Best Laid Plans Read online

  He put the key in the ignition and turned it on, holding his breath until the smooth sound of the engine relieved part of his anxiety.

  The biggest part, though… Would Mopp agree with his plan? He hadn’t seemed put off by his scars. Josh shivered as he remembered the feeling of his sweet boy running his fingertips over the marks Lucas had put on him.

  Mopp really hadn’t seemed to mind them. Maybe Josh could make love without keeping his shirt on. At least he wouldn’t have to come up with some ridiculous excuse for keeping it on.

  “God, I feel tired,” he muttered as he scrubbed his face. “I’m getting old.”

  “No, you’re not”

  He jumped. “Mopp?”

  “Yep.” Mopp slammed shut the rear passenger door.

  What was he doing in the backseat?

  Mopp got into the front passenger seat, but before Josh could ask if he’d forgotten something, he said, “It’s been a long night. You should have let me drive.”

  “You’re still suffering from a concussion.”

  “My head’s like a rock. I’m fine.”

  “Sure you are.”

  “Joshua. I. Am. Fine.”

  Josh turned to meet Mopp’s gaze. “You’re so cute.” Shit. He hadn’t planned to say that.

  “You think so?” Mopp looked like he’d given him the best gift ever.

  Hadn’t anyone—Jan—ever complimented him? If he and Mopp were going to be together, Josh would have to correct that.

  Mopp fastened his seat belt. “You said we would discuss this in the truck.”

  “This?” Right. This. Okay, no time like the present. “Yes. I… uh… I think maybe it would be easier if you fucked me.” Not that Josh was a dedicated bottom—he could be versatile if he gave it some thought—but he had a feeling the not-so-straight boy would be able to live with himself better if he could look at himself in the mirror and know he hadn’t taken a cock up his ass.

  “No. I’m not going to f-fuck you.” Mopp stumbled over the word, and once again his cheeks reddened. He’d probably never used language like that.

  But Josh couldn’t find any amusement in that. He’d finally been willing to go out on a limb, and now it felt as if the bottom had dropped out of his world. Were they already done? “I… I see.” He stomped down on the clutch and reached for the gear shift in the center console.

  Mopp rested his fingers on Josh’s. “I wish you’d let me finish,” he complained mildly. “We’re going to make love.”

  “We are?”

  “Yes, we are.”

  “I thought—”

  “I know, I’m sorry. Sometimes I don’t express myself clearly. I know what I mean, but a lot of times, other people don’t.”

  “So we’re going to be—”

  “Lovers? Yes, please.”

  For a second, Josh couldn’t catch his breath. Then he beamed at his sweet boy. “Do you know something? If we weren’t in the truck, I’d unbuckle your seat belt, pull you onto my lap, and kiss you senseless.”

  “Will you do that later? Kiss me senseless?”

  “Yeah. I will.”

  Mopp grinned. “Then what do you say you put this truck in gear and get us to that bed and breakfast?”

  I don’t know what I did to deserve this boy, Josh thought, but whatever it was, thank you, God.

  Mopp was willing to be with him, and Josh was just going to go with the flow and be grateful.

  ***

  A LITTLE MORE than fifteen minutes later, Josh pulled up to the curb and turned off the engine. Suddenly he was more nervous than his first time with his first boyfriend. “Well, I guess this is it.”

  A cream-colored sign with maroon lettering that read McHarris B&B hung from a post at the head of the walk.

  The bed and breakfast was… comfy. There was no other word for it. It was a Craftsman-style cottage with huge bay windows and a porch that ran across the front of the house. Winter jasmine spilled in a froth of yellow flowers around the porch and bordered the drive that led to the rear of the property.

  “I’ll register us.”

  “I’m not waiting in the truck,” Mopp said stubbornly.

  “Okay, then.” Josh smiled at him. In spite of his nerves—it had been a very long time since he’d had a lover as opposed to a simple hook up—Josh couldn’t wait to get his sweet boy into his arms, somewhere where a hundred interested people weren’t watching them. “Come on.”

  Mopp unbuckled his seatbelt, hopped out—ah, youth—and followed Josh up the walk.

