An Explosive Fourth

Fucking Jesse Moor. That name both irked and excited Greg to no end. They’d been best friends so why the hell was he the last one to find out the bastard was back in town?

The news had spread like a high school rumor and it was no surprise his own mother was the cheerleader. But, why was he the last to know? Sure, his buddy had been close to his mother, but still…

Both pissed and feeling higher than a junkie, Greg rushed up to his room. God, he was twenty five and still lived with his parents. How fuckin’ embarrassing was that? Throwing that ego-deflating thought aside, he shed his cloths and hopped in the shower.

God, Jesse. He had missed the bastard, the few phone calls and even fewer letters he had received over the years just wasn’t enough. The guy had been busy, receiving a scholarship from Harvard and occupying his mind with all that fancy-dancy lawyer crap. Greg couldn’t help but to feel a little jealous, if only because his best friend’s time had been spent elsewhere.

He scrubbed the skin off his body, rubbed his scalp raw and stepped out of the shower dripping. Damn, what was he going to wear?

He hovered in the bathroom, shaving, combing his hair and brushing his teeth. He looked like he always had, those light gray eyes against dark blond locks giving him a pale appearance; at least he smelled nice now.

Greg dug through his drawers, throwing shirts on the bed, pants against the chair. He still more or less dressed as he had in high school; flashy shirts and baggy jeans. His hair had once been every shade of the rainbow, but he had let it fade out to its natural blonde, a color he wasn’t particularly fond of, but there was nothing he could do to fix that at the moment.

Choosing a plain gray tee with an emblem of Dr.Pepper printed across the front, he sighed as he felt the freshness of the fabric against his skin. Next was a pair of blue jeans, ripped at the knee, and a little tighter than most of his pants. But, what about the boxers?
He cursed himself. Like Jesse would care what color his under was? He sighed with frustration and chose his best ones, a pair of black silkies with yellow smiley faces printed on them.

He returned to the bathroom, running his fingers through his moist locks, letting them fall back over his eyes. He finished up the manscaping, sprayed a little AXE-tion on and looked at his reflection. He was an okay looking guy, he knew that, but he was going to rely solely on his charm.

He knew Jesse would be back. And, whether it had been ten years or just six, Greg planned to seduce him.

He’d been in love with his best friend since he had become aware of what sex was at that tender age of thirteen. And, when he found himself looking at Jesse with an insatiable appetite rather than ogling girls, he knew he’d never be satisfied unless he had his friend. But, he had kept his desire to himself. Hell, he had even shared in making out and fondling a girl’s boobs with Jesse, just to partake in something remotely sexual with the guy, but it hadn’t been enough.

He needed more.

He knew Jesse was a free spirit, needed to roam a bit before finally settling down, so Greg had let him go. To Harvard. So far away from the sleepy little town of Fairbury, Illinois. It was neither here nor there, a tiny dot on the map between Chicago and Springfield. Population: About four-thousand or so farmers and factory workers. Nothing exciting.

He hoped in letting Jesse try his wings for a bit, the male would come back, weary and wanting for something more. Greg had sensed his friend’s interest, never missed those curious hazel eyes looking at him with curbed hunger, but he had waited for the boy to come to him… waited… and still waited.

Now he was going to seduce the man.

They had shared a kiss, though. One, too-quick, mind blowing kiss the day Jesse had left for Harvard. Greg could still remember it to this day, six years later. The way his lips tasted, smooth and inviting, his tongue so warm and wet. It had been in a corner at the train station, so very public, but also private. Jesse’s hands had gone to his waist gingerly pulling him in.

Then, just like that it was gone. Jesse was gone.

Greg sighed and slipped into his Converse All-Stars. After the initial shock of that embrace he had feared it had been more of a good bye smooch, a taste of what could have been, but what wouldn’t.
But, he was back in town now and Greg wasn’t going to let him get away a second time.

“You going to find Jesse?” His mother’s voice called. Damn, how did moms do that? She was in the kitchen; he was in the front room and being quiet.

“Yeah.” He called back a bit angrily. She had known a whole damn day about Jesse and hadn’t told him.

