Doing Hard Time

[Ohiospeedo]

No, this is the only place I've posted this story so far. I've never been to Nifty before, so I don't know the story you're talking about. You mean there's one that combines all the different elements of my story the same way I have? I mean, it's possible that some of the common elements will repeat themselves, but surely not in the same composition that I have written. If you could point out the story you're referring to, I'd like to check it out.

And please, don't suspect me of plagiarism!!! I'm only 19, I don't want to go to prison, in a case of life imitating art, lol.

Justin

Ha ha...wasn't accussing you of plagiarism. Just thought that maybe you had posted this story on Nifty, and if you had, I wanted to go and read the rest of the story. Sorry if you thought I was accussing you.

 

[arogersb]

PART II
Home is Where the Heart Is


Author’s Note:
The characters and locales in this story are entirely fictional. All characters engaging in acts of a sexual nature are above the age of eighteen. Political and medical conditions mentioned in this story are not meant to represent actual scenarios. Harrison will continue to narrate the major part of the story, but once again there will be more than one narrator, continuing the multi-thread format of Part I.​

~ Chapter 8 ~​

From the Narrative of Harrison Ridgeway IV:

My elder sister, Phoebe, was waiting for me outside the prison, to take me home.

Home was a strange word to me now. I’d spent my university years across the country, returning home for holidays only when I couldn’t avoid it, and even then just for Mom’s sake. Now after two months in a prison cell, the opulence of the mansion in which I’d grown up seemed alien to me.

I replayed images of my final moments in the prison.

“You’re sure you’ll be okay without me?” I asked.

Caleb grinned. “I’ve spent almost nine years in here without you; you think I can’t handle myself?”

“It’s not that. I was just … worried, you know, that …”

He cut me off. “My next cellmate won’t be as accommodating as you?”

I blushed, eliciting another cheeky grin from Caleb. Then more seriously, he said, “You don’t need to worry about me, Harry. What you need to do now is concentrate on getting your life back together. You still need to have relationships with guys your own age.”

“I’m not sure I’m ready for that. In here, I could be myself, but out there … it’s a different story.”

Caleb looked sad and understanding. “Promise me that you’ll at least try? That you’ll go and see Joshua?”

I hugged him, burying my face in his chest, feeling his strong arms encircle me.

“I promise.”

Until today I’m not sure I can define the relationship I had with Caleb. It started out as hero-worship, it turned into something sexual and ended up being quite paternal.

“Harrison, we’re here.” I was brought out of my reverie by my sister’s voice.

“Oh, right. Are you coming in?” I asked.

“Yes, Mom’s taking care of Alan today.” She nudged me. “Why are you stalling? Mom’s been waiting for you all morning.”

It wasn’t Mom I was afraid of. I didn’t know how Dad would react. The people who voted for Dad weren’t too happy with a father who didn’t believe his own son and hurriedly disowned him for a crime he didn’t commit.

Feeling dejected, I got out of the car and walked to the front door. It swung open as soon as I reached it. Mom enveloped me in a hug, with tears streaming down her cheeks. But I hardly heard what she was saying. I was busy looking over her shoulder. My face fell. I thought he’d at least be here to see me, after not visiting me in prison for the two months of my incarceration. I wasn’t expecting an apology; that would be too much to hope for.

“Mom … where’s Dad?”

Mom looked upset. She tried to ignore my question and spoke to Phoebe instead. “Phoebe, the baby’s in the nursery. Don’t forget to feed …”

I cut in. “Mom, where’s Dad?” I repeated my question, more insistent this time.

Mom tried to avoid direct eye contact, a sure sign that she was lying. “He said he’ll see you at dinner. He’s just not free now, busy with …”

I didn’t want to hear Mom making excuses for Dad’s unwillingness to face me, his only son, whom he hadn’t seen for two months. Whom he’d left to rot in a prison cell.

I interrupted her. “I’m going out. I’ll take my car.”

