Pour Me Another - 15. Mom knows best

Asher flipped through the television channels. When he couldn’t find any good games on, he settled for a sports show that was interviewing several gorgeous European soccer players. He stood in his living room, wearing only gym shorts, watching the men answer questions about their upcoming season.

A soft throaty moan filled the quiet apartment as Asher got comfortable in front of the television preparing to do the exercises assigned by his physical therapist. His body responded to the sight of the handsome men on the screen. Pain coursed through his injured muscles, yet watching the attractive athletes dulled the ache in his body. The first set went quick, but when he pushed to the second set, it became even harder to keep focused.

Rubbing the sore muscles in his chest and arm, Asher considered taking a break. There was nobody around to know that he didn’t finish the entire set. What would it hurt?

The sportscaster continued his interview while the screen quickly changed to a recording showing a highly talked-about clip from last season. Two men chased one of the other guys down the field. They tried to stop him, but the man kicked a perfect goal. The crowd cheered as the hunky guy waved to the people in the stadium before executing a backflip for their enjoyment. His body and strength were amazing.

Asher glared down at the large scar marring his chest. The bruising had nearly disappeared, but the ugly jagged red scars would be there forever. Grabbing a bottle of water off the coffee table, it suddenly slipped out of Asher’s loose grip and fell to the floor. His right hand was numb. It trembled uncontrollably. Asher wiggled his fingers trying to get the tingling sensation to subside.

“This is not me. I’m not weak.” Asher clenched his fist, shouting into the empty room. “I didn’t let that bastard take my life, he’s not going to get any more of me.”

The rage fueled his workout for the day. Asher completed the entire set of exercises feeling confident about his chances for a full recovery. He wasn’t going to give up. His body was sore, but it gave him a feeling of accomplishment.

As the interview on television continued, it showed several aspects of the athletes’ lives, including them walking around the locker room, clad in nothing more than towels. Asher sighed at the sight of the men. Sweat clung to their skin. When one of the guys walked past the camera and dropped his towel before entering the shower, Asher’s body immediately grew hard.

Jacking off to a hotty on television wouldn’t technically be considered cheating. Actually, it would be better than watching porn since there was no sexual act involved. Asher and Michael hadn’t talked about these sticky points that defined a relationship, yet. He made a mental note to find out what Michael thought about the subject as he slid his gym shorts down his hips. Asher rubbed his heavy balls before moving to his erection. Stroking the length had his entire body pulsing with the motion of his hand.

Moans turned to grunts as Asher pumped his swollen cock between his fist. Just as he grew closer to climaxing, there was a sharp knock at the apartment door.

“Shit,” Asher grumbled under his breath. He wanted to shout, ‘go away,’ but he didn’t want to offend anyone. A steady stream of visitors has come by the apartment since he had gotten home from the hospital. Asher was grateful for his friends and family showing concern for him, but now was not a good time.

He was stuck. Should he continue to masturbate and make the person wait, or did he stop and tuck his painfully engorged penis back in his shorts? Before he could decide there was a second knock, this time a little harder.

“Asher, honey, are you home?” Lilly Burkhart called through the closed door.

“You’ve got to be kidding me,” Asher hissed under his breath as he ran towards the bathroom. “Give me a second!” He shouted loud enough for his mother to hear him from out in the hallway.

Dashing to the sink, Asher splashed icy cold water over his face and wet down his hair. Icy droplets rolled down his chest, matting his chest hair before continuing to drip down his torso.

He stared at his reflection in the mirror, “Sorry about your bad luck, boy, I promise I’ll make it up to you later,” Asher spoke to his penis, before he grabbed his cock with his icy fingers.

“Oh Christ!” He gasped as his manhood jerked, withering in his cold hands. The shock nearly gave Asher a heart attack. He grabbed a towel and draped it over his shoulder as he raced back to meet his mother.

“Mom,” Asher said, forcing a smile as he answered the door, “Sorry about the wait. I was washing up.”

Lilly’s arms were full as she made a bee-line for the kitchen. “That’s no problem, dear.”

The delectable smells trailing behind her had Asher’s mouth watering. He followed her, trying to catch a peek at what goodies she had wrapped under the mound of aluminum foil.

“I hope you don’t mind that I made you boys pot-roast. There’s also carrots and potatoes, a dozen fresh biscuits, and a homemade strawberry pie.”

