Mike can stay here?"

"Fine with me. Don't forget to bring your pills."

Angie and Cathy joined the men on the patio and they chatted and drank their beers. It was a warm, clear night and as the conversation slowed they became lost in their own thoughts.

"Boy, you sure can see a lot of stars out here." said Chris. "And it's so quiet."

Luke said, "When I moved to the city, the noise made me crazy at first. Then when I moved back here it was eerie how quiet it was. I guess you get used to most anything."

"I like this area," said Tom. "It's almost like a resort. We got lost when we got here, so it gave us a chance to see quite a bit of the neighborhood. There's a lot to do around here."

"Everyone gets lost when they first come here," said Cathy. "It took me a couple of months before I really knew the lay of the land. Well, I think I'm going to get home. I had a nice time, guys."

Jon walked Cathy and Angie to the door, then grabbed the last six-pack on his way back to the patio. Luke seemed to be feeling pretty good tonight, he observed. He handed everyone a beer and sat next to Luke.

"You're drinking with the Vicodin?" asked Jon.

"Yeah, I haven't had that much to drink and besides it seems to work a lot better. I'm not going anywhere and I have all you guys around." Luke yawned.

Jon put his hand on Luke's arm. "Just be careful. All we need is for you to fall down and break something else. Are you about ready for bed?"

"Yeah, it's getting late. Hey, guys, let's all meet back here tomorrow around nine, then we can go to breakfast. Jon, show Carl, Mike and Chris where everything is."

Jon showed the guys the bedroom and grabbed a pillow and blanket which he put on the couch. Jon checked the bathroom and placed three toothbrushes by the sink. He had bought a half-dozen a couple of months ago when they were on sale. He put two more in his pocket that he'd take home. Carl volunteered to sleep on the couch--he knew Mike and Chris had had a fling a couple of years ago. Even though that didn't last, the two still had sex with each other now and then. Tom and Luke came inside and said good night, then they left with Jon to go to his condo.

Jon set the alarm for 8:00 and he and Luke got into bed.

"You do seem to be relatively pain-free tonight, maybe you'll sleep better. Did you take a sleeping pill?"

"No, I think the beer will do the trick. Speaking of tricks..."

With some difficulty Luke managed to get to his knees in front of Jon. He was horny for the first time in almost a week and he smiled at Jon.

"I think I can do this. Just let me do everything until I figure out what I can and can't do. Whatever you do, don't wrap your legs around me like you usually do."

With a few adjustments Luke was able to get into a comfortable position and enter Jon. He was slower and more restrained than usual, but they both found it exciting. Luke was surprised he could do as well as he did, and the more excited he became, the less he noticed the pain. Jon groaned and was soon shooting a massive load onto his chest and stomach. That triggered Luke, and Jon could feel him erupt inside him. They remained motionless for a couple of minutes, panting. The only thing Jon missed was Luke lying on him afterward--Luke still couldn't put any pressure on his chest. Luke resumed his position on his back next to Jon. Jon retrieved his boxers and cleaned himself up.

"Luke, promise me you won't make me go a week without making love to you again."

"I promise. This wasn't my idea, you know. Damn, I've missed sex with you. The pain kept my mind off it most the time but it was frustrating.

"Worrying about you kept me preoccupied, but I was still dying to ravish your body. This made up for it."

"I think we can look forward to it just getting better from now on. I just hope I hurry up and stop hurting so much."

"Are you all right now?"

"Yes, I'm just tired. Let's try to get to sleep."

The alarm went off and Jon quickly silenced it. He went to the bathroom and pissed, then got a glass of water and Luke's pills. When he returned, Luke was sitting on the edge of the bed, breathing heavily. Jon could see a sheen of perspiration on his forehead.

"What's wrong?"

"I think I went a little overboard yesterday, with all the activity all day. And you, forcing me into unnatural positions last night. But I'm not complaining."

Jon winked at him. "Do you want to stay in bed? There's no reason you have to get up right away."

"No, I should get up and I'll be okay in a while. No pain, no gain."

