"But what about my lessons? Is my favorite teacher too tired for some tutoring?"

"Never."

They practiced for the next two hours before falling asleep in each other's arms.

The Inn - Chapter 7

Luke and Jon slept until almost ten Sunday morning, which was unusual for both of them. Luke woke first and gazed at Jon for a few moments. He could watch Jon sleep all day. Luke was surprised at how much he loved Jon. It almost hurt. He wondered how he had allowed himself to suppress his feelings for so long. No matter. That was then and this is now. Jon was his, and he'd never been happier.

Luke leaned in and kissed his lover softly. He got out of bed carefully so as not to wake him and started the coffee. He walked into the bathroom, took a leak, and brushed his teeth. He reached for the shaving cream, then stopped. He looked in the mirror. The stubble didn't look bad, and after all, it was Sunday. He decided he'd forego shaving. He'd see if Jon said anything.

"You scared me," said Jon as he yawned, leaning against the bathroom door.

"How?"

"You weren't there when I woke up."

"Did you think I ran off in the middle of the night? Coffee should be almost ready."

"Good," said Jon as he headed for the kitchen. Luke joined him a few moments later. Jon got two mugs from the dishwasher and filled them. They stood, leaning on the counter, as they sipped their coffee.

"You hungry?" asked Luke.

"Starved. We didn't eat much yesterday."

"Wanna go to that restaurant in town? Their food was pretty good."

"Sounds good. Should I see if Joe and Paul want to join us?"

Luke thought for a second. "No, I'm feeling selfish. I want you all to myself today."

"Me too." They finished their coffee and got dressed. Jon borrowed yet another of Luke's shirts.

"I think I'm going to owe you laundry duty." He looked at Luke. "You're not going to shave today?"

"Think I should?"

"No, you look fine. Better than fine. You look hot. I like it."

After they finished dressing they went outside and got into Luke's car. As they drove to the restaurant Jon looked at Luke. He decided he really did like the scruffy look of Luke's unshaven face. It made him look even more masculine than he already did. Jon noticed his dick beginning to stir. "God, all I have to do is look at him and I get hard," he thought.

Luke was able to park in front of the restaurant and they walked in. There was a good crowd, but the matronly hostess quickly greeted them.

"Good morning, gentlemen. Nice to see you again."

"Hi. You have a good memory," said Jon.

"I never forget a handsome face." She turned to Luke. "And I'd never forget your baby blues. Do you wear contacts, honey?"

"No, it's all me. What you see is what you get."

"Don't tease me." She smiled and winked. "Follow me."

She escorted them to a booth and handed them menus. "Enjoy!" she said.

After looking over the menu Jon decided on steak and eggs, and Luke decided to have a waffle with strawberries. The waiter came and served them both coffee and they placed their orders.

"What do you think about what Joe said?" asked Jon. "About moving in together."

"Well, I'd like that but it would be a little cramped. We both have only one-bedroom units, and they're not that big."

"Yeah, that's true. I guess we can just wait and see what happens. It's not like we're a hundred miles from each other."

"It would be nice, though. Maybe someday we can get a bigger unit, or buy a house together."

Jon smiled. "I'd like that. I like the sound of it."

"Me, too. But I'm not sure I want to move from where we are. I really like it, and I'd miss all the activities and people."

"I know. I guess we don't have to do anything right now. It's just something to think about."

They finished eating, left money for the check and tip on the table and returned to the car. As they headed back home Luke turned to Jon.

"Are you going to stay with me tonight?"

"I'd love to, but I should make an appearance at home, and there's work tomorrow."

"I get up earlier than you, I'll make sure you're on time. I'll even let you borrow one more of my shirts."

"Such a deal. How can I refuse?"

"You can't." Luke leaned over and quickly kissed Jon.

As they approached Tee Time, a driving range, Luke asked, "Wanna hit a couple buckets of balls?"

"Sounds fun. Let's do it."

The next hour was spent hitting golf balls. Both were pleased with their efforts, considering it had been well over six months since they'd last used a club. Afterwards they continued on to Luke's.

When they got inside they flopped on the couch and turned on a basketball game. Jon sat next to Luke with his head on his shoulder. Luke put his arm around Jon.

Jon looked at him. "Does it bother you that I'm so touchy-feely?"

"Not at all. Why?"

"I just don't want to make you uncomfortable. You didn't seem to enjoy it too much when Molly did it to you."

"You're not Molly, and I love it when you're with me. You're welcome to touch and feel me all you want.

Jon smiled and gave Luke's crotch a squeeze.

"That does it!" Luke yelled. "You're going to make good on that promise."

Luke stood up, pulled Jon to his feet and hauled him into the bedroom. They spent the rest of the afternoon enjoying each other's bodies. Eventually they emerged from the bedroom wearing sweat pants but no tops. Luke looked in the refrigerator.

"I don't really feel like cooking anything. I have a thing of frozen lasagna, though. I can heat that up and make a salad."

"Sure, that works. I had a pretty big breakfast, so I'm good."

