STORM OF PASSION
By Dustin Adrian Rhodes

Within each of us lies a storm of passion.

Climbing from the Greyhound bus, his combat boots made a thud, coming into
contact with the severely crumbling pavement. Taking in the view of the quaint
town, as if it were for the first time, he was relieved to be home. Surprised,
during the ten years he had served in the army, the quiet rural town had not
changed as he had expected. There was Grover's Drug and Gifts, The Palladium
Theater, JC Penney's, VanCleeve's Ladies Wear; Stocker's Shoe Store with the
same faded Red Goose sign. On the opposite side of the street, there was the
volunteer fire station, Fuch's Funeral Home (pronounced FOX, why they had
not legally changed the family name was beyond anyone’s comprehension), the
Piggly Wiggly Market, the Baptist Church, and of course, Morrison's Cafe. Down
the center of town ran an unmarked, two lane asphalt street. Not much of a
place to look at, there was a remote chance Norman Rockwell might have been
inspired to capture the eccentric town on canvas, had anyone known of its
existence, did not even rank a speck mark on road maps.

There had been no hero's ticket-tape parade, no marching band or anyone for
that matter to welcome him back. A sleepy little town where the greatest
excitement came from guffawing at Beulah, old man Howard's milking cow;
which frequently escaped the pasture to sashay down Main Street. The old
saying “there’s no place like home” is true, because honestly, there was no
place like this town, but it was home, his home and he was glad to be back.

“I declare, as I live and breath, if it ain't little Jaime Duncan.” Exclaimed, a
portly woman, rushed to greet him with pudgy outreached arms, squeezing
him in an enthusiastic bear hug, he swore his ribs were bruised. Madge had not
changed a bit, white waitress uniform, silvery blue hair coiffed like a huge
cotton candy ball on top her chubby smiling face. Swirling in a fragrant bouquet
aura of rose water and Aqua Net, wrinkling his nose, did he detect a recent
addition to her repertoire, could it be Ben Gay? Hugging him, he was certain
her overly made up lacquered face imprint was permanently embedded on his

shirt collar and there was no mistaking the huge false eyelashes tickling his
neck.

“Madge," pulling from her arms, he held her soft hands; scanning the woman
from head to toe. “Just as lovely as always,” planting a tender peck on her
flushing cheek.

“Oh you,” playfully swatting him with a dish towel, “still the charmer.” Drawing
him into her voluptuous bosom, she forced yet another strangulating embrace.
“It's so good seeing you again boy, welcome home.” Pulling back, dabbing her
leaking eyes with the towel, “Oh dear lord, where are my manners, let's get
you settled. Hon, would you like a table or a booth?” radiating a contagious
smile with all the warmth and brilliance of a dazzling halogen bulb.

“How about a booth?”

He had forgotten how friendly and warm folks from a small town could be.
Lingering, hazy memories of his childhood began to come into focus, growing
sharper and more vivid in his mind. During the bus trip, he had needlessly
worried, after all these years; he might not feel like he fit in, but all that was
vanishing. Scanning the cafe, Madge literally drug him by the hand to an
available booth. In the flurry, he recognized smiling faces and honest to
goodness genuine waves from folks he thought he had long forgotten.
Resurfacing memories, sweet lovable Madge, being back home, all of it was a
tad overwhelming for this small town boy.

Madge parked him in a center booth of Morrison's Cafe, making him feel like
he were the floor show at the only diner in town. Tossing his cap on the empty
space next to him, the camouflage fabric of green, brown and white reminded
him, even though he was dressed in army fatigues, he was no longer property
of the US Army. He was looking forward to returning to civilian life.
Transitioning from years of military discipline would most definitely be
awkward, but he had proudly served his country, looking forward to
transforming from GI-Joe to Regular-Joe. Lost in thought, a friendly hand
clapped his shoulder, he spun around. Paralyzed. Stunned speechless, he

gawked at the apparition lingering next to his table.

“What's with you? You look as if you've just seen a god-dang ghost!” followed
by a familiar exhilarating laugh from his youth. “Don't you remember me, your
best bud Parker?”

Shocked to be ogling his best friend from high school, but the man was drop-
dead gorgeous. Not to say he had not been good looking before, obviously time
and working out had been more than generous to him. Jaime found it difficult
to not gape upon the tanned muscled man with buzzed auburn hair and deep
set emerald eyes.

“Uh – sorry, you've grown up since I last saw you.” Jaime blushed from rose to
crimson, as a bound-and-determined boner bloomed in his boxers.

“Hey, look at you, a military man, with your army hair cut,” rustling Jaime's
short cropped sandy brown hair. “Muscles? Where did these come from?”
squeezing Jaime's biceps with a teasing grin. “You're not exactly the kid you
were when you left after graduation. What's this,” brushing Jaime's stubbled
cheek with the back of his hand, “a 5 o'clock shadow at 8:10 in the mornin'?
Hell-fire, the last time I saw you, you'd barely begun to scrape your face,"
enthusiastically gliding into the opposite bench, refusing to take his eyes off
Jaime, afraid to blink, fearful his best friend would disappear again. “You home
for good? Or are you too cool for us simple folk now?”

