Date: Wed, 19 Nov 2014 22:38:23 -0600
From: Jack Schaeffer <jack.schaeffman@gmail.com>
Subject: Forever - Chapter 16

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FOREVER
By Jack Schaeffer
Copyright 2014. All rights reserved.


Chapter 16

I was sitting on a tall stool at the kitchen island counter, eating my
crunchy granola and fresh fruit for breakfast, and thinking how wonderful my
new life had become. In the span of a few days, my relationship with Sam had
gone to a depth and intensity I never expected when I first met the pool boy,
and this new reality was so much better than any fantasy. Last night, Sam had
kissed me, and I kissed him back. And he liked it! I liked it, too - a lot!

I was getting hard again just thinking about the wet spot on Sam's shorts. I
caused that - and being able to excite Sam in that way produced new
confidence in myself as a sexual guy. I was so inexperienced that I struggled
with self doubts about being able to have a sexual relationship, but if last
night was any indication, maybe I had nothing to fear. And thankfully Sam
seemed like a very patient and understanding guy, plus he said he wanted to
explore the sexual side of things slowly, so I was pretty sure I was in good
hands with him.

But all was not perfect. Behind the lingering afterglow of my first kiss, I
had a worry threatening to unravel my new found happiness. It was a phrase, a
single statement from Sam. Two words resounded loudly in my head now -
nothing hidden.

Sam had said we should have nothing hidden between us. That was the problem,
wasn't it? There were still some things about me "hidden" from Sam, and I had
a big decision to make. To tell Sam about the inheritance or not. I didn't
see how I could continue in the relationship and not tell him. You can't keep
secrets like that - and let's face it, it was a really, really big secret.
And I didn't want to have secrets from Sam.

For me, the money was just a tool, one that I hadn't even been able to use
much yet. For the most part, I hardly thought about it now. It was just
there. But Sam apparently had some pretty strong feelings about money and
wealthy people - at least some wealthy people - and I didn't want to scare
him off just when our relationship was getting more serious.

The other "hidden" thing was my true feelings for Sam. I was definitely in
uncharted emotional territory. I didn't yet know what to call them or how to
speak about them. Was I in love with Sam? Is this what love felt like? I
didn't know. It seemed awfully sudden to have such strong feelings for
someone that I had known for not even two weeks, and yet there was no denying
that I had them. Even now, just thinking about him had my heart beating
faster. Sam touched places in my soul that nothing and no one else ever had.

Until I could be certain about my feelings, I would keep those under wraps.
But I decided that I owed Sam the truth about the money. I had to trust that
he would find a way to handle it, to accept it as a part of my life, and
maybe even eventually a part of his. It was funny, you would think that I
would be worried about a guy wanting me only for my money. Instead, I was
worried that the guy who wanted me would dump me because of my money. But
surely Sam was better than that. He had to be.

How do I start that conversation? I could just see us, sitting at the dinner
table. "By the way, Sam, just so you know, I'm worth more than half a billion
dollars. Could you please pass the salt and pepper?" I needed some advice,
and the best place I knew for money advice was Larry back in Denver. Or maybe
Todd.

Crap! Neither one of them knew I was gay. Now I would have to tell them that
little secret, too. What if they had a real problem with that? Would they
quit? Could I still trust them? It was only 8 o'clock in the morning and
already I had myself tied up in knots. I tried to calm down by telling myself
that Sam was worth anything I had to face from others, including possible
ridicule and derision for being gay. Sam accepted me as me, and that's all
that mattered. Everybody else would just have to deal with it.

I decided that Todd would be the best one to call. He was younger and
hopefully more willing to accept a gay client. Larry was old school, and I
was less sure of the outcome with him. Denver was three hours ahead of my
current time zone, so Todd should be in his office. Just as I was about to
dial him, my cell phone rang. It was Sam.

"Pamela's Pancake Emporium. We stack 'em higher. Would you like to make a
reservation?" Sam chuckled at my stupid sense of humor.

"Funny, Jack. How's my favorite guy this morning?"

"Great, now that I can hear your voice. Missin' you somethin' awful this
morning, Sam."

"Yeah, I hear ya. I miss you, too. Can't wait to see you later today."

"And when is that gonna be, big guy?"

"I called Tommy, and he needs me at the shop for a couple of hours this
morning. That's where I am now, waitin' for him. As soon as I'm done here, I
can head over to you. Maybe get some lunch together?"

"Sounds perfect, Sam. Take your time, just hurry up!"

Sam laughed. "See you soon, little man."

"I'll be here waiting, Sam. Bye," I said, ending the call.

I noticed immediately that I was now calmer on the inside. Sam had that
effect on me. Talking with him had restored some of my personal confidence
that had been slipping away earlier. It was time to call Todd and let him
know what I had been up to in Hawaii, while he was toiling away in his
office, making me millions.

I located his office number in my phone and dialed, listening to the strange
clicks as satellite circuits connected me to the mainland. Todd answered on
the second ring.

"Todd Martin," he said.

"Hey Todd, it's Jack Schaeffer. How are you?"

"Jack! Hey man, how're things in Hawaii? Gettin' any?"

"Uh...not exactly. What are you up to?"

"Same shit, different day. Working for the man. Hey, wait a minute...you're
the man I'm working for. I almost forgot." I could hear the laughter in his
voice. I liked Todd. He didn't take it all so seriously. That was good for
me.

"Ha ha, Todd, very funny. You making me a lot of money?"

"Everyday, kid. Everyday. So seriously, what have you been up to on your
vacation?" I hoped he could handle the bombshell I was about to drop.

"Well...I met someone," I said nervously.

"Met someone? What does that mean?" he asked.

"Well...I met someone here in Hawaii and we are kind of in a relationship of
sorts now. I think it might be getting somewhat serious."

"Jack, that's fantastic. Tell me all about her."

"Yeah...uh...that's the thing. Umm...she's a he." I waited silently for it to
register.

"She's a he? You mean...oh...I get it...you're telling me the person you met
is a guy, not a girl. So...that means...you're gay?" he asked.

I stepped into my moment of truth. "Yes, Todd. I'm gay. I hope that doesn't
freak you out."

He answered with no hesitation. "No way, Jack. Doesn't bother me at all. I've
got a gay cousin and a gay uncle...at least that's the family rumor. And I
had two friends in college that turned out to not only be gay, but told me
they had been lovers right under my nose for three years. I was totally blind
to it. 'Course, I spent most of my college years chasin' girls myself, so
what other guys were doin' with themselves didn't really register."

"So you're okay with having a gay client? You aren't going to jump ship on
me?"

"Hell no, Jack. I like this gig. The only way I'm jumpin' ship is if you turn
out to be a real asshole, which I don't see happening. So nope, I'm in it for
the long haul, as long as you'll keep me around."

I laughed, feeling a lot more relaxed now. "Keep making me millions, Todd,
and you'll be around for a long time." Now he laughed.

"So tell me about your guy, Jack. What's his name?" Todd asked.

"His name is Sam Wainwright, and he's a year younger than me. He's the pool
boy at the place where I'm staying." I could instantly hear Todd's superior
brain start processing that significant piece of data. I was afraid it might
not compute favorably for Sam and me.

"A pool boy? You went and fell for the pool boy? Jack, I'm sure he's hot and
everything, but don't you think you should be aiming a little higher?" Todd
asked.

