Weekend Boyfriend Read online

  “What changed?” Countless times Asher had wanted to give Joel a ride on his motorcycle. If for nothing else but to get physically closer to Joel. Never before had he accepted.

  “I’m living dangerous.” Joel took a swig of beer. “Get some plates. I’m starving.”

  As they ate their burritos, they checked the sports scores on the television. “Do you work tomorrow?” Asher took another bite.

  Joel raised an eyebrow.

  “Yeah, stupid question,” Asher said. “When don’t you work?”

  “This weekend—when I’m supposed to be in Mexico. I’ll call the travel agency in the morning and see what I can do.”

  “Or you could take the trip.”

  “It’s late notice to find a date for the weekend, considering I haven’t been on the scene in a while.”

  “You have friends. Best friends.” He wagged his brows. Asher didn’t want Joel to find another girlfriend, not until he could be sure. Mara’s words kept rolling through his mind. What if Joel was open to possibilities? Admitting attraction to the same sex wasn’t easy, but it didn’t have to be a major announcement either.

  Joel groaned and leaned back. He rested his hands on his abdomen. “But I was hoping to get laid.” He laughed. “I told you. I’m an ass. My needs first.”

  “You need to invite a friend you can fuck.” And that was as much as he could say. He stood and put their plates in the sink. “Come on, we’re going for a ride.” Asher hadn’t had a beer with dinner because nothing was stopping him from getting Joel’s arms around him.

  * * *

  The following day, Joel went to the office and tried not to think of the state of his house. Thankfully, he’d never given Shelly access to his bank account. He should’ve listened to Asher when he’d told Joel to keep the relationship light. Serious relationships come with serious baggage. Make sure you’re ready.

  Truthfully, he should’ve found a way out of the relationship a long time ago. Staying together was easier. Leaning back in his chair at his desk, he closed his eyes and continued to wait on hold with the travel agency. Not that he expected much to come of the phone call. He knew when he purchased the weekend trip to Mexico, an all-inclusive resort, that it wouldn’t be refundable. He hadn’t worried about that because he needed the break and he figured the trip would please Shelly. He’d get sun, fun, and drunk. And hopefully she’d be in a better mood. He could use a little time sucking down margaritas while Shelly was sucking down his dick.

  Yeah, she might be materialistic, but he could be a pig. But if she wasn’t going to suck his dick, or fuck him, what was the point? He guessed she must have felt the same way about his money. If he wasn’t going to keep his wallet open, what was the point? They didn’t have fun anymore. He had to wonder if they really ever had. He was a dumbass. He’d rather spend his vacation with Asher. At least then he’d have a good time.

  Finally, an agent picked up his call. But five minutes later, his assumption was confirmed. He was stuck with the trip. Now he was getting pissed. Mostly at himself. At any rate, this was the last headache a woman was going to cause him. He was done buying dates. The only one that wanted to be with him for who he was and not what he could do for them was Asher. He snorted. Asher would be perfect for him…except he was male and neither of them were gay. “Looks like I’m partying for two.” He growled and rubbed his eyes. Shit. He stretched, rolling his shoulders.

  He still needed a vacation, but now he’d have to find a hottie in Mexico if he wanted to get laid. Joel stood, clipped his phone to his belt and grabbed his keys. He was leaving for Mexico in the morning. And because Shelly took everything, he needed to buy a suitcase.

  On his way to the store, he thought about the trip. Why should he go alone? Asher needed a break just as much as he did. How could they not have fun? He slipped his Bluetooth on and called him. “What are you doing this weekend?”

  “Why?”

  Joel laughed. “Because I still have two tickets to Mexico. Do you really want to be my boyfriend?”

  “Do you know what you’re asking for?”

  “Yeah, for you to come with me. Are you up for it?”

  “I’m up for anything, but does that mean you’re paying my way? Because dude, I’m broke dick.”

  “You don’t even need money for beer. All-inclusive. Just get on the plane.”

  “Do I get to suck your dick?”

  Joel paused for a split second, a flash of heat streaking along his spine. He had to have misunderstood, or Asher misspoke his usual teasing comments. “Only if you look like Shelly in a bikini.”