“What?”

“Hell you've been in Afghanistan, Iraq, Iran and who knows where the hell else.
You're a traveled man, a man of the world. No one would hold it against you
for not wanting to return to the boring rural life. We can't hold a candle to the
world you've see.”

“You know, with a convincing spiel like that, I'm appalled you're not heading up
the local Chamber of Commerce.” Jaime laughed.

“Touché,” nodding his head, he snickered. “You’re right. I'm sorry. Maybe I
came on a little too strong. But, this is home for me, and once, it was yours as
well.”

“Yeah, I know. I had a lot of time to think on the bus ride, and did a lot of soul
searching. My tour is over and it's time to get on with my life. Honestly, I
couldn't imagine anywhere I'd rather be than right here, in our backward one-
horse town, where nothing changes but the seasons. I'm back home to stay.”
Jaime smiled. Plagued earlier by serious doubts, simply saying the words out
load made all the difference in the world. He was home. There were no regrets,
he was certain of that. Home, where he had grown up, surrounded by good
decent folks and reunited with his best bud. Could life get much better than
this?

Gazing across the table at his best bud, he could not help but wonder, how
many nights have I gone to sleep dreaming of Park, never imagining he’d grown
up. No. Transformed into a hot, sexy, hunk of man flesh. Grrr! Dancing emerald
eyes which had always mesmerized him, a quick killer smile curling devilishly in
the corner, the most perfect lips he had ever seen, he would give almost
anything, to just once, feel those alluring lips pressed tight to his. But, he knew
that would never happen, Parker was as straight as they come. Even though he
had come out to Parker when they were in their teens, it had never been an
issue in their friendship. All those years he had secretly yearned for Parker,
telling himself their friendship was too valuable to risk losing, he would rather
die than tell him his true feelings.

“So, buddy, what're your plans, now that you're back?”

Eager Parker, just like old times, looking to me to have a plan or agenda, it
might be a camping trip, fishing, anything. Park always looked to me for what
we'd do next. “Well, the first item on the agenda is to sleep in late,” he
chuckled, “that's my first adjustment to being a civie.”

Parker grinned. “I suppose you've got a lot to readjust to. Damn, it's just so
good seeing you again. Just promise you won't ever leave again,” smiling, while

boring deep into Jaime's gentle hazel eyes.

What’d he mean by that, “promise not to leave again?”

“It's just not been the same around here without you, ya know?” shaking his
head, flashing his trademark Pepsodent smile. Jaime nearly creamed his pants.

Madge presented a platter of sliced ham, sausage, bacon, scrambled eggs,
biscuits and a stack of buttermilk pancakes to a perplexed, open mouthed
Jaime. “What's all this?”

“Hon, in these parts, we don't often get the pleasure to serve our military boys,
let alone a hero. Complements of the house,” beaming like a proud momma
sow, showing off her liter of newborn piglets, “just think of it as our way of
saying thank you. And son, we're so proud of you and welcome home.”

“A hero?” Parker asked, with piquing interest.

Brandishing a dismissive wave, Jaime shook his head. “Hey, I'm no hero,
alright? I just served my country in the best way I knew.”

“Hon, that's a hero in my book.” Smiling, she sniffled, fluttering heavily
mascaraed false eyelashes, combating a sudden onset of emotional tears; like
two Monarch butterflies preparing to take flight. Turning to Parker, “You're
usual, babe?”

Parker nodded, not taking his challenging cross-examining eyes off Jaime. Was
he keeping something from him? Or is Jaime just being modest? But, a hero?

Ducking his head, Jaime did not want his best bud to notice the tears pooling in
his eyes. Damn it Madge, you're making me all teary in front of the only man
I've ever loved and he's straight.

Advancing outside the pleasantly cooled air of Morrison's, Jaime and Parker
were assaulted as they stepped into an intense furnace as the broiling July sun

beat down on the bleached, baking asphalt. Wavy lines of oppressive heat
weaved above the sweltering oily pavement; reminding Jaime of the fiery fever
generated from the parched desert sands overseas. Jaime had forgotten how
quickly the Georgia summer mornings warmed. Glancing at his wrist watch, it
was nearly 11, had they reminisced that long? Familiarity prevailed, even after
all these years. It seemed their friendship had merely been held captive in a
state of suspended animation, until today, when the clock resumed ticking
once again.

“You need to be somewhere?” noticing Jaime checking his watch.

“No not really.” Suspecting Parker had things to do. “I guess, I should be
heading to the house,” giving Parker an excuse to leave, not that he actually
wanted him to.

“You're not going to stay in that old house tonight are you?” Parker's rugged
face bristled with disbelief.

“Sure,” he shrugged. “I expect it'll need some cleaning up and all. Hey, I've
bunked in a hell of a lot worse places.”