"He's a lot more than a pool boy, Todd. That's just the thing he's been doing
while waiting to start law school in the fall. He's got a full ride to
Washington University and starts in August. He graduated from UCLA a year ago
and took a gap year. A friend of his offered him the job doing pools in
Hawaii. Who wouldn't take that?"

"Well now that you fill in some of the blanks, yeah, I could see me jumpin'
at that, too. What else about him? How did this become a thing between you
guys?"

I quickly filled Todd in on the highlights of my meeting Sam and the
progression of our relationship. It only took a couple of minutes as there
wasn't much ground to cover.

"So, Jack. Sam sounds like a great guy, but how much do you know about him?
Do you know anything about his family? His past? Any connections? Future
plans?"

"Gee, Todd. You don't ask for much, do you?" I replied.

"Well, Jack. It's part of my job to protect you and your assets. And since
you don't know a whole lot about this guy but are starting to get serious
with him, that makes me a little nervous. I would want to check him out a
little. Make sure he's legit."

"Legit? What do you mean, legit?" I was getting slightly irritated.

"Nothing bad, Jack. I would just like to know more about his background. Make
sure there are no real surprises lurking in his past that could hurt you or
your interests." What he said made sense, and from his perspective, I could
understand what Todd wanted to do. But it still rankled a bit.

"Todd, I get what you're saying. And I agree that this is very sudden and
totally unplanned. But I really don't think he's dangerous or scary.
He's...sweet and nice. He's a really good guy, Todd."

Todd softened his approach a little. "I'm sure he is, Jack, or you wouldn't
be with him. I can't imagine you being with an asshole or total loser. But
let me ask you this. Has he asked you about your money yet?"

"No. Not at all. All I told him was I was in Hawaii for a vacation and I was
starting a new job in Denver after it was over. He's focused on law school,
not my money, Todd."

"You don't think he doesn't wonder how a kid of 24 or 25 can afford to stay
at an incredible place like that house? I mean, come on, Jack. If he's got a
scholarship to law school, he can't be stupid. You're driving a Beemer."

"No, he's definitely not stupid. But honestly, I don't think he cares that
much about money. We had a conversation about it recently and mostly he
believes that people should have to earn what they have. He doesn't have a
lot of use for people who inherit wealth and then lord it over other people.
Really has a problem with that. He's not the kind of guy to chase someone
else for their money, Todd. That's not him, believe me. That much I do know.
If anything, me having money will be a big problem for him."

"So he doesn't know and the subject has never come up?" he asked.

"Not once. And to tell you the truth, that's the real reason I called you.
I'm in a pickle. I really like this guy, Todd, and I'm hoping this
relationship, or whatever it is, continues. But at some point, I have to be
honest with the guy, don't I? How do I tell him I'm worth more than I can
comprehend? And what if he can't handle that or is threatened by it somehow?"

Todd was silent for a few moments as he thought about my questions. Then he
answered. "Jack, if you're seriously intending for this relationship to
continue past Hawaii, then yes, you probably do need to tell him something.
I'm not sure how much detail to divulge - I'd have to think about that. But
any relationship needs to have trust, and you aren't going to get too much
further along before he's going to discover something is up. If he visits you
in Denver, which I would imagine he would, then right there he's gonna see
the house and know there's more to the story. So yeah, I think you need to
tell him. Just...maybe not the full picture, ya know? Keep it to the
highlights so he gets the idea that you have more than you'll likely need,
but not the full amount, maybe. Just how serious are you about this guy?"

"I'm not sure, Todd. It's confusing. I feel...well...all kinds of things I've
never felt before. I know I want him in my life. I can't imagine him not
being a part of it. Already he's my best friend, Todd. How does that even
happen this fast?"

"Do you love him, Jack?" Todd asked softly.

I paused. I know I needed an answer to that question, but how does somebody
know if what they feel is love or not? "Todd, I don't know. Maybe. How do you
know it's love and not lust or something else?"

"Well, I'm no expert, believe me. But I can tell you, for me, when I met
Margie, it was totally different than any other feelings I ever had for
another girl. The physical desire was there instantly, but there was
something else. It was...a longing to know her. To understand her...to know
what made her happy and what made her sad. I never wanted to leave her side.
I couldn't get enough of her. She was this huge mystery that I needed to
solve, and I'm still working on it six years later. I just knew that she was
different, and that I was hooked. I didn't even try to fight it, like some
guys I know. I just went with it. She turned out to be the best thing that
ever happened to me, Jack."

I realized, as Todd told me about falling in love with Margie, that I really
did feel many similar things about Sam. I certainly had the overwhelming
physical desire - no doubt about that. But I also wanted to make him happy.
He deserved to be happy. And I so wanted to be with him always. I didn't even
care what we did, just that I was with him to do it. Before I met Sam, I was
content to be alone. Not anymore.

"Todd, I feel a lot of the same things for Sam. I know it's very sudden, and
I don't know him all that well, but I would love to spend the rest of my life
learning all there is to know about him. I need to be with him. That's all I
know."

Todd, who was generally a not-so-serious guy, suddenly got very serious and
direct. "Jack. If you feel that way about him, and you want this relationship
to go somewhere beyond next week, then you need to tell him. About your life,
your inheritance, and mostly...you need to tell him how you feel about him.
Then let him decide. If Sam feels the same way about you, Jack, I gotta
believe that he will get past the money and pursue you for you. But you gotta
give him that chance, or you'll never know."

I knew he was right. I had a feeling Todd was almost always right. But it was
a huge step, and I desperately didn't want to scare Sam away. "I agree with
you, Todd. But what if he can't handle it. Or worse, doesn't feel the same
way about me. I mean...I think he does. He's kind of said he does. But I
don't know...it's scary to think he may bail on me."

"Jack, I remember the first time I told Margie I loved her. We had known each
other maybe two weeks, just like you and Sam. I knew the first night I met
her at a party that she was the one, but I made myself wait to say anything.
I lasted a whole two weeks before I told her. I couldn't wait any longer. I
was so sure she would think I was a flake and an idiot, but she didn't.
Instead, she just looked at me, and then started to cry. Told me she had
waited her whole life for someone to love her, and there I was, standing in
front of her. Don't tell anyone I told you this part, but I cried, too. Just
a little bit."

I smiled to myself. Todd was an awesome guy. He and I were going to get along
very well. I made my decision. "Thanks, Todd. I appreciate that. I'm going to
tell him. About the money...and my feelings. Just maybe not at the same time.
I don't want him to confuse my feelings with my bank balance."

"Sounds like a good plan, Jack. Let me know how it goes. But I think Sam will
surprise you and be fine with the money. And with you. I hope so. He sounds
perfect for you."

"Thanks again, Todd. I knew if I called you, you'd have some good advice. Now
get back to work. I pay you to make me money, not gab on the phone about love
and mushy stuff."

Todd laughed. "Yes sir, boss. I'm on it. Take care, Jack. And call me if you
need anything."

"Will do. Bye, Todd." I ended the call.

I looked at the phone in my hand and realized there was someone else I wanted
to talk to. I hoped I could catch her before lunch time. Thankfully she
answered right away.

"Law offices, Sharon speaking. How may I help you?" Her voice immediately put
a smile on my face.

"Hi, Sharon. It's Jack Schaeffer. Remember me?" I asked.

"Of course I do, Jack. Don't be silly. What are you doin' with yourself now,
baby?"

"Well, I took your advice and sent myself to Hawaii on a vacation. I'll be
here another 10 days or so. Oh, and I quit my job in Chicago and I'm moving
to Denver and I'll be working with Larry and Todd and I met a guy."

