Just Desserts

Just Desserts

Posted: January 6, 2006
Title: Just Desserts
Author: Sileya and Decadence
Fandom: Real Person Fiction
Type: RPS
Characters: Craig/Karl
Rating: NC-17
Disclaimer: We don't know them. They don't know us. Such a tragedy.
Timeline: AU
Beta: sally_simpson
Summary: Take two parts chocolate and one part Karl, add one part Craig, mix well and add lots of spurting cream for a fluffy half-baked romance.

==

Just Desserts 1/3

==

Craig lifted a hand to wipe the sweat from his brow, cursing as he smeared flour across his face, and deciding to give up on the confection for the moment. Hearing the bell above the door ring, he wandered into the front of the shop, dusting his hands on his apron as he did. "Can I help you?" His voice died in his throat as he spotted the dark-headed gentleman standing in front of the glass display case. He was suddenly glad his clothes were all white as he stepped up to the marble countertop and asked again, "Can I help you?"

Karl pulled off one of his leather gloves, finger by finger, peering into the display case. "I've sort of got an emergency. I need something sweet for a birthday treat, or I'll be in hot water." He shoved his glove into one pocket of his heavy, expensive wool coat, and started pulling off the other. "What do you recommend?"

Craig looked the man over, noticing his expensive clothes and cultured manner. He nodded toward the end of the case, beginning his spiel as he walked. "We have many different sweet confections at 'Just Desserts.' We're well known for our 'cakes for two,' which are small cakes tailored for intimate parties. I'm just finishing one in the kitchen right now if you'd be interested in waiting for a few more moments."

Perking up, the well-dressed man nodded. "What's in it? Chocolate? Liqueur? Is it pretty, something a woman would like?"

Craig's smile unconsciously faltered at the mention of a woman. "It's fresh from the oven. Double Chocolate Temptation is what I like to call it. Most women love it. I'm just ready to frost it if you'd like to come back and choose the decorations."

Karl smiled in relief, his eyes brightening. "Thanks, mate, really. I owe you one. Around here?" he pointed around the corner of the display case.

"Sure," Craig motioned to the swinging door that separated the display case and the wall. The tall man followed him to the clean kitchen, to the six-inch cake setting on a Lazy Susan in the middle of his work table. "I can stuff it with candied cherries if you'd like." He smiled, pushing a stool over for the man to sit on. "I find most people love the combination of chocolate and candied cherries." He started preparing his icing bag as he spoke, filling it full of chocolate buttercream frosting.

Pulling off his coat, Karl laid it over his arm and stood a bit away from the cake, obviously cautious. "Sounds great. She loves cherries and chocolate, so I'll be in good this year." He glanced around the neat kitchen before watching Craig deftly pipe on the icing.

Using an icing comb, Craig criss-crossed the icing on the sides of the round cake before piping a deep ring around the top. The even chocolate pearls left plenty of room for a cluster of candied cherries in the middle of the top. He then used a fine tip to add a fudge stripe lattice across the surface. Finally, he set it in one of his signature boxes, placing the lid on carefully and tying a bow over the cake. Looking up, he smiled at the handsome man who waited for the cake. "I'm sure your lady friend will find this cake to be delicious. If not, I do offer refunds."

Karl chuckled, looking at the cake appreciatively. "It's gorgeous, I'm very impressed. If she doesn't like it, I'll call her a prickly old bat and eat it myself." He shook his head and rolled his eyes, oblivious to the fact that the baker probably had no idea who he was talking about.

"Prickly old bat?" Craig tilted his head to the side and looked at the man speculatively. Grinning, he teased, "If she's that prickly or that old, then don't tell her I secretly call this cake the 'come in your panties' cake."

The dark-haired man's eyes bulged in surprise and then he spluttered into a laugh. "God, no, I think I'll pass on telling that to my Gran, if you don't mind," Karl said, cheeks pinkening at the thought. "Christ. She's got a dirty mouth already."

Craig smiled, somehow pleased at the thought that the lovely man wasn't buying this cake for his lover or wife. But then he realized he didn't know, but the man probably did have a lover or wife. He was gorgeous. He couldn't be single. Not in this town. "Oh my God. You're talking about Mrs. Urban, aren't you? She's the only lady I know who has a mouth saltier than the taffy we sell in spring." He laughed.

Karl's eyebrows both rose high. "Aw hell, you know my Gran? That means she already knows about this place. Well, shit, so much for me having the best surprise this year." He frowned down at the cake, although he didn't move away from it.

"I don't know her, per se," Craig clarified, "and as far as I know, she's never been in here... nor any of your relatives. I know of Mrs. Urban. She cursed my roommate Mark out after she backed into his car last autumn." Craig pushed the cake a little closer to Karl, hoping he'd take it. "You must be the prodigal grandson I'm always hearing about around town." He reached out a hand. "I'm Craig, new here since you left for Sydney." He looked down, blushing as he realized he had flour and fudge icing all over his hand.

Karl looked up from where his frown had turned into a grin. "Yeah, Karl, Karl Urban. Nice to meet you." He was shuffling the cake box to one arm to shake Craig's hand when Craig pulled it back and held it up, showing off the icing. Karl laughed. "Prodigal grandson, eh? Don't know about that. Gran runs the show, with Dad doing the day-to-day business, and then me, shuffled off to Europe these past couple years. Told them I was ready to come home..." He trailed off, wondering why he was sharing all this with a stranger. "Anyway, it's Gran's birthday, and we cousins all compete to see whose gift she likes best." He blushed a little again. "I know she likes sweets, and when I saw your sign, I thought it was fate."

Craig walked back to the cooler, fetching the roses he normally used for his display case. "Here's a dozen roses. Impress her. She's your Gran and she deserves it."

Blinking in surprise, Karl just stood there as Craig laid the bouquet in his other arm. "You think so? I mean, it's not like I'm courting her or some such - you think she'll go for it?" The dark-haired man gazed at Craig with clear hazel eyes, seeking reassurance.

"She'll love them. They're a special rose that I order from Auckland. Only raised there." Craig turned Karl toward the door, pushing him out of the kitchen. "But you'd better go. It's getting late, and I close at 5 p.m." He actually wanted to get Karl out of the shop so he could think about the attraction he felt toward him. He hadn't felt that attraction since... well - it'd been a hell of a long time.

Shuffling around the display case, Karl stopped still, looking panicked. "I've still got to pay you, let me set all this down..." His arms were full of coat and cake and roses, and when he turned to look back to Craig, a long tail of dark brown hair pulled free of the back of his starched dress collar.

Craig's eyes widened and his breath caught at the sight of the hair. It seemed to be an expression of passion in the otherwise seemingly buttoned-down persona Karl portrayed. "No time," Craig whispered, "just go - you can come back and do it later..."

Karl smiled again, honestly relieved, not aware of the rakish picture he presented. "Well, it's not like you don't know I'm good for it. I'll be back tomorrow, yeah? And thanks again." He turned to push the outer door open with his rear, grinning at Craig as he turned and disappeared into the limo parked on the curb.

Craig stood at the door, taking his time flipping the sign to closed and locking the glass doors as he watched the tail lights of the limo disappear. "So - you're THE Karl Urban," he spoke into the empty shop. "Nice to finally meet you..."

==

Karl popped out the kickstand for his motorcycle and parked it at the curb in front of the sweet shop. Stuffing the keys in his leather jacket pocket, he decided to leave on his helmet until he got inside - the wind was quite brisk today, as evidenced by the jangling bell as he walked in the door.

"Back here," Craig called, hands full of hot pans as he pulled cakes out of the double ovens. He looked up to see a man in a leather jacket and a helmet standing in the doorway to the kitchen. A thrill of fear shot through him. "Can I be of assistance?"

Reaching up, Karl pulled off the helmet, smiling. "Hey mate. I think I owe you some money, so that should be the other way around, yeah?" He chuckled, propping the helmet on his leather-clad hip.

Craig grinned at the sight of Karl, the thrill of fear changing to a different sort of thrill. "Well, if it isn't Mr. Urban. In the flesh once more. How did Gran like the cake?"

Karl's eyes sparkled. "She loved it. I really scored. My cousins were so chapped, it was great." He grinned and dug into the back pocket of his pants. "What do I owe you? For the cake and the roses - which she adored, mind you. Told me I must have learned some manners in Paris."

" 's on the house," Craig offered, sliding the pans onto the workstation. Looking wistfully outside at the lovely sunny day, and the bike that was parked in front, he asked, "Is that your bike?"

