Behind the Stick Read online

  “Yes. Sometimes referred to as ‘The Speakeasy Crew.’ I believe the illustrious senator started that one.”

  “Got it. I got the gist of how you all met the other night,” Luka said, “but can I ask what your relationship with Jesse is? I met Cam and I know he and Jesse live together, but you and Jesse seem…close. That’s one reason I hesitated to ask you out. I didn’t know quite how to read that situation.”

  Kyle gave him a lopsided smirk. “I’ll be a total cliché here and say that it’s complicated. The simple version is that Jesse and Cam have an open relationship. Jesse and I hooked up a lot before they met, and while their relationship changed some things, I hook up with them both on occasion.”

  Luka’s brain whirled with images of Kyle in bed with both men. They were all incredibly attractive, so it was quite a nice picture. “Have you ever hooked up with Cam? I mean, without Jesse?”

  “No. I’d be happy doing that with Cam at some point though, if he wanted. He’s a lot of fun.”

  “Interesting.”

  Kyle shot him a sidelong glance. “Are you comfortable with that?”

  “Open relationships or what you have going on with your friends?”

  “Both? I’m not steadfast in needing something open the way Jesse is, but I enjoy it. I don’t know that total monogamy is my thing. A little…wiggle room is nice.” Kyle offered him a small smile.

  “Sure, I get you,” Luka said easily. “I don’t have any experience with groups of men, but I did have a couple of threesomes with women back in my probie days that were very fun.”

  “You’re bi then?”

  Luka went very still. “Yep. That a problem?” He tried to keep his tone neutral, but his bisexuality had become an issue too many times with people he’d dated, and it had never been fun. Luka would be really fucking disappointed to find Kyle as closed-minded.

  Kyle’s eyes widened. “Shit, no. I’m not attracted to women, but I have zero issue with you being bi.”

  “Glad to hear it.” Relief washed over him, and it must have shown because Kyle reached out and touched his upper arm.

  “That been a problem for you?”

  Luka grimaced. “Ugh, yes. On more than one occasion.”

  “How is it at the firehouse?”

  “Generally, a non-issue there, to be honest. Munson wigged out a bit at first, but he got over it.”

  “He did help you ask me out,” Kyle said drily. “So yeah, I’d say so.”

  “A few of the older guys scoff when my dating dudes comes up, but by now, everyone knows I’m a damn good firefighter, no matter who I’m attracted to. They know it doesn’t impact my ability to do my job.”

  “That’s great. Beyond not being sure you were into dudes when we met at Burger Barn, I had no idea if you were out at work either. That’s why I didn’t hand you my card then. I didn’t want to complicate the life of a guy who relies on his co-workers the way you do.”

  “I appreciate that you recognized that.” Luka was touched by Kyle’s concern. “It worked out anyway. It took a fire for us to meet again but…”

  “Here we are.”

  Kyle smiled and the heat inside Luka kindled again. He looked away and noticed their loop along the river’s edge had brought them back to the path to the golf center.

  “How about a bite to eat?” Luka asked. “There’s a place with decent food just over there.”

  “Sounds perfect.”

  In a short time, they were seated in an open-air beer garden with drinks and an appetizer to share.

  “I still can’t believe you ordered an energy drink slushy,” Luka said. “I know it’s a fancy version and it didn’t taste bad, but…” He shuddered.

  Kyle laughed. “Chalk it up to being a bartender. I felt compelled to try it.”

  “I’m gonna enjoy my IPA here.” Luka clinked his glass against Kyle’s.

  “I bet I could make a version you’d like.”

  “That I believe. You threw together some damn good drinks the other night, and I’m not much of a mixed-booze guy.”

  “Now that’s the kind of compliment I like.” Kyle’s expression was confident.

  “You love what you do, don’t you?”

  “I do.” Kyle sat back in his chair. “I’m not changing the world like David and Carter—or hell, like you—but I enjoy that rush of pleasure someone gets when I’ve made a drink that suits their tastes.”

  “Hey, I’m not putting down what you do,” Luka said. “You give people a place to unwind and recharge from work and life. That’s not small.”

  Kyle shrugged. “It’s a good feeling.”

  “Is it true that people unload their problems on you?” Luka asked.

