Why Did The Chicken? Read online

  Morgan closed his eyes and rested his forehead against his hand. “Oh, fuck.”

  Behind him he heard Rich’s truck pull to a stop and the door open and close. A few seconds later Rich’s voice, quite obviously filled with amusement, drifted up to him. “Um, Morgan? What are you doing, man?”

  “I’m practicing my naked mountain climbing,” he answered sarcastically. “What else?”

  “Uh-huh. You know that could get you arrested, don’t you?”

  Morgan heaved a huge sigh. “Rich?”

  “Yeah?”

  “I’m locked out, okay?”

  “Okay. Is there anything I can do to help?”

  Dreading what he was going to have to say, Morgan took the plunge. “Yeah. You can help me get the hell off this ladder. I can’t move.”

  “Are you serious?”

  “Do you think I’d be standing here, stark naked on this fucking thing if I could climb down?” Morgan’s voice was rising with panic.

  “All right, calm down, Morgan. Just hold on tight and don’t move. I’m coming up.”

  Feeling the ladder vibrate as Rich started to climb, Morgan took a firmer grip and waited. He jumped at the touch of a hand on his ankle.

  “Easy,” Rich soothed.

  He took his hand away and moved higher until Morgan felt his body bracketed by the warmth of Rich’s body against his. Rich stopped with his feet on the rung below the one Morgan’s feet were planted on. His face was on a level with Morgan’s shoulder blades. Morgan could feel the warmth of Rich’s breath on his spine. Had the circumstances been different, he’d have been turned on as hell, but all he could do at this point was shiver at the warm mist of breath against his skin.

  “Hey. You doin’ okay?” Rich asked softly.

  “I guess.”

  “All right. Here’s what we’re going to do. I think it’ll be easier if we keep going up.”

  “Up?”

  “Yeah, honestly, Morgan, up is going to be a lot easier. I’m going to be right here with you every step of the way. I won’t let you fall. I promise.” Rich’s hand settled lightly at Morgan’s waist and squeezed gently. “Man, I wanted to see you naked, but this is ridiculous.”

  A trembling laugh met his declaration. “It’s a good thing I’m too scared to get it up. My cock would be catching on the rungs with every step.”

  Rich chuckled. “At least you’ve kept your sense of humor. You ready?”

  “Yeah.”

  “Let’s do this.”

  With infinite patience and care, Rich directed and encouraged Morgan’s every move. Morgan listened to the deep soothing cadence of his voice, drinking in the warmth from Rich’s body and from the hand he kept securely planted at Morgan’s waist. They took each step together, working their way carefully to the window. Once there Morgan unfastened the screen and pushed it inside.

  With Rich’s help he got one quivering leg up and over the sill and before he knew it the ordeal was over. He was inside. Relief came rushing up in a huge wave, his buckling knees holding long enough for him to stagger to the bed and drop back on it. Lying there, he merely concentrated on breathing while his heart took the return journey from his throat, resettling in his chest.

  “You okay?”

  Morgan took a deep, shuddery breath and opened his eyes to find Rich looking down at him. His arousal was instantaneous, his erection immediate. With a groan he reached for Rich’s hand and pulled him down on the bed. Rich too was apparently feeling the effects of danger shared and defeated. He landed half atop Morgan, the hard evidence of his own need digging into Morgan’s hip.

  Their lips slammed together and opened, tongues twisting and fighting for dominance. Morgan groaned, pushing at Rich’s clothes, wanting, needing the feel of his skin. Taking the hint, Rich pulled back and together, with frantic speed, they divested him of every stitch.

  The passion that exploded between them was white-hot and undeniable. They rolled on the bed and ended with Morgan on top. He dove once more for Rich’s lips and they kissed long and hard until only the need for air parted them. Raging hunger drove Morgan. He felt crazed with need, mashing his mouth so hard against Rich’s that his head rang with the sound of clashing teeth. If some part of him called for caution, he could no longer hear it.

