Courage In Love (5 page)

Chapter 10

“I should be up there by 4:00. Do you want to meet someplace or I could wait at your place?” Ross asked and Parker tapped the end of the pen on his desk as he stared at his schedule. He had a meeting at 3:00 and he wasn’t sure if he’d be done by then.

“Would you mind meeting me at my office? I don’t want you sitting in my driveway if I’m running late and I don’t think I’ll be in the mood to go anywhere after. It’s been a long day and I’m pretty drained.” Parker rubbed the back of his neck as he stared at the file in front of him. He was about to accuse a student of academic misconduct. He hadn’t slept well the last few nights and he’d dreaded the meeting with the Honor Committee.

“Sure. Which building are you in?”

“Brooks Hall, by the Rotunda. I’ll tell my secretary to let you into my office if I’m not back.” Parker felt a tickle of anticipation and smiled. It was such a relief after the weight in his chest and stomach despite reminding himself that he wasn’t the one ruining a student’s academic career.

“Sounds good. You know, you’re doing the right thing, Parker.” Ross said and Parker nodded. “He knew the consequences and everyone that gets into your program knows upfront that dedication and hard work are part of the deal. He couldn’t cut it, that’s not your fault. And it’s not fair to the other students that bust their asses.” Ross stated. Parker sighed and sat back in his seat, feeling some of the tension leave his shoulders. Having Ross to share his suspicions and concerns with had been an unexpected comfort. David wouldn’t have been interested. He would have told Parker to deal with it and move on. Ross listened, considered and gave his opinions. Integrity and honesty were everything to Ross and he kept emphasizing them. Which helped. Parker could get wishy washy and blame himself or feel like he was personally hurting his student.

“I’ll be glad once my part in this is over and I can enjoy the weekend with you.” Parker tossed the pen on the desk and squeezed the bridge of his nose.

“Me too. Just a few more hours. I have a surprise for you.” Ross sang and the rich warmth of his voice soothed Parker.

“You’re kind of swell, you know?” Parker asked and Ross chuckled.

“You too. Get your work done so you can get out of there.” He ordered and Parker’s smile grew.

“Ok. I’ll see you later.” He laughed and it made him feel even lighter.

“Alright, bye.”

“Bye.” Parker ended the call and tapped the phone against his lips as he considered the rest of the work on his desk. He had a few papers that needed to be graded and decided he’d do them at home with Ross. Parker felt warmth spreading in his chest. The last few weekends, Ross had driven up and they spent most of their time in bed. When they weren’t driving each other out of their minds, they read and watched movies. Ross’ literary tastes went toward the East, to Rumi or Tolstoy and Rushdie. When Parker wasn’t grading a paper, he found himself reading over Ross’ shoulder. So far, everything was perfect. The cramped one room duplex that Parker dreaded had become paradise on the weekends.

The meeting was every bit as tense as Parker expected it to be. He silently repeated Ross’ statements about integrity and honesty like mantras until he walked out, then reminded himself that he had no control over this, it was his student’s choices that had brought this about. He’d done the right and fair thing. As Parker went up the steps to his office, his mood lifted as he recalled that Ross was either already there or would be soon. Walking around the corner and seeing Ross in his office made Parker almost giddy with joy.

“I see you found your way.” Parker said and Ross smiled over his shoulder as Parker shut the door. Ross set the picture of Parker’s parents back on the shelf before he rushed across the room. Parker sighed happily as their bodes collided and their arms locked around each other. “I’m so glad to see you.” Parker murmured into the corner of Ross’ neck as he inhaled his scent and the last of Parker’s tension melted away.

“I missed you.” Ross growled softly as his hands pressed against Parker’s back, pulling him closer.

“Have you been waiting long?” Parker asked as he leaned back and Ross shook his head.

“Only about ten minutes. This building is phenomenal. I can’t believe you get to work here.” He said as he released Parker. “And I love your office.” Ross pulled Parker over to the pictures. “This is your mom?” He asked in disbelief as he pointed and Parker laughed.

“That’s my mom.” He said as he looked over Ross’ shoulder and slid a hand around him and splayed it over his stomach. He felt so solid. He was warm and smelled incredible, like clothes right out of the dryer and Parker wanted to go home and lose himself in Ross for the weekend.