  “A sympathetic ear and some alcohol can loosen almost anyone’s tongue. I’ve heard some wild stories over the years. The regulars at Under are more like family though, and I’m closer with the speakeasy guys than with most of my own actual relatives.” A frown crossed Kyle’s face. “Are you close with your family?”

  “Yeah,” Luka said. He sipped his drink. “It hasn’t all been a picnic, but we get along well. We have moments where we drive each other nuts, but my dad’s death brought home how easy it is to lose someone. I think we keep that in mind when we get frustrated with each other.”

  “I’m sorry to hear you lost your dad.” Kyle paused as though he wanted to speak further but remained silent. Luka could guess what was on the tip of his tongue.

  “He was a firefighter,” Luka said softly. “His company responded to a five-alarm fire at an apartment building in Harlem. He got separated from his crew and the roof collapsed. By the time they found him, it was too late. Several other firefighters were injured along with some of the residents.”

  Kyle learned forward and rested his hand on Luka’s arm. He gave it a reassuring squeeze. The gesture said as much as any words, and Luka appreciated it. “How old were you when you lost him?”

  “Way too young. I had just turned eight.”

  “Oh, man, that’s rough.”

  “What’s your family like?”

  “I lost my dad, too, actually,” Kyle said. “He had a heart attack—very unexpected. I was older though and had already graduated from college.”

  “Doesn’t make it any easier though, does it?”

  “No, it doesn’t.”

  “What about your mom? Do you see her much?” Luka reached for a fried pickle and dunked it in the spicy mayo. The long pause that followed made him glance up at Kyle.

  Kyle offered Luka a half-hearted smile. “No. Our relationship is pretty fraught. Spending time around her makes me feel shitty, so I avoid it, then feel guilty about it.” This time, Luka reached out and give Kyle a reassuring squeeze.

  “My brother Oliver and I are close though. He moved to Boston recently, and that makes it easier to see each other. He visited over the summer, and that was nice.”

  “That’s good.” They were both silent for a few minutes as they sampled the food. Kyle stirred his melting slushy with a contemplative look on his face.

  “So, if your dad was FDNY, you grew up here then?” Kyle asked.

  “Yeah. You?”

  “I was born and raised in Vermont. I go back occasionally but haven’t seen my hometown since I moved here.”

  “When was that?”

  “Five years ago. I brought everything I owned in a duffel bag and couch surfed until I got my feet under me.”

  “That’s both tough and impressive.”

  “I had some great friends who helped me out,” Kyle said. “Gave me a place to sleep and didn’t complain when I overstayed my welcome.”

  Luka couldn’t imagine going it alone. Sometimes between the firehouse, his parents, and siblings, he had more help than he wanted, but he counted himself lucky.

  “I think one of the things I like most about the firehouse is that we’re a tight-knit bunch,” he said. “Most of the people there would drop everything to help out if I needed it.”

  Th
e waiter arrived with their food and they dug in. Kyle took a bite of his buffalo chicken sandwich and made a low sound of pleasure. “Holy shit, this is good.”

  Luka grinned and set down his turkey burger. “Yeah, I’ve had it and it’s killer. It’s worth making the trip out here for the food.”

  “I agree.” Kyle wiped his mouth. “Nowhere as convenient as Burger Barn.”

  “Tell me about it. I hope they can get the insurance crap resolved. I’m worried about Maya and Nestor.” Luka grimaced.

  “Maybe I can talk with the people I know and see if we can get them some legal representation.”

  “You’d do that?” Kyle’s generosity surprised Luka. “After what happened to you?”

  “Of course. They’re good people and it would be a shame if they lost their business. Charita and I made it out safely, and I don’t hold any ill will toward them.”

  As they ate, Luka told Kyle about Sugar Hill. Kyle sounded genuinely enthusiastic and curious about the history of the area, and by the time they’d wrapped up, Luka had promised to take him on a walking tour.

  “What do you think about one more round of golf?” Luka asked.

  “I’d be up for a tie-breaker. But what does the winner get?”

  “Well.” Luka leaned closer. “We could always make some kind of wager.”

  Kyle raised an eyebrow. “A wager for what?”

  “Is it too soon to suggest sexual favors?”