"What? Whoa...wait a minute, Jack. You're goin' too fast for me. You're
moving to...hold up! You met a guy? Is this a romance you've got goin',
Jack?" I could hear the smile in her voice.

"Yeah...I think so. He says he really, really likes me. And I know I like
him. The attraction is there between us for sure - the only thing we did was
kiss, though. I'm trying to be very careful. I don't want Billy to kick my
butt when I see him. It happened just like you said it would, Sharon. He
found me! I was literally asleep on a couch and suddenly there he was."

"Oh, Jack, I'm so, so happy for you, baby. Tell me all about him."

So for the second time in an hour I was retelling the story of how Sam and I
met and what had transpired between us. This time I included more about the
emotions and some of the more romantic things that had happened. I didn't
want to shock Todd with too much of that, so he had just received the
highlights. I knew Sharon would understand and appreciate the feelings and
emotions. Besides, I wanted a woman's perspective on this love thing, and
they like mushy stuff, right?

"He sounds wonderful, Jack. It's all very romantic and special. Billy will be
thrilled for you. He told me just the other day that he was wonderin' how you
were doin' and whether or not you had found someone for yourself. Can I tell
him? Wait...you can tell him yourself when you get back. When will that be,
Jack?"

"I come back a week from Saturday. That is, if I can tear myself away from
Sam to do it."

"Uh oh. Jack...baby...um...just how serious is this thing with you and Sam?
Tell me the truth now, baby. Do you love him?" She must have sensed something
in what I said, or maybe it was a mother's intuition, because we were now at
the real heart of the matter.

"Sharon, I'm not sure. But I think I do. I don't really know, because it's
all so new to me. I've never felt this way before, about anybody. The idea
that we won't be together after next week...well...I can't think about it.
It's too painful. Neither one of us has brought it up. I can't imagine Sam
hasn't thought about it though. Oh, Sharon...what do I do?" I could hear the
whine start to creep into my voice.

"Jack, baby...it's gonna be okay. Don't worry. If you guys really do love
each other, you'll figure it out...together. Talk to him, Jack. If he's as
great as you say he is, then at least give yourself and Sam a chance to make
it work. Jack, listen to me, baby. You need to start trusting yourself. I
know it's all new, and you're afraid of making mistakes. But from what you're
tellin' me, I think you are definitely in love with Sam. You sound just like
Billy did when he was bringin' Jerome around the house. He was a lovesick
puppy, always afraid he was gonna do somethin' wrong and Jerome would vanish
like he wasn't real or somethin'. That won't happen, Jack. Not if you're
honest with him, which you always will be because I know my Jack, and I know
that you are a good man. Sam knows it, too. I know he does."

"Do you really think I can do this, Sharon? I don't know the first thing
about being in a relationship. I know I sound like a big baby, all whiny and
everything, but I can't bear the idea of hurting him or screwing up his life
or something worse. He's been so good to me. He's like my big protector,
always watching out for me. And when he holds me in his arms...Sharon...I
never want to leave. I can't describe it. It's like I'm home for the first
time in my life when he's got his big strong arms around me."

Sharon laughed gently. "Oh, Jack. You...baby...are definitely in love. Now
you sound like me with Big William. I resisted that man's advances for two
years when we were in school. Then the summer after we graduated high school,
he asked me to a picnic at the town park. I thought it was gonna be a crowd
of people, but no...it was just for the two of us. At first I was put off and
felt a little manipulated, but he begged me to stay long enough to hear what
he had to say. He was so sweet about it, I had to let him talk. When he was
done tellin' me about his feelings and his dreams for us, I just walked up to
him close like and he opened up his arms and pulled me in. And yeah, Jack. I
know exactly what you're feeling with Sam. I never wanted to leave him after
that. We were married in less than a year."

Her story about Big William made me want to cry. He was gone and she was now
alone. I suddenly wished I was there to give her a big hug, just like she had
given me so many times. Sharon was such a special lady. And a true friend.

"That's so beautiful, Sharon. You guys really loved each other, didn't you."

"Yes we did, Jack. In most ways, I still do love him. I don't think true love
for a spouse really ever ends. You might find room in your heart to let
someone else in after one or the other passes, but I never did. Big William
was all the man I ever needed. When he was gone, it hurt for a long time. I
wasn't sure I would ever be the same. But then one day I realized that even
though he wasn't with me such as I could see him and touch him, he was always
with me in my heart and soul. Jack, when two people love each other, and
spend a big part of their lives together, they kind of merge into something
or someone new. You rub off on one another - you carry a part of that other
person's soul in your own. You'll understand what I'm talkin' about someday.
I see it in Billy now. He and Jerome have been together for awhile, and I see
Jerome in Billy, and Billy in Jerome. It's a beautiful thing. Love changes
you."

"Wow, Sharon. You make it sound so easy and perfect. Now I really want to
make it work with Sam." She laughed at my new found eagerness.

"Well, don't forget, Jack. Relationships take hard work. And sacrifice. You
have to be willing to give up some of your will and your ways to get the full
benefits. There is nothing more satisfying in this world than seein' a smile
on the man you love and knowin' you put it there. That made me more happy
than anything Big William could ever do for me. God, I loved that man." I
wasn't sure, but it sounded like I heard a sniffle or two.

"I'll remember, Sharon. I promise. And I think I know what you mean about
being the one to put a smile on his face. I've seen that in Sam, and you're
right, it's magical. Don't ever tell him, but it makes me feel powerful, like
I can do something to him that's good and wonderful and he can't stop it. I
love it." I heard Sharon chuckle at that.

"Well, Jack. Just be sure to use your newfound powers for good, now. And just
love him, Jack. Love Sam like he deserves to be loved. Make it all about him
as much as you possibly can, and if he in turn will do the same for you,
you'll both be happier than you could ever imagine."

"I so hope I can do this right, Sharon. I hope I get the chance to. I've got
to tell him about the money stuff today, and I'm a little worried he might
not be happy about it."

"What? Who wouldn't be happy with having millions of dollars?"

"Are you forgetting who you're talking to, Sharon? I'm the guy who ruined a
perfectly beautiful trash can giving up my lunch when I found out. But I
think Sam's reaction will be different. I'm worried he will think less of me
as a man."

"How so, Jack?"

"He's got some strong ideas about people being responsible for their own
lives, and working for a living and having character. He grew up around
privileged people who didn't treat him very well - kinda looked down on him
cause he didn't have what they had. It hurt him, though he tried to be above
it all. His father taught him to win with character. It's one of the things I
love the most about him, Sharon. He's such a decent and good guy, and expects
nothing in return. I've seen him do the right thing because it's right, even
when it's gonna cost him a ton to do it. He makes me want to be a better
man."

"Wow. Sam sounds like the real deal. But you listen to me, Jack Schaeffer. I
told you once, and I'll keep tellin' you until you get it through that cute
head of yours, that you are also a good man. You are full of character, Jack.
Why, you're one of the most caring and giving people I know. And I'm sure
that Sam has seen that in you and if he hasn't, he's not payin' attention.
You know what I think? I think if you and Sam have a life together, the world
is gonna have two men working together to change a whole lotta lives for the
better. I can't wait to see it." Now I really wanted to cry.

"Sharon, I'm so glad I called you. You always make me see myself through
better eyes. I want to be all that you say I am. And you're right. It's my
dream that Sam and I can change the world together. I have no idea how to go
about doing that right now, but we can figure it out. Sam's brilliant and
I'm...well...loaded. Right now, I have to figure out what to say to him and
when to say it. It's going to be a very interesting next few days."

