A Ticklish Thriller - 1. Evening At Barefoot Books

Mikey, Adam, & Jai

Barefoot Books & Coffee Lounge, Mikey’s favorite hangout. One reason he loved it, his two brothers, Adam, and his fiance, Jai owned the establishment. Mikey was also an owner, but, he wasn’t interested in the day to day operation. However, he did stop in every day. If they were really busy, or an employee didn’t show up, he’d jump in, and work wherever needed the most help. Barefoot served the best coffee, and cappuccinos. Local bands, and singers would perform, every Friday, and Saturday night. It was in the city’s nightlife top ten spots.

Mikey was responsible for their huge selection of books. Being a librarian, gave him access to an eclectic assortment of subjects, and genres. At the end of the week, he added to, and refilled their stock. He also did special orders for customers, who wanted a specific book. However, what Mikey really loved, was the freedom to walk around in socks. A person could also, relax, in a comfy chair, or sofa, barefoot. Of course, patrons could wear shoes, but most chose not to.

The lounge had a 21 and over area, in the building’s lower level. It’s entrance, was on the side of the four story structure. The first, and second levels, housed the bookstore, seating areas, and offices. In Adam, and Jai’s office, there was a secret staircase behind a bookshelf. The staircase led up to their spacious four bedroom apartment on the top floor. The apartment’s outside entrance, was at the back of the building. The roof was partially enclosed, with an herb garden, eight person hot tub, heated pool, and entertainment area.

This evening, Mikey wore a skin tight, gold shirt, that stopped just above his belly button. He matched it, with a pair of dark green jeans, and black elastic belt. Then, he put on his favorite pair of socks. They were thin, predominately grey, with gold stripes across the toes, and came to just above his ankles. For shoes, Mikey wore his slip on black skater shoes. His tan suede jacket, completed the outfit. The twenty-two year old, checked his hair in the mirror, before leaving his silver 1980’s corvette convertible. Luck was very much on his side, the day he got that car. A year ago, on a whim, he, attended a foreclosure auction. After losing two bids, the twenty-one year old struck gold, on the third, and won the corvette. The classic sports car, was in near mint condition, and he got it, for almost nothing. Mikey loved the feel of the soft, black leather seats.

“There’s my adorable baby brother.” The guy at the door, quickly had his prey’s giggling, and squirming body thrown over his shoulder. He then, proceeded to tickle the back of his captive’s knees. Instantly, Mikey’s giggles turned to shrieks, and high pitched squeals. Although, it looked like he was struggling to get free, and kicking his assailant. The big smile on Mikey’s face, told a different story. So did the playful way he kept trying to tickle his attacker.

“Not the knees. Put me down, ya big oaf.” Mikey’s protests were totally ignored, unlike the scene the pair created. The spectacle, garnered smiles, and chuckles. A few guys, stopped to tickle his sides, as they passed. Mikey, was the token younger brother, for the lounge’s regular patrons, and the employees. Jack, one of their best customers, ruffled Mikey’s hair. Then, took a minute to tickle the wriggling boy’s neck and pits before heading to his car.

“Say you love me Mikey.” The tickler ordered, before launching an all out tickle assault on his victim’s extremely ticklish sides and hips.

This new attack had Mikey screeching, with wild laughter, and thrashing against the stronger man. “Okay! I love you, I love you.” Mikey finally screamed out amid the boisterous laughs.

“I love you too little bro.” Gently, the twenty-five year old set his giggling little brother on the ground. Adam kept his arms around Mikey, while he calmed down enough to stand on his own.

“That was freakin’ amazing. Adam Grant Carter, you’re the best brother ever.” Mikey exclaimed, just before he wrapped his arms around Adam’s neck, and legs around his waist. His brother’s grunts of surprise, made the smaller child like brunette start boyishly giggling. Mikey laid his head on the warm shoulder, and kissed his brother’s cheek. “I love you Ad.”

Adam loved how affectionate, Mikey still was. The taller brunette smiled, and gently ruffled his brother’s hair. “You’re the most awesome brother, ever.” Adam chuckled, and kissed Mikey’s cheek.

Mikey followed Adam inside. He slipped his shoes off, handed them to the man at the door, and retrieved his ticket. Excitedly, he greeted Tyler, giving the bouncer a hug, and kiss on the cheek. “How’s it been this evening?”

Tyler gave Mikey his nightly tickle hug, and instantly had the smaller man giggling and squirming. “It’s been pretty good, so far.” Anyone within ear shot, knew their kid brother had arrived. Mikey’s giggles and squeals were unmistakable, and always brought a smile to everyone’s face.

