The Guarded Heart (4 page)

“I thought you’d never ask,” he teased between heavy breaths and Clint groaned as he pulled out and stumbled back.

“Get in the fucking bed,” he said loudly as he pointed at his bedroom door then slapped Ryder on the ass for good measure.

Chapter 8

It took Clint’s eyes a few moments to adjust as he groggily scanned the room. It was late afternoon or maybe evening and there was a body tangled with his. In his bed. Clint’s eyes flared and he waited for panic or regret to set in. His cock pulsed as he remembered everything that happened and it became heavy and warm.

Ryder might not be his type but there was something about him that worked. Despite his careless appearance, Ryder smelled clean and gently sweet, like soap and cookies. His skin and lips tasted soft and warm, he was the human equivalent of a cozy blanket and a cup of tea. Which made it even more shocking when Clint recalled how
dirty
and
hard
they fucked. He was going to have to pay more attention to school teachers, Clint decided. Ryder might be sweet, soft, gentle and cozy but he wasn’t coy or remotely inhibited when it came to sex. He wouldn’t have expected a vegan forest elf to be a power bottom.
Speaking of…

Clint wrapped an arm around Ryder and held him close as he rolled and Ryder moaned happily as he stretched beneath Clint and yawned. The muscles of Ryder’s stomach rippled as he breathed and Clint’s eyes followed the pronounced adonis belt and his body tightened as he watched Ryder’s erection harden and twitch. Clint needed to taste it. He groaned as he crawled down Ryder’s body.

“Tell me you don’t have any plans for the rest of the day,” Clint murmured against Ryder’s navel and there was a soft laugh as Clint breathed in Ryder’s scent. He smelled like fresh laundry and faintly of come from hours earlier and Clint’s jaw twinged as he recalled licking him clean.

“I don’t know how much of the day is left but I’m not in a hurry to get out of this bed,” Ryder said then hissed as Clint’s tongue flicked at the head of Ryder’s cock and caught a drop of pre-cum. Clint kissed the head, letting his lips and tongue swirl around it as he sucked. “Oh, fuck,” Ryder breathed.

“Mmmhmm…” Clint agreed as he tilted his head and sucked his way down Ryder’s length. He pressed his tongue to the base of his cock then dragged it all the way to the tip. He savored the taste of Ryder’s hard, aroused skin as another need claimed his body. “There are condoms and lube in the drawer,” he murmured against the head and Clint’s nerves fizzed anxiously as he watched Ryder twist and reach for the bedside table. Clint pulled him deep into his throat and sucked hard before raising his head and taking the condom from Ryder. He quickly ripped it open and rolled it down Ryder’s straining hard-on.

“Can I play with your ass first?” Ryder asked as he sat up and stretched toward Clint’s lips. Clint nodded as their lips brushed and clung then let Ryder ease him onto his back.

There was a click as Ryder flicked the lube cap open and Clint hissed as cool slick fingers teased and traced his hole. Ryder sucked on Clint’s lip as a finger carefully pushed into his ass and heat and pleasure coiled in his groin. Ryder’s finger pressed deep before it withdrew and Clint gasped against Ryder’s lips as another finger slid past the tight ring of his ass. His fingers twisted and stroked smoothly and Clint’s hips rocked off the bed as his feet kicked restlessly. He felt Ryder’s finger curl around his prostate and light burst behind Clint’s eyelids. His passage tingled and ached as he lapped sat Ryder’s tongue.

“Now,” Clint sighed as his eyes blurred and he felt Ryder nod.

Ryder withdrew his fingers and Clint held his breath as the head of Ryder’s cock nudged his entrance. There was a flash of burning pressure and Clint pushed back as Ryder slid forward. Ryder kissed Clint tenderly as he waited for Clint’s body to relax then slowly rolled his hips when Clint eased around him. The blistering urgency was gone. Ryder sat on his heels between Clint’s thighs and kept his thrusts deep and hard as he ground against Clint’s prostate. Clint’s fingers twisted in the sheet as pre-cum poured from him and Ryder growled softly as his fingers swirled through the puddle on Clint’s stomach, gathering his essence. Clint watched as Ryder’s fingers rose to his lips and he licked them clean.

“Did you know you taste like unripe strawberries?” Ryder asked and Clint shook his head. Ryder nodded. “I love strawberries,” he said as his hand wrapped around Clint’s shaft and stroked firmly.

“Fuck, I’m close,” Clint groaned as his shoulders came off the bed and his toes curled.

“Come for me,” Ryder urged as his hand twisted around Clint’s cock as he continued riding Clint’s prostate. Clint’s nerves wound tight as the heavy heat and pressure swelled and pushed into his shaft.

