Encounter - Chapter Seventeen - Part II
With a lot of sweat, a few grumbles, several swear words and many laughs, Ennis and Jack moved all the furniture into the girls’ room. The transformation of the small space was amazing, and Ennis couldn’t wait to have his kids over night.
He looked over at Jack, who was sliding the last drawer into the dresser, and realized that his life as a whole had transformed, and it was directly related to that wonderful man. He stealthily moved toward Jack, watching as Jack stood, placed his palm on his lower back and stretched. When Jack returned to his normal posture, Ennis stepped forward and wrapped his arms around Jack’s waist. Jack started, then settled back in Ennis’s arms.
“I owe you a lot, Jack,” said Ennis as he rested his cheek on Jack’s shoulder blade. Jack folded his arms across his stomach and held onto Ennis’s forearms. Impulsively, the couple began to slowly rock back and forth.
“You don’t owe me a thing,” said Jack.
“I owe you everything.” Ennis felt Jack slowly break from his embrace then turn toward him. Jack’s hands touched either side of Ennis’s face, and his piercing blue eyes held Ennis’s.
“You owe me shit, ok?” Ennis started to object, but as Jack drew him in for a kiss, he relaxed. He felt his body melt into Jack’s as their lips slid against each other’s. Their tongues moved together deftly, leaving no portion of their mouths unexplored. Though he was tired, Ennis felt his body respond naturally to Jack’s affection and passion, and soon he pulled Jack from the girls’ room and into the small hallway. Pushing Jack against the wall, Ennis’s lust intensified, and he began to yank at Jack’s clothes. He sucked hungrily on Jack’s neck, listening to Jack’s excited breaths, than moved Jack out of the hall and into his bedroom.
They collapsed on the bed, a tangle of limbs, and when the moment was right, Ennis slipped a condom over his shaft, lubed up and entered Jack’s welcoming canal. Ennis tried to go slowly, he wanted to last, but in no time he felt his climax rising. Panting heavily, minimizing his thrusts, squeezing his eyes shut, Ennis tried to think of something besides Jack’s amazing warmth. He felt Jack’s knees against his chest, felt the motion of Jack’s hand moving up and down his own shaft, and realized he was never going to hold out.
“Jack, I can’t hold it…”
“Mmm,” Jack said, his voice low, “then don’t.”
Ennis’s release came quickly, wracking his body with intense waves of pleasure. He tried to be quiet, but the overwhelming feeling enveloped him, and he cried out, calling to Jack as if his lover were miles away. No sooner had Ennis’s trembling subsided when he felt the warm spurts of Jack’s orgasm hit his stomach, and he opened his eyes to enjoy the beauty of Jack’s face as it contorted blissfully. Jack clutched Ennis’s bicep with his free hand, his eyes opening to stare deeply into Ennis’s.
“God, Ennis, Ennis, Ennis, baby,” Jack moaned.
When Jack was spent, Ennis slowly withdrew, smiling at Jack’s small sounds of protest, and went into the bathroom to retrieve a warm wash cloth. He cleaned off Jack first and then tended to himself. After tossing the wash cloth across the room where it landed on the hamper, Ennis crawled onto the bed and spooned him. Jack wriggled back so he was nestled tightly against Ennis.
“Damn, Ennis,” said Jack, “I swear it’s never been like this before.” Ennis smiled and placed a gentle kiss on Jack’s shoulder.
“Not for me, either,” said Ennis. He couldn’t believe, as experienced as Jack was, that he truly brought Jack more happiness than anyone else. He found himself recalling Jack’s honesty about having both male and female lovers as well as the comfortable way Jack and Lureen had acted together today. Even while his mind shouted at him to keep his mouth shut, Ennis heard his voice break the contented silence and say, “You ever been more than friends with Lureen?” He felt Jack stiffen slightly, and immediately regretted asking the question.
But Jack relaxed just as quickly, cleared his throat and asked, “Why?” His voice wasn’t accusatory or guilty; he sounded merely curious.