"You're gonna do fine, Jack. I'm so proud of you. Look at you, you've come so
far from that scared little boy who stood at my desk a few weeks ago. I knew
you had it in you, Jack. You just needed some encouragement and a few people
around you you could trust that would let you be you. That's really all any
of us need. And it's my privilege to be one of the people you trust, Jack. It
means a lot to me."

"I love you, Sharon Adams. I do. I could not be living this life right now
without you putting me back together at my worst moment. I'll be forever
grateful to you for that. And for being my biggest cheerleader. You're the
best!"

"I love you, too, Jack. Just you remember to love yourself a little, too,
along the way. You're a good, good man, Jack. Now I've got to run, Clyde's
got me doin' a mountain of paperwork today. You take care of yourself, and
call me anytime."

"Thanks again, Sharon. I'll call you before I get back to Denver and then
come take you to lunch or something."

"That would be great, Jack. I'd love to do that. Can't wait to see you again.
Bye." She hung up.

I stood there for a few minutes and let it all sink in. I was in love with
Sam Wainwright. There was no denying it. The feelings were real and they
weren't likely to change. Did Sam feel the same way about me? I thought he
might. I certainly hoped he did. If I could get him past the money thing, we
might have  a shot at forever.

I also wondered how much I was going to need to change to be what Sam needed
me to be. I didn't know what that was yet, but I knew without a doubt I
wanted to do it. I was willing to make it all about him, as much as I
understood how to, because deep down, even though there was a lot I didn't
know about Sam, I did know that he would definitely make it about me. He
wouldn't be able to help himself.

The doorbell rang, breaking me out of my reverie. Sam was here! My heart
started racing and the smile on my face almost hurt. I nearly skipped to the
front door and opened it, ready to see the sexiest man alive. And nearly fell
over when I saw Tommy supporting Sam like a crutch, Sam grimacing in obvious
pain.

"What the...?" I blurted out. "What happened?"

"I'm fine, Jack. Really. I'm fine." Sam gave me a smile that didn't quite
hide his pain from me, but I loved him for trying.

"Well...don't just stand there, Tommy. Let's get him in here and sit him down
somewhere." Together Tommy and I hobbled alongside Sam as we made our way to
the lanai, where we got Sam seated on a lounge chair, his legs stretched out
in front of him. His ankle was wrapped tightly in an ace bandage, his flip
flops fallen to the floor beside the chair. Man, his size 13 feet were big.
And sexy, too. Get a grip, Jack. He's injured for crying out loud.

"So will someone please tell me what happened to the big guy, here?" I said,
as I propped his injured right leg very gently with a cushion. I was working
overtime trying not to overreact and smother Sam, but all I wanted to do was
put my arms around him and kiss all his pain away and make him better.

"Jack, it's nothing, really. Just a sprain. I'll be fine tomorrow. You'll
see." He reached out and grabbed my hand and held it, gently pulling me down
to sit beside him. I was searching his eyes and realized he was telling me
the truth, or at least how he truly saw the situation. So I turned to Tommy.

"So what dumb thing did he do to cause this to happen? Trip over those giant
fins he calls feet?" Tommy laughed loudly. I was trying to make light of it,
but inside I was distraught and worried about him.

"Not quite, Jack. But close. Actually, it was my fault. We were stacking
buckets of chlorine tablets to consolidate inventory. He tripped and fell
against the stack, and then I pushed too hard back from the other side to
balance it out and the top bucket fell against his ankle. It started to swell
right away so I put some ice packs on it and made him go to the immediate
care center near the shop."

Sam piped up. "Which was a total waste of time, like I told you it would be.
What did they do? Wrapped it up, gave me Tylenol and told me to ice it and
keep it elevated for a couple of days. Classic. Exactly what I said they
would do. We could have saved the 700 dollars they'll probably charge me now,
and for what? A ten dollar ace bandage and I had a whole bottle of Tylenol in
my truck."

"Would you just can it, Sam? Give it a rest. I told you the company requires
anyone injured on the job to at least go to an immediate care center and get
checked out. It could have been broken. Worker's comp will take care of it.
You're lucky I didn't drag your ass to Honolulu General and make you sit in
the emergency room all day and wait your turn. God, you can be a real pain in
the ass." He sounded tough, but he was smiling at Sam, and Sam was smiling
back at him. These two loved each other as best friends should. I was a
little jealous, but only a little. Sam wanted something from me that he was
never going to get from Tommy.

Sam's ankle was swollen underneath the bandage, but now that he was off his
feet and the leg was elevated, he was feeling a little better. There was less
strain around his eyes. I was staring into those deep blue eyes, and he was
intensely focusing on me like he does. I was quickly lost in them.

"Ahem...should I get you two a room?" asked Tommy. Sam and I broke our gaze,
blushing furiously. Busted.

"Uh...um...yeah, well. Glad you're feeling better, Sam. Looks like you'll
live. Anyone care for some lunch?" I asked as I quickly got up to do anything
but sit there feeling embarrassed.

"Jack, sit your ass back down by Sam for a minute. And both of you stop being
stupid. I know you're into each other. You'd have to be blind not to see
that. I'm cool with it. I was just giving you some crap, Sam, like you give
me all the time." I sat back down next to Sam slowly. I didn't want to
accidentally bump his leg.

"Jack, just so you know, Sam here went on and on this morning about Jack
this, and Jack that, and how much you helped him yesterday and how you're the
greatest and blah, blah, blah. I wanted to puke." He was nearly laughing in
his mock disgust, and I was loving it.

I turned to look at Sam. His eyes were sparkling as he looked at me. He
wasn't embarrassed at all about Tommy spilling the beans about his morning
conversation about me. I was all warm and squishy inside. "So Sam, does this
mean you like me?" I asked, with my own smart ass grin.

"Not even a little bit, you jerk." He replied, but grabbed my hand with both
of his and held it tightly on his stomach. Perilously close to his crotch if
you ask me, but I wasn't going to suggest he move it for all the money in the
world. I had a lot, but it would take a lot more to make me do that.

"So Jack...uh...about lunch. As you can see, I'm not exactly up to taking you
anywhere this afternoon. Any ideas?" Sam asked.

"Well, I think I've got stuff to make some burgers on the grill. Maybe Tommy
could go to town to get some other food to go with that?" I said, looking at
Tommy and hoping he would get the hint to give Sam and me a few minutes
alone. He did.

"Sure thing, Jack. Tell me what you need and I'll grab it for you. Do you
mind if I stay for lunch with you guys? I'll leave right after."

"Of course not, Tommy. Stay as long as you want or until I throw you out,
whichever comes first," I replied with a smile.

Sam laughed, Tommy just rolled his eyes. I stood up and moved to the kitchen.
Thankfully with the open layout of the lanai, I could still see and talk to
them while I moved about, checking my food supplies. I had plenty of
hamburger meat, some pickles, one onion, and that was about it. Looks like I
needed everything.

I pulled out my wallet and extracted two hundred dollars in cash. "Tommy,
here's what I would do. I would go down to Whole Foods, find a helper person,
and tell them you need a picnic for three. We have the burgers, we need
everything else. Buns, condiments, sides, whatever you want. If you can, get
stuff that's already prepared so we can eat faster. I don't know about you
guys, but I'm hungry. Oh, and get some kind of potatoes. Maybe french fries
that we can bake. The big guy likes potatoes." I handed him the money.