Mikey walked around, greeting various customers. A few of them got waves, hand shakes, and a genuine smile. Most got a hug, and a quick tickle, which got reciprocated. Mikey, had an impeccable talent for reading people. He knew which one’s he could, and couldn’t be playful with. As he mingled, Mikey made sure to ask everyone he greeted, if they needed anything, and how their evening was. For him, the first, and foremost goal, was making everyone feel at home, and like family. After the customers, he, checked with the staff. Finally satisfied, Mikey went to order his usual mocha cappuccino.

While waiting, the unsuspecting brunette felt someone’s fingertips very lightly tickle his lower back. Thanks to his shirt, his unknown tickler had easy access. Instantly, Mikey became a helpless, high pitched, giggling mass of squirming limbs. His knees got weak, and fell right into his playful attacker’s open arms.

“How’s my other favorite baby brother?” The tickle assailant hugged his giggling victim, and lifted the lighter man off the floor.

“Jai Merlin Knight, you know that’s a major tickly spot” Mikey tried to pout, and give Jai a stern glare.

“I know, so’s this one. Jai grinned, and twisted his middle finger in the exposed, and vulnerable belly button.

“Eek!! Not there, it tickles.” Mikey jumped and thrashed around. His squeals, turned into silent laughter, and gasps. Once he was let go, Mikey got his drink, and tipped the barista. After setting his cup on the counter, he turned to the twenty-four year old, jumped into his arms, kissed his nose, and buried his face in the warm chest. “I love you big bro. I heard from Lance the other day. He’s planning on spending the weekend with me.”

Seven years ago, Jai, and Adam met at a party, and, fell in love. Their families became very close, which wasn’t difficult. Adam and Mikey’s Dads, Bryan and Max Carter, were already friends with Jai, and Lance’s parents, Pam and Tony Knight. From the beginning, the families alternated holidays, weekly Sunday dinners, birthdays, and other various parties at each other’s houses. Jai’s little brother, Lancelot Arthur Knight, was two years younger than Mikey, and instantly claimed him, as his third older brother. For Mikey, the feeling was mutual. Finally, with Lance around, he wasn’t the baby of the family. In no time at all, the two became inseparable, he and Lance would spend weekends, alternating between their homes. Even though, he just turned twenty, Lance still spent some weekends, and part of the summer with Mikey, at his lake front house.

Jai lovingly smiled at the younger man, and kissed his head. “I love you too baby, always will. I talked to Lance earlier today, he’s really excited about this weekend. Classes have been kicking his ass, and he totally needs a break. Oh, before I forget, the Dad’s wanted us to remind you, about Sunday dinner at your place.

“Please, as if I could ever forget. Mama Pam, and Papa Tony are also gonna be there. I’m making a big dinner, and Lance’s gonna help.”

“Does he know that?” Jai snickered, and massaged Mikey’s shoulders.

“He will, and if he refuses, I’ll just tickle him into submission.” Mikey squirmed, and softly giggled. His neck was an extremely ticklish area. “You and Adam could help too.”

“Just let us know what to do, and we’ll be glad to pitch in. After all, you’re always helping us.” Adam said, surprising his fiance, and brother. “Tonight for instance, you stop in, make the customers feel like family, and tend to their needs. Then, you do the same with the staff. Baby bro, it’s incredible watching your positive energy, and loving spirit light up a room.”

Mikey blushed. “It’s not hard, I love this place. The patrons, aren’t merely customers, I see them as friends, and brothers. I’m really lucky to have a loving home, and work family, an amazing car, and spectacular home. There’s so many out there who don’t.”

“We just wish you were closer, and didn’t live alone.” Jai commented, giving Adam a kiss, and wrapping his arms around his fiance.

“I’m fine guys, it’s only a fifteen, maybe twenty minute drive, depending on traffic. Besides, I’ve got my shotgun, rifle, pistols, baseball bat by my bed, and carry pepper spray. I still take the self defense courses, and when I’m out on my morning jog around the lake, or running paths, I have my knife strapped to me. Plus, I’m in pretty good shape, from working out at the police gym, and can hold my own, if I have to. Although, I’m totally grateful you care about, and love me so much to be concerned. If there’s one thing I can count on, it’s the two of you having my back. And not just for tickling either.” Mikey giggled, and kneaded his fingers between Jai’s ribs.

As soon as he felt the invading fingers, Jai fell to his knees, hysterically laughing, and jerking side to side. “Of course we love you, Mom, Dad, and Lance do too. You know, the old man’s got his officer’s driving by your house, and around the lake every few hours.” Jai said, once his tickle attack ceased, and he recovered.