Jon went into the living room and woke Tom up, then proceeded to the kitchen to make coffee. He told Tom to use the bathroom since it would probably be a few minutes before Luke made it there. When Tom came back to the living room he sat on the couch. Jon handed him a cup of coffee and sat next to him.

"How's Luke this morning?" asked Tom.

"He's hurtin'. Yesterday was a big day for him."

"So was last night, from what I couldn't help but hear."

Jon smiled and blushed. "Oh, jeez. I thought we were being quiet."

"Maybe you were, for you guys--how would I know? Check with your neighbors."

Luke emerged from the bathroom and Jon and Tom separated to make room for him. He slowly sat on the couch, bracing his hands on their shoulders. Jon handed him coffee and put his arm around him. He was still feeling the excitement of the previous night, and just being close to Luke made him horny all over again. When they'd finished their coffee, Luke again put his hands on their shoulders and stood.

"We should get back to my place and see how those guys survived a night in the boondocks."

Tom laughed. "I told them there are bears and coyotes out here. I think they believed me."

"No bears, just some very big dogs," said Jon. "But I have seen a couple of foxes and some deer."

When they got to Luke's they found the three guys dressed and ready.

"Did you guys sleep okay?" asked Luke.

"We were fine," said Mike. "It was almost like being in a hotel on vacation."

Carl rolled his eyes. "Yeah, the honeymoon suite. These guys are like rabbits."

Tom laughed. "It must be all the fresh air out here. I hardly got a wink of sleep with these two in the next room."

Jon asked Luke, "Do you think we should go to the restaurant downtown, or do the Sunday brunch at The Inn?"

"Let's do the brunch--we can walk and then stuff ourselves. I'm hungry this morning."

Jon called Paul, Cathy and Joe. They agreed to meet at The Inn in twenty minutes. They left and began walking to The Inn and everyone noticed Luke was walking slower than normal, so they all assumed a more leisurely pace. When they arrived, Jon told Erik, one of the busboys, that there would be nine of them. Erik asked them to wait a few minutes while he arranged a table for them. As usual, there was a sizeable crowd for the brunch.

"This is really nice," said Carl as he looked around. "Is it a private club for the residents?"

"No," answered Luke, "it's open to the public. But everyone knows everyone. It's very much a 'Cheers' kind of place."

Erik returned and showed them to their table, and Luke noticed Carl eying him. He couldn't blame Carl--Erik was a very attractive Hispanic young man. He was about five-ten and when he smiled his dimples showed. Jon was glad their table was near the windows and in a corner. He had Luke sit at the head of the table near the wall. That way he could guard him if people came up and wanted to hug him or pat him on the back. It had been over a week since he and Jon had been there, and they had to explain their absence and Luke's appearance to a number of friends and acquaintances.

Cathy, Paul and Joe arrived and sat as Amanda, the waitress, brought a pitcher of orange juice to the table. She described the buffet for them and asked if there was anything else they would like. There wasn't, and she promised to check back with them. The group got up to attack the buffet and Jon kept a watchful eye on Luke. He realized he was probably being overly-protective, but he didn't care. It made him nervous when there were so many people around.

They returned to their table and began eating. The food was very good and they were all enjoying themselves.

Paul asked, "Jon, are you going to go to work tomorrow?"

"Yes, Luke's doing okay and I'll be close. Oh, Joe, I was going to ask you. Can you check in with Luke a couple of times?"

"I don't need a babysitter, Jon."

"Sure I can. I'm on vacation all week and I just got back from Denver so I'm not going anywhere. We can keep each other company, Luke."

"That's good," said Jon. "I don't think I'll even have time for lunch tomorrow. There's going to be a lot to catch up with."

Joe stood to go back to the buffet. Jon glanced at his plate and did a double-take.

"What did you do--inhale your food? I don't know how you stay in such good shape eating the amount you do."

"I'm a growing boy," Joe laughed as he headed back to the buffet.

It was true, Joe was definitely growing. He had started lifting weights in the past year and found he enjoyed it. Initially Jon was concerned he might be using steroids because he was packing on muscle so fast, but he wasn't. Joe was an "easy gainer" and his muscles quickly responded to the training. That inspired Joe even more, and he got in the habit of going to the gym five days a week--every morning before work and sometimes on Saturday.

