Semper Fi (26 page)

“Is it serious?”

“No, the cut only needs a few stitches, but he insisted he’d do them himself, left-handed. Put up a fuss about driving himself in, because he’s
not a damn invalid
.”

Cal chuckled. “I’m sure Mrs. O’Brien appreciated your help.”

“It’s the least I can do.” Jim gave Finnigan a final pat and stood before peeling his shirts over his head to bare his chest. “Hot one. At least the kids should be cooler in the mountains.”

“I’m sorry, were you saying something?” Cal leered.

Jim rolled his eyes, although he still blushed. “You’re looking pretty good yourself.” He came over to the worktable and kissed Cal lightly before running his fingertips over the gabled roof of the dollhouse. “And wow, this is looking great, Cal. She’s going to love it. You’re a born carpenter.”

“Thanks. At least I’m a born something. Nice not to be completely useless.”

Jim frowned. “You could never be useless.”

“I think my father would disagree with you there.”

“I wish you wouldn’t do that.”

He picked up the block of wood again. “What?”

“You know exactly what. Run yourself down. You’ve never been useless since I’ve known you.” Jim stepped close and kissed him softly. “You’re worth more than you could ever know.”

Cal kissed him back and tossed the wood aside. “If you say so.”

“I do.” Jim nipped at his lips and splayed his hand on Cal’s back. “Did you miss me too?”

Shaking his head, Cal couldn’t quite keep a straight face. “Nope. Not a bit. Pretty sick of you now. A man can only fuck so much.”

Jim fought a grin. “That’s strange—I haven’t heard you complain once this weekend.”

“Now if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got work to do.”

In a blink, Jim snatched up Cal’s carving tool. “Not without this.” He grinned, and the chase was on.

Finnigan’s barks mixed with their laughter as they raced through the barn, Jim ducking and weaving and staying just an inch out of Cal’s grasp. Jim made it to the loft ladder and clambered up, Cal hot on his heels. At the top Cal dove and toppled Jim into the hay with a triumphant yell.

They wrestled, sending rough hay scattering everywhere until finally they gave in to their laughter, kissing lightly. Jim reached for an old blanket he tossed over the hay before pushing Cal down. Cal kissed him thoroughly, exploring Jim’s mouth with his tongue until they were both panting.

“First time you showed me this barn I fantasized about this. Having you here.”

Jim’s eyes were dark, and he rolled his hips into Cal’s. “Just the first time?”

“No. Just about every other time I’ve been in here.”

“What did you think about?”

“Plenty of things. Like right now, I’m thinking of me on my hands and knees with you inside me.”

Jim’s breath stuttered and his lips parted. “We don’t have anything. It’ll hurt.”

Cal gripped Jim’s ass as he ground his hips up. “Yeah. It’ll be rough with just your spit to ease the way. But you won’t stop. You’ll just keep pounding into me, and it’ll be tight and—”

Groaning, Jim thrust his tongue into Cal’s mouth, and they kissed, teeth clashing. Then Jim sat back on his heels and jerked open his belt, and Cal scrambled onto all fours. He tore his jeans open and tugged them down with his drawers to his ankles, too impatient to unlace his boots. Even with the blanket, the hay scratched his skin, but it only excited him more, and he inhaled the musk of the barn deeply.

Breathing hard, Jim hesitated as his hands closed over Cal’s hips. Cal reached back and tugged Jim’s hand forward, licking it and sucking on Jim’s fingers sloppily before letting go. Without being told, Jim stroked himself with his wet hand.

Looking over his shoulder, Cal nodded. “Now spit in me.”

Jim hesitated, but then Cal could feel Jim’s lips on his skin as he leaned close, his fingers parting Cal’s cheeks. He spit several times, and Cal wanted to beg Jim to use his tongue, but didn’t want to push too far. Yet a few moments later there was a fleeting wet pressure on his hole, and Cal moaned. “Christ.
Yes
. Please, do that again.”

Tentatively, Jim kissed and licked at Cal’s hole, seeming to grow more confident as Cal pushed back, the thrills of pleasure making his dick leak. His balls hung heavy between his legs, and he shuddered as Jim licked him wetly. “Yes, like that. Feels so good. Gonna make me come so hard.”

