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FIC Update! Angels Ain't Easy, Chapter 15 (No Wrong Answers and Broken Glass)
Title: Angels Ain’t Easy
Author: Archet
Pairing: OMC Jody McKinnon/Matt Hawkes
Fandom: High Mountain Rangers
Summary: a story of falling in love, figuring things out and just holding on.
Disclaimer: I did not create the High Mountain Ranger character/s, only this fic and the Original Male Character, Jody McKinnon, and any other original characters in supporting roles. No copyright infringement is intended.
Notes: this fic is set in 1989, approximately a year and a half after the events of the final episode of High Mountain Rangers. There will be no acknowledgment of the events of the spin-off show Jesse Hawkes.
Note: this fic takes place a little over four months after Bad Luck, Bad Guys and High Mountain Rangers and is a sequel to that fic, so reading that first is recommended.
Additional: this fic will depict same sex relationships. If this ain’t your thing, venture no further.
Warnings this chapter: sexual themes & situations, dom/sub themes, punishments
Summary this chapter: Matt learns more about what Jody wants from him, and about himself, and where this may take them, and a phone call brings a surprise.
*****Additional notes at end of story******
~*~
Chapter 15: No Wrong Answers and Broken Glass
They were, essentially, a mess, and as Jody pulled away and grinned down at him, Matt laughed helplessly. He couldn’t help but look down at himself, at Jody’s mark upon him, and a powerful sense of ownership sang through him, ownership of the moment, of the pleasure Jody had given him, and of the man himself. He was still looking as Jody slipped an arm around him, pulling him away from the wall and against his side.
“Do you like it, baby? You like wearing my jizz?”
It should have sounded ridiculous, like a line from a bad porn flick, but coming from Jody the words, and the warm tone, sent a wave of heat cascading through Matt. It was so easy to lean into Jody, to nod and smile and feel as if nothing could touch him, in that moment. Being with Jody, wearing his seed on his skin was so pleasurable that Matt didn’t even hesitate as he looked up.
“I love it,” he said, steady, unshakably certain.
The admission brought a beautiful smile to Jody’s face, and something in Matt’s chest squeezed tight as his chin was cupped, as his head was tilted head back. Sliding a hand up Jody’s chest, he curled his fingers into the soft grey Henley shirt and opened eagerly to the first teasing touch of Jody’s tongue against his lips. He hummed contentedly as his invitation was accepted and Jody entered him, tonguing his mouth with greedy, forceful thrusts.
His man was feeling his power, Matt could tell, and he wanted to foster it, wanted to feed it, give Jody anything he needed.
After a collection of long seconds, Jody pulled way, lips red and wet from the kiss. The arm around Matt squeezed tighter, lifting him a bit up onto the balls of his feet as their bodies were brought into alignment, thigh to thigh, chest to chest. Lifting a hand, Matt cupped Jody’s cheek, stroking his thumb gently over Jody’s cheekbone above the neatly trimmed line of his beard. The gaze Jody fixed upon him, so focused and intent felt as almost a physical touch inside him.
“I loved it,” he reiterated, and added, “I love having you all over me. I’d love to beg for it, next time.”
He felt brave as he said the words, but the heat that stung his cheeks burned away his courage and he tipped his head down to rest against Jody’s chest, hiding his eyes. Again, he laughed a little helplessly. Jody’s hand smoothed up his back, coming to curl around the nape of his neck in a firm, but gentle grip. A shiver flew through him, and his fingers in Jody’s shirt curled a little tighter.
“Sweetheart, look at me,” Jody said softly.
Sighing, face flaming, Matt lifted his head. Jody’s brown eyes had gone very dark, a deepening well of gentleness, and something else, something harder, hungrier, and to witness it sent another shiver up Matt’s spine. It felt a little like doing a fast rappel, thrilling, a little like flying, and in this instance Matt did not question his anchoring rope in the least. He felt tethered, bound irrevocably to Jody.
“I’d love for you to do that,” Jody said, voice deep and husky. “I’d love to put you on your knees, have you beg me to paint your face, to come all in your pretty hair.”
“Oh, God,” Matt blurted, and though they’d made love more times now than Matt could count, including sucking one another off, just standing and talking quietly about Jody putting him on his knees and coming in his hair felt just as intimate, just as provocative.
Matt felt a little lightheaded, weak-kneed, and it that had nothing to do with the injury he’d sustained to one of his knees that seemed to forever be just on the cusp of fully healing and everything to do with the man before him. Sagging into Jody’s arms, he squeezed his eyes shut against the images taking shape in his imagination. He tipped his forehead to rest against Jody’s broad chest, and it bounced a little under him. Jody was laughing, a rolling rumble of pleasure and Matt decided then, that he’d never grow tired of hearing.
“As much as I’d love to continue this,” Jody said, gently, and Matt took that cue to pull his head up, shaking off the myriad of scenarios racing through his mind. He refocused as Jody’s hands came to rest heavily on his hips, as he was given a little squeeze.
Looking into his eyes, Jody said with a raised brow, “We actually do have dinner reservations to get to.”
Matt gave himself another mental shake. “Can I ask where?” he wondered curiously.
“Hmm?” Jody offered with a teasing slant to his mouth. “Oh, I just made reservations at Anita’s, over on Calico Court.”
For a second, Matt didn’t think he’d heard correctly. He was so distracted he barely noticed Jody’s grin as he reached down and began tugging at Matt’s boxers and pants. He hissed softly as he was carefully tucked back into the confines of his boxers, his softened cock handled with the upmost care. Jody pulled his pants the rest of the way up over his ass, but didn’t bother to button or zip them back up.
Seeing that he wasn’t going to get a thank you, Jody chuckled and snaring Matt’s hand, began pulling him toward the kitchen. “Come on, gotta get moving.”
“Did you say Anita’s? The Anita’s?” Matt finally sputtered.
Bemused, Jody nodded his head and towed Matt across the kitchen and down the hall to the bathroom. Once there, Matt allowed himself to be positioned before the sink, and he watched expectantly as Jody reached up to the shelf behind the bathroom door, and grabbed a couple folded towels and bath cloths. The stack of towels was dropped onto the closed lid of the toilet before Jody deigned to reply.
“Well,” Jody said conversationally. “There’s only one Anita’s that I know of in Bear Valley, so yeah, the Anita’s.”
Matt stood still, brow furrowing as Jody gestured for him to raise his arms. He did so, little notice given to his easy compliance, or the pleased tilt of Jody’s lips as his shirt was pulled up and off. Emerging from the folds of the garment, Matt was still unbelieving. He shook his head, oblivious to Jody’s smile widening into a grin as his hands moved to Matt’s waist and began tugging down his pants, and then his underwear.
Looking down as Jody knelt before him, Matt braced himself with one hand on Jody’s shoulder and obediently lifted one foot and then the other, as the rest of his clothes were stripped off him.
“But, it’s like a three week wait to get a reservation at Anita’s,” he said.
Simply known as ‘Anita’s’, the restaurant was owned and operated by Anita Hightower, one of the wealthiest citizens in the entire Lake Tahoe region. The petite, brown-eyed blonde had amassed a fortune from either success in the hotel industry, or from her two late husbands, depending on who you spoke to. Supposedly she was currently married to a third, but he was seen around town infrequently enough that rumors swirled about whether or not he even was really her husband. Not long after establishing her restaurant, which last Matt knew carried a prestigious three Michelin Stars, Anita had also opened up the Hightower Club in South Lake Tahoe. The place had quickly made a name for itself as the swankiest, and most openly inclusive of all preferences, especially gay, nightclub in the area. Matt had been to the club several times in his college days, and still thought fondly of the place.
Standing, Jody spent a few moments folding Matt’s clothes before dropping them into the hamper by the sink. “She’s my cousin.”
Matt boggled. “Anita Hightower is your cousin?”
“Yeah, distantly,” Jody replied mildly. “I don’t even know the connection. It’s on my mom’s side.”
As Matt continued to stare Jody shook his head, amusement alight in his eyes. “Look, my mom knows her. They went to college together, were pretty good friends, I guess. She and mom kept in touch over the years, and mom has talked about her, on and off. I don’t know her at all, personally. I’ve never even met her, so you can calm down.”
Matt watched Jody shrug as he reached into the shower stall and twisted the knobs to get the water flowing from the showerhead. After a moment he lifted his hand into the stream, testing the temperature. He nodded his head in approval as he replied, “I just called and dropped mom’s name, and we got squeezed in. I had no idea she was such a big deal around here.”
Matt huffed. “Oh, she’s a big deal. Did you know she lives in that huge place up on Snowshoe Road? They say she dropped, like over a million on that, and they say she’s on like, her third husband, the first two having died under suspicious circumstances. And nobody ever sees the third one. Izzy and Tim have a running bet on the next time he pops up, he’s seen that rarely.”
Jody swung back around, sidled close, and slid his arms around Matt’s waist. “Jesus, I had no idea I had such a gossip on my hands.”