“Well, you seemed to have a connection,” Ennis said. He made slow circles with the palm of his hand on Jack’s back. “You know, you just have a…you know….”
“Chemistry,” Jack said. Ennis felt a small pit in his stomach and slight pressure at the base of his throat.
“Sure, chemistry,” Ennis said, trying to choke back his jealousy. Jack didn’t respond, just reached around and caressed Ennis’s thigh. Ennis continued to rub Jack’s back, moving his hand from between Jack’s shoulder blades, down his spine and to his firm buttocks. He inhaled Jack’s scrumptious scent - shampoo, deodorant, sweat, semen - and exhaled slowly, willing his heartbeat to return to normal. He promised himself that he wouldn’t pressure Jack; that he wouldn’t force him to talk about past lovers, no matter how badly he wanted to know.
“When I first started working at The Quarter Horse,” Jack said quietly, “Lureen and I hooked up a few times. But we decided we made better friends than lovers.” Ennis took a deep breath. Lureen had been one of Jack’s lovers. “We’re good friends now, Ennis,” said Jack. He moved away so he could roll over and face Ennis. Ennis’s meek attempt at a casual smile ended up looking more like a grimace, and Jack broke into a huge grin. “Ennis, trust me, you have nothing to worry about.”
“I ain’t worried,” Ennis said, too quickly and loudly. Jack chuckled and caressed Ennis’s cheek. “No, whut? It’s good. I understand you’re friends.”
“She’s like a sister to me, Ennis, and that’s it. I only want to be with you.” Jack kissed Ennis then, a gentle, sweet kiss full of promises. Ennis brought his hand around to the back of Jack’s head, pressing his lips firmly against Jack’s and then pushing his tongue into Jack’s accepting mouth. His kiss was full of possession.
“That’s good, Jack Twist,” said Ennis, rolling Jack over to lie on top of him. “Cause you’re mine, you hear?” Jack’s eyes shone and he ran his tongue along his lower lip.
“Show me,” Jack taunted. Ennis, seeming famished, mashed his lips down on Jack’s, plunging his tongue inside and then pulling it out like he was fucking Jack’s mouth. When he pulled away, both men were breathless. Ennis licked, nibbled and sucked a trail down Jack’s chest, abdomen and pelvis, then hungrily took Jack’s raging erection into his mouth. As he felt Jack grasp his hair, Ennis moved his head up and down to the rhythm of his words echoing in his head, mine, mine, mine.
~*~*~*~*~*
Ennis woke the next day, blinking against the sunlight that, even though the blinds were closed, streamed into the room. He glanced at the bedside clock, and seeing it was only 8 a.m., decided he’d try to catch some more sleep. He turned his head to see Jack sleeping peacefully beside him. Even first thing in the morning, Jack looked amazing. Ennis rolled onto his side and propped himself up on his arm. He loved to stare at Jack. With his chiseled cheekbones, prominent chin and long, dark eyelashes, Jack Twist was the object of perfection.
He was about to lean forward and kiss Jack when the phone suddenly rang shrilly. Snatching it off its base, Ennis scurried out of the bedroom and pressed the “talk” button. There was really only one person who would call him this early.
“Yeah, hello,” he said, his voice hoarse.
“Ennis, hello,” said Alma.
“Alma, hey,” said Ennis. He reached for the empty pizza box they had left on the table after finally having dinner. He took it into the kitchen, and holding it over the trashcan while he cradled the cordless between his ear and shoulder, began to fold it up.
“I’m real sorry to call this early,” she said, actually sounding like she meant it, “but we’re going to be heading to church soon, and then we have the annual senior citizens’ lunch to prepare for…” Jesus, will she ever get to the point? Ennis thought, “…so I wouldn’t be able to call ‘til much later and I know you work tonight.”
“It’s o.k. I’m awake,” said Ennis.
“Well, Thanksgiving is this Thursday,” said Alma. “Do you have plans?” Ennis pushed the now-compact box into the garbage can and glanced at the calendar. He wondered if Alma and Monroe were going somewhere and needed him to take the girls. That wasn’t like Alma, though. She never gave Ennis the girls on holidays.
