Chapter 15 

 

Forty feet up, security lines fastened to the tree and leading to a harness he wore, Nick was perched with his feet on two, huge branches. The massive tree was located at the side of a house at the mid point between the front and back yards. Positioned at the top of a steeply graded driveway, a man, Tom Edwards, operated a cherry picker, a vehicle containing a hydraulic crane, which reached high above where Nick was situated. Descending from the crane was a primary cable, which Nick had secured around a large branch near to the tree’s trunk and where its weight was greatest. Nick fastened a secondary cable farther along the branch, its purpose to counterbalance the weight and keep the branch level. Finally, Nick tied a single rope to the outer end of the branch, the other end of which was held by a young man, Drew Carmichael, who stood on the ground in the yard some distance from the tree.

 

A chainsaw hung at Nick’s side. It was already started but in neutral, a low sputtering sound, as only the engine continued to turn without throttle. He reached down, took hold of the chainsaw and flicked a safety switch. He adjusted his feet, pushed on the trigger and as the chain began to turn, the raucous machine screamed into life. It sliced through the wood like an electric carving knife through roast lamb but despite the ease of effort, the noise was near deafening.

 

Down on the ground, Drew turned to his best buddy, as well as the guy who shared the home he rented, Robbie Moore. He was looking at Robbie with a curious expression when he asked, “Did Nick seem different to you today?”

 

Robbie turned and looked at Drew. “I don’t know. Nick always seems different to me. He isn’t like anyone I’ve ever met so I tend to just accept him as different. Why? What are you thinking?”

 

Drew explained, “Well, like we’ve said before, I agree with you that Nick isn’t an average Joe but he seemed to me to be happier this morning when he arrived at work. His usual moodiness seems to be absent today.”

 

“I can never really tell what mood Nick is in,” Robbie replied.

 

“You know what I mean, though. Usually one minute he seems amiable and unconcerned and the next minute he’s the man waiting to find out from a doctor if he has Cancer or not,” Drew said.

 

“That’s about the way I always see him, Drew. I mean he’s a really nice guy and he would bend over backwards to help out anyone but then there’s like this abyss between him and the rest of the world. As far as I can see, there’s no way for any of us to cross it. Get ready, Drew.”

 

Drew looked up as the chainsaw sliced through the branch completely. The branch barely dropped at all before the chains took its full weight. Nick stepped across to another branch so he was out of the way and then Tom adjusted a joystick and the crane moved, turning to the left and causing the branch to move horizontally out of the tree’s canopy. Looking up, Drew took up the slack on his rope to steady any swaying movement of the enormous branch and then Tom lowered the branch to the ground.

 

Drew looked up again and watched as Nick leapt from one huge branch to another, with the ease of a man walking naturally on a flat surface. It did not matter how many times Drew watched him, he was always amazed how the big man was so at home up in the trees. Robbie freed the chains of the crane and then he untied the rope Drew was holding, before returning to his side.

 

Drew queried further, “So you haven’t noticed any difference or thought Nick seemed happier than he usually appears?”

 

“Drew, I’m straight and I don’t watch him the way you do.” Robbie said sarcastically with a large smirk attached.

 

“Is that what you call yourself? Straight? Anyway, it isn’t like that,” Drew defended.

 

“Really? So the bulge in your shorts every time you look at Nick or talk about him has nothing to do with him? Oh and yes, I do call myself straight,” Robbie replied.

 

“Oh yeah, right, you’re definitely straight if your eyes are noticing when I’ve got a bulge in my shorts. Anyway Robbie, the man is a fucking god by human standards. I admit I’m hot for him and I know it’s a pointless fantasy but regardless, I’m certain I’m right and something’s definitely different today.”

 

Unseen, Robbie looked up at Nick in envy, before turning his gaze back to Drew. “Drew, I am straight and I love pussy but maybe Nick turned gay overnight and he’s thinking about you giving him a blowjob? Maybe he’s been trying to send you telepathic signals and that’s what you’re picking up,” Robbie joked smugly.

 

“Robbie, as far as you being straight is concerned, we may be good friends but maybe you should stop coming into my room and falling asleep in my bed every night. Ever since I gave you that blowjob when you moved in with me, you haven’t hooked up with a woman since. You also seemed pretty turned on when you let me top you last night.”

 

“Shut up, Drew.” Robbie said in an embarrassed, whispered tone, his face turning bright red as he looked around to make sure no one was watching or had heard what Drew had divulged.

 

“Honestly Robbie, I don’t know why I even bother talking to you. I’m being serious and you have to turn everything into a gay joke,” Drew said, irritated.