Matt raised a brow. “I am not a gossip. It’s just, interesting is all. Mysterious.”
After a moment of Jody looking down at him indulgently with a mild smirk, Matt looped his arms around Jody’s waist. He tilted his head back, one corner of his mouth twitching up. “My man has connections. I like it.”
Jody chuckled, and dipping his head, nipped at Matt’s bottom lip. “Is that all you like, baby?”
Breath stuttering at the quick little love bite, Matt licked his bitten lip. He liked the sting, the thrill of pleasure shivering inside him. He looked up into Jody’s mirthful eyes. “Oh, I don’t think we have the time, if we’ve reservations to make.”
Chuckling again, Jody dropped a hand to Matt’s ass, big hand cupping him, a gentle, rhythmic massaging. “Such a good boy, to remind me,” he practically growled.
Before Matt could properly process the pleasure Jody’s touch and words gave him, his lover was pulling back. “Now, into the shower with you.”
Smirking as Jody busied himself with stripping out of his clothes, Matt stepped around him and into the tiled shower stall and into the warm stream of water. Wafts of steam began filling the bathroom. As water hit his skin he sighed, ducking his head under the spray to soak his hair. He stepped back wiping water from his eyes and shaking his head, running fingers through his hair, slicking it back.
“You know,” Matt began, a tease on the tip of his tongue, and had his thought process fizz out when confronted by the sight of Jody, fully nude, standing calmly in the middle of the bathroom rug neatly folding his own jeans and shirt, smeared somewhat with his own come, transferred there from Matt’s skin.
Mouth going dry, Matt swallowed, and only pulled himself together when Jody glanced up at him.
“I know what?” Jody prompted, placing his folded clothing in the hamper atop Matt’s own.
“Uhhh…” Matt said thickly, and then blinked as his train of thought realigned, a mischievous slant tilting his smile. “I was just thinking, maybe I should try being a bad boy, once in a while, just to change things up.”
That seemed to gain Jody’s full attention. A slow curl began at the corner of his mouth as he approached the shower. He took his time, stepping into the stall and closing the fogged, glass door behind him. Matt stepped back, making room, hissing a little as his back brushed the wet, slick tiles behind him. Jody advanced upon him, hands going to either side of Matt to brace against the tiles, effectively caging Matt between them.
“I think you can do whatever you like, angel, although keep in mind that bad boys tend to receive punishments.”
Breath gusting out at Jody’s low tone, Matt’s eyes closed briefly.
Fucking hell he’s so fucking good at this.
Hauling his eyes back open, he found Jody watching him patiently, the pleased curl of his mouth even more pronounced.
“Punishments?” Matt asked equal parts curious, excited and cautious.
Jody regarded him thoughtfully. “Yes, baby, punishments. And believe it or not, those are something we can both enjoy, depending on the situation.”
Matt stared, ensnared by the teasing, but deeply intent expression on Jody’s face. “So, that may be something you’d like doing?”
Jody nodded his head once. “I would. Has no one ever given you a punishment? With me you clearly present as submissive, I have a hard time to believing that sweet, but smart mouth of yours hasn’t gotten you in trouble somewhere along the way.”
Matt thought about it. “Not really. I mean, I’ve dated, you know? But it was more, playing around than anything. It wasn’t until Jonathan that I really…” Matt paused, searching for the right words as he thought back to his time with his ex. “With Jonathan it was serious. I mean, he took it seriously, and he really showed me a lot about what someone with certain expectations wanted.”
Jody seized on a couple of Matt’s words. “Certain expectations?”
Matt sighed. “Yeah, like you, he could see I have… a certain tendency to submit. I like it, like how it makes me feel, but Jon, he really showed me how it can be a deeper connection than just playing around, playing a role with another guy to get off. He had certain things he wanted from me, and he had his way of showing me what he wanted. It wasn’t until things got more serious between us that I really started to understand what it means, to be with someone like that.”
Jody absorbed all this, then asked, “And he never punished you?”
Realized he’d deviated from Jody’s original query, Matt groped for an easy way to explain Jonathan’s methods. “Jon never called it that. I mean, of course there were times I disobeyed him deliberately, usually because he was being an asshole, and I just wasn’t feeling it, you know?”
Matt looked down, not liking suddenly where their conversation was taking him, but wanting to answer Jody’s question. He knew, now, there were things about Jonathan he’d never fully understood, and probably never would, and he still felt like somewhat of a failure at not being able to fulfill whatever it had been that Jonathan had needed.
“Jon liked it when I obeyed him, and he was patient with me when, maybe, there were things I didn’t quite get, things he wanted from me, but when I outright defied him, usually toward the end when he were fighting all the time and he had gotten pretty controlling, he just withdrew from me. He didn’t explain, or call it ‘punishment’, but that’s what it felt like. And I never liked it.”
Feeling as if he’d unearthed some old, jagged, unhealed piece of himself, Matt sighed. “That’s the best I can explain it.”
Jody was silent for a beat, then he lifted a hand, curling his fingers under Matt’s chin to tilt his face back up so they were eye to eye.
“You’ll never have to wonder with me. And I’ll never just leave you wondering, and alone. Do you understand, angel?”
Matt nodded. “I understand. I trust you.”
Jody smiled, and the warmth that lit his eyes touched the small, cold knot in Matt’s stomach and dissolved it.
“Good boy. And you’ll do well to remember that my punishments fit the situation, and I can imagine that most times we will both enjoy it.”
“I’ll remember,” Matt promised, a thrill of excitement thrilling up his spine.
Seemingly satisfied, Jody smiled, leaning in. Lifting his chin, Matt tilted his head back to meet the kiss, and it came as a gentle brush of Jody’s mouth against his, followed by a gentle retreat as Jody drew back and just looked at him for a long, searching moment. The advance, when it came, pressed Matt back against the wet tiles and Jody slanted their mouths together, his hand under Matt’s chin shifting from simply holding to gripping firmly, keeping Matt steady as he thrust his tongue inside.
Humming happily, Matt sank into the kiss, into the pleasure of Jody’s grip and his lover’s stroking presence inside him. His hands lifted and glided over smooth, wet skin, and Jody responded by growling into his mouth, and kissing him harder. All too soon, Jody pulled away, and Matt followed him, chasing his mouth with a sound of displeasure. One strong arm wrapped around Matt’s waist and held him firmly in place.
Jody chuckled, and looked down into Matt’s eyes. “Reservations,” he said gruffly.
Matt grinned, and holding Jody’s gaze for a moment, bowed his head and brushed a kiss over the pert nub of Jody’s nipple. The hiss of pleasure he received spurring him on, Matt lavished attention on the nub, drawing it into mouth, sucking on it, rubbing it with the flat of his tongue. A thrill skated up his spine as Jody’s hand came up to cup the back of his head, as Jody’s moan echoed throughout the shower stall.
Matt pulled off to take a quick breath, then went back to the hardened, dusky nipple, wanting to earn more of his lion’s lush, deep moans, but before he could draw it fully back into his mouth Jody’s fingers tangled into his hair, tightened, and pulled him back.
Frowning, Matt made to move back to his preferred activity, but Jody held him tight, giving him a gentle, but firm shake.
“Now you’re being a disobedient boy,” Jody warned.
Remembering Jody’s words about punishments, and curious beyond reason, Matt smirked.
“And? What are you gonna do about it?”
Matt knew he was pushing, probably at the wrong time, and being awfully transparent about it, but suddenly he wanted to know what a reprimand from Jody would look like, or more importantly, feel like.
A sharp slap to his ass made Matt jump. His breath rushed out, and his eyes went wide with surprise. Watching him intently, fingers still tight in his hair, Jody gave him another slap. Jumping again, Matt was less shocked at the slap, which was just a degree past being playful, and more distracted by the sting of pleasure zipping up his spine. Inside, he felt a pulse of desire, and it felt warm, and wanted, and new. Still held in Jody’s grip, he stared up at his lover as the feeling wavered inside him, a shifting flame of excitement, and heat.
“Interesting,” Jody said his dark eyes intent. But he seemed pleased; intrigued, as he read the reactions in Matt’s body. “Do you want to continue this, or go to dinner?”
Matt’s brow furrowed. He wasn’t sure what he wanted, suddenly, and this wasn’t a feeling he was accustomed to. He didn’t want to disappoint Jody, but he wanted to chase the feeling inside him, the feeling created by Jody’s slap. He opened his mouth, but couldn’t seem to form words.
Loosening the fingers in Matt’s hair, Jody went back to cupping the back of his head. He tilted his chin down and after staring steadily into Matt’s eyes, said, “There are no wrong answers here, angel. Just go with what you’re feeling. Remember, I’ll never leave you wondering where you stand with me, I don’t say things I don’t mean.”
Matt swallowed, and the moment of confusion eased. Under Jody’s steady gaze, and firm hand, he felt the off kilter feeling right itself. He could choose, and any choice would be fine with Jody, because Jody had said so.
