Friends, Sexcapades and Love Affairs Ch. 25

"And did your dad flex on them with his checkbook?"

"Not as overtly as he did today. Depending on the status of the man in question, he adapted his strategies. It is his deep conviction that all people wish for things they do not have, and made it a task to find out what those were. It surprised me that my father would part even with much-beloved properties only to get rid of the men I was dating."

"He seemed so practiced when he wrote me that check today."

Edward sighed. "I might be a little at fault here. As I went through a rebellious phase -"

"Oh, did you have one of those? What did you do? Placed your elbows on the table at dinner?"

A reprimand was expected, but instead, Edward just chuckled. "Thanks for the idea. I might do that the next time I want to prove my father that I'm a grownup and I can do as I please."

Adrian had a few ideas on how to make Edward grow a pair in front of his family's patriarch, but he made a mental note to deliver them another time.

Edward continued. "I decided to throw my dad off-balance by bringing home - let's say - less suitable suitors."

"Like what? The pool boy? The gardener?"

Edward smirked. "The gardener at my family's estate is eighty years old. As for pool boys, they are none. My family uses a company to outsource such services. I've never seen their personnel around. They are that kind of low key."

"That's good to know. So no gardeners and pool boys in your past. What kind, then?"

"Strippers," Edward said. "Oh, apologies. Exotic dancers."

Adrian snickered. "Oh, damn, and didn't daddy have a heart attack?"

"He's not a man easy to shake. It only took him less of a bother to pay them off. And I didn't dwell on that for long. After all, I didn't plan on marrying them anyway. It was just a farce to annoy my father."

"Just how many men have you had sex with?" Adrian asked, a little pang of jealousy nudging him to say stupid things.

"Fewer than what you must have had in a single night," Edward said wryly.

"Touché," Adrian admitted. "So how did I come up in the picture?"

"Quite easily. I cruised the clubs, fed up with trying to find someone to share my life with, and asked, on a whim, about the sexiest and easiest to approach men. I thought I would be entitled to a bit of fun before becoming all cynical and convinced that love doesn't exist in my part of the universe, anyway. When I got to your club, I was about to give up on that plan, too. For some unfathomable reason, none of the playboys I had been introduced to, until that moment, appealed to me."

"It's not unfathomable," Adrian said promptly.

"What makes you say that?" Edward observed him with interest.

"You were searching for me," Adrian replied, aware of his cocky attitude.

Edward smiled. "That must have been it."

"You were so annoying I wanted to give it to you hard so that you'd never forget me."

"I guess that worked. I was slightly annoyed with you, too -"

"Slightly?"

"All right, more than slightly. You were so full of yourself that I immediately wanted to take you down a peg or two. And I found myself wanting to get to know you better. Of course, I had to play my cards right, to provoke you, so that you wouldn't forget me, either."

"It worked," Adrian admitted. "But, later, as we grew close -"

"I got caught up in my own game, unfortunately. I had done a good job at convincing myself that I shouldn't go down that road again. And with a playboy, on top of it all. I guess I was afraid that it would be so easy for you to make a fool out of me."

Adrian nodded. He remembered how he had used to be, and Edward wasn't completely to blame. "Still," he said, "when I told you that I loved you, you could have dropped the act."

"You scared me with that," Edward replied, taking him by surprise.

"Why? You couldn't believe me?" Adrian felt hurt for real, this time.

Edward shook his head. "No. As I told you before, I didn't want to witness you, of all people, being tempted by my father and his money. I realized, that very moment, that something like that would hurt me in ways I hadn't been hurt before. So it was easier to cut you loose."

"Man, good thing I'm stubborn and you have a badass cousin."

Edward sighed, and it sounded like relief. "Yes. Good thing."

Adrian caught Edward's face in his hands and locked eyes with him. "Listen to me closely. From this moment on, you're with me. No one else matters."

"So we're really having a wedding?"

"Yes, we will."

"That's a bit crazy."

"Well, you're not getting any younger."

Edward gasped, making a show of how mock-affronted he felt. "What's that supposed to mean?"