Joe returned with another plateful of food. By the time he was half finished, the others were ready for a second trip. When they returned, Joe had finished his second plate and was contemplating a third trip. He decided to go for it since everyone else had food in front of them. The whole group eventually finished their breakfast and settled back to have more coffee and chat.

"How was your trip to Denver, Joe?" asked Cathy.

"It was nice--I had a good time. I spent Sunday with my parents and that was fun, I haven't seen them for a while. And even the seminar I went to was interesting. It was a good trip. But I feel guilty that I wasn't here for you guys."

"Don't be," said Jon. "Everything worked out okay. I'm glad someone was having a good time."

"Well, still, I wish I could have helped."

"You can help this week by watching--uh--I mean keeping Luke company."

Luke gave Jon a look but didn't say anything.

"I'll be there bright and early, right after the gym. About 7:30. Gee, maybe I should plan some activities for Luke. Are there any TV shows you don't want him watching?"

"No horror movies--you'll never get him to sleep. Maybe I should figure out how to use the Parental Controls."

"All right," interrupted Luke. "Enough. After a week with you two, I'm going to be dying to get back to work."

"When do you think you'll be able to go to work?" asked Joe.

"I hope I can go back a week from tomorrow. I should be able to by then."

"We'll see," said Jon.

Luke gave him a stern look. "No, I will see. I will see how I feel, and I will decide when I can go back to work."

Jon knew this was not the time to pursue this conversation. Luke had a short temper the past week, and Jon could understand, considering all he'd been through, plus the medication he was taking put him on edge. He decided to bite his tongue and cut Luke some slack--he didn't want to get into an argument over something that would resolve itself anyway.

Mike, Tom, Chris and Carl decided they should get back home and they asked about the check.

"Jon and I already took care of it," said Luke. "It's the least we can do for you guys."

The four thanked them and they all exchanged quick hugs. When they'd left, the rest sat back down to finish their coffee.

"I'm glad those guys came," said Cathy. "It was nice to finally meet them so I can match a face to the names I hear. And what is it about gay men? Do they all come from central casting? They're all so damn good-looking."

Paul put his hand on Joe's shoulder. "Hey, what about us?"

"Oh, you know what I mean. And you guys are cute enough to be gay, too."

Paul smiled at Cathy. "Gee, thanks--I think."

They all got up and walked outside. Paul, Joe and Cathy decided they'd go for a walk along the lake before it got too hot--the past several days had been in the 90s. Luke wanted to go home and rest for a while, so he and Jon headed to his condo. When they arrived, Luke sat on the couch and Jon sat on the other end of it.

"Luke, I know this week has been hard for you and I know I make you crazy at times. But you have to understand that I'm going through this, too. Hell, you slept through half of it. I didn't know if I was about to lose you, and that thought scared the shit out of me. I hate the idea of going to work tomorrow and not seeing you all day. I know you'll be fine, but ever since this happened I've been afraid to let you out of my sight. I feel like each time I see you, it might be the last time I do."

Luke picked up a throw pillow and placed it on his lap. "Come over here," he said to Jon.

Jon swung around and moved closer to Luke, resting his head gently on the pillow. He looked up at Luke. Luke placed his hand on Jon's head and gently stroked his forehead with his thumb. Luke sighed.

"I know I've been bitchy, but you know I don't mean it. I'm sure that doesn't make it any easier to take, but I'll try to control myself. I guess I just have to vent my frustration, and unfortunately you're usually the one who has to listen to it. But when this is all behind us, I'm going to make it up to you. I promise."

"All you have to do is take care of yourself and get well. That's all I want."

They relaxed with each other for another half-hour, then Jon went to get the newspaper. When he returned they both went to the patio. Jon scanned the main sections of the paper and then started working on the crossword puzzle. Luke eased into one of the lounge chairs and stretched out in the sun.

"Let's just munch on the leftover ribs and chicken tonight," said Jon. "It's too hot to cook, and that would be a lot easier."

"Sounds good, I'm still full from breakfast. That would make a nice dinner, and I think we still have some potato salad."