  “I don’t look like Shelly, but I do look good.”

  Joel laughed again.

  “Laugh now, but you’ll still have to suck mine.”

  “Ha ha. I don’t require you to play gay to be my date. We’ll still have a good time. Our flight leaves at eight a.m.. I’m on my way to get some luggage.”

  “You should call the cops. She stole your property.”

  “It’s not worth the headache. We’d both been treating each other like shit, and I can afford to replace it. If that’s all she wants out of the relationship, she can have the furniture.”

  “You’re call.”

  “At this point, I’m not even sure I want to keep the house.”

  “Well, you can crash at my place as long as you need.”

  “Thanks.”

  “As soon as you’re packed, we’ll grab a pizza and bail first thing in the morning. I’ll get my brother, Nolan, to drive us. Then we won’t need to leave your car at the airport.”

  “See, you’re already a better date.”

  Chapter Two

  Asher sat in the aisle seat, and Joel was next to the window. The engines of the plane powered up and the craft dropped in altitude. Asher’s stomach flipped over, and he smiled. They were almost to their destination and the plane had started its descent. The flaps on the wings shifted and the plane circled left.

  Asher leaned over, peering out the window. With gentle pressure, their knees bumped. Asher’s pulse spiked for the thousandth time since agreeing to come on the trip. Almost as if he’d made a date with destiny. He’d thought if given the chance, he’d show Joel how he really felt, somehow let Joel know what he really wanted. And now they were going to Mexico.

  Asher shifted and their shoulders brushed.

  But it was Joel sucking in a soft gasp followed by a long inhale.

  Asher turned to Joel and their gazes met. Shimmering green, intelligent eyes—eyes that momentarily made Asher forget to speak.

  Joel leaned in, breathed a little deeper.

  “Did you just sniff me?” Asher ached to do the same to Joel, to breathe him in. But then he’d want more. He’d want to touch…to taste.

  Joel grinned and shrugged. “Yeah. What are you wearing?”

  Asher barely turned his head and they were face to face. Awareness skittered over his flesh. However, if he were to read Joel’s teasing smile, it wasn’t sexual. Keep it light. Don’t make an ass of yourself before we even land. “Shorts…a shirt. If you want more information than that, like whether I wear boxers or briefs, you’ll have to be more specific and I think it’ll require another drink.” What he really wanted to do was make a move, to tell Joel that he wasn’t wearing boxers or briefs. That he never did.

  “Pervert.”

  “Takes one to know one.” His lips twitched into a smile. “And you know you think I’m hot.”

  “Your breath is hot. And I was saying your cologne smells great, not your breath.”

  Asher puckered his lips and blew a steady stream of air. Their lips were close, faces close, the surges within him rioting with sexual energy. “Queeressence.”

  Joel’s brows furrowed. “What’s it called?”

  “Queeressence. The scent only appeals to gay men.” Asher nearly bit the inside of his cheek.

  Joel grew quiet, staring hard at Asher. “You can’t be serious?”

  Asher laughed.


  “Fuck you.”

  Asher smiled, tilted his head, and batted his lashes. “So the cologne is working, and you are flirting with me.”

  Joel laughed. “God, you’re twisted. I think you need another drink.” He called for the attendant. “I think I do, too.”

  “Look.” Asher pointed out the window. “How cool is that?” Below them, the coastline cut into the perfect blue-green waters. A few ships looked like toy boats from this altitude.

  “Yes.” The attendant clicked off their button.

  Joel turned away from the view. “Another greyhound and another gin and tonic.”

  “I’m sorry but we aren’t serving drinks any longer. We’ll be landing in a few minutes.”

  “Excellent.” Asher sat back in his seat and leaned his head into the aisle as the attendant strode toward first-class seating.

  Joel leaned closer. “Does she have a nice ass?”

  “Not bad, now that you mention it, but no, I was trying to decide if I should take a leak before we land.” He turned and smiled at Joel. “Besides, I’m your boyfriend for the weekend.”

  Joel grinned. “I’m glad you aren’t abandoning me to join the mile high club.” He turned glanced out the window again.