  His libido was operating on a purely primal level. Morgan’s primitive instincts insisted that he spill his seed. He wasn’t about to argue. Rich’s body fit perfectly against his. Their cocks aligned and rubbed against each other with each shove of Morgan’s hips. Needy moans and whimpers sounded in Morgan’s ears and he was gratified at the realization that not all of them were his. Rich was with him, driving the passion higher with each shift of skin against skin.

  Heat and moisture rose between them as their bodies warmed, the heady, tart scent of male arousal permeating the air. Morgan wound his fingers into Rich’s hair, combing through and clinging to the dark, silky strands. Rich’s hands traveled the length of Morgan’s back, clutching his ass. Long, agile fingers kneaded the taut curves as Rich pulled Morgan tighter and tighter against his body. With a rumbling growl Rich shifted and rolled, bringing Morgan under him.

  “Morgan! Gotta have you. Gotta come,” Rich groaned.

  He slid his hand between them and pushed their cocks together, gathering them within the circle of his fist. Giving them a tantalizing squeeze, he started pumping.

  Morgan’s hips rose sharply. “Rich!” he yelled, pushing himself into the tight heat of Rich’s hand. He buried his face against Rich’s neck, his tongue sliding across the smooth skin there. The taste was faintly of soap but decidedly the salt and male musk of the sweat that formed between them. At first he only licked, but finally gave in to the need to bite. Holding the skin in place for his pleasure, Morgan sucked.

  Rich started shaking, shuddering against him, groaning. His hand tightened, the strokes sharp and choppy. “Coming. Coming now!”

  The hot splash of Rich’s release against his belly propelled Morgan over the edge. The rush of seed from his cock sent a sharp stab of pleasure to his gut, his back arching off the bed as he cried out. The rich aroma of their combined spunk hit Morgan’s nostrils while aftershocks quaked within him. He collapsed back on the bed, savoring the waning pleasure and the heavy weight of Rich pressing against him. Until he heard the purring.

  “Voyeur,” Morgan accused softly, turning his head to see Jinx perched on what was quickly becoming her chair.

  Rich stirred. “In case you’ve forgotten, I was participating, not watching.”

  “Not you. The cat.”

  “Oh. Is that a problem?”

  “She’s a pervert.”

  Rich’s laughter rumbled against Morgan’s chest and shook the bed. “She likes to watch, huh?”

  “Yes. When I’m dressing or undressing. When I get in the shower, when I come out of the shower. When I’m… uh, well… you know.”

  Rich’s hand stroked Morgan’s belly. “Jacking off?”

  Morgan sucked in a breath at the silky caress. “Yeah. Speaking of which,” he struggled into a sitting position, “or sex in general, this doesn’t change anything. I don’t get involved with straight men.”

  “After this you still think I’m straight?” Rich sat up, pulling one leg close while his other dangled over the edge of the bed. His expression was somewhere between aggravated and incredulous.

  “You forget. I saw your girlfriend. You have a child. What else am I supposed to think?”

  “If you’d given me a few minutes the other day instead of running away, I would have explained.”

  Morgan rolled his eyes. “So, consider this your opportunity.”

  Rich shook his head. “Did anyone ever tell you you’re a bit irritating?”

  “Yeah and I’m afraid of heights too. Now you know two things about me and you’re way ahead. Explain.”

  “Smart ass. First of all Stephanie isn’t my girlfriend. She was the partner of my best friend, Clarissa. Clarissa wanted to have a
baby and asked me to be the father.” At Morgan’s raised eyebrow, Rich rushed on with the story. “Artificial insemination. That’s how Matthew was conceived. Before he was a year old, Clarissa died.”

  “What happened?”

  “Some kind of congenital heart defect. Twenty-nine years old and she has a heart attack. She was gone before the paramedics could get there.”

  Morgan placed a hand on Rich’s thigh, rubbing gently “I’m sorry. It must have been rough for you, all of you.”

  “It was, still is, to a certain extent. Especially for Stephanie.”

  “So how did you end up with Matthew? Because you’re his father?”

  “That and the fact that Stephanie didn’t want to raise him by herself. I… I wouldn’t have made it difficult for her if she’d wanted to keep Matthew. He was supposed to be her son. I would have stood by the commitment I made them for the sake of our friendship, but I’m glad it turned out this way. I love my son. I wouldn’t give him up for anything or anyone.”