“I want… I want to go to dinner with you,” he finally managed.
Matt watched for a look of displeasure on Jody’s face, for a hint of disappointment in his eyes, but found neither. Jody just smiled, and let him go. They stood there, chest to chest for a moment under the warm spray, and then Jody turned and retrieved the soap and a bath cloth. The next few minutes passed as Jody efficiently, and thoroughly, washed Matt from head to toe. Having done that, he squeezed a dollop of shampoo into his palm, and then applied it to Matt’s dripping hair, scrubbing his scalp until the shampoo became a cap of suds over Matt’s head. A quick rinse, followed by the quick application of conditioner, and then another rinse, and Jody stepped back.
“Go on and step out and dry off. Then go to the bedroom and wait for me.”
The words were softly spoken, but strung together with a thread of steel. Jody had already turned away to wash himself, seemingly confident that his directions would be followed. Again, Matt felt a sense of utter surety inside, like a foundation being laid that would never crack, never fail. Shaking his head a little at himself and his wandering thoughts, he stepped out onto the thick bathroom rug and quickly toweled off. He ran the towel over his hair, and afterwards ran his fingers through the tangled strands, pushing it back out of his eyes. He made to reach for the comb, but paused… Jody hadn’t said anything about his hair.
A moment of indecisiveness seized him, but just as quickly fled.
There are no wrong answers here, angel.
Nodding to himself, Matt dropped the damp towel into the hamper, and padded naked into the bedroom, hair tousled and untended. He stopped by the bed, breathing out, the cool air against his bare skin brining goosebumps over his body. Seeing a set of clothes laid out on the bed, he froze, staring. He’d totally forgotten about Jody’s comment earlier, about having laid out clothes for him.
Curious, Matt stepped closer to the bed. He recognized the charcoal grey slacks, black turtleneck and forest green button-up cardigan as items from his own closet. He even recognized the pair of dark grey socks, draped over a pair of his favorite leather loafers on the floor at the foot of the bed. What he did not recognize, however, was the underwear. A pair of silvery grey boxer briefs lay next to the green cardigan.
Shorter in length than he was used to, and cut up the sides to nearly the waistband, Matt could see that they’d drape open along the sides of his thighs, were made to show off a lot of skin. Reaching out, he ran his fingers over the underwear’s material, finding it cool and silky smooth, and Matt realized that sometime during his free moments, Jody had gone out and bought these with Matt in mind. He’d bought these and intended to dress Matt in them personally.
Stepping back from the bed, Matt released a long breath, closed his eyes and let the pleasurable sense of anticipation fill him, he let the thrill of belonging to a man like Jody McKinnon take him, until he was just standing there, eyes closed, and smiling. He didn’t have to wait long. He started slightly as a pair of arms slid around his waist from behind, as the soft brush of lips along the side of his neck had him chuckling, and opening his eyes.
“Do you approve of what I’ve chosen for you?” Jody asked, lips brushing the shell of Matt’s ear.
Breath rushing through him, Matt leaned back into Jody’s arms. “Yes, I approve.”
“Good. Now, let’s get you dressed.”
Releasing him, Jody stepped around and to the bed. He’d already donned a pair of his own boxers, a tight fitting black pair that hugged the firm muscle of his ass. A pleased curve to his lips, Jody picked up the silky underwear from the quilt and turning around, held them out in front of Matt.
“Step into them, angel,” he said, bending down and holding the waistband open between his hands.
Bracing himself with one hand on Jody’s bare shoulder, Matt bit his lip and stepped first one foot, and then the other, into the open legs of the boxers. Once he’d stepped inside them, Jody straightened and pulled them up, arranging them so that they lay flat and proper against Matt’s trim waist. He then reached inside and curled his fingers around Matt’s cock, arranging that too, to his satisfaction.
Releasing his bitten lip, Matt let slip a small sound of pleasure. His hand still on Jody’s shoulder, he closed his eyes and hissed softly. His fingers tightened on the taut muscle as a powerful sense of belonging settled over him. This was affecting him so much more than he’d expected.
Warm hands came to rest against his waist, and Matt forced his eyes open. Jody was watching him, not smiling, exactly, but his intense, focused gaze held a light that conveyed a sweet, honest enjoyment at watching Matt’s reactions. Matt didn’t think he’d ever had anyone look at him quite that way and he couldn’t imagine what he’d done to deserve such regard.
“You look just how I’d imagined, in these,” Jody said, voice husky with approval.
Warmth flooding him, Matt offered softly, “Thank you,” and let his own pleasure show plain on his face.
Jody did smile then, and leaning in pressed a kiss to Matt’s forehead, a sweet blush of warmth against his skin.
“My sweet, sweet boy,” Jody whispered, and drew away before Matt could decide exactly how the chaste kiss made him feel… treasured, cherished, almost.
The next few minutes passed at Jody’s direction, and Matt found suddenly, that the mere act of
getting dressed could be one of the most sensual experiences of his life. With each garment Jody placed upon his body, a soft kiss was brushed someplace against this bare skin before it was covered. By the time he stood fully dressed, except for his shoes, his entire body was strumming with pleasure, and his cock was beginning to stir. The silky boxers felt slick against his body, and Matt knew with every move he made tonight, he’d feel Jody’s influence on him, physically, which he supposed was the entire point.
Standing back, Jody studied him with a critical eye, the darkened gaze traveling from his crown to his toes. After a moment, he knelt and gestured for Matt to lift his foot. Obediently Matt did, and looking down he watched as Jody slipped his shoe onto his right foot, then repeated the process with his left. The sight of such a powerful man at his feet tripped something inside Matt, and his breath rushed out.
I’m his, and he’s mine, he thought, a little stunned by how the truth of this felt, as if it’d been there his entire life until his lion found him to bring it into the light.
Standing, Jody reached out, brushing his fingers through Matt’s tousled hair, now nearly dry.
“Let’s get this hair sorted out,” he said, and reaching around Matt to the nightstand, drew back with a comb and a tube of hair gel Matt’s hadn’t even noticed was there.
He felt a surge of pride at getting that right, and was glad that he hadn’t taken care of his hair before leaving the bathroom. Jody ran the comb through his blonde locks easily, and after a moment popped open the gel and squeezed out a tiny amount into one palm. Rubbing it between his hands, Jody ran his slicked fingers through Matt’s hair, finger combing it back from his face. Once having done, he stepped back, and head tilted, studying Matt once more.
His cheeks buzzing with heat, his body brushed with an almost electric sense of sensitivity, Matt felt as if he could feel every single stitch and thread of the clothes that lay against this skin.
“Perfect,” Jody finally said, a soft smile curving his lips.
Smiling back, Matt asked hopefully, “May I help you get dressed now?”
Jody shook his head. “No, baby.”
Disappointment coloring his voice, Matt said honestly, “But I want to. I mean, I want to do it for you.”
Smile deepening, Jody said, “I know. But angel, if you touch me right now I’m going to rip those clothes off you and fuck you until you scream, and we’ll miss our reservation, and you said you wanted to go to dinner.”
Matt stared. Jody wasn’t kidding. And while his voice was even, almost matter of fact, there wasn’t an ounce of levity in his face or tone. He meant it.
Christ, I wouldn’t fucking care.
But this wasn’t just about what Matt wanted, it was about Jody, and his plans for them tonight.
“Would it be easier if I wait for you in the other room?” He ventured, hoping that he sounded sincere, though he very much didn’t want to leave the room.
“It would, baby. Please wait for me in the living room.”
Resigned, but also tremendously flattered, Matt offered Jody a grin and turned and left the room before he could do something truly rash. He didn’t have to wait long. In a few minutes Jody appeared in the entryway to the living room dressed in his signature black jeans, a black suede leather vest and crisp white button up. On his feet he’d donned his heavy black boots, and his dark hair he’d left down, falling in gentle waves to his shoulders.
Matt’s mouth went dry. Fuck, but his lion looked good. The suede vest fitted tightly around his ribs and waist, highlighting the powerful, strong trunk of his body. The white shirt accentuated the wide span of his shoulders and biceps, and his jeans, not too tight nor too loose, only seemed the lengthen his long legs, and show off his thick, strong thighs.
“Ready?” Matt asked, cheeks flaming as his voice came forth as little more than a rasp.
Grinning, Jody lifted a hand and jangled a ring of keys on one finger. “Yep. Let’s go. We should just make it in time.”
Stepping out onto the porch, Matt waited as Jody locked the door and side by side they walked across the short lawn to Jody’s truck. Jody followed him to the passenger side and opened the door for him, and Matt fought the smile that threatened at Jody’s deference. He realized this was something Jody was taking true enjoyment in, and it was remarkably attractive that a man of Jody’s power was unafraid to show these sweet, small courtesies in such simple ways as opening a door.