Mom stared at me in shock. “But you just got in.”

I was aware that I was hurting Mom's feelings by leaving as soon as I got home, but I just couldn't stay right then. I grabbed the keys from the table in the hall and told Mom, “I’ll see you for dinner … I hope.”

***​

I sat in my parked car, in silent contemplation. I was reminded how much easier it was to say something, than to actually do it. I know I’d promised Caleb, but this was a lot harder than I thought it would be. Damn it, the last memory I have of Josh is the hurt look on his face when I lashed out at him for coming onto me.

I looked out the window, at the house I’d spent so much time in during my high school years. Josh’s parents had been alive then. I had had a perfect life. I took a deep breath and stepped out of the car.

I walked slowly, as if to delay the inevitable, but I soon found myself on Josh’s doorstep. Taking another deep breath, I pressed the doorbell and waited. Nothing happened. I pressed it again, holding it down for a longer time.

“I’m coming!” I heard a male voice yell. My heart skipped a beat. I could still recognize Josh’s voice. The door flew open.

I started to say “hi” but the greeting died in my throat as I stared at Josh. Four years since I’d last seen him, and he’d changed quite a bit. Or rather, I was noticing things about him which I hadn’t before. Josh is quite attractive, and, I’m afraid to admit it, in a more masculine sense than me. He was tanned and had a light sprinkling of hair on his chest. He wasn’t overly muscular, and didn’t have a six-pack or anything, but his pecs were well-defined and his stomach flat. I had the chance to see all this because he was holding his t-shirt in his hand, not wearing it. My eyes followed his treasure trail to the waistband of his boxers, which peeked out above the cargo shorts he had on.

I averted my eyes from his crotch and looked at his face instead. He looked uncomfortable, at a loss for words. So was I.

He was the first to speak. “Harry … um … I wasn’t expecting you so soon. Er, come in.”

I nodded silently and followed him into the house. I didn’t trust myself to speak. I watched his back as he pulled on the t-shirt, observing how his muscles flexed as he did so. I knew there were guys who would kill to be the object of Josh’s affections. And I’d had that privilege but said “no” to him instead. I couldn’t believe it.

“Um … sit down,” said Josh, gesturing to the couch. I obeyed and he sat down next to me. I got a good look at his handsome face – he looked as nervous as I felt.

I gathered my courage to speak. “Josh … I know it’s been a long time and I didn’t exactly treat you well …”

Josh put up his hands to stop me. “Hey, forget about that. The past is past. I should have known better than to come on to my straight best friend.”

I swallowed. I had to tell him the truth, but it was just so hard. “Josh, Caleb told me about everything. How you’re still … well, in love with me.” Josh blushed.

I continued. “I wanted to thank you, for all that you did for me. Especially after all that I did to you … I know I was a terrible friend. I didn’t come when you needed me, when your parents died. Yet you helped me when I was in need of it most.”

“Harry.” When he said my name so tenderly, my heart melted. “I know you can’t return my feelings for you. I just wanted to do something, to help you, to keep you safe. It doesn’t matter if you’re destined to marry some girl and have kids with her. I’ll always love you.”

I knew this was the moment of truth. With difficulty I got the words past my throat. When I did, it just bubbled past, like an incessant stream.

“Josh, that’s the thing. I was scared. I couldn’t face it. I abandoned you because I was afraid what feelings it might awaken in me. Oh God, I’m so sorry, Josh. Please forgive me.”

Josh looked at me with a curious expression. “Harry, what are you saying?”

“I like guys, too,” I managed to blurt out. I looked at his reaction; there was absolute shock on his face. I opened my mouth to apologize further, but he reached out and put his finger against my lips.

“Shh … Don’t say anything,” he told me. But I had to.

Tearfully, I asked him, “Will you forgive me?”

He didn’t reply. At least not verbally. Instead, he pressed his lips against mine. All the pent-up longing and desire came to the fore. I guess I should take that to mean my apology was accepted.