The Duncan house had not been inhabited for more than nine years. Parker
had boarded up the old place after Jaime's parents had been killed in a tragic
car accident just off South Interstate 75. Even today, no one knows what
caused the Duncan car to veer off the highway. Jaime had barely joined the
military, Parker tried to contact him, he had been unable to reach him till
several days after the funeral. Jaime was devastated when he learned the
news, but there was little he could do, Parker had stepped in and taken care of
the arrangements in Jaime's absence. He owed a lot to Parker for doing that for
him. Not having been home since he joined the army, Jaime was not entirely
sure he was ready to deal with the estate which had sat dormant for nearly a
decade. Being sole survivor of the family now, his baby brother had passed
when he was only 9, drowning in a flash flood. Jaime had tried to save him but
the current had been too strong, washing his brother out of his arms and down
the river. The body was never found. That memorable flood changed his
parents forever, becoming overly protective of their remaining child and

devoting their lives to being devout Southern Baptists.

“You're bunkin' with me, soldier. That's an order,” poorly attempting to imitate
a drill sergeant. Jaime cracked up laughing.

He had forgotten how easily Parker could make him laugh, even when things
seemed their bleakest, he could always depend on Park. The Duncan family
homestead was more than likely in worse condition than he had imagined.
Parker was probably right; besides, the old house was not where he wanted to
be anyway. Secretly, he ached to be alone with Parker.

“Let's get your things, buddy.” Parker insisted, clapping his arm over Jaime's
shoulder, spinning an about-face they headed for the bus station to retrieve
Jaime's duffel bag.

****

Shredding lettuce, Jaime observed Parker's confidence and ease handling
himself in the kitchen. Difficult keeping his eyes off the magnificent male
specimen who made his dick throb every time he looked at him, not helping
they each were wearing only scanty workout shorts. Considering the heat and
humidity, the less clothing worn, the more bearable the heat. Parker did not
have A/C, not unlike most folks in the minuscule town; he was accustomed to
the heat. Still living in the very house he grew up in, an old two-story farm
house his grandfather had built. Never knowing his mother, she had
abandoned him at the hospital, just days after he was born. No one knew who
the baby-father was, there were rumors of course, but without his mother
around to confirm, the identity of his father was only speculation. Raised by
aging grandparents, who passed on somewhere about the same time of Jaime's
parent's passing. Parker's childhood hadn't been easy, but he turned out to be
quite the self-made man. Jaime couldn't help but admire him, feeling nothing
but pride. Never making excuses or allowing his shortcomings to hold him back,
Parker took life by the balls. Now look at him. Jaime may be respected for
serving an extended tour in the army, but it did not make him any better of a
man than Park, his bud was loved and admired in the community. You might

say, the town folk actually raised Parker, he was their hometown boy. Not able
to resist, Jaime could not help but sneak a peek at the bulge protruding from
Parker's shorts, damn, he must be hung like a stud horse, squirming to adjust
the expanding excitement within his groin. He was in awe of the sexy hunk
lazily stirring a pot of freshly snapped green beans and bacon simmering on the
stove. Impressed the man had not only made a reputable life for himself, but
also dinner as well, all from scratch, even baked sour-dough bread and a
Georgia peach pie.

“Where in the hell did you learn to cook like this?”

Snickering, Parker moved to the opposite counter, “from watching Me-ma,
actually, in this very kitchen,” grinding peppercorns, the course shards
showered over the shark steaks before massaging the thick slabs of pink flesh
with his agile fingers. “I suppose, I learned to cook out of necessity, mostly to
ward off starvation. Honestly though, if I ate every meal at Morrison's I'd be the
size of a frickin' house. Have you ever considered all the calories and
cholesterol they serve up with each order? Jeez it's scary.”

Jaime could not help but laugh to himself, for a straight dude, he sure sounds
gay.

“What’re you smiling about?” wrapping his muscular arm around Jaime's thick
neck in a mock choke hold, just like when they were boys, but, back then, his
arm was not covered in auburn fur. He enjoyed the muscled arm controlling
him, so did his dick, even though he knew Parker was only horsing around.

“Oh,” Jaime put down the utility knife he had been using to slice a cucumber
for the salad. Staring blankly ahead at the kitchen counter door, he felt Parker's
furry chest pressed against his bare back. Secretly, he fiercely wanted to spin
around and nuzzle the fuzz covering Parker's broad chest. “I was wondering
why you never married, that's all.”

“Never met the right gal,” releasing his hold on Jaime, to toss steaks on the hot
indoor grill. “And you, you’re still gay?”

“Sure am, that’s one thing that’ll never change.”

“So, why aren't you partnered? Haven't found Mr. Right?” The sizzle of the raw
meat hitting the hot grill melded with his teasing laugh.

“And what makes you so certain I haven't?”

Turning, he pressed into Jamie's backside, grabbing Jaime's left wrist,
examining his ring finger closely, “I don't see a gold band,” he teased, with a
grin.

“Okay,” spinning around in Parker's arm, still grasping his wrist, nose to nose,
their eyes lock, “maybe I have and he doesn't know it yet,” a suggestive smirk
leered crossed Jaime's face.

Parker's brilliant smile waned as apprehension washed over him.

Immediately after the comment, so carelessly spewed from of his mouth, Jaime
wished he could have retracted it; after all, he could not confess his true
feelings for his host. Parker released his hold on Jaime's wrist, returning to
check on the grilling steaks. Jaime observed Parker, worried he had said too
much and that Parker had picked up on his stupid, reckless slip of the tongue.
Damn it, Jaime, if you don't watch yourself, you'll fuck up an awesome
friendship.