The ride to the restaurant passed fairly quickly. Night had fallen, the stars diamond points in the clear sky, and as they rode they talked about mundane things, the usual business of the station, and the possibilities of the menu waiting for them. By the time they pulled up in front of the restaurant, a single story building clad in river rock and tastefully lit and landscaped on the outside, Matt felt much more settled, and less likely to pop a boner in public at just the sight of his man in his black jeans and fitted vest.
Jody handed over the keys to the valet and accepted the ticket, and together they exited the truck, and headed under the covered awning and through the glass doors of Anita’s main entrance. Jody kept one hand at the small of Matt’s back until they’d made it inside and stepped up to the hostess’ podium. The inside of Anita’s was just as Matt remembered it from the time Jonathan had taken him there. A large stone fireplace dominated the main dining room. Unlit now in summer, instead in the hearth a bank of tall white pillar candles flickered. Various booths were scattered throughout the primary floor space, all with high backs so it was nearly impossible to catch a glimpse of its occupants unless one was standing on the open side.
Sharply appointed waiters and waitresses in black shirts, black pants and white bowties navigated the islands the booths made, flowing around them in a calm pace, carrying trays, menus and ice buckets. There were sections with open air tables, and most had already been filled with patrons. Overhead a winding display of twisted vines hung from the paneled ceiling. Fashioned into a long, endless loop that wound all around the restaurant, and wreathed with thick green leaves that appeared organic in the low light, it gave one the sense of almost being outside. In among the greenery hung glass pendant lights near each booth that reminded Matt of dollops of honey suspended in mid air. The lighting gave off a pleasing, buttery glow that was warm, and soothing.
Everything about the place invoked a rustic sophistication, not to mention the incredibly appealing aroma. As Matt looked around the room, Jody dealt with the hostess, and after a quick check of her book, she invited them to follow her. They wound amid several booths until Matt realized they were not being seated in the main dinning area, but in one of the side rooms, which Matt had never visited. They were lead to a booth tucked inside a smaller room where panels of abstract stained glass panels hung on brass chains from the ceiling. Each panel depicted a mountain scene of sorts involving lots of greens, blues and ambers. All were lit from above by subtle recessed lighting so they each seemed to glow from within.
Their booth was a thick cushioned semicircle, and sliding onto the plush seat, Matt smiled as Jody eased in close by his side. A candle in the shape of an open flower floated in a clear glass bowl of water in the center of their table, a flame dancing on its wick. The booth’s open side faced a window, and outside the windowpanes a beautifully landscaped scene featured a small waterfall tumbling through a collection of rocks, all backed by a rows of carefully trimmed cedar trees and backlit so that the moving water glimmered in the night. Another fireplace stood in the corner of the room, again, its hearth filled with lit candles, their golden flames shimmering.
The hostess handed off two menus and promised to send over a waiter shortly, giving them time to consider the menu. As she slipped away Matt turned to Jody.
“Wow. I’ve never been in this section before.”
Jody opened his menu with a playful flourish and raised brow. “Yeah, I asked for the best they had.”
Scooting to the edge of the seat, Matt leaned a little out of the booth, curious about the rest of the room. There were other booths, even a couple tables, but each one stood empty. He turned back to face Jody, mouth hanging open.
“We’re the only people in here.”
Jody dipped his head once. “Seems like it”
Sliding back into the booth, Matt cocked his head. “Did you rent out this entire room?”
Jody put his menu aside, and regarded Matt thoughtfully. “And if I did? How would that make you feel?”
“What difference does that make? This must’ve cost you-” Matt started, but stammered to a halt.
How did it make him feel?
Jonathan used to do things sort of like this. He’d thought nothing of dropping hundreds of dollars on something like this, on things like the jade hawk, but with Jody it felt different. Jon had done it almost in a performative sense. He’d wanted to impress Matt, and he’d succeeded, several times, but in the end the extravagances had become to feel more like empty gestures to distract from their very real problems than genuine expressions of feeling. Really, what the hell use did he have for a thrifty-five hundred dollar sea-jade hawk, after all?
Jody’s dark eyes reflected the brilliance of candle flame as he waited, and Matt considered the question more thoroughly.
“It makes me feel… special, I guess. But not because it must’ve cost an arm and a leg, but because you wanted to do this for me.”
Jody smiled. “I do want you to feel special, baby, because you are special.”
Matt looked down at the table, face heating. He shook his head. “I’m not, really. I’m glad you think so, though.”
Next to him Jody sighed. “Look at me, Matthew.”
Pressing his lips together, Matt lifted his head, and met Jody’s eyes.
“I love doing things like this for you, because I love making you feel good. I love looking after you, taking care of you, like when I cook for you at home. I love when you allow it. You’re the kind of man that can take care of himself, I know, but that makes it all the more appealing to me.”
Heart pounding, Matt felt his smile stretch across his face, and he couldn’t seem to find words to convey what he was feeling. He didn’t know what he was feeling, just that he felt good. He felt damned good.
Jody saved him from making a fool of himself by speaking again.
“Matt, I know we haven’t been together that long, but I wanted to tell you that I’ve-”
“I’m so sorry for interrupting. Mr. Hawkes?”
Matt blinked, turning toward the intruding voice. It was a waiter, hands clasped in front of him, eyes apologetic.
“Yes?” Matt asked, brow furrowed.
“You have a call at the bar, Mr. Hawkes. I’m afraid it sounded rather urgent.”
“Oh,” Matt replied dully. He was still fixated on Jody’s words, wrapped in the spell Jody had weaved so effortlessly around him this entire night. And he wanted to know what else Jody had meant to say, but finally the waiter’s words penetrated his distracted thoughts.
“Shit.” Turning to Jody he said, “I’m sorry. I better take it. It could be station business.”
Sitting back against his seat cushions, Jody said, “Of course, but who even knows you’re here? You didn’t even know you were going to be here until an hour ago, and I didn’t tell anyone.”
Sliding out of the booth, Matt stood. “I’ve no idea.” He took a step away from the table, then turned back.
Jody sat watching him, brow raised as Matt stepped back to the table. Taking a page from his lion’s book, Matt leaned down and curled his fingers under Jody’s chin, tipping his face up a bit.
“I’ll come right back to you, I promise,” he said, voice low, and private and for Jody only. He brushed his mouth over Jody’s, and then reluctantly pulled way.
Jody’s hooded eyes gleamed darkly up at him, and Matt shivered as he turned and walked away from the table. It took him a moment to reorient himself in the rather maze like layout of the restaurant, but once he passed back into the main dining room and rounded a row of potted palms that served as a living screen between the dining room and the bar, Matt spotted the black phone sitting on its end, the handset lying on its side on the polished bar top. Heading over Matt gestured for the bartender’s attention and motioned toward the phone.
“I was told I had a call?”
The bartender, busy filling a silver martini shaker, jerked his chin toward the end of the bar.
“Yes, sir. Call for Hawkes. Take your time.”
Matt raised a hand in thanks and weaved his way between a row of tables and patrons. Stepping up to bar, he picked up the handset and pressed it to his ear.
“Hello? This is Matt Hawkes.”
Only the steady beep of a dial tone greeted him. Frowning, Matt listened for another second, and then set the handset back down in its cradle. He looked back over at the bartender, but the man had moved on to taking another customer’s order. Matt looked around, noticing it was louder here than in his and Jody’s secluded corner of the restaurant. The kitchen was just off the bar, and a set of swinging double doors opened as a pair of waitresses came through bearing large round trays laden with steaming plates of food and folded thick white napkins.
Pushing away from the bar, Matt tapped his fingers against the brass rail running along its length. Maybe it’d been a mistake, somehow? Shrugging, he was just about to turn and head back to Jody when a voice carried over the mingled sounds of clinking glasses, the steady hum of a dozen low conversations and the gentle refrain of As Time Goes By coming from the baby grand piano being played across the room next to the parquet dance floor.
“Well, as I live and breathe, if it isn’t Matthew Lee Hawkes.”
Disbelieving his own ears, Matt turned and stared, stunned.
“Jonathan,” he said stupidly.
Jonathan Silva smiled, a slow and steady curving of his mouth. His sharp grey eyes darted up and down Matt’s frame before fixing on his face. He stepped forward, his suit jacket cut to perfection over his wide shoulders and fitted to his tall, lean body. His black hair was slicked back in its usual fashion, if not a bit longer than it was the last time Matt had seen him.
“It’s really good to see you again, Matty Lee,” Jonathan said, voice pitched soft, almost gentle.
Matt frowned. Nobody but Jonathan had ever called him that. There was a time he’d loved it. That time had passed.
They stared at one another over the small space separating them, and somewhere up the bar someone swore as a glass tumbled, slipping from careless fingers to splinter against the tiled floor.
****Additional Notes****
This chapter really should've been split up, but having actually finished it, I can't be bothered! Woop! I'm way too sleepy to make those decisions. Anita's restaurant is totally made up from my fevered mind. I just wanted something completely romantic and this is what I came up with. Of course, a certain someone managed to insert himself into Angels, even though I had resolved to make him wait until the next bit, but here we are. We'll see where this takes us!
