Courage In Love (8 page)

“I’m going to worry every time you go and I won’t be able to stop until I hear from you.” Parker whispered and Ross nodded.

“I know and I’m sorry about that. That’s why I don’t like talking about this with you. I don’t want you to worry. I love what I do and I love working with the people on my team. Until you, I never cared about going away. I’ve seen what it does to the other guys and how it affects their spouses and families. It’s one of the reasons I didn’t bother dating.” Ross admitted. It was a lot easier when he didn’t have someone he cared about. He pulled Parker back down to the pillows and settled Parker’s head in the corner of his shoulder and held him tight.

“Promise me you’ll always come back.” Parker begged and Ross clenched his jaw as he waited for his emotions to settle.

“I promise I’ll do everything I can and I’ll fight like hell.” Ross whispered and Parker became very still.

“That’s not the same thing.” He argued gently and Ross nodded.

“I know but it’s more honest.” Ross hoped that would be enough. Parker sighed as he let it go. Ross listened and tracked his breathing until it became steady and soft. His thoughts revolved around how falling in love with Parker would change his ability to perform and his dedication to his team. Ross’ eyes went to the black duffle bag by the bedroom door and he frowned as his feelings turned to dread. For the first time, Ross didn’t want the phone call, he didn’t want to go. Now, Bryan’s cozy, routine life looked like a dream.

Chapter 17

“Let’s get up and go for coffee.” Ross’ fingers swept over Parker’s scalp, sending a drugging warmth pouring down Parker’s spine that made him less inclined to do anything that involved being upright. He groaned as he wrapped his arms tighter around Ross’ chest.

“I need a nap.” He grumbled and Ross snorted.

“We just woke up.” Ross pointed out and Parker shrugged.

“Yeah, but fucking you makes me really tired.” Parker explained as he burrowed into the corner of Ross’ neck. Ross laughed softly and there was more drugging warmth.

“Just coffee and breakfast, then we’ll come back and spend the day being lazy.” Ross promised and Parker groaned again. Everything was just right. He was drowsy and snuggled against Ross’ perfect, warm body and his face was buried in his favorite spot in the whole world. He took a deep breath and the clean, soft scent of Ross filled him. Parker knew if he licked Ross, he’d taste slightly minty. He’d taste divine and Parker wanted to stay right where he was.

“I thought you bought stuff yesterday.” He argued and Ross nodded and stretched, dislodging Parker’s face from his happy place.

“I did but I don’t like to buy coffee. It’s never as good at home as it is from my place.” He explained as he rolled and propped himself up on his elbows. Parker frowned at the ceiling as the content and drowsiness wore off and his stomach growled. He sighed as his head flopped sideways, toward Ross.

“Fine. But this coffee better be good. You ruined my perfect morning.” He complained as he sat up. Ross snorted again.

“Being lazy is your perfect morning?” He teased and Parker shook his head as he went into the bathroom to brush his teeth.

“No. Having sex with you and then wrapping myself in you for hours is my perfect morning.” Parker said as he turned on the water. Hands grabbed his shoulders before Parker was spun around. Ross’ body slammed into Parker’s as Ross’ hands closed around his face and his lips collided with Parker’s. Stunned, Parker gasped and Ross’ tongue surged in, demanding and probing. Ross’ hands swept down Parker’s body and spread across his back, pulling Parker closer, cradling him against Ross’ chest. When Ross finally raised his head, Parker was slightly dazed and aroused. Ross’ eyes were wide and full as they spilled into Parker’s.

“Everything with you is perfect, Parker. You make me so happy.” He whispered and a soft moan slipped from Parker’s chest and his toes felt like they were coming off the floor. Ross dipped his head and brushed his lips against Parker’s. “I never imagined I could feel like this, that I’d have this with anyone.” Ross admitted and Parker held onto Ross’ shoulders as the room tilted.

“I never knew I could be this happy. I thought I was before but I was wrong.” Parker breathed the words against Ross’ lips and they curved before he began to nibble on Parker’s lower lip. Parker growled softly and his hands slid down Ross’ shoulders and over his chest. Ross’ hands locked around Parker’s wrists and he shook his head.

“We’re getting ready, remember?” He gave Parker a pointed look and Parker’s lip pushed out.

“Fuck me, first.” Parker demanded as he rocked his hips against Ross’, grinding against Ross’ semi hard cock. Ross shook his head again.

“Nope. You’ll end up talking me into a nap and then I won’t get my coffee.” He argued and Parker scowled.

“I swear, if this coffee isn’t really good, I’m going to fall out like a toddler.” Parker promised and Ross laughed as he turned him and pushed him toward the sink.

“It’s really good.” Ross assured him as he reached around Parker and grabbed his toothbrush. Parker rolled his eyes and shook his head.