The two finished dinner and sat back to watch some more TV. A little after nine o'clock Jon looked at Luke.

"Why don't we hit the sack? I have a feeling we're not going to get to sleep for a while, anyway."

Luke smiled. "Lead the way."

The next morning Luke awoke before the alarm sounded. He reached over to turn it off and looked at Jon. "I'd like to lock you in this room forever," he whispered.

He went to the kitchen and glanced at the coffee maker. "Damn!" He'd set it up before going to bed, but forgot to set the auto timer. He punched the button and went to the bathroom. After pissing and brushing his teeth he looked in the mirror as he reached for the shaving cream. "Oh, this should be fun," he thought with sarcasm, looking at the two-day growth on his face. He finished shaving, rinsed his face and went back to wake up Jon. He kissed him lightly, then a little more forcefully. Jon opened his eyes and smiled.

"No fair. You brushed your teeth already."

"It's okay. I love you, warts and all. Wanna stay in bed for a while? You've got more time than I do. I'll make sure you're up before I leave."

"I'd rather take a shower with you, if it's okay." Jon got up and stood before Luke. "Hey, you shaved!"

"Did you want me to grow a beard? It would only take me a few days, maybe a week."

"No, I just liked the look. But you look hot this way, too. Let's get into that shower."

As Jon drove to work, it seemed like it had been a week since he'd last been there. He had a hard time comprehending all that had happened the past three days. Some of his co-workers asked how he was feeling, even though most could tell he was fine and a lot happier than they'd seen him in a long time. Jon started printing the production report and while it was running he caught up on his email. When the report was done he went over it, highlighting several entries and making notes next to others. Jon called Engineering to clarify some issues and made more notes. He stood and followed his usual path around the production floor, briefly chatting with each of the workers. The rest of the day went smoothly. Before he knew it, it was time to leave.

He entered his condo and went to the kitchen for a beer. He had no sooner sat down when there was a loud knocking at the door. "I might be in trouble," he thought as he opened the door.

"Where the hell have you been?" yelled Cathy, storming past him.

"Oh, nowhere."

"Nowhere my ass. I came knocking on your door Friday night, all day Saturday and Sunday. My knuckles are bruised."

Jon smiled. "You could have called."

"No, I couldn't. I left my phone at my mom's last week, and she's been out of town. I haven't had time to go over there and get it, and I don't know anyone's number. So where were you? It's not like you to take off without saying anything."

"Something came up. I was at a friend's place." They sat on the couch.

"Are you gonna tell me, or is it none of my business?"

"I might, if you settle down."

"I'm settled, but I really was starting to worry. From the look on your face I don't think it was something tragic. You look more like you won the lottery or something."

Jon grinned. "Something like that, only better." Jon couldn't suppress his smile.

"Well, what? Tell me."

Jon stood. He was so excited he couldn't sit still. "Guess who I spent the last three days and nights with."

"I give up. Who?"

"I'll give you a hint. You know him, he's tall, dark and handsome and has the bluest eyes you've ever seen in your life."

"Luke!" she screamed. "Oh my God! Really? Oh my God! I don't believe it!" She jumped up and hugged Jon. "Oh, honey, I'm so happy for you." Tears were streaming down her face.

The two hugged for about a minute, then sat back down on the couch. Jon was still beaming.

"Oh, that's wonderful. I always thought you two were meant to be together. So how'd this all happen? Tell me all the gory details."

"Okay. Last Thursday we all went to The Inn to plan our strategy for the St. Patrick's Day Parade. We played bags and yakked and stayed longer than usual. I wound up getting pretty smashed and Luke wouldn't let me drive home so we went to his place. I was drunk enough that I told Luke he could take advantage of me."

"And he did?"

"No, of course not. But Friday we both called in sick and we had a very long talk. I found out he wanted me as much as I wanted him and the rest, as they say, is history."

Cathy smiled. "In that case, I'll forgive you. I just don't even know what to say. Do you know you're positively glowing? I've never seen you looking so good!"

"I guess he agrees with me, huh?"

"Yep, and I'd venture to say he probably looks just as good right about now."

"Better," said Jon.

"It's a toss-up. I can't wait to see the two of you together as a couple. Hey, I gotta run. I have a meatloaf in the oven. Wanna come over for dinner?"

"No, but thanks anyway. I want to call Luke, then I think I'll stay in tonight. It was a long weekend."

"Okay, I'll save some for you. Say hi to Luke for me, tell him I love both you guys. Oh, is it okay to tell people? Like my mom and stuff?"

"Sure, Paul and Joe know already. I'm sure it will become common knowledge soon."

"Okay, good. See you later. Sleep tight." Cathy gave Jon a quick kiss and left.

Cathy walked down the stairs to her place, thinking over the news Jon had told her. She felt a twinge of jealousy, but quickly dismissed it. If she couldn't have Jon, she couldn't think of anyone more deserving than Luke. Thank the heavens it wasn't another woman. That would have killed her.

Jon went back into the living room and sat down. He sipped his beer and thought of Luke. He missed him. For the first time he felt lonely being home by himself. He picked up his phone and called Luke. He answered on the first ring.