“Make sure you give him a hug for me.” She chimed.

He grumbled something incoherent and tossed on his plaid long sleeve. It was July 1st, but an overnight chill had swept in, plunging temperatures to the upper sixties. It was comfortable, though and the weather man issued a warning that the Independence Holiday was going to be a scorcher once the late season low passed. For now, he enjoyed the feel of the fabric against his skin.

Greg grabbed his wallet and the keys to his old 67 Eldorado Coupe; a hand me down from his father on his sixteenth birthday. The same car he’d driven Jesse in to the station. The paint job was okay, a little rusty around the edges, but the engine was good, so were the leather seats. But, the best part about the car was the brand spankin’ new sound system complete with Sirius Satellite Radio. He had saved for two years for the baby, working his butt off at the local animal shelter.

He hopped in and switched the channel to his favorite Trance station. Ferry Corsten’s Fire filled the atmosphere, the bass and synth rumbling through the car like an animalistic growl. God, how he missed driving to Chicago with Jesse to party at The Rave on the weekends.

He threw the Caddy into drive and sped off, anxious to find the man that had haunted him for so long. He was also a bit pissed the guy hadn’t let him know he was coming in. Instead, Jesse had written to his mother, who had been sort of a foster parent for him since he had moved here when he was eight.

Jesse’s parents had been less than spectacular. His father was a drunk, his mother an addict and they had often left Jesse unsupervised and neglected. Greg lost count how many times the boy had stayed over his house for dinner and a warm place to sleep. It was no wonder he had been anxious to get away from Fairbury. The guy’s mother had died when he was seventeen from an over dose, but his father was still ticking and apt to make an appearance every now and then.

Greg hoped the asshole stayed out of sight. If Jesse got a look at him, he was likely to turn and run away screwing up Greg’s plans.
Man, Greg missed the days when they had hung out. The mornings of walking to school together, the nights they spent in his room, listening to music, joking about shit that didn’t seem funny today. Just chilling and doing absolutely nothing. He wanted that back again, wanted his friend back, and wanted… more.

He cut down Florence Drive, his hands sweating under the wheel. He was nervous. Anxious. A person could change a lot in a few years, but he had remained pretty much the same. Hadn’t gone big time lawyer or doctor, just stayed… and what was wrong with that? It was a nice town. Cozy and quiet. It was the kind of place where everyone knew everyone. And, if you got bored you could just drive on up to Chi-Town for a little entertainment.

But, that hadn’t been enough for Jesse, had it. He needed the air, needed to stretch those wings and see just how big the sky was.
Greg pulled up to Amery’s, a nice little diner and cut the engine. He hopped out and looked around, taking in the fresh air. There were city workers decorating the lamp posts for the Fourth with red, white and blue ribbons; people scuttling back and forth, kids throwing snaps on the ground. He bit his lip as he headed for the motel across the street. It was the only one in town, the only place Jesse could be.

He heard raised voices, not in anger, but frustration. He pulled the door open and stopped dead in his tracks.

It was Jesse. An older… refined Jesse. But, it was him none the less because he’d know that dark, smooth voice anywhere. He had his back to Greg, arguing with the manager, but Greg couldn’t understand what the problem was. Didn’t care, either. He ran his eyes up and down the form in front of him, the fancy black suit hugging a delicious body. The male was a few inches taller than he was, looked like he had a few pounds on Greg, too. But, damn…

“Gregory!” John, the motel manager called to him. “Thank God. Maybe you can get through to him.”

Greg sucked his breath in as Jesse turned to regard him. He was as handsome as Greg remembered. Those intense hazel eyes piercing, the smooth planes of his face, those pouty, kissable lips that he had had the opportunity to taste. His chocolate hair was clipped short and neat, a slight shadow gracing his jaw that succeeded in making him look so damn sexy. And dangerous. This was not the young man he’d remembered. Not the kid he had been in love with, sampled those supple lips and missed for six years.

Jesse had grown into a predator, a virile, sleek male animal and Greg soooo wanted to be his prey.

Greg caught himself before he drooled all over.