Following Craig's gaze, Karl nodded, stepping to the window, his heavy boots clomping on the tile floor. "Yeah, she's mine." He looked at Craig, noting the expression on his face. "Well, if you won't let me pay for the cake, how about a ride instead?" Karl offered.

Craig glanced at Karl, eyes wide. "You'd do that for me?" He was already pulling the white disposable protective clothing off and smoothing his hair. "The cakes have to cool and I'm not busy this time of day. Are you sure you wouldn't mind?"

Karl grinned again. "Wouldn't have offered if I minded. I've got an extra helmet. You got a jacket? Wind's a bit brisk today." He watched as the blond man disappeared into the back, passing the time by looking at the treats in the display case.

Craig came out a few minutes later, noticing Karl's eye on the display case. "You can sample some when we get back," he murmured as he pulled his own leather jacket on. He stopped a couple of feet away from Karl. "Thanks again." He grinned. "It's been years since I've been on a bike."

Nodding, Karl led the way out. "You've been on one before then, that's good. Will make it easier." He went to the bike and pulled the spare turtleshell out of a saddlebag, setting on the seat while he pulled on his full-face helmet. While Craig locked up, Karl straddled the bike and started it up.

Craig buckled the helmet, reaching into his jacket pocket and pulling out his sunglasses to perch on his nose. Finally, he wrapped his arms around Karl's waist, clasping his hands together in a tight grip. "Ready," he spoke, unsure if Karl could hear him through the helmet and over the purr of the engine.

Although Karl couldn't hear, he could tell Craig was ready when strong arms closed about him. With a grin, he kicked away from the curb and they were off, the cycle purring carefully through the streets until Karl hit the ocean highway where he could drive fast. The motorcycle hummed perfectly, and Craig's body was warm behind him.

Craig's grip tightened as the bike sped faster and faster and Karl handled it expertly. He found himself entranced by the rumble of the bike beneath him, the scenery flashing by him, and the hard body between his legs. He found himself resting his head on Karl's shoulder as they zoomed away from town.

Steering the cycle along the coastal highway, Karl drove about 30 minutes away from town before circling and stopping at a pullover near a sandy white beach. "Ready to go back?" he called out over the engine noise, turning to look at Craig.

"Do we have to?" Craig asked, "I don't have to be back for a while and this is so beautiful, and I'd like to walk a little if you don't mind," Craig's words were a nervous rush as he looked into the hazel eyes hidden behind the safety glass of Karl's helmet.

Karl blinked a couple times, then without comment, keyed off the bike, dropping them into sudden silence broken only by waves and wind. He set down the kickstand and offered Craig an arm for balance as the other man climbed off the bike.

Craig's legs were a little shaky from the adrenaline of riding the bike and being so near Karl for so long. He made his way to the picnic tables at the edge of the lot and sat down heavily. "Think I need to sit for a moment," he grinned up at Karl, whose long legs seemed so fitted to riding like this.

Karl offered a friendly smile and set the helmets on the bike seat before walking a bit, stretching his legs. Despite the wind, he was warm, wearing all brown leather and boots, and he looked out over the tables to the ocean. He seemed content just to be there.

"You were in Paris?" Craig asked curiously as Karl looked out over the water. "I've heard it's a city for lovers. Is that true?"

Shrugging, Karl shoved both hands in his pockets. "I guess so. I mean, there's all kinds of restaurants and theaters and romantic gardens, if you like that kind of thing, if you have someone to share it with. Otherwise it's like most other European cities. Crowded, rude people - especially to foreigners," Karl gave Craig an apologetic look.

Looking at Karl's hunched shoulders, Craig risked a question. "You have no lover?"

Karl smiled wryly, although the smile looked a touch hurt. "No. Too busy, too foreign, too rich, too responsible... too many things other people don't want to deal with." He shrugged. "Can't say as I blame 'em. Don't know that I'm much of a catch, besides the money." He sounded blasé, but his shoulders were still stiff.

Craig's eyes grew wide with shock. "Not much of a catch? Just money? Fuck, Karl. Have you even looked in the mirror lately? You're the sexiest - shite. I mean - I'm sure that the ladies love you."

A dark eyebrow cocked, Karl glanced at Craig speculatively, smile tugging at his lips. "I'm what? The sexiest what?" he asked mildly, hands still in his pockets.

A deep blush spreading over his cheeks, Craig stood and walked a few steps onto the grass separating the parking area from the beach. "You're sexy. Period. You're the most handsome man I've seen in this town since I've been here. That's what."

Fascinated, Karl watched Craig walk, as if seeing him with new eyes. "That's quite a compliment. Thank you," he said calmly, tilting his head and then absently lifting a hand to pull his ponytail free.

Hearing the easy creak of leather above the crashing of the surf, Craig turned to see Karl pull his hair free of his jacket. A part of him wished Karl had left it free so it could have blown in his face on the ride. It looked soft and silky and perfect for running fingers through. "I like your hair," he admitted, figuring he couldn't blush any brighter.

Pausing while combing his fingers through the tail of hair, Karl smiled, enchanted. He stuck his hand back in his pocket and walked over to deliberately stand right in front of Craig, maybe a foot away. "You're quite handsome yourself, Mr. ..." he grinned. "What is your last name, anyway?"

Craig rolled his eyes and turned toward the beach. "Parker," he answered, taking a step toward the white sand that made him want to take off his shoes and run barefoot through the surf. "And you don't have to placate me, Karl. I've been in this town for three years now and I've not had a date yet... so you don't have to tell me that I'm handsome. I don't need the ego-boost."

Karl leaned forward and caught Craig's arm, eyes serious. "I don't say things I don't mean, Craig. I don't have to. If you haven't had a date, well, maybe the ladies can't find you back by the ovens?" he offered lightly, reasonably.

Craig whirled around in Karl's grip. "Maybe I don't want the ladies," he murmured, the sound almost lost in the cry of a seagull.

Silent and serious, Karl didn't let go of Craig's arm, but instead pulled him ever so steadily back to him, until he had him right up against his chest. Then, after searching blue eyes for something, he dipped his head and brushed his lips lightly over Craig's.

Craig grew still against Karl's chest, feeling the slight pounding of the other man's heart. And then there were lips brushing against his and he sighed, his eyes closing as the breeze picked up again, blowing Karl's hair around to tickle against his cheek and sending the citrusy smell of shampoo wafting past his nose. From this day forward, the smell would always remind him of the moment he parted his lips and kissed Karl back.

Karl didn't know where he'd found the bravado, but he was glad he had, because now this very alluring man was kissing him back. And it was really turning Karl on. After a long, soft, searching kiss, he pulled back to look at those glittering blue eyes again. "You taste like chocolate," Karl whispered, then he flushed, embarrassed.

Craig lowered his head, lifting a finger to trace down the zipper of Karl's jacket. "I always sample my frosting," he admitted. Lifting his eyes again, he met Karl's hazel gaze. "You smell fresh and clean and... and tasty..." he whispers, lifting his chin a little closer again, an invitation for a second kiss.

Mesmerized, Karl lowered his mouth to capture Craig's again, this time his mouth open and caressing, tongue sliding lightly over soft lips. A breathy moan escaped him as Craig's sweet taste filled his mouth again, and he pulled the other man closer, sliding a hand to his waist.

Craig's hands slid over Karl's shoulders, threading into silky dark hair and pulling the elastic from it. The dark strands fell over his fingers like rain and he bunched it in his fists, pulling Karl closer.

Feeling Craig pulling him closer, Karl kissed him more firmly, sliding a hand to the back of his neck, and then they were touching, from knees to chest. All Karl could think was that Craig thought he was sexy, and that Craig was kissing him. Wanted to kiss him. He went into brain lock and just responded openly, moaning, tongue stroking.

Craig responded in kind, his tongue sliding against Karl's even as he tried to edge closer. He whimpered into the kiss, one hand giving up the feel of Karl's hair to slide under the collar of his jacket to touch skin.

Karl sucked in a sharp breath as Craig's touch to his bare skin sent sizzles down his spine. He pulled back and met heated eyes, wondering if Craig felt as surprised as he did. "Uh... wow?" he offered quietly, still holding the other man close, one hand rubbing the back of Craig's neck.

"Wow," Craig answered in reply, staring into Karl's eyes as he licked his swollen lips and grinned. His hands played under Karl's collar and in the long hair at the nape of his neck. "Wow," he repeated.

Unable to stifle a grin, Karl chuckled. "Well, isn't this an interesting turn of events?" he murmured, lowering his mouth to trace Craig's ear with his lips. "Sure as anything I wasn't looking, and suddenly, here you are."