“It can’t be better than your dick.” He stated and Ross choked. Parker shrugged. “Just thought I’d put it in perspective, since that’s what I’ll be missing out on.” He said as he squeezed toothpaste on his brush. Ross’ cheeks turned pink and Parker decided it was almost as much fun as having sex.

“We’re not going to be gone long and my dick will still be here.” Ross murmured before he jammed his toothbrush into his mouth. Parker grinned wickedly at Ross through the mirror.

“I probably won’t even taste it.” Parker’s eyes flicked to Ross’ cock and it jumped. “I’ll be too busy trying to decide if I want to suck your dick until you come or if I want you to fuck me senseless before you pull out and come in my mouth.” His eyes went to the ceiling and Parker waved the toothbrush in the air as he pretended to give the matter a lot of thought. When he looked back at Ross, his eyes were wide and the toothbrush slipped from his hand and fell into the sink. Ross’ erection was large and Parker could practically see it pulsing.

“Ummm…” Ross blinked back at Parker through the mirror and Parker winked as he raised his toothbrush.

“You better get on with it. You don’t want to miss out on that coffee.” Parker announced before he started to brush.

The coffee was really good. Parker was impressed but it still wasn’t as good as the taste of Ross’ cock. Or any part of his body. But Parker made the best of it. They shared scones and a fruit salad as they relaxed by a window and the watched joggers and early shoppers. When they got back to Ross’ house, Parker made sure that Ross understood how much Parker enjoyed his cock. He took his time, teasing and sucking it until Ross was desperate, panting and moaning Parker’s name hoarsely before Parker got on his knees and demanded that Ross ride him hard and fast. As always, it took a lot of coaxing to get Ross to let go. Ross had a habit of holding back, afraid he’d hurt Parker. But Parker wanted Ross mindless and uninhibited, he loved that he could rob Ross of his control and his gentle manners. No one had ever fucked Parker so hard and so deep, so completely. When Ross gave in, he could make him come without touching his cock, he rode Parker into oblivion and made his ass sing like a church choir.

“God, you’re an animal.” Parker groaned into the pillow as he stretched. He was going to be sore later. Ross’ hand slid down Parker’s slick back soothingly.

“I’m sorry.” He murmured. “But you kept telling me to do more.” Ross sounded so concerned and Parker laughed into the pillow and shook his head. His hand reached for Ross blindly and patted his chest.

“I’m not complaining. I love it.” Parker reassured and he felt Ross relax. Parker groaned again as he rolled over. “I’m going to be sore for days. I’ll feel it in my ass, my back and my thighs when I’m teaching or sitting at my desk and I won’t be able to stop myself from thinking about it.” He confessed and Ross’ hand slid around Parker’s jaw and his thumb brushed over Parker’s lips.

“I’m not sure that’s a good thing.” He murmured. Parker grinned and Ross’ thumb traced the curving of his lips.

“Sure it is.” Parker argued. “I’ll remember that I drove you out of your mind and you wore yourself out, fucking me like a madman.” He rolled toward Ross and swirled his fingers through the thin mat of hair in the center of Ross’ chest. It had finally grown enough that it was soft again. Parker pressed his face between Ross’ pecs and sighed happily. “Will you let everything grow out again?” He asked and Ross chuckled as he cradled Parker’s head.

“If you want. You don’t like me being hairless?” He rumbled and Parker shrugged.

“I don’t mind it but I miss your hair and your beard. And I like how soft this is.” Parker mumbled as he rubbed his lips back and forth. Truthfully, he realized early on that it was the contrast between David’s immaculate, overly manicured appearance and Ross’ rugged, natural look that initially attracted him. But when Ross showed up with nothing but eyebrows and eyelashes, Parker knew that he’d take Ross any way he could have him.

“I’ll grow it all out, then.” Ross yawned. “As long as I can. Sometimes, I have to change my appearance and hair is the easiest way to do that. But I’ll do my best.” He promised. Parker felt a whiff of discomfort but pushed it away. He didn’t want to think about Ross’ missions.

“What about you? What do you prefer?” Parker asked as he raised his head. “I can’t grow decent facial or body hair so I’ve always shaved it all off. And my hair is ridiculous so I keep my head shaved. It’s that in between texture that gets big and frizzy if I don’t keep it straightened and use a ton of product.” He explained and Ross’ brows pulled together as he stared at Parker, trying to picture it. He shrugged.

“I think you’re sexy as fuck like this. The hair sounds like it would be a bit fussy but I can’t imagine anything that wouldn’t look good on you.” Ross’ eyes narrowed. “I think you’d look kind of like Lenny Kravitz with big hair. That would be crazy hot.” He said and Parker nodded.

“I could see that. It might be kind of out of context without the tattoos though.” He mused and Ross shook his head.

“I like you like this. You look clean and all I can think about is licking every inch of you when you’re naked.” He decided and Parker ignored the way his cock twitched and the tickle of warmth in his groin.

“I don’t feel very clean. I think I’m going to take a shower.” He sighed heavily as he pushed off the mattress and rose over Ross. “Want to join me?” Parker watched as Ross’ lips twisted as he considered.