“Ryder!” It’s was ragged and gravelly as his head thrashed and Clint gasped in shock as Ryder pulled out and dove for Clint’s cock just as every muscle in his body tightened. Ryder’s mouth closed around the head of Clint’s erection and he sucked hard as his hand worked the shaft. Clint screamed as his body shattered and come exploded from his cock deep in Ryder’s throat. Ryder’s hand continued pulling at Clint’s shaft as he greedily drank his release and Clint undulated on the bed as his hands tangled in Ryder’s hair. “Jesus!” Clint hissed as he arched and gently tapped on Ryder’s head, silently pleading for him to stop. His body pulsed with slow, heavy euphoric pleasure and he was suddenly too sensitive as Ryder’s tongue teased the head of his erection. Ryder released Clint’s cock and kissed his way up Clint’s body until he reached his lips. Clint heard the condom snap then felt Ryder’s hand working between their bodies. He looked down and was mesmerized as he watched Ryder quickly tug at his erection. His hand pulled rhythmically as his breath huffed against Clint’s lips and Clint could taste his come on Ryder’s tongue.

“I want it,” Clint whispered urgently and Ryder licked his lips as he nodded then leaned back on his knees and crawled to the headboard as Clint rolled toward him. Clint reached for Ryder’s hips as he grabbed the headboard and thrust as Clint’s lips wrapped around his cock.

“God, you’re so hot!” Ryder whimpered as Clint sucked then his body bucked and shuddered. Clint wrapped his arm around Ryder’s hips, locking him against his face as Ryder’s tart, sweet come flooded his mouth. He swallowed rapidly, not wanting to lose a drop of Ryder’s release as he twitched and swayed above Clint. Ryder’s hands swept gently over Clint’s face and shoulders as he whispered Clint’s name over and over. When Clint finally raised his head Ryder smiled dreamily as he lowered his shoulders and pressed a quick kiss to Clint’s lips before he fell back on the bed and laughed as he stretched. “That was amazing!” He said loudly and Clint hummed happily as he crawled toward him.

“Really amazing,” he murmured as he nibbled on Ryder’s lips. Ryder’s stomach growled and Clint’s head snapped up and he squinted at the clock. “It’s almost 7:00,” he said. “I should probably feed you,” Clint added and Ryder chuckled softly.

“You just did,” he said and Clint snorted as he rolled away. He grabbed a pillow and hit Ryder in the face.

“What will you eat?” Clint asked as he stood and walked to the dresser and Ryder rose on his elbows as Clint pulled on a pair of shorts.

“Salad and bread?” He asked and Clint nodded.

“I keep a lot of things on hand for salads,” he said as he waved for Ryder to follow. “I practically live on those bowls of cut watermelon.” Clint went into the kitchen and pulled open the fridge.

“Nice!” Ryder said as he looked over Clint’s shoulder. His hand slid around Clint’s hip and pushed under the waistband and Ryder seemed content to keep it there as he inspected Clint’s fridge. “Most people just keep lettuce, cucumbers and a few tomatoes on hand and call it a salad. You actually have decent shit,” he said then kissed Clint’s jaw.

“Why don’t I get out of your way and you can go crazy?” Clint asked.

“Sounds good.” Ryder nipped Clint’s earlobe and released him.

“I’ll grab a bowl.” Clint stepped to the side and grabbed a large bowl as Ryder rummaged through his produce. Clint leaned against the counter and tried to figure out why he wasn’t unsettled by the sight of a naked man digging around in his fridge. Which eventually led to a naked man sitting at his table happily munching through a mountain of raw vegetables. Barkley watched it all from the couch and Clint didn’t appreciate being judged.

“You lick your ass after you shit,” he mumbled and Ryder’s fork slipped from his fingers.

“Excuse me?” He asked and Clint shook his head.

“Not you,” he said and Ryder nodded slowly.

“Good. Then it’s definitely not weird,” he said under his breath.

They didn’t talk much after that. Ryder dressed and Clint offered him a ride back to Parker’s to get his car.

“So, are you from here?” Clint asked to fill the silence and Ryder shook his head.

“I was born in a commune in upstate New York. My parents were hippies and we stayed until I was six. My mom grew up on the other side of Atlanta so we came back when she was ready to leave,” he explained and Clint nodded along.

“Where’s your dad from?” He asked as he stopped at a light and Ryder shrugged.

“I don’t know. He decided he didn’t want to be tied down with a family and moved on when I was two,” he said as he stared out the window and Clint frowned.

“Did you try looking for him?” He asked and Ryder shook his head and turned to Clint.