Sam piped up. "Jack, you don't have to do all that. I was supposed to take
you to lunch."

"Sam, I know, and you can take me tomorrow. Or whenever you can actually
drive again. Until then, I've got lunch."

"Uh...Jack? You gave me $200. Did you know that?" asked Tommy.

"Yes. Whole Foods is a little pricey, and I have no idea what you will need.
But that should cover it. If you need more, just tell me and I'll give it to
you when you get back." Sam and Jack exchanged a look which I tried to ignore
for now. I knew an uncomfortable conversation about money was coming up soon,
but right now I wanted to get Sam fed and taken care of. While I hated the
idea he was hurting, his injury may work in my favor. At least he can't run
away from me today.

Tommy shrugged his shoulders and departed. I went back over to Sam and sat
down next to him again. He immediately grabbed my hand and held it like
before, closing his eyes and breathing a deep sigh of relief. Maybe I was
good for him, too.

Sam talked to me through closed eyes. "You know, Jack. You don't have to keep
buying me expensive meals. I'm a simple guy. We could have gotten pizza."

"I know, Sam. It's just burgers and fries. But it's better for you than pizza
and...I don't know...it's just my way of helping, I guess. I can't make the
pain go away."

"I know something that would take the pain away, Jack." He trained his
unbelievably sexy eyes onto mine.

"Yeah, what's that, Sam?" I asked in a whisper.

"You could kiss me and make it all feel better," he said with a sexy smile.

Without hesitation, I leaned over, careful not to put any of my weight near
his injured leg, and gently kissed him. We both exercised significant
restraint, but there was still a lot of heat in that kiss. And the next one.
And the one after that. I wanted to put my hands all over him but I kept them
to myself, barely. For his part, Sam kept holding on to my one hand already
in his iron-fisted grip and was squeezing it off and on as he rode the waves
of his own excitement. We were both rock hard in our shorts, neither one
attempting to hide it anymore. Finally I pulled back to take a breather.

"Fuck, Jack. I can hardly stand it. Your kisses are so intense. My whole body
is trembling right now. How do you do that to me? And by the way, I told you
it would work. I can't even feel my ankle." He was grinning at me like a kid
in a candy store.

"That's because all the blood in your ankle moved up to your dick, Sam." He
burst out laughing as he looked down to see the obvious bulge in his shorts.
I had a matching one in mine.

"Well then, Jack, I guess you'll just have to keep kissing me and not stop
until it's all better then."

"Don't think I don't want to, Sam. But if I keep kissing you like that right
now, Tommy's gonna walk in on a lot more than he really wants to see." I
looked down at his face, overcome by how handsome and beautiful he was. "God,
Sam. You are so sexy and gorgeous. I want you so bad. But we can't. You're
injured..."

Sam slammed his one hand down in frustration on the lounge chair he was
laying on. "Damn it, why did this have to happen today? I wanted to take you
hiking this afternoon after lunch. Then I was gonna bring us back here and we
could clean up and then maybe go to a nice place for dinner and just hang out
and talk. Then I have to go and do something stupid like sprain my ankle.
Fuck!"

"Sam, we can still do that. Well, not the hiking part. Or the lunch...or the
dinner. But we can still talk. We can stay right here all evening and talk.
And I'll take you home later. It'll be fine. Let me help you, okay? You
helped me the first day you met me with my headache. Please let me help you
with your...ankle ache."

Sam sighed. "You're too good to me, Jack. I'm gonna get spoiled, I know it."

"Is that such a bad thing, Sam? My guess is you take care of nearly everybody
in your life. Can't one person take care of you? I want to be the one to do
that." I said. Sam looked at me, his electric blue eyes dancing, and his
hands holding mine even tighter.

"You're a very special guy, Jack. Thank you for being my friend. I...uh...I
just..." He stopped talking and sighed again. I understood what he was trying
to say. I wasn't quite ready to say it either, but I knew. I leaned down
towards his face so our foreheads gently touched.

"It's okay, Sam. I get it. You're very special to me, too." And I kissed him
again. We lingered there, our lips lightly brushing each other's, teasing,
probing, wanting. When the passion threatened to overflow again, Sam was the
one to pull back this time.

"Wow, Jack. I just found my new favorite thing to do," he said with a smile.

"Me too, Sam. But now I need to get a move on. Those burgers won't make
themselves and Tommy's gonna be back soon. Can I get you anything? Water or
something to eat while you wait?"

"Bottle of water would be great, Jack. Thanks," he replied. I got him his
water from the fridge, made sure his pillow under his leg was in the right
position, and headed back to the kitchen. I got the raw hamburger out and put
it in a stainless steel mixing bowl. I added some garlic salt, regular salt
and pepper, and some Worcestershire Sauce that I found in the door of the
refrigerator. I mixed that all up with my hands and then made six large
hamburger patties, two for each of us. Burgers done, I thinly sliced the
onion and set that on a plate and I was finished. There was nothing else to
do until Tommy returned, so I went back and sat on a lounge chair that faced
Sam's. I figured I'd behave myself and keep a bit of distance between us for
awhile.

Sam appeared to be sleeping, so I contented myself to sit and watch him,
admiring his physique and the way his internal character seemed to somehow
ooze out of him. I don't know how I could see that, but I did. He was such a
fascinating man. And sexy. Man, he was hot!

"What are you looking at, Jack?" he asked, through closed eyes.

"A sexy man," I replied. He smiled. It made me so happy to put a smile on his
face. Like I told Sharon earlier - it made me feel powerful.

We sat there in a comfortable silence, enjoying one another's presence and
the feeling of contentment that it brought. I was dozing when the doorbell
rang. I jumped up. "That's probably Tommy," I said as I headed to the door. I
helped him bring in all the bags from Whole Foods. He had enough food for
three meals.

"I got a bunch of stuff, Jack. I hope you don't mind. I figured you guys
might be holed up here for awhile while Sam recuperates." Tommy gave me a
knowing smile and I looked down and blushed. Tommy was thinking along the
same lines I was. The fact that he would help stock the larder in support
meant he was okay with Sam and I being together. That meant a lot to me.

"Thank you, Tommy. I really appreciate it."

As we put the groceries away, at one point Tommy leaned in closer to me and
whispered. "Jack, Sam cares about you very, very much. You're all he talks
about. Please be good to him. He's still a little scared I think."

"He's not the only one, Tommy. But I promise you I will be good to him. I
care about him very much, too."

"I know you do, Jack. I'm glad you guys found each other. Sam has needed a
guy like you his whole life, and I think you could do no better than Sam. I
hope you guys can make it work. I'll help in any way I can." I had to turn
away as the tears threatened to fall. Tommy was an amazing friend.

I made myself busy getting the grill warmed up. Tommy agreed to do the actual
grilling while I put everything else together. In short order we had burgers,
crispy french fries, macaroni salad, and all the fixings for a picnic feast.
Tommy had even purchased some fresh cut watermelon that was already chilled,
just the way I liked it.

I set everything up on a small table near where Sam was laying, watching us.
I would glance at him every few seconds and he was always smiling at me. Oh
yeah, Sam had it bad for me. I couldn't stop smiling myself.

I made a burger for Sam according to his instructions. He wanted sliced
tomato, a little mayo and mustard, and pepper jack cheese. And of course he
wanted his plate filled with french fries, ketchup on the side. I handed him
his plate and another water bottle, and then made my own plate. My burger was
identical to Sam's.

