manhandle

Loren has long since written off his parents. Lars has always been the source of his broken heart. No parent-replacement in the world could do for Loren what Jay, Derek, and Taylor just did. They showed him that there is a bond between brothers that can't be broken. All these years and maybe Loren's been afraid, thinking that because his parents abandoned him, Lars did to. Watching Jay, he realized there is hope. There is hope that there is a chance for the other half of his soul. I pray that only good things happen, and I think they will. Right?

When I got the email a new chapter was posted, I got excited. "oh yay! Things are good. They're going to have lots of sex on a little private island." That is not at all what happened. Not a tropical island. More like Trauma Island. I just want Jay to be retired already! Another time hop please???

At the end of the day, this is what I know to be true: @Mrsgnomie has purpose in everything she writes. Whatever Jay is going through, has a reason. personally I think it's part of Loren's character arc. Maybe it's the final things he needs in order to let go of whatever holds him back. I for one am very much looking forward to Thursday's release.

Absolutely, I agree wholeheartedly. For as much as they tease each other, there seems to be a very open line of communication regarding emotions. It doesn’t seem like they cross any serious lines or out each other down. Minus the golden child thing. Other then that, they seems to have a really solid relationship.

This was maybe one of my favorite Jay quotes of the chapter.

It’s okay been 6 hours since it posted and I’m last in line lol. So many great comments that touch a lot. I will try to comment on things not already discussed. I had this idea in my head that all famous people act a certain way. Or all professional athletes for that matter. I didn’t realize I had this assumption embedded until this chapter. See Jay and his brothers, all three who play professionally, crammed into Jay’s crew cab truck, calling dibs on Jay’s cast offs, Jay rushing out the door to get away from the parents, the brothers escaping to Jay’s cabin, playing board games, being excited for gifts from Loe, teasing each other, helping your brother take boudoir photos, and so on… my point is, you write the real life so damn well! They’re not famous to each other, they’re just family. They’re just brothers. I really appreciate that.

I think it's awesome that Loren is dressing Jay and his friends for the game. It's a great show of support that Jay and his teammates are showing Loren. It's also respect that Loren is giving them. I imagine he is very picky about who he uses as brand ambassadors. You don't want just anyone wearing your name. Jay is a no brainer, but Loren respects the rest of the sack pack enough to include them also

My first reaction to them not talking for 2 weeks was annoyance and irritation but then I remember that they both live busy lives so it's not as uncommon. 2 weeks is still a long time but not out unheard of for them

There are some potential eggshells here. The next chapter can fall so many ways. I can see Loren feeling pressured by Jay staying behind. I hope it doesn't happen. I'd love to see Jay gets to do all the mumbo jumbo with Loren. And Aidan, but of course. We need some Potato mumbo jumbo in the mix.

Loren gets out of the car with the biggest, sexiest smirk, like he hasn’t been avoiding eye contact with me since I got in. His hair is done up nicely; a soft Hollywood look that brings out his chocolate eyes. He waves, then adjusts his suit, posing for photos. He attempts to pull his hand away, but I hold tight as I smile and pose alongside him. “This is insane,” I say while smiling for the cameras. “I had no clue this would be so big.” Loren shifts. A new pose, a new angle. “It’s a wonder I made it here—” he says behind a smile, “—with no parents and all.” Internally, I roll my eyes. Externally, I smile and go for the cute-boyfriend-ear-whisper pose. “That’s not what I said.” He dutifully reacts to the crowd, looking at me with a ‘genuine’ smile, almost bashful. How-dare-you-whisper-sweet-nothings. “If you say so.” I slide my arm around his waist and smile for another picture. “Did you invite me here so you can give me the cold shoulder? Or will we talk before I fly back to Florida?” Them walking the red carpet while fighting made me giggle. I've never walked a red carpet but I have been married ten years and I feel like he and I have done this dance many times. They did a great job. I also really like their banter. I pull out then kiss the divot between his shoulders, the back of his neck, the spot under his ear, his jaw, then I turn his head and kiss his lips. “I thought you were done being fawned over?” “I’m a liar.” I laugh. “Next time you want to suck my dick, just say so. You don’t have to make a big production about it.” Loren turns, wraps his muscled legs around mine, and smiles lazily. “I wanted to suck your dick.” I want to go to Loren's Thanksgiving. What does it do with all that prep? It doesn't look like they enjoyed it. Does it get tossed? My boyfriend is in full holiday prep mode. I watch him cook and fold napkins with precision, making them look all fancy like. I could see us doing it together as we prepped for a house full of guests. Since we’re not there yet, if ever, I settle for watching him pretend. It’s not so bad even if it feels like a waste. He has an entire Thanksgiving menu perfected and posted so everyone can copy it down to the last ingredient. His meal is Better Homes and Garden worthy while he looks like a damn cover model in his perfectly tight shirt, masculine aprons, and muscles doing all kinds of sexy shit, like cooking and decorating. Yum. As we inch closer to Thanksgiving, the less I want to fly to Wisconsin. I’d rather stay and do nothing with Loren than celebrate without him, but it would devastate my family. Which leaves us with a mini cliffy. “Oh, yeah, well I’m actually heading—” I walk backwards, retracing my steps. “—into the grocery store. You and Matt are more than welcome to come. In fact, I’d love that.” I pull up my contacts and put the phone to my ear. “Hey Dad. Miss you, too. Yeah, about that…there’s been a slight change of plans—”