  Kyle’s smirk was downright devilish. “I’m open to suggestions.”

  * * * *

  Half an hour later, Luka let out an excited whoop. “Good game, McKee, but not good enough.”

  “Looks like you’re the winner.” In the bright lights of the eighteenth hole, Kyle’s teeth gleamed. “You know what that means.”

  “Time for me to collect my prize.”

  “Mmhmm. What are you waiting for?”

  Luka tugged Kyle off the green. The place was nearly deserted, and it had grown dark enough that one of the shadowed sections of the course would work for what he had in mind.

  “We need someplace more private than this for me to collect on what we discussed earlier,” he said, his voice husky. “But I can do this.”

  Luka stepped forward, bringing their bodies close together. Kyle stood a few inches shorter, so all Luka had to do was tilt his head for their lips to meet. Kyle let out a soft sound and met him eagerly. Luka splayed his hands across the back of Kyle’s leather jacket, holding him close as they explored each other’s mouths. The smoldering heat that had built all afternoon kindled into a flame and Luka’s skin heated. Kyle slid his hands under Luka’s jacket, kneading the muscles of his back as they kissed. Every part of Luka wanted to continue, but he was conscious of where they were. Equal parts relief and disappointment went through him when Kyle slowed the kiss.

  “Mmm.” Kyle pulled back with a contented expression. “I’ve wanted to do that all night.”

  “Me too.” Luka licked his lips. They still tingled from the touch of Kyle’s.

  Kyle slid his hands lower and pulled Luka’s hips tight against his own. Neither of them was fully hard, but there was no denying the fact the kiss had turned them both on.

  “What do you say we head back before we continue this?” Kyle asked.

  “My place or yours?”

  “We’ve established you have both human and ferret roommates. I live alone. My place?”

  “Done.” Luka forced himself to step back. “I’ll need directions.”

  They returned their golf clubs and balls to the clubhouse and made a beeline for the parking lot. Neither talked much as Luka started the car and Kyle called up some directions on his phone. Luka drove with single-minded focus, intent on getting to Chelsea, but Kyle threatened to undo that by laying a hand on Luka’s thigh.

  His touch was warm through the denim of Luka’s jeans. At first, Kyle kept his hand still, which was distraction enough, but when he started rubbing slow circles with his thumb, Luka’s cock stirred with interest. Luka groaned and shifted in the seat.

  “Careful there.” His voice held a rough edge.

  Kyle’s answering laugh was low and teasing as he slid his hand higher. Sweat broke out on Luka’s forehead.

  “How much longer?” he asked.

  “Thirteen minutes.” Kyle sounded infuriatingly calm. “But parking can be a nightmare.”

  “Now he tells me.” Luka resisted the urge to press his foot harder on the accelerator. Traffic was light, all things considered, but he didn’t want to be pulled over for driving while black in a vehicle he didn’t own.

  Kyle squeezed his thigh. “Want me to stop?”

  “No.” Luka spread his knees wider. “Just don’t do anything that’ll make me wreck the car.”

  Luka had never been more grateful when at last Kyle directed him to a parking spot half a block from his building. Luka was out of the car as soon as he’d parked, with Kyle just ahead of him. Luka barely noticed the building number or the lobby as they jogged up several flights of stairs.

  Kyle stopped in front of a door and reached for his keys, and Luka pressed close, fitting their bodies together. He pressed a kiss against Kyle’s neck, just above the collar of his jacket. “You do know there’s gonna be payback for the teasing you did in the car, right?”

  “I certainly hope so.”

  Kyle sounded smug, but the keys rattled in his hand when Luka slid a hand under his jacket and teased his nipple through his shirt. Luka was hard now, anticipation fueling the erection he pushed against Kyle’s ass.

  “If you don’t want this to happen in the hallway, I suggest you get that door unlocked,” Luka breathed against his ear. He slid his hand across Kyle’s groin and found him hard and ready too. A needy sound left Kyle’s throat as Luka stroked him through his jeans.

  “I’ll never get this door open if you keep that up,” Kyle said, voice gruff. “And there’s a bed and lube and condoms on the other side of it. Your choice.”