The three of us sat and ate and laughed at stories that Tommy told about
working with Sam in the pool business and some other crazy fun they had
gotten into in college. It was so cool to sit there and listen as some of the
pages of Sam's life were beautifully filled in for me. Every word served to
convince me that this was the guy I wanted to be my forever love.

Tommy looked at his watch and decided he needed to be going soon. He and I
made quick work of cleaning up the kitchen and putting everything away. "Sam,
you gonna be okay if I leave you here with Jack? You gonna behave yourself
and keep that leg up?" Tommy asked.

"Yes, I promise. I'll be fine, Tommy, don't worry. Jack will take good care
of me." I nodded in agreement. I certainly planned to.

I walked with Tommy to the gargantuan front doors. "Thanks again, Tommy, for
running to the store. Hey, I almost forgot. I'm sure I owe you more money for
all that food."

Tommy put his hand up. "Jack, you gave me more than enough money. The little
bit extra I added was because I wanted to. We're good." I nodded to him and
Tommy turned to leave, then stopped.

"Jack. I know it's really none of my business, but Sam told me that all you
guys have done is kiss." I nodded again, trying not to be embarrassed, then
realizing I had nothing to be embarrassed about. "Just...do me a favor...talk
to him. Let him know how you feel. Be honest with him. You guys just met and
you're leaving in a few days and...I just...it would kill me, Jack, to see
him hurt again. Please don't leave him with false expectations, okay. I know
you won't do it on purpose, but...do you know what I mean?"

"Yes, Tommy, I think so. I'll talk to him - tonight - I promise. I planned on
doing that anyway, but now I definitely will. And Tommy...thanks for being
his friend. And for...being mine, too." We fist bumped and I watched him
drive off from the door.

When I got back to Sam, he was asleep on his lounge chair. His leg looked
like it was in a good position, so I didn't touch him. I got my IPad and sat
in a chair a little further away so I wouldn't accidentally wake him up, but
still be close enough to keep an eye on him. He wasn't exactly ambulatory. I
hoped he was right and his ankle would be okay in a day or two. I hated the
idea of him hobbling in pain.

I must have fallen asleep instantly because my IPad was on the same page of
my book that I started on, when I woke to Sam trying to stand up and cursing
under his breath.

"Sam...hold on a minute. I'll help you," I said, hauling myself up and over
to him.

"I'm sorry, Jack. I didn't want to wake you, but I gotta piss really bad. Can
you help me to the bathroom?"

"Sure, let me get alongside you here...now lean on me...I've got you. And now
we move." Together we stutter stepped past the TV lounge to the bathroom. As
we walked Sam's hand kept brushing the small of my back like he does. I knew
he was struggling to walk, but man it felt good to be next to him like that.
Once at the bathroom door, Sam said he could take it from there, but I still
helped him to the toilet and stood him upright in front of it.

"It's all you from here, big guy. I'll be outside when you're done. And watch
your aim. I don't want to have to clean that floor later," I said with a
grin.
I shut the door behind me and gave him some privacy. When I heard the toilet
flush, I waited 30 seconds and then knocked. "Come on in, Jack. The show's
over."

"Darn, I missed it?" I said mockingly as I entered. I got my shoulder under
his so he could lean on me again and together we negotiated the bathroom door
without falling down and then I got a bright idea.

"Sam. Whadda ya say I put you here in the TV Lounge for now? These couches
would be a lot more comfortable and we could watch a movie or something if
you want."

"Yeah, that sounds good. My ass was starting to hurt on the lounge chair on
the lanai. And...I hate to ask...but could you get me some ice for my ankle.
I think it's starting to swell again and it hurts."

"Of course. Here, let's get you comfortable and your leg back up. That will
help take the pressure off. Then I'll get you some ice." I got him maneuvered
onto the chaise lounge end of the leather sectional with his back upright and
his right leg slightly elevated in front of him. He was instantly feeling
better. I handed him the remote and went in search of ice.

In the kitchen I pulled out a large plastic baggie and filled it half full
with ice from the freezer. Then I added cold water until the baggie was maybe
3/4 full, but with room to still be flexible. I had read about that trick
somewhere before. I grabbed a thin dish towel and took that and the makeshift
ice pack back to the TV room.

I gently laid the dishtowel over Sam's swollen ankle - it looked even more
bruised and sore around the edges of the bandage - so that the ice cold
plastic baggie wouldn't stick to any exposed skin. I rested the ice pack on
the largest area of swelling and held it there with no additional pressure,
sitting on the sofa next to him. The TV was on, but Sam was only watching me.
I looked at him and smiled, and he smiled back.

"Jack, I'm sorry this happened and that you now have to take care of me.
But...I can't think of anyone I'd rather have help me than you."

"Sam...I told you. I want to take care of you...and thank you for letting
me." I grabbed his hand and held it, as a tidal wave of thoughts and feelings
rolled through my soul. It was a tender moment - a time of vulnerability for
Sam - and I appreciated it for all that it was. I almost told him how I truly
felt but at the last second held back. I needed to get the money talk out of
the way first.

I moved around to sit next to Sam, leaning up against him. He sat higher than
me by two inches, so I fit under his arm easily, which he put around me and
pulled me in closer to himself. He was warm and comfortable. I loved how he
smelled too, masculine and warm. I put my head back on his chest and relaxed
into him. He put his other arm around me in a reverse hug and I melted. No
place on earth was better than in Sam's arms. I sighed deeply.

"Comfy?" Sam asked.

"Yes. This is the best. I've wanted this all day."

"Really? Why?"

"Because, Sam. Ever since you first hugged me like this on the beach that
night I told you I was gay, I have craved your arms around me. I don't know
how to describe it really. It's...like...I belong here. Like I don't really
fit quite right anywhere else. Is that weird?"

"No, Jack. I think it's great. And you can stay right here in my arms forever
if you want to." I couldn't help it. I started to cry, great big happy tears.
He loved me. I knew he did. And he wanted forever, too.

Sam realized I was crying, and got concerned. "Are you okay, Jack. Did I say
something wrong?" I patted his top arm and shook my head.

"No, Sam. No. You said everything just right. You might as well know, I seem
to have this quirk where I cry when I'm happy. I get overwhelmed with the
good feelings and the tears just flow. It's silly, I know, but I can't help
it. It just happens. And...when you said I could stay here forever...well
nothing would make me happier, Sam." I turned my head to look up at him, and
he pulled me a little to one side and bent down to kiss me. There was
something new in that kiss. There was love in it. It literally felt
different. Beyond passion, beyond raw animal lust. Love felt overwhelmingly
wonderful.

After a few moments we broke the kiss and I put my head back on his chest
again, unbelievably content and relaxed up against him. I could feel him
relax, too. We both sighed deeply at the same time, and it was funny. We
started giggling. It was fun and just right.

At some point we settled in to watch a silly sitcom on the TV, chuckling and
laughing together occasionally. During a commercial break, I reluctantly got
up to use the bathroom myself, and distinctly heard Sam's stomach rumbling.

"Geez, what have you got hiding in there? Godzilla?"

Sam laughed. "Nope. That's all me. And I think it's telling me I'm hungry."

"Okay. When I get back, I'll see what I can pull together for us. Give me a
minute." I did my bathroom business quickly and stooped to give Sam a quick
kiss as I moved past the TV lounge, because he was too damn sexy to just walk
past. He sat there grinning at me, knowing he had my motor going again and
very proud of his sexy self.