“Do you remember,” excitedly, Parker spun on his heels, “how we kicked West
Hawthorne's ass?” Laughing, acting as if he had already forgotten the
uncomfortable tension that had momentarily crossed between them.

“What a pathetic excuse for a team. They sucked like no ones shit.” Jaime
laughed. “Do you remember the intimidation on their scrawny quarterback's
face when he saw you step up to the line? Hell, I bet he crapped his pants.
You're twice his size.”

“Who'd have expected a state championship football team would come out of
a wide-spot-in-the-road town like ours? Shit, we barely had enough guys to
make up a team.”

“With you quarterbacking, we kicked some sorry ass our senior year, didn't
we?”

“You ain't shittin',” clapping Jaime on the back. “Ready to eat, buddy?”

****

Jaime could all but taste Parker's naked body laying next to his, even though
the bedrooms were separated by a few 2x4 studs and panels of sheet rock, it
did not prevent him from fantasizing about him. The very thought of Parker in
the next room made his hard cock beg for attention. Gawd, I'm so in love with
the man, maybe more now than ever before, but, with a clear conscience, he
could not act on that love. Burying his face in the pillow, he cried himself to
sleep.

“SHIT!” Parker sprang up in bed, drenched in an apprehensive sweat. What the
fuck kind of dream was that? Climbing out of bed, a shaken Parker staggered to
the adjoining bathroom, vigorously splashing his face with cold water. Staring
into the vanity mirror, he asked the reflection peering back, “What was that
shit? I'm no fag. Why the hell was I kissing Jaime?” The reflection did not reply,
making him wonder if the wiring in his head had short circuited. Jaime and he
were best of friends, but why all of a sudden the erotic dream about him. Why
can't I stop looking at Jaime's lips? What’s going on, I'm straight, right? I love
pussy. On top of that, he had a roaring boner he could not explain. Were his
dreams and his sudden inability to control his prick connected? It's gotta be
coincidence. It's gotta be. The digesting shark from dinner nose dived in his
stomach, making him feel queasy and even more uncomfortable. Stepping into
the shower he struggled to wash away the unacceptable nightmare and his
persistent hardon with an icy cold shower.

****

Dropping Jaime off at the Duncan house, Parker returned home to putter
around the house. Working the swing shift provided a free morning to run
errands and get a head start on laundry. However, he was unable to
concentrate; images of Jaime's lips swam in his mind, drowning in an
unexplained pool of confusion. Everything reminded him of Jaime, in turn
making his prick hard. Had he eaten something that had not agreed with him or
was Jaime just on his mind because he had returned home? Why was his body
betraying him? I'm not no homo. So why're images of Jaime consuming my
every thought? No matter what he did, last night's disturbing dream haunted
him, unable to block the image and even the sensation of Jaime's lips pressed
against his, it was driving him insane.

After work, Parker swung by the old Duncan place to pick up Jaime, not that
Parker's house was a long walk by any means, the town was not that big
anyway, he just wanted to help out his bud in any way he could. As Parker
neared the porch steps, Jaime stepped out the open door.

“Well, ain't this special?” Jaime grinned, planting his hands firmly on his hips,
admiring an approaching sexy uniformed police officer. “Damn, don't you look
fine in a uniform?” Fine was understating the stud-muffin standing before him,
using every ounce of self restraint to not rip off Parker's uniform and rape the
man right there in the yard, in front of God and anyone else.

Parker blushed. “Hey you stop it, or I might have to arrest you for harassing a
public servant.” Parker laughed, he had to admit, and he liked the complement,
even though he was certain Jaime was only razzing him. But still, he sensed a
rustling in his slacks, and it wasn't caused by the wind. Damn-it-to-hell, why'd I
go commando today? He tried willing his stirring cock to rest, but it had no
intention of cooperating, or was there a possibly he did not want it to?

“You 'bout ready to call it a day?”

“Yeah, it'll be gettin' dark soon and I haven't had the electric turned on yet.”
Jaime turned to close the front door.

Parker could not divert his eyes off the nearly naked man. He only hoped the
man could not feel his gaze burning into his backside as he eyeballed Jaime's
firm round ass. Wondering how his cock would feel inside that tight sweet hole,
the very thought had him leaking precum. Adjusting his cock, he could not let
Jaime see his arousal, the very thought made him shudder. Why was he even
fantasizing about Jaime's ass? Maybe it was because it had been a long dry-
spell since he had last tapped a nice juicy twat? Yes, that's it. I just need to get
laid. This incident has nothing to do what-so-ever with Jaime.

Leaping off the porch, Jaime landed beside Parker, making him jump, he was
already edgy and Jaime's enthusiastic antics were not helping the situation.

“You're a bundle of energy after putting in a hard day on the house.” Parker
nervously mused.

“I was rejuvenated when I saw you,” exuberantly wrapping his arm over his
best cop pal's shoulder.

Parker nervously edged away from Jaime as they walked toward the car.