 

“Okay, okay, I’m sorry. Look, I didn’t notice anything but I’m sure Nick’s fine,” Robbie said; his tone obviously regulated from humorous to serious.

 

At that moment, Robbie would have said anything to change the subject. He did not want to think clearly about this new side to him that made him want to spend all of his time with Drew. It was one thing with the lights out in bed in the dark of night but it was another thing in the light of day. It also bothered him that he felt jealous of the way Drew looked at Nick and never stopped talking about him.

 

“I’m not saying something’s wrong, I’m just pointing out he seems different to me,” Drew explained.

 

Robbie nodded agreeably but telling himself the conversation had no further practical purpose he was interested in and also that it had reached its conclusion, he turned away and walked over to Alex, who was standing next to John.

 

Drew, Robbie and Alex were the three youngest guys working for the company and were still learning the job. John was the man in charge on site that day. Drew shook his head, watching as Robbie walked away but then he turned his gaze back to Nick.

 

“That’s it,” Nick called down after inspecting the rest of the tree.

 

“In more ways than one,” John called up to him. “That’s almost it for you, Nick. After you slice up that final branch we just brought down, the rest is just a cleanup and the three stooges here, can take care of that without your help. You can take off early.”

 

“Great,” Nick called down with surprise.

 

“It’s a busy one tomorrow, so make sure you’re on time, not that you’re ever not on time,” John said.

 

“You got it, John,” Nick said and began to repel down the tree.

 

Nick had been in a wonderful mood all day, despite being quite tired. What had happened the night before had placed an uncharacteristic smile on his face. Now to be given an unexpected early mark from work, seemed like an added bonus and lifted his mood even higher.

 

Robbie called as Nick’s feet hit the ground, “Hey, Nick?”

 

Nick replied, “Yeah?”

 

Robbie yelled from the edge of the driveway, “Did you get laid last night or something?”

 

Robbie’s intentions were to force Drew to see that Nick was straight and all his talk and fantasies were a waste of time. He did not stop to think of the consequences of his actions, he just wanted Drew to think of him instead. Drew’s head lifted suddenly, knowing where the question had come from and he stared at Robbie, outraged.

 

Nick looked at Robbie inscrutably, despite being stunned by the question and its unbelievable accuracy. Saying nothing and giving no insight into his feelings or thoughts, he placed his hands on his hips and waited for Robbie to continue with whatever was to follow.

 

Robbie grinned and then said, “It’s just that Drew said you seemed happier this morning then he’s ever seen you. I was just thinking about it and I guessed you probably got yourself some pussy last night.”

 

Nick turned and looked at Drew associatively. He saw the horrified expression on Drew’s face and then the glare at Robbie with venom in his eyes. Nick liked Drew and he knew he was a nice guy and always treated everyone with the utmost respect. He believed there would not have been anything untoward in whatever Drew had said to Robbie. He also believed that though Robbie was a decent guy as well, often he could be a little thoughtless and a bit of a smartass. It was not at all like Nick to say what he was about to say but in the spur of the moment, he decided to shut Robbie down. He turned and looked at him like everything was perfectly normal.

 

Nick said, “I thought you would’ve already known about it, Robbie?”

 

Robbie looked back confused and said, “Known about what?”

 

“All the rest of us hooked up with your mom last night. I went first and everyone took sloppy seconds and thirds and fourths before your dad trailed up the rear to complete the job,” Nick said matter-of-factly.

 

The look in Robbie’s eyes instantly revealed the unacceptable vision of his mother in his head. Nick watched the smug grin descend into a grossed-out expression before defeat covered the nineteen-year-old’s face. Nick turned to Drew and winked at him, flashing him a hero’s smile. Drew’s cock stiffened in his pants but he roared with laughter, along with the other guys on site.

 

Nick did not wait for a response or to garnish his victory, he simply walked over to the enormous branch, which almost crossed the entire diameter of the yard. With his casual yet skilful ability with the chainsaw, Nick began removing the smaller branches from its circumference. Once that was done, he sliced the log into thick coin shapes, some almost the size of car tires.

 

As Nick continued to work, Drew walked over and stood nearby, watching him closely. Every so often Nick would turn and smile or he would stop to make mention of his technique and how best to employ the chainsaw when working its magic. He knew Drew was interested in learning everything. Drew’s studious focus on every aspect of the job and also the way he watched Nick’s every action, made him want to teach the young man and hopefully keep him safe.