“No, I don’t have any plans,” said Ennis.
“Well, Monroe and I thought it might be nice if you had dinner with us. And the girls.” Ennis stood up straight, his brow furrowed. Did he just hear her correctly?
“You’re inviting me to dinner?” said Ennis. Having a holiday with the girls would be fantastic. He missed them so much.
“Yes, Monroe makes a wonderful turkey with his mama’s secret stuffing, and you always liked my candied yams…”
“I’d love to come,” said Ennis before he could think twice.
“Oh, that would be perfect. It would mean the world to the girls.”
“It means a lot to me, too, Alma,” said Ennis. “I appreciate you asking me.”
“Well, I think it will be real nice,” said Alma. “What say you come by around 2:00?”
“Can I bring anything?”
“Well, maybe some white wine would be nice,” said Alma. “’Course, I can’t partake with the new baby comin’ in a few weeks…”
“Oh, right, of course,” said Ennis. He quickly added, “Will this dinner be too much on you, Alma? Don’t want you over doing it.”
“No, no, I’ll be fine,” she said her voice actually cheerful. “So we’ll see you at 2? The girls will be so happy.”
“Me, too. Thanks, Alma,” Ennis said. Just then, he heard a voice calling from down the hall. “Hey, Ennis, where are you?” Jack!
“You got company?” Alma asked.
“Um, that’s, uh…” Ennis stammered. Jack rounded the corner, buck naked.
“Mind if I jump in the shower?” Jack asked. His eyes widened when he saw Ennis on the phone. “Oh,” he said, his voice quieter, “I’m sorry.”
“Ennis, who is that there with you?” Alma’s voice actually sounded suspicious. Play it cool, Ennis, play it cool.
“Oh, yeah, my friend Jack is here, Alma,” Ennis said, staring at Jack, his eyes wide warning Jack not to say anything controversial.
“Wow, he’s there early,” said Alma. “Did he just ask to use your shower?” Ennis felt his stomach twist in knots and swallowed against the lump in his throat. What the hell was he going to say now?
He looked over at Jack, who was sliding the last drawer into the dresser, and realized that his life as a whole had transformed, and it was directly related to that wonderful man. He stealthily moved toward Jack, watching as Jack stood, placed his palm on his lower back and stretched. When Jack returned to his normal posture, Ennis stepped forward and wrapped his arms around Jack’s waist. Jack started, then settled back in Ennis’s arms.
“I owe you a lot, Jack,” said Ennis as he rested his cheek on Jack’s shoulder blade. Jack folded his arms across his stomach and held onto Ennis’s forearms. Impulsively, the couple began to slowly rock back and forth.
“You don’t owe me a thing,” said Jack.
“I owe you everything.” Ennis felt Jack slowly break from his embrace then turn toward him. Jack’s hands touched either side of Ennis’s face, and his piercing blue eyes held Ennis’s.
“You owe me shit, ok?” Ennis started to object, but as Jack drew him in for a kiss, he relaxed. He felt his body melt into Jack’s as their lips slid against each other’s. Their tongues moved together deftly, leaving no portion of their mouths unexplored. Though he was tired, Ennis felt his body respond naturally to Jack’s affection and passion, and soon he pulled Jack from the girls’ room and into the small hallway. Pushing Jack against the wall, Ennis’s lust intensified, and he began to yank at Jack’s clothes. He sucked hungrily on Jack’s neck, listening to Jack’s excited breaths, than moved Jack out of the hall and into his bedroom.
They collapsed on the bed, a tangle of limbs, and when the moment was right, Ennis slipped a condom over his shaft, lubed up and entered Jack’s welcoming canal. Ennis tried to go slowly, he wanted to last, but in no time he felt his climax rising. Panting heavily, minimizing his thrusts, squeezing his eyes shut, Ennis tried to think of something besides Jack’s amazing warmth. He felt Jack’s knees against his chest, felt the motion of Jack’s hand moving up and down his own shaft, and realized he was never going to hold out.