"Hi, you," said Luke.

"Hi yourself. How was your day?"

"It was okay, but I missed you. Did you have a good day?"

"I miss you, too. My day was good. But I'm not looking forward to going to bed alone."

"I know. I was getting used to having you with me."

"Same here. Wanna get together tomorrow after work?"

"I don't know if I can wait that long. But yeah, sure. Your place, my place or The Inn?"

"Let's meet at The Inn, then we can decide. Okay?"

"You got it. What are you going to do tonight?"

"I'm still pooped from the weekend. I'll just watch some TV and crash early. What about you?"

"Same here. I was just about to hit the shower. It was a warm day today, and even I can't stand myself."

"Okay, I'll let you go. I just wanted to hear your voice and tell you I love you."

"I love you too, babe. See you tomorrow."

"Bye."

Luke closed his phone slowly and remained seated. He really did miss Jon. Even though he knew he could be at Jon's place in less than five minutes, he decided against it. He didn't want to come off as needy. He knew Jon would welcome him, but everyone needs their space. Tomorrow would come soon enough. Luke headed to the bathroom and started the shower. He wished Jon were there to wash his back.

The next day at work Jon caught himself watching the clock. He didn't usually do that, but he couldn't wait until he could see Luke again. It was torture. Around noon Jim asked him if he wanted to go to lunch. Jon and Jim had worked together for several years, and they'd gotten to be good friends, but they seldom saw each other outside of work. Jim was older, about 55, and married with two grown kids. Still, the two had become close and Jon sometimes sought his advice or they shared their troubles. Jon agreed to lunch and they got in Jim's car and went to an Italian beef place that was close by.

"What did you do over the weekend?" asked Jim.

"Some friends and I went into the city and watched the parade. Drank a lot of beer."

"Yeah, it looks like you got some sun. Good time?"

"It was. The whole weekend was great, as a matter of fact."

"You do look like you're pretty happy. Like you're real relaxed or something."

"It shows that much, does it?" Jon smiled.

"Yeah, it does. What else happened?"

"Oh, I met someone. Not met, really, we've known each other for a while. But we've taken it to the next level, so to speak."

"That's good news. What's her name?" Jon gave him a pained smile. "Oh, sorry. What's his name?"

"Luke. He moved here a year ago or so, but it took until now for us to really connect."

"I'm happy to hear that. It's about time you got back into circulation. I know it's been hard for you these past couple of years, but you're too young to waste your time all cooped up alone."

"I guess," replied Jon. "It's just that up to now, I didn't have any desire to meet anyone."

"I know, son, but I'm glad you did find him. I hope it works out."

"Oh, it will. I'm sure of that."

It was about time to leave, so they finished their meals and got back into Jim's car. Jim turned the key in the ignition and they heard a click--then nothing.

"Damn! Now what's wrong?"

"Did you leave the lights on?" asked Jon

"No, they're off."

"Pop the hood and I'll take a look."

Jim thought of his car strictly as transportation--he had no interest in how it looked or worked, as long as it ran. He had it serviced regularly, but he had never once taken it to a car wash in the 12-plus years since he'd bought it.

Jon got out and raised the hood. He looked at the battery and noticed the terminals were badly corroded. Jon twisted each cable, pushing down as he did.

"Try it now."

The engine came to life. Jon closed the hood and got back in the car.

"It was the battery cables."

"I'll take your word for it. I don't think I've ever even seen the engine."

They headed back to the plant and Jim parked in his usual space.

"Give me your keys and I'll clean up those cables so you don't have this problem again."

Jon returned to his desk and checked his email, then got up and began another tour of Production. He stopped at a laser engraving machine that was used to mark parts with numbers or sometimes the company logo. He watched the machine for a moment and turned to Nancy. She was a cute blonde, about 25. Nancy adored Jon, but he had no idea.

"You still having problems with the laser?" asked Jon. The machine's markings had not been as sharp as they should be earlier.

"No, I replaced the X-axis belt and the bearings on the carriage. It's working fine now."

"Good job, Nancy. I knew you'd figure it out." Nancy smiled. Jon had known what the problem was from the start--he had seen it before, but he didn't say anything. He wanted to see how Nancy would handle it. He was pleased.

Jon continued his tour, picking up a Crescent wrench and a wire brush along the way. When he finished his route he went back to the parking lot and took care of cleaning and tightening the cables on Jim's car. He closed the hood and noticed the sky was darkening and there were ominous clouds to the west. Jon thought about Luke. He didn't like the idea of Luke working outside when the weather was bad; it made Jon uncomfortable. He went back to Production and handed Jim his keys.

"You should be okay now," said Jon.

"Thanks, Jon. You know, when it comes to cars I'm clueless. I appreciate it."

"Glad to help. Any time."

The rest of Jon's afternoon was basically routine, punctuated by minor problems he was able to rectify without difficulty. He hoped nothing major would come up toward the end of the day--he was dying to get home and see Luke.

# # #

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