His gray eyes were closed, an expression of pure pleasure etched on his tanned face. I knew this passionate kiss was the culmination of years of his unreciprocated love for me. I returned it with a vigour that told him that the feelings were mutual. In no time, I was sprawled out on the couch. Our liplock didn’t let up, but his hands were eagerly exploring my upper body. I felt them move under my shirt, their touch cool against the warm, bare skin of my torso.

This was going too fast, I thought. But then, I didn’t want it to stop, either. I gave in to wild abandon, my own hands running under his shirt, feeling his back muscles which I’d admired earlier.

Then I heard a voice drawl, “Well, well, what have we here?”

To be continued …​

I’m afraid this chapter was rather short, due to the need for a 'cliffhanger' at the end. Rest assured, longer chapters (and new characters) will be coming soon, in weekly or twice-weekly updates (I’m quite busy this month, sorry!) As always, your feedback is greatly appreciated. Thanks for your continued support.

 

[bcwang]

I remember you mentioning the plan of this new story in the end of your last story.
This is equally enjoyable.
And the two of them were "nicely" interrupted.

 

[indexer]

i never really thought of encountering any cliffhangers here, but what can i say!?!

i like ur story and ill patiently wait until the next chapter arise!!

keep it up!

 

[harry113]

Justin, this is great!! Thanks
Look forward to the next chapter
Hugs
Harry

 

[Craiger]

The intrigue it growing quickly, Justin. I can tell this is going to be a wonderful continuation of Part I. Good cliffhanger!

Craiger

 

[arogersb]

~ Chapter 9 ~​

From the Narrative of Joshua Damien Spencer:​

I was making out with the guy I’d fantasized about since we were in high school. I wondered if I had died and gone to heaven. I had never, in my wildest dreams, imagined that Harry could be gay after the way he’d reacted the one time I’d ever tried anything around him. The surprise I felt at the revelation was rapidly overwhelmed by euphoria. Harry wanted to be forgiven, but the only thing I could think of at the moment was planting a kiss on those luscious lips. And so I did.

There was none of the resistance I’d expected. The instant our lips met, I felt the jolt that went through his body in my embrace. Whatever insecurities he had, they seemed to melt away as he returned my kiss passionately. He sank back against the couch, as if he wanted me to take him right there and then. Our hands were busy exploring each other’s bodies, under our shirts. One part of my mind was screaming, is this really happening? And the other part told me to just keep on going, before it came to an end.

And it did come to an end. I’d completely forgotten my nervousness about Reid once Harry had revealed his secret. But now hearing his voice, Harry leapt away from me as if I was a carrier of the plague. His eyes almost popped out of his head as he caught his first glimpse of Reid behind me.

I didn’t have to look to know the reason for Harry’s stare. Reid isn’t very fond of clothing. If there wasn’t a law prohibiting public nudity, Reid would probably spend the day naked. Not that he had anything to be ashamed of. Whenever he had time off work, he’d spend it on his three favorite pastimes – surfing, exercising and fucking. The results of the first two activities showed in his muscular body, particularly the killer abs that he had. His blond hair was perpetually flopping into his pale blue eyes. And the dimpled smile that could make hearts melt explained Reid’s success in his third pursuit.

Harry’s glance took all of it in and he blushed as he caught sight of Reid’s cock – six inches long and cut, surrounded by a bush of blond pubic hair. Then he turned his stare towards me. My heart sank as I caught the accusing look.

Reid said, “Hey I know you! You’re the one Josh has a shrine of in his room.” I cursed him for revealing this bit of information, as if it wasn’t embarrassing enough already.

I decided to take matters into my own hands. I cleared my throat and said, “Harry, this is Reid Scott. Reid, Harrison Ridgeway.” Then I turned to look at Reid. “Um … could you put on some clothes?”

Reid glanced down at himself nonchalantly, as if he hadn’t even noticed his nudity until then, and said, “Oh, right.” I watched him disappear into his room, and then only turned back to look at Harry.

