Bndmetl

Adam “Can’t believe there’s only a month until your wedding.” Payne said swinging the door to the gun range exit. “I know. Time has flown by. I’m excited though.” “Right?” Payne laughed. “I can’t believe that sweet man agreed to marry your ridiculously large ass.” “Zip it, shorty. I have a fantastic ass.” I tried to look over my shoulder at my butt. Payne leaned back to check it out, nodding her head she said, “it’s not too bad.” I nudged her away. “Stop checking out the goods, woman. They don’t belong to you.” “You’re just lucky we didn’t use it as a target, nobody would miss.” She laughed throwing her head back reminding me of the we’d just gone through. Ugh! I hate recertifying to carry my weapon, it’s a royal pain in the ass. Thankfully, the time had gone quickly and we passed with flying colors. One more thing to tick off the to-do-list. Payne had come with me to do hers at the same time. Payne misses working with me out in the field as much as I miss her. “How’s Wade doing Payne? Give me an honest answer. From his reports and stats he seems like he’s doing fine, but I want your opinion on how he’s really doing?” I asked as we walked to my car. Payne smiled warmly. “He’s great Hotshot, I’m not saying there isn’t room for improvement, there absolutely is, but he’s doing a good job. No, he’s doing an excellent job. Although, I think he’s wasted in homicide.” “How so?” I asked getting in the driver’s seat. Payne plopped her butt in the passenger seat slamming the door. God that annoys me. “Do you think the door is shut, Shorty?” I growled. She just rolled her eyes and flipped me the bird. “I will cut that sucker off one day. What are you going to do then?” Payne laughed and flipped me off with her other hand. “Jesus, now what about Wade?” I have been worried he wasn’t fitting in with the other detectives, but his work has yet to suffer for it. It’s just a feeling I get and observation too I guess. I’ve seen him make the effort to get to know the other detectives but none of them go out of their way to include him, except for Payne. I heard her sigh. “Look, I don’t want you to take this the wrong way. You promise?” She asked her eyes boring into mine waiting for an answer as I started the car. “I promise, now damn well tell me girlie.” She punched me – hard. “Don’t call me that.” Her face all screwed up in a scowl. “Ow!” I groused rubbing my arm, thank god, we were still parked in the parking lot. “If you don’t stop punching me, I’m gonna file a report.” I stuck my lip out pouting playfully like a five-year-old. “Oh, who ya going to tell? Ian? My dad? They aren’t exactly the most intimidating people I’ve ever met. Amy will be on my side, so what are you going to do? Ya big baby.” She taunted me. “Nope, I’m going to tell Ian’s mom,” I answered smugly. “You’re in trouble,” I sang at her as we left the firing range headed back to work. “You wouldn’t!” Payne gasped mockingly. I nodded my head. “I love that woman, but she can be hella scary when she wants to be,” Payne chuckled. That made me laugh. “Now dish, what’s going on with Wade?” My phone rang blaring through the car. “Price,” I said after connecting through Bluetooth. “This is Officer Chandon, The Chief wants to see you as soon as possible.” Payne’s eyes rounded on me watching my reaction. “I’m on my way back to the station, I can be there in half an hour.” “I’ll let him know.” The call was ended. “What do you think that’s about?” Payne asked. “Not a clue,” I said looking in the rear-vision and side mirrors before changing lanes. “Okaaay, so Wade?” “He’s too soft to be in homicide, Sarge. That doesn’t mean I think he’s bad at his job. He’s more suited to something like Special Crimes, he has endless patience, compassion, and empathy. It’s just a pity we don’t have that unit here, those types of crimes just get lost with whoever can be bothered with it. We need someone like him around.” Payne’s voice softened at the end. She’s usually hard and to the point when it comes to work but can break out the softer side when necessary. Unfortunately, in our line of work that’s not very often. Payne has a soft spot for Wade, as far as I could tell she always had. “I’ll figure something out Shorty, we won’t lose him. Not if I can help it.” <>-<>-<> Officer Chandon nodded at me when I arrived seeing I was in my dress uniform. Something that was expected when called to the chief’s office. He led me into the chief’s office with a quick knock on the door opening it immediately after then stepping aside so I could enter. He shut the door behind me then immediately took his seat in the corner of the room. My boss was sitting in a chair in front of he chief’s desk. They were laughing at something one of them had just said. His eyes met mine as he stood with a smile still on his face indicating for me to take a seat next to him. “Come sit, we would like to have a quick chat.” “Yes sir,” I answered sitting in the seat next to him still wearing a confused frown. The chief waved his hand to stand down. “Don’t look so serious, Captain Price.” My frown deepening as the chief and my boss chuckled. “Uh…” I didn’t know what to say because he’d confused my rank even at the interim level. “We’ve finally made a decision. I apologize for the length of time we’ve kept you waiting. But we had to be sure you were the right man for the job. Starting this morning you are the new Captain. You’ve taken the exams and you’ve more than proved you’re ready for the job.” “I…” I must have sounded like a moron, I thought I was going to be a sergeant if they decided to keep me at all. After all the cafuffle with the FBI and the drug case they’d taken from us I didn’t think there was much chance of the promotion now. This was confusing, great, fantastic even, but confusing. “Look, we need new blood in there. You’re not a favorite of some detectives and officers but you don’t seem to care about that. You treat everyone fairly it seems and you have grace under pressure and foremost you make a decision and you stick with it. We need someone like you in that position. They’ll come to respect you if they don’t already. Now lets hear what you have to say and you can inform us of what you’d like to…” <>-<>-<> I signed in at the school office. I couldn’t wait to tell Ian but I didn’t want to do it over the phone. I’d gone back to the station and changed into my uniform then told the detectives I was taking my fiancé to lunch. Walking through the school all proud and puffy chested a few of the local stoners balked at my presence giving me a wide berth. “Dad!” I heard Pat’s voice behind me, turning around I came face to face with my son and his girlfriend Sasha holding hands. “Is Riley okay? What are you doing here?” Smiling at Paddy I shook my head, “Riley’s fine, bud. I’ve come to see Dad, I have some news. Do you want to come with me, to be honest I’m a little lost?” Pat chuckled. “Sure.” He quickly kissed Sasha. “Tell the everyone I’ll be there soon.” “M’kay. Hi Uncle Adam,” Sasha said hugging me quickly before she disappeared. Pat led the way toward Ian. “She’s lovely Pat, make sure you treat her right.” “I do. Promise.” He smiled up at me and by up I mean all of probably