Adrian laughed. "It means only that I can barely wait to tell my folks back home that we're going to have a doctor in the family. My mom will go nuts."

"Ah, so you do marry me for my status."

"No, I'm marrying you for your gorgeous ass, but I hope you don't expect me to scandalize my mother."

"So your parents have no idea of your adventurous past?"

"They do. Dad called me Casanova once."

Edward laughed softly. "I would like to meet your parents."

"That can be arranged. But first, I have plans with you." Adrian kissed Edward. "Don't think I'll let you off the hook."

"Hmm, that sounds nice. What do you have in mind?"

"I'd lock you up in here and have my way with you until I'm no longer mad at you, but seeing how I need to up the ante and provide for my royal soon to be husband, I can't miss work."

Edward exhaled in relief. "Good. I can't miss work, either."

"But you still have to make it up to me." Adrian wagged a finger.

A solemn nod was the answer. "Can we take a shower? I think I drooled all over myself and I must look like a mess right now."

Adrian snickered. There was no way in hell for Edward to look like a mess. He was just saying. But he got off his boyfriend's lap and offered him a hand. From now on, that would be their home until Adrian figured out something better for them as newlyweds. But he couldn't think of that right now, as there were other priorities, first a shower, and then, a call to his best friends to tell them the news.

***

"What? For real?" Jared stood up, reconsidered, and sat back down, the phone glued to his ear.

Shane was in the door, with nothing but a towel wrapped around his waist, and way too distracting. How many sleepovers had they had last week? Shane hadn't actually slept one night outside Jared's bed, but no one was complaining. This wasn't even a sleepover; it was a Sunday over or whatever. And after Shane said something about Sunday sex being just the best thing they could have, their staying in bed had turned into a marathon. Jared could still feel the marks of Shane's fingers on his hips. So much fantastic fucking was bound to get to his head. He had no idea how he would be able to turn to normal after having such an accomplished friend with benefits in his bed.

Right now, there was no time to consider the multiple benefits associated with being friends with Shane, since Adrian had thought of dropping the bombs of all bombs on him. "Adrian, is this a prank call? I'll strangle you if it is."

"What is it, babe?" Shane sauntered to the bed and decided to straddle Jared, while his towel fell from his perfect body.

Jared risked another look. It was a bit strange and funny how giddy he felt each time he looked at Shane's hairy chest. He was naked, too, as he had hurried out of the shower upon hearing his phone ringing incessantly. Only an emergency had the right to sound like that, and, well, while that didn't qualify as an emergency, it surely was something.

"Adrian," Jared cleared his voice as he inched the phone away from his mouth, "is getting married."

"What?" Shane's eyes grew wide, and a face splitting grin lit them up. "Give me the phone."

Jared was still too much in shock to even consider resisting. He could hear Adrian exchanging smooches with someone on the other end, so his friend wasn't paying attention anymore. No, not someone. Adrian had somehow managed to turn his breakup from Edward into an engagement to the man. Whatever he had, if he sold it, Adrian would make a fortune, because not everyone could pull that kind of stunt.

"Hey, man, I guess congratulations are in order," Shane said, the moment he took the phone. "When's the happy event? Great, I guess that leaves us plenty of time to prepare. I already know what gift I'll get for you two, lovebirds. Yeah, I'm thinking of that."

Something in how Shane looked at him made Jared feel fidgety for no reason. It was like he knew a secret and didn't care to share.

"Of course. That's exactly what I'm thinking every day."

Thinking every day? About what? What kind of gifts to buy for newlyweds? That was weird. Jared tried to adjust his position so that he could be close enough to hear what Shane and Adrian were talking about, but he couldn't move. Even more, Shane pressed one hand against his chest to keep him down.

Now that was a bit unnerving.

"Here," Shane said and handed him back the phone. "Adrian wants to talk to you some more."

"What did Shane say to you?" Jared asked directly. "He's looking at me like the proverbial cat in front of the can of tuna."

"Hey, did the surprise of hearing how I'm going to get married wear off already?"