“Jack, I can’t hold it…”
“Mmm,” Jack said, his voice low, “then don’t.”
Ennis’s release came quickly, wracking his body with intense waves of pleasure. He tried to be quiet, but the overwhelming feeling enveloped him, and he cried out, calling to Jack as if his lover were miles away. No sooner had Ennis’s trembling subsided when he felt the warm spurts of Jack’s orgasm hit his stomach, and he opened his eyes to enjoy the beauty of Jack’s face as it contorted blissfully. Jack clutched Ennis’s bicep with his free hand, his eyes opening to stare deeply into Ennis’s.
“God, Ennis, Ennis, Ennis, baby,” Jack moaned.
When Jack was spent, Ennis slowly withdrew, smiling at Jack’s small sounds of protest, and went into the bathroom to retrieve a warm wash cloth. He cleaned off Jack first and then tended to himself. After tossing the wash cloth across the room where it landed on the hamper, Ennis crawled onto the bed and spooned him. Jack wriggled back so he was nestled tightly against Ennis.
“Damn, Ennis,” said Jack, “I swear it’s never been like this before.” Ennis smiled and placed a gentle kiss on Jack’s shoulder.
“Not for me, either,” said Ennis. He couldn’t believe, as experienced as Jack was, that he truly brought Jack more happiness than anyone else. He found himself recalling Jack’s honesty about having both male and female lovers as well as the comfortable way Jack and Lureen had acted together today. Even while his mind shouted at him to keep his mouth shut, Ennis heard his voice break the contented silence and say, “You ever been more than friends with Lureen?” He felt Jack stiffen slightly, and immediately regretted asking the question.
But Jack relaxed just as quickly, cleared his throat and asked, “Why?” His voice wasn’t accusatory or guilty; he sounded merely curious.
“Well, you seemed to have a connection,” Ennis said. He made slow circles with the palm of his hand on Jack’s back. “You know, you just have a…you know….”
“Chemistry,” Jack said. Ennis felt a small pit in his stomach and slight pressure at the base of his throat.
“Sure, chemistry,” Ennis said, trying to choke back his jealousy. Jack didn’t respond, just reached around and caressed Ennis’s thigh. Ennis continued to rub Jack’s back, moving his hand from between Jack’s shoulder blades, down his spine and to his firm buttocks. He inhaled Jack’s scrumptious scent - shampoo, deodorant, sweat, semen - and exhaled slowly, willing his heartbeat to return to normal. He promised himself that he wouldn’t pressure Jack; that he wouldn’t force him to talk about past lovers, no matter how badly he wanted to know.
“When I first started working at The Quarter Horse,” Jack said quietly, “Lureen and I hooked up a few times. But we decided we made better friends than lovers.” Ennis took a deep breath. Lureen had been one of Jack’s lovers. “We’re good friends now, Ennis,” said Jack. He moved away so he could roll over and face Ennis. Ennis’s meek attempt at a casual smile ended up looking more like a grimace, and Jack broke into a huge grin. “Ennis, trust me, you have nothing to worry about.”
“I ain’t worried,” Ennis said, too quickly and loudly. Jack chuckled and caressed Ennis’s cheek. “No, whut? It’s good. I understand you’re friends.”
“She’s like a sister to me, Ennis, and that’s it. I only want to be with you.” Jack kissed Ennis then, a gentle, sweet kiss full of promises. Ennis brought his hand around to the back of Jack’s head, pressing his lips firmly against Jack’s and then pushing his tongue into Jack’s accepting mouth. His kiss was full of possession.
“That’s good, Jack Twist,” said Ennis, rolling Jack over to lie on top of him. “Cause you’re mine, you hear?” Jack’s eyes shone and he ran his tongue along his lower lip.