“He didn’t want a kid. Why would I look for him? I figured he’d find me if he changed his mind. If not, I’m good. I don’t feel like I missed out on much,” he said and Clint winced.

“I guess not,” he mumbled. “Is your mom still a hippie?” Clint asked. He wasn’t sure how that worked. Ryder shrugged.

“Sort of,” he said. “She sings in coffee shops, bars and restaurants and teaches piano lessons.” Ryder smiled softly as he looked at Clint. “What about you?” He asked and Clint felt a ripple of relief as Parker’s came into view. He really liked Ryder but he didn’t enjoy talking about his family or childhood.

“My dad died when I was a kid and my mother and I lived with his parents,” he said quickly as he turned into the narrow parking lot. Ryder pointed at a faded grey Honda hatchback and Clint laughed and shook his head.

“You weren’t kidding,” he said as he parked and Ryder grinned.

“Nope,” he stated cheerfully as he leaned and pressed a quick kiss to Clint’s cheek. “This was awesome. You should call me,” Ryder said then pushed the door open.

“Ok,” he said as he blinked in confusion.

“Later!” Ryder said as he got out then offered a quick salute before shutting the door and jogging to his car.

“Right…” Clint said as he watched Ryder duck into the driver’s seat. “I guess that’s one way to keep it from getting awkward,” he muttered as he put the car in Drive and steered out of the parking lot.

Chapter 9

January 2013

It was one of those mornings. Ryder felt like he could run for hours as he passed the lake and turned into the woods. The smell of frost, wet leaves and trees flooded his nostrils and he felt exhilarated and balanced despite the dilemma he was facing. He let his mind unravel and go where it would as he climbed and it latched on his dinner with Sage the night before. He shook his head slightly and ducked under a low branch.

Sage was a sculptor and a communist, he should have at least been entertaining. He was animated and rabid as he described some book he was reading but Ryder found himself nodding and staring over Sage’s shoulder at nothing in particular. Ryder and Sage. They sounded like a couple. But every time Sage asked if Ryder was alright he lied and said he was worried about something work related because he couldn’t stop thinking about Clint’s dick.

It should have been so easy. Their eyes met over a cheese-less pizza with grilled Mediterranean vegetables and instead of feeling a connection Ryder realized Sage looked like Orlando Bloom in a Che Guevara t-shirt. The shirt irritated Ryder. Why would a serious communist wear a shirt like that? A communist wouldn’t go to Hot Topic and buy the most obvious t-shirt he could possibly find. And why wear it on a date? Was Sage trying to signal that his not-as-radical-as-he-thought-it-was political ideology was the most interesting thing about him or was he trying to be subversive? Ryder didn’t like guys that were always trying to start heated political or religious debates. Ryder didn’t even know what Clint’s thoughts were on politics or if he was religious. It never came up and Ryder had a feeling Clint was less interested in discussing politics and religion than Ryder was.

Things got a little awkward after dinner. They stood under a streetlight in front of the restaurant and Sage leaned in to kiss Ryder and he swung away and had to pretend a fly attacked his ear. He pulled Sage into an affectionate hug and lied about having to get up early to help a friend move. Ryder snorted as he sprinted toward the footbridge and the parking lot. He was definitely helping Clint move. They were meeting for brunch in a few hours and then Ryder would help Clint move his body into his bed. He’d help Clint move his clothes off his body and onto the floor. Ryder was going to move Clint’s dick from his mouth to his ass. It was time to cut Sage loose, Ryder decided. He didn’t know what was going on with Clint but his conscience could accept that three mediocre dates with Sage were enough. He gave him a fair chance and it wasn’t working.

Which left Ryder with the Clint puzzle. They were meeting at Parker’s for the third Saturday in a row and Ryder had no doubt they’d go back to Clint’s and spend the rest of the day fucking. He reached his car and began jogging in place and grimaced as his cock started to get hard. At least it waited until the end of his run. He lifted the front of his shirt and mopped at his face as he reminded himself to grab a box of condoms on the way home. They were going through them like it was their job.

“Are you seeing anyone?” Ryder asked as he reached for his mimosa. He was getting used to cocktails with breakfast. Clint shook his head as he raised his napkin to his lips.

“I told you, I’m not really into dating,” he said as his eyes scanned the room. His lips curved and his head tilted gently to the right and Ryder discreetly glanced at a young couple by the window. Clint leaned across the table and Ryder swayed toward him. “Neither of them know what to do. He’s not sure what she’s expecting and she doesn’t want to scare him off. They’re going to be awkward until they’re sleeping with each other and then they’ll tolerate each other until they get bored and break up. Or, they’ll get married and resent each other until they get a divorce,” Clint explained and Ryder rolled his eyes and laughed as he sat back in his seat.

