Fast Connection (Cyberlove #2) (8 page)
Read Fast Connection (Cyberlove #2) Online
Authors: Megan Erickson,Santino Hassell
“Not much to say.”
“How old are you?”
A brief hesitation. Then, “Thirty-nine.”
“I’m twenty-seven.”
“Older than I thought.” A harder bite. This time it was punctuated by rocking of his hips. “You act like a punk kid.”
“Product of going from a punk-ass eighteen-year-old high school student to being a punk-ass soldier. Not much time to adjust to real-life adult shit when I went from football and chasing skirts to manning the motherfucking machine gun in an MRAP.”
Luke’s body stilled. I swore tension lanced up his back, but I didn’t know him well enough to understand what it meant.
“You were the gunner?”
“Yup.”
He scrutinized every inch of my face. “So you’ve seen some shit.”
“Done some shit too.” I didn’t look away and I kept myself from asking just how he knew what an MRAP was. Only military folks were typically familiar with the name of the armored vehicles we used for patrols. But my silver fox was skittish, and I wouldn’t push. “And yet I’m still here making you smile. That counts for something, right?”
Luke’s eyes narrowed. “I never smiled.”
“Yeah you did.” I grinned at his flat stare. “We can pretend it didn’t happen if you make me come again.”
“Deal.”
And he did. He played with me until my dick was dribbling and I was begging him in low, throaty tones to turn me inside out with pleasure. Take me hard and deep until I forgot my name. He did more than that. After a while, I forgot how to talk. By the time he’d shoved my knees halfway over my head to pound the holy hell out of me, I was out of my mind.
When it was over, I fell asleep hard only to be woken by him shaking me a moment later. Uh-oh. Taking a nap was apparently out of the question. I understood that, though. We’d only met twice and it was a little early for us to be sharing a bed for anything other than getting nasty.
“I’ll be out of your way in a sec.”
I stood up on wobbly knees, washed up a second time, and was dressed in less than two minutes. My appearance was three times as wrecked as it had been earlier, but I didn’t give a damn about doing the walk of shame this early in the evening. My mind was spinning from the intense sex, and my gut was tightening at the thought that maybe this wasn’t just about cuddle time. Maybe he was done with me now.
Fuck.
Why did that hit me so hard? We were strangers. And there were a ton of other guys willing to meet me who could probably perform just as well in bed. But…
I snuck a glance at Luke as we trooped to the door.
But those guys wouldn’t be this hotly grumpy with crazy blue eyes and a stingy smile. They wouldn’t be this genuinely intense. They wouldn’t be Luke.
“Thanks,” I said like an idiot once we got to the door. “I appreciate the bonus round. It was more than I expected.”
The comment earned me a serious stare. It seemed like Luke was trying to tell if I was being a smartass or not. After a moment, he jerked me forward. And just like last time, I found myself being devoured in a hungry kiss. Except this time, it was deeper. Longer. And when I moaned breathlessly upon pulling away, he yanked me back.
We wound up crushed against his front door, his hands in my hair and my fingers digging into his shoulders, as our tongues tangled. I didn’t want it to end. I loved the smell and feel of him. And most of all I loved the fact that he wanted me. Had nothing to do with military loyalty or future expectations or family obligations. He wanted
me.
That was it. Nothing else mattered inside this house but how good we could make each other feel.
“Fuck, you’re making it hard to swallow the fact that this is probably our last goodbye,” I said.
“Shut up.” Luke peeled himself off me. “I’ll see you in a week.”
My smile nearly split my face open even as he hustled me out the door. My cloud-nine high lasted for the entire three minutes it took me to walk back to the house. I was too distracted to remember to go through the side entrance and instead walked in the front door.
The place was a disaster. A combination of my father’s and sister’s clothes were strewn everywhere, and I nearly tripped over a skateboard. It irritated me until I realized my parents spent every waking moment at the bagel shop.
Cleaning wasn’t the way I’d expected to expend my just-got-fucked energy, but I’d rather help out than hole up since I was living rent-free. The mindless tasks helped me to calm the hell down and remind myself that I was skipping around and singing over finding myself a fuck buddy. I tried to ground myself in reality. This wasn’t dating. It was possible Luke didn’t even
really
like me. He just liked what I could do with my ass. Maybe. Except that kiss said something different.
Maybe.
Why did I even care? I’d barely made the effort to date girls, so it wasn’t like I should be trying to jump into dating with a guy. And not just any guy, the first guy I’d let in my ass. Damn. Was I getting mushy? Or was there something about him?
These musings continued until I grabbed Adriana’s FWO hoodie off the banister and got smacked with deja vu. For the second time, it reminded me a little too much of the hoodie hanging over Luke’s bannister during our first meeting.
It bugged me the entire time I whipped up a protein shake packed with bananas, and it kept picking at me through my shower. It wasn’t until I was stretched out on my bed that I opened Grindr and forced myself to message him. I also said a quick prayer that it wouldn’t turn him off me.