"That's when it's best," Craig murmured, resting his forehead on Karl's shoulder. "When it surprises you." Speaking of surprises, Craig suddenly turned and ran toward the beach, tugging Karl along behind him.

"Hey!" Karl squawked but he let Craig drag him down to the cool, hard-packed beach, running easily with him despite the heavy boots. "Crazy bugger," Karl swore with a laugh as Craig pulled him round in a circle.

"Boots off!" Craig demanded, stopping to tug his own trainers off and toss them back up the beach. He leaned over to roll his jeans legs up, looking up to see Karl smiling at him. "What?"

"You want me to shuck my boots and run in the water in leather pants?" Karl asked, awfully amused. "The water's cold!" He even threw in a little pout, although he was already pulling off one boot.

Craig dropped to his knees in front of Karl, not caring if he got sand on his jeans or not. Reaching for Karl's bare foot, he started rolling the snug leather up Karl's muscular calf. If his fingers played a little in the crisp hairs, he was sure that Karl wouldn't notice.

Trying to balance on one foot with Craig rolling up his pants was a tricky proposition, but Karl got the other boot off and tossed it to the side, looking down to see a blond head bobbing just below his waist. And his leather pants got very tight. "C'mon, mate, let's hit the water. I, for one, could use a bit of a cool down."

Craig sat back on his heels, looking up at Karl. His eyes ran the length of Karl's body, cataloging each part. His eyebrows lifted slightly when he passed groin level and it was all he could do to not take a second look. Finally meeting Karl's eyes, a slow smile crossed his lips. "A bit of a cool down, huh?"

Not for the first time, Karl wished he didn't blush so easily. He sighed as his cheeks reddened and he looked out away, just away. "Yeah, well, believe me when I compliment you next time, yeah?" he said, looking back to meet Craig's eyes.

Craig held Karl's gaze as he stood up, asking, "Yeah. But is it really me? Or just the situation? I mean - you said so yourself, no lover in Paris. And then the adrenalin of the ride... Coulda happened with anyone, right?"

Karl tilted his head and shrugged. "I suppose. But it's never happened to me before, so..." he shrugged again, looking quite innocent all of a sudden.

Craig stepped closer, taking Karl's hand and holding it between his own. "What's never happened to you before?"

Karl froze, then looked sheepish. "Uh... this?" He waved a hand between the two of them.

Stepping even closer, Craig tilted his head up, lips close to Karl. "This attraction? This desire? This need?" His breath ghosted across Karl's lips. "I haven't felt it in so long I forgot what it felt like."

Swallowing hard, Karl tried to breathe evenly, and his hands shook as he raised them to Craig's shoulders. "No one's made me feel like this, ever," he whispered, lips brushing Craig's as he spoke.

"Does it frighten you?" Craig breathed, pressing forward and tilting his head back enough just to tease with a slight brush of lips. "It scares me, but I want it..."

"Scares me a little, yeah. Makes me feel crazy all of a sudden. Makes me feel all light-headed..." Karl dropped his lips against Craig's and the kiss seemed to go on and on. When he finally pulled back, his eyes were dazed and his hand clutched at Craig's shirt. "So this is what I've been missing."

"Both of us, apparently," Craig whispered breathlessly. He pulled Karl back down for another kiss, not wanting to lose the sense of closeness he felt at the moment. Finally, he let Karl go, only to pull him to wade in the water as it lapped in gentle waves around their feet.

Karl allowed Craig to pull him into the surf, smiling as the other man minced through the cool water. He looked down at his leather pants, already soaked to the knees, and resigned himself to a cold ride back to town. But then he saw Craig's grin again, and he decided it was worth it.

Craig laughed at Karl's reluctance to come into the water, but he had a plan. He could see a little cabana down the beach a bit. He recognized it as belonging to his next-door neighbor, Harry. He'd been here before and knew where the key was. He also knew Harry was at work in New Zealand this month. He wouldn't mind his friend taking advantage of his robes and towels. Nodding his head to the cabana, Craig challenged, "Race ya?"

Raising a skeptical eyebrow, Karl sized up the length of Craig's legs compared to his own and chuckled. "Not really fair, I don't think," he drawled.

"Okay. Let's make this a little fairer." Craig reached for Karl, pulling his head down and kissing him. His body rubbed against Karl's sensuously, rhythmically. After several long moments, he let Karl go, turning to run. Several yards down the beach in front of Karl, he turned and called, "You coming?"

Karl stared, dumbfounded, as Craig ran off, in shock and tingling all over. When the other man called out, he blinked, his jaw dropped and he took off after Craig, covering the sand with long strides.

==

Just Desserts 2/3

==

Craig stopped running as he approached the cabana, his bare feet stepping onto the sun-warmed planks worn smooth by sand and time. He turned to see Karl just behind him. Smiling, he looped his arms around the taller man's neck. "My friend owns this cabana. I know where the key is. Want a drink? A towel?"

Laughing as he caught up, Karl curled his arms around Craig's waist. He felt like he'd known the other man for years - not hours. "Drink, towel, yeah, sounds good," he said, shaking one foot at a time to slick water off the leather.

"We can stuff your trousers with towels. Lay them in the sun to dry. They won't shrink that way," Craig suggested, blushing at what his actions had done to Karl's sexy pants. His hands wandered to the button at the waistband. "I promise I won't look... at least not too often..."

Karl smirked, figuring Craig had felt how wet his pants had gotten as he'd run through the surf. He unzipped his jacket and shrugged off the heavy leather, slinging it over a nearby chair, revealing a tight black T-shirt underneath. "What if I want you to look?" Karl asked daringly, although he blushed at the same time.

Craig reached for the key to the door, unlocking it and pushing it open at the same time he grabbed Karl and pulled him inside. "Then I'll look... and touch... and taste..." he promised, surprised at how wanton he sounded, but deciding he liked feeling this way around Karl.

Eyes widening, Karl looked slightly stunned as he let Craig draw him inside. His cheeks were pink, but his pants were awfully tight. "Uh..." he started to say, but nothing came to mind.

Craig was suddenly afraid he'd pushed too far too fast. "Unless you'd rather not. I don't mind..."

Taking a deep breath, Karl pulled one of Craig's hands to cover his groin. "Oh, I WANT to, mate, I'm just... surprised, is all." Surprised that such an incredible looking man seemed so honest in his desire.

Craig's hand tightened on Karl's groin, and he pushed the larger man back onto the small sofa that graced the room. Straddling one of Karl's thighs, he leaned over and nibbled at his stubbled chin even as his hand began to stroke through the smooth leather.

A soft whimper escaped Karl as Craig seemed to weave a sensual spell around him. He raised his hands to grasp Craig's hips and pulled him to straddle his knees. "Do you... you want this?" Karl murmured.

Craig's answer was to dip his head to capture Karl's lips, and rolled his hips to press his own arousal against Karl's. He breathed heavily into the kiss, grunting as the pressure against his own hard cock made his hips roll forward again.

Karl didn't even try to stop the louder whimpers as Craig pressed against him. When the other man finally sat up, he just watched in stunned fascination, looking over Craig's slightly swollen lips and glittering eyes. "Christ," Karl breathed, "you're gorgeous."

"You're one to talk, Mr. Urban," Craig teased. Karl's dark eyes were almost black and his chest rose and fell in a hard, fast rhythm. Craig's fingers moved to the tight black cotton that covered Karl's chest, rubbing lightly over the distended nubs that poked underneath the fabric.

Karl drew a shaky breath. "Can I... touch, too?" he asked, fingers tightening at Craig's waist.

Craig's head rose from where he perused the ridges of muscles hidden under Karl's black shirt. He looked slightly confused, but then realized what Karl was asking. "Please do," he murmured, leaning back slightly and offering himself to the gorgeous man beneath him.

Eyes skimming up and down the body before him, Karl slid his hands lightly from Craig's waist up over his chest, feeling the muscles hiding underneath cotton. He traced strong shoulders up to his chin, one hand's fingers tracing Craig's lips, the other tracing back down his chest.

Craig's lips parted beneath Karl's fingers, tongue darting out to taste the callused fingertips that caressed his lips. His chest hitched under the hand that trailed over it, rising and falling at a faster rate as his arousal began to grow. Craig's hand dropped to Karl's leather pants, popping the button free.

Karl's hands were shaking as he slid them over Craig's arms, and his eyes dropped to his waistband as the other man unfastened his pants. "Oh Christ," he breathed, letting his head fall back against the couch cushions. "Craig... I gotta... need to tell you..."