"No, consider me in complete and utter shock. But, of course, I'm glad for you," Jared pedaled back, realizing that he acted like a self-centered person, and not a friend right now. "How long until the wedding? It appears that Shane was completely unshocked and already asked you that."

"Not for a few months at least. My mom will never forgive me if we don't organize a proper wedding. And I thought to give you time to unshock yourself, too, J."

"Smartass," Jared retorted. "Of us all, you're the first to take this step? I feel rightfully cheated and a bit pissed at you."

Adrian chuckled, and muffled sounds of kissing could be heard. "What can I tell you, J? I couldn't let this one get away."

"Good thing you didn't. I'm so happy for you, I have no words. For Edward, too. And it's good that we'll still have plenty of time to prepare before the wedding. I'll have to get you two a gift that you'll always remember. Also, I know for a fact that your mom will love to have my help with all the organizing stuff. Ah, I need to think of what to wear, too. How swanky are we talking about? What about Edward's family? How many guests will you have?"

"J, breathe." Adrian laughed again. "Are you getting the jitters already? It's not even your wedding."

Jared relaxed. Shane was already caressing his chest and playing with his nipples. There was a hard thing touching his lower belly, and he didn't have to look to learn what it was. Up again? He quirked an eyebrow and was met by warm eyes filled with mischief. So, the Sunday marathon was far from over, apparently. "You're right," he replied to Adrian.

"Listen, I gotta call Mike, too. You two boys have fun, okay?"

There was no doubt that they would have fun. Jared realized too late that he had missed his chance to insist on what Adrian and Jared had talked about earlier. Shane kissed him as soon as he put the phone down.

"Hey there."

Their bodies were already in synch, and Jared could feel a small, now familiar, flutter of nervous wings inside his stomach. "Hey," he replied, trying to smile and appear unfazed.

"Do you come here often?"

Oh, so they were playing that game.

"Where did you get that pick up line? Last century?"

"Hmm, I like me a sassy one," Shane purred against his lips and snatched another kiss.

"A what? A sausage?" Jared teased.

"That, too. A sassy sausage is all I want." To send the message across, Shane pushed himself down until his mouth blew hot air over Jared's already heated cock.

Despite coming already so many times today, Jared let out a small moan. He grabbed the headboard rail with both hands and got ready for another round. How was it possible for someone to get so good at this? Each time with Shane felt like there was something new.

Like having a naughty tongue trying to make love completely with his glans. After having fun so many times, Jared had expected the novelty factor to wane a little, but that wasn't happening. On the contrary, it seemed that Shane learned things on the fly. In comparison, Jared was starting to feel like a complete amateur.

Deep and again, his cock felt engulfed in heat, only to be released gradually and with that maddening teasing tongue that almost left him no room to breathe. Jared was only vaguely aware of his shouts and crazy moans as Shane worked his cock like his life depended on doing a good job.

When he came, his eyes rolled in his head. All right, it had to be the last time because there had to be no drop left in him.

"How was it, babe?" Shane sneaked by his side and kissed his sweaty forehead.

Babe. Jared wouldn't have thought, in a thousand years, that he would take to being called that, as he usually thought it a bit cheesy, and something only people on fake reality shows used to address their equally fake love interests. But in Shane's mouth ... well, everything was better in Shane's mouth.

"Will you let me?" Shane whispered into his ear, raising goosebumps everywhere. "It's the last time, I promise."

"Last time this hour?" Jared teased but turned on one side.

A kiss of appreciation was planted on the side of his neck. "Just tell me if I'm too much to handle."

Although he felt rightfully exhausted, Jared reached back and slapped Shane's thigh. "Giddy-up, cowboy."

Shane laughed, a low, sexy sound coming out of him, and Jared laughed with him. The sound of ripped foil made him shift into a convenient position to allow Shane to prepare him.

"We must be spending a small fortune on those," he joked. "The rubber industry should be thankful."

"I'd be happy to do it without," Shane said.