“Yeah, I told him how grateful I am he looks out for me. I noticed, he’s got Dakota patrolling during his shifts. Did I tell you, he’s stopped by, and had a soda or coffee with me a couple times.” Mikey stopped and blushed. “I… I really think he might like me, and honestly, I’m really starting to like him. I suspect, Papa Tony’s been working to set us up.”

Mikey’s brothers grinned, and nodded. “Yeah, Dad came to us, and asked if you were still single. He then told us, in confidence, you and Dakota had something in common, but didn’t give details. He thought the two of you, might hit it off, and be really good for each other.”

“How are you feeling about it prospect of a new relationship? I mean, you haven’t dated anyone, in two years.” Adam placed his arm around Mikey’s shoulder, pulling him into a hug.

“I think Dakota’s very nice, and he’s definitely my type. If he’s interested, and doesn’t mind being monogamous, I’d be willing to take a chance. Who knows, he might be the one.” Jai smiled, and wiped his brother’s tears. They shared a group hug, and kiss, then went their separate ways.

Mikey headed to the mystery section. He chose a copy of the Murder, She Wrote series. “Murder On The QE2.” Even though he’d read the book close to a hundred times, it was still one of his favorite mysteries. With the novel, and cappuccino in hand, the brunette went to his favorite sofa. Mikey loved how soft, the full length dark red, plush sofa was. Sitting his cup in the side table, then, removing his phone from his pocket, Mikey laid on his stomach, and set off on his imaginary cruise. Mikey’s legs kicked back and forth lazily, as he paused to sip his drink. He rejoined Jessica, as she boarded the ship, with hopes of an uneventful crossing, as it was called in the story.

Dakota & Mikey

Dakota Nickolas Buckingham’s shift had finally ended. The twenty-seven year old officer, placed everything he didn’t bring home, in his locker. After making sure his service revolver was secured in its holster, he slammed the locker shut. Dakota slipped on his black Vans, put his work shoes in the gym bag, grabbed his backpack, and left the precinct.

In the parking lot, Dakota did his routine of thoroughly, examining his car, before driving off. Instead of going straight home, the young man headed for Barefoot. He hoped Mikey would be there, and the two could talk. In his heart, the officer knew he was starting to have feelings for the younger man. He thought about how Commissioner Knight took him under his wing, and asked him to regularly patrol his son’s street, as well as the Barefoot Lounge. Nine months earlier, Dakota suffered a horrifying ordeal, that almost killed him. It happened, when he discovered Will, his ex-boyfriend, had joined a gang. After six months of recovery, the officer returned to work. Tony, as Dakota was asked to address the older man, when not in the presence of other officers, didn’t elaborate, but told him, he and Mikey shared a common experience. Before Dakota knew it, he was pulling into the parking lot. As he got out of his SUV, he noticed he’d parked beside Mikey’s corvette, and took that as a good omen.

“Hey Dakota, how was your shift?” Tyler greeted the officer warmly, with a hug.

“Pretty docile, how about here?” Dakota smiled, and returned the hug. The young man surveyed his surroundings. One reason, was to find Mikey.

“The same here. You looking for Mikey?” Tyler asked with a knowing smirk. He’d been kept abreast of the Commissioner’s attempt to get the two men together.

“Busted, am I really that obvious?” Dakota’s ears perked up, with the sound of Mikey’s squeals, and giggling.

“Nope, not in the least, and I honestly mean that. Jai and Adam told me about Tony trying to get you, and Mikey together. All I gotta say is, I approve. Just don’t hurt our kid brother. He’s a really special, and loving angel.”

“That he is Tyler, that he is. It’s really cool, knowing you got our backs.” The two shared another hug, before Dakota went to get his coffee.

The adorable sight of Mikey getting tickled, made Dakota smile, which, surprised him. Usually, watching someone he liked being so playful, and flirtatious made him jealous. And, he would swear, he was being cheated on. However, he didn’t feel that seeing the brunette’s ticklish interactions with the guys in the lounge. He knew that was Mikey’s child like personality, and his way of making patrons feel like family. It also helped, that Mikey, didn’t focus his attention on one guy. With the exception of his brothers, Tyler, and a few other employees.

Dakota ordered his coffee. While waiting, he continued thinking. If they dated, the officer knew, he’d never hinder, or limit any of Mikey’s playful personality. Doing so, would eradicate the magic that made Mikey special. His thoughts drifted to Tyler’s calling him “our kid brother, and an angel.” Dakota automatically smiled, as visions of Mikey being tickled while wearing a halo and angel’s wings played like a movie. He softly chuckled, while thinking it could actually happen.