“Look, I can explain …” I began, but Harry cut in, “A shrine?”

I reddened. “It’s nothing, really, just a few photos and mementos. You probably don’t want to see it,” I said in an attempt to discourage him.

“But I do,” he said, looking at me innocently. I couldn’t resist that look. What the hell, I thought. At least he isn’t asking me what some surfer-boy is doing wandering around my house naked.

I nodded towards my bedroom door. “It’s through there.” I got up and he followed behind. He was so close, I thought. It took every ounce of my willpower not to turn around and ravish him. I thought desperately, couldn’t we just return to what we were doing before this?

The “shrine”, as Reid had called it, was basically just a board on which I’d stuck some of my favorite photos of Harry. The top of the cabinet below it had the few things of his that I’d kept. Okay, so I’d sort of stolen some of the things.

“I wondered where this went,” he said, picking up the wooden bead necklace he’d bought on our senior class trip to Hawaii. I had the grace to blush guiltily. His hands wandered over the array of things, pausing at a photo of us on the beach. We were both shirtless, and his arm was around my shoulder. I loved that photo, because of the charmingly innocent look he had in it, totally unaware that I was having a hard-on in that picture due to his arm on my bare skin.

He turned to look at me. For a heart-stopping moment, I thought he was going to kiss me again, but then he dashed my hopes by asking, “So who’s Reid?”

I took a deep breath. I knew I had to tell him the truth, though it was hard. What if he didn’t believe me?

“Harry, I want you to know, that I’ve always loved you. It wasn’t just some teenaged crush; it hasn’t gone away although it’s been years. I always hoped that, you know, you’d come to find me and we’d … like what happened just now. But I didn’t think you ever would. I held out hope, Harry, I really did. My parents’ deaths reminded me I didn’t have all the time in the world. Then Reid came along. I thought it would just be a one-night thing – I was a virgin and he’d done it many times.”

I averted my eyes. How was I to tell him the next part?

He prodded me. “But it lasted more than just the one night, didn’t it?”

Ashamed, I nodded. “I liked it so much that I wanted more. And surprisingly enough, Reid agreed to stay with me. I told him, we weren’t in a serious relationship – that it wasn’t permanent or exclusive, because I was still hung up over you. And we agreed on it.” It all came out in a rush of words. I was aware I sounded like I was babbling.

I looked at Harry. “So Reid won’t mind, now that you’re here, we can have … a relationship.” I was almost pleading by now. Was my stupid desire for sex going to be my undoing? I was sure Reid wasn’t going to be upset over this, but was Harry going to be able to accept this?

Harry said softly, “It was just sex?”

I nodded vigorously, “Yes. We’re not in love or anything. Harry … please …” I begged, wanting him to believe me.

Harry shook his head. “I believe you. You haven’t done anything wrong. And I’m not the one to judge here. I did some terrible things, much worse than you could have ever done. Even this, I was the cause of it.”

I opened my mouth to protest, but Harry stopped me. “Josh, I know you want me to stop blaming myself, but I realize I was the one who made the mistakes. Will you accept my apology?”

“I already did,” I told him.

“And will you accept me?” he asked again.

I blinked back my tears and practically shouted, “Yes!”

Harry smiled in relief. I put my arms around him and hugged him. His words were muffled by my chest, but I could hear them. “I love you too, Josh.”

I released him and smiled back. “Do you want coffee?” I asked. Harry looked surprised. “I can make an excellent latte!” I declared proudly.

Harry raised his eyebrows. “Okay, this I have to see … or do I mean taste? The only time you tried to make a drink, I had to secretly pour it down the toilet.”

“Hey!” I said in mock annoyance. “I’ll have you know, my lattes are the reason most people visit the Surf 'n' Sand Café!”

“I thought you worked at your parents’ hardware store.”

“Actually I sold that last year and started a café on the beachfront.”