three inches, the kid is growing like a weed. “Good man.” Pat knocked on the open door before entering with me on his heels. Ian was sitting at his desk with Quinn, Sasha’s older brother who was an English teacher that started teaching this year. They were eating sandwiches and had been discussing one of their students. His face lit up reflecting mine when he saw me all be it he looked confused. “Hi,” he said standing coming toward me. Ian greeted me with a peck on the lips and made sure I remembered who Quinn was. The man is nothing if always polite and on top of social graces. I love that about him. “You remember…” “Quinn,” I said stepping forward to shake his hand. “How are you handling the hormonal teenagers?” He laughed. “Not as well as they’re handling me.” I smiled in response. I can’t imagine doing their job, I don’t have the patience. “I’ll let you guys visit. Thanks Ian, for your help.” He stammered before picking up his lunch and leaving us for a family chat. Ian smiled as Quinn left before turning his focus on me. “What brings you by? And is that a different uniform. I haven’t seen that before?” His head tilting as he looked at my captain’s uniform, I’d changed before coming to see him. “I came to take you to lunch but I guess I’m a little late for that. But, yeah, I have some news for you both.” “Well, spill Dad. I’m hungry and Liam will eat my lunch.” Pat shifted around impatiently. “Okay, okay.” My smile had them both grinning in anticipation. “They finally made a decision on those interviews from last October. I’ve been promoted to Captain.” “Really, congratulations Dad.” Pat gave me a hug. “I have to go get some lunch, but that’s awesome Dad. I’ll watch Riley tonight so you and Dad can go celebrate.” As he went to leave I called him back. “Hey Pat, I want to celebrate as a family so if you want to help your dad after you’ve done your homework. Get your sister ready for when I get home. That would be great.” “Sure no problem.” Pat’s smile warmed my heart. I’m such a big sap, but the happiness he showed just by being included was amazing and heartbreaking all at the same time. “I love that kid.” I sighed pulling Ian into a hug. “You’re amazing,” Ian whispered into my ear, “we’ll have our own celebration tonight once the kids are asleep. Congratulations you’ve earned this.” “This means better hours, babe. We’ll getmore family time, I’ll occasionally be called away but we’ll be able to spend more time together.” I squeezed Ian to me. “Love you.” “Love you too,” he said before kissing me. A little less PG than the school would like, but eh. I don’t give a shit. I love this man and I dare anyone to tell me I can’t kiss him whenever I want. Maybe. The damn bell rang right then finishing our time together. I gave him another quick kiss before making my exit. As I was leaving the kids started piling in. I laughed when one kid asked, “What are the pigs were doing here?” Ian corrected him politely but with his usual amount of sass. “I’m not quite sure why the police were here but they asked about you specifically.” I laughed all the way back to the car. That’s my man, gently terrifying teenagers with his calm demeanor everywhere he goes. <>-<>-<> We’d had a nice family dinner at a local Italian restaurant to celebrate my promotion, but I’ve been anticipating and day-dreaming about having Ian to myself all afternoon. Finally. And boy! I think we need to celebrate the celebration; he’s just about drained me of everything. I’m spent. “Holy shit, babe. Where the hell did you learn that?” I panted trying to catch my breath lying next to him; he was smiling smugly short of breath himself. My man maybe quiet and reserved in most situations, but in the bedroom he is a tiger. Uninhibited, forward, sometimes downright aggressive but in the sexiest way possible. Seriously I can’t even catch my breath right now and my body is still trembling. He knows how to work me over, shamelessly. “Research, plan, execute.” “Sexy.” I laughed. “So porn.” “Yeah.” He laughed with me. “Can’t believe you watched porn without me.” He laughed harder. “You were here… just sleeping and I was bored.” I used what energy I had left to roll over pulling him to me. “Next time wake me up, we’ll research together.” I bit his nipple hard then soothed it with my tongue. “Nghh, don’t get me started again. I don’t think I have the energy. You wore me out. That was work.” “What? Having sex with me is not work!” I slapped his bare ass. He laughed again. “Sexy, fun, enjoyable, work. Do that again.” So I did I slapped his ass and bit his nipple again, he moaned erotically and loud. “Shower, then I want to try that thing you did to me on you.” Ian was running across the bed, leaping through the air toward our bathroom. “Hell, yes.” Thank god we aren’t still in the apartment we’d wake the kids with our bedroom olympics. It was always athletic, even when it was tender it was amazing. Better every time. Ian is never boring, he likes to experiment sometimes he keeps things exciting. I’ve never had anyone excite me or get me so aroused before in my life. “Hurry up, I’m starting without you.” He called just loud enough for me to hear him. I hauled ass into the bathroom. <>-<>-<> When I strode into the shift briefing I was met with applause head on. Some more enthusiastic than others. “Alright, alright. Thank you and lets get down to business,” I said as I approached the podium, I continued without a pause and the room quieted down. “There are a few announcements. First, Officer Windsor.” I looked around as he stood up at attention. “Everyone meet Detective Windsor. He has been promoted and will be taking Wade’s place. He’ll be working in homicide. After the briefing get one of the detectives to take you home to get a suit, then go down to headquarters and get all everything squared away.” I switched to the next topic. “Detectives Muller and Potts are now heading up a new unit of Special Crimes, the unit will specialize in crimes against children, crimes of a sexual nature, and other sensitive matters that fall into the category. Officers Jankowski and Sullivan will be at your disposal whenever needed, otherwise they’re on backup for other matters.” The room fell into a rumble of disarray while congratulations and welcomes being tossed around. I waited a couple of minutes until everyone fell back in line. “Okay, as you all know the FBI has taken quite a load off our plates. That doesn’t mean we aren’t busy. There is nothing of particular urgency right now so back to the grind. I’d like the five new appointees to stay behind as well as Head Detective Richmond. That’s all, dismissed.” I cringed at the sound of chairs scraping and loud conversations echoed through the room as everyone headed out for their shift. The six left behind took seats at the front of the room staring at me expectantly, well except for Richmond because of course he’s above being told what to do. “I want you partnering with Windsor the next little while, if you could take him to get changed and then do what you do.” I smiled, it was genuine, kinda. Detective Richmond muttered under his breath as he left the room with Detective Windsor on his tail. “Now, as for