“Show me,” Jack taunted. Ennis, seeming famished, mashed his lips down on Jack’s, plunging his tongue inside and then pulling it out like he was fucking Jack’s mouth. When he pulled away, both men were breathless. Ennis licked, nibbled and sucked a trail down Jack’s chest, abdomen and pelvis, then hungrily took Jack’s raging erection into his mouth. As he felt Jack grasp his hair, Ennis moved his head up and down to the rhythm of his words echoing in his head, mine, mine, mine.
~*~*~*~*~*
Ennis woke the next day, blinking against the sunlight that, even though the blinds were closed, streamed into the room. He glanced at the bedside clock, and seeing it was only 8 a.m., decided he’d try to catch some more sleep. He turned his head to see Jack sleeping peacefully beside him. Even first thing in the morning, Jack looked amazing. Ennis rolled onto his side and propped himself up on his arm. He loved to stare at Jack. With his chiseled cheekbones, prominent chin and long, dark eyelashes, Jack Twist was the object of perfection.
He was about to lean forward and kiss Jack when the phone suddenly rang shrilly. Snatching it off its base, Ennis scurried out of the bedroom and pressed the “talk” button. There was really only one person who would call him this early.
“Yeah, hello,” he said, his voice hoarse.
“Ennis, hello,” said Alma.
“Alma, hey,” said Ennis. He reached for the empty pizza box they had left on the table after finally having dinner. He took it into the kitchen, and holding it over the trashcan while he cradled the cordless between his ear and shoulder, began to fold it up.
“I’m real sorry to call this early,” she said, actually sounding like she meant it, “but we’re going to be heading to church soon, and then we have the annual senior citizens’ lunch to prepare for…” Jesus, will she ever get to the point? Ennis thought, “…so I wouldn’t be able to call ‘til much later and I know you work tonight.”
“It’s o.k. I’m awake,” said Ennis.
“Well, Thanksgiving is this Thursday,” said Alma. “Do you have plans?” Ennis pushed the now-compact box into the garbage can and glanced at the calendar. He wondered if Alma and Monroe were going somewhere and needed him to take the girls. That wasn’t like Alma, though. She never gave Ennis the girls on holidays.
“No, I don’t have any plans,” said Ennis.
“Well, Monroe and I thought it might be nice if you had dinner with us. And the girls.” Ennis stood up straight, his brow furrowed. Did he just hear her correctly?
“You’re inviting me to dinner?” said Ennis. Having a holiday with the girls would be fantastic. He missed them so much.
“Yes, Monroe makes a wonderful turkey with his mama’s secret stuffing, and you always liked my candied yams…”
“I’d love to come,” said Ennis before he could think twice.
“Oh, that would be perfect. It would mean the world to the girls.”
“It means a lot to me, too, Alma,” said Ennis. “I appreciate you asking me.”
“Well, I think it will be real nice,” said Alma. “What say you come by around 2:00?”
“Can I bring anything?”
“Well, maybe some white wine would be nice,” said Alma. “’Course, I can’t partake with the new baby comin’ in a few weeks…”
“Oh, right, of course,” said Ennis. He quickly added, “Will this dinner be too much on you, Alma? Don’t want you over doing it.”
“No, no, I’ll be fine,” she said her voice actually cheerful. “So we’ll see you at 2? The girls will be so happy.”
“Me, too. Thanks, Alma,” Ennis said. Just then, he heard a voice calling from down the hall. “Hey, Ennis, where are you?” Jack!
“You got company?” Alma asked.
“Um, that’s, uh…” Ennis stammered. Jack rounded the corner, buck naked.
“Mind if I jump in the shower?” Jack asked. His eyes widened when he saw Ennis on the phone. “Oh,” he said, his voice quieter, “I’m sorry.”
“Ennis, who is that there with you?” Alma’s voice actually sounded suspicious. Play it cool, Ennis, play it cool.
“Oh, yeah, my friend Jack is here, Alma,” Ennis said, staring at Jack, his eyes wide warning Jack not to say anything controversial.
“Wow, he’s there early,” said Alma. “Did he just ask to use your shower?” Ennis felt his stomach twist in knots and swallowed against the lump in his throat. What the hell was he going to say now?