Mikey was so engrossed in his book, he didn’t notice someone was slowly, and quietly getting closer to him. His feet screamed, trap, and tickle us, as they swung back and forth. He reached the part of the first murder, and had turned the page. Suddenly, Mikey caught the scent of a familiar cologne. Not a second later, someone’s fingertip, slowly and lightly tickled along his curved arches. Mikey dropped his book. Instantly, he began giggling, and tried to keep his feet away from his tickler. However, his attempts were completely in vain. The unseen assailant, successfully trapped both feet, in the crook of his strong arm.

“Ya know, little boys shouldn’t flaunt their adorably cute feet like that. Especially, when they’re so, incredibly ticklish. Anyone, could come along, and do this….” The sentence was finished by five fingernails, lightly dragging up and down the center of Mikey’s helpless soles. As soon as the nails touched the fabric covered feet, the brunette became a writhing, and struggling mass of laughter, and squeals.

Adam, Jai, and Tyler watched the two, from the side, with smiles.

“You’d better hope I don’t get my hands on you, Dakota.” Mikey did his best to sound intimidating. However, his ticklishness, in combination, with his boyish laughter, how intimidating could he hope to be?

“Aww, you’re too adorable to make such empty threats.” The officer snickered, and began stripping Mikey’s socks off.

“Hey, don’t take my socks, that’s cheating.”

“Such an unruly young boy, needs to be punished.” Dakota’s nails rapidly, but lightly scratched back and forth across the balls, of the defenseless pair of feet. The ticklish man thrashed, and pounded the sofa with his fists, while desperately trying to wriggle free. His boisterous laughter, turned to silent gasps. Mikey truly loved, the ticklish attention, and hoped he could return the favor. Dakota’s amused laughter, blended with Mikey’s. He slowed down the ticklish assault. His fingertips, danced across the giggling man’s soft soles, treating them like a dance floor. “If I stop, can I sit with you?” Dakota paused, so Mikey could catch his breath, and reply.

“You can sit with me, even if you don’t stop, handsome.” Mikey blushed, while still giggling.

Dakota’s eyes brightly lit up, and a smile graced his olive skin. “I think you’re really cute and sexy. I love your laugh, smile, and, how ticklish you are Mikey.” He saw Mikey lean over, to retrieve his socks from the floor. The sight, of his interest’s exposed back, and sides were too much to ignore. The sneaky officer leaned over, and firmly kneaded his fingers right above both bare hips. An extremely, girlish screech, flew from Mikey’s plump lips, and was quickly followed by his wild high pitched laughter.

“That’s sooo not fair. You sneak attacked a really bad tickly spot.” Mikey had managed to turn on his back. Unfortunately, that meant his belly button was now in Dakota’s sights. Within seconds, Mikey was once again wriggling and writhing side to side, as his tickle monster’s index finger twisted, and prodded along the deep, cavernous crevice surrounding Mikey’s belly button.

Dakota loved having Mikey in such a ticklish situation. He’d always had a fetish for feet and tickling, as well as a few other things. He also saw Mikey’s obvious enjoyment, and knew they’d have a lot of laughs together. After another second of playing with his ticklish boy, the twenty-seven year old stopped his assault, and joined Mikey on the sofa.

“Mikey Dante Carter, you need to keep your voice down.” Both Dakota and Mikey turned to see Adam, and Jai standing behind them, with hands on their hips. “Really, you of all people should be more respectful in a bookstore.” The fiance’s were fighting hard not to give in to the rising laughter. “And, you call yourself a librarian. Well, I never.” That was all it took for all four guys to start laughing uncontrollably.

“We saw the two of you playing. No mater what either of you decide, we support your decisions.” Adam said giving his brother and Dakota a hug.

“Just be loving with each other, and don’t hurt one another.” Jai followed his fiance’s example. Then the two headed for their office.

“Your brothers, hell, everyone in here really looks out for you. That’s awesome.”

“They get a bit overprotective at times, but they’re always there for me. I love them for it. Wait! You can’t sit down yet.” Mikey said, as he sat against the sofa arm, and brought his knees up to his chest.

“Why not?” Dakota’s voice was filled with concern, he’d taken things too far.

“You’re not properly dressed. I have a strict policy, both here and inside my house, no one sits with me.” Mikey paused for dramatic effect.

Dakota got a very dejected look on his face. “Oh, okay, I can take a hint. I’ll see you, I guess.” Hoping Mikey didn’t see his tears, Dakota turned to walk away. His attempt was thwarted by Mikey’s strong grip on his wrist.

“With shoes on. No one sits with me, with shoes on. Unless, they have a good reason, like chronic foot odor, and even that I overlook. Provided, it’s not too bad.”