Me reading the comments and trying to figure out how I feel

Am I to hope that there is hope for Seamus and Loren? I want so badly for them to come together. They could be such great friends. They've gone through similar upbringings and they've come out on top. One thing I'm seeing is that the hard shell that Loren has presented since chapter one is very much a facade. He's actually a softy looking for the same thing everyone else is looking for. He wants to love and be loved. He's quick to adapt and change. There has been surprisingly little push back from him. Even though he screams, he's still jumping in with both feet. Jay taking witness to Loren's planning and then being hesitant and protective perfectly highlights how Jay has treated most things regardling Loren; awe and wonder followed by protective overbearingness. Loren was so open and honest in his communication without snapping at him. I was impressed. Nothing speaks more of how much Loren trusts Jay.

Loved this chapter. No ones commented on Loren being nominated for Influencer of the Year. That's amazing. He seems humble about it. I love that they want to shit from being the top of the industry to helping encourage others. I think that's amazing. Overall, great chapter. One of my favorites so far.

I have to agree. There was something about this chapter that made me feel good all week. It was probably mostly Spudy, but it was just perfect. I can't wait for what @Mrsgnomie has planned tomoorrow!

This chapter was everything and more than I hoped for. Loren was absolutely his hysterical. It's clear he has no clue about kids. He treats Aidan like he treats an adult, not like you treat a toddler. I found it oddly enduring. I don't have words for this chapter. Just...thank you. Thank you so much.

What's it like to set the bar so high when it comes to comments? You have such incredible insight.

Spot on! Classic quotes.

Yes. I LOL'd when Jay's cards fell all around him. He has no "chill"

Love love loved this chapter. So heartwarming. Can't wait to see where things go from here. Thank you again for another great chapter!

It killed me that I couldn’t do much because I’ve been slammed with work all day!! Not wanting to reiterate too much of what’s been commented, I love seeing Loren do his thing. “This isn’t ruining our dinner plans. I had to pull some favors for this reservation. I will not look like an asshole by canceling thirty minutes before we’re supposed to arrive. Now—” he points upstairs, “—get dressed.” “But—” “Don’t care,” he says, cutting me off. I feel like I’m seeing a little more confidence as the story goes on. There’s a difference when he’s Loren verses when he’s Loe. He definitely was more dominate this story, if it’s dinner or in the bed. I wonder if that confidence is in him naturally or if it’s Jay? Or both? Really enjoyed this and I’m making sure I’m free Thursday morning so I can not be in the late 70 comments lol

I forgot about that. I guess the next question is if his retirement is a product of what's unfolded in this chapter

This. Jay seems to make the rules based on what works for him. It makes sense that he’s been perfect so far, I’m assuming this will be part of his character arch. @Mrsgnomie is famous for those. what is Jay going to give up? His career? Seems steep…

I have lots to comment on this chapter but I think the most glaring issue here is the inequality of body use. In the beginning we have Loren, who used his body as part of his job. He’s made what I’m assuming is a fortune from many things including his state of undress. In the earlier chapters we see issue with that because Jay is modest and so Loren must adapt, and he does. While @Mrsgnomie had us focused on Loren’s body, we’ve easily forgotten that Jay is using his body also, to amass a fortune. He may remain dressed but he puts himself in physical danger all the time for money. It’s not until Loren is in trouble for putting his body in physical danger that we remember Jay does the same thing for a living and is glorified for it, paid handsomely as well. This is a huge inequality, not just in the story but in our society.

Part of me agrees with @Topnotch that Loren won't abuse it. Maybe I'm just being hopeful. I was worried about the vacation turning into a workcation also. This is usually Jay's way to decompress after a season and now it's not. But I can see how this is a special occasion so it would be okay to flip the switch. Loren selling his trailer and them announcing their relationship. I am very curious to see how this aspect unfolds.

Loren reveals himself even more in this chapter. He’s really talented. Always thinking of ways to market what’s happening. I do wonder if it will be an issue at some point? What if Jay doesn’t want to be marketed? such a good chapter. So hot as I knew it would be. I smiled and laughed a lot in this chapter! Thank you. Did not disappoint. I want that picture of Loren and Jay hanging in my house, also. So hot