Craig's fingers slipped just inside the warm leather of Karl's trousers, his thumb rubbing circles around Karl's navel. At the sound of Karl's voice, his eyes met the other man's, his fingers still teasing. "Yes?"

"Ah... I really have no idea what I'm doing, so say something, OK?" Karl stuttered a little as he slid his hands over Craig's belly, shifting his hips a little on the couch. He raised hot but somewhat anxious eyes to the other man who looked down at him.

When Karl shifted on the couch, it threw Craig forward, forcing his hips against Karl's. His eyes closed as a low moan echoed from deep inside him. His free hand braced on the other man's shoulder, keeping him steady as he rocked his pelvis again. "Doing fine," he gasped, eyes opening once more to focus on Karl's face as he leaned forward, capturing soft, full lips in another kiss.

Karl moaned into Craig's mouth, hands moving more over Craig's body, pulling his shirt out of his waistband and sliding his hands onto warm, warm skin. He gasped when the kiss ended, pressing his hips instinctively up against Craig's. "You're so responsive," he murmured, seemingly surprised.

Chills ran over Craig's skin when Karl's bare hands touched his belly and sides. "Only with you," he sighed, kissing along Karl's throat to nibble at his ear. "I like you," he chuckled.

Blinking in surprise, Karl laughed and grinned, relaxing a little. "Well, I guess that's good, 'cause I like you, too." He smiled up at Craig's shining blue eyes. "And I certainly wouldn't do this with someone unless I liked him."

Craig unzipped the leather that was stretched over Karl's groin, folding back the edges to let a hard cock spring free. "I'm glad," he murmured, leaning forward to let his jeans scrape against Karl's sensitive flesh as he shucked the tight black T-shirt from Karl's body.

Karl swallowed hard and blinked several times as he felt the blood pooling in his groin. He groaned and leaned up so Craig could pull his shirt off. Once his shirt hit the floor, he pushed Craig's up to his neck, leaning forward to daringly lick along the line of his pectorals.

Craig's head fell back and he moaned loudly as Karl's tongue explored his chest. One hand settled to stroke slowly at Karl's cock while the other one threaded into dark hair, encouraging Karl's curiosity.

As Craig wrapped a hand around Karl's cock, he stopped licking to gasp against the lightly muscled chest, closing his eyes and struggling for control. "Christ, I feel like I could come right away," he muttered against the skin, cheeks reddening in embarrassment.

Craig pushed off of Karl's lap, sinking to his knees between Karl's spread legs. Licking at the leaking head, he looked up at Karl through thick eyelashes. "What's stopping you?"

Karl almost choked as he gasped, eyes huge as Craig licked his straining cock. "Christ... do that again and I will!" He looked totally stunned, eyes unfocused, breathing harsh, face and skin flushed.

Craig inched closer, wrapping his hand firmly around the base of Karl's cock. Dipping his head, he swirled his tongue over the furred sac that was gathered tightly beneath the throbbing shaft. He smiled up at Karl as he sucked one side of the pouch into his mouth, sucking gently and wetting the wrinkled skin.

The sound that wrenched from Karl was definitely a whimper followed by a long whine as his hands clutched the couch cushions, his hips lifting toward Craig's mouth without conscious thought. "Craig, oh...."

Craig lifted up, licking a swath from balls to dripping head as he opened his mouth and wrapped his lips around Karl's cock. He sucked lightly, just wanting to tease for a moment, to see if he could get some more of the same reaction from the gorgeous man above him.

A soft cry tore out of Karl. "Please..oh Christ... please!" His hips jerked up and his face and chest flushed darker as his eyes rolled back into his head. His fingers dug into the couch, knuckles white.

Craig let go of the base of Karl's cock, pressing his mouth down on the other man's shaft and swallowing the head as Karl bucked and begged. At the same time, he pressed into the smooth, firm skin between Karl's sac and his opening.

Karl's back arched as he was catapulted into orgasm, his yell echoing off the walls, his breaths harsh and nearly sobbing as his come pumped into Craig's mouth - three, four soft spurts - and then he collapsed back against the couch, boneless.

Karl was gorgeous as he came, eyebrows drawing together and full lips parting as he sucked air between straight white teeth. Inwardly, Craig wondered what he did to get so lucky as to get to see this. He licked Karl clean, letting the softening shaft slip from his mouth as he nuzzled at Karl's groin before climbing back onto his lap and nuzzling at his throat. He was soft and pliable against Karl's heaving chest, enjoying his effect on Karl.

Sucking in deep breaths, Karl slowly lifted his arms up to encircle Craig as he climbed back onto his lap. It took several blinks to make his eyes focus on shining blue eyes.

"Christ... you... you went down on me!" Karl said, voice full of amazement.

"Mmmhmmm," Craig purred, laying his head on Karl's chest and listening to the calming heartbeat. "Was nice... fuck - was fantastic!"

Karl laughed lightly, still seemingly stunned. "YOU'RE saying it was fantastic??" He squeezed his arms close around Craig. "Christ," he whispered. "I think you blew my mind, too," Karl added. He turned his head to kiss the top of Craig's head.

Craig snuggled close, breathing in deeply of the smell of Karl. The entire room had that musky, sexy smell that came after an explosive orgasm. "I hope not - you have to get us back to my shop..."

"I... uh..did... Craig? What about... you?" Karl asked awkwardly, reluctant to loosen his arms, but wondering if he should... or could... return the favor. He swallowed hard. He wanted to.

Craig was honestly more aroused than he'd ever been in his life. But he was not willing to push Karl into something that might scare the man away from him. He didn't know why he was thinking they had a future. For all he knew, Karl would be back on a plane to Europe the next day. He should just take what's offered and let that be it. But that wasn't who he was.

"I'm okay," he smiled, the action coming through in the tone of his voice.

Karl slid his hands to Craig's hair, slowly lifting the other man's head and meeting his glazed eyes. "But I want to do something for you," he murmured. "I WANT to..."

Craig stopped Karl's words with a kiss. Leaning back, he whispered, "Then do what you want... I'm yours to do with as you will..."

Lips trembling, Karl pulled Craig close again for a kiss, a long, hard kiss while one hand slid to cover Craig's groin before unsnapping his jeans and slowly pulling down the zipper. "Want you to feel as incredible as you made me feel," Karl murmured, lips tracing Craig's jaw.

Craig 'mmphed' into the kiss, his eyes closing as the pressure increased against his trapped cock before it was relieved in the form of an open zipper. He slid off of Karl's lap, onto the sofa next to him. Leaning back, he pulled Karl on top of him.

Karl laid against him before shifting his hips to the side so he could slide his hand into Craig's pants, fingers shaking as he touched hot, hard flesh and caressed, lightly at first, then more firmly, wrapping his fingers around. "Tell me what feels good, baby," Karl crooned, dipping his head to kiss about Craig's ear.

Craig's hips hitched under the gentle touch. Turning his head to meet Karl's gaze, he whispered, "What feels good to you?" before touching his tongue to Karl's swollen lips.

"Christ - you feel good to me... hot and hard... for me?" Karl asked, wonder creeping back into his voice.

Craig nodded, eyes closing once more as he shifted his hips, making his aching cock brush over the palm of Karl's hand. "Fuck yeah," he murmured, "'s been so long since... God, Karl... you make me feel wanted..."

Karl kissed him again, before answering roughly, "I do want you," he said, his hand starting to move on Craig's cock, pumping it slow and firm. "I want you to kiss me. I want you to cry out for me. I want you to come for me." The taller man's cheeks burned red as he nearly whispered the words.

Craig lifted his hands to Karl's face, framing it gently before whispering, "Don't be ashamed of how you feel... just let it happen..." He pulled Karl down into a hard kiss, his tongue sweeping inside of his mouth to play and tease at Karl's tongue before pulling away and sucking at the plump lower cusp of Karl's mouth. His hips rotated as Karl stroked him, the tight pleasure building inside of him.

"Christ, you're like a drug, you drive me crazy," Karl muttered, stroking harder, feeling his own cock swell again with his excitement. "You are so gorgeous, did I tell you that?" He leaned over to trace Craig's collarbone with his tongue.

Craig felt gorgeous when Karl touched him like that... when he kissed him and stroked him and whispered in that sexy voice. "I feel gorgeous right now," he whispered, spreading his legs further and allowing Karl to slip between them. He could feel the heat of Karl's groin and his hand wandered down to touch the reawakened shaft. "Do you... do you want to..." he tried to ask, but his words were stolen by an intense wave of pleasure as Karl increased his pace. "Close," he murmured.