Hope you enjoy this part, as always drop any feedback etc in the comments!
Author: Archet
Pairing: OMC Jody McKinnon/Matt Hawkes
Fandom: High Mountain Rangers
Summary: a story of falling in love, figuring things out and just holding on.
Disclaimer: I did not create the High Mountain Ranger character/s, only this fic and the Original Male Character, Jody McKinnon, and any other original characters in supporting roles. No copyright infringement is intended.
Notes: this fic is set in 1989, approximately a year and a half after the events of the final episode of High Mountain Rangers. There will be no acknowledgment of the events of the spin-off show Jesse Hawkes.
Note: this fic takes place a little over four months after Bad Luck, Bad Guys and High Mountain Rangers and is a sequel to that fic, so reading that first is recommended.
Additional: this fic will depict same sex relationships. If this ain’t your thing, venture no further.
Warnings this chapter: sexual themes & situations, dom/sub themes, punishments
Summary this chapter: Matt learns more about what Jody wants from him, and about himself, and where this may take them, and a phone call brings a surprise.
*****Additional notes at end of story******
~*~
Chapter 15: No Wrong Answers and Broken Glass
They were, essentially, a mess, and as Jody pulled away and grinned down at him, Matt laughed helplessly. He couldn’t help but look down at himself, at Jody’s mark upon him, and a powerful sense of ownership sang through him, ownership of the moment, of the pleasure Jody had given him, and of the man himself. He was still looking as Jody slipped an arm around him, pulling him away from the wall and against his side.
“Do you like it, baby? You like wearing my jizz?”
It should have sounded ridiculous, like a line from a bad porn flick, but coming from Jody the words, and the warm tone, sent a wave of heat cascading through Matt. It was so easy to lean into Jody, to nod and smile and feel as if nothing could touch him, in that moment. Being with Jody, wearing his seed on his skin was so pleasurable that Matt didn’t even hesitate as he looked up.
“I love it,” he said, steady, unshakably certain.
The admission brought a beautiful smile to Jody’s face, and something in Matt’s chest squeezed tight as his chin was cupped, as his head was tilted head back. Sliding a hand up Jody’s chest, he curled his fingers into the soft grey Henley shirt and opened eagerly to the first teasing touch of Jody’s tongue against his lips. He hummed contentedly as his invitation was accepted and Jody entered him, tonguing his mouth with greedy, forceful thrusts.
His man was feeling his power, Matt could tell, and he wanted to foster it, wanted to feed it, give Jody anything he needed.
After a collection of long seconds, Jody pulled way, lips red and wet from the kiss. The arm around Matt squeezed tighter, lifting him a bit up onto the balls of his feet as their bodies were brought into alignment, thigh to thigh, chest to chest. Lifting a hand, Matt cupped Jody’s cheek, stroking his thumb gently over Jody’s cheekbone above the neatly trimmed line of his beard. The gaze Jody fixed upon him, so focused and intent felt as almost a physical touch inside him.
“I loved it,” he reiterated, and added, “I love having you all over me. I’d love to beg for it, next time.”
He felt brave as he said the words, but the heat that stung his cheeks burned away his courage and he tipped his head down to rest against Jody’s chest, hiding his eyes. Again, he laughed a little helplessly. Jody’s hand smoothed up his back, coming to curl around the nape of his neck in a firm, but gentle grip. A shiver flew through him, and his fingers in Jody’s shirt curled a little tighter.
“Sweetheart, look at me,” Jody said softly.
Sighing, face flaming, Matt lifted his head. Jody’s brown eyes had gone very dark, a deepening well of gentleness, and something else, something harder, hungrier, and to witness it sent another shiver up Matt’s spine. It felt a little like doing a fast rappel, thrilling, a little like flying, and in this instance Matt did not question his anchoring rope in the least. He felt tethered, bound irrevocably to Jody.
“I’d love for you to do that,” Jody said, voice deep and husky. “I’d love to put you on your knees, have you beg me to paint your face, to come all in your pretty hair.”
“Oh, God,” Matt blurted, and though they’d made love more times now than Matt could count, including sucking one another off, just standing and talking quietly about Jody putting him on his knees and coming in his hair felt just as intimate, just as provocative.
Matt felt a little lightheaded, weak-kneed, and it that had nothing to do with the injury he’d sustained to one of his knees that seemed to forever be just on the cusp of fully healing and everything to do with the man before him. Sagging into Jody’s arms, he squeezed his eyes shut against the images taking shape in his imagination. He tipped his forehead to rest against Jody’s broad chest, and it bounced a little under him. Jody was laughing, a rolling rumble of pleasure and Matt decided then, that he’d never grow tired of hearing.
“As much as I’d love to continue this,” Jody said, gently, and Matt took that cue to pull his head up, shaking off the myriad of scenarios racing through his mind. He refocused as Jody’s hands came to rest heavily on his hips, as he was given a little squeeze.
Looking into his eyes, Jody said with a raised brow, “We actually do have dinner reservations to get to.”
Matt gave himself another mental shake. “Can I ask where?” he wondered curiously.
“Hmm?” Jody offered with a teasing slant to his mouth. “Oh, I just made reservations at Anita’s, over on Calico Court.”
For a second, Matt didn’t think he’d heard correctly. He was so distracted he barely noticed Jody’s grin as he reached down and began tugging at Matt’s boxers and pants. He hissed softly as he was carefully tucked back into the confines of his boxers, his softened cock handled with the upmost care. Jody pulled his pants the rest of the way up over his ass, but didn’t bother to button or zip them back up.
Seeing that he wasn’t going to get a thank you, Jody chuckled and snaring Matt’s hand, began pulling him toward the kitchen. “Come on, gotta get moving.”
“Did you say Anita’s? The Anita’s?” Matt finally sputtered.
Bemused, Jody nodded his head and towed Matt across the kitchen and down the hall to the bathroom. Once there, Matt allowed himself to be positioned before the sink, and he watched expectantly as Jody reached up to the shelf behind the bathroom door, and grabbed a couple folded towels and bath cloths. The stack of towels was dropped onto the closed lid of the toilet before Jody deigned to reply.
“Well,” Jody said conversationally. “There’s only one Anita’s that I know of in Bear Valley, so yeah, the Anita’s.”
Matt stood still, brow furrowing as Jody gestured for him to raise his arms. He did so, little notice given to his easy compliance, or the pleased tilt of Jody’s lips as his shirt was pulled up and off. Emerging from the folds of the garment, Matt was still unbelieving. He shook his head, oblivious to Jody’s smile widening into a grin as his hands moved to Matt’s waist and began tugging down his pants, and then his underwear.
Looking down as Jody knelt before him, Matt braced himself with one hand on Jody’s shoulder and obediently lifted one foot and then the other, as the rest of his clothes were stripped off him.
“But, it’s like a three week wait to get a reservation at Anita’s,” he said.
Simply known as ‘Anita’s’, the restaurant was owned and operated by Anita Hightower, one of the wealthiest citizens in the entire Lake Tahoe region. The petite, brown-eyed blonde had amassed a fortune from either success in the hotel industry, or from her two late husbands, depending on who you spoke to. Supposedly she was currently married to a third, but he was seen around town infrequently enough that rumors swirled about whether or not he even was really her husband. Not long after establishing her restaurant, which last Matt knew carried a prestigious three Michelin Stars, Anita had also opened up the Hightower Club in South Lake Tahoe. The place had quickly made a name for itself as the swankiest, and most openly inclusive of all preferences, especially gay, nightclub in the area. Matt had been to the club several times in his college days, and still thought fondly of the place.
Standing, Jody spent a few moments folding Matt’s clothes before dropping them into the hamper by the sink. “She’s my cousin.”
Matt boggled. “Anita Hightower is your cousin?”
“Yeah, distantly,” Jody replied mildly. “I don’t even know the connection. It’s on my mom’s side.”
As Matt continued to stare Jody shook his head, amusement alight in his eyes. “Look, my mom knows her. They went to college together, were pretty good friends, I guess. She and mom kept in touch over the years, and mom has talked about her, on and off. I don’t know her at all, personally. I’ve never even met her, so you can calm down.”
Matt watched Jody shrug as he reached into the shower stall and twisted the knobs to get the water flowing from the showerhead. After a moment he lifted his hand into the stream, testing the temperature. He nodded his head in approval as he replied, “I just called and dropped mom’s name, and we got squeezed in. I had no idea she was such a big deal around here.”
Matt huffed. “Oh, she’s a big deal. Did you know she lives in that huge place up on Snowshoe Road? They say she dropped, like over a million on that, and they say she’s on like, her third husband, the first two having died under suspicious circumstances. And nobody ever sees the third one. Izzy and Tim have a running bet on the next time he pops up, he’s seen that rarely.”
Jody swung back around, sidled close, and slid his arms around Matt’s waist. “Jesus, I had no idea I had such a gossip on my hands.”
Matt raised a brow. “I am not a gossip. It’s just, interesting is all. Mysterious.”