Jon continued working on his puzzle for a while and then paused. He looked at Luke--he had dozed off and was relaxed with a peaceful look on his face. Jon looked at Luke's eyes, his mouth, his hair, his chest, everything. Jon could honestly say he'd never seen a more handsome man. Nor had he ever met a more caring, wonderful person. Jon couldn't get the thought out of his mind of what he would have done had things gone bad for Luke. If Luke hadn't pulled through, Jon knew he wouldn't want to go on living--he'd want to be with Luke, whatever that meant. Exactly how he would have accomplished it, he wasn't sure. Those thoughts made Jon uneasy, but he could forget them now. He got up, kissed Luke on his forehead, and went to the kitchen to get their dinner ready.

That evening in bed, Jon found himself staring at the ceiling. He felt somewhat depressed about having to leave Luke all day tomorrow. He turned his head and looked at Luke--there was enough moonlight that he could see him well enough to know he wasn't yet asleep.

"What are you thinking about?" whispered Jon.

Luke sighed. "Everything. About how fucked up things are. Jon, do you worry that our lives will never be the same?"

"They won't be--they'll be better. Going through this with you brought out emotions I never even knew I could feel. We'll get back to normal, but we'll be a stronger team for it. A lot of people go through a lot worse."

Luke sighed again. "I know. But I've been such an asshole to you sometimes. I wouldn't blame you if you said 'Fuck you!' and took off."

Jon squeezed his hand. "You don't believe that."

"No, I guess not. But I feel guilty and I'm mad at myself for hurting you."

Jon pushed up and propped himself on his elbow. He leaned over and kissed Luke. "Stop thinking like that and let's go to sleep. You may be able to lounge around all day tomorrow eating bonbons, but I have to go to work."

Jon awoke just before seven, his normal time for a work day. He was glad to see Luke was still sound asleep. He got up and went into the bathroom, then started the coffee. He got a glass of water and Luke's pills and placed them on the nightstand, then went back to the bathroom to shower and shave. He decided to wear a pair of shorts and a t-shirt because it was supposed to be another hot day. Most of the production staff dressed that way during the summer, and Jon knew he was not likely to meet with clients today. Besides, he kept a change of clothes at work just in case.

About 7:40 there was a knock and Jon let Joe in. "Morning. What some coffee?"

"Thanks," said Joe. His hair was still wet from the gym shower and he was dressed in an oversized t-shirt and baggy shorts.. "Luke still asleep?"

"I think so. I hope he wakes up before I have to leave. Did you eat breakfast?"

"No, I don't like to eat before I work out. I'll be hungry later, maybe I can make something for Luke and me, or run out and get something."

"Let Luke make breakfast for both of you. He can do it, and he'll ask for help if he needs it. Just don't pamper him--it pisses him off."

"What pisses me off?" asked Luke as he made his way to the bathroom.

"Nothing, dear."

A few minutes later Luke emerged from the bathroom and looked at Joe. "That's the way you dress to take care of a sick man? I was expecting you to be in a Speedo and a muscle shirt."

Joe smiled. "You're a sick man, all right. Jon, am I going to be safe here alone with him?"

Jon laughed. "Six months ago I might have had my doubts. Now you look like you could take on Oscar de la Hoya. Come to think of it, you kinda look like him. I think you'll be okay. I gotta run."

Jon put his hands on Luke's shoulders and kissed him. "Now don't give Joe a hard time. We want him to come back, you know."

After Jon left, Luke went to the kitchen and got two glasses of orange juice. He sat on the couch next to Joe.

"Anything you want to do today?" asked Luke.

"I don't know, it's going to be too hot to do much. What about a movie? Have you seen the new Star Trek?"

"No, but that sounds good. I've been wanting to see it. See what time the show is."

Joe went to Luke's computer and checked the schedule. "There's a matinee at the Cinemark at 1:30. Let's catch that one."

Luke went to the kitchen and looked in the refrigerator. He took out the eggs and decided to make French toast. He took out the bread, then took a few more slices from another loaf--he was thinking of Joe's appetite.

"Need a hand with anything?" asked Joe.

"Just get a couple of plates from the cabinet behind you. There's silverware in the drawer right below."