Harry shook his head in disbelief. “And the surprises just keep on coming. You, running a café?”

I laughed. “You’d better believe it. Now you just wait a few moments, and I’ll bring you the Surfer's Paradise Special!”


From the Narrative of Harrison Ridgeway IV:

I turned back to examining the shrine once Josh left to make the coffee. I couldn’t believe the depth of his love for me, and felt completely undeserving. I promised myself that I would make it up to him in any way possible.

I was so engrossed in my thoughts I didn’t hear Reid come into the bedroom. I jumped when I felt his hand on my shoulder. I turned around, noticing he was only wearing a pair of black boxers. I wondered vaguely that it couldn’t possible have taken him that long to put on just his underwear.

“I heard what Josh told you,” he said softly. “And I came to tell you you’re not wanted here.”

I blinked. “What do you mean?” With sudden force he pinned me against the wall.

“Listen here, you bastard. I don’t know who you think you are, but you don’t just come in here and try to steal Josh away.”

I tried to wriggle out of his hold but found myself in a solid grip. “Look, I’m sorry but Josh told me you agreed to a non-exclusive relationship.”

Reid glared at me. “When there was no chance of you returning. As far as we were concerned you were straight. Enough to reject your best friend when you found out he had a thing for you. You can’t just turn up and the relationship Josh and I have. You don’t even care for him, do you? You’re just going to break his heart again.”

I had to protest. “But I love Josh!”

“Where was your love for him when you refused to speak to him ever again, huh? You listen to me – you’re going to walk out of here and never return.”

I was outraged. “You can’t just order me to leave. Josh doesn’t love you. He told me so. He loves me!”

That was the wrong thing to say. Reid’s handsome face was contorted with anger. Reid moved his hands from my shoulders and grabbed me by the neck, lifting me a few inches above the ground. I struggled to breathe.

“You won’t screw things up for me and Josh. If you really love him, you would let him go instead of getting into a relationship with a gay basher. How long will it be before you turn on him?”

I wanted to object that I could never turn on Josh. But then I realized, I had done so before. Reid was right. Josh deserved better. I was a terrible person and Josh didn’t need to have to put up with me. I should break it off gently and let him go back to Reid.

“Alright,” I managed to croak. “I won’t cause any more trouble for the two of you.”

Reid released me. “Good,” he said, watching me like a hawk as I rubbed my throat. I felt like crying. A few moments ago, I’d been dreaming of a happy future with Josh. Now it was never going to come true.

To be continued …​

Coming up next: Harrison learns a painful lesson, while a new character enters the story.

I had to do a bit of editing because I realized I'd made Josh the owner of a hardware store, which doesn't fit into the story as the Surf 'n' Sand Cafe does. So a little bit of editing will hopefully remedy this loophole.
Feedback is always welcome. Tell me what you think of Reid, because he's going to become quite a main character. Thank you.

 

[bcwang]

Don't like him. Plus he likes to be nude. hate that too.

 

[Craiger]

Well, Justin, this is a turn of events. I won't say I don't like Reid, but I do think he is just worried about himself and the "security" he seems to have with Josh. Hopefully this will all play out to everyones benefit, but secretly I want Josh and Harrison to become lovers. Only time will tell and I can hardly wait for the next installment.

Craiger

 

[indexer]

even if he deserves the benefit of the doubt...judging from the character, he might seem to be a guy not suitable for josh....i might not be surprised if he only wants josh for the money and not to reciprocate the love that poor guy needs...

yet again,its ur story and whatever twist u do with it,i'll patiently wait for the next chapter to behold..

nice job!!

post more soon!!! Peace!

 

[psychoticpyro777]

Wow, great story I can't wait for the next part. *giggles like a kid in a candy shop* lol

 

[harry113]

Justin Thanks.
I agree with Craiger & indexer, Reid seems to be a goldigger!
Waiting for more!
Hugs
Harry

 

[smile86]

enjoying the new developments!