“That’s really cynical,” he said and Clint shrugged.

“That’s what dating gets you,” he stated and Ryder waved dismissively.

“Sometimes, it’s fun and you hit it off,” he argued and Clint shook his head.

“I’ve never had fun on a date. I can always tell the person I’m with is trying too hard and has too many expectations,” he said and Ryder’s eyes narrowed as he considered.

“Maybe it’s you. A guy’s going to feel more intimidated dating someone like you than he would going out with someone like me,” he pointed out and Clint nodded thoughtfully.

“I can see that,” he said then took a sip of his drink as he studied Ryder. “Are you seeing someone?” He asked and Ryder nodded and Clint choked as he was swallowing and had to cover his mouth. He coughed a few times to clear his throat then reached for a glass of water. Ryder’s brows rose as he waited for Clint.

“It’s only been a few dates. We met the night before you and I got together for brunch the first time,” Ryder explained and Clint waved and shook his head as he sat back.

“It’s cool,” he insisted and Ryder wasn’t sure if he was disappointed that Clint thought it was “cool”. “You just don’t seem like the type,” Clint added and Ryder’s eyes flicked to the ceiling as he tried to figure out what that meant and if he should be offended.

“The type?” He asked and Clint grinned.

“I didn’t think you were a player,” he teased and Ryder snorted.

“So far, we’re just hanging out and fucking a lot,” Ryder said and Clint’s eyes sharpened and the muscle in his jaw twitched. He nodded stiffly as his eyes held Ryder’s. “I didn’t want to blow a chance to have something real with someone because you’re a good piece of ass,” he explained and Clint cleared his throat as he set his napkin on the table.

“Are you two getting serious?” Clint asked as his eyes searched and Ryder knew he was looking for their server. Ryder grinned as he lifted his glass to his lips then drained it.

“I wouldn’t be here if I thought so,” Ryder said and for a moment Clint looked relieved. “I called him this morning and told him it wasn’t going to work out,” he said and Clint held up his credit card as their waitress approached.

“How did he take it?” Clint asked as he handed it to her then set his elbows on the table.

“I don’t think Sage was surprised or that disappointed,” Ryder said and Clint laughed. Hard. Ryder’s lips pulled tight as he glared.

“What’s so funny?” He asked and Clint wiped his eyes.

“His name is Sage?” He gasped as he reached for the check and Ryder folded his arms over his chest and raised a brow as Clint laughed harder. “Fuck my life, that’s hysterical,” he said under his breath and Ryder kicked him under the table. Which only made Clint laugh louder.

“Knock it off,” Ryder demanded and Clint held his hands up apologetically as he struggled to catch his breath.

Clint pulled in his lips and tried to keep a straight face as he stood and gestured for Ryder to go ahead of him. Ryder carefully made his way through the crowded restaurant and his eye twitched every time he heard Clint smother a giggle as he followed. He pushed the door open and as soon as Clint stepped out he started howling as he doubled over. Ryder threw his hands up and was about to storm off when Clint grabbed his arm.

“Ok,” he gasped. “I’m good, I promise,” he panted as he stood and took a deep, clarifying breath. “Whooooo!” Clint exhaled loudly and shook out his hands as Ryder gestured impatiently.

“What?” Ryder asked as Clint hailed a passing cab and it pulled over. Clint grinned mischievously as he pulled the door open for Ryder.

“Sage and Ryder’s Handcrafted Vegan Soaps and Candles,” he said loudly and Ryder shook his head.

“I’m not getting in,” he stated. “You can go fuck yourself,” Ryder added and Clint snorted.

“Just get in,” he said firmly and Ryder pulled a face as he bent and slid onto the seat. Clint swallowed a giggle as he followed. “Sage and Ryder’s Home For Cast Off Cats,” Clint announced and Ryder elbowed him in the stomach as hard as he could and Clint grunted as he pulled the door shut.

“He’s a communist,” Ryder grumbled and Clint’s hand clapped over his mouth and his eyes watered as he tried not to lose his mind. He shook his head and gave up.

“Shit, that’s priceless!” He cried as he leaned against the door and laughed hysterically.

“My mom makes soaps and candles,” Ryder muttered and Clint hugged his stomach as tears rolled down his face.

“Do they make tuxedos out of hemp?” He asked and Ryder rolled his eyes as he looked out the window and Clint gasped. “You and Sage can register at the Farmer’s Market!” He said and Ryder sighed heavily as he rested his cheek in his palm and asked himself how much abuse he was willing to endure for some bomb dick.