Luke and Joe sat at the table and began to eat. Luke was amused as he watched Joe dig into his French toast. Not that Joe was uncouth about the way he ate--he wasn't. It was just that his obvious enjoyment was entertaining. Put a plate of food in front of Joe and he's a happy camper.

"Luke, don't take this the wrong way, but you don't really need me to do anything for you, do you?"

"No, it's just Jon. I think this whole thing really freaked him out. I can't do anything without him watching me."

"That'll get better now that he's back to work. But you're lucky you have someone who cares about you and wants to take care of you. I don't know what I'd do if something happened to me."

"You'd be in the same position I'm in. Everyone who knows you would be there for you. I know I sound like I resent it sometimes, but I don't. It's just hard to accept the facts. But it's nice to know people care. I never stopped to think about it before. I mean, all my friends and I partied and we had good times. But we never went through anything big, as far as something serious like this. But they were there for me, and Jon, and I realize how much they mean to me."

"Chris and those guys were fun. I hope they visit again. Jon says you know everyone in Chicago."

"I know a lot of guys, but those four are my closest friends. They took me under their wing when I first moved there."

"You're lucky. It's a lot harder for me to make friends."

Joe stood and took the plates to the sink. He and Luke decided to relax on the patio for a while.

Jon stopped at Burger King to get a breakfast sandwich, then continued to work. When he arrived, everyone wanted to know how Luke was. Jon called them all together for an ad hoc meeting and told them what had happened and how Luke was. Jon noticed Nancy and he was touched because of how distressed she seemed. What he didn't know was that until now, Nancy didn't know anything about Luke and Jon's relationship. The realization was a blow to her.

Jon went to his desk and started catching up. He was surprised at how organized and orderly everything was. Connie had done a good job in Jon's absence. Jon felt a hand on his shoulder and he turned.

"It's good to have you back, Jon," said Connie. "I hope I didn't screw things up too much."

"Everything looks fine so far, I was expecting a lot worse. Oh, uh, I didn't mean..."

Connie smiled. "I know what you mean. We'll be bringing that project you were working on into production some time next month. I'm setting up some meetings with our vendors--we're going to need some new equipment. Check your calendar. It's going to take a lot of work to mesh it into production, but I know you're up to it. I was thinking maybe I should bring someone in to help you, at least in the beginning."

"It's up to you, but sometimes it's more work to train someone. I'll let you know if I think I need help--I won't kill myself trying to be a hero."

"Just keep me informed, which I know you will." Connie leaned closer to Jon. "Take a look at your next pay statement. I think you'll be pleased."

Jon's day was extremely busy and the time flew. Before he knew it he was happy to see it was about time to leave. He took care of a few last-minute items and almost ran to his car. Jon could hardly wait to see Luke. He pulled into a parking space and burst into Luke's. Joe and Luke were playing gin rummy on the patio. Jon went over and kissed Luke.

"Did you guys have a good day?"

Joe said, "Yeah, we had fun. This afternoon we went to the lake and got a canoe. Luke wouldn't wear his life preserver, though. He said it hurt too much."

"You what!" exploded Jon. "You were in a canoe? Have both of you lost your minds? What if it tipped over? He coulda drowned! What the fuck were you thinking, Joe?"

Luke looked at Joe. "I told you he'd be pissed."

Joe turned to Jon with an innocent look. "It was his reward--for doing such a good job cleaning the gutters this morning."

Jon looked at Joe, then Luke. He realized he'd been had. He started to smile and the other two began laughing.

"Oh, stop! Please don't make me laugh. It hurts like hell."

Joe could hardly control his laughter. "Luke, I couldn't believe how you picked up the ball and ran with it. It couldn'ta been better if we'd rehearsed it."

Luke was desperately trying not to laugh. Jon said, "Okay, you got me. Right up to the part about the gutters."

After they settled down, Luke asked, "How was work? Were you going crazy all day?"

"No, not really. I expected it to be hectic, but it wasn't as bad as I thought. And I think I got a bonus, or a raise, I'm not sure which yet."

"They give you a bonus for taking a week off?" asked Joe. "Maybe I should try that."