you four,” I said sternly, “Officers, I want you shadowing the detectives this week, see if you all can’t find a rhythm to work together.” My eyes glaring at Payne because sometimes she doesn’t play nice with others. “Yes, sir.” They all answered simultaneously. “Good.” I nodded my head. “We have your first case here.” I dropped a file down in front of Payne. “This case has come from CPS, your contact is Theo Scanlon. All the details are in the file, but may I suggest you meet with Theo to get a feel for the case. The man’s been doing this a long time, he’s also a close friend. And let me tell you he has a knack for weeding out the truth. He doesn’t suffer fools, but at the same time he knows you are all new to this unit and has the patience of a saint. Go over the file together then get to it. Muller, keep in touch.” After speaking I headed back to my office. Sitting in my chair I took a deep breath, then realized my hands were shaking. It’s going to get easier, they just have to get used to me is all. My eye caught on my in-tray, how freaking long was the briefing this morning? My in-tray was now overflowing with files and paperwork. I swished my mouse to make my computer come alive while pulling off the first file on the pile. Once I put my password into the computer my emails flashed up. Eighty-freakin’-three new emails, reminders, meeting requests, and god knows what else. Welcome to the big leagues Captain Price. <>-<>-<> Paddy handed me a beer before I’d even managed to sit down. “God, I love you kid.” I smiled then gulping down half the bottle. “Feelings mutual, long first day?” He chuckled. “It was okay. I just forgot how much bullshit, red-tape, and paperwork comes with the job. My old Captain in Florida used to be inundated, I never really thought about it until now he made it look easy. Even doing the Sergeants job for the past couple of months didn’t have this much.” I sat at the table where Pat was doing his homework. “How was your day? Learn anything?” Pat laughed out loud. “Yeah, it’s school. That’s my job – to learn.” Ian gently tapped Pat on the back of the head as he walked behind his chair with Riley. “Don’t be a smartass.” “Thanks babe, I didn’t have the energy.” I snickered while Ian chuckled. Patty huffed, but he was grinning from ear to ear. Riley landed in my arms in just enough time for me to put my beer bottle on the table. Then Ian leaned down and kissed me hello. “Love you.” “Love you too,” I said between kisses then I gave Riley a few of her own while we had our after work snuggle. “Dinner’s still a little while away,” Ian told me as he swung around sitting in the chair next to me, playing with Riley as he did so. Pat had gone back to doing his homework. “So, I was thinking today. It never really occurred to me after the wedding and the adoptions what our surname will be. Have you thought about what you want to do?” Ian asked me and Pat then patiently waited for us to answer. Pat looked away from his homework chewing on the end of a pen pensively. His head tilting until his face morphed into a horrified scowl. “Are you okay Pat? There’s no right or wrong here, we will support whatever you want.” I told him alarmed at the look on his face. He swallowed almost audibly. “I was going to suggest hyphenated, b…b…ut have you really said it out loud. No matter which way we go we’ll sound like a bad game show.” Pat’s head dropped into his homework. “Oh my god.” He groaned. “I can already here them taunting me.” He looked up making us both laugh because the paper he had been writing on was stuck to his forehead. We both laughed harder when he snatched it away. Ian and I looked at each other for a moment, I’m sure he was saying it in his head too because eventually I was looking at a face that was mimicking mine in amusement. Yep our hyphenated names would absolutely not be received without at least a chuckle. “Crap, what are we going to do?” Ian asked quietly. “I’d at least like the kids to have the same last name.” Ian nodded in agreement with me, in the corner of my eye I could see Pat nodding along as well. “Price has a nice ring to it,” Ian said, “Ian Price, Pat Pri…” he stopped his whole body cringing.” “Yeah,” I laughed fiddling with my empty beer bottle, “I don’t think so. What about Wright, Adam Wright. That’s a good name. Riley Wri…” now it was my turn to cringe. “Christ.” I wiped my hand down the front of my face. “Our kids are going to get beaten up aren’t they? Maybe we should just change our last name to ‘Smith.’” I suggested jokingly to Ian. “Pat Smith,” Patty said with his face screwed up in disgust, “you might as well change my name to John Doe.” Riley clapped her hands squealing like any happy baby, oblivious to the turmoil the adults were suffering. Ian leaned over to Pat taking his face in his hands kissing Pat’s forehead. “I love you sweet boy,” he said with a chuckle, “we wouldn’t lumber you with either of those names.” Mulling over our options in my head I stared at the beer bottle in my hand. “What if we went with our mothers’ maiden names. Ian shook his head ‘no’ vigorously. “Nope, that’s the name Anna used when she met you.” “Geez, I forgot about that. And don’t say that name in this house.” I said dazed. “I’m with you there,” Ian replied. “I hate that woman,” Pat mumbled quietly. Ian and I let it go, she really hurt Pat with all her nonsense. I hope she never comes back into our lives because I fear with the way Patty feels about her, I’ll be an accessory to crimes I don’t even want to think about. We all turned when we heard the front door open and close then my parents appeared in front of us. Pat packed his homework away before getting up to greet them with a hug. “Coffee?” Pat asked them both moving closer to the kitchen waiting for them to answer. “Oh, yes please,” Mom answered. “Beer if you have it Pat?” My dad asked. They both sat down at the table smiling. “You here for dinner?” I asked my folks. “Yes, Ian invited us for Pat’s lasagne.” Dad grinned. “It is not something you say no to.” I grinned back. “No, definitely not. So, what are you all up to?” Dad changed the subject. Ian let out a big sigh. “We’ve been trying to figure out what surname to use after we’re married and with the kids adoptions.” Pat came back with a coffee and three beers, placing the coffee in front of his nan and the beers split between, me, Ian, and his grandad. “Uh, why do nan and grandad look like they’re about to bust a gut?” My parents both erupted into a raucous laughter. Riley flinched but then squealed again slapping her hands on the table from where she sat on my lap. “Oh, my god,” mom said holding a hand to her chest trying to catch her breath, “we’ve all been laughing about this very thing since you boys got engaged.” I moved my squirmy daughter around on my lap trying to get comfortable. “What’s so funny? We can’t come up with anything that won’t get the kids beaten up in the playground. Although I’m sure Pat can hold his own.” I added as an after thought. Mom glanced at dad, he gave her a curt nod. “Well, all us grandparents have been talking and we may have a solution.” Oh, dear god. No! Ian looked as scared as I felt but Pat looked intrigued.