Karl moaned as he pressed his thickening cock against Craig's thigh, still stroking the other man's hard shaft. "Do I want to what?" he asked slowly, feeling like he was riding a wave of pure intoxicating pleasure.

"Fuck me?" Craig breathed, opening his eyes to meet Karl's black gaze.

Karl froze, unable to draw a breath as his cock twitched against Craig's leg. He met Craig's eyes, his own wide once again. "Christ," he breathed. "I... I wouldn't even know where to start but fuck the idea turns me on like crazy!" He held Craig's cock close in hand, not stroking, thumb lightly moving over the swollen head.

Oh God... it was not a good time to tell Karl that he'd never... "Just like a woman," Craig bluffed.

Karl laid his forehead on Craig's chest, fighting a dismayed groan. When he'd said he didn't know what he was doing, he'd meant it. He had a general idea, of course, but no practical knowledge... "Ah, OK," he mumbled, praying for some divine guidance.

Craig spread his legs wider, lifting his hips. "Just slide it in..." He bit his lip as he waited.

Karl's eyes got really big. "Um, well..." He wracked his brain, trying to remember some of the porn videos he'd seen in college. "Don't we, ah, need something to smooth the way?" Karl tried to keep his voice from shaking.

Craig's eyes searched the room frantically, looking for anything. His eyes finally lit on a bottle of sunblock on the coffee table. Squirming under Karl, he reached for it, stretching until... "OH GOD - cramp! Shoulder!"

Karl pushed himself up so Craig could move, wincing as the leather of his pants bit into his thighs and the zipper caught somewhere REALLY sensitive. Suppressing a curse, he tried to shift out of the way, letting go of Craig in the meantime.

That was it for Craig. The shifting of weight off of his body over balanced him and he fell off of the sofa, landing on the floor in an undignified heap. Stunned, he rolled over, looking up to see Karl's horrified face peering at him over the edge of the couch. He started laughing hysterically.

Karl looked down at Craig, and he bit his lip, unsure. "Um, are you OK, mate?" he asked nervously, shifting and trying to free the zipper of his pants without causing himself a lot more pain.

Craig clasped his hands over his stomach, nearly doubling up as he laughed. He nodded, tears rolling from his eyes as he managed to sit up. Watching Karl wriggle uncomfortably, Craig batted fumbling hands away, pulling the zip completely open and tugging Karl's trousers off of his long legs. Crossing his arms over his knees, he smiled up at Karl for several long moments. "Mood killer?"

Wincing as the zipper pulled loose, Karl exhaled in relief and chuckled. He looked down at Craig and sighed. "Well, I guess I didn't exactly sweep you off your feet, did I?" He sighed and his shoulders slumped.

Craig reached out a hand and laid it on Karl's bare thigh. "Technically, I believe I was off of my feet," he whispers.

Karl looked up, face clearly showing his embarrassment. "Yeah, well," he murmured, cheeks flushing. "Not what you see in the movies."

"Life isn't what's in the movies," Craig's voice was soft as he replied. "Why would we make movies about things we see every day? They're not special..."

"What I felt when we kissed... I don't feel that every day. I don't think I've ever felt that," Karl murmured, sliding his hand to cover Craig's on his thigh.

Craig turned his hand over to link his fingers with Karl's. "That's what's special. It's not storybook. It's not silver screen. It's real. It's me and you and it's US..."

Karl swallowed hard and pulled on Craig's hand until the other man knelt at the couch's edge, and Karl leaned forward to lightly touch Craig's lips. "I want to kiss you again. And again..." he whispered.

"Then shut up and do it," Craig breathed, leaning closer and sucking at Karl's bottom lip. His hands rested on Karl's thighs, the wiry hair tickling his sweaty palms.

Wasting no time, Karl slid his hand around the back of Craig's neck and pulled the other man into a consuming kiss, wanting to feel that dizziness again - that thrill that rushed through him on the beach.

Craig gave in to the kiss, opening his mouth and inviting Karl inside as his hands slid to bracket Karl's narrow hips. He leaned forward, pushing Karl back to rest on the sofa. The movement caused their cocks to brush and in turn, drew a long, low moan from deep inside of Craig.

After being moved back against the sofa, Karl almost whined - he didn't want to be separated from Craig. He reached down and slid his arms around Craig's waist and urged the other man up onto the couch, straddling his knees - and then Karl had all the skin to touch that he wanted. He moaned happily as their tongues tangled and he could feel that burn starting inside again.

Craig was better prepared when he ended up on Karl's lap that time. He grabbed the hard-won bottle of lotion and slicked it over Karl's straining cock, stroking messily as the thought of having it inside him made him burn. He reached behind himself, unsure of what to do, but figuring a cursory stretching would help. He closed his eyes, trying not to feel embarrassed. 'Just pretend you're back in your flat, Craig,' he thought, 'that you're wanking and you've just slid your fingers inside...' He moaned as two fingers slipped past the barrier and made him buck in Karl's lap.

Karl gasped as Craig bucked, his hands moving to firm hips to help steady him. "What... what are you doing?" Karl asked shakily. "Can... can I help?"

Craig bit his lip, leaning forward and bracing himself on Karl's shoulders. He pulled his hand free, bringing Karl's hand to his stretched entrance.

Eyes getting wide, Karl felt the slick lotion in Craig's cleft and dragged his fingers through it before cautiously pressing one finger up into him, watching his face anxiously.

"Fuck yes!" Craig gasped, pressing down on the finger that slipped easily inside him. "More..."

Pushing and pulling his finger back and forth a few times, Karl then added a second, sending his long digits slowly into Craig, trying to be careful.

Craig rolled his hips, making Karl's fingers brush against... "God yes, Karl! Enough!" He pulled the fingers free, lining himself up over Karl's erect shaft. He opened his eyes, meeting Karl's gaze as he began to push down.

Karl's heart leapt in his chest and his eyes were huge, mouth opening and closing - then he gasped loudly as Craig pushed down and took the head of Karl's cock inside him.

Craig leaned forward, taking Karl's lips in a kiss just as he pushed down, taking all of Karl's cock inside him in one smooth movement. He gasped into the kiss, breaking it to whimper as he buried his head against Karl's shoulder.

"Christ!" Karl yelped as Craig took him deep, his fingers clutching at his lover's hips. "Are you OK?" he breathed after Craig had been still for long moments. It was getting really, really difficult to stay still.

Nodding against Karl's neck, Craig whispered, "I'm afraid to move!"

Karl almost panicked. "Are... you hurting? Talk to me, I don't want to hurt you," he said heatedly, unconsciously shifting his hips. His cock slid a bit out of Craig, and he sucked in a breath in surprise at the nearly overwhelming feeling of it. Wanking had nothing on this... this... tight heat of Craig's body.

"Not hurting!" Craig cried, "Just so full! I don't know if I can move..." When Karl slipped out, his hips automatically pushed down, wanting to keep Karl within his body.

"Oh Christ! Wait... wait... let me..." Karl shifted again, pulling out ever so slightly, and Craig pushed right back down on his swollen cock. "Fuck... you're gonna make me come, Craig... so hot around me."

Craig's body countered every move Karl made, and he had to close his eyes at the feeling of being so full and complete and aroused and so CLOSE to spending himself. He sighed against Karl's neck as he wrapped his hands around his cock and began to stroke it.

Karl cried out as Craig's body closed hot and tight over his cock over and over, and mindless, he lost track of the little movements and thrust up harder, just needing... needing more.

Craig pushed down, over and over and over again, the thick shaft inside of him brushing against his sweet spot and making his eyes roll in his head. "Close," he murmured, "Gonna come... come with me..."

Gasping for breath, Karl grabbed Craig's hips and pulled him down harder as he jerked upward, the swiftness of the heat and the impact against his balls wringing a near bellow from him as he felt himself explode.

Craig's eyes grew wide as he felt the explosion of heat inside him for the first time, the movement and feeling against his prostate forcing him into his own orgasm. His back bowed as he came, hot splashes decorating Karl's belly.

The muscles clamping down all around him wrung further yells from Karl, whose eyes rolled back in his head as his whole body shuddered and shook under Craig. Feeling the hot spurt of come on his skin just added to the overwhelming sensation.

Craig collapsed bonelessly against Karl. "Not bad for a beginner," he mumbled, "for either of us..." he admitted.