  No, not with the attendant, but Asher would happily get Joel off while flying ten thousand feet in the air.

  Twenty minutes later, the plane taxied to the small terminal, and they deplaned. Like Joel, Asher had only brought a small carryon suitcase. They easily made their way through customs, out of the airport and into the hot Mexican sunshine. Joel slipped on his sunglasses.

  “My agent said there would be shuttles from the airport to the hotel.” Joel pointed to the resort’s bus. “Over there.”

  After they found seats on the shuttle bus, Joel turned to Asher. “Thanks for coming with me. I needed this.”

  “No need to say thank you—”

  “Yeah, yeah, I know. Just suck your dick.”

  Asher leaned his head back. “We’re going to have a good time.”

  * * *

  With each passing minute, Joel felt more relaxed. Between work and Shelly, he’d been stretched too thin. He needed this. Uncomplicated good times with his best friend. No drama. No cell phones, boob jobs, housing woes or grief.

  The lobby of the resort was crowded. Check-ins, check-outs, and people just hanging about. The foyer was huge, built around an atrium with palm trees and other tropical foliage. In the center of the room, a central bar served drinks to men in suits and vacationers in bikinis and Speedos.

  To the left, a tall man in a hotel shirt and cargo shorts stood behind a concierge kiosk.

  Joel approached the registration desk. He took out his identification. The receptionist clicked her computer keys. “You have one room, ocean view, king-size bed.”

  He leaned on the counter. “Is there any way we can get that room with two doubles instead?”

  “I’m sorry, sir. The hotel is booked.”

  “You don’t have any alternatives? Do you have an upgrade?”

  “As I said, the hotel is booked. Do you need one room key or two?”

  Asher came up and stood beside him. “What’s up?”

  “We’re stuck with one bed.”

  Asher laughed. “I’ll expect dinner before you take me back to the room.”

  “Two keys.” He chuckled and shook his head. “I can’t take you anywhere.”

  Joel signed for the room, and the receptionist handed him the keycards.

  The resort sprawled out over several acres. Wide, paved walkways snaked between the units. Exotic flowers and foliage scented the air. A warm breeze blew in from the ocean. Joel tasted the saltiness on his lips.

  They rounded a bend. The roar of waves crashed against the spongy shoreline. Frothy foam chased up the beach. People and umbrellas peppered the white sand. Off in the distance, sailboats bobbed in the blue-green water. The sky was a pale blue.

  “Thanks for bringing me along.” Asher flung his bag over his shoulder. “We should rent a sailboat.”

  “We’ve got three days. Three days of paradise.” Joel located their room and swiped the keycard. The lock clicked and he swung the door open. Asher preceded him inside. A large king-size bed, piled high with white pillows and covered with a fluffy white duvet, filled the center of the room. White netting circled the bed and pooled on the floor.

  “Damn, you were out to spoil Shelly.”

  “Not anymore. I’m out to spoil us.” Work had been brutal lately. He was eating stress for breakfast, lunch and dinner. “I’m glad I’m here with you.” He wanted…needed an uncomplicated weekend. “Let’s change and hit the beach.”

  “First drinks are on me. I can afford it.”

  Joel laughed. The drinks, along with food and resort entertainment were all included. Joel dropped his bag on the floor near the long, waist-high dresser. “Listen, Asher, I don’t want you to worry about anything. I got it covered. Let’s just have a good time.” This weekend, he wanted the best. And he had the best with Asher. As a friend, Asher had always been there for him, never let him down and never left him hanging. He’d always been able to count on Asher.

  Asher nodded. He crossed the room to the sliding-glass doors leading out to the private beach. “I’m going to make you forget about everything. What happens in Mexico, stays in Mexico.”

  Fifteen minutes later, they’d changed into their trunks and headed to the beach. “This is sweet,” Asher said.

  Their room couldn’t be much more than a hundred yards from the beach. It wasn’t overly crowded. Hotel employees, wearing white shorts and teal shirts, served drinks and mingled among the patrons.

  Joel grabbed two towels from the cart along side the path leading to the sand. “Let’s grab a couple of deck chairs.” Joel pointed to a row of empty ones with reclining backs.

