The Perfect Mess (5 page)

Chapter 8

Hermes Santal Massoïa. Landon smiled as he set the shower gel back on the shelf and turned on the water. He pushed his boxers down over this hips and stepped out of them as the bathroom filled with steam.

“Sorry about her.” Ben’s lips rubbed against Landon’s ear as Ben’s hands slid around his sides and pushed up his chest. Landon chuckled as he leaned back. His lips found Ben’s cheek and he purred as he felt Ben’s cock, hard and hot against the cleft of his ass.

“She was lovely and I don’t embarrass easily,” Landon said as he stepped into the shower, towing Ben with him.

Landon turned in Ben’s arms and they leaned against the tile. It was so easy to relax as Landon absorbed the heat of the water and Ben’s body. He sighed happily as his tongue swept into Ben’s mouth and swirled lazily. Landon reached for the shower gel and Ben’s head lolled against the tile as Landon massaged fragrant bubbles all over his shoulders, chest and stomach. Landon was very thorough as he stroked the gel over Ben’s erection and sack before he turned Ben. Ben let out a ragged moan as Landon’s fingers dug into the long muscles of his back. Then, he tensed as Landon’s hands slid over the cheeks of his ass. Ben rose on his toes when Landon’s soap-slick fingers slipped into the cleft. Landon pressed his chest to Ben’s back and made a soft shushing sound in Ben’s ear as his finger gently caressed the tight bud of Ben’s ass.

“Relax,” Landon commanded as he continued to tease Ben’s puckered flesh. “I’m not going to try to convince you if you’re not ready. I just want to feel you and taste you,” he soothed and Ben nodded as his body became less taut. Landon’s eyes went to the shower’s bench and his cock throbbed. He pulled Ben away from the wall and guided him to the bench. “Get on your knees,” he instructed. Once Ben was positioned, his chest and hands pressed against the tile and his ass open and waiting, Landon lowered to the shower floor. His mouth watered as his hands glided over Ben’s thighs and the firm, round globes of his ass. His thumbs slid into the deep valley and Ben moaned softly. “Do you like that?” Landon asked and Ben nodded quickly. Landon grinned wickedly as he leaned forward. “What about this?” He asked as his face pressed between Ben’s cheeks. He stretched his tongue past his lips and dragged it over Ben’s tender flesh. There was a loud hiss and Landon loved it. He circled Ben’s entrance and felt Ben jerk.

“Yeah. That’s really good,” he gasped and Landon growled as he grabbed handfuls of Ben’s ass and lapped greedily. It was really, really good. Ben was sweet with a hint of something softly spicy and warm, like cinnamon. Landon sucked at the tender skin, making Ben curse and pant. When his tongue drilled and thrust Ben arched as his hand wrapped around Landon’s head. Ben’s fingers twisted in wet strands of hair as he pushed Landon’s face against his ass and writhed. “Holy shit!” Ben whimpered. “I’m so close, Landon!” He said and Landon’s eyes flared as heat and pressure gripped his sack.

Landon pushed off the bench and jumped to his feet as he reached for Ben. Landon wrapped his arms around Ben and felt his body jump as Landon’s shaft settled into the cleft of Ben’s ass. Ben looked over his shoulder and Landon’s mouth covered his before he could protest as he thrust and his cock slid smoothy between Ben’s cheeks. Landon wrapped his hand around Ben’s erection and began to stroke as he rocked his hips, sliding his length along the cleft of Ben’s ass. Ben moaned Landon’s name as his head fell back onto Landon’s shoulder.

“Oh, fuck. That’s so hot,” Ben whispered shakily and Landon could only nod as he ground against Ben’s hard ass, crushing his balls against firm, flickering flesh with each thrust. The heat, pressure and a heavy, swelling pleasure was rising up his shaft, he was just about there. Landon found Ben’s nipple and rolled it between his fingers as his body began to shake. “Landon!” Ben gasped as he bucked and his fingers clawed at the tile. Landon’s teeth dug into Ben’s neck and his eyes rolled as his nerves exploded and come spilled from the end of his cock in pulsing spurts between the cheeks of Ben’s ass. He found Ben’s hole with the head and shuddered as he smeared the last weak bursts against his tight heat. Ben hissed and writhed and his body became stiff in Landon’s arms. Landon felt Ben’s erection swell and constrict before molten wet come coated Ben’s shaft and Landon’s hand as he stroked. “Oooohhhh, my Gooooood.” Ben melted against the tile and Landon laughed deliriously as he sagged against Ben’s back and pressed his hands against the wall outside of Ben’s shoulders.