Jesse’s anger fled and his eyes brightened, the brown shifting to a more silver-green. “Greg? What the fuck man? You haven’t changed one bit.”

Greg felt his lips quirking up in a smile. “I’d say the same… except I hadn’t expected my best friend to return as a penguin.”

The guy scowled for a moment, but it was a playful frown. He ran a hand down his midsection as if he felt uncomfortable in the suit, but sighed. “I just got in a few hours ago. I was trying to get a room, but apparently, there’s none to be had.”

John spoke up. “It’s the 4th of July weekend. Everyone and their cousin is in town.”

Jesse grumbled something indecent.

A light bulb appeared over Greg’s head. This was perfect! A plan rolled out in his mind, complete with how-to directions. He smiled dumbly. “You hungry? I bet you are. That long trip and all. Let’s get something to eat.”

Jesse opened his mouth to speak. “My stuff…”

“Can go in my car until we figure something out.” He interrupted, not wasting a second to scoop up the man’s expensive suitcase that was propped on wheels. It probably cost more than his car was worth.
Greg heard Jesse groan something, but to his delight, the male followed behind him. He deposited Jesse’s belongings in his trunk and shut it, his grin reaching for his ears. His friend followed him as he led him to the dinner and he couldn’t help but to bask in the male’s exotic scent. It was spicy, rich, tantalizing and it got his blood flowing… in all the right places.

“Oh my goodness! It is Jesse Moor!” Sharla blared and rushed around the counter to greet Jesse. She cupped his cheeks and he graciously accepted the older woman’s kisses. “Lookit' you! All handsome in those fine cloths! It’s so good to see you again. And you, Gregory! It’s been too long since I’ve seen your cute face in here, too!”

Greg smiled shyly. Sharla was in her sixties now, but she had always been nice to them when they were kids and she had often snuck them a piece of pie when the owner wasn’t looking.

“It’s nice to see you again, Sharla. How have you been?” Jesse cooed in that level, refined voice. His words were so perfectly pronounced, Greg could have mistaken him for an English gentleman.

Sharla waved her hand in the air. “Oh, you know how it is around the holidays! So much to do!”

He nodded and the woman showed them to a vacant booth. They sat down and Greg watched as Jesse rotated his head, taking in all the familiarity. “This place hasn’t changed one bit, either.”

“Yeah. We’re still stuck in slow motion. The school got Wi-Fi a few years ago, though. And an internet café opened down the street last month. A lot of the kids hang out there now.” Greg said his eyes solely on Jesse. Damn, he wanted to taste those tempting lips again, wanted to savor the man’s unique flavor and scent.

Jesse nodded. “Seems that way for you, too.” Then he flicked his hand across Greg’s hair. The touch was nothing more than a whisper, but it sent electricity through his body, lighting up every nerve.

Greg blushed and patted his hair down. “You’ve really changed, man. The suit… it’s weird.”

The guy laughed softly. “Well, to be honest, I’m not really comfortable.”

That was good. Greg had feared the guy had left everything behind, even who he had been. Who he is. “So. How does it feel to be back in Fairbury?”

A strange expression crossed over the male’s face, but Sharla picked the perfect time to intervene with a round of Coke. “You guys goin’ to have the usual?”

Greg nodded abruptly while his friend shrugged acceptingly. Sharla rushed off and Greg asked, “So Harvard. Big time lawyer now. How is it? Get a lot of girls?”

Greg was testing here. He knew he was gay, but was Jesse? That kiss could have meant anything. Maybe Jesse had wanted to know what it was like just once. Maybe it was more, but Greg couldn’t be sure. Didn’t matter, though because he planned to make Jesse his.

The man shrugged and hid any indication of being attracted to him. “Good. Tough. But, I made it in the end. I spent a year training under Robertson and Foster. It was an experience, let me tell you. I just completed the program this spring.”

“Cool. What were you going into again?” Greg asked, berating himself for not remembering.

“Family law.” Jesse replied coolly and took a sip of his soda.
Ah, yes, of course. He would, wouldn’t he? Considering his parents were losers that the state failed to recognize. “Sounds like you’ve been a busy boy.”