  They dragged their chairs onto the hot sand. The air was fragrant and clean. Seagulls squawked and walked along the water’s edge. Joel positioned his chair next to Asher’s, then draped the towel over the back and dropped the sunscreen to the ground. He adjusted his sunglasses and scanned up and down the pristine beach. “This is nice.” He sat, stretched out his legs, and burrowed his toes into the fine, soft sand.

  “Can I get you gentlemen a drink?”

  Joel squinted up at the young, dark-haired attendant. Clearly local. Attractive. He had a slight accent, rich copper-colored skin and amber eyes. He was thin, but defined. He probably lived his life on the ocean. And he hadn’t taken his eyes off Asher.

  “Margarita, dressed, and on the rocks. Top shelf,” Joel said, drawing the attendant’s attention from Asher. It wasn’t hard to guess the attendant liked what he saw. Joel considered offering his towel for the man to wipe the drool from his chin.

  “Top shelf incurs an additional charge. I can bill that to your room.”

  “Perfect.” Joel gave their room number. “Want the same?”

  “Sounds good.” Asher smeared zinc across his nose. He tossed the tube to Joel. “You’ll need this more than I do.”

  Joel wasn’t blessed with the dark good looks like Asher. His hair was on the red side of brown. He wasn’t overly freckled, but that would probably change after a few days in the Mexican sunshine. By the end of the weekend, his Irish heritage would be showing.

  They sat in their chairs, watched the ocean and watched people meander up and down the beach. A few minutes later, their server returned with their drinks. He leaned in close to Asher, smiling. An extra split lime clung to the lip of Asher’s salted glass.

  “What the hell? He couldn’t be more obvious,” Joel said, annoyed with himself for the flare of jealousy. Not that he wanted the attendant to notice him instead. He didn’t, but whether a guy or a chick hit on Asher, he’d feel the same. This weekend, he didn’t want to fade into Asher’s shadow. Rather he wanted to enjoy Asher’s company without interference or guilt from anyone. “I think your cologne is working.”

  “Am I making yo
u horny?” A dark huskiness tinted Asher’s voice. Shit. Maybe it was working.

  “I was referring to our server.” Joel held up his glass. “I’m not sure what to toast.”

  “To a guy’s weekend away?”

  “Absolutely.” They tipped their glasses then sipped the drinks. The tang of lime and salt quenched Joel’s thirst but didn’t tamp down the irritation still simmering in his gut as the server came back with a small table and set it between them.

  “Just whistle if you need…or want anything.” Then he moved down the beach tending to other patrons.

  Joel cocked an eyebrow. “I think we have a volunteer to suck your dick.”

  “Not quite who I had in mind.” His lips twitched into a smile.

  Joel refused to acknowledge the image—the arousing image—of Asher getting a blowjob flitting through his mind. Instead, he took another sip of his drink, set it on the table, and said, “He may be your only offer.”

  Asher turned to Joel. “I’ll take my chances.” A moment of seriousness hardened Asher’s wide mouth. Joel didn’t have to see behind his dark lenses to know the look in his eyes. Asher wasn’t teasing, wasn’t being flippant, whatever thoughts were swirling in his mind were serious. “So, how are you really doing?” he finally said.

  This was easy. Joel leaned his head back, kept his eyes closed and relaxed. He was doing fine. “I’m good.”

  “I mean with Shelly.”

  “I know. And I’m still good.” He let the word roll off his tongue with a grin tilting his lips.

  “Do you know what you’re going to do?”

  Joel shrugged. He didn’t plan on doing anything—except enjoy his weekend with Asher. “It’s over.”

  “What if she calls? Would you take her back?”

  He laughed. “Do you know how glad I am that I’m here with you and not her? She’s done me the favor. Now the breakup doesn’t have to get ugly.” He sat up, lifted his glass and took several gulps of his margarita.

  Asher snorted. “I guess having her clean you out is about as ugly as it gets.”

  “I feel like I got off easy.” He furrowed his brows. “But I don’t want to talk about Shelly.” Hell, for that matter, he didn’t want to talk chicks at all. “I want a babe-free weekend.”