He moaned in protest when Jim moved away, but then he felt Jim’s hardness against his ass. They were both sweating in the sweet warmth of the summer night, and Jim licked along Cal’s spine before positioning himself. Cal could hear him spitting again, and his cock nudged inside. Cal spread his legs as far as the jeans around his ankles would allow, and relaxed his muscles.

It burned as Jim inched inside, and Cal grunted. “More.
More.
”

Jim hesitated, but then he took hold of Cal’s shoulders and slammed in farther, thrusting with little strokes until he was all the way inside. His chest rose and fell as he pressed across Cal’s back, his fingers tangling in Cal’s hair.

“Not too much?” Jim gritted the words out.

Lips parted, Cal shook his head. “Fuck me hard, Jim.”

Groaning, Jim did as he was asked, pounding into Cal. It was rough and deep, and Cal moaned loudly, his thighs trembling as Jim worked his ass. Jim’s cock was so big and full inside him, and the burning gave way to ripples of sensation as Jim brushed against the right spot. Cal reached for his cock, jerking it unevenly as the pressure built.

They strained together, panting and muttering, moaning and grunting until Jim’s hips stuttered and he came with a shout. Cal looked over his shoulder, watching Jim tip his head back, his eyes closed and mouth open as he shot deep into Cal. Stroking himself harder, soon Cal was coming, Jim’s name on his lips.

They collapsed onto the blanket, Jim heavy on Cal’s back in a way that made him want to stay like that forever. He could still feel Jim’s softening cock inside him, and seed dripping out of his hole.

Jim pressed kisses to Cal’s neck and shoulders, and Cal closed his eyes, sighing. Crickets sang in the night, and he didn’t think he’d ever been quite this happy. Jim’s breath fanned across Cal’s neck, and even though they were messy and hay stabbed through the blanket, Cal didn’t want to move. Possibly ever.

A faint rumble grew. Jim stirred, and Finnigan barked from below. With a sinking sensation, Cal realized it was a vehicle.

In a burst of panic, they disentangled themselves. Jim leaped to his feet and pulled up his pants, scurrying down the ladder without a backward glance. Cal was right behind him, zipping up his jeans as he went. Cal ran his hands through his hair, trying to dislodge the hay as Jim yanked on his undershirt. He tossed Cal his short-sleeved work shirt, and Cal’s fingers stuttered as he shoved the buttons through the holes.

Finnigan raced from the barn and Cal glimpsed headlights on the laneway. He pulled Jim out of sight behind the barn door. “The O’Briens?” He asked as he brushed hay from Jim’s hair.

“Maybe. Kids aren’t back until morning. How do I look?”

Jim’s cheeks were red from Cal’s stubble, and his lips swollen from kissing. “Like you’ve been fucking in a hayloft. It’s dark. Try to stay in the shadows.”

“Daddy!” Sophie’s voice rang out.

Jim’s eyes widened, and he rushed outside. Cal quickly followed, dousing the lantern and closing the barn door behind him. The Shelton’s truck idled on the drive with Ronald behind the wheel. Lorraine got out, trying to keep hold of a wriggling Adam as Sophie raced to Jim. She threw her arms around his waist.

“Sophie, what happened?” Jim held her. To Lorraine, he called, “Are they all right?”

Lorraine approached and let Adam go. Adam ran on his little legs to his sister and father, wailing. “They’re fine. She’s coming down with something. Been insufferable since before dinner. Whining about coming home. Ronald finally had enough.”

Indeed Ronald still remained in the truck with the engine running. He puffed on a cigarette, and smoke wafted from the window. Cal couldn’t make out his expression, but was sure it wasn’t a happy one.

Jim crouched and felt Sophie’s forehead. “Are you sick, sweetie? You’re a little warm.”

“I just wanted to be home with you and Uncle Cal. I missed you.”

Lorraine huffed. “She’s coming down with something, mark my words. I told her I can take care of her just fine. Took care of her momma after all.”

Jim stood. “I’m sorry for the trouble, Lorraine.”

She sighed. “It’s all right. Maybe they can come up again later in the summer. It’s real nice having them. Livens up the old place.”

“Of course. We’ll work out a time.”