  “Do you think they’ll be open?”

  Josh glanced at his wristwatch. It was almost a quarter after eight. “We’ll see soon enough.”

  They climbed the steps, and Josh tried the doorknob. In spite of the hour, it turned smoothly. He pulled it open, and they walked into the foyer.

  And he caught his breath. This looked more like someone’s home than a place of business.

  “Wow!” Mopp said softly. Mopp seemed impressed.

  It was worthy of a definite wow. A graceful staircase in the center of the space curved up to the second floor and split the first floor into two sections.

  Well, so was Josh, if it came to that. He watched with a sinking heart as Mopp stared at the fireplace, the bookshelves, the window seats, and the sheer, gauzy drapes that hung over the windows. He loved his house by the river, but a glance around the interior made it obvious a bachelor lived there. How could his home hope to compete with all this elegance?

  Then Mopp leaned closer to him and whispered, “I like your place better,” and Josh flashed him a pleased grin.

  “Good morning, gentlemen.” The man who came from the rear of the house had sleep-tousled dark hair and carried a mug of coffee. “My name is Lee, and I run this establishment.” He wore an unbuttoned shirt that revealed his tanned torso, and sleep pants that hung low on his hips and were almost transparent. “What can I do for you?”

  “We need a room for a few hours.”

  “Do you?” His gaze grew cool as he studied the two of them.

  It had been a while since Josh had had a reaction like this, and he stiffened and drew himself up to his full height. The gentle hand on his arm startled him, and he looked down at Mopp.

  “Dix told us to come here,” Mopp said, sliding his fingers down to twine with Josh’s, and Josh drew in a deep breath and made himself relax.

  “You know Dix?”

  “Yeah.” Mopp gave Lee one of his sweet smiles.

  Josh blew out the breath he’d just drawn; abruptly aware he was heart-deep in love with his sweet boy. And unlike his relationship with Lucas, he had a strong feeling there would be no turning back from Mopp.

  “He was visiting some mutual acquaintances in Georgia.” Mopp continued as if he had no idea he’d rocked Josh’s world—which he had, of course he had. “We gave him a ride home. But it’s been a long night, and we could use some sleep.” Mopp slung an arm around Josh’s waist and leaned into him, and Josh felt a lot better.

  “Luggage?” Lee asked.

  “I’m afraid we didn’t bring any.”

  “Hmm. Your names?”

  “I’m Mopp, and this is Josh.”

  “Mopp?” Lee shook his head. “If you’ll just wait here a moment?” He left them there, and Mopp squinted up at Josh.

  “What was that about?”

  “I imagine he’s going to check with Dix to make sure we’re not a couple of vice cops.”

  Mopp’s jaw dropped, and he gasped. “Vice cops? We look like vice cops? That is so awesome! I’ve never been taken for anything other than a construction worker.”

  “Looks like you’re rising in the world.” God, he was so cute.

  “It does, doesn’t it? I’m so glad I started hanging out with you. You’re a good influence.” Mopp batted
his eyes at him, and Josh ruffled his hair.

  Just then Lee returned. “I’m sorry to keep you waiting. Of course, any friends of Dix are welcome here.”

  “He vouched for us?”

  “He did. I apologize for having to do that, but I can’t be too careful. My younger brother lives with me, and I don’t want to chance having him taken away.”

  “That’s completely understandable.”

  “Thank you. Now, normally we get two hundred and forty dollars a night, but since you’re friends of Dix’s, and since you won’t be spending the night, I’ll charge you half.”

  “That’s very kind of you.” Josh had his wallet out before Mopp could reach for his and handed him a credit card.

  “I’ll need a driver’s license also.”

  Josh gave him that as well.

  “And if you’ll sign the registry?” A large ledger was open on a secretary desk set beside a French door that led to the side yard.

  Josh did that while Lee processed the transaction. Once Josh had signed the slip, Lee gave him back his credit card and driver’s license.

  “Welcome to McHarris Bed and Breakfast.” He handed Josh a key attached to a square piece of wood with 202 burned into it. “Our guests like that. They feel it’s an added touch of whimsy.”