Oh. Jared fell silent. He didn't feel ready for that, not that Shane wasn't honest and awesome, and of course, he didn't see people on the side like -

"Someday," Shane added, bringing the train of his thoughts to a halt. "I don't mind waiting."

Jared wanted to say something, to find a proper excuse, but Shane turned his head and kissed him as his cock buried inside. After that, it was hard to think.

***

"Mike!" Ryan called for him from the other side of the yard. "It's Adrian on the phone. He says it's important."

Mike stood up, breathing hard. "Come on, boy. Let's get inside."

Bran barked, and when Mike crouched, he hurried into his arms and licked his face. After Ryan had ushered them out of the house to prepare something to eat, they had had the entire backyard to themselves. And plenty of toys, which in the end had been forgotten, in favor of Bran chasing Mike all over the yard until he had caught him.

There were small grass clippings in his hair and all over his clothes, and Mike tried to brush them off as he walked toward the house. Bran followed him gladly. They had hit it off from the start, and ever since the weekend had started, they had spent a lot of time together. Ryan had even teased him that he must like him because of the dog, after all.

Mike stopped in front of the back kitchen door and stared at the lamentable state of his clothes. Ryan looked at him with a broad grin on his face. "Aren't you going to come in?"

"I think I should rather stay here until I get all of this out of my clothes."

Ryan took his hand and pulled him inside. "Your phone is there." He placed a short kiss on his temple and turned to his duties.

Mike grabbed the phone from the table and sat gingerly on a high chair. Whatever food Ryan was making, it smelled heavenly. His stomach growled. Bran had noticed he was busy, so now he had a bone to pick with his true master. Ryan was scolding him in a quiet, loving voice.

"Hey, Adrian."

The phone slipped from his hand and hit the table with a thud. Ryan turned to him, his entire face in a state of alarm. "What's wrong?"

Mike cursed his clumsiness silently and reached for the phone again. "Sorry, Adrian. Can you repeat that?"

Ryan still looked at him, and Mike smiled. "Nothing's wrong. Actually, it's pretty amazing. Adrian asked Edward to marry him, and Edward said 'yes'."

The anxiety turned into a good-natured smile. "Send him my congratulations and tell him that I can barely wait to meet everyone properly."

Mike bit his lips to keep from smiling ear to ear. "Adrian, Ryan can barely wait to meet you. And Edward, too."

"We could have a big party here. We have a lot of space," Ryan proposed.

"Yes, Ryan says that his place is big enough for a party," Mike continued his conversation with Adrian.

"Our place," Ryan corrected him, a finger in the air.

Mike blushed. He looked down and then back at Ryan.

"I'm waiting," Ryan mouthed.

"Our place is big enough," Mike whispered into the phone. "No, no one's sleeping. I just felt like whispering."

It was hard to keep himself in check, under Ryan's intense stare. Their place? Like in the place that belonged to them both? That wasn't fair. Mike had to contribute with something. He needed to think of that carefully. Right now, he was listening to Adrian's happy banter on the other end with his better half. He raised his eyes and met Ryan's briefly. What he read in them was enough to fill three romance books with happy endings.

"So, was this sudden or is it just my impression?" Ryan asked him after he bid goodbye to Adrian.

"Sudden is not even the right word. I don't think there's a right word for Adrian springing something like this on us." He squirmed a little. Ryan's gaze was making him feel hot. "I mean, we all heard him when he told us he was in love with Edward, but this is still ... well, sudden."

"Why?" Ryan asked.

"Because Adrian used to be a bit of a playboy. Wait, that's not right, he used to be a playboy a lot. So we thought he might take a while to get used to the idea of having a single partner forever. Also, people don't usually jump from saying 'I love you' to marriage just like that, right?" He completed that with a small nervous laugh.

Ryan was still looking at him like he was dinner. "I don't see why there should be that much of a gap between the two."

Mike's heart grew small, small, small. "You don't?" His voice was funny again.

Ryan didn't have to reply to that. Mike held his breath.

"I think I need to see about our dinner," Ryan said and returned to his task at hand with a small, secretive smile on his face.

Mike exhaled. What was that all about?

TBC