Karl could only chuckle breathlessly in response, fighting his body's urge to just sag and black out from all the new feelings that swamped him. Instead, he curled his arms around Craig's torso and held him tight.

In all of the fumbled make-out sessions Craig had ever taken part in, nothing had touched him as much as Karl holding him tightly after it was over.

Craig shifted and Karl buried his face in his shoulder, wishing they never had to move. It had been... incredible. And he didn't want to let Craig go, even for a moment.

Craig rested against Karl for a long time, even after Karl's softened shaft slipped free of his body. "I didn't bring you out here to seduce you," he murmured.

Karl shivered as he came free of Craig's body, feeling like the connection was lost. "You didn't, huh?" he replied with a half smile. "Well, damn. And here I thought I was irresistible," he joked, stroking Craig's back gently.

"You ARE irresistible," Craig grinned. " 's why it happened even though I didn't plan it."

Karl pulled his head up to meet Craig's sparkling eyes. "Yeah?" he asked, sounding a little unsure, a little embarrassed.

"Yeah," Craig smoothed his thumb over Karl's puffy lips.

"You're a hell of a temptation, Craig Parker," Karl muttered, smoothing a hand through Craig's hair. "Now what? I don't want to let you go."

Craig's brows drew together. "Now what? I'm here. I own a business here. I'll be here when you want me. You're the international business whiz..."

Both Karl's eyebrows rose in surprise. "Uh, not a whiz, just... good with the markets, I guess. And not international. Gran told me she wanted me to stick around, and well, you don't cross Gran, you know," he said.

Craig grinned wryly. "Apparently not. At least not according to over half of the population of the city."

Karl nodded solemnly. "So, it looks like I'll be sticking around. I'll have to find a place to live, somewhere to shop..." he tilted his head and smiled up at Craig. "I think I've got desserts covered."

Craig leaned forward and kissed Karl again, the touch lingering for a long moment. "You're sweet enough as it is. You don't need my stuff..." He linked his fingers through Karl's, pulling them to rest on his bent thigh.

"But I want it... want you," Karl murmured, lifting his lips to start another kiss, lightly licking Craig's lips.

Craig's tongue darted out to touch Karl's, tangling with it before sucking it into his mouth. The kiss made him breathless, made him see stars even. He smiled against Karl's lips as he brought his free hand to the other man's chest and began tracing circles around the peaked nipple. "If we don't stop soon, we'll be here all night..."

Karl groaned. "Whose house is this and how quick can I buy it off him?"

"It belongs to my neighbor, Harry, and I have free access to it at any time..."

"So being here all night would be bad because..."

Pretending to think, Craig scratched his chin. "Hm. Well - no reason, I guess. Just figured you'd want to get back to your own place instead of spending the night in a cabana on the beach."

Karl playacted the same consideration. "Let's see... a boring night alone in a plain hotel room or staying with you and making love to you again. Hmmmmm." He raised a brow in question. "Unless you're wanting to get back to your own place instead of spending the night in a cabana on the beach?" His eyes sparkled with amusement.

Craig was afraid that Karl would think him easy if he invited him home so soon. "This is nice," he answered. "I think the sofa folds out into a bed, if you'd like to get more comfortable. And I know there's a bathroom... and a kitchenette."

Looking Craig up and down, Karl decided to make a different offer. "Or you could come back with me to the hotel," he murmured. "Room service, king size bed, jacuzzi tub..."

Craig placed his finger over Karl's lips after 'jacuzzi.' "You convinced me..."

Karl grinned happily, eyes glittering with delight. "Great!"

Karl's grin was contagious and Craig found a similar smile spread over his face as he worked to right his clothes. "C'mon... I hear that jacuzzi calling me."

==

Karl pulled the motorcycle to a stop in front of Craig's shop, pulling off his helmet. He swallowed, nervous about this. What if Craig changed his mind and didn't come to the hotel? He watched Craig climb off the bike. "So, ah, see you soon?"

Craig stood shyly by the curb, hands clasped in front of him for a moment before reaching out to smooth Karl's ponytail down. "As soon as I clean the shop and stop at home for some clothes..." He looked uncertain for a moment, and then screwed up enough courage to lean forward and kiss Karl softly on the corner of his lips.

When Craig's lips touched his, Karl raised a hand to his cheek, caressing the skin and pressing his lips close. When Craig pulled back, Karl smiled widely. "Don't forget me, yeah?"

Craig's hand cupped Karl's face, his thumb running over that plump bottom lip as he smiled once more before stealing another kiss. "There's no chance of that ever happening," he grinned, stepping back and moving his hand to rest over his chest.

With a quirk of a grin, Karl pulled his helmet back on and gunned the motorcycle, nodding to Craig once before he drove away.

Craig stood on the curb, hand raised in goodbye as he watched Karl go. Several moments after the motorcycle disappeared around the corner, carrying the man who'd come as a complete surprise to him, Craig finally shook himself out of his reverie. "Won't get the shop cleaned this way, Parker," he grinned to himself, unlocking the door and walking inside to complete his tasks.

==

Craig cleaned his kitchen before moving to the refrigerated display cases. He threw most things out, but saved several small treats to take to Karl. Wrapping them up in a small white box, he tied it with string and then headed to his car. When he arrived home, he put out food for his cat and then packed a small overnight bag. Nearly two hours after he'd been left at the shop, he pulled into the valet parking area of the hotel.

His eyebrows rose as he walked through the lobby, stopping to ask the concierge for directions. "Mr. Karl Urban is expecting me." The concierge checked his list and then nodded to him, giving him a pass key to the penthouse elevator. By the time he stepped into the lift, he felt like he'd had a facelift and his eyebrows were permanently in his hairline.

Karl had been pacing on and off for an hour, knowing it was silly, but unable to settle in one place. A half-empty bottle of beer sat on the bar, and he walked back in forth in front of it. When the phone rang, Karl winced in surprise and jumped to answer, only to hear the concierge announcing that Mr. Parker was on his way up. Karl thanked him and hung up, somehow even more nervous than before.

Craig stepped off of the lift into a sumptuous foyer. "Hello?" He stood nervously with his bag in one hand, bakery box in the other.

Karl heard Craig and dashed down the hall, grabbing the wall as he turned the corner to see him. A relieved and thrilled smile covered his face. "Hey, come on in. I'm glad you're here."

Craig relaxed visibly when Karl showed up, some part of his mind holding onto the fact that today had been a fluke in some way... maybe even a daydream. Needing to reinforce the experience, he stepped closer to Karl, lifting his lips for a kiss.

Relaxing some as Craig came close, Karl slid an arm about his waist and pressed a soft kiss to those gorgeous upturned lips. When he pulled back, he relaxed even more, taking a steadying breath. "Here, let me take your bag. What's in the box?"

"Sweets for the sweet," Craig answered without hesitation, blushing at the corniness of the expression. "Dessert actually. I had some left in the shop and thought you'd like some pastries." He followed Karl into the sitting room, handing him the box as they walked through the entryway. He looked around, whistling softly. "Nice digs."

Karl shrugged and glanced around. "A bit palatial for one bloke, but Gran doesn't do anything by halves. 'Nothing but the best for my boy' and all that," the taller man chuckled and set the box on the bar. "Feel free to look around."

Craig walked around the suite, touching the textured fabrics of the drapes and pillows. "She does want the best for you, doesn't she?" he mused. Turning to Karl, he asked, "What would she think of me?"

Karl chuckled. "She mentioned you when I brought her the cake. 'I see you met that enterprising young man who opened the shop of Beech Street.' I was surprised, though, she hadn't had any of your desserts."

"She hadn't?" Craig looked surprised. "But she has them delivered... oh. I guess she serves them to guests or business contacts." Craig felt slightly disappointed at that. He wanted to be liked. Wanted his work to be appreciated.

"Well, she is the grand dame of what passes for society around here. She has people over every night and meetings every day. And she serves your desserts, I found out, including setting out some cards - but what I didn't know is that she only likes chocolate cake, nothing else. Which is why she tried the one you gave me." Karl beamed.

"Setting out cards?" Craig knew there was a confused look on his face. "As in...?"

Karl blushed and pulled one of Craig's business cards out of the back pocket of the jeans he'd pulled on after getting back to the hotel. "Are you seeing any increased business in the last six months? Gran said that's how long she's been serving the desserts."

Craig took the card, feeling the warmth of Karl's body still radiating off of the thick paper. For some reason, the thought that this lady maybe approved of him made him smile like an idiot. "I have seen an increase in business. As well as calls for special catering." He raised his eyes to Karl's. "Thank her for me..."

