Flash Fiction: My Man

My Man

I take a moment to stare at him. His beauty still takes my breath away, just as his playfulness makes me smile. Trust Craig to strip naked in the barn and not worry about who might walk in. Sure, he’s covered the vital parts, but he’s left little enough to the imagination. I can’t stop looking at him. My mind buzzes with images of my hands exploring his skin, feeling his muscles flex and his nipples harden. I know exactly what I’ll find under the strategically placed straw and have no doubt it will once again make my heart stutter and my mind and body fly.

Voices outside tear me out of my thoughts and back into reality and I turn around to slide the large door closed. I don’t want the truth to come out like this. I don’t know how others will react to our coming together. It’s almost time to share our secret, but this is not the moment.

“I want you Jordan.”

His voice is deep and husky. I love my ability to do that to Craig. Even fully dressed I stir this need in him, just as his presence never fails to arouse me. I turn around and open the top button on my shirt. His gaze is fixed on my hand as I slowly undo one button after the other until I shrug the shirt off and stand before him bare-chested.

“Stop teasing. Come to me. I need to be inside you.”

I love the desire in his voice as much as the fact that it’s the result of the sight of  me.

I run my hands over my chest until my nipples peak as his breathing becomes laboured. I keep it up until he’s almost out of patience and his flexing muscles tell he’s about to get up and claim me. Only then do I unbutton my trousers. I turn my back on him before lowering them. Craig sucks in his breath when as he realises I’ve gone commando for him.

My boots prevent me from kicking my trousers off and I take my time removing them, allowing him to enjoy the view I know he loves. When I’m naked I turn around again and resume stroking my hands over my body.

“Get rid of the straw.” The heat is audible in my voice as well now.

I walk towards him as he clears his groin. He hasn’t touched me with anything but his gaze and yet my body is ready to receive him. I climb on the straw and lower myself onto his straining cock, taking him in with one slow move.

I bend forward and kiss him before whispering, “Tonight we’ll tell them about the stable hand who seduced the ranch owner’s daughter.”

***

I hope you enjoyed this week's Flash. This week's picture was selected by the wonderful Brigham Vaughn. Don't forget to visit her blog to find out what this picture inspired Brigham to write. We'll be back next week with another flash.

COVERS

Who would have thought I’d find myself announcing not one but two upcoming book releases?

On February 20^th, Little Rainbows will become available on Totally Bounds’ website.

When Jason and Heather first meet they are young and sure they are wrong for each other. As a result they spend a summer admiring each other from a safe distance.

Twenty years later Heather is coming out of mourning, having lost her husband and Dom eighteen months earlier. Jason, now the owner of an exclusive sex resort on the west coast of Ireland, struggles with the loss of his desire to dominate.

Jason’s resort is about to celebrate its first anniversary and party planner Heather has been hired to create the perfect celebration. Their reunion comes as a big surprise to both of them.

Old and familiar attraction, battles with new and conflicting emotions as Jason and Heather work together to organize the ultimate BDSM event. Overcoming the issues between them isn’t the only obstacle Jason and Heather face. In the background lurks a threat both to Heather’s independence and Jason’s livelihood.

Little Rainbows will go on general release through all E-book retailers on March 20^th.

In the meantime, on March 11^th, Dreamspinner Press will release Strangers in the Night, the novella I co-wrote with Jaycee Edward.

When Army veteran, Slade, stumbles upon an isolated cottage on a cold, dark, night, the young man finds more than just the shelter he’s seeking.

Former club Dominant Callum is surprised to find a handsome stranger knocking at his door but invites him in despite his reservations. A nightmare reveals Slade’s deep-seated emotional issues, and Callum knows he needs to get creative if he’s going to help Slade leave the past behind.

Neither man is prepared for the feelings Slade’s introduction into the world of BDSM will unleash, and thirty-six hours will either be enough to bind them, or they will remain forever strangers in the night. 

Flash Fiction: Strong Enough

 “This is stupid. Just take me home again.” Ryan’s eyes flashed with anger and resentment.

Peter wasn’t ready to give up quite yet though. They’d come this far and everything was ready, he wasn’t about to give up less than 50 meters from the finish line.

Just getting Ryan here had taken endless talking, arguing and something uncomfortably close to emotional blackmail. Shame filled Peter as he remembered the moment when he’d told Ryan to stop being selfish.

“You can go out with me. Just once won’t kill you. I’d like to spend an evening doing something other than watching television for a change.”

It had been impossible to miss Ryan’s flinch when he heard those words. The pain reflected in Ryan’s eyes had almost made him apologize and backtrack, but he’d stopped himself.

“Peter, you can’t pull the chair through that grass. It’ll get stuck.” Ryan sounded resigned rather than angry and Peter wasn’t sure which was harder to listen to.

It had been a long six weeks for both of them. Immediately after the accident they’d both just been happy they’d survived the crash. It had taken a few days before they’d realised what Ryan’s prognosis meant. He’d be in a wheelchair for at least three months after which he’d have to go through months of rehabilitation with no guarantee that he’d ever get all power in his legs back.