StaffSgt: Hey man. Quick question.
Luke: We just saw each other.
StaffSgt: I know but… I gotta know. Are you sure you’re not married? The weird time restrictions and schedules are tripping me up. And last time I swore I saw like… family type shit lying around.
Luke: I told you I wasn’t.
StaffSgt: No judgment if you’re in the closet and dealing with your sexuality and shit, man. I get it. I do. But… I’m not into being the one who fucks up someone’s marriage. Just tell me what’s up.
Luke: Is this going to be an issue?
StaffSgt: You being married?? Fuck yes.
Luke: I meant me choosing to NOT answer this fucking question for the 10th time.
StaffSgt: Fourth time. And no. But… I dunno. I’m kind of addicted to you by now, and it may mess with my mind if you keep dodging it. Evasion seems like lying, stud.
Luke: Christ. I’m not married. I told you I’m divorced.
StaffSgt: But then why the schedule?
Luke: I have two kids with my ex-wife. They split their time with us.
I had to be the world’s biggest airhead, because I hadn’t even thought of that. Or maybe I just didn’t know any divorced or married people. Or people with kids in general. It seemed like everyone I knew from high school was waiting until they were Luke’s age to “settle down”.
Luke: Is that a problem for you too?
StaffSgt: No! No fucking way. I’m guessing you schedule your sexytime for weekends when they’re away?
Luke: You guessed correctly. Feel better?
StaffSgt: Yup. Much. Thanks man. Sorry for being invasive. I just wanted to make sure.
Luke: Your moral concerns are almost endearing.
StaffSgt: A compliment! Oh shit. You’d never compliment me on anything but my ass in person.
Luke: Probably.
StaffSgt: Why? Easier to talk on here?
Luke: Yes.
StaffSgt: Whatever works, bud. Whatever works.
StaffSgt: I bought a bunch of fancy underwear and I want to know what you like
Luke: This is not a conversation I want to have.
StaffSgt: Come on! Help me out. So many choices
Luke: You don’t even wear any when we see each other.
StaffSgt: Yeah, but what if I want to do a sexy strip tease or something? You’d totally get down on watching me shake my ass
Luke: That’s not necessary.
StaffSgt: Uh huh. How about these?
A picture filled the Grindr message box. Dominic had taken a picture of his reflection. He was naked except for a pair of skintight dark blue boxer briefs. Two yellow racing stripes framed his bulge. His generous mouth was curved up in a naughty smirk even though he was holding up his middle finger.
Luke: Why are you flipping me off?
StaffSgt: I don’t know. It’s like my hands don’t know what else to do in pictures
Luke: Wear those.
StaffSgt: …yeah?
Luke: Have them on when I see you next.
StaffSgt: ;)
* * *
StaffSgt: I danced with the dancing guy today
Luke: lol you did?
StaffSgt: Yeah! I saw him on Victory. He was jamming to Usher. Took me back to high school.
Luke: Way to make me feel old.
StaffSgt: I like you old.
Luke: …
StaffSgt: Well not old. Older than me.
Luke: Right.
StaffSgt: Younger guys couldn’t dick me down like you do, right?
Luke: Damn right
* * *
StaffSgt: This waiting thing is getting out of control. Don’t you have a babysitter?
Luke: Friday.
StaffSgt: …Rigid fucker
StaffSgt: Anyways, what’re you doing right now?
Luke: I’m about to go to sleep.
StaffSgt: That mean you’re in bed?
Luke: Yup. You wearing those new briefs?
StaffSgt: Nah. I’m nekkid
Luke: Nice. Grab your dick.
StaffSgt: oh fuck, are we sexting?
Luke: Just fucking touch yourself.
StaffSgt: I am. I was just thinking about you. I’m already hard
Luke: Good. Pump your hand.
StaffSgt: Already doin it. Wishing you were here
Luke: Pretend I am. Right there on the bed with you.
StaffSgt: what are you doing to me?
Luke: I’m deep-dicking you so good you can’t even talk. You’re moaning like a slut and pushing that ass back into me. You can’t get enough.
StaffSgt: Holy shit.
Luke: I’m gonna leave bruises on you, I’m holding on so tight as I drive into you. Making you take every inch.
StaffSgt: yea fuck me hard
Luke: Just like you like it. I’m pounding that sweet spot while you beg me not to fucking stop.
StaffSgt: I’m gonna come. fuk omg
Luke: Good, pump harder, make a mess.
StaffSgt: Uh, i did. Holy shit
StaffSgt: You’re good at sexting. You come too?
Luke: Yeah.
StaffSgt: wait… did you do that just to shut me up?
Luke: Yes. It was completely altruistic.
StaffSgt: I don’t know what that means
Luke: I was being sarcastic.
StaffSgt: …
Luke: Go to sleep.
StaffSgt: I’ll sleep well now
Luke: Me too.
* * *
StaffSgt: Who was the first guy you were ever with?
Luke: What does that mean?
StaffSgt: Like… you were married. Was your first time with a man before or after that?