“What's up with you?”

“Oh nothing, I'm just tired, I suppose.”

“Okay, just as long as you don't get all homophobic on me all of a sudden.”
Jaime offhandedly snickered. “Hey, I got an idea. Why don't I make dinner for
you tonight?” Resting his crossed arms on top the car roof, he looked at Parker
on the opposite side of the car, patiently waiting for a reply.

“Honest?” Questioning Jaime's intentions, “but why?”

“I owe you, a lot,” he shrugged. “You've been a terrific friend; let's just say it's a
start toward repaying my undying gratitude to my best bud.”

Spellbound, Parker was unable to tear his green sparkling eyes from Jaime's

captivating lips, tenderly making love to each causally spoken syllable. What
was the draw to Jaime's lips? They were not the soft supple lips of a woman,
but those of a man, still, Parker had always thought they were the most
beautiful lips he had ever seen. He loved to watch Jaime's mouth dance when
he spoke, it was like poetry in motion, and he recalled having read that
somewhere and it described Jaime's lips to a tee.

“Ahem,” clearing his throat, “earth to Parker.”

Shaking his head, Parker blinked, emptying his head. Transitioning back to
reality, faintly aware he had yet to answer the question still looming in the air,
he managed to force a grin and nodded. “Sounds like a plan, buddy. A night
away from the kitchen, I could get used to that. Climb in, let's go home.”

On the ride home, Jaime wondered, was something developing between them,
were they becoming more than just friends? No. He dismissed the thought.
Wanting Parker so badly, he was willing to read imaginary things into the
situation which did not exist, at least not in Parker's straight world reality.

****

After disposing the dinner dishes in the dishwasher, Parker suggested they go
outdoors to kick back and chill with a couple of beers. Reclined in two folding
patio loungers under the stars, an easy balmy breeze breathed across their
bare chests as they silently digested dinner and nursed ice cold beers.

Parker stared into the night sky, and swallowed. “When did you first know you
were gay?” his question came out husky and he drew a swig of beer, trying to
lubricate his suddenly dry mouth.

“I don't know. It wasn't exactly something I jotted on the calendar with an
expectation to celebrate annually.” Jaime chuckled.

“Honestly, when did you know?”

“In a way, I probably always knew. But it wasn't till – I was maybe14 when I
came to terms with my sexuality. Accepting myself for who I was and not trying
to meet everyone's expectations.”

“But, you never acted all sissy like.”

“Thanks.” He snickered. “Besides, not all gay people are effeminate.”

“So, when did you first kiss a guy?”

“Not until I left here. Think about it, how many gay people do you know in our
town?”

Parker did not respond, suspecting he interpreted the question as rhetorical.
“That's exactly my point. I didn't meet a gay guy till I went into the army.”

“Are you happy – you know – being gay?”

“Are you happy being straight?” snickering at his come-back jab. Parker did not
respond. Jaime began picking up on Parker's silent seriousness. Not once,
during the evening, had Parker found any of Jaime's light comments humorous.
Park was always the life of the party, quick wit and ever present contagious
laugh, but not tonight, the abrupt serious tone was alarming.

“Why the interrogation tonight? I know it's not something we've really talked
about, but why the sudden interest?”

“I don't know. Guess I just want to know more about the part of you that we –
you know – never really talked about.”

“That's cool,” getting up from the lounger, “want another beer?”

“Sure.”

“Be right back,” nonchalantly trailing his finger tips across Parker's bare

shoulder before sauntering toward the house.

Parker's body tingled from the touch, his dick responded by tenting in his worn
jersey shorts. Cupping his face in his hands, he was overcome with confusion,
not sure if he wanted to cry or rejoice. Was he craving human contact so badly
he welcomed Jaime's touch as substitution for that of a woman? He shook his
head. This can't be happening. I'm not gay. I'm not. Tucking his ballooning
boner between his legs just before Jaime returned with two more bottled
beers. An electric jolt shot through his body as their fingers touched when he
accepted the beer. Gazing into Jaime's twinkling eyes, rattled, he could not
understand his sudden desire to draw him into his arms and kiss him.

Settling back into the lounger, “I’d forgotten just how quiet and dark it gets
here at night.” Jaime lazily gazed up into the night sky, “just look at all those
stars. Man oh man, there are so many little things I'd forgotten about Georgia.
It's good being back, and being here with you again,” resting his hand on top of
Parker's hand. “It's just like old times, you know?”

“Yeah,” he managed to reply distantly, pinching his eyes closed, trying to block
out the unnatural desires coursing through his being. Jaime's hand felt so good
on his, but this was not right. Warily, he pulled his hand away; willing to chop it
off his arm if that would eradicate the recent unexplained perverted thoughts.
Why? After all these years, am I suddenly experiencing erotic feelings towards
Jaime? He's a guy for Christ's sake!

“Honestly, what's bugging you? You've been unusually quiet all evening.”

Sucking a long draw from his beer, “just have a lot on my mind, I suppose,”
unable to reveal the unsettling confusion colliding within the cells of his brain.

“I can appreciate that. Maybe I should go to bed and leave you with your
thoughts.” Jaime rose to leave.