“I love your ass,” Landon declared breathlessly as he sucked the water off of Ben’s neck.

“Literally,” Ben agreed then groaned. “I have to get off my knees,” he mumbled and Landon sighed as he pushed away from the wall and stepped back under the water. Landon grunted as he was pushed against the glass and Ben’s large hands wrapped around his face. “Why do you have to be so fucking perfect?” Ben complained as his lips washed over Landon’s.

“I promise, I’m not,” he said as he nibbled and sucked. He didn’t know what would happen when they parted but he knew he’d dream of those lips. As if Ben could feel Landon’s mood shift, he sighed heavily as he released Landon and reached for the shower gel.

“Want me to wash you?” He asked and Landon shook his head gently.

“We’ll never get out of this shower,” he said as he took the bottle from Ben. Ben offered a playful pout but it didn’t reach his eyes as he shifted past Landon and got under the water.

Ben rinsed and his hands lingered on Landon’s ass as he pressed a quick kiss to Landon’s shoulder before he stepped out of the shower. Landon tried not to stare as Ben toweled off while he finished washing his body. Ben handed Landon a towel and pecked at his lips briefly before he pulled on a robe and walked into the bedroom. Landon dried off and tied the towel around his waist. He found his clothes folded and waiting for him on the bed. His limbs felt heavy and his stomach was cold and clenched as he dressed. When Landon walked into the living room he found Ben leaning against the window clutching another mug of coffee as he stared out.
This is impossible,
Landon thought as he curled his hands around Ben’s biceps and rubbed his cheek against his shoulder.

“I should go, Keith’s probably worried,” Landon murmured and he felt Ben nod.

“I was going to ask if you wanted to stay for breakfast but it’s kind of late,” he said and Landon exhaled loudly.

“If you feed me, you’ll never get rid of me,” he joked and Ben snorted.

“Don’t tempt me,” he said as he stared into his mug. Landon forced a wide grin as he turned Ben.

“But I enjoy it!” He said as he pressed a quick kiss to Ben’s lips. “I better go or else your sister will think I moved in. I’ll call you later,” Landon announced as he stepped back. Ben offered a flat smile and nodded.

“I’ll talk to you later, then,” he said as he walked Landon to the door. He reached for the handle and Landon’s hand closed over Ben’s before he realized he’d done it. Ben took a deep breath before he looked at Landon.

“Last night was…” Landon couldn’t find an adequate word. It was magical and almost spiritual, the pleasure he’d experienced. But it was also heartbreaking and confusing. He’d never felt so connected to and aroused by someone as he did with Ben. Landon knew that if he wasn’t leaving in a few months, he would have stayed for breakfast. He would have stayed until Ben kicked him out. Ben’s hand curved around Landon’s jaw and his thumb traced his lower lip.

“I know,” he whispered and Landon moaned in frustration as he grabbed the lapels of Ben’s robe and pulled him close.

Landon’s lips crashed into Ben’s and his body ached to get closer, to feel Ben’s pressed against his. Ben’s tongue slipped between Landon’s lips and reverently swept through Landon’s mouth. It felt like goodbye and please don’t go. Landon shut his eyes as he angled his head and took the kiss deeper. For just a moment, he stopped thinking and reveled in the warmth and peace. It could have felt like home if things were different. Landon stifled the longing and disappointment as he sucked on Ben’s lower lip. When he opened his eyes Ben’s were dark and heavy as they poured into Landon’s.

“I’ll talk to you later.” It was a little more than a whisper as Landon’s voice wavered and Ben nodded. Landon stepped back and didn’t stop Ben as he pulled the door open.

“Later.” Ben’s eyes dropped and he stared at his hand as it rested on the handle.