Tommy had done a little more than I realized in the grocery department. There
were two decent sized steaks in the meat drawer in the fridge, stuff to make
a good salad, and two of the twice-baked potatoes that Sam loved. I guess
Tommy paid attention to his friends. Nice. I decided to tell Sam the good
news.

"How about a steak, twice baked potato, and salad? Will that work for you,
Sam?" I asked.

"Yeah! Sounds perfect. You have all that?"

"I do now. Tommy brought all that back with him this afternoon. I had no
idea. He's a good shopper." I turned to head back to the kitchen, but Sam
stopped me.

"Jack." There was something in his tone that compelled me to turn and look at
him. He stared at me,looking deeply into my eyes, trying to read something or
understand something in me. I said not a word, but let him look, all the
while getting more and more nervous.

He suddenly relaxed and I felt instant relief. "I'd help you in the kitchen,
but I don't think I'll be much use. But can you help me get back out there so
I can watch you do all the work?" He was grinning.

I helped Sam to a lounge chair that faced the kitchen area so he could watch
me put dinner together. There wasn't much to it, really. I got the grill
going, seasoned the steaks with salt and pepper and garlic salt, and put the
potatoes under the broiler. I was getting to be an old pro with the broiler.
Once the steaks were sizzling on the grill, I put together a simple salad and
tossed it with a Tuscan Italian salad dressing I had purchased earlier. The
timer dinged on the oven and I had the potatoes on a hot pad just in time to
get the steaks off the grill. I served everything up on two plates and
carried them over to where Sam was sitting.

"This looks and smells fantastic, Jack. Thanks. If we were at my place you'd
get take out pizza - if you were lucky." He smiled as he chewed his tender
and juicy steak.

"I'd take it, just to be eating a meal with you." I replied.

"Well, I don't know, Jack. We seem to come from two different worlds. Even
those hamburgers today were gourmet. I don't see you eating Ramen noodles and
peanut butter and jelly sandwiches." I know he didn't mean it, but he was
getting close to hurting my feelings. I suddenly felt judged for wanting to
serve him good food.

"Listen, Sam. I...haven't always been able to buy food like this. I just
wanted to make it nice for you. I'm sorry if it made you uncomfortable. I
wasn't trying to one up you or anything. I've enjoyed our time at the pizza
place more than anyplace else we've been. I...just..."

Sam must have realized he had struck a nerve, because he back-pedaled
quickly. "I'm sorry, Jack. I didn't mean to imply...it's just that,
well...you know how I feel about people who look down on me because they have
money...and...uh...when you gave that money to Tommy today...I guess...I
don't know...I got scared that I was way out of my league financially. And
I...want to be with you, Jack. But I won't have that kind of money for a long
time to come still." Now he was the one distraught. I was starting to hate
money.

"Sam. Just wait a minute...just...wait. I need to tell you something. I've
been waiting for the right time, and I guess it's now. You said last night
that we should have nothing hidden from each other, and I agree. But there is
something - a big something - that you don't know about me yet. But I need
you to agree to just listen until I'm finished, okay. I've never had to tell
this story, so it may take a while, okay?"

"Jack, it's okay. You don't have to..."

"Yes, I do, Sam. I do, and you deserve the whole truth about me. I just hope
when you know it all that you'll still want to be with me like you said. Will
you just listen?" He nodded. I took and deep breath and began.

"You have to understand, Sam, that first of all, I do not come from money or
privilege. I had even less than you growing up. I went to public schools. My
parents divorced when I was 8 and we had it rough at times. My mother did the
best she could, I guess, and we had clothes and food and a clean place to
live, but not much else. I worked a cleaning job and at McDonald's in high
school. I put myself through college; there was no one helping me."

Up until a few weeks ago, I was in a dead end job, living in a simple, one-
bedroom apartment, driving a very old car, which I had just paid off, and
staring at a student loan of over $16,000. And then I got a phone call..."

I proceeded to tell Sam all that had transpired after that call, right up
until the time I arrived in Hawaii. He knew most of it from there. When I was
done, he was looking at me with his trademark deep, penetrating stare. I
locked eyes with him, willing him to see the truth in me - I would never
judge him because of money. He studied me for a long time, but it never got
uncomfortable. It was Sam being Sam. I waited for his verdict.

I saw the nod of his head, and I knew I had passed. That we had passed. I
blew out a huge sigh of relief.

"Jack. That's some story. I can't imagine how you must have felt finding out
about your birth mother, and the inheritance. That must have been
overwhelming."

"Oh, you have no idea, Sam. I left out the part where I threw up when they
told me about inheriting the money. I just couldn't handle it." I had
purposely omitted details about how much the inheritance entailed, and I
instantly realized I had said too much. Sam was on it in a heartbeat.

"Jack, I know it's really none of my business. But what exactly did you
inherit that would make you get so upset you'd throw up?" Decision time. How
far do I go?

It was my turn to study Sam's face. I looked across the space between us to
the man I loved and wanted to spend my life with. It really made no sense to
not tell him, if we were going to be together. I was almost certain he wanted
to be with me, too. We had a lot to work out, but the money should be a help,
not a hindrance. Hopefully. I swallowed and forged ahead.

"Well, Sam...it's a lot. A whole lot. Like, I can't really comprehend it. I
don't even know the exact amount. It changes daily, from what I understand."
Sam mouth was now hanging open.

"Ballpark it for me, Jack."

"Uh...well...Sam, it's just a number. It doesn't mean anything, really."

"Jack. Please? Just tell me."

I had to tell him. I had to. So I blurted out, "Over 500 million."

"Are you shittin' me? You're worth over 500 million dollars? Fuck. Me." Sam
got very agitated, exactly what I had feared. He tried to stand up and pace,
but couldn't so he got even more frustrated. My heart was breaking because I
could feel him pulling away from me in that moment.

"Sam. Sam! Sit down, please, before you hurt yourself." Apparently I wasn't
the only one who freaks out over money. Thankfully my shouting at him got his
attention and he stood there, glaring at me.

"How do you...how...how am I supposed to...Jack?" Sam collapsed onto his
chair, his bum ankle all but forgotten in the moment. He put his face in his
hands and hung his head, like he was defeated. This was worse than I had
feared. He looked broken somehow.

"Sam? Sam. Talk to me. I know it's a shock. It was for me, too. But I'm here,
Sam. Please. Talk to me." I was imploring him, trying not to lose it myself.
I could feel forever slipping away.

Finally, he slowly looked up at me. There were tears in his eyes, and my
heart broke. My own tears fell as I looked into the pain etched on his face,
knowing it wasn't from his ankle.

"Jack." He tried to start, but had to stop for the lump in his throat. He
swallowed and tried again. "Jack. I wanted to be the one to take care of you.
To provide for you and cover you and you would need me and I would always be
there for you. But you don't need me, Jack. And I could never, ever provide
for you with that kind of money. I'll never see a tiny fraction of that.
Where does this leave me, Jack? What am I supposed to do here? Help me
understand that, Jack."

He was openly crying now, nearly sobbing. I did the only thing I could think
of. I jumped up, crossed to him, and threw myself into his arms. He
instinctively held me tightly. Through my own sobs, I fairly shouted at him.
"This! This, Sam! You can hold me and make me feel safe. You can love me and
believe in me and help me not be scared, just like you have ever since the
day I met you. I need you, Sam. I do. Money can't buy what you give me - it's
priceless. I'm lost without you, Sam. Please, you have to understand that. I
have nobody. I do need you, Sam. I do. Please..." Sam's only response was to
hold me tighter, and we both cried until there was nothing left. Even after
the waterworks had ended, I still clung to him, terrified if I let go it
would be the last time I would ever be in his arms. But I had one more thing
I need to tell him. It might as well be now.