“No. Don't leave.” Parker grabbed Jaime's wrist like a vise. Surprised by the
forceful grip, Jaime had reason for concern; desperation glowed from within

Parker's eyes. Something disturbing was deeply troubling him, that was clear,
but what? He could not leave his bud unchaperoned in this state of mind.
Settling back into the lounger, his heart bled for Parker. Not being the kind of
man to let work or anything bother him, Parker was such an easy going guy,
this was so unlike him. Or maybe, after all these years, things actually started to
bother good ol' Park. Making himself available, no matter what, Jaime would
stand beside his friend. There was way too much history between them for him
to abandon Park when he needed him most.

Constellations silently shifted across the sky's velvet canvas while a waning
crescent moon sailed effortlessly like an artist’s skilled brush, painting a
tranquil scene as serenading crickets inspire the artistic muse. Jaime absorbed
the night into his pores, not realizing until that moment, how much he had
missed the simple pleasures of home. Time erases pain, hurt and insignificance;
sometimes we need to be reminded of those forgotten, inconsequential
memories, as they may someday turn out to be the most important.

“Did your parents know you were gay?”

Startled, it had been an hour or more since a word had been shared between
them, suddenly out of nowhere Parker broke the silence. Thinking for a minute,
Jaime threw his head back whooping, “You're kidding right? My Southern
Baptist Bigoted Bible thumpin' parents?” His laughter vanished as his voice
grew soft and somber, “I never had the chance to tell them. Well, maybe I
didn't have the courage. Anyway, they died never knowing.”

“Who knew you were – well – that way – besides me?”

“You'll be honored to know you hold the sole privilege.”

Curiously turning to look at Jaime, “but why me?”

“I don't rightly know, I guess – I thought if maybe you knew – you’d tell me you
were secretly gay too and we'd live happily ever after.” Jaime chuckled. “I
know. It was stupid. We do a lot of silly things when we're kids. Who'd have

imagined ten years ago, we'd still be best friends, downing brewskis' under the
stars? Life can be puzzling sometimes, ya know? Some things change and some
don't.”

****

Just like the night before, Jaime laid naked in his bed, thinking about Parker,
but tonight, he felt compassion and concern for his burdened bud. Slipping out
of bed, he quietly padded barefoot across the room, opened his door very
quietly, hoping it would not squeak, not wishing to disturb Parker. Slipping
bare-ass naked into the hall, he quietly worked his way to Parker's bedroom
door, finding it slightly ajar, he peeked in to check on Parker. Sleeping soundly,
Jaime was relieved, but he could not take his eyes off the naked man he longed
for, stretched across the bed, laying on his side, round firm butt cheeks facing
his direction. In the minimal light cast through the window by the sliver of a
moon, Parker was absolutely fucking gorgeous, just like he had imagined.
Unaware he was stroking his rock hard cock until he felt precum lubricating the
fist he was unconsciously fucking. The sight of Parker, the lubrication in his
hand – then Parker rolled over onto his back, exposing an erect, thick, long
cock, jerking wildly in the air. Jaime's mouth watered, his ass hole twitched
with longing desire. Gasping, he shot not one, but four thick creamy streams of
jizz onto the floor, the door and his bare feet.

****

“Jaime!” Jolting up in the bed, Parker clasped his hands to his mouth, he was
not sure, but he may have cried out in his sleep. I pray to God, he didn't hear
me. Sitting motionless for a few moments, keenly listening to detect if Jaime
stirred in the next room. Nothing. Apparently his outburst had gone unnoticed.
Climbing out of bed, he paced naked in the dark, his erect cock bounced with
each step, as he tried recalling the details of his nightmare. Actually it had not
been a nightmare at all, not much different than the previous nights dream, but
for some reason, it was no longer frightening to him. He actually embraced the
idea of kissing Jaime. He wanted to kiss the lips he loved to watch as Jamie
spoke. Flopping on his back into his bed, he laughed maniacally. Closing his
eyes he reveled in the images of Jaime swimming in his head. Grabbing his

pulsating cock in his fist, feverishly pumping to the erotic images of Jaime
spinning madly in his head, like an out-of-control carnival carousel. Releasing a
groan of sheer ecstasy, a geyser of liquid seed gushed from his cock, splattering
over his chest and stomach. Immersed in his own spent juices, exhilarated, he
laughed hysterically, he had never cum that hard before, and it was all because
of beautiful, wonderful Jaime. Recalling something Jaime had said earlier in the
evening, “Life can be puzzling sometimes, ya know? Some things change and
some don't.” Over the years, thankfully Jaime had not changed, but he knew he
was, and he knew he was falling in love with Jaime. Fuck it, maybe I am a big ol'
fag after all and never knew it. A whirlwind of unanswered questions circulated
in his head. What will happen to our friendship by exposing my new found love
for him and what if he rejects me? Jaime has never once shown any interest in
me, other than just friends. Could he believe I’m in love with him? Hell, this is all
too much for me; I wake up in the middle of the night and decide I’m gay and in
love with my best friend? Even I don’t believe this. These feelings are too real.
I’ve never felt like this towards a woman, let alone a man. How can I possibly
convince Jaime that I love him? Maybe I’ve loved him for years but never
allowed myself to experience these thoughts and feelings. Clutching a pillow
tight to his chest, Will I be risking our friendship if I tell him the truth? Can I live
with myself if I don’t at least try?

