fisted his hands in Jonah’s hair, and melted against him.
Jonah backed Avery up against his car and ravaged his mouth. Every fantasy he’d had over the past eight months paled in comparison to the real thing. Heat, longing, and lust slammed together, twisting and swirling through Jonah’s body like a cyclone, threatening to wreak havoc on him and everyone who stood in the way. Still, Jonah couldn’t get enough. He slid his hands down to cup Avery’s firm ass, loving the way the smaller man canted his hips toward Jonah, seeking friction and heat.
Avery sucked his tongue, and it took everything Jonah had not to throw him over his shoulder and carry Avery off to his bedroom.
Honk. Honk.
The blaring car horn startled Jonah and Avery apart.
“Do that shit inside your house,” a snarling punk yelled out the window of a passing car.
“This has been one of the strangest days in my life,” Jonah muttered as they watched the bright yellow Honda Accord disappear around the corner. “I wouldn’t be screaming at people from a vehicle that recognizable.”
Avery mumbled something indecipherable. Jonah hooked his forefinger beneath his chin, lifting his head until Avery met his gaze.
“What was that?” Jonah asked.
“It’s not all bad, right?” Avery asked.
Jonah traced his thumb over Avery’s thoroughly kissed lips. He liked being the reason for Avery’s flushed cheeks and plump mouth instead of an avocado. “I said strange, not bad, and some of it’s been pretty fucking amazing.”
Avery nipped Jonah’s thumb. “You’re not freaking out?”
“Oh, I am,” Jonah countered. “But I don’t regret it.”
Avery heaved a relieved sigh. “I should probably head back to work.”
“Is Trexler treating you okay?” Jonah asked, brushing his knuckles along Avery’s cheekbone.
Avery leaned into his touch. “You’re making it hard to be good.”
“Sorry,” Jonah said. He started to lower his hand, but Avery made an adorable growling noise, so Jonah continued touching him. He would’ve encouraged Avery to do the same, but it could result in them getting arrested for indecent exposure. He settled for tracing Avery’s jawbone before resting his palm against his neck, smiling when he felt the erratic pulse throbbing beneath Avery’s skin.
“Um, I forgot what I was going to say,” Avery whispered.
“I asked if Trexler was treating you okay.”
“Oh, him. Yeah,” Avery said, nodding. “Too nice. I think Trexler’s going out of his way to prove he’s not the problem in your dynamic. Everyone knows better.”
Jonah hated knowing everyone talked about him. Pitied him. Placed bets on him. He needed to reevaluate how badly he wanted to continue working in a hostile environment. Was it worth the stress? He shoved the thoughts aside to focus on the man in his arms. Jonah lowered his head and kissed Avery long and slow, loving the way Avery clung to his biceps.
Avery broke the kiss suddenly and panted for air. “Jonah, if we don’t stop now, I will drag you into the house and do wicked things to your body.”
“Get it, honey,” Marla said from a rocking chair on the porch. Betty barked twice from her perch on Marla’s lap. “Miss Thing agrees.”
They’d been so wrapped up in one another that neither had heard Marla come out of the house.
“You must be Avery,” Marla said.
“Yes, ma’am,” he replied, sounding pleased that she’d heard of him.
“You’re as cute as a button. No wonder you have the big guy tied up in knots.”
“Okay,” Jonah said, cutting her off before she could say more. He looked back at Avery. “Can I call you later?”
“I’ll be pissed if you don’t.”
Jonah reluctantly released Avery and took a few steps back.
“It was nice meeting you, Marla,” Avery said. The French bulldog barked sharply. “And you too, beautiful Betty.” He raked his eyes over Jonah one last time before getting in his car.
Jonah waited until Avery drove away before returning to the porch. He flopped down in the chair beside Marla and began rocking.
“Attaboy,” Marla said proudly.
Jonah laughed. “Ready for lunch? I have plenty of leftover barbecue from last night.”
“No, thank you,” Marla said. “I think I’ll just head home. I think I’ll make some soup before conquering my mighty to-do list.”
“Is there anything I can do to help you? I’m pretty handy.”
Marla patted his knees. “I know it, baby, but it’s not that kind of list. And besides, you’re already tackling my number one priority. Knowing you’re doing all you can for Earl has helped me far more than the medicines my doctor has prescribed to keep me comfortable. The little nap in your recliner was