A Walk Through Fire (26 page)

Martinson’s no-nonsense voice reassured him. “It seems that after Luke Conover left the house, Paul Munson and his wife took the other boy, Brandon, and left the state. They ended up in Pennsylvania, where Munson got a job with a small sheriff’s department, and Grace Munson taught Sunday school in the local church. Brandon went to high school, played baseball, and was well liked by everyone.”

So excited he was practically shaking, Ash asked, “And now? Do you know where he is now?”

Drew came to stand next him, and Ash hugged him tight, his anchor against the storm of his life.

“That’s the strange thing. He disappeared the week before he was supposed to leave for college. No note and no trace of him.”

Ash’s heart sank. “But that’s almost ten years ago. No one’s heard from him?”

“Only a few letters to his mother that showed up with no discernible pattern. They say ‘don’t worry, I’m well.’ Nothing else.”

In a tight voice, Ash asked, “Postmarks?”

“Different states in the Northeast.” Ash could sense the man’s frustration over the phone. “I’m not giving up, sir.”

Ash sighed. It wasn’t Martinson’s fault that he wanted to throw the phone through the window or punch something or someone hard. “I know you aren’t. It isn’t your fault. Keep going. Spare no expense.”

“Yes, sir. I promise I’ll find him.”

“Thank you.” Ash clicked off and threw the phone onto the couch. “Fuck.”

“I’m sorry.” Drew squeezed his hand. “I know you’ve been looking for a long time. You’ll find him one day.”

Ash stalked around his office. “I’m beginning to wonder. Now that I know he disappeared willingly, it’s clear he doesn’t want to be found. Those are the hardest kinds of people to find.”

Drew stepped in his path, forcing him to halt his steps. “Listen, whatever happens, you don’t have to handle it alone anymore. We can work on it together.”

Exactly like he’d thought. The man was too fucking good. “So you’ll come home with me tonight?” Ash dragged Drew up against him, palming the man’s perfect, taut ass. He could feel the muscles flexing underneath his fingers. “Say yes.” He kissed Drew’s neck, his jaw, and then rested his lips at the corner of Drew’s mouth. “Please,” he murmured, watching Drew’s eyes flutter shut.

“Okay, yes, whatever you want.” Drew shifted his head, and their lips met.

Soft, sweet, and the lightest touch. Not hard or brutal, with a thrusting tongue and clashing teeth. Still somewhat uncomfortable with kissing, Ash stiffened at first, but when Drew flickered the tip of his tongue along the seam of Ash’s lips, the feeling was so electric, so erotic he opened his mouth, pressing harder to capture Drew’s tongue and swirl it together with his own.

They stood that way, kissing, learning each other’s mouths and breaths, until Drew pulled away with a look of regret. “I need to get back to the hospital.”

“Then I’m coming with you.” The smile on Drew’s face let him know he’d made the right decision. Fuck Jordan and whoever else had a problem with him and Drew. And he’d make sure to be by Drew’s side to support him as he stood up to his friends and family.

Whatever he needed.

Chapter Twenty-Two

They arrived at the hospital around lunchtime. Drew could tell his grandmother was almost back to normal, as she was giving the nurse her special recipe for apple cake, which as he knew, was the best thing in the world. He bent down and kissed her cheek.

“I see you’re feeling better. They’re moving you to a regular room in a few minutes.” He greeted the nurse, then checked his grandmother’s chart, pleased to see all her vital signs were normal. The nurse left the room, leaving him alone with Nana.

“Why can’t I go home? I feel perfectly fine.” She scowled at him.

“Because they need to observe you for one more night and I agree. So does Rachel, so you’re outvoted.” He folded his arms and scowled right back at her.

She finally relented. “Only one more night, though. I want to go home. I miss my bed and my flowers.” She peered behind him, looking over his shoulder, her face brightening. “Oh, Asher is here. I wondered if he was going to come by.”

Drew sat in the chair next to her bed so she could wave to Ash through the glass. “He was here last night too, but had to leave early this morning.”

“I hope you two put aside your differences.” She dragged her gaze away from Ash to glare at him.

Oh, Nana, you have no idea
. “Um, yeah. We’re good now.” Better than good, as he remembered the feel of Ash’s cock sliding into his body and pounding into him last night. Shit, he couldn’t get a hard-on in front of his grandmother. He wasn’t going to have a conversation with her about his relationship with Ash while she lay in a hospital bed. “He was very worried about you.”