  They were both on the edge, threatening to explode into an inferno. Flashover conditions, Luka thought. A fire spreading very rapidly across a gap because of intense heat. Intense. Uncontrollable.

  He stepped back.

  Chapter Five

  Kyle silently cursed the locks on his damned door. He was so hard he almost hurt, and he let out a noisy exhalation when the final lock gave. He shoved the door open then reached back with one hand and grasped Luka’s black bomber jacket to tug him over the threshold. The teasing words he’d planned to say faded the moment he met Luka’s heated gaze however. Kyle’s mouth went dry.

  Fuck, he is gorgeous.

  Luka pounced as soon as the door closed behind them. He swept Kyle up in a rib-creaking hold that forced Kyle up on his toes and covered Kyle’s mouth in a kiss, the curve of his bottom lip warm and soft and oh so fucking good. Kyle groaned under the onslaught.

  “The alarm,” he ground out the next time they came up for air. Kyle made a grab for the keypad, but Luka ignored him and buried his face against Kyle’s neck instead. Kyle’s knees wobbled. “Jesus,” he muttered. “I gotta disable the alarm, Luka.”

  “Disable it then,” Luka replied, his voice low. He continued kissing and teasing but loosened his hold so Kyle could reach the keypad. The second Kyle’s hand fell away from the pad, Luka mashed him up against the door.

  Kyle’s head spun. Damn, Luka was strong. He wasn’t shy about using his big body to his advantage either, and he manhandled Kyle with startling ease. The side of Kyle that liked rough play pulsed white hot, but he’d always liked giving as good as he got. He pulled back, away from Luka’s wicked mouth and tongue, and tightened his hold on Luka’s shoulders until Luka stilled. They stared one another down, the air around them crackling.

  “Want you,” Kyle said, his voice so rough he hardly recognized it as his own. He couldn’t blame smoke this time either.

  Luka smirked. “Want you, too,” he said. He dropped his hands to the clasp on Kyle’s belt and kiss
ed Kyle some more, slower this time but with no less intensity.

  Fire built in Kyle’s belly. His head fell back slightly as Luka unzipped his fly and slid a big, warm hand over Kyle’s cock. It would be so easy for Kyle to take his pleasure here. He could go to his knees and suck Luka, loving every second while they rode the buzz they’d generated during their date.

  Kyle wanted more than quick and dirty tonight though. He’d been thinking about a moment like this with Luka since that night at the speakeasy. He wanted to feel Luka for days, inside and out.

  Reaching down, Kyle grabbed Luka’s ass with both hands and kissed him harder and deeper. Desire curled inside him at Luka’s hum. Kyle pushed off the door and got Luka moving, and somehow, they made it across the little apartment to the bedroom.

  They peeled off each other’s clothes in silence and dropped them on the floor then fell onto the bed. Kyle basked in miles of warm, silky skin.

  Luka rolled on top of him and sealed their mouths together. He sighed as Kyle spread his legs, then reached down and wrapped a hand around Kyle’s cock. Kyle’s bones turned liquid.

  “Fuck, yeah,” he whispered and smiled at Luka’s throaty chuckle.

  “Damn, you’re hot.”

  “Says the smoking-hot guy.”

  Luka pulled back and peered down at him, his amusement clear. He gave Kyle’s cock a lazy stroke. “That’s a terrible pun, McKee.”

  “Plenty more where that came from, I’m afraid.” Kyle’s voice faltered when Luka pumped him again. “O-h-h, man. Keep doing that. It’s true, you know. You’re gorgeous.”

  “And you’re good for my ego,” Luka said before Kyle cut him off with a dirty kiss that went on and on until Kyle thought he’d lose his mind. Luka finally tore his mouth away and dragged his tongue up the side of Kyle’s face.

  “Fuck. Need you to tell me what you want, Kyle.”

  “Need you in me,” Kyle whispered.

  Luka flared his nostrils. He pressed his face into Kyle’s throat again, nipping and sucking hard enough to mark the skin. Kyle couldn’t bring himself to care. He rested his hands on Luka’s head and slid his fingers against the soft, short twists of his hair. Luka worked his way lower, his grip on Kyle’s body unrelenting, and Kyle swallowed back a yell when Luka ran his teeth over a nipple.