Peter bent his knees and knelt in front of Ryan’s chair.

“Just wrap your arms around my neck. We’re nearly there. Our dinner awaits around the corner there. I’ll carry you.”

He didn’t turn his head to look at Ryan while he spoke – all too aware how much Ryan hated being dependent on others...on him.

Getting up with Ryan on his back was harder than Peter could have imagined but he made it. He fixed his eyes on the spot he had to reach and concentrated on getting there.

If this didn’t work he’d no idea what to try next. He could see Ryan retreating from the world in front of his eyes and unless he found a way to get Ryan interested in life again.... Peter stopped himself from pursuing the thought.

It wasn’t fair that Ryan - who’d always been on the move, played three different team sports, and actually enjoyed working out - might face a future with limited mobility. But Peter knew without a doubt that if Ryan gave up - if he surrendered to his darkest fears now - he’d no hope of getting better.

Ten more steps to the corner. Ryan had been quiet during Peter’s slow progress. Peter concentrated and counted down from ten. When he reached three he coughed. Three steps later, as he rounded the corner, hundreds of lights sprang to life and recreated the night sky over his head. Ahead of them family and friends burst into Happy Birthday to you.

Ryan’s grip relaxed and he laughed softly.

“I love you, you bastard.”

***

With thanks to Allison Hickman for choosing this wonderful picture. Don’t forget to visit Brigham Vaughn’s blog for your chance to enjoy what this photo inspired her to write. We'll be back next Monday with another picture and two more stories.

Flash Fiction: Pet Hate

Welcome to another installment of Flash Fiction Monday. This week's picture was chosen by me. I hope it brought my brilliant partner in crime, Brigham Vaughn, the inspiration she needed. You can find her interpretation found here.

I hope you’ll enjoy our flashes. Please let us know in the comments and don’t forget to join us again next week.

Just goes to show what I know.

The words shoot through my head as he brushes his lips against mine again. He exerts more pressure this time, trying to gain entrance and I’m only too delighted to grant it.

It’s hard to believe it’s only been three days since I cursed myself and my inability to say no. When my elderly neighbour came and asked me if I would look after her dog for a few weeks I suspected her of joking. I’d told her often enough how much I disliked pets, especially the larger, hair-shedding variety. And yet here she was, not only expecting me to walk and feed her failed Dalmatian but also take him into my apartment. My mind screamed no while my mouth said yes.

The first morning after she’d left, it pissed from the heavens. I glared at Percival as he stood expectantly by the door, wagging his tail at me. We went out only because I figured getting wet would be less frustrating than having to clean up whatever messes he might leave in my house if I didn’t.

I never saw him coming. I stared at the path in front of me as I tried to figure out how long I’d have to walk through the rain before I could reasonably take the dog back home. Percival pulled on his leash with so much force he nearly tripped me up. The steadying hand took me by surprise. The beautiful face smiling at me when I looked up almost took my breath away. His name is Kevin.

The next morning I made sure to leave the house at the same time. The Gods must have been with me because the sun shone and I saw him and his black canine as soon as I entered the park. My heart stuttered when his face lit up as soon as he noticed me too. We walked our dogs together for an hour that passed way to fast.

“Are you in a hurry?” Kevin smiled at me. He’d waited for me again this morning.

“No hurry at all.” I’d taken the day off work even if I didn’t know why when I made the call.

“Good. It’s a nice day. Let’s walk on.” Kevin’s smile turned into a happy grin.

We left the park, walked and chatted. I told him Percival isn’t mine. He told me he got his dog from an animal rescue place. The two dogs got on like a house on fire, maybe taking their cue from us.

And now we’re here. His tongue gently plays with mine as we explore each other’s mouths. I’m vaguely aware of a couple walking past us, the man huffing as if annoyed and the girl tut-tutting him. I don’t care. I am exactly where I want to be. And if it hadn’t been for the stupid, hair-shedding, attention demanding creature on the other end of the leash I hold.... I don’t even want to think about that.

Flash Fiction with Brigham Vaughn

Welcome to the new and much improved Flash Fiction Monday. From this week forward I will be joined by the charming and very talented Brigham Vaughn. Both of us will write a short story – no longer than 500 words – based on the same picture and post them on our blogs every Monday.

While you’re on Brigham’s blog don’t forget to take a look at her other wonderful posts – including her wonderful photographs – as well as the free stories she’s made available. You’re in for a treat.

This week's gorgeous picture was selected by Brigham.

Pushover

I’m still not sure what has happened. How did I end up here, with a cigarette in my mouth leaning my forehead into the man I’ve been lusting after for months despite his obvious disinterest.

Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Scott, I’m a thirty year old sound engineer and I haven’t smoked in six months, two weeks and three days. Also six months ago I went from working freelance to signing a contract with this exclusive club for men. I’m in charge of music and lightning. Background music, performances, dance nights and pole dance performances; the sound and vision effects will have been thought up and provided by me and I’m good at what I do.