After a moment of Jody looking down at him indulgently with a mild smirk, Matt looped his arms around Jody’s waist. He tilted his head back, one corner of his mouth twitching up. “My man has connections. I like it.”
Jody chuckled, and dipping his head, nipped at Matt’s bottom lip. “Is that all you like, baby?”
Breath stuttering at the quick little love bite, Matt licked his bitten lip. He liked the sting, the thrill of pleasure shivering inside him. He looked up into Jody’s mirthful eyes. “Oh, I don’t think we have the time, if we’ve reservations to make.”
Chuckling again, Jody dropped a hand to Matt’s ass, big hand cupping him, a gentle, rhythmic massaging. “Such a good boy, to remind me,” he practically growled.
Before Matt could properly process the pleasure Jody’s touch and words gave him, his lover was pulling back. “Now, into the shower with you.”
Smirking as Jody busied himself with stripping out of his clothes, Matt stepped around him and into the tiled shower stall and into the warm stream of water. Wafts of steam began filling the bathroom. As water hit his skin he sighed, ducking his head under the spray to soak his hair. He stepped back wiping water from his eyes and shaking his head, running fingers through his hair, slicking it back.
“You know,” Matt began, a tease on the tip of his tongue, and had his thought process fizz out when confronted by the sight of Jody, fully nude, standing calmly in the middle of the bathroom rug neatly folding his own jeans and shirt, smeared somewhat with his own come, transferred there from Matt’s skin.
Mouth going dry, Matt swallowed, and only pulled himself together when Jody glanced up at him.
“I know what?” Jody prompted, placing his folded clothing in the hamper atop Matt’s own.
“Uhhh…” Matt said thickly, and then blinked as his train of thought realigned, a mischievous slant tilting his smile. “I was just thinking, maybe I should try being a bad boy, once in a while, just to change things up.”
That seemed to gain Jody’s full attention. A slow curl began at the corner of his mouth as he approached the shower. He took his time, stepping into the stall and closing the fogged, glass door behind him. Matt stepped back, making room, hissing a little as his back brushed the wet, slick tiles behind him. Jody advanced upon him, hands going to either side of Matt to brace against the tiles, effectively caging Matt between them.
“I think you can do whatever you like, angel, although keep in mind that bad boys tend to receive punishments.”
Breath gusting out at Jody’s low tone, Matt’s eyes closed briefly.
Fucking hell he’s so fucking good at this.
Hauling his eyes back open, he found Jody watching him patiently, the pleased curl of his mouth even more pronounced.
“Punishments?” Matt asked equal parts curious, excited and cautious.
Jody regarded him thoughtfully. “Yes, baby, punishments. And believe it or not, those are something we can both enjoy, depending on the situation.”
Matt stared, ensnared by the teasing, but deeply intent expression on Jody’s face. “So, that may be something you’d like doing?”
Jody nodded his head once. “I would. Has no one ever given you a punishment? With me you clearly present as submissive, I have a hard time to believing that sweet, but smart mouth of yours hasn’t gotten you in trouble somewhere along the way.”
Matt thought about it. “Not really. I mean, I’ve dated, you know? But it was more, playing around than anything. It wasn’t until Jonathan that I really…” Matt paused, searching for the right words as he thought back to his time with his ex. “With Jonathan it was serious. I mean, he took it seriously, and he really showed me a lot about what someone with certain expectations wanted.”
Jody seized on a couple of Matt’s words. “Certain expectations?”
Matt sighed. “Yeah, like you, he could see I have… a certain tendency to submit. I like it, like how it makes me feel, but Jon, he really showed me how it can be a deeper connection than just playing around, playing a role with another guy to get off. He had certain things he wanted from me, and he had his way of showing me what he wanted. It wasn’t until things got more serious between us that I really started to understand what it means, to be with someone like that.”
Jody absorbed all this, then asked, “And he never punished you?”
Realized he’d deviated from Jody’s original query, Matt groped for an easy way to explain Jonathan’s methods. “Jon never called it that. I mean, of course there were times I disobeyed him deliberately, usually because he was being an asshole, and I just wasn’t feeling it, you know?”
Matt looked down, not liking suddenly where their conversation was taking him, but wanting to answer Jody’s question. He knew, now, there were things about Jonathan he’d never fully understood, and probably never would, and he still felt like somewhat of a failure at not being able to fulfill whatever it had been that Jonathan had needed.
“Jon liked it when I obeyed him, and he was patient with me when, maybe, there were things I didn’t quite get, things he wanted from me, but when I outright defied him, usually toward the end when he were fighting all the time and he had gotten pretty controlling, he just withdrew from me. He didn’t explain, or call it ‘punishment’, but that’s what it felt like. And I never liked it.”
Feeling as if he’d unearthed some old, jagged, unhealed piece of himself, Matt sighed. “That’s the best I can explain it.”
Jody was silent for a beat, then he lifted a hand, curling his fingers under Matt’s chin to tilt his face back up so they were eye to eye.
“You’ll never have to wonder with me. And I’ll never just leave you wondering, and alone. Do you understand, angel?”
Matt nodded. “I understand. I trust you.”
Jody smiled, and the warmth that lit his eyes touched the small, cold knot in Matt’s stomach and dissolved it.
“Good boy. And you’ll do well to remember that my punishments fit the situation, and I can imagine that most times we will both enjoy it.”
“I’ll remember,” Matt promised, a thrill of excitement thrilling up his spine.
Seemingly satisfied, Jody smiled, leaning in. Lifting his chin, Matt tilted his head back to meet the kiss, and it came as a gentle brush of Jody’s mouth against his, followed by a gentle retreat as Jody drew back and just looked at him for a long, searching moment. The advance, when it came, pressed Matt back against the wet tiles and Jody slanted their mouths together, his hand under Matt’s chin shifting from simply holding to gripping firmly, keeping Matt steady as he thrust his tongue inside.
Humming happily, Matt sank into the kiss, into the pleasure of Jody’s grip and his lover’s stroking presence inside him. His hands lifted and glided over smooth, wet skin, and Jody responded by growling into his mouth, and kissing him harder. All too soon, Jody pulled away, and Matt followed him, chasing his mouth with a sound of displeasure. One strong arm wrapped around Matt’s waist and held him firmly in place.
Jody chuckled, and looked down into Matt’s eyes. “Reservations,” he said gruffly.
Matt grinned, and holding Jody’s gaze for a moment, bowed his head and brushed a kiss over the pert nub of Jody’s nipple. The hiss of pleasure he received spurring him on, Matt lavished attention on the nub, drawing it into mouth, sucking on it, rubbing it with the flat of his tongue. A thrill skated up his spine as Jody’s hand came up to cup the back of his head, as Jody’s moan echoed throughout the shower stall.
Matt pulled off to take a quick breath, then went back to the hardened, dusky nipple, wanting to earn more of his lion’s lush, deep moans, but before he could draw it fully back into his mouth Jody’s fingers tangled into his hair, tightened, and pulled him back.
Frowning, Matt made to move back to his preferred activity, but Jody held him tight, giving him a gentle, but firm shake.
“Now you’re being a disobedient boy,” Jody warned.
Remembering Jody’s words about punishments, and curious beyond reason, Matt smirked.
“And? What are you gonna do about it?”
Matt knew he was pushing, probably at the wrong time, and being awfully transparent about it, but suddenly he wanted to know what a reprimand from Jody would look like, or more importantly, feel like.
A sharp slap to his ass made Matt jump. His breath rushed out, and his eyes went wide with surprise. Watching him intently, fingers still tight in his hair, Jody gave him another slap. Jumping again, Matt was less shocked at the slap, which was just a degree past being playful, and more distracted by the sting of pleasure zipping up his spine. Inside, he felt a pulse of desire, and it felt warm, and wanted, and new. Still held in Jody’s grip, he stared up at his lover as the feeling wavered inside him, a shifting flame of excitement, and heat.
“Interesting,” Jody said his dark eyes intent. But he seemed pleased; intrigued, as he read the reactions in Matt’s body. “Do you want to continue this, or go to dinner?”
Matt’s brow furrowed. He wasn’t sure what he wanted, suddenly, and this wasn’t a feeling he was accustomed to. He didn’t want to disappoint Jody, but he wanted to chase the feeling inside him, the feeling created by Jody’s slap. He opened his mouth, but couldn’t seem to form words.
Loosening the fingers in Matt’s hair, Jody went back to cupping the back of his head. He tilted his chin down and after staring steadily into Matt’s eyes, said, “There are no wrong answers here, angel. Just go with what you’re feeling. Remember, I’ll never leave you wondering where you stand with me, I don’t say things I don’t mean.”
Matt swallowed, and the moment of confusion eased. Under Jody’s steady gaze, and firm hand, he felt the off kilter feeling right itself. He could choose, and any choice would be fine with Jody, because Jody had said so.
“I want… I want to go to dinner with you,” he finally managed.