 

[kcm17480]

This is an excellent story. This is surely good enough to be published. It seems so real and full of feeling.

 

[kcm17480]

I don/t know how I missed this story but I couldn't stop reading it once I started. I was hooked on it once I started. I love the cliff hangers in this story. Can't wait for the next chapter. Excellent story Justin.

Thanks,
Ken

 

[wowsers30]

wonderful story...is this posted on nifty too...i want to save this...its amazing...i started today and i've been thoroughly enjjoying it...kudos

 

[arogersb]

~ Chapter 10 ~​

From the Narrative of Harrison Ridgeway IV:

As Reid glared down at me (he must have been 6'3", to my 5'10"), I heard footsteps and Josh appeared at the doorway, a coffee mug in hand.

“Here’s your latte,” announced Josh brightly. His cheerfulness seemed weirdly incongruous in the tense atmosphere. Josh seemed to sense it.

“Are the both of you getting along?” he asked anxiously.

Reid flashed a smile at him. “I think we understand each other perfectly.” He turned to me and gave me a warning look, unseen by Josh.

“Um … yeah. Look, Josh, I forgot that I have to go somewhere important,” I said.

Josh’s face fell. “Now? But … I thought we were …”

I felt like I was caught in between the two of them. I interrupted, trying to keep my voice steady. “I really have to go, Josh. Maybe another day?” I knew there would never be another day. From the tone I said it in, Josh must have realized it too.

“At least finish your coffee,” he said, handing me the mug without looking at me. “Careful, it’s hot.”

I couldn’t say no to his pleading face. Reluctantly, I accepted the steaming mug. Behind Josh, I caught Reid’s glare.

I lifted the mug to my lips, blowing on the liquid so as to cool it. From the corner of my eye, I noticed Reid move away from Josh and towards me. I was too busy looking at Josh. He seemed really upset over my sudden coldness. He was avoiding my gaze. I wanted to take him into my arms and say that I did love him, that it was all Reid’s fault I was acting this way.

I wasn’t really paying attention to Reid until he came up right next to me. The coffee was still hot and I was desperately blowing air on it to cool it down so that I could finish it and leave as quickly as possible. Out of nowhere, Reid casually jolted my elbow with his arm. Josh didn’t notice it until I cried out as the steaming liquid in the mug spilt over my hand and onto my chest.

“Oh my God, Harry. Are you okay?” Josh rushed over to my side. Blinking back tears, I wasn’t sure whether of pain or sadness, I looked down at my chest. There was a large brown stain on my white shirt. My chest and hand were both burning, the pale skin on the latter glowing an angry red.

Josh grabbed my hand and blew gently on it, his earlier disappointment seemingly forgotten. “Damn, Harry, I told you it was hot.” Josh thought I’d spilt it on myself. I spared a glance towards Reid. The smug look on his face had given way to uncertainty. This wasn’t panning out as he’d hoped. At that moment I hated him. I should just tell Josh what Reid had said to me earlier, that he’d purposely made me spill the hot coffee on myself.

I was a split second away from revealing everything to Josh, when I thought about Reid’s motivations. I realized Josh had been wrong when he’d said his relationship with Reid was not a serious one. It was more than just about sex, at least in Reid’s eyes. Reid loved Josh, and he didn’t want to lose him, especially not to someone like me, who he clearly thought was going to hurt Josh. I thought back to the night when my ‘friends’ had beaten up the hapless Dean Winters. My actions that night were fueled by my own cowardice, but Reid was influenced by genuine love for Josh. I couldn’t judge Reid. The pain I felt from my burning skin was just momentary; the injuries inflicted on Dean had left him in a coma for months. I was the cause of that. I didn’t want to the cause of Josh and Reid’s breakup as well.

I felt Josh’s hands unbuttoning my shirt as he said, “I’ll get something for …”

I pulled his hands away from my shirt buttons. “I’m okay. I’ll get it myself when I go home to change. I’ll just go now.”