  Morgan could see clearly the message that Rich was so intent on conveying. “I understand. It’s good to know you put your son’s interests before your own. There seem to be a lot of people nowadays who don’t care enough about their children to do that.”

  “I’m just doing what I think is right,” Rich answered with a shrug. “So now what?”

  “Now what?”

  “Yeah, you know.” Rich waved his hands around.

  “You mean you and me?”

  Rich nodded.

  “Well, I think it’s pretty obvious we like each other,” Morgan said with a shy grin. “I think we should get to know each other better.”

  “No objections to the fact that I have a child?” Rich asked cautiously.

  “No. I’ll have you know, I have two nieces and one nephew. I love kids, so no. No objections. And by the way, where is Matthew?”

  “At my sister’s. She’s keeping him until two so I can get some sleep.”

  Morgan’s brows lifted and a slow smile curved his lips. “Umm, I see. So. You wanna sleep here? All in the interest of getting to know each other better of course. I mean, we really should find out if we’re compatible in bed. When we’re asleep, that is.”

  “Uh huh, compatibility experiments. I think I can deal with that. Along with getting to know a guy who does naked mountain climbing.”

  Morgan snorted. “Yeah. Listen, thanks for the rescue, really. If it wasn’t for you I’d be stranded out there for the whole neighborhood to see. You just became my hero for life.” He stopped for a moment and picked at the bedspread. “And about the whole attacking you thing? Normally I’m a very reserved kind of person. I don’t usually pull guys in the window and jump on them, you know? I guess it was just nerves or something. I read once that guys in combat and other dangerous situations get hard-ons. Something about the body wanting to plant its seed before death, but I just wanted you to know that I’m not some kind of slutty tease. I…”

  “Hey, slow down.” Rich put a finger to Morgan’s lips then replaced it with his own, taking a slow, sweet kiss. “I’m glad I got to be the target of all that passion. I’m also very glad I got to be the one to rescue you. I wouldn’t have liked seeing someone else touching you.”

  Morgan shivered. “Oh, well, that’s good.” He rose from the bed. “Let me get a washcloth and clean us up a little.”

  By the time he got back, Rich had pulled the covers back and was sprawled across the sheets. Morgan admired the lean body that occupied his bed before leaning over to gently clean his torso and cock with the warm, wet cloth.

  “Mmm, feels good,” Rich murmured, his eyes at half mast.

  “Looks even better,” Morgan answered. Leaning closer, he pressed a kiss to Rich’s belly.

  Rich reached out for him but Morgan stepped away with a twinkling smile, returning the washcloth to the bathroom. Back in the bedroom he slid into bed next to Rich and pulled the covers over them both. He hesitated for a moment, not sure if he should move closer to Rich or leave him alone. Rich made the decision for him.

  “Come here, Morgan. I hope you like to cuddle. I was once accused of being related to an anaconda.”

  Morgan chuckled, moved close and settled into Rich’s arms with a satisfied sigh. “I can deal with that.”

  “Good. Just out of curiosity, do you normally go to bed at this time of the day?”

  “No, in fact I just got up but, well, I haven’t slept very much the last couple of days.”

  “Why not?”

  Morgan ducked his head under Rich’s chin. “Thinking about you,” he mumbled.

  Rich’s arms tightened. “Never knew anyone who lost sleep over me. That’s nice.” He reached for Morgan’s chin and tipped it up. Rich gave him a soft kiss. “Thank you.”

  “It wasn’t exactly voluntary,” Morgan grumbled then yawned.

  “It’s still nice. So’s this.”

  “Mmm hmm.”

  Giving a final wiggle, Morgan settled into Rich’s arms, the two of them finding sleep to the accompaniment of deep, soothing purrs.

  Chapter Three

  Rich sleepily trod the stairs downward, following the smell of coffee. A rattle of pans to the right gave him the direction of the kitchen, where he found Morgan bare-chested and barefoot, wearing a pair of threadbare jeans. The smell of bacon joined that of coffee as he crossed the floor.