  Whimsy? Right.

  Mopp yawned. “If we don’t get to our room soon, I’m gonna fall asleep right here.”

  Damn. Getting hit in the head by a bullet was taking a lot out of his sweet boy.

  Mopp leaned against Josh again and whispered, “And I don’t want to miss out on the fun you promised me.”

  Josh was tempted to adjust himself. He dropped a kiss on Mopp’s curly hair instead. “Neither do I.”

  Lee grinned. “Why don’t you drive your car around to the rear of the property? No one else is staying here right now—it’s the beginning of the week—so there are plenty of available parking spaces. You can come in through the sunroom and take the small staircase right on up. Although… if you like, I can provide you with breakfast. It wouldn’t be much. Just some fruit and cereal…”

  “Thanks, but we’re good for now. Maybe a late lunch?”

  “Certainly. I’ll just wish you two gentlemen a good morning and get myself another cup of coffee.” He shook hands with them both and then sauntered toward the back of the house.

  “Let’s go park the truck, sweet boy.”

  Mopp swallowed. Was he a little nervous? Josh could understand that. According to what Tom had told him, he was probably only the second person Mopp would make love with.

  Josh tipped up his chin and brushed a kiss across his lips, pleased when Mopp wound his arms around Josh’s neck, stood up on tiptoe, and sighed into his mouth. “More please?”

  “I think we should get the truck off the street first.” He rubbed his nose along Mopp’s cheek and inhaled. “I love how you smell.”

  “You don’t think I smell stale? I’ve been in these clothes a lot of hours.”

  “You’re fine.”

  “Then what are we waiting for?”

  Chapter 29

  MOPP COULDN’T TAKE his gaze from Josh as the big man steered the truck to the parking area at the end of the drive. He had the almost overpowering desire to reach across the space that separated them and rest his palm on Josh’s thigh.

  And then Josh stepped on the clutch and the brake and shifted into park. Mopp’s mouth went dry, and he actually found himself running his fingertips over the muscle as it flexed beneath the woolen trousers.

  “Mopp?”

  “Josh. I’m sorry, I can’t—” Mopp unfastened his seat belt and slid over so he straddled those powerful thighs. And how cool was this? That action made them the same height!

  “Mopp…”

  “Shh.” He cradled Josh’s cheeks in his hands, tilted Josh’s head to one side, tilted his own head to the other, and fitted their lips together.

  For a second he wasn’t sure if this was one of his brighter ideas. Josh gripped Mopp’s hips, holding him still, and his lips remained closed beneath Mopp’s.

  Oh, please! Don’t let me have screwed this up…

  And then Josh gave a soft groan, parted his lips, and stroked his tongue over Mopp’s lips. Jan had kissed him like that, and while it had been nice, it hadn’t been anything like this. Mopp’s hum of pleasure morphed into a moan as he felt Josh’s cock harden and nudge the space behind his balls. He rocked against Josh, increasing the most amazing feeling. So this was why the men at the ranch liked sex so much.

  Josh drew back a hair and whispered, “I love you. I’ll love you for as long as I live.”

  “Me too.” Mopp wound his arms around Josh’s neck and nuzzled his lips.

  “I don’t understand how this happened. You’re straight—”

  “Not now, I’m not. And as long as I’m with you… as long as you let me stay with you…”

  Josh bit down lightly on Mopp’s lower lip and tugged, and Mopp thought his dick was going to push through his fly. “Are you ready, sweet boy?”

  “Yes.”

  “Okay, then.” Josh patted his hip, and Mopp took that as a signal and slid off his lap. “Much as I like where you are, I think I’ll like it better once we’re horizontal.” He turned off the engine and took out the key. “Remember, we’ll go at whatever speed you want.”

  “Could we… could we maybe go a little faster?”

  Josh smiled at him. “Yeah, I think we could.” He got out of the truck, opened the rear door, and took out the bags.

  Mopp figured he’d better get a move on and did the same thing himself. Then he jogged around to the other side of the truck.

  “You bought something else?” Josh asked.

  “Yeah.” He grinned up at Josh and caught his hand. “Come on.”