Asher couldn’t believe his ears. “You didn’t have to do all that. It must have taken hours.”

Lilly set the tray on the countertop before turning to her son. “It also gave me an excuse to come see you.”

“Mom, you don’t need a reason to come see me.”

“I know that, but your father doesn’t want me to be a pain in the ass.” Lilly giggled as she stopped and kissed Asher on his cheek. Glancing around the apartment, she suddenly frowned and asked, “Where is Michael?”

“He had a meeting this afternoon.”

“You’re here alone?” Lilly’s voice raised an octave. “I thought that was the whole reason we let you stay here in the city, was because Michael would be with you.”

“It’s not like I’m six years old, you know. I’m not completely helpless, Mom.” Asher barked back.

“What if something happened?”

“Well, then, I would have handled it, just like I always have. Don’t forget that I’ve lived on my own for years before that jackass shot me. Just because my hand and arm are still weak doesn’t mean that I’m incompetent. I can take care of myself.”

Lilly’s lower lip quivered. “I know that you’re not helpless, Ash, but what if--”

“Mom, stop! I’m fine. Look around, there’s nothing to for you to get all worked up over. I was just doing my exercises for physical therapy.”

Biting on her lip, Lilly’s expression resembled the same look that Asher had when he was holding back his emotions.

Asher gave his mother his most charming boyish grin. “What do you say we have some pie and watch trashy talk shows like we used to when I was a kid?”

That brought a smile to Lilly’s face.

Spending the afternoon watching daytime television with his mother was nice. They caught a couple episodes of mindless gossip before Lilly had to head back home. Hamilton was only an hour away, but if she didn’t get on the road before rush hour it would take her a lot longer to make the trip.

“I’m glad you came by today. This was actually fun.” Asher gave his mother a hug.

“Me too, honey. You and Michael take care.” Lilly kissed his cheek before leaving.

Asher had turned to head towards the kitchen when there was a sudden knock at the door. He turned on his heels and raced back to the doorway.

“Did you forget something--” Asher stopped. His words stuck in his chest when he saw the large police officer from the hospital standing in the hallway. “Officer Duvall,” Asher’s voice cracked saying the man’s name.

“I’m sorry to intrude like this, Mr. Burkhart, but may I come in?” He motioned to the living room behind Asher.

Stumbling out of the way, Asher’s face paled. “Yes, please come in. I’m sorry, but I was expecting someone else.”

“Your mother?” The officer asked. “I passed her leaving when I was on my way in.”

Asher quickly ushered him inside. He offered the man a drink, but he shook his head declining. Officer Duvall sat on the couch and glanced around the small apartment.

“What can I help you with, sir?” Asher nervously asked.

The officer dropped a large brown folder, labeled with Asher’s name and the date of the shooting, on the coffee table. It landed with a thump. Asher’s eyes were frozen on the thick file of paper. His hands trembled. He wanted to grab it and throw it out the window. How dare the guy bring this into his home? Feeling his blood rushing to his face, Asher tried to control his racing heart.

“What do you want?” Asher asked, more demanding this time.

“You were supposed to come by the precinct after you got out of the hospital, remember?”

Asher bit on his lower lip while he stared at the officer. “I didn’t forget to come down there. I’ve just been super busy--”

“This is important.” Officer Duvall’s smile appeared to be forced.

Asher jumped off the couch. “You know what, so are my doctor appointments, and physical therapy, and how about trying to put back the pieces to my shattered life? Isn’t that more important?”

Officer Duvall glared at Asher. “Do you want Allen to get away with what he did to you? I sure as hell want to see him pay for what he did, but he’s already been released on bail, so if we don’t build an airtight case to present to the court, then Allen could walk altogether!”

The words sank in. “Douglas Allen was released on bail?”

“Yes, two days ago. Apparently it took some time for his wife to liquidate enough assets to post his bond.”

“His wife? That guy’s wife is helping him after what he did? Her husband almost murdered me.”

“That’s why I need your statement, Asher. The file shows that we left you several messages, but you haven’t returned any of our calls. If you’re ready, I would like to get your statement today.”

Asher watched the officer’s hard face relax. The guy was a professional at handling witnesses with the delicate balance of strength yet kindness. This was the last thing Asher wanted to do, but if it meant the difference between that bastard going to jail or walking away free, he would have to suck it up and just do it. “Let’s get this over with.”