The man nodded and leaned back, those sparkling hazel eyes settling on Greg like laser beams. “And what have you been up to, my friend? Blowing up mail boxes as usual?”

Greg flushed; surprised he had even remembered that. “Mrs. Townsend still hasn’t forgiven me. But, no, I work at the animal shelter over on Hinsdale.”

God, he felt embarrassed having admitted that. Here Jesse was sitting in front of him, the superiority wafting off of him like summer heat from the pavement. He was a lawyer now. A family lawyer. He had probably helped people, did something good and what did Greg have to show? Nada.

Jesse cocked a curious brow. “Still head to Chicago on the weekends?”
“Boy, do I wish. The last time I visited The Rave was about six months ago.” Greg admitted. He stiffened and looked down. “Dads been sick lately.”

Jesse nodded ruefully. “Yeah, I heard. Your mom told me.”

Greg tried to smile, but couldn’t. Then he felt the tender touch of Jesse’s hand on his arm, squeezing reassuring. The bastard probably had no idea how much that meant to him. Perking up, he said, “Well. We need to find you a place to stay.”

Greg was sure his buddy didn’t miss the crafty glimmer in his eye. “Yeah, I’m thinking of checking out Monroe’s over in…”

“Are you kidding me?” Greg laughed, playing it cool. Then he whipped out his cell phone. “Sorry, buddy, but you’re not staying in another town. Besides they probably don’t have any vacancy, either.”

“Who are you calling?” The male asked peeved. Apparently he didn’t like being told what to do.

“Mom. You can crash with me for a bit.” He said simply. He smiled inside, his plan coming together. Jesse was never going to know what hit him.

“You don’t have to-“

“Mom! Hey, yeah. We’re sitting in Amery’s. Yup. Hey, listen.” He said whimsically, maneuvering out of the man’s reach. “There’s no rooms available at the motel here. So I was thinking… Yeah. But, he said he wanted to try the next town over… What? Okay.” He smiled and held out the phone for Jesse. “She wants to talk to you.”

The man glowered at him, his orbs shifting back to a stony brownish hue. His jaw ticked and he took the phone and placed it to his ear. “Mrs. Fallows… yes. I missed you, too. Okay, but… okay. But, you don’t… Yes, I understand.”

Greg took the phone back, a satisfied smirk on his lips. He felt his insides jump in excitement as the guy sat back, pissed at being manipulated. But, there was also a wicked gleam in his eye, a shimmer of understanding as if he knew what the deal was. Maybe he did, maybe he didn’t, but one thing was for sure - Jesse wasn’t going to get away anytime soon.

Greg licked his lips as Sharla brought their cheeseburgers out, the gesture more from the carnal thoughts running through his mind than the smell of the food. Jesse shook his head, trying to hide an agitated smile, but failing. He thanked Sharla and dug in.

They ate their meal in quiet, Jesse becoming that silent, brooding force Greg remembered. But, he was going to change that. He was going to give his buddy something worth smiling about and he couldn’t fucking wait. Not tonight, though. It would be too soon. If he made his move right away it would probably push Jesse away; kind of like turning the radio on full blast, shocking the shit of you. You needed to ease in to the music, slowly.

But, damn he was a live wire, his nerves frayed from six years of waiting. He had dated a guy, had hoped the experience would mellow him out, but it hadn’t. Just made things worse because his body knew it wasn’t the real thing. Wasn’t the warmth, the skin it needed.
Greg sat back, keeping his smirk to himself. This was going to be an explosive Fourth of July.

-----------------

Jesse made idle chatter with Greg as they drove to his mother’s house. He was still upset at having been manipulated by his best friend, but there was no use in brooding about it. Mrs. Fallows was a nice lady, had pampered him like a real mother and he owed it to her to at least act happy about being here.