  ***

  “OKAY, JUST STAND here a minute.” Josh gave him a slow grin that seemed to promise heat and passion, then turned to unlock the door of room 202.

  Mopp found his gaze almost glued to Josh as he dropped the bags just inside the room. Before he realized what was happening, Josh spun around and scooped Mopp up in his arms.

  “Whoa!” Mopp held tight to the bag of candles. No one had ever carried him like this. Well, it wasn’t likely they would—he was a guy. “Am I too heavy for you?”

  “No.” There was a smile in Josh’s voice, and Mopp flung an arm around his neck, turned his head, and dropped kisses along his jaw.

  Josh kicked the door closed and let Mopp slide down his body. Mopp loved it, loved feeling every inch of Josh’s big body along every inch of his own.

  “Nice.” He kissed the hinge of Josh’s jaw. His morning stubble caused Mopp’s lips to tingle. He stroked Josh’s face. “Very nice.”

  “I’m glad you think so, sweet boy. Do you mind if I shower first? I need to prepare myself.”

  “No.” That would give Mopp time to get the room ready. He set down the bag as casually as he could.

  “Let me have your suit.”

  Mopp gave him a slow grin and asked, laying on his accent, “Why, Mister Cooper! Whatever did you have in mind, sir?”

  “You’re not that kind of boy?” Josh pinched his chin. “We’ll have to see about changing that.” He went on to explain. “I’m gonna hang your suit in the bathroom along with mine, and hopefully the steam from our showers will freshen them.”

  “Okay.” Butterflies took up residence in Mopp’s stomach at the thought of what he and Josh were going to do. He took off his jacket and dropped it on a chair. Then he loosened his tie, drew it slowly over his head, and tossed it onto the same chair. They weren’t going to need ties once they hit the road again.

  With teasing fingers, he unbuckled the belt that secured his trousers, pulled it through the loops, snapped it, and tossed it to join his tie. As he undid his
fly, he toed off his shoes. Then he let his trousers drop down his thighs, down past his knees and calves to his ankles, and he stepped out of them. Deliberately, he turned; deliberately, he stooped to pick up his trousers. He knew the shirt had ridden up, exposing the black boxer briefs that hugged his butt.

  “Woof!”

  Mopp hid a satisfied smile. He looked over his shoulder, all innocence, and as he hoped, Josh’s gaze seemed glued to his butt. “Sorry?”

  Josh dragged his gaze up over Mopp’s body. He swallowed, and his Adam’s apple bobbed. “I want you to walk around my house just like that.” His voice was gravelly.

  Mopp’s dick twitched, and he blushed. Had he gone overboard? He kept his body angled so Josh wouldn’t see how his words affected him.

  “Or better yet, I want you to wear one of my shirts when you’re walking around the house, and I want you naked under that shirt.”

  Mopp’s mouth went so dry he couldn’t work up a drop of spit. “D-didn’t you say something about taking a shower?”

  “I did.” Josh rifled through the pharmacy bags. “Ah. Got it.” He held up the package of razors, then dropped it back into the bag. “I’ll leave this in the bathroom for you.”

  “Okay.” Mopp thought he was going to burn up from the heat of the glance Josh sent his way. He laughed, but the sound stuttered in his throat as Josh rubbed his knuckles along Mopp’s jaw and brushed a soft kiss over his lips.

  “I’ll… uh… I’ll go take that shower now.” Josh draped Mopp’s trousers and jacket over an arm, started to back away, but then paused. “I’m going to need some hangers.”

  “Hangers. Right. I’ll get them.” Mopp looked around. A small alcove had been set up as a closet. He hurried to it, took a couple of wooden hangers, and brought them to Josh.

  “Thank you.” Josh stole another quick kiss and headed for the bathroom.

  Mopp licked his lips and again watched that amazing butt. His fingers twitched with the desire to touch it.

  Well, soon enough. The bathroom door shut, and after a few minutes—during which time Mopp assumed Josh was hanging up their suits, stripping off his shirt, shorts, and socks, and shaving—the shower turned on.

  He pictured Josh naked in there. Was his dick long? Was it thick? Was it erect?