“I’m glad you two are friends again.” She pursed her lips and studied her hands.

Drew could tell she wanted to say something but held back, which was unusual for his outspoken grandmother.

“Nana, what is it? I know you want to ask me something, so go ahead and spit it out.”

Her gaze slid over him; then she turned her attention back to study her fingers. “Where’s your girlfriend? Isn’t she here?”

Drew took her hand in his, noting how thin and fragile it felt. Her pale skin showed every blue vein and reflected all the hard work she’d endured during her life. He kissed her fingertips. “We broke up.”

Her eyes opened wide. “You did? Why?”

He shrugged. “You were right. She got too serious, too fast. She told me how much she loved me, and I freaked out.” He placed his grandmother’s hand back on the bed and, with a quick glance through the window, saw Ash standing there, talking to Mike and Rachel. “I didn’t love her, and I’m never going to fall in love with her. So I told her, but in a nice way.”

Nana nodded with approval. “Good. I knew she was crazy about you, and you didn’t feel the same way. It wasn’t right for you to string her along. She’s a sweet girl, but not the right person for you.”

Nana held his gaze, and he shifted on his feet, a little embarrassed. For some reason, he thought she wanted to say more, but then the orderlies came in to transfer her to her regular room.

“Nana, I’ll see you later.”

He got out of the room to allow the two men to do their work, and joined his sister and friends. Drew could tell by the side looks Rachel kept giving him that she was dying to get him alone to talk about him and Ash.

Because he loved her and they were so close, he decided it was only right he talk to her first. But not with Mike. “They’re transferring her to a room for one more night of observation.” He smiled at Rachel. “Everything looks normal.”

Rachel hugged him. “Thank God. I don’t know what I’d do if…well, let’s not think about it anymore.” She held on to him.

“Mike.” Drew held onto Rachel. “I want to borrow my sister for a while, all right?”

His friend had his bad ear turned toward him and didn’t hear him. When he went to tap him, Rachel put a hand on his arm.

“Don’t.” Her voice was quiet, her eyes sad. “He’s still jumpy from the attack, and if you startle him, it makes it worse.” She left his side to stand in front of her boyfriend. “Hey, sweetie. I’m gonna go talk to Drew for a few.”

Drew watched them closely. Rachel was really wonderful with people, he realized, and the look on Mike’s face as they spoke was almost worshipful. His sister deserved nothing less.

She returned to his side. “Okay, I’m ready.”

He and Ash had already decided on their way to the hospital that while he talked to Rachel, Ash would go back to the office for an appointment he needed to make. Drew smiled to himself, satisfied he’d be seeing the man tonight.

He and Rachel left the hospital and went to the diner across the street. They settled into a booth and the waitress brought their coffee right away, but she didn’t take a sip, instead jumping right into the conversation.

“What’s going on with you and Ash?”

Here goes nothing
. “We’ve sort of started a relationship.” He took a quick sip of his iced coffee, welcoming the shock of cold as it traveled a path down his throat. A quick glance at her face let Drew know, yep, she was surprised.

Her eyes narrowed. “Jordan said he’d take advantage of you. I like Ash but—”

“Listen.” He could sense his anger rising and struggled to keep it under control. “I’m tired of everyone telling me who they think is right for me and who I should or shouldn’t date, sleep with, marry, etc.”

“But you have to admit I was right about Jackie.” Rachel shot him a pointed look.

“Yes, Rach, and I said it, fine. You were right about that. But it’s my life. You all need to stop thinking you have the right to tell me what to do and not do. You treat me like a little kid instead of your older brother.”

“But Drew, you and Ash? I like him. I really do, but Jordan says he’s a player. I don’t want you to get hurt.”

Exasperated, he rolled his eyes. “So what? What if I do get hurt? It’s my life and my choice.”

“Well, you chose Jackie, and look what a bad choice that was. So maybe you need someone to tell you you’re making a mistake.” Her voice dropped to a whisper. “And you’re really sleeping with him? You’re not gay, so what are you doing?”

His stomach dropped. One thing he’d always thought he could count on was support from Rachel. If he didn’t have that, he might be lost. “Would you be upset to find out if I was? I thought you of all people didn’t care about things like that.”

Now it was her turn to roll her eyes and make a disgusted sound to go along with it. “Don’t be a jerk. I’ll love you no matter what. I don’t care if you’re gay or straight, but this seems so sudden, that’s all.”