Matt watched for a look of displeasure on Jody’s face, for a hint of disappointment in his eyes, but found neither. Jody just smiled, and let him go. They stood there, chest to chest for a moment under the warm spray, and then Jody turned and retrieved the soap and a bath cloth. The next few minutes passed as Jody efficiently, and thoroughly, washed Matt from head to toe. Having done that, he squeezed a dollop of shampoo into his palm, and then applied it to Matt’s dripping hair, scrubbing his scalp until the shampoo became a cap of suds over Matt’s head. A quick rinse, followed by the quick application of conditioner, and then another rinse, and Jody stepped back.
“Go on and step out and dry off. Then go to the bedroom and wait for me.”
The words were softly spoken, but strung together with a thread of steel. Jody had already turned away to wash himself, seemingly confident that his directions would be followed. Again, Matt felt a sense of utter surety inside, like a foundation being laid that would never crack, never fail. Shaking his head a little at himself and his wandering thoughts, he stepped out onto the thick bathroom rug and quickly toweled off. He ran the towel over his hair, and afterwards ran his fingers through the tangled strands, pushing it back out of his eyes. He made to reach for the comb, but paused… Jody hadn’t said anything about his hair.
A moment of indecisiveness seized him, but just as quickly fled.
There are no wrong answers here, angel.
Nodding to himself, Matt dropped the damp towel into the hamper, and padded naked into the bedroom, hair tousled and untended. He stopped by the bed, breathing out, the cool air against his bare skin brining goosebumps over his body. Seeing a set of clothes laid out on the bed, he froze, staring. He’d totally forgotten about Jody’s comment earlier, about having laid out clothes for him.
Curious, Matt stepped closer to the bed. He recognized the charcoal grey slacks, black turtleneck and forest green button-up cardigan as items from his own closet. He even recognized the pair of dark grey socks, draped over a pair of his favorite leather loafers on the floor at the foot of the bed. What he did not recognize, however, was the underwear. A pair of silvery grey boxer briefs lay next to the green cardigan.
Shorter in length than he was used to, and cut up the sides to nearly the waistband, Matt could see that they’d drape open along the sides of his thighs, were made to show off a lot of skin. Reaching out, he ran his fingers over the underwear’s material, finding it cool and silky smooth, and Matt realized that sometime during his free moments, Jody had gone out and bought these with Matt in mind. He’d bought these and intended to dress Matt in them personally.
Stepping back from the bed, Matt released a long breath, closed his eyes and let the pleasurable sense of anticipation fill him, he let the thrill of belonging to a man like Jody McKinnon take him, until he was just standing there, eyes closed, and smiling. He didn’t have to wait long. He started slightly as a pair of arms slid around his waist from behind, as the soft brush of lips along the side of his neck had him chuckling, and opening his eyes.
“Do you approve of what I’ve chosen for you?” Jody asked, lips brushing the shell of Matt’s ear.
Breath rushing through him, Matt leaned back into Jody’s arms. “Yes, I approve.”
“Good. Now, let’s get you dressed.”
Releasing him, Jody stepped around and to the bed. He’d already donned a pair of his own boxers, a tight fitting black pair that hugged the firm muscle of his ass. A pleased curve to his lips, Jody picked up the silky underwear from the quilt and turning around, held them out in front of Matt.
“Step into them, angel,” he said, bending down and holding the waistband open between his hands.
Bracing himself with one hand on Jody’s bare shoulder, Matt bit his lip and stepped first one foot, and then the other, into the open legs of the boxers. Once he’d stepped inside them, Jody straightened and pulled them up, arranging them so that they lay flat and proper against Matt’s trim waist. He then reached inside and curled his fingers around Matt’s cock, arranging that too, to his satisfaction.
Releasing his bitten lip, Matt let slip a small sound of pleasure. His hand still on Jody’s shoulder, he closed his eyes and hissed softly. His fingers tightened on the taut muscle as a powerful sense of belonging settled over him. This was affecting him so much more than he’d expected.
Warm hands came to rest against his waist, and Matt forced his eyes open. Jody was watching him, not smiling, exactly, but his intense, focused gaze held a light that conveyed a sweet, honest enjoyment at watching Matt’s reactions. Matt didn’t think he’d ever had anyone look at him quite that way and he couldn’t imagine what he’d done to deserve such regard.
“You look just how I’d imagined, in these,” Jody said, voice husky with approval.
Warmth flooding him, Matt offered softly, “Thank you,” and let his own pleasure show plain on his face.
Jody did smile then, and leaning in pressed a kiss to Matt’s forehead, a sweet blush of warmth against his skin.
“My sweet, sweet boy,” Jody whispered, and drew away before Matt could decide exactly how the chaste kiss made him feel… treasured, cherished, almost.
The next few minutes passed at Jody’s direction, and Matt found suddenly, that the mere act of
getting dressed could be one of the most sensual experiences of his life. With each garment Jody placed upon his body, a soft kiss was brushed someplace against this bare skin before it was covered. By the time he stood fully dressed, except for his shoes, his entire body was strumming with pleasure, and his cock was beginning to stir. The silky boxers felt slick against his body, and Matt knew with every move he made tonight, he’d feel Jody’s influence on him, physically, which he supposed was the entire point.
Standing back, Jody studied him with a critical eye, the darkened gaze traveling from his crown to his toes. After a moment, he knelt and gestured for Matt to lift his foot. Obediently Matt did, and looking down he watched as Jody slipped his shoe onto his right foot, then repeated the process with his left. The sight of such a powerful man at his feet tripped something inside Matt, and his breath rushed out.
I’m his, and he’s mine, he thought, a little stunned by how the truth of this felt, as if it’d been there his entire life until his lion found him to bring it into the light.
Standing, Jody reached out, brushing his fingers through Matt’s tousled hair, now nearly dry.
“Let’s get this hair sorted out,” he said, and reaching around Matt to the nightstand, drew back with a comb and a tube of hair gel Matt’s hadn’t even noticed was there.
He felt a surge of pride at getting that right, and was glad that he hadn’t taken care of his hair before leaving the bathroom. Jody ran the comb through his blonde locks easily, and after a moment popped open the gel and squeezed out a tiny amount into one palm. Rubbing it between his hands, Jody ran his slicked fingers through Matt’s hair, finger combing it back from his face. Once having done, he stepped back, and head tilted, studying Matt once more.
His cheeks buzzing with heat, his body brushed with an almost electric sense of sensitivity, Matt felt as if he could feel every single stitch and thread of the clothes that lay against this skin.
“Perfect,” Jody finally said, a soft smile curving his lips.
Smiling back, Matt asked hopefully, “May I help you get dressed now?”
Jody shook his head. “No, baby.”
Disappointment coloring his voice, Matt said honestly, “But I want to. I mean, I want to do it for you.”
Smile deepening, Jody said, “I know. But angel, if you touch me right now I’m going to rip those clothes off you and fuck you until you scream, and we’ll miss our reservation, and you said you wanted to go to dinner.”
Matt stared. Jody wasn’t kidding. And while his voice was even, almost matter of fact, there wasn’t an ounce of levity in his face or tone. He meant it.
Christ, I wouldn’t fucking care.
But this wasn’t just about what Matt wanted, it was about Jody, and his plans for them tonight.
“Would it be easier if I wait for you in the other room?” He ventured, hoping that he sounded sincere, though he very much didn’t want to leave the room.
“It would, baby. Please wait for me in the living room.”
Resigned, but also tremendously flattered, Matt offered Jody a grin and turned and left the room before he could do something truly rash. He didn’t have to wait long. In a few minutes Jody appeared in the entryway to the living room dressed in his signature black jeans, a black suede leather vest and crisp white button up. On his feet he’d donned his heavy black boots, and his dark hair he’d left down, falling in gentle waves to his shoulders.
Matt’s mouth went dry. Fuck, but his lion looked good. The suede vest fitted tightly around his ribs and waist, highlighting the powerful, strong trunk of his body. The white shirt accentuated the wide span of his shoulders and biceps, and his jeans, not too tight nor too loose, only seemed the lengthen his long legs, and show off his thick, strong thighs.
“Ready?” Matt asked, cheeks flaming as his voice came forth as little more than a rasp.
Grinning, Jody lifted a hand and jangled a ring of keys on one finger. “Yep. Let’s go. We should just make it in time.”
Stepping out onto the porch, Matt waited as Jody locked the door and side by side they walked across the short lawn to Jody’s truck. Jody followed him to the passenger side and opened the door for him, and Matt fought the smile that threatened at Jody’s deference. He realized this was something Jody was taking true enjoyment in, and it was remarkably attractive that a man of Jody’s power was unafraid to show these sweet, small courtesies in such simple ways as opening a door.
The ride to the restaurant passed fairly quickly. Night had fallen, the stars diamond points in the clear sky, and as they rode they talked about mundane things, the usual business of the station, and the possibilities of the menu waiting for them. By the time they pulled up in front of the restaurant, a single story building clad in river rock and tastefully lit and landscaped on the outside, Matt felt much more settled, and less likely to pop a boner in public at just the sight of his man in his black jeans and fitted vest.