  He slid his arms around Morgan’s waist and plastered himself against Morgan’s bare back. Rich savored the feel of skin against skin. “Morning,” he rasped out, his voice still husky from sleep. “I was hoping to wake up with you in my arms.” He snuggled his chin against Morgan’s shoulder and kissed his neck.

  Morgan jumped then shivered. “Morning or almost afternoon really. You were sleeping so peacefully I didn’t want to wake you. Thought I’d fix us a late breakfast.”

  “Um, very late. What time is it?”

  “About noon.”

  “Mmm.”

  “Want some coffee, sleepyhead?”

  Rich yawned and stepped back. “Oh, yeah. I could use some caffeine. Where’re the cups?”

  “Right above the coffee maker.” Morgan gave him a quick peck on the lips. “I’ll be right back.”

  Rich helped himself, pulling out a kitchen chair and sitting down. With the first sip, he could feel his sluggish blood start to stir. A few more sips and his body was remembering just why he’d wanted Morgan next to him in bed when he’d woken up. He could hear Morgan rummaging around in the living room as several drawers opened and closed. Rich looked up from his coffee at Morgan’s return.

  Morgan held an envelope in one hand and the unfolded piece of paper that obviously came out of it in the other. “Here.”

  “What’s this?” Rich asked, accepting the sheet of paper.

  “My last test. I just wanted you to know I’m clean. I haven’t been with anyone since that was taken.” Morgan returned to the stove to turn the bacon.

  Rich looked it over and made special note of the date. “This is over two years old. You haven’t been with anyone since then?”

  With his back to Rich, Morgan shook his head. “Been going through a dry spell.” The laugh that accompanied his statement was obviously forced.

  “Morgan, turn off the bacon and come here a minute.”

  Morgan glanced around. Rich could see the trepidation in his eyes before he turned back to the stove. He turned the fire off under the bacon and moved it to a back burner. Turning around, eyes downcast, he walked to the table and started to pull out a chair. Rich wasn’t letting him build barriers between them. He reached out and drew Morgan down onto his lap. Morgan sat stiffly, avoiding eye contact.

  “Put your arm around my neck, baby,” Rich ordered softly. Morgan did as he was told and Rich pulled him close, their bare torsos coming together. The feel of skin against skin was exquisite. Rich silently berated his unruly cock as it twitched. It was time to be serious. His new lover needed talk now, loving later.

  R
ich let his hand rest against Morgan’s back and slowly rubbed up and down. “You want to know one of the things I like most about you?”

  Morgan’s eyes met Rich’s. He gave him a frowning smile at the unexpected gambit. “What?”

  “Your eyes. They’re so clear and bright and honest. You don’t hide what you’re feeling. I noticed that right away. It’s all right there. All a person has to do is look for it.”

  “No wonder I can never win at poker.”

  Rich smiled, pleased at the faint flush that stained Morgan’s cheeks. “I don’t imagine so,” he agreed then grew serious. “The day we met I saw something in your eyes, something that made me think there’s a secret you try very hard to hide. I just want you to know you can talk to me, if you want. Being a dad, I’ve become a good listener.”

  “I… thanks.” Morgan gave him a tentative smile. Rich could feel Morgan’s body slowly relax against him. “I do want to tell you. It’s why I refuse to have anything to do with straight or married men.” Morgan tensed again and squirmed a bit but settled down when Rich rubbed his cheek against him and kissed his shoulder. “I feel so stupid about this, especially because it went on for so long and me without a clue. I… well, I was very much in love with a man who fooled me into believing I was his one and only. Until his wife showed up at my door.”

  “Ouch. No wonder it’s such a sore subject. I’m so sorry, baby.”

  “Yeah, well, it’s not your fault, you know? It was my own stupidity.”

  “Stop that. You’re not stupid.” Rich gave Morgan a slight shake. “How long were you involved with him?”

  “Almost four years. He traveled a lot for the company he worked for. I didn’t question the absences. Not too much. I didn’t feel the need to. When he was here things were, well, everything I wanted them to be. If I had any doubts or suspicions, I let them go because frankly,” Morgan turned his face away, “I loved being with someone, being part of a couple.”