 

Usually Robbie and Alex would follow soon after, to stand with Drew and watch as well as listen to a voice of experience. However, though Alex was now there too, Nick noticed that Robbie was not with them. He turned and looked around. He saw Robbie standing alone across the yard and looking over toward them while obviously uncomfortable. It only took a moment for Nick to catch on. Robbie was looking at Drew and was obviously thinking he was in deep shit. He was also glancing at Nick and thinking he was in trouble for what he had said. Robbie had not swallowed his medicine very well and now because he was feeling guilty, he was feeling uncertain of his normal position within the group. Nick could not help but visualize a lost, homeless kid and therefore he felt sorry for the young man instantly.

 

“Robbie, you can see and learn much better if you come over and stand next to me,” he said, offering him a way back into the mix, which the young man desperately wanted.

 

Robbie’s face brightened in a flash and he moved quickly to Nick’s side. The moment he was beside Nick, he took a step closer and whispered an apology. Nick ruffled his fingers through Robbie’s hair and in a friendly manner, called him a dumb ass but quietly so the others could not hear. Robbie snickered within his insecure embarrassment and as the chainsaw roared back into life, he glanced over at Drew. Drew shook his head at him but when Robbie saw there was little to no anger in his eyes, he slowly edged across until he was standing close at Drew’s side once again. From that moment, all three of the young men focused their attention on what Nick was doing and the way he did it.

 

When the branch had been disassembled into multiple pieces, Nick shut down his chainsaw and looked around to make sure there was nothing else he needed to do. Satisfied his work was complete, he turned to the young men and said, “Catch you guy’s tomorrow.” He then walked away and stopped beside the cherry picker where John stood talking with Tom. He told them to have a good afternoon, said goodbye and then he headed down the driveway and walked along the street to his car.

 

As Nick drove, in what was becoming an unexpected but familiar fashion, Billy popped into his head. It occurred to Nick that he had not seen Billy since Saturday night. He realized in the entire time they had been neighbors, three days was the longest period of time to transpire without seeing or speaking to Billy. Nick thought this was odd and he wondered if Billy was okay. His concern was not extreme but it was enough to initiate the thought that he missed Billy’s regular appearances. He also remembered he still had not said thank you for his help on the weekend. He thought he should make it his business later, to once again go to his door and attempt to thank him. As a consequence, a small, unconscious smile and a warm feeling accompanied the thought of seeing Billy again.

 

Nick arrived home a half hour earlier than usual. He decided as he got out of the car that it was desperately in need of a good wash, particularly as he had decided it was time to trade in the old sedan on a brand new, four wheel drive pickup. He was well aware appearance was a factor in getting a good price on a trade-in and so it was a necessity for the car to be clean.

 

He made his way into his apartment and stripped out of his work gear, replacing his clothes with nothing but second-hand rugby football shorts. He returned to his car soon after and began the job. As he started washing the car, in the same manner as had been happening all day long, his mind returned to the previous night in bed with Eric.

 

It was the amazing sexual experience that had taken place between them, which kept flashing into his mind. It had been one thing to fuck a faceless guy’s mouth through a hole in a toilet wall but it had been another entirely, to lay in bed with a really hot man and to kiss and caress and have sex until just before three o’clock in the morning. Nick felt the spark in his shorts he had been feeling all day, every time he thought about sex with Eric.

 

Nick remembered how he and Eric had lay wrapped around each other. Despite great sex and several mind-blowing climaxes for both of them, still they were hard and their bodies were sealed from chest to crotch. Nick could not believe he felt like he could never get enough. It felt good to be so close and intimate with another man and also to bathe in the shared passions, which continued even after the cyclonic conditions becalmed. He loved touching Eric’s smooth, hard body and also feeling the strong muscles and the curves that shaped him. Nick was really quite taken by the sensuousness of two naked men embracing, while also allowing his body to be blanketed in the sexual heat generated between them.

 

There had come a moment when he felt regret but it had nothing to do with Eric or the experience. As they lay quietly together for a time, he realized how many years had been wasted. Ten years between his first experience with Dan and his second experience with Eric, not only incurred a sense of frustration with the way his life had panned out, it also made him angry to know what he had unconsciously denied himself all along.

 

Nick understood his path and how it led him to this place and position in his life and he also knew all of it was valid. It was clear to him different choices and actions would have brought different consequences and outcomes, however, the knowledge did not change the thought of so much wasted time. A few hours with Eric, out of an entire decade, had suddenly changed everything.

 

Nick was fully aware regret would achieve nothing and yet still it ate at him harshly. He knew the past was untouchable and there was nothing he could do about it. Regardless of that fact, he decided soon after, as Eric once again kissed him with extraordinary desire, the present and its moments were all that mattered and he needed to fill his life with love and heat and experience.