Landon shoved his hands in his pockets as he walked swiftly toward the elevator and didn’t look back as he pushed the button. He heard Ben’s door close as the elevator doors opened. Landon was sure the doors were going to close before he got in, his feet felt as if they’d been bolted to the floor. Every cell in his body demanded he go back and beg Ben to let him back in.
You can’t do this to him. He’s not a fling and you can’t give him what he’s looking for.
Landon clenched his jaw and forced his body forward. The doors shut behind him and Landon quickly pushed the button for the lobby. His heart and stomach lurched as the elevator dropped.

“God damn it!” Landon whispered as he fisted his hands in his hair and fell back against the wall.

The elevator opened and his eyes went to the button for the eighth floor. It wasn’t until his eyes became dry and burned before Landon shook his head and stepped out. He blinked rapidly at the afternoon sun when he walked out onto the sidewalk and turned in the direction of his building. Every step felt like a mistake and he ducked his head as he passed Frampton’s and wondered if he’d ever want to go back. When Landon walked into his building he noted that it was only about a fifteen minute walk between his and Ben’s building.
Ten or less if you run,
he thought as he stepped into his elevator.

Chapter 9

“You knew?” Michelle yelled as she turned to Jason. He groaned and took a few steps back.

“He mentioned it yesterday but I didn’t think it was that big of a deal,” he said as he held up his hands defensively as Michelle tried to punch his arm.

“Not a big deal?” She asked angrily. “Why would you tell him to go ahead and ask Ben out if you knew he was leaving?” She wailed and Jason pinched the bridge of his nose and hung his head.

“Baby, guys never go on a date hoping they’ll find their soul mate,” he explained and Ben cringed. That was not smart. Michelle’s eyes became large and crazy.

“What?” It was very low and ominous. Ben eyed the door and took a few steps toward it.

“You know, I’m just going to leave Landon’s coat here. Jason, if you could drop it off and tell him I had a great time…” He stopped when Michelle swung toward him and pointed threateningly.

“Do not leave,” she growled and Ben nodded as he dropped onto the sofa.

“Sure,” he said as he grabbed a pillow for protection. “I can’t think of anything I’d rather do than watch you rip your boyfriend’s face off and beat him with it,” he mumbled under his breath and Michelle glared. Jason groaned again as his eyes pleaded for help. Ben shook his head quickly.
Sorry, dude. My name is Bennet and I ain’t in it,
he thought as he did his best to become invisible. Michelle stomped her foot and growled in frustration.

“I’m going to ignore the fact that you were just fucking around and looking for an alright way to spend an evening when you asked me out,” she said as she advanced on Jason. “What about Ben? It was your stupid idea for him to meet Landon and now he’s going to get his heart broken because he’s perfect for Ben,” she wailed and Ben held his hands up.

“Woah. No one mentioned anything about my heart getting involved and no one said he’s perfect,” Ben argued. Even though he had said it to himself about a dozen times. Michelle pointed at her phone on the coffee table.

“Umm… You did! Last night, before you took him back to your place and did lots of filthy things with him. Which you
never
do!” She announced.
Well, there was all of that,
Ben agreed silently as Jason groaned. It was quickly becoming Jason’s primary form of communication.

“Filthy things? Really?” He complained. “I don’t need to know that,” Jason said as he shook his head. Michelle crossed her arms over her chest and tapped her foot.

“Really? You don’t have a problem talking about filthy things with me but suddenly you do if it’s Ben and Landon?” She asked and Ben wrinkled his nose. It was a valid argument but he didn’t want to be discussing those things with Jason so staying out of it was probably best. Jason’s hands dragged down his face.

“Michelle! I am all about everyone loving anyone they want, however they want but I will readily admit that I’m just not evolved enough to talk about dudes having sex without getting a little uncomfortable. I’m not really great at talking about straight sex like an adult, if we’re being honest,” he said and Ben had to give him that. Ben decided he was cool with this. Michelle chewed her lip as she glared at Jason.

“Fine. But if you want to keep doing filthy things with me, you’re going to have to get over it,” she demanded and he nodded emphatically.