“It actually isn’t,” he admitted. “I’ve been attracted to Ash for a while now but denied it to myself. Things happened the other night, and now this is exactly where I need to be.” He took her hand and squeezed it. “He’s a good man, Rach. His childhood was so unbearable. I’m in awe of what he’s made of himself.” His lips tightened. “I won’t let Jordan bad-mouth him. If he has a problem with Ash, then he either needs to deal with it or not be my friend anymore.”

A small sound of dismay slipped out of Rachel’s mouth. “Drew. You’ve known Jordan all your life. You can’t cut him out like that. He’s practically family.”

“Family should stand by you and support you. That’s what I’m asking. As long as you’re there for me, for us, that’s all I need.” He stood and kissed her cheek. “I have to get to the clinic. Are we good?” He held his breath, waiting for her response.

She jumped up and flung her arms around him. “Of course. I love you no matter what. And I promise to try and back off.” Being Rachel, she had to get in her parting shot, like she always did. “But if Ash hurts you, all bets are off.”

He laughed, shaking his head as he left the diner.

* * * *

That evening, Drew lay spread-eagled on Ash’s enormous king-size bed. Through heavy-lidded eyes he watched as Ash kissed a path down his chest to the line of hair that led a trail from his belly button to disappear beneath his boxers. Who would have ever thought he’d be lying here in a man’s bed, reveling in kisses so intense he could barely breathe? Ash dipped his tongue into Drew’s belly button, and he groaned, all thoughts fleeing his mind as pleasure and lust surged through him. A large, warm palm caressed Drew’s cock through his thin boxer shorts, then tugged them down, allowing his erection to spring free. The coolness of the air conditioner hit his fevered skin, causing him to shiver with delight.

“That feel good, baby?” Ash whispered, his cheek resting on Drew’s thigh as he stroked Drew’s cock with a strong hand. Drew arched up into his touch.

“Incredible. Don’t stop.” Drew couldn’t help thrusting into Ash’s hand harder and harder, his cock leaking wetness from the head. He never remembered his erections being so easy to come by. It seemed now all Ash had to do was look at him, and he was aching and swollen with need. “Faster.”

Ash chuckled. “Not so fast. The pleasure is better if you prolong the wait.” He laid off for a moment, then straddled Drew, his large powerful thighs entrapping Drew’s lower body. “I love to see you under me, begging for it.” Ash sat back on his haunches, then took Drew’s cock all the way into his mouth.

Drew almost came on the spot. The heat, wetness, and friction of Ash’s talented mouth had him babbling incoherently, desperate for release. It didn’t take long for his blood to heat past the boiling point. With a cry, Drew’s body arched off the bed, and he came deep within Ash’s mouth. His vision faded to black as the shattering orgasm left him boneless, sated, and half-dead with pleasure.

After several minutes, he finally caught his breath. “My God, Ash, what you do to me.” He blindly reached out his hand, unable to even open his eyes. A smile tugged at his lips when he felt Ash’s palm slide up to hold his hand, entwining their fingers. Lovemaking had never been so intense, so personal like this. He cracked open one eye to see Ash stretched out next to him, sporting a very large, lonely cock.

“I want you, Ash.” Drew reached out and traced the tip of Ash’s cock, tickling the slit, smearing the wetness that pulsed out at his touch. “I want you inside me.”

Those magical silvery eyes flashed diamond bright. “You aren’t still sore after last night? I don’t want to hurt you.”

“Please, I need you in me.” Drew leaned over and kissed Ash. “Fuck me hard. Make me feel.” He turned over on his stomach and got up on his knees and elbows. Ash rolled over and pulled open the drawer of the night table. Condoms and a small bottle of lube sailed in the air, landing next to Drew.

“I can’t wait to have that sexy ass of yours, baby.”

Drew closed his eyes as a throb of pleasure almost choked him. Although he’d just experienced an intense orgasm, his cock began to stiffen. “Please,” he whispered over and over. “Please, touch me, love me.”

“Oh, baby, I’m gonna love you so hard they’re gonna hear you in the next building,” Ash crooned to him in that slight Southern accent that never failed to drive him wild. The feel of those strong fingers massaging the cheeks of his ass had Drew whimpering.

“More, Ash, more.” He didn’t care if he begged. He needed Ash inside him. When those cool slicked fingers brushed his hole and pressed inside, Drew almost wept with relief. “God, yes, please, now, Ash. Now.”