And Greg… damn. The guy was exactly like Jesse had remembered. That boyish charm was his call, making all the ladies swoon and fan themselves, more now than ever. He had seemed to lay off the hair die recently, and Jesse couldn’t help but to wonder if he still had that tongue piercing… the way it had felt against his own flesh…

Nope. Not going there. He remembered that kiss; how could he forget? But, it had been a mistake. He had been confused at the time, not sure what he had wanted out of life. But, he had been smart enough to realize his scholarship to Harvard was not to be taken lightly. So, he left. Taking a little piece of Greg with him, thinking it would have been enough to satisfy the curiosity that had been building in him since he had hit puberty.

It hadn’t of course. But, that was a long time ago. He was a grown man now. A lawyer and such things were low on his list of priorities. He’d come here to do what he needed to do then carry on with his life. Sure, he’d miss Greg, but it was for the best. He wasn’t blind to the way the male looked at him with those deep, watery eyes, felt the heat emanating off him, and read his body language as easily as if he were speaking.

And, he be damned if he was going to encourage it further. Every phone call and letter, he could hear, feel the urgency in Greg’s voice, didn’t miss the subtle hints. It just couldn’t go on.

Greg pulled up to his house and cut the engine. It was the same as everything else; stuck in time and going nowhere. He got out and watched as the guy gathered his belongings from the trunk, catching the calculating smirk on Greg’s lips. That was precisely why he didn’t want to stay here.

Mrs. Fallows burst from the door, her long strawberry blonde hair tied in a loose bun. She was in her late forties, but just as beautiful as he remembered with soft, welcoming features that made you want to confide your darkest secrets. Her face lit up with a smile. “Jesse Moor! So good to see you.”

He embraced her, her form seeming to very small to him or maybe he had just grown up. She kissed his cheek. “And, look how handsome.”
Greg laughed. “Everyone seems to think so.”

Jesse didn’t miss the double entendre in that statement. The guy simply smirked and went back to lugging his belongings onto the porch. Okay, so Jesse had to admit – the man looked good. They had been on the track team together and it had kept them in shape, that loose tee hugging a compact muscular frame; that haircut, the golden locks shifting around those long lashes. And, he moved sinfully, the lean body flowing like liquid. The guy was seriously hot.

Jesse shook his head. He wasn’t here to ogle his best friend. He sighed and followed Mrs. Fallows into the house. He looked around hearing Greg deposit his stuff on the couch, but the memories that came flooding through him left him with a warm and fuzzy feeling. He caught the Nintendo 64 stashed on the TV and smiled faintly. God, they would spend hours on that damned thing trying to get to the next level…

“I’m making meatloaf tonight so don’t snack on anything.” He heard Greg’s mother call. “And you can take the guest bedroom. Henry will be back by seven.”

“Let’s get your stuff upstairs. She’s still a neat freak.” Greg commented absently.

“I take it you haven’t moved out yet?” He asked, not surprised. The last time he had spoken to Greg on the phone, the guy had been trying to get a place of his own, but he had spent much of his savings on a new stereo system. That was just like him. The music always came first.

A flush hit Greg’s cheeks and he swallowed, apparently embarrassed. “No, I’m still working on that.”

Eh, he was cute when he blushed. And, Jesse had inadvertently taken a stab at the guy’s pride. “Well, times are tough.”

“Yeah.” Greg agreed and lifted his suitcase over his head. The shirt he had on rode up and Jesse got a good look at all that luscious, tight skin. Great. Just perfect. He shut his eyes for a second and took a deep breath, then followed his buddy up the stairs.

Greg tossed his luggage on the bed and smiled at him. “Welcome.”

The guest room was sterile, but cozy with a neatly made bed, solid oak dresser and a writing desk. He looked around for a moment then settled his eyes on Greg. The guy was watching him smugly, those deep orbs filled with plotting.

“Well, I’ll drag a radio in here.” He commented.

“No, that’s fine. I think I’m going to take a shower and get more comfortable. Then I got some work to do. I’ll see you at dinner.” He spoke sternly. Knowing Greg, the guy would try to drag him to a party or something.

The male sigh deflated. “Okay. See you later.”

