“It’s not easy, is it?”
“No, it’s not,” he said, clearly picking up on Brantley’s reference to being out of the military. “You spend all your time knowin’ exactly what you’re doin’ until one day it’s all gone. The routine’s now yours to manage.”
“But you don’t miss it?”
“Certain things, sure.”
Brantley glanced at the television on the wall. “I’d still be there if they hadn’t sent me on my way.”
“I heard you were injured. Your family was worried about you.”
“They’re still worried.” Brantley tipped his beer back, wondering if they should be.
“So, tell me about JJ. You two seem close.”
Clearly Reese had understood his need to change the subject. The comment had Brantley grinning.
“We’re close,” he conceded. “She’s like a sister. I dated her brother back in high school. Thought for a while we’d make a go of it. He ended up dumpin’ me when I went into the Navy.” Brantley stared off into space. “He took his own life.”
“Man, I’m sorry. I had no idea.”
“Most people don’t talk about it.”
“Why’d he do it?”
“He was bipolar. Spiraled. Before anyone realized how dark he’d gotten, it was too late.”
“In case you hadn’t noticed, I’m shitty date material,” Reese tossed out.
Brantley chuckled. “This a date?”
“No. I’m just tellin’ you why I’m still single.”
“I figured it was because you hadn’t found the right … person yet.”
To his surprise, Reese laughed at that.
Two hours later, Brantley stepped into his empty house. He’d parted ways with Reese, having enjoyed dinner more than he’d expected to. Part of him had been tempted to invite the guy over for another beer, but he’d refrained. No sense beating a dead horse. For whatever reason, he was attracted to a straight man, but that didn’t mean he was an idiot.
Plus, he didn’t have time to entertain shit like that. Certainly not when it would have him spinning his wheels, never gaining traction.
After a quick shower, he padded naked to his bedroom, snagged the remote, and fell into bed. Before he turned on the television, he checked his phone.
It was then he noticed he’d gotten a text from Reese, which was both unexpected and oddly comforting.
Thought about headin’ to an outdoor range tomorrow. If you’re interested.
Are you asking me out?
The response was immediate: Keep dreaming, Navy boy.
Not wanting to risk offending Reese, he dropped the flirting and went with: I’m game. You wanna pick me up? Or am I driving?
I’ll drive. How’s ten sound?
Perfect. See you then.
Setting the phone on the nightstand, Brantley stared up at the ceiling, the television forgotten. His brain had its own slideshow going now, memories of the evening on a quick replay. In every mental image, he saw Reese and that ridiculously attractive grin of his.
It was enough to have Brantley reaching down, palming his cock. He stroked slowly at first, closing his eyes and giving himself over to fantasy. It was a waste of time, but his cock didn’t seem to mind the attention, so he went with it. Thoughts of Reese’s mouth … those full lips wrapped around him had Brantley’s breath hitching. It was too easy to think about Reese, probably because he knew there was nothing to fear. The guy had already stated he wasn’t on the menu and Brantley respected that.
He opened his eyes so he could watch his hand moving up and down his shaft, wishing like hell it was Reese’s hand teasing him. Pleasure coursed up his spine, drawing his eyes closed once more. Letting the fantasies take flight, he imagined getting Reese beneath him, trailing his mouth over that enormous hard body, then letting the man return the favor. He even entertained the notion of turning over, letting Reese fuck him hard and fast. Brantley didn’t prefer to bottom for anyone, but if the situation was right…
Brantley grunted as his cock jerked in his fist. He could practically feel Reese’s hard cock sliding deep inside him, pressing against his prostate, making his eyes cross with a pleasure he hadn’t known in a damn long time.
“Fuck…” His breaths were sawing in and out of his lungs, his hand pistoning over his cock until he couldn’t refrain any longer.
Thank God there was no one else there.
Otherwise, they would’ve heard him cry out Reese’s name when he came.
***
Reese wasn’t sure what it was about Brantley that had him wanting to spend more time with the guy, but that seemed to be what was happening.
After they’d gone to the outdoor range and spent the better part of the morning firing long-range rifles, he felt as though he was learning more about Brantley Walker with very little effort. For example, the guy was a fucking amazing shot. So much so, Reese had conceded to the guy when Brantley had suggested a contest. Although he prided himself on being better than many, he knew when to give up the ghost.