Mikey’s signature giggles, brought a smile back to Dakota’s face. In record time, he slipped his Vans off, and plopped down on the sofa. “You got me good with that one.” His smile got bigger, when they placed their feet in each other’s lap. “Are you really a librarian?” Dakota sighed, and fidgeted a little when he suddenly felt Mikey’s fingers, gently massaging his sore feet.

“Yeah, you seem surprised. Mikey softly giggled and slightly wiggled his still bare toes, from Dakota’s massage. “I’m actually the head librarian. I also read to the kids, and tutor high school, and college students. Then, come here, and I run the bingo games on Saturday and Sunday nights. Every other week, I also help with the food pantry” With a mischievous smirk, Mikey decided to cure his curiosity.

“Damn, you’re a busy b…” Dakota’s sentence abruptly halted. His usually calm baritone voice, was replaced by very boyish giggling and cackles. “You weren’t supposed to figure out my feet are ticklish yet.” Everyone watched, as Mikey transformed a six foot burly policeman, to a squirming giggling school boy.

“Hmm, looks like my sexy cop’s as ticklish as I am.” Mikey giggled, and wrapped his arm around Dakota’s struggling feet. Facing his prey, and laughing evily, Mikey rapidly scratched his nails across and up and down both wriggling soles.

“Not the nails. It tickles.” The officer’s laughter echoed around the corner where they sat.

Mikey got a wicked idea. “I’ll stop, if you agree to one thing.”

“Whatever it is, I’ll do it. Dakota’s laughter was becoming more raspy, and he was panting heavily. Inside, he was in heaven. It had been a long time, since anyone tickled him anywhere, let alone his feet.

“Be my boyfriend. I want a monogamous relationship.” Mikey paused his tickling, leaned down, and softly kissed each one of Dakota’s wiggling sock clad toes.

“You didn’t have to stop tickling me.” Dakota squeaked and softly giggled from Mikey’s kisses. “With or without tickles, I’d love to be your boyfriend.” He leaned down, then kissed and playfully nibbled all ten of Mikey’s flexing toes. Dakota loved hearing Mikey squeal, and the feel of his toes scrunching. “I really like you, and want to get to really know each other.”

“I want the same thing. You’re totally hot, and really fun to talk to. I like you, very much Kota.”

“I like that.” Dakota smiled at the sound of the nickname Mikey gave him. “No one’s ever called me Kota before.”

Mikey blushed and giggled. “I hadn’t even thought about it. The name just came out.” The two shared another chuckle, and gave each other a loving hug. After talking some more, the couple exchanged numbers, and after saying goodbye to everyone got ready to leave. Adam, Jai, and Tyler, surprised Dakota, when they hugged him, and welcomed him to the family.

“I’m really glad I stopped in tonight. Thanks for an amazing evening Mikey.” Dakota bashfully, smiled, while drawing an invisible line on the pavement, with the toe of his shoe.

“I’m glad you tickled me, and said yes to going out. Umm, I’m usually not the first to ask,, but can I kiss you? I’ve been wanting to all night.”

“I’d love that, my sweet baby boy.” Dakota wrapped his arms around Mikey’s waist, and pulled him into a loving embrace. Mikey lifted his head, and gazed into his boyfriend’s soft hazel eyes. As soon as their lips touched, they both gasped into each other’s mouth. Both men, saw lightning strikes, and fireworks going off. Finally, the need to breathe caused the heavily panting, sweat covered couple to separate.

“That was…”

“Incredibly mind blowing.” Dakota finished Mikey’s sentence, causing them both to blush, and start giggling. “Can I call you in the morning?”

“Of course sexy. Hell, you can call me tonight, if you want. Be safe going home Kota.”

“I just might do that. You be safe too, my sweet angel boy.” The two shared one more hug, and a less passionate kiss. Dakota got in his car, watched Mikey leave, and then headed home.

Patrick & The Stalker

Patrick Lymon, just gave his final piano lesson for the night. He turned the lights off, made sure the doors were locked. Pat heard something coming from the kitchen. The blonde went to investigate, when something hit his head, hard, and knocked him out. His attacker, dressed in black snickered. Easily he carried the unconscious man to the bedroom, and tied him to the bed. After coming to, Patrick spent the next two hours of his life, being tickle tortured. The attacker, attached sonic toothbrushes to the exhausted man’s bare feet. The piano teacher’s final moment’s were spent laughing, into the pillow smothering him.

“That was easy, now for my next target.” The shadowy figure, placed Patrick’s body beside the jogging path, and taped a video card to the man’s bare chest.