 

Still washing his car, Nick remembered how after they had sex for the first of several times, Eric had said he was surprised that he was doing what he was doing. He told Nick he was not one to hang around with a man after the deed was done but then he said; “I want to stay with you, though, Nick.”

 

When Nick questioned Eric, Eric explained that not only did he find Nick to be incredibly hot but also, his realness and truth and the passion and emotion Nick expressed, gave the encounter more than he had ever experienced with any other man. Eric said there was a quality to being with him he had only experienced with Michelle and with that realization, he had become aware that Nick was his idea of the idyllic, male lover. When Eric followed with the information that if Michelle was not in the picture or that he did not love her the way he did, Nick would be the one person who could replace her; Nick was not only stunned but also wishful.

 

Over their night together, in Nick’s mind Eric had gone from being a wild fantasy to a trusted friend and then to the man who had finally made his dreams come true. Before they had even entered the bedroom, Nick had known he was falling in love with Eric. He could not dismiss it as false but with the knowledge of Michelle and how much Eric loved her, as well as the fact that he wanted a man and a relationship of his own; Nick had rationalized that friendship was all there could be after this night.

 

With what Eric told him, Nick felt special and important and though he knew he could not let it happen, his emotions and his need and want of Eric were hard to keep locked in the back of his mind. He wanted to tell Eric and to say those words he had begun to think he would never be able to say, however, friendship seemed the only acceptable course.

 

From that moment, Nick pushed his feelings of love out of his mind and minutes later he grabbed Eric and took him again. He made love to him with increased zeal for the second time and soon enough Eric was crying out Nick’s name.

 

Nick threw the hose onto the verge when the car was dripping wet. He reached into the bucket of hot, soapy water and pulled out the cloth that had been soaking in it. As he sloshed it onto the first panel of the car, his mind returned to the night before once again.

 

Their talk afterwards was fun and serious and even deliciously, sexually provocative. When Eric mentioned talking dirty, which was something Nick had never heard of or considered; Eric decided to give Nick an introduction. At first they were just laughing but when Eric saw Nick was beginning to get turned on, Eric upped the intensity of his words until Nick was going out of his mind. Nick got so hot and so hard that eventually Eric went down on him and brought him to climax again. It may have been something that other people took for granted but for Nick, dirty talk was a new experience that drove him wild.

 

During one of their periods of conversation, Nick could not remember a time in his life when he felt so at ease. Eric had an ability to make him feel comfortable in his skin. It was similar and yet different to the way Billy made him feel. Additionally, the way that in the midst of their conversation, Eric kept kissing him so deeply and with such passion, it only served to keep Nick on the edge sexually and made him want to have sex with Eric repetitively and all night long. It also kept dragging at those emotions he was pushing to the farthest reaches of his mind.

 

As important as Eric was becoming to Nick, he could see that he was becoming more important to Eric. He thought the connection was wonderful because it was like no connection he had ever had before. It made him think Eric believed he and his life were important. This was important to Nick because it made him feel better about the man he was. He believed what was between them was no longer just about sexual attraction. That thought had meaning because it added substance to the idea of the friendship that could follow this night.

 

As Nick hosed off the back of his car, he remembered how after they had made love for the third time and had been silent for a few minutes of recovery, Eric was suddenly on top of him and kissing him again. It became the most heated and passionate kiss, as Eric’s hands caressed and his body moved and pressed. It was hard for Nick not to halt the obvious progression, however, he knew he had to put on the brakes. There were only a couple of hours before he had to be at work and doing the sort of work he did, he had to be on his game. Climbing trees and wielding chainsaws whilst in a coma from lack of sleep was not a smart idea.

 

He did not want it to end, however, a short time later, Nick suggested kindly that Eric should go home to his wife. Eric grinned, grabbed Nick’s rock hard bone and squeezed it with an unconvinced look in his eyes. He then asked if Nick was sure he wanted him to let it go and leave. Nick really did not want him to go and he struggled not to give into his desires but a moment later, with a knowing smile, Eric winked and nodded agreeably. After some more intense kissing and a little rolling and laughing, Eric lifted himself from the bed and left Nick with a small amount of sleep before he had to go to work.

 

As Nick soaped up another panel of his car and pictures of wonderful, hot sex between two men flashed like a montage within his mind, he simply could not help but relive the feelings of how special it had been for him. In that thoughtful moment, Nick wished there were someone else as special as Eric but someone single he could love and be loved by. Monogamy was in Nick’s nature or psyche or wherever it resided and he could not dismiss the thought of being with someone special, with that one person only and all the time.

 

“Hey Nick,” a voice called, interrupting his thoughts but not interrupting the bulge in the rugby shorts.