The three spent the next half-hour talking about the Star Trek movie and other details of their respective activities that day. Jon and Luke asked Joe to stay for dinner, but he wanted to get home for a new TV series. Joe left, telling Luke he'd be back tomorrow.

Jon said, "I guess you were a good boy since Joe said he'd be back."

"Yeah, I did have a good time with him today. It's probably best he didn't stay for dinner, though. I thought he was going to eat me out of house and home today."

After they had eaten and watched TV for a while, Luke said, "I missed you today. All I could think about was getting you into bed tonight."

"Me, too. Don't keep me in suspense."

They went to the bedroom and undressed, then spent the next several minutes kissing and holding each other.

Luke said, "Let's try it doggie-style. I think that might work better for both of us right now."

Jon repositioned on the bed on all fours and Luke positioned himself behind him, placing his hands on Jon's shoulders, then sliding them down his sides to his hips. Luke admired the pronounced "V" shape of Jon's back. He braced his hands on Jon and began massaging his back, eventually moving down to grab Jon's cheeks. They didn't often do it this way, and Jon found it wonderfully sensual. He moaned his approval and Luke responded by teasing his anus.

"If you don't fuck me soon, I'm going to scream!"

Luke rose and spit into his hand. He slathered his saliva on his dick and pressed forward against Jon. Jon pushed back until the head of Luke's dick penetrated him. They both remained still for a few moments, then Luke steadily pushed forward until his balls bumped into Jon's. As Luke began to thrust, Jon rocked back and forth to meet him. Luke found this position a lot more comfortable for him--he had more control, and less pain. Once he realized this, he started to take off and was pumping his cock in and out of Jon like a man possessed. Jon was meeting him thrust for thrust, becoming more vocal by the minute.

"Yeah, fuck my ass, you stud! Fuck my goddamn brains out!"

Luke picked up the pace even more, and was slamming into Jon with abandon. After a few minutes Luke slowed his pace and began withdrawing almost completely and then sliding back home. With each thrust he aimed for Jon's prostate, and Jon grunted loudly each time Luke hit home. Jon was stroking himself and his hand was becoming soaked with precum, and that was quickly bringing him close.

"Pound that big dick of yours up my ass. Fuck my ass, stud!"

Luke picked up the pace again and Jon could feel the tension signaling his impending orgasm. As he slammed back against Luke he erupted. Luke was close, and when Jon's ass ring tightened around his shaft, he lunged forward, burying his cock completely. He stopped moving and Jon could feel each contraction as Luke unloaded deep into him. It was an incredible rush for both of them. Luke leaned forward, resting his forearms on Jon's back. They were both gasping and covered with sweat. It took several minutes for them to calm down. Luke withdrew and sat on the edge of the bed.

"God, I love you," said Luke.

"That was one of the most intense fucks I've ever had."

Jon fell onto his side facing Luke. "Looks like I'm going to be changing the sheets."

Luke looked at the bed and laughed. "Damn, where were you saving all that up?"

There was what looked like a cup of cum on the sheet. "That was an awesome orgasm. I thought I was going to cum all night--it felt like I was shooting gallons."

"I don't think you're far off. Wait until you find out what I deposited in you."

"I think I have an idea, I could feel each blast. You were incredible. We should have thought of that position before. But I missed seeing your expression when you cum in me. I love watching you fuck me."

The rest of the week went quickly for Jon because he was still trying to get up to speed at work and there was a lot to do. Luke, on the other hand, felt like each day was an eternity even though Joe spent a lot of time with him. He appreciated Joe's company, but there was only so much to do each day. Sunday night Jon and Luke went to bed earlier than usual. Jon had his left arm behind Luke's neck and rested his hand on his chest.

"Are you sure you're ready to go back to work? You still have sick days."

"I'm bored to tears. I'll go crazy if I have to watch one more daytime talk show."

"Please take it easy and be careful. Don't let them make you do anything stupid, and don't try to be a showoff. I know how you are, and you don't have to prove anything by putting on your macho act."

"I'll be okay, but I'm probably going to have to put up with some shit from the guys. Don't worry, I can handle them."

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