“I don’t want to live there.” Sophie shook her head, her waves of dark hair whipping around her face.

Jim frowned. “Of course you’re not going to live there, sweetheart. You’re only visiting Grandma and Grandpa. You’re always going to come back here. This is your home.”

Sophie’s voice was barely a whisper. “That’s not what Grandpa said.”

Cal inhaled sharply through a flash of anger and had to bite his tongue. He kept back, knowing he’d only make things worse if he got in the middle. He glared at the truck, part of him wishing Ronald would come out and say what was clearly on his mind.

Still calm, Jim addressed Lorraine. “What’s this about?”

“Heavens, it was only an idea. Ronald just thought it would help if Sophie and Adam came to live with us for the summer. That way they wouldn’t be underfoot with all the work you have to do.”

Jim’s tone was even, but steely. “That’s a kind offer, but not necessary. You and Ronald are always welcome here, but this is the children’s home. All year round.”

“He didn’t mean any harm.” She glanced back at the truck and lowered her voice. Her eyes glistened. “They’re all we have left of her. Surely you can understand.”

Softening, Jim nodded. “We’ll set up that other weekend. Perhaps you and Ronald can come down for the Fourth of July. I think the children would love that. Wouldn’t you, Sophie?”

Blinking back tears, Sophie nodded and went to her grandmother, hugging her tightly. “I’m sorry. I just got homesick.”

Lorraine kissed Sophie’s head. “That’s all right, child. I understand. That sounds like a real fun day in July. We’ll see you then.” To Jim she added, “Ronald won’t want to drive back that night, so we’ll stay in the hotel in town.”

Cal stepped forward. “You can have my room. I insist. I’ll stay out in the cabin.”

“Then it’s settled.” Jim smiled, although his shoulders were still tense. “Kids, say goodbye to Grandma.” He walked to the truck and spoke to Ronald through the open window.

Cal could imagine that was an enjoyable conversation. As Lorraine returned to her husband, Cal swept Adam up and smoothed his palm over Sophie’s hair. “Good to have you both back.”

It surprised him a bit to realize that, despite the end of his idyll with Jim, he meant it.

The creak of the floorboard penetrated Cal’s fuzzy dream, and he opened his eyes to find Jim standing by his bed in an undershirt and pajama bottoms. Cal reached for his hand. “What time is it?”

“Late. After midnight.”

Cal stretched and scratched his bare belly. His boxers sat low on his hips. “Couldn’t sleep?”

Jim shook his head.

“C’mere.” Cal tugged and shifted over, holding up the sheet so Jim could climb in.

“We can’t do anything. I shouldn’t be in here.”

“I know.” Cal kissed Jim lightly. “Just stay for a minute.”

“Just a minute.” Jim snuggled close, their heads together on the pillow.

“They both sleeping?”

“Adam was down for the count right away. Sophie took longer, but I just checked and she’s out.”

“It’s nice to have them back.”

“Even though it means we can’t…”

“Don’t underestimate our powers of creativity.” Cal waggled his eyebrows. “We’ll still find ways to do plenty of things while we’re out in the orchard on our own.”

Jim grinned. “I don’t think I’ve ever looked forward to working this much before.” His smile faded. “What do you make of Ronald and Lorraine?”

Cal pondered it. “I think they love their grandchildren and miss their daughter. And I think we have to be very careful around them. If they even suspected, Ronald would have our asses in jail before we knew it.”

Jim nodded with a grim expression. “It makes me nervous, him wanting them to live there for the summer. They’re my children. He’s not taking them away from me.”

“He won’t. We won’t let that happen. It’s all going to be fine.”

“I hope so.”

Jim traced a pattern over Cal’s back with his fingertips, and Cal nuzzled closer, his lips grazing Jim’s throat. A light breeze blew in through the open window, and the crickets still chirped. As Cal closed his eyes, he wondered if they ever got tired…

“Daddy?”

With a sickening jolt, Cal woke.

Blinking, her damp curls mussed, Sophie stood at the foot of the bed. “Daddy? I couldn’t find you.”

Jim bolted to his feet, staring at his daughter dumbly. When he spoke, his voice was a croak. “I was just talking to Uncle Cal. Are you sick?” He went to her and kneeled before feeling her forehead.