Loved it Wesley. So glad you're writing again. I've missed JAM. The whole cast of characters really. Can't wait for more!! I hope your 2019 is going well.

Lucky fella. This is probably one of my favourite chapters. It's nice seeing Jamie thinking about ahead of time instead of living from reaction to reaction. Great job mate.

I'd say great chapter but you made me teary and that's just mean.

Jealous?😁

I will swap you one real life Ben for a real life Adam

I want a Ben! Swoon.

After a few pretty rough days, it was time to hide out in this apartment, for a night at least. So, pizza ordered and the six pack I’d bought at the bottle shop cooling nicely in the mini-fridge, I picked up the remote and scanned the guide. I became resigned to the sad fact that there was nothing on the television - public or cable - that I wanted to watch, nothing to distract me. Looking aimlessly around the room I spotted the paperwork the police had given us when we took Katie to make her statement. Might as well look through that while I wait for my pizza. So I grabbed a Heineken and popped the top off while spreading out the paperwork over the coffee table. “Guess at least here I can read… think, well try and think, without Ember flooding my mind, or Katie, fuck there is so much going on I’m struggling with which way is up.” My God! I’ve started talking out loud to myself now. Fuck my life. Taking a swig of beer and letting it slide down my throat, calming me, I realized I’m so grateful to the hospital for contacting the police when Katie had been taken to the emergency room by ambulance. I’m guessing it was part of their automatic reporting protocols, but still it was nice not to have made t-h-a-t call. Katie hadn’t been ready to give a statement initially when she went into the ER, but their onsite counsellor and the experienced police officers helped her, so at least that’s all sorted now. The police put in place an emergency Apprehended Violence Order (AVO) against Sean. He’s not allowed near her or to contact her in any way for seventy two hours. Then we can ask the court to extend it for whatever length she needs. Thank God, the process has been made easier for the victim, plus it’s good that she’s staying with her mother at the moment; I have a feeling Sean is too much of a coward to attempt to go there, but that address has been listed with a one hundred meter exclusion zone, so if he does show up, he’ll be charged with breaching the order and his ass will be snapped up and made someone’s new boyfriend in the lockup. Funnily enough he never mentioned that he’d been approached by her family. Hmm, weird. Not that I care if he does. I’ll happily take all responsibility and keep the others out of it, just keeping my brother calm will be the challenge. Sean is being charged with domestic violence whether Katie wanted it or not, the visible marks on her were enough to make the case for the cops. At least I know he’s not going to get away with it, and now that she’d had some time to think and is safe, she’s determined to help the police. That’s my girl, stronger than she knows. Sometimes I wonder where the kids get their strength from. I guess Linda and I can be strong-willed when we need to be. There was a knock at the door. I grabbed my wallet to pay the pizza guy. I pulled the door open while I looked for some cash to give the guy a tip. I found a five dollar note and as I looked up it wasn’t the pizza but… “Ember!” My entire mind went blank, words were coming out of my mouth without any thought behind them. I sputtered like an idiot as I stepped aside to let Ember in the apartment. He stepped through closing the door with his heel as I backed away slowly. The smell of stale beer wafted past my nose as he came closer. “Brady, we need to…” his words tapered off as he stood staring at the scowl on my face. “You smell like beer; Did you drive here drunk?” I spat out crossing my arms. He looked at me surprised shaking his head slowly. “No, I’ve only had one beer.” “You reek of a two-day binge.” Ember just ignored my comment like he didn’t even hear it. I’m all for having a drink after work or sitting around having a beer with mates but drinking and driving – Hell No! Ember came closer, the corners of his mouth tugging at a smile, like he was recalling a funny memory. I nervously shuffled my feet while I anxiously waited for him to say something. “Ember?” I prodded him. He looked away for a second, chewing on his bottom lip. “Someone spilled beer on me.” He waved his hand dismissively. “Fuck!” he whispered before looking at me again. I didn’t know how to take that. My chest tightened with the fear he came here to call everything off. How can I get him to give me another chance? I don’t want this to end. Nausea churned in my stomach at the way Ember looked at me. I could feel it coming – the end. I could see it in his eyes, he was done. “Ember, just say it.” Even I could hear the desperation in my voice as my eyes stung while my throat felt like sandpaper. I braced myself for the inevitable. “If you’re going to end this, just man up and say it.” He tilted his head squinting at me. The moment he’d registered what I’d said his whole body became rigid, he glared at me incredulously. “Fuck, that’s what you think? Is that what you want?” asked Ember his voice strained. “What? No! I don’t want that, but if you’re going to do it.” I looked away for a second to gather my strength I felt like I was about to fall apart like a stack of LEGO® blocks any second. “Just do it Ember, I can’t stand here waiting for it.” I felt like I was about to leap off the cliff alone, that it had all come to this. Defensively I crossed my arms and glanced around at nothing in particular, eventually focusing on some small spot on the far wall as the only way I could think to break eye contact with him. Ember’s jaw tightened, I could see the muscles in his neck and shoulders tense up. “I didn’t come here to end it you… idiot.” His voice softened a little with the last word. I think he could see how this was affecting me. Every muscle in my body relaxed as I stepped backwards away from him in shock almost, finally I slumped down onto the couch in relief and exhaustion. I watched as Ember paced back and forth to my immediate right, his restlessness making me anxious. “Then what?” I blurted out. “You wanted space. I was giving you that.” I looked up at him, his face scrunched up like he was lost in his own thoughts. “Ember, why’d you drive all the way down here, because I’m pretty sure it wasn’t to pace up and down in front of me like some caged lion.” God I’m so confused, what the absolute fuck is up with him. He stopped right in