Saving Grapes - Madeline Kirby Page 0,72
taking everyone to town for dinner.”
“You’re going out?”
“Why is everyone so surprised? I am not a hermit!”
“Yes, dear.”
“Besides, it’s your fault.”
“What’s my fault?”
“I have to take everyone out because I’ve been acting like an ass because I miss you.”
“Ah. So, I need to come home and take care of that, do I?”
“You just need to get back here. If you’re not back here, in our bed, this time tomorrow I’m sending out a search party.”
“I’ll be there, in our bed. Maybe I’ll even be in you.” Ben’s voice was low and husky.
“Shit!”
“Like the sound of that?”
“No! I mean yes! Shit, don’t say stuff like that when I’m walking around. I almost fell down the stairs!” Thom finally made it to the bedroom and slammed the door behind him.
“Well, I don’t know what you’re doing, do I? Are you on solid ground now?”
“Hell, I don’t know. I never know what’s going to come out of that mouth of yours.”
“You love my mouth.”
“I love you.”
“Damn. I’d hop in the car now if we didn’t have the final tasting tonight. I love you, too. I’ll be there as early as I can tomorrow.”
“Okay. Drive safe and text me when you leave Seattle.”
“Will do. Be nice until I get there.”
Thom growled before ending the call.
Thom had been distracted and on edge all morning, accomplishing almost nothing in the vineyard. He wandered down the hill to check on the final touches Ross and his crew were putting on the new building.
He had just reached the last stretch of the drive before the structure when he saw Ben’s car slow and turn off the highway. Thom sped up, and started to jog when Ben pulled to the side of the drive and stopped. He got out of the car, stretching to loosen up after the long drive, then smiling as he held his arms out to fold Thom into a tight hug.
Thom held on with both hands, burying his face in Ben’s neck and breathing deep. “God, I missed you so much,” he said, his lips moving against Ben’s skin.
Ben laughed and lifted Thom off his feet, spinning him around. “Me too. Now let me kiss you,” he said, putting Thom down and pulling back so he could bring their lips together for a proper hello.
Thom finally broke the kiss, pushing Ben back a little. “Enough of that or I’ll embarrass myself right here by the side of the highway.”
“You’re not the only one,” Ben answered, his voice shaky. “Did you head down here to meet me?”
“I wish I could say I did, but I was restless and came down here to see how things are going. They’re almost finished.”
“Yeah?”
“The sign came, too. It’s inside. Want to see?”
“Yes! Let’s get this done, because I need lunch, a shower, and you.”
“In that order?”
“I’d like to say no, but I’m weak with hunger and I feel grimy from traveling, so yes, in that order.”
Thom laughed and took Ben’s hand in his. “Okay, let’s go.”
They found Ross inside, talking with one of the painters. When he finished his conversation he came over to where they stood waiting.
“Hey, Ben. Welcome back.” Ross extended his hand for Ben to shake.
“Hi Ross. How’s everything going?” Ben was surprised when he met Ross’s eyes. The burly contractor looked exhausted, with dark circles underneath his eyes.
“Good. Almost done here. Building inspections are scheduled for next Wednesday, and after that you can start bringing in your equipment and furniture.”
“Great. Thanks, Ross. I wanted to show Ben the sign. Is it still in the entry hall?”
“Yeah – right where we left it.”
“Thanks. No, we’ll be fine,” Thom smiled and waved when Ross started to follow them. “I’m sure you’re busy.” Ross nodded and headed back to where the painters were prepping and taping.
“What’s up with Ross?” Ben asked as they headed for the front of the building.
“What do you mean?”
“He looks wrung out. He may even have lost some weight. And he didn’t try to flirt with either of us.”
“Well, he’s been working hard, I guess. Maybe he didn’t try to flirt because we’re a couple now?”
“Please, when has that ever stopped Ross?”
“You have a point. Huh, I guess I hadn’t noticed.”
Ben didn’t answer. They had reached the entry hall and Ben was admiring the large sign leaning against the wall. The words “Lightning Strike Vineyard and Brewery” were burned into the white-washed wood, and beneath the name a large fulgurite had been inset so that it could be seen from both sides of the sign.
“It’s perfect,” Ben said, crouching in front of the sign so he could run his fingers over the letters and trace the outline of the natural glass.
“Wait’ll you see the hop field.”
“Is there time before lunch?” Ben asked, standing and turning to face Thom.
“Yeah, if you drive us up there. You know, I’ve got this bum hip.”
“Bullshit,” Ben replied, putting an arm around Thom’s shoulders and steering him out the front door. “You’re as fit as you ever were.”
Thom laughed and leaned into his lover, bringing his own arm up around Ben’s waist. “Driving’s quicker.”
“Okay, okay. Hop in and we’ll go check it out.”
By the time Ben had caught up with everyone, admired the sprouting hops and the new vines, and eaten an extra-special lunch prepared by Jon, it was almost two o’clock. Pleading exhaustion, he headed upstairs, dragging Thom with him.
“Doug and Mindy?” he asked as he headed into the bathroom, peeling off his shirt as he went.
“Noticed that, did you?” Thom leaned against the doorframe, admiring the view as Ben turned on the shower and finished stripping.
“Yeah. Has Mindy?”
Thom shrugged. “If she has, she’s playing it cool.”
Ben stepped into the shower and ducked his head under the water. “You coming in?”
“I could be persuaded.”
“Thom, sweetheart? Would you please scrub my back?”
Thom grinned as he shucked off his clothes and stepped into the shower, wrapping his arms around Ben’s waist from behind and resting his cheek on Ben’s shoulder. “That’s better,” he said, closing his eyes.
“Mm,” Ben hummed, and Thom could feel the vibration coming from Ben’s chest.
They lingered in the shower, washing each other and kissing, reminding themselves and each other of all the secret places and special touches they had learned in their months together. By the time they dried off and tumbled into bed, they were both hard and leaking, pre-cum smearing their bellies as they rutted against each other, too far gone for anything more complicated. Ben shuddered to his climax first, Thom right behind him when he felt the warmth spreading between them.
They held onto each other, panting and laughing, until Ben rolled Thom off of him and went to fetch a warm washcloth to clean them off.
“Oh, man. I feel like a teenager, frotting in the back of my car,” Thom moaned.
“I like it,” Ben said, as he climbed back into bed, slipping under the covers.
“You do?”
“Yeah, it reminds me of our first time. Do you remember?”
“How could I forget?” Thom turned to face his lover – his partner.
“Then you also remember that there was a next time.”
“And a time after that.”
Ben smiled that smile – the one with the dimple – and pulled Thom to lie flush against his side. “And all the times after.”
Please watch for Jon’s story, coming in the fall of 2015!
About the Author
Madeline Kirby lives in Houston, Texas, with her husband and their cats. When she’s not writing, Madeline spends her time traveling, knitting, spinning, occasionally brewing beer, and spending time with friends eating and drinking her way around town.
You can follow Madeline on Twitter – Madeline_Kirby – or check out her neglected blog, evilgeniusatwork .
Also by Madeline Kirby
Just That Easy
Table of Contents
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Epilogue
About the Author