Starting from Zero (Starting from 1)

At first I was too surprised to do more than hang on, but the slide of his obvious hard-on against mine in steady rhythm with his hungry kisses spurred me into action. I angled my head to deepen the kiss as I raked my fingers down his back. Our feverish make-out session wasn’t sustainable. The moment we broke apart for air, I knew I had to come up with an alternate plan. We weren’t exactly in the middle of a crowded room, but we were still in public. And while Justin didn’t seem like the type to care about getting arrested for public indecency, I couldn’t risk it.

I broke for air and wrapped my fingers around his neck to keep him in place when he leaned forward to nip my bottom lip. Justin grinned like a madman and then lowered his eyelashes in a show of faux subservience. I didn’t trust him to stay still or obey for a second. He was wild and headstrong. He wasn’t going to do anything that wasn’t either his idea or a bad idea.

I ran my fingers through his hair and tugged it to get his attention. “Dammit, you’re a sexy fucker.”

Justin grunted his approval when I tilted my hips suggestively. The brush of our hard cocks, even through two layers of denim, felt amazing. I hadn’t been this horny in a long time. Hell, I hadn’t been this close to a man in a long time. I’d forgotten how much I liked it.

“Fuck, that feels good,” he whispered.

That was an understatement. I didn’t know how much longer I could hold back. My cock swelled against my zipper, and my skin tingled everywhere…my fingers, toes, and along my spine. Every part of me ached with desire for someone I barely knew. I wanted to devour him. Suck him, lick him, taste every inch of him. My hands trembled and my pulse raced. I cupped his chin and ran my thumb over his stubbled jaw as I grinded my thick shaft alongside his.

Justin’s eyes fluttered shut for half a second, and his Adam’s apple moved lustily in his throat. “Let’s go to your room,” he purred.

“I don’t have a room here.”

He pulled away and cocked his head thoughtfully. “Oh. I’d invite you to my place, but I don’t really have one. Do you think anyone would notice if I got on my knees?”

“Christ,” I hissed. I grabbed his wrist and pulled it behind his back. I gave him a sharp look before glancing around the almost-empty deck area. “Come with me.”

I dropped his hand and headed inside.

The bar wasn’t overly crowded now. I couldn’t remember how late it stayed open during the week, but I didn’t think we had a lot of time before closing. I stopped at the elevator and pressed the button.

Justin glanced at me. “What are we doing?”

“We’re getting a room.”

“Wait. I want to, but…I don’t think…” He shook his head and stepped back. “The truth is, I talk a big game. I haven’t been with a guy in a few months, and I’m still dealing with the aftereffects from that experience. I should just…go. I’m sorry.”

I held his gaze, then nodded slowly. “Okay. Um…do you need a ride?”

“No, I’ll figure it out.” Justin shoved his hands into his pockets and bent his head. The awkward affectation made him look younger than his age. He seemed overwhelmed and completely out of his depth, and though I wanted to reassure him, I felt suddenly unsure. “Thanks for tonight. You were exactly the person I needed to meet.”

I smiled and then glanced toward the bar. “Take care. I love your words and I—”

“No.” He stared at me for a long moment, but he didn’t move a muscle.

“No, what?” I asked furrowing my brow.

He opened his mouth as if to speak, before launching himself into my arms. I stumbled and hit the wall just as he crashed his mouth over mine. Some semblance of propriety had me scrambling for new options. I backed us into a short hallway, cradling his head as our tongues glided and twisted passionately. We broke apart when one of the restroom doors creaked open. I smiled wanly at the startled young woman and then frowned when my companion snorted in amusement.

Justin wound his right arm over my shoulder and bit my bottom lip. He looked like he was about to say something, when the door opened again. He let out a low growl of frustration before slipping his hand in mine and pulling me into the men’s room.

The restroom was dimly lit by a pair of modern sconces on either side of the sinks. A single private stall with a floor-to-ceiling partition was located on the far end of the row of urinals. The space was well appointed, but small. And other than the sexy man leaning against the marble counter, it was empty. Justin caught my gaze in the mirror and grinned.