“I promise, I’ll work on it,” he swore and she waved angrily.

“Whatever. That’s not the point! Ben’s going to fall in love with Landon and he’s leaving!” She said loudly and Ben shook his head.

“I’m not going to fall in love with him, it was just one night,” he pointed out and she snorted.

“Ha! You’re definitely going to see him again. He’s going to call you and you won’t say no,” she said and Ben tried to look confident when he shrugged.

“I might, or I might not,” he mumbled as he straightened the fringe on the pillow.

“Bullshit, Ben!” She yelled and his brows rose. “I was there this morning. You two were stupid hot together and you were both so happy! You’re going to keep seeing him and you’re going to fall in love,” she warned. “If you haven’t already.” Michelle turned back to Jason. “Look at what you’ve done! He’s going to get his heart broken,” she said and Jason’s brows pulled together.

“You don’t know that. What if they don’t last more than a few dates?” He asked and she gave him a bland look.

“You weren’t there. They looked like they’ve been together forever and he was making naked coffee,” she said dryly and Jason pushed a hand through his hair.

“Ok. Maybe they keep dating and Landon decides not to go?” Jason offered and both Michelle and Ben shook their heads. She sighed heavily.

“I’m not really sure but I think that PixelWorks is a pretty big deal. It’s up there with Disney if you do that kind of stuff,” she said and Jason nodded slowly. “Let’s be real, who would pass up an opportunity like that for someone they’ve only known for a few months?” Michelle asked and Jason’s shoulders sagged. Ben swallowed past the knot in his throat.

“I wouldn’t want him to. I’m sure he’s worked really hard and that’s probably something he’s wanted for a long time,” he mumbled and Jason exhaled loudly as he sank into an armchair.

“Since he was a kid. He’s always talked about working at PixelWorks and he’s so talented,” Jason said and Ben clenched his jaw as his stomach twisted. Then, Jason sat up and pointed wildly at Ben. “What if you moved to California?” He said before he smiled up at Michelle. An ear-piercing shriek filled the room and Ben jumped when the pillow was snatched from him.

“Are you trying to ruin all of our lives?” She screamed as she whipped the pillow at Jason. “I can’t live without Ben! Did you think about that?” Michelle asked. Jason covered his face with his hands and groaned again.

“I’m sorry!” He cried and Michelle pointed at him.

“You had better hope that this works out. Because if my brother moves to California, I have to go too. And I hate California,” she declared. “And you’ll have to move too because I’m not leaving you and you’re going to have to suffer with me,” she insisted and he nodded behind his hands. She threw her hands up then stormed out of the room. Ben stared after her for several moments before he looked back at Jason. He was peeking through his fingers.

“Would you move to California?” Ben asked and Jason sighed as he sat up straight.

“For her?” He asked as he stared in the direction of her room. He nodded. “Absolutely,” Jason said and Ben felt a soft smile tilt his lips as warmth filled his chest. He really wanted Michelle and Jason to work. Jason leaned and rested his elbows on his knees. “Would you move to California for him?” He asked and Ben didn’t hesitate to shake his head.

“No way. I couldn’t turn everything upside down like that for a guy I’ve only known for a few months. And I’m pretty sure he wouldn’t want that. No one would ask someone to do that,” Ben said and Jason’s lips pulled tight as he nodded.

“Probably not. But, if we’re having a moment here, I have to tell you, I’m a little relieved. I don’t want to move to California either,” he admitted and Ben laughed softly as he sat back and crossed his ankles. They were silent for several moments before Jason tossed the pillow back at Ben. “That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t see where this goes. Two months of…” Jason squeezed his eyes shut for a second. “Doing filthy things is better than sitting around depressed, right?” He offered and Ben looked at the ceiling and his head tilted from side to side as he weighed the consequences. Jason waved dismissively. “Come on, a lot can happen, Ben. What if the job falls through? What if he meets someone else while he’s still here and they convince him not to go and that guy ends up with him?” Jason asked gently and Ben felt as if he’d been punched in the chest. “Maybe he still goes and you guys date long distance until you figure it out,” he offered and it was Ben that groaned as he squeezed his temples.