 

Billy had arrived home from work at the usual time and as he sauntered down the street, he was surprised to see Nick standing shirtless and shoeless and wearing nothing but small shorts while washing his car. Nick’s enormous body was as usual covered with rippling muscles, which quivered with every movement he made. Tiny droplets of water had sprayed or ricocheted all over his tanned skin and combined with the light sheen of perspiration from the effort he was putting in, Nick not only gleamed beneath the sun but also seemed to Billy, like some legendary Greek or Roman god from a fantasy movie. To Billy, Nick looked magnificent. Not that such a thought was at all surprising.

 

Nick looked up uncertain at first, not sure of the distant voice or where it had come from. He looked down the street to the right but there was no one there. He turned his gaze toward the apartment block and again there was not a soul to be seen.

 

“Hey Nick,” Billy called excitedly a second time and with an enormous smile on his face.

 

Nick turned to the left where his eyes fell on Billy. His change of expression was instant and his eyes lit up. His disciplined and hard working focus drowned beneath a smile that moved inward as well as outward. If anyone had been watching, they would have recognized the connection and attraction between these two men. It was blatantly obvious for anyone to see. Anyone that is, except for both Billy and Nick.

 

“Hi Billy.”

 

“Hi Nick.”

 

Nick asked, “How are you?”

 

“Great now.” Billy replied.

 

“Yeah, getting home from work can have that effect,” Nick said.

 

Billy’s smile faded just a little because his suggestive remark had been completely overlooked but as he continued to gaze at Nick, it soon returned to full strength.

 

Billy asked, “Are you going somewhere?”

 

Nick said curiously as Billy approached, “No, why?”

 

“You’re washing your car on a Tuesday afternoon. I suppose it’s not all that strange but it just seems a little out of the ordinary to me. Most people I’ve known usually wash their cars on the weekend,” Billy said, while stepping down onto the road. Unable not to notice the protrusion at the front of Nick’s shorts, Billy forced his gaze upward to Nick’s face, as he stood close to him.

 

“Well the truth is I want to get a new car and so I thought I should wash the old one before I attempted a trade-in,” Nick explained.

 

Billy replied, “Oh, well that makes sense. When are you going to buy the new car?”

 

“Maybe tomorrow and I have to admit I’m a little excited by the prospect,” Nick said.

 

“I would be too. I’d love to be able to afford my own car but I’ve got some way to go before I would be in that sort of financial position,” Billy admitted.

 

“All good things come to those who wait,” Nick said with a big smile but Billy thought that no matter how long he waited he could never have Nick.

 

“I bought this car from an old guy who posted a for sale add in the paper. It was almost four years ago and though it’s still a good car, I’ve wanted to buy a brand new one for quite some time. I have to admit after what I’ve heard casually from some of the guys on the team in the locker room, car salesmen can be assholes and it’s a bit of a daunting prospect,” Nick explained.

 

“I guess I could imagine,” Billy said agreeably.

 

Nick said hopefully but was honestly surprised the words had left his mouth, “You could come with me, if you’d like?”

 

“I don’t know what help I’d be,” Billy replied.

 

“Moral support,” Nick said.

 

“I wouldn’t have thought a man like you would need moral support,” Billy said with a sarcastic grin.

 

Nick questioned with a raised eyebrow, “A man like me?”

 

“If I remember correctly, you’re a big boy who can look after himself,” Billy replied and then snickered with amusement.

 

Nick remembered saying those words and then he smiled at the amusing way Billy so often talked to him. It seemed that in a friendly but somewhat competitive manner, Billy consistently played a game of one-upmanship and tried to get the better of him. Nick was not sure why but he found it heart warming while intensifying his odd connection to Billy. As Nick remembered their conversation on Saturday night, he attempted to turn things back around in his favor.

 

“Alternatively, Billy, you could just come with me and consider it part of your repayment for the deeply hurtful thing you said to me that night,” he countered.

 

Billy looked at him curiously before realization set in.

 

“Well I’m sorry about that Nick but one minute you were a childish little brat that was too scared to go to the hospital and get checked out and the next you were an Anaconda, swallowing its prey whole. Surely you can see I didn’t know what sort of man I was dealing with and so I was frustrated I had to assume the role of a child’s nanny, only to fear you were about to choke on a side of beef,” he said with a superior smirk.

 

Nick chuckled but he suddenly remembered what he had wanted to say since Sunday morning.

 

“Actually, Billy, I’ve knocked on your door several times in the last few days but you haven’t been home. I wanted to say thank you for your help, consideration and support. You were so good to me that night, which you always are, so again, thank you, Billy.”