Jesse watched as he reluctantly closed the door behind him then sighed, letting a big breath out. He sat down on the bed and closed his eyes. Maybe it was a bad idea to have come here at all. The feelings that were being stirred up in them both would just get stronger the longer he stayed. Still, three days wasn’t really that long…

Cracking his neck side to side, he got up then stretched, feeling the confines of his suit stick to his body. He wasn’t big on the dressy dressy, but his area of work demanded a professional appearance. Now that he was here, though… He unhooked the button to his blazer and folded it neatly, placing it on the bed then undid his tie and repeated the process. He searched his suitcase and pulled out a fresh change of clothes then made for the bathroom. He found an unused bar of soap, a fresh tooth brush and a small bottle of shampoo. Greg’s parents had always kept a nice house, being among the town’s wealthier citizens. But, even then they lived modestly.

He tested the water until it was warm then hit the nozzle. He unbuttoned his shirt and slipped it from his shoulders and hung it up on the towel rack. His belt was next, followed by his slacks and boxers. He stepped into the water and sighed as the warmth hit his skin. Much better. He stretched and let the water run over him, wetting his hair.

Quickly soaping up, he spread the suds up and down his body; the sensations combined with his wandering thoughts left him hard and aching. His life had been really stressful as of late, studying hard for his degree, spending late nights looking over case files with his mentor. It left him with little time for himself, and his body was starting to get pissed from the neglect. Of course, seeing Greg looking so… appetizing didn’t help, either.

Jesse groaned and let his palm wander, running over his abs and lower down to the heavy length of his cock. He gripped it firmly and thumbed the flushed head. It was impossible to keep his mind off that kiss. Those generous lips, that wicked tongue with the little ball. The way he had gripped Greg’s hips and pulled him in closer so he could feel the heat of that body. He couldn’t remember how it had even happened; one moment he was bidding his best friend good bye, next they were lip locked.

He used his other hand to slick up his balls with soap and sped up the strokes. He felt the orgasm growing, the tenseness creeping up inside and closed his eyes. He had fantasized about what it would be like to have sex with Greg before and now was no exception. He knew the male would be wild, knew it to the marrow of his bones. He had imagined how his mouth and that curious metal ball would feel against his dick too many times.

He whimpered as the orgasm shot up his cock and coated his hand. He had to steady himself with his other hand against the tile less he fell over like a drunk. He slowly came down, the water rinsing away the evidence of his ministrations. It had been good, whether because it had been a while or seeing Greg, he wasn’t entirely sure.

He sighed with relief, his cock still in his hand.

“Hey, I brought you some clean towels.” Greg peeked in.

“Jesus Christ!” Jesse sputtered, rushing to hide the evidence of his little masturbation session. “You couldn’t fucking knock?”

Greg shrugged. “Sorry. What’s the big deal? We both have the same equipment. Anyway, I’ll leave the towels on the sink.”

So he said. But, he just stood there, blinking, that smug little smile morphing to something salacious. Something passed between them then, Jesse unable to find the courage to pull the shower curtain closed to cover his nudity. It was like they were two conductors, the electric current running through them, connecting them. He could see those smoky orbs darting back and forth, trying not to stare. But, it was useless.

Greg’s body language said it all. The way his lips parted ever so slightly, the dilation of his pupils, the near silent exhale of his breath. He stiffened, that compact frame going tight with need. In this moment he was handsome, not cute, the boyish charm morphing into a primal intensity. And, Jesse felt himself responding to the heat, even after just blowing a load.

It was unthinkable.

Greg cleared his throat, his expression going awkward. “Well, I’ll see you at dinner.”

Jesse heard the door shut and let a breath out. What the hell was happening? He had expected some of the feelings to come back, but it was like a fricken’ eruption between them. And, they had only been together for a few hours. This had to stop.

He finished up in the shower and quickly dried, dressing down in a simple pair of jeans and a plain white tee shirt. He was going to go downstairs, eat with Greg and his family, then go to bed and get a good night’s rest. Then he was getting on the phone to look for a motel.

His own body was betraying him, and he didn’t think he could deny it for much longer. Not where Greg was concerned, anyway. God damn it! This was turning out to be worse than he anticipated.