Josh looked hurt. “Harry, did I do something wrong? Why are you doing this?”

I’m the one who’s done something terribly wrong. This is for your own good, I wanted to tell him. But I knew that wouldn’t solve anything. Reid was watching us with narrowed eyes. “I’m sorry, Josh. It just won’t work out between the two of us. Goodbye.” I managed to get the words out in a cold tone of voice.

Josh was crushed. “Can we … can we at least be friends?”

We used to be friends a before. I’d thought – no, I’d hoped – that we could be so much more now.

“I don’t think so,” I told him. Then I turned away. Just before I did, I saw Reid put his arms around Josh from behind and comfort him as he started to cry. I ran from the room.

***​

I got into my car but didn't start the engine immediately. I don't know what I was waiting for - Josh to come running out to get me back? Anyway he didn't. He must still be in Reid’s arms, which, although it pained me to admit it, was where he belonged. So why did I feel like such a jerk for pushing him away for the second time? Josh was better off with Reid, I argued. Reid was more experienced than me – definitely in the sex department – and he had one hell of a hot body. He was also out of the closet, unlike me. What sort of relationship did Josh expect me to have with him? I could never publicly be his boyfriend, thanks to my homophobic father.

I looked down at my chest. The top buttons of my shirt were still undone, and I could see the pink tinge to my smooth pale skin where the hot coffee had spilt. I realized I’d have to go home, at least to change my shirt. I couldn’t go around with a coffee stain on it. I gripped the steering wheel with my hands and winced as my scalded hand came into contact with it. Damn Reid. But I couldn’t stay in the car all day, feeling sorry for myself. I guess I deserved it, in a way. Gritting my teeth, I started the engine and drove off.

***​

“Harrison! Where have you been? I was starting to get worried.” Mom did look anxious, and I felt guilty for raising her concern. She spotted the stain on my shirt. “What happened?”

“I spilt some coffee on it, Mom. Don’t worry, I’ll just go and change.”

Mom grabbed my hand as I started to go upstairs. “You will be coming down for dinner, won’t you?”

Exhausted by the day’s events, I sighed and said yes. I was going to have to see Dad eventually.

In the privacy of my bedroom, I stripped off my shirt and started poking around in the closet for a new one, before deciding I might as well take a shower. I removed the rest of my clothes, catching sight of my nude body in the full-length mirror as I did so. An image of Reid’s gorgeous naked body flashed in front of my eyes. I felt my cock stir. Shit, what was going on? I know I was new to the whole gay thing, but surely that didn’t mean I was going to fantasize about every gay man I come across. I didn’t even like Reid. Shaking the image out of my mind, I went into the shower and allowed the warm water to thud against my back, loosening all the stressed muscles.

When my shower was over, I felt weirdly restful. The day’s nerve-racking events were obviously taking their toll. Without even bothering to dress, I collapsed onto my bed, in a deep sleep.

***​

“Harry, wake up!” I opened my eyes as soon as I heard his voice.

“Josh!” I leapt out of bed. Josh looked at me in amusement, and it was then that I realized that I was naked. Blushing, I reached out to grab the sheets to cover myself up, but Josh grabbed my hand to stop me.

“Don’t,” he said.

“Josh, we can’t …” I told him.

“Is it so wrong that I love you? And you love me too.” It wasn’t a question; he was just confirming what he already knew.

He came closer to me and kissed me on the lips, with a passion reminiscent of our first kiss earlier that day.

I broke off the kiss. “What about Reid?” I asked.

“Reid’s okay with it.”

“Really?” I asked him, disbelieving.

Josh brushed aside my concerns. “Hush, baby … don’t worry about all that.”

He eyed my naked body lustfully and licked his lips. “Hmm … you’re naked and I’m here waiting to ravish you. Is there anything more I could ask for?”

Without pausing for my reply, he grabbed me and planted another kiss on me. Any thoughts of asking him further questions flew out the window as he went down on me. He kissed my neck and moved down slowly. I moaned as he tweaked my nipples playfully. “Ah, you like that, do you?”