front of me on the other side of the coffee table staring right down, looking into my soul. His facial expressions changing as a myriad of emotions rolled through him. Ember closed his eyes for a second, seemingly trying to put his thoughts in order. He paced again as he spoke. “That fucking Paul, that’s what.” Ember about faced and paced the other direction. “The things he’s done. You wouldn’t believe…” his hands were balled into fists by his side. He stopped again in front of me. His pacing and mood flip-flops were making me dizzy. “Ember, please stop pacing around. You’re going to make me seasick,” I smiled a little, trying to lighten the mood. I was sure lightening was about to start up what with all the dark clouds in here now. Ember looked over at me and, without realising what he was doing, stepped back and leaned against the low counter that was below the flat screen TV. “He manipulated us Brady.” His eyes were full of rage. “I know this goes back to high school and I’m sick to death of it. Reliving the past over and over it was twenty years ago. I just want to be left alone. I want… I want…” He stood up and started to pace again. I stayed silent because so far, he wasn’t making much sense. He’s so worked up I didn’t know if saying something would upset him further. I watched as he paced again, then came another knock on the door. He didn’t event hear it. I got up and answered it, opening the door to see that it was the pizza guy this time! Well Ember just turned up, so who else? Cam, Justin, Mom or Dad, okay I’m being irrational now. Ember mumbled more nonsense in the background as the pizza guy eyed me weirdly then looked over at a rambling Ember pacing the floor. I smiled an uncomfortable smile, tipping the guy, mouthing thanks then shutting the door in his face after taking the pizza from him. Walking back into the room, I placed the pizza on a clear spot on the coffee table and sat back on the couch waiting for Ember. “You want to know what that fucker said?” “Uh… no not really,” I answered. And I really don’t. “You’re gonna love this.” Ember chuckled with no humour in it. “That asshole knew you liked me in high school.” Ember stopped dead an looked me in the eyes, I could see the anger and confusion in his. “He told me he made sure you were too afraid to come out or let you tell me how you felt! The selfish prick.” He said what? “What? What are you talking about Ember? Nobody knew. Well… except Cam.” “Guess again Brady, he knew, that asshole made sure we stayed apart. He manipulated everything. He made sure you were too afraid of the consequences to come out. He bullied me deliberately to keep you away from me. That fucker made sure I hated you thinking it would keep you straight.” “You’re not making any sense Ember.” Now I was starting to get agitated. He’s so angry, even though I know the anger isn’t directed at me it still had me on edge. I rested my elbows on my knees leaning forward. “Ember, please mate you’re making me dizzy. Come, sit,” I pat the empty cushion beside me on the couch. “I’m guessing something happened, but it’s not making any sense. Come on, calm down and start at the beginning.” Ember stepped around the coffee table and flopped down beside me. I turned sideways with my knee hitched up on the couch so I was facing him. He reached up wrapping his hand around my neck gently running his thumb across my jawline, I leaned into his touch. I’ve missed him so much my heart aches. His hand dropped back down and rest on his thigh. He took a deep breath and his whole body seemed to relax a little. He stared straight ahead as he told me everything that had transpired at the pub earlier in the evening. By the time Ember had finished I was livid and defeated. My whole life didn’t feel like it was mine. “Oh Fuck… fuck it all. I’ve lost twenty years of my life and happiness, tainted in lies, manipulation, and betrayal. How the fuck am I supposed to react to this? How do I deal with it?” I could feel a mix of tears and anger boiling away in me. Ember reached out to me but I retreated a little out of the way. I felt him flinch at the rejection. It made my gut tie in one big fucking knot. “Brady?” I stood up. “Just give me a second. I just need a minute to process this, I’ve never been so humiliated in my life.” I didn’t need his pity or anyone else’s. I don’t know if I’ve ever felt more pathetic in my life. I know one thing though, I felt the first tear escape and roll down my cheek, it wasn’t sad, I was angry. “I’m going to kill that prick,” I said snatching my keys of the coffee table heading for my car. “Sparky, wait!” he said from the couch. “I’ve let someone decide my life for me. Someone who didn’t give a shit. That’s all on me. Nobody else. Jesus, what are my kids going to think about me? Fuck! And Linda, did she know, was she in on it to begin with? How could someone do that to another person. Fuck that. Fuck this. Was Linda in on this? Had she known from the beginning? Did she plan this with them?” “Okay before you go down and make a bad situation even worse, you need to think of your daughter and ex-wife. They need you at the moment, with all of that,” Ember pointed to the court documents scattered. “You won’t be much use in the lock up, any way Paul didn’t escape unharmed tonight.” “Oh, what, so you’re saying I can’t go and make him pay for what he’s done but it’s okay for you… I guess.” I shot a look at Ember that would melt steel. Holding his hands up in surrender. “Look, I didn’t do anything. Not that I didn’t want to, but Cam had been sitting with Justin and obviously heard it all. Before I could do anything, your brother came flying over my shoulder and laid Paul out with one almighty punch. He then pushed past me and stood over Paul, beer in hand and goaded him to stand back up so he could finish him off. Paul, the gutless fuck, stayed down and didn’t move. He wouldn’t even make eye contact with Cameron.” “Yeah that sounds like Cam. Guess I’ve got to go and bail his ass out of jail now,” I said, throwing my hands up in despair. “Nope, the cops that arrived knew Cam, they had a chat and one of them went over to Paul for a moment then they left. Cameron came back over and apologised for spilling the beer on me, that was the smell you got when I arrived.” Ember smiled a little. “Then Justin and your brother were chatting away. Last I saw of them, Cameron had one hand resting on Justin’s shoulder and their foreheads pressed together. Justin looked like he was about to maul Cameron. It’s the most public display of something going on between them that I’ve seen up until now. So, I guess the night was full of surprises, hey?” “Yeah, I’ve had my suspicions