Page 80 of Common Goal
“Can’t right now, but soon. If you want.” Kyle had said he’d wanted it, earlier. But had that been real? Or just dirty talk?
“Oh, fuck, Eric.” Kyle started thrusting into his hand. “Want you in me. I’d make it so good for you.”
“I know you would,” Eric said gently. He kissed his hair and held Kyle tighter. He had only known Kyle a short while, but trusted that he would be patient and kind with him. That he would make it fun and relaxing, making Eric laugh as much as he made him gasp and moan. It would be wonderful, and Eric should probably make sure it never happened because he was certain there’d be no coming back from that. His heart would be gone.
Kyle’s head rolled against Eric’s shoulder, his mouth slack as they both watched Eric’s hand blurring against his cock. Eric was focused on his goal, pushing nonsensical thoughts about losing his heart away and commanding himself to be present. He listened to Kyle’s body the same way he listened to his own while practicing yoga, wondering if he should stop before Kyle came. If he could be attuned to his body enough to edge him as expertly as Kyle had done for him.
Kyle’s body tightened in Eric’s arms, head tipping back and toes curling. He let out a long moan, and again Eric considered stopping. Before he could make a decision, it was too late. Kyle’s release jetted out of him, coating his stomach and oozing through Eric’s fingers.
Eric held him close, kissing his temple, his cheek, his ear—anything he could reach. He murmured a stream of soothing endearments, unable to stop them from tumbling out of his mouth. “So beautiful. I’ve got you. You’re so sexy.”
“Oh wow,” Kyle sighed, sliding bonelessly down Eric’s body until his head was pillowed against Eric’s thigh. “That was nice.”
As much as Eric had loved holding Kyle against him, this view of the man, spent and happy in his lap, was breathtaking. “I did okay?”
“Oh yeah. Top marks.” He grinned up at him, and started sleepily chanting, “Ben-ny! Ben-ny!”
Eric laughed and combed Kyle’s hair back with his fingers. His heart felt huge, full of inappropriate feelings that definitely didn’t belong in a no-strings-attached arrangement. If Eric wasn’t careful, he’d become entangled in the strings his brain seemed determined to create.
Kyle, fortunately, was stronger. Or, probably more accurately, he was less interested. “Give me a few minutes to recover,” he said, “and then I’ll get out of here.”
Eric wanted to invite him to stay, but he was worried he’d say yes. “No rush,” he said instead.
Kyle rolled over and pulled himself up until his face was level with Eric’s. “You’re very sexy, Eric.”
“Am I?”
Kyle kissed his cheek, his jaw, and then his mouth. “Don’t pretend you don’t know.”
Eric didn’t know, but he let Kyle believe he had at least a bit of sexual confidence. “You’re very...inspiring.”
“It’s a gift.” Kyle yawned, then laughed. “I’d better get cleaned up and go while I can still walk.”
“You could—”
Kyle pressed a finger to Eric’s lips, then moved it to kiss him sweetly. “I’m going to go home.”
Please stay.“Okay.” But Eric couldn’t let Kyle leave without being sure of seeing him again. He took a risk. “I don’t suppose you’d be interested in visiting my friend’s gallery this week? With me, I mean.”
Eric couldn’t quite read Kyle’s expression. He was either pleasantly surprised by the request and deciding if it would be a bad idea to say yes, or he was annoyed by it and about to tell Eric so.
“Is this a date?” Kyle asked, which hadn’t been either of the things Eric was expecting. He did note that Kyle wasn’t smiling.
“No,” Eric said, though he wished he could say yes. “Just thought you’d like to see this exhibit. If you want. It’s fine if you’d rather—”
“Can we get empanadas?” Kyle’s lips curved up, and Eric’s whole body relaxed.
“Of course.”
Kyle kissed his cheek. “I’m in.”
He went to the bathroom, and Eric looked at the empty space on the bed beside him, wishing things could be different.
Chapter Fifteen
As they entered the gallery together, Eric reminded himself for the hundredth time that this wasn’t a date.
“Hello?” Eric called out into the empty room. He heard the clacking of stiletto heels against the concrete floor, and then Jeanette appeared from the back room.