“There’s no way she’s sixty-eight.” He murmured as he picked up another picture. “This is your sister?” Ross asked and Parker nodded, letting his cheek drag against Ross’. “She looks like you. And you take after your father. He was really handsome.” He set the photo down and pulled free of Parker’s arms and went to the bookshelf across the room. Parker turned and leaned as he watched Ross’ finger run along the spines. “Can I borrow this?” He looked over his shoulder and Parker nodded. He didn’t bother to see what it was. Ross could take whatever he wanted. He flashed Parker one of his crooked smiles before his head jerked toward the desk. “I brought you something.” Ross said before he went back to inspecting Parker’s books. Parker’s brows rose when he spotted the gift bag on his desk. He crossed the room and pushed back the tissue paper and peeked inside.

“Yes!” He gasped when he saw a large tub of saltwater taffy. Parker wasn’t big on candy but he adored saltwater taffy. His hand found something large and square and he pulled it out. “Harry Potter?” Parker asked as he examined a box set of blu-ray discs. “This is all the movies?” Ross nodded as he squatted in front of Parker’s record collection.

“You said you hadn't seen them. I haven’t either. I thought it might be fun, if you weren’t in the mood to get out of the house.” Ross murmured as he pulled a record. “These are all jazz.” He noted before his head snapped up and his smile was brilliant. “You’re named after Bird?” Ross asked and Parker grinned.

“My dad was a huge Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie fan. Mom wouldn’t let him name me Dizzy.” He said and Ross laughed as he stood up. “I’m more of an Armstrong fan, personally. I like the earlier stuff.” Parker said as he pointed at a framed print of Louis Armstrong. Ross sighed as he reached for Parker.

“I’ve been looking for this. Your apartment is so new and sterile, I couldn’t see anything.” He said as he wrapped one arm around Parker’s waist and the pad of his thumb brushed over Parker’s lips. Parker kissed it.

“What do you mean?” He whispered as he stepped closer. Ross’ thumb slid along Parker’s cheek and his hand cupped his jaw.

“I wanted to learn more about you but your place is so empty. All the little odds and ends from your work and travel are here, along with your photos, music and other knick-knacks. This feels more like you.” He explained as his eyes searched Parker’s, making him feel a little dizzy. Ross was the most perceptive person Parker had ever met, he had a way of reading the flick Parker’s eyes or his choice of cocktail. Parker could only imagine what Ross had gleaned from his office. He was completely right, it felt more like home than Parker’s new place.

“David didn’t like clutter and always insisted I restrict my decorating to my office. I haven’t really put much effort into my house yet.” He explained and Ross shook his head as he looked around.

“He sounds like a complete ass, Parker.” Ross stated. “This feels eclectic and warm. I could stay here all day.” He said as he turned back to Parker and angled his head so his lips brushed against Parker’s.

“No, you can’t.” Parker flicked his tongue over Ross’ lower lip and he frowned.

“Why? Are you worried that someone will see me here?” His head went to the door and Parker laughed as he swatted Ross’ shoulder.

“No. You can’t stay here because I want to take you home, get you naked, have sex, watch movies and eat junk food with you.” He felt the hard, warm press of Ross’ erection against his thigh and moaned softly as he sucked on Ross’ lower lip. Ross’ hands slid down Parker’s back and curved around his ass.

“Ah. We better hurry, then.” He mumbled as he ground his hips against Parker’s.

“Hurry?” Parker asked as his hand slipped between their bodies and found the bulge in Ross’ jeans. He groaned as his head tilted and his lips found Parker’s ear.

“I was hoping for a quick tour of the building and we should probably stop at the store and get food. I’m not planning to let you leave the house this weekend.” Ross’ fingers pressed into the cleft of Parker’s ass and he hissed as he raised his head. Parker bit his lip as he considered.

“How about we postpone the tour and order take-out every day.” He offered and Ross shook his head.

“We can’t get popcorn and breakfast delivered.” He argued and Parker’s lower lip pushed out. Ross laughed. “A quick run to the store and you promise to give me a tour before I leave.” He countered and Parker’s eyes flicked to the ceiling as he gave it thought.

“Deal. But we leave right now.” He said and Ross nodded enthusiastically. Parker dashed across the room and grabbed the bag and the essays before Ross’ hand closed around his wrist and tugged, dragging him from the room.

Chapter 11

“You think we’ll get it without reading the books?” Parker asked as Ross opened the case and pulled out the first disc. He nodded as he looked at the box again.

“I’m pretty sure they’re easy to follow. They wouldn’t have been so popular if people had to do actual reading to enjoy them.” Ross mumbled as he set it down and reached for the blu-ray player. He inserted the disc and dove onto the bed. Parker elbowed Ross as he held up the bowl of popcorn.