for a while now about those two.” Shaking my head at everything that had happened: Paul and then Cameron, fighting, Katie, Ember and my breakup with Ember, it was overwhelming. I started to feel like I was drowning, the air rushing out of my lungs, making it almost impossible to breathe. “Oh God Ember! I can feel the bile rising up and my ears are pounding. Fuck, my head is spinning, oh my God I’m going to be sick.” I leaned forward, putting my hands on my knees while trying to catch my breath and not pass out. My emotions were taking over as my body shook. Ember stepped in behind me and wrapped his arms around my chest, pulling me back to the couch. I could see the worry and concern written all over his face. “Stay here, Sparky. Breathe. I’m just going to get you some water.” While Ember was in the kitchen I tried taking deep breaths to get myself under control. He came back in the room with a tall glass of water giving it to me while he sat perched on the coffee table worrying his bottom lip as he watched me. “Drink that,” he said gently, forcing my hand with the glass. I took a few sips then a deep shuddering breath leaning back into the couch, eyes closed with my arm across them, protecting them from the outside world as I took a few deep breaths. God, this couch is uncomfortable. “Do you… do you think Linda knew?” my voice was soft and pathetic. Ember slid from the coffee table next to me pulling my body to lay against him, with my head resting on his shoulder, while his arm wrapped tightly around holding me to him. “No,” Ember said gently. “You spent twenty years together, Sparky, raising two kids. There had to be something. That’s too big of a lie to live with.” He kissed the top of my head. “I honestly think she’s a… nice woman. From what I can tell from our limited time together, she’s honest and a good person. Do you think she’d be capable of that type of deceit, Brady, really?” All things considered, it made me happy that Ember thought of Linda the same way I did. Well, a general view of how I saw my ex-wife anyway. “No,” I whispered into his neck. We sat quietly cuddled up together on the couch for a long time. Neither of us saying anything or moving with the exception of Ember’s hand running gently through my hair. I’m not even sure he knew he was doing it. My arse and lower back are so unhappy on this friggin’ couch they are practically screaming at me. I have no plans to move though. I didn’t want to burst our little bubble. “So, what’s the plan then Ember?” Of course, I’m an idiot and can’t get out of my own way. He moved me aside as he stood up from the couch, turning to face me. “I was just thinking about that. First, we are not going to give that prick one more second of our time. We won’t be wasting one single emotion on that asshole, nothing. Agreed?” I nodded in agreement looking up at him. “Now that’s decided, I think we need to start over with a clean slate; you and me, Brady.” Ember looked me in the eyes, looking for my reaction affirmation maybe. I nodded again, I could feel hope rising within me, maybe this time. “Brady… we are never going to let anyone come between us again, okay? Never.” He stated adamantly. “This is our relationship and if anyone is going to fuck it up, we’ll let it will be one of us.” Ember chuckled. He held out his hand cupping my smiling face. I was so happy I could almost burst, like a love-sick teenager. A smile stretched across his face as he dropped his hand down, holding it in front of me, offering to pull me off the couch. I’d forgotten how strong he is. Pulling me up to standing with no effort, it was like I was a featherweight. I looked at his face now that we were standing only a few paces from each other. Damn that sexy… everything. “Hi,” he stuck out his hand to shake mine “I’m Ember McCain.” I took his hand in mine, I could feel the warmth, a connection from within him, us both mixing in that simple contact. Ember smirked for a second, he was feeling the same thing, I was sure of it. Stuttering a little I replied, “Hi I’m Brady, you have beautiful eyes.” I couldn’t help it, I just get lost in them. I could stare at his face, his eyes, every day for the rest of my life and never become bored. “Nice line, Brady.” Ember smiled back, “Pleased to meet you, so what are you doing for the rest of your life?” I was a little dumbstruck. Was that a line or did he just ask… “Um, I was thinking of taking a shower, eating pizza and who knows after that I guess. Ember?” “You’re hot as fuck Brady, did you want to join me for a shower?” I couldn’t help but laugh at his corny ass, taking his other hand I let him pull me into a kiss that was the hottest, most passionate, meaningful kiss we’d ever shared. When we pulled out of the kiss I leaned my forehead against his. “I think I’m going to fall in love with you Ember McCain,” I said with a grin. “Let’s see if I can remember your name in the morning before we start planning the wedding. Bradley, isn’t it?” I scoffed pulling away from him, “Asshole!” I headed for the stairs with a mischievous grin as an invitation to follow. “I’ll make your ass so sore you won’t be able to sit down until January,” Ember growled as he chased me up the stairs, his grin mitigating the heat of his words. He caught me in the hallway before the bathroom pinning me to the wall, lifting my hands above my head and holding them there, his face so close to mine I could feel his lips move. His eyes searched flickered around my face, settling on my eyes looking deep into my soul, it made me shiver. “I love you, Brady.” “I love you back.” It just slipped out, with no thought or preconception. It felt so right, and easy to say as I lowered my arms, wrapping them around his neck lazily, gently pulling him closer to me as his lips dipped the extra few millimetres to meet mine. Our kisses deepened quickly, but tenderly. We finally broke apart and headed to the bathroom. I leaned in and turned on the shower stepping back a little to give Ember a coy smile. I started to unbutton my shirt, his hand reached up resting on mine, stopping me. “Let me Brady, I’d love to undress you.” Ember leaned in and kissed me, teasing me, while undoing the buttons on my shirt. My skin came alive when his fingers found my chest through my now open shirt. It was like an electrical shock coursing through my body. As I moaned into his mouth, it seemed to drive him on. Ember’s hands slipped over my shoulders, taking my shirt with them falling to the floor, his hands slid down my back as he pulled me to him, I didn’t even notice that he’d taken his own shirt off, our bodies came together I could feel his heart pounding in his chest. My body and