Shifting his feet, Karl nodded, looking a bit nervous. "If you want, you can thank her yourself. I'm supposed to go to dinner at her house this weekend. Will you... would you like to come with me?"

Craig took Karl's hand, pulling him to the sofa. He sat down next to him, cuddling against his chest. "I'd love to go with you."

Karl grinned and hugged Craig close, dropping his lips to kiss the top of his head. He sighed after a long minute. "I was... almost afraid you weren't coming," he murmured, arms curling around the other man.

It was Craig's turn to blush. "I had left batter in a bowl. Do you know how difficult it is to get dried batter off of a stainless steel mixing bowl?" He wrapped his arms around Karl's waist. "There was never any question of IF I would come... just how soon I could get here."

Karl looked nonplussed. "I... I'm glad," he murmured, tipping Craig's chin up. "Call me crazy, but... I think I am. Crazy. About you. It was... almost instantaneous, the first time I saw you."

Craig grinned, a relieved look on his face. "I thought it was just me. I was so disappointed when I thought you were buying that cake for a girlfriend... and then you mentioned your grandmother... I need to thank her for that as well." He leaned forward slightly, his lips catching Karl's stubbly chin.

Chuckling, Karl nodded, looking like he wanted to ask a question, but instead he bit his lip and leaned his forehead against Craig's.

Craig turned to face Karl, straddling his lap much in the same way he had earlier. "C'mon. Spit it out. I can see that you're dying to say something..."

Karl studied his face seriously, raising one hand to touch his cheek. "Is this the way it starts? Something special, you think?"

"I think maybe it is," Craig whispered, dipping his head to capture Karl's lips. He teased his tongue over the seam of his lover's mouth, asking to be let inside. When Karl opened for him, his tongue sweept inside, trying to erase any other questions or doubts Karl might have.

Karl sighed against the kiss, pulling Craig close. He felt so RIGHT in his arms, it was unbelievable.

He couldn't believe that after so long alone, he'd found someone so quickly - someone handsome and sexy, someone who seemed to want him. Not his money.

Craig's arms wound around Karl's neck, holding him tightly in the kiss. He didn't want to let go, each attempt to stop the kiss impeded by the theft of more and more kisses.

Karl smiled against Craig's mouth as he received kiss after kiss, and when the other man wouldn't be denied, Karl simply pulled him further into his lap, wrapped his arms around him securely and stood up, taking Craig with him.

Craig laughed against Karl's lips as the bigger man carried him effortlessly through the suite. "Where are you taking me, Mr. Urban?" he growled in a low rasp.

"To my bed," Karl murmured, turning effortlessly through the door. "I'm not making love to you on a couch again when I have this lovely huge bed instead." He stopped at the foot of the bed and raised an eyebrow, waiting for Craig's reply.

Craig shuddered just at the thought of... "How much better will it be in a comfortable place than on that couch? Can my heart take it?" he teased Karl, hands already working on tugging the tight black t-shirt free again.

Karl snorted. "I didn't hear you complaining as you jumped my bones," he laughed and threw Craig up in his arms, catching him easily.

Craig blushed as he squealed like a girl when Karl caught him. "But to have a soft mattress... that's gotta make us try some new positions..."

"New positions?" Karl said with a grin while tossing him up again, enjoying the squeal. "Oh do tell."

"You on top of me... behind me... underneath me... the list goes on and on," he whispered breathlessly.

Karl's eyes went black with desire, and instead of tossing Craig again, he laid him gently on the bed and knelt next to him. "I... got some stuff," he murmured, cheeks turning red.

Craig tilted his head, smiling up at Karl. "Oh - stuff... my hero..." He slid his hands down to his jeans, unbuttoning and unzipping them. "Show me what you plan to do with it."

Watching Craig uncover skin, Karl swallowed hard. "Oh boy," he whispered. "There's plans, and then there's plans... I just want to touch you. And I want you to touch me."

Craig placed his hands on Karl's waist, pushing his t-shirt up as he felt each and every muscle that defined Karl's corded abdomen. He moaned as he pulled it free of Karl's head, lifting his lips to suck at the points of Karl's chest.

Karl swore under his breath, clutching at Craig's shoulder. "Oh hell. You turn me on like crazy," he rasped, fingers trying to unbutton Craig's shirt.

Craig bit at the nipple between his teeth, pulling and sucking hard at it as his hands slid down. He teased at the dimples at the top of Karl's crease before letting his hands explore even lower. His blunt fingertip teased at Karl's puckered opening, pushing gently and then backing off.

Shuddering, Karl shoved his jeans down further, exposing more skin for Craig to touch. "Do you want... me? This time?" he breathed, hands running over Craig's chest after getting rid of the shirt.

Craig was suddenly beset by nervousness, but oh god - did he want Karl! "You'd... you'd let me do that?" He was overcome by desire and want and pure emotion for this beautiful creature who was looking down at him with fiery eyes.

Karl's eyes got wide and he nodded. "You sure as hell seemed to enjoy it, I want to feel that with you," he said, leaning to catch Craig's lips in a deep, clinging kiss.

Craig pushed Karl's jeans off before pulling him down over his body and rolling the both of them until he was on top. Straddling Karl for a moment, he asked, "Like this? So we can see each other's faces?"

Gripping Craig's hips, Karl nodded. "Fuck, I'm so hard already I think I'll pop. I wouldn't last a second inside you. You can't imagine..." his eyes go faraway as he remembers earlier that day.

Craig dipped his head, latching his lips to Karl's neck and sucking and nibbling as he pushed his own jeans off. He reached for Karl's cock, stroking it as he gasped, "Where's the stuff?"

Karl gasped as Craig touched him. "Hell!" He flailed a little and finally grabbed the pillows at the far side of the bed, shifting them to reveal a slim bottle. "Craig, oh hell, I'm too close..." he warned.

Craig held Karl tightly, a move that had always worked to stave off his own orgasms in the past. He shushed his lover as he grabbed the bottle, squirting some thin gel onto his fingers. Kneeing Karl's legs apart, he settled in the vee of his legs and lowered wet fingers to Karl's entrance. He watched that gorgeous face as he circled the clenching opening several times before pushing in slowly.

Trying to breathe normally, Karl lay back, but he had to wiggle against the pressure of the finger inside him that felt so foreign. He felt himself gain some control, and he nodded to his lover.

Craig pushed the finger in deeper... faster... adding another and stretching as he bent his fingers and then found... ah - that spot! He rubbed Karl's prostate mercilessly, making the other man writhe beneath him. "Tell me when," he teased.

"Holy shit!!" Karl howled, hips thrusting up against Craig's hand. "Did.. did you feel that? Oh Christ!" His hands clutched at the bedspread, at Craig's arm, fists clenching.

"That's just the beginning..." Craig promised as he slicked his cock and poised himself at Karl's stretched entrance. "I want you to feel what I felt when you were inside of me. I want to make it just as good for you."

Gasping for breath, Karl nodded. "Please, I want you... I NEED you..."

Craig pulled his fingers free, replacing them with his cock. He pushed slowly, afraid he'd hurt Karl, but at the moment his head slipped inside Karl's body, he was gripped by the most intense pressure ever and he groaned as his eyes roll back. He slipped in bit by bit as he rocked his hips slowly.

A low keening noise escaped Karl as he unconsciously tilted his hips toward Craig, the stretch and burn mingling with the bursts of pleasure to create an overwhelming pleasure. "Oh Craig..." he gasped, clutching at Craig's hips. "Please, more!"

Craig couldn't deny that voice if his life depended on it. He pushed until he was completely buried, and then pushed some more. Until his balls were pressed tight against Karl's arse and sweat began to gather between their skin. Then he pulled back. He tilted Karl's hips as he drove forward, crying out at the pleasure this was giving him. He looked pleadingly at Karl, hoping that he was giving as much pleasure as he was receiving. Dropping his head to catch Karl's lips, he began to move in earnest, sliding in and out and in and out and hoping and praying that Karl would come soon because he didn't know if he could hold off orgasm any longer....

Karl was totally lost as Craig claimed his lips, his body imploding and exploding and shaking as the orgasm slammed through him, his hips jerking up against Craig and low cries disappearing into his lover's mouth. He could hardly believe he could feel so, so much, and it was all because of Craig.

The tightening of Karl's body coupled with the warmth of his release against his belly shoved Craig off of the tightrope he was walking. And he fell. Boy - did he ever fall... His body hitched forward, craving to be as deep inside Karl as possible as his cock pumped Karl full of come. He moaned as he climaxed, dropping gently against his lover's chest when his tired arms could no longer hold him up.