“Be careful! If you spill this, we’ll have to pause the movie and change the sheets.” He warned and Ross rolled his eyes before he leaned over and nipped Parker’s ear.

“Don’t be such a nag.” He teased and Parker scowled at him.

“I can’t stand it if I can feel things on the sheets. We should have watched this in the living room.” He complained. Again. Ross shrugged.

“There’s not enough room on the couch and we’ll just end up back in here when you can’t keep your hands to yourself.” He said and Parker snorted.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” He lied and tossed a piece of popcorn in his mouth. Ross raised an eyebrow and tried not to focus on Parker’s lips.

“Come on. You don’t think I actually picked an eight movie set because I was in the mood for a marathon, do you?” Ross rolled onto his stomach and stretched for Parker’s lips. He licked them and growled happily. “I’m hoping we won’t get very far.” He murmured as he wrapped his hand around Parker’s thigh.

“I’m pretty sure it was you that had the grabby hands the last time we tried to watch a movie.” Parker insisted and Ross laughed. They both knew that Parker got bored easily with movies and liked to entertain himself by teasing Ross until he gave up on trying to follow the movie. Ross didn’t mind. He was years behind with movies but he was more interested in making up for years of celibacy. And he didn’t think he’d ever get enough of Parker.
What about Parker?

“Do you want to get married?” Ross asked as he turned and adjusted his pillows. He sat back and pulled Parker against his side as he reached for the remote. After a few moments, Ross looked over at Parker and his eyes were wide and blinking rapidly as his mouth hung open. “Parker?” Ross nudged him and he slowly turned his head and stared at Ross.

“I…” He licked his lips and swallowed loudly. “We’ve only been…” He swallowed again and his brows pulled together as he struggled and Ross laughed as he grabbed Parker’s shoulder and shook it gently.

“Relax. I didn’t mean to me, specifically.” Ross said and Parker exhaled loudly. “I meant in general. You know, is that something you’re looking for, in the future?” He explained as he pressed a quick kiss to Parker’s lips and he nodded.

“Yeah. I’d like to get married one day.” He said and Ross felt warmth and joy swell within his chest at the idea. He grinned as he settled back on the pillows.

“Good.” He announced as he navigated through the menu. “And I won’t be that clumsy when I propose.” He promised and Parker nodded as he leaned against Ross.

“I hope not.” He mumbled as he grabbed a handful of popcorn. Parker chewed and was quiet for several moments. “Do you think you will?” He asked as the movie began. Ross pulled Parker closer.

“I think so. Now, hush and watch the movie. And try to keep your hands to yourself.” Ross said sternly despite the fluttering in his stomach and the smile that tugged at his lips.

“That was brilliant.” Parker sighed as the closing credits began. Ross nodded, a little stunned and sad that it was over. It was Sunday night and they’d spent most of the weekend in bed, watching all eight of the Harry Potter movies. There were plenty of breaks for sex. Obviously. And meals. He frowned as he looked at Parker.

“It feels almost wrong, how much I enjoyed those. Being a grown man, and all.” Ross admitted and Parker chewed his lip as he nodded.

“I think I have to read the books now.” He complained and Ross’ lips pulled tight.

“I agree. We’re not telling anyone, right?” He asked and Parker nodded emphatically.

“Yeah, let’s keep that between us. It’s kind of ridiculous, isn’t it? You, the big, strong soldier type and me, the nerdy professor, reading books about teen wizards.” Parker stretched and yawned and Ross laughed as he wrapped his arms around Parker.

“You’re not even a little bit of a nerd and you’re big and strong.” He argued as he pinned Parker beneath him. Parker wrapped his legs around Ross’ hips and pulled him closer.

“Maybe I don’t look like a nerd. But, you know what I meant. We’re probably not the typical Harry Potter fans.” He explained and yawned again as he looked over at the clock. “Hey. It’s getting late. We better eat so you can get on the road.” Parker’s lip pushed out and his hands swept down Ross’ back. Ross shook his head and grinned as he buried his face in the corner of Parker’s neck.

“I’m not going back tonight. I have tomorrow off.” He muffled and Parker gasped as he fisted his hand in Ross’ hair and pulled, raising Ross’ head.

“Why didn’t you say anything?” He asked as his eyes searched Ross’ face.