The man’s who’s about to light the cigarette I really shouldn’t smoke, owns the club. His name, would you believe, is Charles – never Charlie - and he’s everything I’m not. Where I’m rough around the edges he’s suave. As soon as I open my mouth I betray my working class background whereas he has a silver spoon well and truly lodged in his.

Ever since Charles approached me during a festival gig and offered me this job I’ve wanted him. He’s in my every fantasy; his mere presence has an instant effect on my cock. His proximity while I’m working my knob twiddling magic on the sound desk inevitably leads to thoughts about another knob I’d like to twiddle. For six long months he’s kept his distance.

Earlier tonight he approached me with a look on his face I hadn’t seen before. His gaze travelled down my body and up again until he stared straight into my eyes and licked his lips. Instantly my knob felt as if it had been twiddled with. When Charles asked me to put on a long dance sequence so I could take a break, I almost messed the transition. What the fuck. I don’t get nervous; I never make mistakes.

For six months I have fantasised about pushing him against a wall and taking him, by force if necessary. While I wait for the tantalising smell of sulphur once he strikes a match, I realise I’m lost. If he lights my cigarette I’ll smoke it, despite my vow to never touch the cancer sticks again.  My need to please him goes deeper than nicotine. 

For the first time in my life I don’t want to be in charge. I don’t want to take, I desire to be claimed. I yearn for the feel of a wall against my back while his body presses into mine. After all these years of taking what I want, this pusher is about to turn into a ‘pushee’.

***

If you haven't already done so, don't forget to move on to Brigham's blog and read her story here.

On the Barricades

Open Letter to those who oppose Marriage Equality

Here’s my question for you. Do you have a child/children? What if your child came home and told you he/she had fallen for and wanted to make their life with a same sex partner? Would you tell them that from that moment forward they were only second class citizens? Would you tell them they suddenly weren’t good enough to get married anymore, didn’t deserve the same rights, obligations and opportunities as everybody else? Would you, who has – I assume - always known your child as a loving and smart individual, suddenly feel they’re no longer capable of lovingly raising a child of their own? Could you feel these things about your own offspring? Would you be able to say those things to their face?

If the answer to those questions is yes you are probably less qualified to raise children than the person you are judging, could ever be. Think about it. Same sex couples are never going to have an accidental child. The chances of them forgetting to use contraception and ending up with an unplanned pregnancy as a result, are nil. These couples face a long and arduous journey if they decide they want to create a family. There will be medical and/or legal procedures to face, administrative red tape to battle and a waiting time much longer than the nine months the rest of us deal with.

I have another question. Do you think marriage equality shouldn’t be allowed because the purpose of marriage is to procreate? And/or do you think same sex couples shouldn’t be allowed to adopt or raise children because every child deserves to be raised by two loving parents of different genders? If your answer to those questions is affirmative I would like to know how you think we should deal with women who find themselves raising children on their own? Should we take those children and put them in a family where they will have both a father and a mother? Or maybe we should force anyone who isn’t married to use contraception so no child will ever be born unless their heterosexual parents are actually married? And what about infertile couples? Should we even allow them to marry if the purpose of marriage is to procreate?

I’ve heard people say that marriage equality diminishes their own marriage. My mind boggles. I’m sure enough in my marriage, the love for my husband and the love he has for me, his wife, to know that nothing outside the two of us can either diminish or enhance the quality of our bond. If your marriage and the way you feel about it depends on outside factors it makes me feel sorry about the state of your relationship. Marriage isn’t and shouldn’t be a privilege only granted to those who happen to be the majority. Marriage is the expression of the love between two people. Marriage means that those two people will automatically have rights (and obligations) they might otherwise not have or only be able to safeguard through long and often expensive legal proceedings.

Maybe you are convinced people choose to fall for people of their own gender and feel that they should just choose differently in order to avoid the issues of marriage and raising children. If that is your belief I’d like you to explain to me why you think anyone would do that to themselves? You’d have to be a rather hardened masochist to inflict the sort of prejudice, discrimination and complications that come with a same sex relationship on yourself. Did you decide to fall for the person you love right now or was it something magical, a wonderful moment that took you by surprise and filled you with joy? And if the latter, why do you think it would be any different for other people?

If you have any doubts about marriage equality. If you feel that civil partnership should be enough, ask yourself whether or not civil partnership would be enough for you? Would you have been happy forgoing your wedding day? I’d also ask you to watch a documentary called ‘Bridegroom’ and then come back to me and tell me love isn’t love. That losing the person you’d hoped to spend the rest of your life with hurts less just because both partners were the same gender. Watch that movie and tell me you still believe certain rights should only apply to those who are heterosexual.

There is so much hate and pain in the world. Why can’t we just embrace love when we meet it and facilitate its smooth progress? Love experienced by others can never diminish the love we feel. More love and tolerance can only make our world a better place. Open your mind and your heart. Live and let live. Love and let love.