senses were on high alert, every sense amplified. I felt like I was falling off a cliff with him, we were entwined, our hands roving over each other, feeling, exploring, reacquainting ourselves with touch. Finally, I broke our kiss for a moment, letting out a cry of passion. “Hmmm, I like it when you get verbal Brady,” Ember’s mouth landed on my Adam’s apple, gently sucking, licking and tracing it inside his hot warm mouth. “Oh God Ember,” my hands slipped back up, grabbing handfuls of his hair, holding him in place. His hands were on the move again, I could feel them slipping down over my flanks, coming to rest on the seam of my jeans. They traced their way along to the top stud, before I knew it, my jeans were undone and Ember’s hand was wrapped around my cock. “Oh Ember, fuck, I’m not going to last if you double time me.” He was still working my neck. Ember broke away from his ministrations on my neck, “come one let’s get into the shower.” I didn’t need to be told twice lunging for his pants and undid them in record time. Slipping my hands against his hips, I slid his jeans, as well as his briefs, down in one smooth movement. I looked down to see his manhood there, hard and wanting. I smiled at Ember for a second and brought one hand back to his cock, taking it in my hand and gently, firmly stroking it. God it felt so good in my hand, hard but soft, silky with beautiful veins pressing against my fingers. I had to taste him again, I couldn’t help it, the urge taking me to my knees, his rigid monster at eye level, I could see it bobbing up and down with his heart beating. Opening my mouth I took him in, tasting his salty precum and musk from our passion thus far, he tasted amazing. Fuck, I’ve missed him. “Oh God Brady, I love the way you take my cock.” Ember braced himself with his hands on my shoulders. His affirmation and groaning spurred me on, taking more and more of him in till I felt his pubes tickle my nose. I’d finally been able to take all of him, I thought Ember was going to explode, I was proud of myself, not something I could run around and get compliments on though, but it was a gold star moment, for me. “Oh God Brady… Oh God, holy fuck you’re deep throating me, oh yeah.” I looked up at Ember with his cock rammed down my throat, his face wracked with pleasure. “Fuck Brady, you look so beautiful with my cock in your mouth.” He threw his head back and moaned again. I started to work him with my mouth and hand. After a few moments his breathing started to get faster, I could feel his body coming alive and in around me, he was getting close. I pulled back so only the tip of his cock was in my mouth, “Ember I want you to cum in me.” “Wha-,” Ember looked confused, wrapped in passion. “I want you to fuck me Ember, fuck me and make me yours.” Ember stepped out of his jeans as I stood up, doing the same. We started kissing again as he guided me backwards into the shower. We were both wound up, our kisses getting more frantic, our hands getting busy, grabbing and feeling all over one another. Ember broke again, smiling at me. “I need to get this beer smell off me.” Opening the shower wash, we started soaping each other up, his hands paying special attention to my ass and cock. By the time we were finished, we both were squeaky clean – almost. Ember took my hand and turned me around. I knew what was going to happen and spread my legs in anticipation, pressing my face against the tiles of the shower, waiting… wanting him. His hands slid down my back coming to rest on my ass, gently pulling my cheeks apart and playing with me, I felt the pressure change in his hands for a moment then I felt it, he was kissing my cheeks alternately, working closer and closer to my entrance. “Oh God Ember, please yes.” I grabbed my own cock and started to stroke it as he finally started to rim me. His hand came up, swatting mine away taking hold of me, starting to stroke me in time with his other actions, “Oh God I’m not going to last Ember.” He slipped his hand back and tweaked my balls for a moment, pulling me back from the edge. I was ready, I just wanted him in me. “Oh Ember, please fuck me, please.” I begged. He stopped, I peered over my shoulder to see what was going on, Ember had retrieved from somewhere a small tube of lube. “Oh, you’re not going to need that, I couldn’t care if you split me in half, please Ember, fuck me, fuck me now.” Oh my God I’m like the worst person, here begging for it. Ember grabbed my shoulder and turned me around to face him as he opened the lube. I went to grab it off him so I could prepare myself and he stopped me. “No Brady,” He looked me in the eyes, a soulful look. “I want you,” he paused “I want you to fuck me, I want you to take me for the first time, I haven’t bottomed for a long time and I want you to fuck me, please?” His eyes were asking too. I was speechless. “Are you sure Ember?” placing my hands either side of his face, “I don’t mind bottoming Ember, please don’t just do this because of … you know everything-everyone else.” “Brady, I’ve wanted you to do this for a while, but something always got in the way, please Brady, Fuck me?” His voice full of emotion. “Okay, but I’m going to prepare you okay?” Ember nodded and turned around bracing himself against the same wall I was just climbing all over waiting for him to fuck me. Taking the tube of lube from him I slid down and started to work him open with my mouth, I’d never rimmed anyone before, but just went with what he’d been doing to me. It was working by the cries and moans that were steadily streaming from his mouth. I slicked up a finger and slipped it in him, adding more lube. Allowing him to get accustomed to the intrusion. “Oh, yes! fuck Brady, more.” Ember’s head flew back, he was lost in the pleasure I was able to give him. I reached around him, taking his cock in my hand and started to stroke him, distracting him while I slipped a second finger in, continuing to finger fuck him while slowly allowing his body to accommodate the added intrusion. Ember started to fuck himself on my fingers, I changed my position a little and found it, bingo! “Oh God, oh fuck yes,” Ember started to cry out over and over, as my finger hit his prostate over and over, “Oh God Brady yes please, more, fuck me Brady fuck me.” I was as hard as steel and was ready to drive into him. I added a third finger. Ember grunted at first, slowly his body gave way to me, his entrance relaxed around me. He started to ride back and forth against my fingers, cries of lust and pleasure were filling the room for the both of us. Finally, I couldn’t wait any longer, “Ember,” I slowly pulled my fingers free of him. “Oh Brady, please