 

“You’re very welcome, Nick,” he said with a sense of pleasure and pride. “Actually I’ve been to your door a few times as well but you haven’t been at home either. I wanted to check on you and make certain you were okay and to see if you needed anything.”

 

Nick felt that warm feeling regarding Billy, which had made its presence known on Saturday night. Again it was accompanied by what Nick considered a random thought, as it made him feel pleasure at the idea of Billy being with him while also being concerned for his welfare.

 

“Well that was very kind of you, Billy. Thank you again but I’m okay. Look, the bruising is almost gone. I’m a fast healer,” Nick said as he turned around to show what was left of the vanishing bruises on his body, whilst unconsciously flexing muscles everywhere.

 

The display increased Billy’s sexual desire and he wanted to lean forward and lick the water droplets off Nick’s huge, brown chest but he remained contained, just like the searing desire he imprisoned.

 

“So I can see. Your cheek is almost healed too but that gash over your eye; you probably should have gotten stitches to reduce the scarring,” he said and then he remembered kissing it.

 

Nick asked and laughed, “What, you don’t think it makes me look more rugged, more manly?”

 

“Nick, I don’t think I’ve ever seen more man than you,” Billy said without thinking how it would sound but then realizing, a moment later he blushed.

 

Despite his attempt not to do so, Nick blushed as well, as he thought Billy was making a subtle remark regarding his erection in the shower that night.

 

Thinking he was a complete idiot for saying something so pointed to Nick and also after seeing the embarrassment on Nick’s face, Billy thought a quick exit was in order.

 

“Well, I suppose I should get out of your way and stop interrupting your work,” he said, not really wanting to leave Nick’s side while making no attempt to do so.

 

“You’re not interrupting or in my way and as far as I’m concerned, you never could be in my way. Hell, it would probably be more fun if you stayed here and talked to me until I’m finished. If you want to, that is,” he replied and then spontaneously reached out and squeezed Billy’s upper arm warmly.

 

Nick was surprised by his own words. It was his uncharacteristic request for Billy to stay that surprised him. He considered it forward and also thought it sounded needy. However, he was additionally very aware of how much he wanted Billy to stay with him. The moment his hand touched Billy’s arm, Billy swept the hair from his forehead, up into the thick layers of fine black hair on his head. Nick watched, noticing the habit and he smiled upon seeing it again.

 

Nick felt a strange tightness in his chest but at the same time, he was aware Billy had not responded. He knew he really wanted Billy to remain with him and so in an unusual attempt to keep him there, he decided to try and make conversation.

 

The analytical reasoning that was so standard for Nick had suddenly deserted him, making way for instinct and spontaneity. His thoughts were running faster than normal and his generally dismissed needs were directing him. His reactions were comparatively flippant from his normal cautiousness. He did not even notice his willingness to ask a personal question.

 

“So you never told me what you do, Billy. It’s not a secret is it? You don’t work for the CIA or something like that? Billy Jackson, secret agent,” Nick joked, his tone suggesting espial intrigue.

 

Billy had not responded because he was amazed Nick had even asked him to stay and talk. However, when he heard the personal question, even if it was put in a funny way, he knew he was not about to let the opportunity to remain with Nick pass him by.

 

Instantly amused and more relaxed, Billy felt comfortable with Nick again and he was also pleased Nick wanted to know something serious about him. Even so, he maintained the light-hearted course Nick had initiated between them.

 

“Nick, how did you know? Oh man, this is a problem. I may have to take you upstairs and confine you until I figure out what I should do with you. If anyone from Langley in Virginia is listening, I’ll have to kill you.”

 

Nick grinned, knowing what Billy was doing. “Oh Billy, please don’t hurt me. I’ll do anything you want,” he said, playing along.

 

Billy said with a grin while thinking lustful thoughts, which created a thickening in his briefs, “Anything?”

 

“Anything, Billy. I’ll be completely at your disposal. Oops, bad choice of word there, just let me rephrase that. I’ll be completely at your command.”

 

“Careful, Nick, saying things like that to someone could get you into trouble. Especially when speaking to the greatest espionage agent ever trained.”

 

“I trust you completely, Billy,” Nick replied with a smile.

 

Nick turned and began washing the car again but with little thought about what he was actually doing. He was not aware of the extreme changes in his attitude that had taken over so naturally and he also had not consciously registered the playful manner he had adopted.

 

“In all seriousness, Nick, I’m a chef or at least I’m training to be one. I work at Escargot. It’s a French restaurant in midtown.”

 

“Now that I can most definitely believe,” Nick said and then he walked around the front of the car and stepped up onto the verge. He dropped the soapy cloth into the bucket of water and then picked up the hose before rinsing the car clean.