Jody handed over the keys to the valet and accepted the ticket, and together they exited the truck, and headed under the covered awning and through the glass doors of Anita’s main entrance. Jody kept one hand at the small of Matt’s back until they’d made it inside and stepped up to the hostess’ podium. The inside of Anita’s was just as Matt remembered it from the time Jonathan had taken him there. A large stone fireplace dominated the main dining room. Unlit now in summer, instead in the hearth a bank of tall white pillar candles flickered. Various booths were scattered throughout the primary floor space, all with high backs so it was nearly impossible to catch a glimpse of its occupants unless one was standing on the open side.
Sharply appointed waiters and waitresses in black shirts, black pants and white bowties navigated the islands the booths made, flowing around them in a calm pace, carrying trays, menus and ice buckets. There were sections with open air tables, and most had already been filled with patrons. Overhead a winding display of twisted vines hung from the paneled ceiling. Fashioned into a long, endless loop that wound all around the restaurant, and wreathed with thick green leaves that appeared organic in the low light, it gave one the sense of almost being outside. In among the greenery hung glass pendant lights near each booth that reminded Matt of dollops of honey suspended in mid air. The lighting gave off a pleasing, buttery glow that was warm, and soothing.
Everything about the place invoked a rustic sophistication, not to mention the incredibly appealing aroma. As Matt looked around the room, Jody dealt with the hostess, and after a quick check of her book, she invited them to follow her. They wound amid several booths until Matt realized they were not being seated in the main dinning area, but in one of the side rooms, which Matt had never visited. They were lead to a booth tucked inside a smaller room where panels of abstract stained glass panels hung on brass chains from the ceiling. Each panel depicted a mountain scene of sorts involving lots of greens, blues and ambers. All were lit from above by subtle recessed lighting so they each seemed to glow from within.
Their booth was a thick cushioned semicircle, and sliding onto the plush seat, Matt smiled as Jody eased in close by his side. A candle in the shape of an open flower floated in a clear glass bowl of water in the center of their table, a flame dancing on its wick. The booth’s open side faced a window, and outside the windowpanes a beautifully landscaped scene featured a small waterfall tumbling through a collection of rocks, all backed by a rows of carefully trimmed cedar trees and backlit so that the moving water glimmered in the night. Another fireplace stood in the corner of the room, again, its hearth filled with lit candles, their golden flames shimmering.
The hostess handed off two menus and promised to send over a waiter shortly, giving them time to consider the menu. As she slipped away Matt turned to Jody.
“Wow. I’ve never been in this section before.”
Jody opened his menu with a playful flourish and raised brow. “Yeah, I asked for the best they had.”
Scooting to the edge of the seat, Matt leaned a little out of the booth, curious about the rest of the room. There were other booths, even a couple tables, but each one stood empty. He turned back to face Jody, mouth hanging open.
“We’re the only people in here.”
Jody dipped his head once. “Seems like it”
Sliding back into the booth, Matt cocked his head. “Did you rent out this entire room?”
Jody put his menu aside, and regarded Matt thoughtfully. “And if I did? How would that make you feel?”
“What difference does that make? This must’ve cost you-” Matt started, but stammered to a halt.
How did it make him feel?
Jonathan used to do things sort of like this. He’d thought nothing of dropping hundreds of dollars on something like this, on things like the jade hawk, but with Jody it felt different. Jon had done it almost in a performative sense. He’d wanted to impress Matt, and he’d succeeded, several times, but in the end the extravagances had become to feel more like empty gestures to distract from their very real problems than genuine expressions of feeling. Really, what the hell use did he have for a thrifty-five hundred dollar sea-jade hawk, after all?
Jody’s dark eyes reflected the brilliance of candle flame as he waited, and Matt considered the question more thoroughly.
“It makes me feel… special, I guess. But not because it must’ve cost an arm and a leg, but because you wanted to do this for me.”
Jody smiled. “I do want you to feel special, baby, because you are special.”
Matt looked down at the table, face heating. He shook his head. “I’m not, really. I’m glad you think so, though.”
Next to him Jody sighed. “Look at me, Matthew.”
Pressing his lips together, Matt lifted his head, and met Jody’s eyes.
“I love doing things like this for you, because I love making you feel good. I love looking after you, taking care of you, like when I cook for you at home. I love when you allow it. You’re the kind of man that can take care of himself, I know, but that makes it all the more appealing to me.”
Heart pounding, Matt felt his smile stretch across his face, and he couldn’t seem to find words to convey what he was feeling. He didn’t know what he was feeling, just that he felt good. He felt damned good.
Jody saved him from making a fool of himself by speaking again.
“Matt, I know we haven’t been together that long, but I wanted to tell you that I’ve-”
“I’m so sorry for interrupting. Mr. Hawkes?”
Matt blinked, turning toward the intruding voice. It was a waiter, hands clasped in front of him, eyes apologetic.
“Yes?” Matt asked, brow furrowed.
“You have a call at the bar, Mr. Hawkes. I’m afraid it sounded rather urgent.”
“Oh,” Matt replied dully. He was still fixated on Jody’s words, wrapped in the spell Jody had weaved so effortlessly around him this entire night. And he wanted to know what else Jody had meant to say, but finally the waiter’s words penetrated his distracted thoughts.
“Shit.” Turning to Jody he said, “I’m sorry. I better take it. It could be station business.”
Sitting back against his seat cushions, Jody said, “Of course, but who even knows you’re here? You didn’t even know you were going to be here until an hour ago, and I didn’t tell anyone.”
Sliding out of the booth, Matt stood. “I’ve no idea.” He took a step away from the table, then turned back.
Jody sat watching him, brow raised as Matt stepped back to the table. Taking a page from his lion’s book, Matt leaned down and curled his fingers under Jody’s chin, tipping his face up a bit.
“I’ll come right back to you, I promise,” he said, voice low, and private and for Jody only. He brushed his mouth over Jody’s, and then reluctantly pulled way.
Jody’s hooded eyes gleamed darkly up at him, and Matt shivered as he turned and walked away from the table. It took him a moment to reorient himself in the rather maze like layout of the restaurant, but once he passed back into the main dining room and rounded a row of potted palms that served as a living screen between the dining room and the bar, Matt spotted the black phone sitting on its end, the handset lying on its side on the polished bar top. Heading over Matt gestured for the bartender’s attention and motioned toward the phone.
“I was told I had a call?”
The bartender, busy filling a silver martini shaker, jerked his chin toward the end of the bar.
“Yes, sir. Call for Hawkes. Take your time.”
Matt raised a hand in thanks and weaved his way between a row of tables and patrons. Stepping up to bar, he picked up the handset and pressed it to his ear.
“Hello? This is Matt Hawkes.”
Only the steady beep of a dial tone greeted him. Frowning, Matt listened for another second, and then set the handset back down in its cradle. He looked back over at the bartender, but the man had moved on to taking another customer’s order. Matt looked around, noticing it was louder here than in his and Jody’s secluded corner of the restaurant. The kitchen was just off the bar, and a set of swinging double doors opened as a pair of waitresses came through bearing large round trays laden with steaming plates of food and folded thick white napkins.
Pushing away from the bar, Matt tapped his fingers against the brass rail running along its length. Maybe it’d been a mistake, somehow? Shrugging, he was just about to turn and head back to Jody when a voice carried over the mingled sounds of clinking glasses, the steady hum of a dozen low conversations and the gentle refrain of As Time Goes By coming from the baby grand piano being played across the room next to the parquet dance floor.
“Well, as I live and breathe, if it isn’t Matthew Lee Hawkes.”
Disbelieving his own ears, Matt turned and stared, stunned.
“Jonathan,” he said stupidly.
Jonathan Silva smiled, a slow and steady curving of his mouth. His sharp grey eyes darted up and down Matt’s frame before fixing on his face. He stepped forward, his suit jacket cut to perfection over his wide shoulders and fitted to his tall, lean body. His black hair was slicked back in its usual fashion, if not a bit longer than it was the last time Matt had seen him.
“It’s really good to see you again, Matty Lee,” Jonathan said, voice pitched soft, almost gentle.
Matt frowned. Nobody but Jonathan had ever called him that. There was a time he’d loved it. That time had passed.
They stared at one another over the small space separating them, and somewhere up the bar someone swore as a glass tumbled, slipping from careless fingers to splinter against the tiled floor.
****Additional Notes****
This chapter really should've been split up, but having actually finished it, I can't be bothered! Woop! I'm way too sleepy to make those decisions. Anita's restaurant is totally made up from my fevered mind. I just wanted something completely romantic and this is what I came up with. Of course, a certain someone managed to insert himself into Angels, even though I had resolved to make him wait until the next bit, but here we are. We'll see where this takes us!
Hope you enjoy this part, as always drop any feedback etc in the comments!