don’t stop,” Ember moaned. Grabbing the lube, I single handed slicked myself up. With my other hand, I added some lube to his entrance and gave myself one more coating. Christ, there’s lube everywhere now. Ember pushed his butt out a little toward me as I pressed my cock head against his entrance. “Please Brady,” Ember’s head slumped forward between his shoulders. I pushed forward slowly through the outer ring, Ember let out a slow hiss. “More Brady, please.” I pushed forward a little more, past the second ring and held still as his body accepted me. I rubbed my hands up and down his back while I waited, Ember nodding his head. “Oh fuck, Brady. I don’t think I’ve had someone as big as you. Just give me a second.” I could see he was struggling, “Ember I can pull out if it’s too painful.” He twisted his head around catching my eye, “NO!” and with that he pushed back on me, slowly and deliberately taking me in, not stopping until I was fully seated in him. “Just stay still, give me a moment Brady.” Ember’s breathing was slow and deliberate, then he slowly moved forward and back on me, a little at first. Going faster and longer with each thrust, till he was long dicking me. My God he felt so good, tight and warm. His muscled body was rippling before my eyes, this was surreal. The love of my life was fucking himself on my cock like it was the last-best day on earth. “Oh Ember, fuck yes.” We were groaning, moaning in unison almost, the room full of the sounds of lovemaking, bodies slapping against each other, cries of passion filling the air. I adjusted my position a little and found it, now he was hitting his prostate with each stroke. I hope the people next door have earphones or had gone out, because we were getting loud. “Brady, yes, Brady yes.” Ember cried over and over. I could hear myself like it was almost out of body, crying out over and over “Ember.” My body started to tremble, “Ember I’m going to cum,” tightening my grip on his cock, stroking him in time to his rhythm fucking himself on me. I started to match his strokes, slamming up into him. I was bringing Ember close to cumming too, then he let out a cry and I felt his cock swell in my hand. His ring tightened around me as he came, pushing me over the edge with him. I pumped up into him as we orgasmed together. I felt my eyes almost flash like I’d just seen lightening, I was completely spent. We slowly came off the high of our combined orgasms, and I started to pull out of him. “No Brady, not yet. I want you to stay in me a little longer, please.” “But Ember, you’ll be sore.” I looked into his eyes with concern. “Don’t care. Just stay in me for a little longer. I need to feel you in me.” I pulled his back against my chest and straightened up a little, kissing the back of his neck, and nipping along his shoulders. Finally, I slipped out of him and turned him around to face me. “My God Ember, that was...” He lifted his finger to my lips. “It was the start of our tomorrows, Brady.” Leaning in, he kissed me gently, tenderly. I was feeling swept away with the emotions of topping him and one of the most passionate lovemaking sessions I’ve ever had with him. Because there has only ever been him. My hand slipped down and found his cock, it was still half hard and responded to my touch. I stared into Ember’s eyes while I stroked his cock to full length. Silently I turned around and took his cock in my hand, “Ember, please.” He reached up and retrieved the lube from the shelf, lubing himself and me up, then slowly he pressed against me. I tilted my ass back to him and gave him access to me. Slowly, carefully he pushed inside me, allowing me a few seconds to get accustomed to him. Slowly pushing all the way in as I pressed against the tiled wall, he pulled back and started, slowly and deliberately pumping into me at first then faster and harder till I was hard and almost cumming without touching myself. “Oh yes, Ember, fuck me, fuck me hard.” Ember drew back and started to slam into me, hitting my prostate with every stroke, my body couldn’t take much more of it. My senses were on fire, still sensitive from our first session, this was going to be a short one, not the normal Ember marathon effort. “Oh God, I’m cumming Ember, I’m cumming.” I felt the deep feeling build in my groin. Soon enough I came again for the second time in twenty minutes, without even touching myself. Ember’s grip on me tightened, his strokes more powerful but slower, deliberate. Then I felt it, his cock swelling and pulsing inside me, I could feel the warmth of his semen inside me. My body felt like jelly, as if I’d just had all the bones removed. After he pulled out of me, he turned me around so we were facing each other and held our bodies close while we tenderly kissed. Being held by him and letting the warm water flow over our flushed bodies, the connection, the intimacy, was everything I'd ever wanted since we were young. I have no intention of letting him go again. Not without a fucking fight! Eventually we finished our shower, stepping out and wrapping the soft bath gowns around us. Ember reached over and took my hand leading me to the bed, “Come on Brady, let’s lay down for a bit.” We dropped on to the bed. Laying in each other’s arms, I could feel my eyes getting heavy, clearly Ember was just as relaxed, I could hear his breathing deepen and slow. It’s one of the most relaxing things I’ve ever experienced; listening to Ember drift off to sleep, with a feeling of contentment wrapped around us. If this was day one of the rest of our lives, then count me in.

Hey @Job, I hope by now you've found the next two books, Struggling Forward and Family Struggles. If you do get to read them let us know what you think. Thanks for reading and giving us feedback. We always appreciate hearing from everyone.

Thanks @SolarMaxx, it makes us happy you enjoyed the first book and hope you will read and enjoy the next two. Struggling forward and Family Struggles, with the fourth book around the corner when things settle down.

Sorry @Tonyr this chapter is with the editors and beta readers but will be ready to go hopefully soon. Life kind of got in the way for a moment but we're on it.

I'm excited to see where it goes. Thanks for sharing it.

That crossed my mind too about Mr. B while I was reading.

This is fun and fast moving, can't wait for more.

I second that. A movie would be fantastic. I vote for Tyler Kitsch to play Jamie, I can see him now dressed as a fireman, at the river in his boardshorts, jogging or working out in his shorts (shirtless), oh god where was I. Um... yeah, who would be Ben or Sam, Ooh I vote for Joshua Lucas as Lucas. I have to go. So hot in here.