 

Billy asked curiously, as he followed Nick and stepped up onto the grass beside him, “Why is that so believable?”

 

Nick twisted the nozzle on the hose to halt the flow of water and then dropped it onto the ground. He then picked up a dry cloth to begin wiping the beads of water from the surface of the vehicle. Incidentally he replied, “The meal you cooked for me the other night.”

 

“It was just steak and eggs, Nick, you really need to get out more,” Billy said.

 

“Well Billy, it was the best steak and eggs I’ve ever had but I suspect you’re probably right and I do need to get out more than I do. Still, I don’t suppose it matters if my friend Billy Jackson lives next door to me and has promised me he would cook me whatever I want, whenever I want,” Nick said, completing with an irresistible smile.

 

“The promise you’re referring to was made under duress and amidst deception and I don’t know that it would be right or fair to be expected to fulfill such demonic manipulation,” Billy said with an entirely serious expression and tone of voice.

 

“Demonic manipulation? Jesus, Billy, where do you come up with these lines you spout at me on a regular basis?”

 

“I just speak the truth as I see it, Mr Rawlins.”

 

“Is that right? Considering I remember that conversation very well, I think I should reiterate and I quote, ‘Of course, Nick. I’m sorry if I upset you. I’ll make you anything you want, just say what and when.’ To that response I said to you; ‘I’ll hold you to that promise no matter what happens next,’ to which you, Mr Jackson replied; ‘Of course.’”

 

Billy was grinning before he said with an exaggerated tone of defeat but with an expression that was also highly amused, “What and when?”

 

“Educate my palate, Billy,” Nick replied and they laughed.

 

Billy questioned, turning the conversation around to keep it going, “Considering that we’re discussing work, what is it that you do, Nick?”

 

“I see to the health and safety of trees,” he replied.

 

Billy asked, looking mystified, “What the hell does that mean? “Are you some sort of Green Peace soldier who chains themselves to trees to stop them being cut down?”

 

“What? No, Billy,” Nick said and laughed, both bemused and surprised. “When a tree is a danger to someone’s home, I’m one of those guys that remove it. I also make them safe by lopping off unsafe branches or topping them to decrease height and encourage lower growth. I’m a tree monkey. I’m the one who climbs up inside them to see what’s okay and what’s not.”

 

“Nick, you’re huge. Aren’t you a little big for that sort of job?”

 

“I’m not the only one who does it, Billy. There are several of us that do the job but because I’m so big I’m used for the larger, well-established trees. It isn’t like they send me up trees that couldn’t bear my weight,” Nick explained.

 

Billy nodded and asked with a smirk, “I guess you must be handy with a chainsaw, then. Should I be worried?”

 

Nick replied with a twisted expression, “Did you ever see Texas Chainsaw Massacre?”

 

“Now that is just gross. You’re a sick man, Nick.”

 

“Only to those who don’t understand the pleasure I get watching human limbs boiling in a pot on my stove before I eat them,” Nick said.

 

Billy’s expression was sickened as he imagined the sight and he said, “Jesus, Nick.”

 

“You look like you’d be a tasty morsel for me to dine on, Billy.”

 

“That wouldn’t be a good idea,” Billy said.

 

Nick asked, “Why not?”

 

“Well because if I had to cook for you, it would be difficult to do while I was boiling away in a pot,” Billy joked rationally.

 

“Good thinking, Billy. I’ll definitely have to keep you alive and get you to sauté or roast my other victims,” Nick said and then followed with a crazy man’s grin.

 

“I think it’s time for a change of topic. One that isn’t so nauseating. Can I ask you a serious question, Nick?”

 

“Of course, Billy.”

 

Billy asked before he chuckled at his own joke, “Do you not know where to find modern shorts that were completed before they were sold to you?”

 

Nick looked down at his shorts curiously. They were second-hand and maybe a quarter size too small but he really liked them. He immediately assumed Billy must be referring to the smaller size and so he looked back at him to respond and said, “They’re rugby shorts.”

 

Billy asked, “Do you play Rugby, too?”

 

“No. Actually I’ve never even seen the game. I bought these in an opportunity shop. I liked the shorts and the dark green color and I liked the little, gold animal symbol on the sleeve. I’m obviously easily pleased and so I bought them,” Nick explained.

 

“Oh, my apologies, Nick. I thought you were trapped in the seventies or something and that was why they barely reached mid thigh,” Billy said sarcastically, with an expression of smugness written all over his face.

 

Nick looked at Billy disbelievingly and then swung his arm around Billy’s neck, pulling him down and squeezing his face against his chest. He rubbed his hand back and forth aggressively over Billy’s head, causing his hair to pull until Billy cried out.