“I wanted it to be a surprise.” Ross dropped a kiss on Parker’s lips before he let his head fall back into the corner of his neck.

“I have to work tomorrow.” Parker complained and Ross shrugged.

“I don’t mind, I get another night. I’ll sleep in and hang out until you get off.” He kissed Parker’s neck and sighed happily. “How about I pick you up and you can give me that tour and then we’ll go to dinner before I have to leave?” Ross felt Parker’s hands slide beneath the waist of his pajama pants and he growled softly as his teeth grazed Parker’s skin.

“Sure. That would be great.” Parker mumbled distractedly as his nails dug into Ross’ ass and his hips lifted off the bed as he ground against Ross’ cock as it hardened. Ross moaned as he thrust back.

“Can I watch you teach for a little while?” He asked against Parker’s shoulder before he bit and Parker became still.

“If you want to. I have a lecture at the end of the day you could sit in on.” He sounded unsure and Ross lifted his head.

“Is that ok? I don’t want to make you uncomfortable.” He said gently and Parker shook his head.

“No! I just didn’t think you’d want to.” Parker’s hand brushed through Ross’ hair and his smile was warm and sincere and Ross felt it in his chest.

“Of course I’d want to. I love history and it’s pretty similar. And it’s you.” He stated and Parker’s eyes flared and Ross felt a little confused. “If you sang in a club, I’d go and watch, right? If you were a stripper, I’d definitely go watch.” He teased as he rose on his knees and pushed Parker’s sweatpants down his hips as Parker lifted them.

“I guess. Though, it would be a lot more interesting if I was a stripper.” He argued and Ross shook his head.

“Not to me.” He lowered his head and rubbed his lips back and forth over Parker’s nipple until it hardened. Parker groaned and his hips bucked off the bed.

“David never wanted to go. He said it was bad enough sitting through lectures when he had to.” Parker panted as Ross’ tongue traced his nipple in slow circles. He flicked it and shook his head.

“The more I hear about him, the more he sounds like a complete dick, Parker.” Ross murmured before he pressed his lips to Parker’s chest and sucked. He bit Parker’s nipple gently and he hissed as his hands wrapped around Ross’ head.

“I guess.” Parker gasped and Ross’ head popped up and he gave Parker a stern look.

“You guess?” He asked incredulously. “Parker, you’re amazing and I want to know everything about you. I love every moment we spend together. If he didn’t appreciate you and jump at the chance to see you doing what you love, he was a moron and an asshole.” Ross explained and Parker’s jaw fell open. His eyes shimmered and his lip trembled.

“Can I keep you?” Parker whispered as his hand curved around Ross’ jaw. Ross smiled despite the ache that filled his chest. He kissed Parker’s hand before he lowered his head and lapped at the groove down the middle of Parker’s stomach.

“I wouldn’t mind that.” Ross inhaled and his eyes shut in delight as Parker’s scent and warmth filled him.

Ross knew that Parker wouldn’t like what he had to tell him but it could wait until tomorrow. Ross tried not to feel the guilt or his own disappointment as he slid lower. He prayed silently as he licked, sucked and stroked Parker until he was delirious. Ross prayed that he could make Parker need him as much as he needed Parker. Making love to Parker started out as a slow burn. It began with a touch or a kiss. Ross could feel it spark within Parker, his touch would become more urgent and the pressure of his lips and tongue more intense. The spark would catch and the heat would slowly spread as Parker’s body became harder and warmer as it slid and pressed against Ross’. Parker’s hands would grip and glide over Ross’ flesh until the flames would engulf them, pulling them under. When their bodies connected and they arched and clung, the fire roared and became an inferno, they melted into each other and fused. Ross knew that he would never be able to let go of that heat, that he couldn’t lose that consuming pleasure and joy.

Everything Ross did, each stroke, lick, scratch and kiss, was invested with a desperate hope that it would be enough to make Parker burn with need, to crave Ross enough to hold on. When Ross slid into Parker’s body, he tried to force some of his obsession, his addiction into Parker. Ross tried to get closer to Parker’s center, to his soul with each thrust. When Ross felt Parker tense in his arms, he drove deep, trying to bury some piece of himself into Parker as he writhed and screamed Ross’ name. As Ross’ body flew apart, he was sure he felt some of his soul spill into Parker.

In the hours after, as his body cooled and Parker slept, Ross worried that he’d failed, that he’d surrendered something he couldn’t afford to lose and hadn’t done enough to make Parker need him to the point that he wouldn’t let go.