“Do you think it’s safe? I could get carried away and lose my mind.” He rose on his elbows and stretched for Parker’s lips. Parker shook his head.

“You could try but I’m pretty sure I’m done for the day.” He admitted and Ross grinned.

“How about a long, hot shower and a massage? After that, we’ll see what happens. If anything, we’ll take a big ass nap and it’ll be heaven.” Ross said and Parker moaned contentedly.

“Sounds perfect.” He bit Ross’ lip before be sat up and swung his legs over the side of the bed.

The shower was heaven. Ross’ fingertips slid over Parker’s soap slathered skin and dug into his muscles until Parker was boneless and his muscles felt like jelly. Somehow, Ross managed to tease Parker’s cock until it was straining, hard and heavy. Parker leaned against the wall and moaned in ecstasy as Ross’ hand slid and twisted around his erection until he was desperate. They quickly rinsed and dried and Ross’ lips were wicked and hungry as they feasted on Parker’s throbbing length before he had Parker sheathed and generously coated with lube.

Ross straddled Parker and groaned as he sat back, slowly taking Parker’s full length, deep into his clenching heat. For a moment, Parker was breathless as he watched Ross rising and falling over him. His eyes were heavy and unfocused, lost in the pleasure and connection they shared. Parker had never felt so much lust, so much awareness, so much adoration for another person. He craved everything about Ross. It went so far beyond sex. He wanted every thought, every taste, every sound… If Parker could sell his soul and keep Ross someplace safe, just for him and just exist there with him, he wouldn’t think twice.
You love him,
the words hit Parker in the chest and his eyes watered. Parker shook his head, trying to dislodge the thought and Ross fell forward, his hands bracing on the bed outside of Parker’s shoulders.

“What’s wrong?” He panted as he rocked forward, squeezing the muscles that wrapped around Parker.

“Christ!” Parker gasped as he wrapped his arms around Ross and thrust into him. “I just can’t believe how beautiful you are.” He whispered as he pulled Ross’ lips to his. “And you feel so good.” Parker breathed the words into Ross’ mouth before he sucked on Ross’ tongue.

Parker rolled them and slid his hands between Ross’ back and the bed and reached for his ass. He filled his hands with hot, muscled flesh and drove deep. Ross arched in his arms and his heels dug into Parker’s ass as he begged for more. Parker gave up on being smooth and steady. He clawed at Ross’ shoulders as he thrust and slammed into Ross’ tight heat. Ross screamed Parker’s name, urging him on as he reached above his head and fisted his hands in the sheets. Parker dug in with his knees as he ground his hips and bucked hard. Ross’ head lolled on the bed and he sobbed incoherently. Parker dove for Ross’ lips but his head snapped back as shoulders came off the bed. His eyes rolled back into his head and he started to convulse beneath Parker. Molten heat burst between them and Ross’ passage clenched mercilessly around Parker.

It felt like a fist squeezing his shaft, and it echoed in his sack before pressure and heat surge up the length of Parker’s cock. He thrust hard and his body froze as his head fell back and he gasped. He breathed Ross’ name as every nerve in his body contracted. Parker blinked and light burst behind his eyelids. Electricity slid through his veins and his body shivered and bucked wildly. Ross’ arms wrapped around him and pulled him into the heavy, warm haven of his body as Parker trembled and twitched. As soon as his body stilled, it became weak, almost liquid.

“Ok. Now, I’m completely done.” Parker mumbled drunkenly into the corner of Ross’ neck as his body melted over Ross’. “I’m not moving or doing a goddamn thing for the rest of the day.” He promised and he felt Ross nod.

“Just rest.” He whispered as his hands swept soothingly over Parker’s back.

When Parker raised his head again, Ross was sitting up and eating. Parker frowned and blinked rapidly as he waited for his eyes to focus.

“How long did I sleep?” He asked groggily. Ross laughed as he reached for the bedside table and grabbed a bowl as Parker rolled over.

“Almost three hours.” He said as he held the bowl above Parker’s supine body. “Sit up and eat.” Ross commanded and Parker scrubbed a hand over his face before he reached for the bowl and sat up.

Parker had never been so happy to see a chicken caesar salad in his life or a slice of french bread. He inhaled his food and the bottle of water Ross passed him as he made a passing attempt to follow the Civil War documentary Ross was watching. As soon as he was done, Parker passed his bowl back to Ross and fell back on the bed. He rolled toward Ross and wrapped an arm around his waist before he succumbed to unconsciousness.

The next time Parker opened his eyes, a shrill beeping filled the air and Ross swore violently as he reached for his phone. Parker’s legs were wrapped around Ross’ and he hung on tight as he pushed his face into that warm, intoxicating corner of Ross’ neck. Ross’ hand cradled Parker’s head and a deep sigh echoed in his chest before he answered the phone.