 

With a smile from ear to ear as he maintained the headlock, Nick said, “You’re a funny guy Billy but your humor always seems to be at my expense and that doesn’t seem fair to me. Wouldn’t you agree?”

 

“No,” Billy said, enjoying the position his face and lips were in, as they pressed against a large, hot and sweaty chest.

 

Surprised by the answer, Nick rubbed harder than before, causing Billy to yell as his hair pulled and his scalp seemed to burn at the same time.

 

Nick asked, “Would you like to rethink that answer?”

 

“Ah,” he yelled, “shit,” he screamed. Yes, all right, it’s unfair,” he bellowed.

 

“I thought we would be in agreement,” Nick said as he released him and Billy pulled back, stopping several feet in distance away from Nick.

 

“I agree that a quick mind can make muscle seem very slow,” Billy shot back, feeling safe with the sizable gap between them.

 

Nick smiled but there was an underlying expression Billy had never seen before. Nick bent down and retrieved the hose.

 

“Slow, Billy? I’ll show you what slow is,” he said and then he twisted the nozzle and a hard stream of water began to drench Billy from top to bottom, as he ran screaming toward their building.

 

Nick laughed loudly as he halted the flow of water. Billy stopped on the concrete step right outside their building door and turned around looking like a drowned rat.

 

“Ways and means, Billy, ways and means,” Nick called out and a smile crept onto Billy’s face, which pleased Nick that Billy’s reaction was positive.

 

“Nick,” Billy yelled.

 

Nick yelled back, “Yeah?”

 

“You missed a spot,” Billy said pointing to the car and Nick swung around to look, only to discover that Billy was fucking with him again.

 

“You’ll keep, Billy,” Nick threatened with a laugh and then his laugh extended as he watched Billy trying to wring the water out of his clothes while still wearing them.

 

“Go get dry and I’ll see you later, Mr Jackson,” Nick said.

 

“Not if I see you first,” Billy retorted, laughed and waved and then he entered the building leaving Nick to his chore.

 

Nick began to wipe the car down but he could not wipe the smile from his face. It really amazed him the way Billy had the ability to make him feel twenty years younger and as a consequence, bring out the relaxed nature of a boy. It was a side of him he did not even recognize from his youth. Somehow Billy had drawn from within, a mischievous rascal who enjoyed clowning around and yet, Nick loved the feelings and he loved the experience of being so openly playful. It was foreign but it felt so damned good.

 

Nick knew he did not react this way with anyone else and that he also never had. Being with Billy was always so unthreatening but it was also always fun and easy and simple. As he considered this, he suddenly felt a warm and fuzzy feeling inside.

 

A few minutes later, Nick became overly aware of Billy’s absence. The smile that had been etched onto his face dissipated and he was extremely conscious of the intense feelings of need that were filling him. Like silent voices the feelings inferred more than friendship. A shocked expression reflected his thoughts and he stopped abruptly and swung around. He stared at the empty space outside the building door and found he was wishing Billy were still there.

 

The rush of awareness was like a punch in the gut. He inhaled deeply, bordering on a gasp. His immediate response was to dismiss the thought as preposterous but the desire to be with Billy again was compelling. Finally mindful of a truth he was still continuing to try to deny, the feelings grew. They were consuming, warm and inviting but in habitual fashion, they were frightening.

 

Nick did not even grasp that there was absolutely no reason for him to think that having feelings for Billy was out of the question. It was simply a matter that his unexpected revelation along with the sudden intensity, made no sense to him and made him think what these things meant was impossible.

 

He turned away from the door to the building and slapped the dry cloth down onto the metal of the car firmly, as if the action would somehow change something.

 

Nick instantly realized that the pleasure and the feelings of the night before with Eric had been swept aside by the arrival of Billy. That simple thought returned the feelings he felt for Eric but Nick’s feelings for either man were not negated by preference. Whomever he thought of, both made his heart beat quicken and suddenly, Nick knew though they were so different as men, he was feeling the same or at least similar feelings for both of them.

 

Nick wondered how that could be possible. How could he love two people at the same time? That question contained words that suggested he loved Billy, too. This was a shock to Nick because Billy was nothing like Eric or any of the men he had fantasized about.

 

He wondered, “How could I love Billy and not know?”

 

“Impossible,” he said while confusion filled him.

 

Over the next half hour, Nick was to discover that the only thing that was actually impossible, had nothing to do with having very deep feelings for Billy. It was to do with the fact that he could not dismiss the thought or the growing awareness, no matter how hard he tried.

 

To be continued...