****

Sitting in the drive of the Duncan home, he heard the pounding of a hammer.
Of course he knew Jaime would be there, his father's truck would be in the
shop for at least a week or more while the mechanic rebuilt the engine. Parker
had been more than a bit dumbfounded when Jaime announced he wanted to
have his father's old '57 Ford F-Series pick-up rebuilt. Until the truck was
running, Parker would play chauffeur, he didn't mind it at all, he enjoyed the
extra time together. He only hoped what he had to say to Jaime would not
dissolve their friendship; he had to get this off his chest. Today. Now. Stewing
all day over how and what he would say to Jaime, he had rehearsed the
conversation relentlessly in his head. Selecting just the right words, the most
poignant phrasing, figuring where to place the inflection of his voice to drive his
point home, he was probably developing an ulcer, if he didn't already have one.

Jaime had to know, he owed that to his friend, even at the cost of loosing his
best friend in the entire world.

Extending his leg beyond the open police cruiser door, he froze, he could not
do this, he could not risk the chance of loosing his best friend. Suddenly, he
heard the voice of his grandfather, “Step up, be a man. Be a man.” Pinching his
eyes closed, he drew a deep breath, held it for a few seconds, before releasing.
You're a cop. Maybe that was the only way he could do this without losing his
nerve, think and act like a cop. You're a cop. Moving with renewed
determination and purpose, he headed toward the open front door, as if he
were about to confront a perp or make an arrest. You're a cop. Body upright
and rigid, alert to his surroundings, arms to his side, ready to draw his weapon
if need be. Parker was in stealth police mode. Stepping cautiously inside the
door, he scanned the area for any potential danger. No sign of anyone, at least
in the living room. You're a cop. Closing the door, he propped a nearby chair
under the doorknob, blocking the exit, deterring potential suspects from
escaping or anyone from entering. Moving toward the kitchen in the direction
of the hammering, he silently stalked his prey like a lissome leopard.
Approaching the doorway, he pressed his back firmly against the wall; there
was no backup if there was trouble, knowing he would have to be cautious.
Guardedly peering around the door frame he spotted his target, a single male,
and his back to Parker, this would give him an advantage over his adversary,
the element of surprise. Leaping into action, a heavy cloud of dust filled the air
as he threw his arm around the perp's neck, knocking the hammer from the
perp's hand and then pulled the perp's arm behind his back, rendering him
helpless. Retrieving handcuffs from his belt, he cuffed one of the perp's wrists.
Forcing the perp into a dinning chair, he cuffed the other wrist, securely
pinning both the perp’s hands behind the chair.

“What the fuck?” Jaime gasp, expelling dust from his lungs. “Let me go. Have
you gone fuckin' crazy?”

Something came over Parker, as if waking from a dream; he likened it to an out
of body experience. Amidst a dense dusty cloud, he recognized a pleading
handcuffed Jaime begging to be released and a deranged, confused cop. What

in the hell have I done? Regaining his senses, this was not supposed to happen
like this. In disbelief, he had apparently gone into cop mode, way to go ass-
hole, you've fuckin' ruined everything. Pacing the floor in silence, frantically
rubbing his palms over the thickening stubble rising on his rugged chin. Panic
stricken, he literally had no idea how everything had gotten so out of control.

“God damn it Parker!” Jaime wheezed between fits of coughing. “Let me go.
This isn't funny. You need help.”

“Shut up.” Parker snapped in a soft, determined voice. Why did I say that?
Okay, none of this is going as planned, but I do have Jaime's undivided
attention. Not exactly as I’d intended, already involved this far, I might as well
finish what I came to do. Parker, you've really fucked myself into a corner this
time. “Please, you've got to hear me out.” He begged, blinking away gritty dirt
particles scratching his eyes, trying to recall the eloquent speech he had so well
rehearsed.

Being held captive by a crazed mad man, Jaime had little choice, he stopped
struggling, waiting for Parker to speak. Never, in all their years had he ever had
cause to be frightened of Parker, until now. All throughout the day, he had
worried about Parker, after the episode last night; he felt there was reason for
concern. Now, he had conclusive evidence. Parker needs help. I'll see to it that
he's locked up, where he can't hurt himself and gets the medical attention he
needs. Then, I'll get the hell out of this town. I swear, I'll never look back. Tears
of regret and sadness tumbled over Jaime's face, his heart was breaking.

Rubbing his open hand through his dust covered cropped hair, unable to make
direct eye contact with Jaime. Studying the floor, as if his speech were etched
just below the surface of the dust covered linoleum. Each step leaving telltale
imprints as he paced back and forth across the dusty tile.

“Jaime,” he started in a shaky and uncertain voice. “You know, you're the best
friend I've ever had –” A pensive pause caught in the cloud of murky air as he
continued pacing, desperately trying to find the words. “And, I think you know,
I'd do just about anything for you, right?” avoiding Jaime's puzzled expression.