Feeling Craig against him, Karl wrapped his arms around him, vowing silently to never let go. He just hoped Craig felt the same. "I think I've progressed from crazy to full-blown insanity," he murmured, turning his head to kiss Craig's forehead.

Craig smiled lazily. "Welcome. Thought you'd never get here..."

"Just show me to my room, I think I'm here to stay," Karl mumbled.

==

Craig brushed absently at his nose as he stretched under the covers. He yawned and clenched his eyes tightly shut, unwilling to wake up just yet. He brushed at his nose again, realizing something was tickling it. He cracked his eyes open to see long, dark strands of hair spread over a broad back. A broad back he just happened to be curled around. He closed his eyes once more and grinned, pushing the hair aside and pressing an open-mouthed kiss to the knuckle of spine the action exposed.

Lightly dozing, Karl mumbled in approval as he felt Craig's warm mouth on his skin; besides a deep breath, he didn't stir, instead staying still and close to his new lover.

The hand that had pushed the unruly hair aside drifted across Karl's shoulder and down over his chest. Craig teased at the other man's nipple, running a slow, lingering finger around the hard nub. He cuddled closer to Karl, sighing when the movements brought his morning erection in contact with Karl's naked bum. His lips slid lower, the constant pressure of suction leaving a glistening red mark over Karl's backbone.

Karl groaned as he came awake - in more ways than one - and he grinned hugely into his pillow for a long moment, just enjoying the simple facts that Craig was still here, that Craig still wanted him. With a purr of approval, Karl pushed back against Craig, grinding his rear against the firm flesh he could feel poking him.

Realizing Karl was awake, Craig let his hand drift lower, sliding along Karl's body until he pushed his fingers into the mass of curly hair surrounding the base of Karl's shaft. He scratched lightly over the furred skin, humming against Karl's back.

Karl's purr got louder and eventually broke into a low chuckle. "Oh, baby, can I keep you?" he half moaned, stretching against Craig's body and turning to his back so he could steal a kiss.

Craig's heart pounded at the joking question that fell from Karl's lips. When the other man turned onto his back, Craig leaned forward, pressing his lips to Karl's and tasting his lover all over again. "Can you keep me? Are you sure you want to? I'm not house-trained." He smiled at Karl's adorably sleepy expression before running a gentle hand over the side of his face.

Focusing on Craig for a long heart-stopping moment, Karl blurted, "I want to keep you forever. I think I'm in love with you."

Craig's brow knotted in confusion even as his heart leapt. He lifted up onto his elbow over Karl. "You're in love with me? But... how?"

Karl flushed, the red spreading even to the tips of his ears. "I don't know. But I can't stop thinking about you, craving your touch..." He bit his bottom lip and shrugged slightly.

Craig relaxed slightly, his body resting slightly on top of Karl's. He lifted a finger to trace Karl's full lower lip. "You've been on my mind since the moment you stepped into my shop," he admitted shyly. Laying his head on Karl's shoulder, he added, "This is new to me, too. I've often wondered what it would be like to be in love... and if it's better than this - I couldn't survive it. This is the closest to perfection I've ever been." His fingers played idly over Karl's chest.

"I'm serious, Craig. I don't want to let you go. I don't want to lose this..." Karl closed one hand over Craig's on his chest. "What would you say if I asked you to move in with me?"

"You're staying?" Craig asked as Karl trapped his hand. At Karl's nod, Craig grew pensive. "We can't live in this penthouse forever... but I... I want to be with you. Whether it's here, or in our cabana on the beach, or even upstairs over my shop... I want to be with you," he repeated.

Karl smiled, eyes glittering. "Hell, we can live whereever - money's not a problem. I just want to be with you. You tell me where." He leaned close and laid a sweet kiss on Craig's lips. "Then we'll have plenty of time to learn about each other."

"I'm already learning about you," Craig murmured as he returned the kiss. "I know that you're warm in the morning. That you like to hold me..." He dipped his head, pressing a kiss to the ball of Karl's shoulder. "I know that I want you right now."

Karl growled in agreement, snaking his arms around Craig's waist. "I know that I'm feeling awfully possessive," he said, gripping the back of Craig's neck with one hand before bestowing a passionate kiss on warm, swollen lips.

Craig's legs spread as he settled on top of Karl's body, and the action brought his weight down on their groins. He moaned into Karl's kiss as his hands spread over the larger man's chest. "I'm yours," Craig whispered when the kiss broke. "Only yours."

"Good - I'll make sure you have all the cream you want, baby," Karl murmured huskily as he flushed, tipping his hips up against Craig and gripping his lover's arse. "Speaking of..." He slid his fingers into the cleft of Craig's rear, stroking there.

Craig tilted his hips into Karl's questing hand. His eyes closed and his breathing sped up as he was touched so intimately by the man he'd come to love in such a short time. "I hope you're going to back those words up, Mr. Urban. I don't want to get my... hopes... up for nothing..."

Karl snickered as he pressed a finger inside his lover. "I've got a reputation for being able to deliver. Let's see if that track record expands to my bedroom, shall we?" he asked, teasing Craig with his slowly moving fingers.

Craig's hips began a slow roll, the action working to manipulate Karl's fingers inside him while at the same time providing pressure against their hardening cocks. "We shall..." Craig sighed, letting his head fall forward, and then taking advantage of the new position to suck at the skin in the hollow of Karl's collarbone.

Tipping his head back, Karl groaned and plunged two fingers deep into Craig, smiling at the noises the other man was making. "Hell, you'd think I was good at this, from the noise you're making."

"No standard to compare it to," Craig chuckled softly, "But even so - you're doing everything right." He licked a swathe from Karl's collarbone up to his chin before sucking gently at the rounded point. Karl's fingers plunged at just that moment, hitting his prostate. He nipped the skin beneath his mouth as he cried out.

Karl stiffened slightly, concerned. "Please tell me that was a happy yelp?" he pleaded, fingers stilling.

Craig tilted his hips, repeating the same move that brought the yelp about. "That was an 'if you don't fuck me soon, I'll die' yelp."

"Oh CHRIST," Karl muttered, squeezing his eyes shut as his gut contracted. He pushed at Craig to get the other man off him, but one hand on Craig's back kept him on his belly. Karl crawled in between his legs and then urged him to his hands and knees. "How about we try something new, baby?" he purred into Craig's ear as he covered the smaller man's body with his own.

The feel of Karl behind him - of the larger man's body wrapped around him - the sensations nearly drove Craig mad. "Yes." He purred as he pushed his hips back toward his lover, feeling the heat and hardness of his frame. "I like this already," he sighed, closing his eyes and letting his head hang low between his shoulders.

Taking a deep breath, Karl lined himself up with Craig's body and pushed firmly ahead, hoping it would be pleasurable for his lover. He knew immediately he was going to enjoy it as the tight passage clamped around him. He dropped his forehead to Craig's back, moaning with the effort to stave off immediate orgasm.

Craig's back arched and a hiss of pleasure escaped him as he was filled by Karl. His legs slid a little farther apart, forcing a different angle that caused him to cry out. "Oh fuck!"

Bending his knees, Karl pulled out of Craig and plunged back in, several hard, deep thrusts that pulled dark groans from him. "Baby, gonna come..." he gasped.

Craig dropped onto his elbows, his knees spreading farther apart. The new position let his cock drag over the soft sheets and he wailed in pleasure. "Me too!"

Hands gripping Craig's hips, Karl thrust into Craig three, four times - then stiffened, stilling totally as he gasped - and then with one long howl, he slid minutely back and forth as his cock erupted.

Craig's eyes widened as he felt the still-new sensation of his lover coming inside him. He dipped his hips, riding the rush until he came, himself.

Struggling for even breaths, Karl slid an arm around Craig's waist, pulling them both over to their sides without his cock slipping from its warm hole. He groaned as the movement sent more echoes of pleasure through him.

"God, Karl... if we get much better at this... I don't know what will happen..." Craig's eyes closed as he snuggled against Karl, still pleasantly filled by the other man's shaft.

Karl lay quietly, holding Craig close for long minutes as their breathing returned to normal. Finally, he spoke. "Stay with me?" he whispered.

Craig nodded, overwhelmed by emotion. "Yeah."

Karl's arms tightened and he snuggled close. "Good."

Craig's lips curled as he repeated himself. "Yeah."

*****

THE END

If you enjoyed this story, please send feedback to: Decadence