Luke: After.
StaffSgt: When did you get divorced?
Luke: Why are you asking me this?
StaffSgt: Just curious. Sorry. I’ll mind my own business.
Luke: …
Luke: I’d always known I was bi. But I got with my ex-wife early, so I hadn’t been with a guy sexually. We got divorced when I was 25. That’s when I began to see men too.
StaffSgt: Oh.
StaffSgt: Wait, holy shit! Your kids are teenagers??
Luke: Yeah
StaffSgt: Wow. Was the divorce amicable?
Luke: Yes. We’re better as friends. Always were.
StaffSgt: That’s nice. Sometimes I feel like it’s hard to be friends after I hooked up with someone.
Luke: I’m sure you hook up a lot.
StaffSgt: I used to, yeah. Fucked my way through high school and even while I was in the army. Between deployments, I picked up girls at clubs or whatever. Overseas I started fucking around during my last deployment. I’m horny 24/7 and I’ve always liked looking at guys. Just never… gave much thought to it until I was without a girl.
Luke: Uh huh.
StaffSgt: There was this one guy—Garrett. Fucking hot and stoic. Reminds me of you a little, actually. Maybe that’s my type?
Luke: Get to the point.
StaffSgt: Geez, you’re just like him. For real. Anyways, he gave me an opening and we started fooling around. Had some issues due to me being a jealous asshole, but I thought we were cool at the end of it all. Was hoping we could stay in touch.
Luke: For what purpose?
StaffSgt: To have a friend who isn’t an entitled Staten Island juicehead driving mommy or daddy’s car? That’s basically… all of my friends. Or d-bag conservatives. I never realized how awful my old squad was until I joined the army.
Luke: Heh. Okay. I can see why you’d want to expand your circle.
StaffSgt: Right? Anyway, he isn’t interested I guess. I wonder if his boyfriend doesn’t like it or maybe he just doesn’t like me. I’m only likeable when I’m getting someone off I guess.
Luke: Don’t be an idiot.
StaffSgt: I’m serious
Luke: Seriously an idiot. If you weren’t likeable, I wouldn’t be typing so many words on fucking Grindr. That’s saying something.
StaffSgt: :) Aw, you like me!
Luke: shut up.
* * *
Luke: Hey
StaffSgt: Am I seeing this right? You messaged me? THIS IS A FIRST.
Luke: Fuck off. You didn’t message me like you usually do and the weather is shit.
StaffSgt: Okay lemme rewrite that for you: Hey Dominic, it’s pouring outside and it’s flooding, so I was worried for your safety. Are you okay?
Luke: Why did I even bother.
StaffSgt: Hey, it’s okay to check in. I’m good tho
Luke: Great. You home then for the day?
StaffSgt: Yeah close enough.
Luke: Good, stay there.
StaffSgt: I like when you get bossy
Luke: Bye Dominic.
* * *
StaffSgt: Hey. You around?
Luke: I wasn’t, but I am now.
StaffSgt: It’s okay. Nvm.
Luke: What’s wrong?
StaffSgt: How do you know something’s wrong?
Luke: You didn’t open with a joke or stupid comment. And you used punctuation.
StaffSgt: Yeah. I guess I usually act like a clown.
Luke: I didn’t say that.
StaffSgt: It’s a fact tho
Luke: What’s wrong with you
StaffSgt: Do you really give a shit, Luke? Like for real
Luke: I’m asking, aren’t I?
StaffSgt: :)
StaffSgt: I just feel like a scrub. I’m not where I thought I’d be after getting out of the army. Makes me feel like I should have just re-upped and crawled back into the MRAP to wait to get my fucking head blown off.
Luke: What do you mean you’re not where you thought you would be?
StaffSgt: Dude, it’s like I’ve gone back in time. Like I never got anywhere or did anything. I hate it. And even tho I hate it, I wake up every day and keep doing this same shit routine instead of trying to make a change.
Luke: You’re in a rut.
StaffSgt: pretty much yes
Luke: Why don’t you look for something else?
StaffSgt: I don’t think I’m qualified to do shit else, man. What do I have to put on my resume? My kill count? My training with weapons? I don’t want to go into security or be a cop. I don’t want another job carrying a gun or using my size to intimidate people. You know? But I’ve spent 8 years in a fucking desert or on an army base, and now I’m nothing in the real world.
Luke: You’re being too hard on yourself. You have plenty of skills.
StaffSgt: I’m not and I don’t. Trust me.
Luke: There are plenty of jobs that don’t require fighting or carrying a gun. Healthcare, for one. Or teaching.
StaffSgt: Dude, I’m a fucking moron. I can’t teach anyone anything.
Luke: Stop.
StaffSgt: sorry. This is too deep for a Grindr convo. I’ll STFU.
Luke: That’s not what I meant. Look… I have experience with radical lifestyle changes. If you want, I can help you.
StaffSgt: Really?
Luke: Really.
StaffSgt: Thanks, Luke.