“Yes, I guess so.” Jaime conceded, in a weak nervous whisper, realizing Parker
was waiting for a verbal confirmation, even though Parker refused to
acknowledge Jaime shaking his head in agreement.

“Until today's stupidly asinine stunt, I'd never do anything to jeopardize our
friendship.” Parker rubbed his eyes with his open palms; his breathing came in
short labored gasps. Jaime had never seen Parker so distraught. He had always
been his rock, the stability Jaime could always depend on. Now, he was
concerned about his own safety, Parker had obviously snapped mentally, all he
could do was helplessly watch and pray Parker would not harm him.

“Damn it Jaime, this is so hard for me,” he slammed the kitchen table with both
fists, dust and Jaime jumped. Jaime wet him self. “Ever since you've come back,
I can't get you out of my head.” Staring at the table top, tears tumbled from his
bowed head, marking the dust like thunderstorm rain pellets. “You're even in
my fuckin' dreams.” Parker sobbed. “Do you know what its like – to realize your
world has turned upside down, suddenly realizing you love someone and they
don’t love you in return?” Tears filled his eyes, “I’m trying to tell you – I’m
falling in love with you,” raising his head to meet Jamie's gaze. The stunned
expression on Jaime's face was the very look he had hoped not to see,
recognizing he was loosing his only true friend, the one person who meant the
most to him in the entire world. How else could I expect Jaime to respond, after
I’ve unnecessarily roughed him up, handcuffed him, treated him like a common
criminal, then tell him that I love him? I’m a fuckin’ psychopath, I don’t deserve
him. After today, Jaime won’t call me his friend ever again. Tears streamed over
Parker's cheeks as he surveyed his best friend for the very last time. He knew
for sure their friendship was over.

“I love you too,” staring at the floor, Jaime whimpered.

Cocking his head, “What?” swiping tears with the back of his hand from his
color drained face.

“I've loved you for as long as I've known you,” slowly looking up to meet

Parker's teary gaze.

Rushing to Jaime, he knelt in front of him, dropping his head into his lap and
sobbing. “I’m so sorry for everything. Believe me. This wasn't supposed to have
happened like this. Please, please forgive me. You’ve got to believe me. Since
you've come back home, I've been a basket case – it wasn't until this morning I
realized what was bothering me. It wasn't about being gay or straight, it was
about loving you.”

“I understand. We don’t choose who we love. Years ago, I came out to you, but
I couldn’t tell you it was you that I loved.”

“Why?”

“Just like you, I’d never risk jeopardizing our friendship, you’re too important to
me. If the only way to keep you in my life was to be your friend, I’d gladly give
up my dream of being your lover.”

Parker wrapped his arms around Jaime's waist crying. “What do we do now?”

“First, how ‘bout you uncuff me?” Jaime chuckled through his tears.

“Do you forgive me?”

“Yes, I do,” tenderly placing a kiss on top of Parker's head.

Relieved, Parker fumbled to unlock the cuffs.

Standing face to face, Jaime rubbed his wrists, still stinging from the tight
restraints that had earlier bound him.

Cupping Jaime's face in his hands, he gazed into the gentle hazel eyes he
recalled so vividly in his dream. “Jaime Duncan, I love you. Will you take me as
your lover?”

Growing weak in the knees, this was the moment Jaime had dreamt, lost in the

emerald green eyes which had filled his dreams every night for most of his life.
“Yes,” he choked through tears of joy streaming down his flushed cheeks.

Gently leaning into Jaime, their lips all but touch, Jaime's scent filled Parker's
senses. He knew he should be trembling, but he wasn't. Never, had he felt like
this for another man, let alone consider what he was about to do, but it felt
natural, this was something he wanted. He needed to do this to fulfill his
destiny, to be the man he was meant to be.

Desperately desiring Parker, he allowed Parker to take the lead for the first
time in their life-long friendship. After all, this was a huge step for Parker, one
Jaime was not sure Park was ready to make. Their future was now in Parker's
hands, was he truly ready, willing to take the plunge, opening his heart to the
love of another man? Jaime closed his eyes, if this did not happen, at least he
could hold the memory of this pivotal moment in his mind forever. Parker's
warm breath whispered over Jaime's quivering lips, then, ever so gently,
Parker's lips pressed into his. Moaning, he succumbed to Parker, partly because
he never expected this moment to arrive and partly to encourage Parker to
take him. Slipping his tongue inside Jaime's more than willing mouth, a gentle,
tender kiss boiled into a storm of unbridled passion. Nurturing an undying
devotion to blossom, a love they would share together, forever.

THE END

Author bio: Born and raised in north central Oklahoma, attended college at
Oklahoma City University where I studied Performing Arts along with Pre-
Seminary Studies. After college, I traveled around the country, eventually
hanging my Stetson and Tony Lama's in Austin, Texas where I currently reside.

My first novel is currently in submission and working on the second. I classify my
writing as Contemporary GLBTQ Themed Fiction, ranging from drama, humor,
romance and erotica, all in an effort to capture the bumps and valleys
encountered while making our own way through life.