“That almost never works. He’ll find someone better in California and he’ll dump me over the phone,” Ben predicted and Jason shook his head.

“That would never happen,” he said firmly and Ben raised a brow expectantly and Jason reached over and pushed Ben affectionately. “He couldn’t find anyone better. That’s why I still wanted him to call you. It’s going to work out,” Jason promised and Ben hoped he wasn’t going to give into the urge and hug Jason.

“We’ll see. He might not even call me,” Ben said and Jason narrowed his eyes as he stared across the room.

“Don’t wait for him to call,” Jason said and Ben frowned and was about to argue when Jason waved for him to wait. “He won’t want to pressure you because he’ll feel bad. He won’t want to hurt you,” he advised and Ben’s stomach twisted a little tighter.
Why does he have to be such a good guy? This would be easier if he was just a dick and a good piece of ass,
Ben complained.

“So I should call him?” Ben asked and Jason shook his head.

“You don’t have time to play phone tag. And Landon is kind of a romantic,” Jason advised and Ben gestured for him to continue. Jason’s head nodded toward the coat. “Take it to him. Show up at his place and do filthy things with him,” he said and despite the fact that he thought the idea had merit he looked at Jason with confusion.

“I thought you said he was a romantic. Filthy isn’t very romantic,” Ben argued and Jason laughed.

“There’s a difference between being romantic and being
a romantic
,” Jason said and Ben waited for him to explain. Jason chuckled softly as he reclined. “He’s a romantic in that he’ll want a happy ending and is ready to get swept off his feet. A few text messages and phone calls so you can decide to go out next Friday isn’t going to move him. Showing up and doing filthy things because you can’t get enough of him will get you a lot of points. Plus, he’s had a really long dry spell so he could use a lot of filthy,” he explained and Ben jumped to his feet.

“Right,” he said as he went to the table. “I should probably take this over there myself,” Ben mumbled as he picked up the coat. He waved over his shoulder as he went to the door. “I’ll see you later,” he said and Jason laughed.

“Good luck. And I think I’ll see if I can earn myself a little make-up sex,” he said as he got to his feet. Ben glared over his shoulder as he opened the door.

“I don’t need to know about that,” he said loudly and Jason gave him a pointed look.

“Hey. If I have to get comfortable with gay sex, you have to get comfortable with straight sex,” he countered and Ben rolled his eyes.

“This isn’t just straight sex, which is kind of gross,” Ben admitted grudgingly and accepted that he had to cut Jason a little more slack. “This is straight sex with my sister,” he argued and Jason shrugged as he leaned against the wall.

“Yeah. But I love her and it’s really, really good,” he said and Ben held his hands up.

“Oh, ew!” He complained and Jason grinned. “I really didn’t need that last part,” Ben said and Jason waved.

“One day, we’re going to give you a bunch of nieces and nephews. Just consider this practice,” he suggested and Ben wasn’t sure if that made it better. Jason winked. “Lots and lots of practice,” Jason said and sighed dreamily. Ben shook his head as he backed through the door.

“Shut the fuck up!” He said then his head snapped toward Michelle’s room when her door opened. Her head popped out and her lips trembled as she looked at Jason.

“You know I heard every bit of that,” she whispered and a bashful smile filled Jason’s face.

“Did you?” He asked and she nodded as she swung her door wide and gestured for him to join her.

“All of it. The part about no one being better than Ben and Landon being a romantic.” She reached for Jason as he drew close and Ben pulled his head back in disgust. “And the part when you said you love me and want to have a bunch of kids.” Her voice got low and soft and Ben gagged as he pulled the door shut.

He leaned against the panels as he waited for the nausea to pass. Then he looked at Landon’s coat and asked himself if he was really going to go over there. Romance and romantics aside, the whole thing was still a potential mess. Ben wasn’t sure if his sister was right about him already being in love but rushing things with Landon would only make it inevitable. Ben raised the coat and pressed it to his face and inhaled. Landon’s clean, peppery green scent filled him and Ben’s body tightened.

“Son of a bitch,” he complained as he pushed off the door and rushed across the hall to grab his wallet and his keys.