I nodded eagerly. But he was lost in his ravishing of my body. His tongue made wet trails on my smooth torso as it circled my nipples and traveled down my stomach. And then finally, after what seemed like an eternity, his mouth fastened around my cock, and he was sucking it. The pleasure was intense. I couldn’t control my moans of ecstasy. Josh’s gray eyes, full of laughter, watched me as he teased me.

And then my cock exploded, shooting string after string of cum all over. It was at that precise moment that I awoke.

I looked around my surroundings groggily. Somehow I’d managed to push the covers off myself, so my nude body was exposed. My stomach and pubic hair were coated with an abundant amount of sticky white liquid. “Shit,” I muttered, as realization dawned on me that it had just been a wet dream. This wasn’t a good sign. There was no way I was ever going to hook up with Josh. I’d been given a second chance with him, and I’d blown it – on purpose. So why was I now dreaming about him giving me an all-too-real blowjob?

I heard a knock on my door and realized that was what had woken me.

“Harrison, are you alright?” I heard my Mom’s voice from behind the door. “I thought I heard you groaning.”

I struggled to think of something to say. “Um … yeah, Mom, I’m okay.”

“You don’t sound okay. I’m coming in,” Mom announced.

My eyes widened in horror. I couldn’t let her see me naked and covered in cum. I quickly rolled off the bed. My feet got tangled up in the sheets and I fell to the floor behind the bed with a thud.

“Harrison?” Mom peered into the room. I poked my head out above the bed, being careful to make sure that Mom could only see me from the shoulders up.

“I’m okay, Mom,” I told her.

Mom looked puzzled. “What are you doing on the floor?”

“Err … nothing, just … err … checking for that box of stuff I used to keep under my bed.” I surprised myself by coming up with the lie so quickly and making it sound so convincing.

“Under the bed? Do you want me to help you look?” asked Mom, starting to come into the room.

“No!” I said. Mom was stunned by my sudden vehemence. I steadied my voice and said in a more normal tone, “I mean, I just realized it must be in the cupboard below the stairs.”

“Oh, I’ll get it for you then,” said Mom. I started to protest that she didn’t have to do everything for me, but Mom reminded me it was my first day home. It was a good reason to get her out of my room so that I could clean myself up and get dressed, although I did feel guilty later on when she told me she’d spent half an hour looking for the non-existent box.

After Mom had left my room, I wiped my perspiring forehead with the back of my right hand, forgetting that it was the one scalded by the hot coffee. I winced. This was not turning out to be a good day. And considering that next on the agenda was dinner with Dad, it didn’t look like it was going to get any better.

To be continued …​

Coming up next: Harrison’s future is uncertain. What will he do now that he can’t reunite with Josh? And how will Congressman Ridgeway deal with his son’s sexuality? Stay tuned to find out in the next chapters (coming soon).

P.S. Don’t think too badly of Reid. Josh isn’t rich, so we can’t classify him as a gold-digger. In fact Reid is helping Josh make ends meet, since his parents’ death left him in financial troubles. I’m afraid Reid’s motives are a bit different. But I do encourage you all to continue your speculation; I love to know what my readers are thinking. Once again, thanks for all your feedback and nice comments.

 

[kcm17480]

That is really to bad about Josh. Just when I thought they would patch things up.
Can't wait for the next chapter.

 

[bcwang]

My heart went out to Josh. But the story might get a different (a bit poignant) tone if Harry and Josh couldn't come together in the end, which is not necessarily a bad thing for the story. Will Harry find love in someone else?

 

[Craiger]

Hey Justin,

I think the story is going really well. What could be more like the reality we all know sometime in our lives. Harry's trials and tribulations may be a little more than most of us would like, but they are not far from that reality. I do see a future for him, possibly with Dean, but then again, it's your story as others have said and we will all have to wait and see. Good chapter...

Craiger