I leaned back, loosening his hold on me a little, but still not breaking the
connection. I put my hands on his chest and stared at them, trying to see his
heart inside. I wanted to put mine in there, too, so they could always beat
side by side. I sighed and looked up at him.

"Sam. I have more thing I need to say to you." He tensed, like he couldn't
handle one more thing. "No no no no. It's not bad, I promise. At least I
don't think it's bad. Look, this whole relationship with you is so new and
wonderful to me, and I really don't know what I'm doing. I'm so sorry if I
hurt you by telling you about the money, or not telling you sooner, or
whatever. I'm trying to figure this out as we go. But I do know some things.
Some things I'm very clear on. I do need you, Sam. And I've wanted to spend
the rest of my life with you since that first night on the beach. Even if we
are just friends, I need you in my life. I won't accept anything less than
that, Sam. If the money is too much for you and makes you too uncomfortable
or you can't be who you need to be, I'll understand that, and we won't be
more than friends. But I will be your friend, Sam. Forever. Please don't let
something like money ruin our friendship."

Sam was wanting to say something, but I gently put a finger to his lips to
ask him to wait until I was finished. He nodded. I continued.

"But the truth is, Sam. I want more. I want it all. I want us to be a couple
and build a life together and change the world together. I don't have the
foggiest idea how to do any of that, but that's what I want. More than
anything else in the world. And Sam, I swear to you, with all that I am, if
having this money will prevent that from happening, then I will give every
last cent away to the charities of your choice. Sam, I want you. I
need...you. I didn't ask for the money. I never wanted it. I just want to be
with you, Sam. That's all I want. I love you, Sam. I love you with all my
heart. Please, Sam...please love me back."

I was looking down now, waiting for his response, hoping against hope that he
heard my heart. He was silent and then I saw, rather than heard, his tears
start to fall again. I couldn't look at him. I was too afraid of what I would
see in his eyes. I couldn't bear him leaving me. My own eyes filled again.

Suddenly he reached up with his hand and gently lifted my chin so I had to
look at him. His radiant blue eyes were positively glowing with fire in them,
like he was lit up from within. He looked at me, a slow sensual smile
spreading across his face.

"Jack Schaeffer, I do love you. I've loved you since I first laid eyes on
you. I knew you were special that very first day. And then when you trusted
me and told me you were gay, well...I knew you were the one. The one I had
been waiting for. I've been scared to tell you because I didn't want to
overwhelm you with my feelings. But Jack, I don't have words to tell you how
strongly I feel for you and want you in my life. I want forever with you,
too, Jack. I want to come home from school or work and yours is the face I
see and the lips I kiss. Oh God, Jack, I want to kiss you forever and ever. I
want to love you and make love to you and be with you always. I want to grow
old with you and live amazing lives together and change the world together.
It's not about the money, Jack. I don't care about the money, I just need you
to need me. That's all. Because I need you, Jack. Please...please need me
back."

I nodded my head furiously up and down. I was smiling and crying at the same
time, just overwhelmed with emotions. I didn't trust myself to speak anymore.
So I used my lips for their better purpose and I kissed him. And he kissed me
back. I needed him and he loved me. We were going to have forever.

We were both exhausted, emotionally and physically. Neither one of us had
finished our dinners, and frankly, I didn't think I could or should put any
more food in my stomach. Sam said he was finished as well, so I grabbed the
plates and took them to the kitchen, getting back to him as fast as I could.
He was smiling again, looking happier than ever. We had weathered our first
storm and come out of it stronger, I think. At least there was nothing hidden
anymore.

"Sam, do you want me to take you home tonight, or do you want to stay here?"

"Geez, Jack. You don't waste time, do you. Tell a guy you love him and just
expect him to jump right into bed with you." He had that smart ass grin
going. I blushed, not realizing what I had just suggested.

"I just...hey, I didn't mean it like that, you jerk." I hit him with the
chair cushion next to me. He was laughing hysterically. I started laughing,
too. God, I loved that man.

When we calmed down enough, I tried again. "Sam. Would you like to stay here,
in this house, in a separate bedroom from mine, for the night?"

"No. But if a separate bedroom is my only option, then fine, I'll take it."
He acted all put out, but he was smiling at me.

"So you don't want me to take you home?" I asked.

"To tell you the truth, Jack, my ankle is killing me. I think the drive would
be pretty painful tonight. Maybe tomorrow?"

"Whatever you need, Sam. Let's get you back to the TV lounge for now and get
your leg propped up. I'll get some more ice going as well. It looks like it
has swollen up some more."

"Sure feels that way. The ice would be good." Together we got him moved to
the lounge and I went to the kitchen to make another ice pack. Back in the
lounge I got his leg properly supported and the rest of him as comfortable as
possible. I put the ice pack on his ankle very carefully and then headed back
to clean up the kitchen while Sam channel surfed.

I made quick work of the kitchen, putting all the dishes in the sink for now
and wiping things down. I returned and sat down next to Sam on the couch and
snuggled up against him. His arms came around me, and I sighed heavily.

"That, Sam, is why I need you. I need your arms around me as much as
possible." His squeezed me a little tighter.

"There's not much on TV worth watching, Jack. How about a movie?"

"Sounds great to me. Whatever you want to watch is fine." I was just content
to be next to him. He picked an action/suspense movie that was pretty good.
But after more than two hours I was beat, and I need the bathroom. Sam did,
too. I helped him to the bathroom like before, then ran to mine while he used
his. Then we had to figure out sleeping arrangements.

I was trying to decide which bedroom to put him in when I realized I just
wanted him in mine. His leg was injured, so I didn't think we would be
getting into any mischief, but why should we sleep alone? We had pledged our
love to one another, we wanted a life together, so why not start it now?

I heard Sam flush the toilet and I waited a few seconds in case he was still
zipping up, and then opened the door. He was waiting for me and we exited
into the hallway.

"Which room are you putting me in, Jack?" he asked.

"You'll see. This way." I steered him in the direction of my room. When I got
to the door I stood him up against the door jamb and looked at him.

"Sam, I want you to spend the night with me. I know we said we were going to
go slow, so I'm not asking to have sex with you. Your ankle is hurting and I
wouldn't want to take a chance on you getting injured any further. But Sam, I
don't want to sleep alone. Not anymore. Whadda ya say?"

He just nodded, grinning like a crazy man. I guess that was a yes, then. I
helped him over to the bed, and he sat down on the edge of it. Then I
realized we had another problem. He had no other clothes or toiletries with
him. I don't think either one of us had thought that far.

"Uh...Sam? What do you need by way of toiletries or bed clothes? I might have
something you could wear." His answer was to look at me with a serious face.

"Jack, I don't usually wear anything to bed. What about you?" I shook my
head, acknowledging that I slept nude as well. Interesting turn of events.

"I could use a toothbrush, though. That should do it for now." I thought I
had seen some extra new toothbrushes in a closet when I was exploring the day
I first got there. Sure enough, I found one in another bathroom. I helped Sam
to the sink and put the toothbrush in his hand.

"Do you need me to hold you straight while you brush?" I asked.

"There's nothing straight about me when you're around, Jack." We both burst
out laughing. Sam was funny. And sexy as hell. How was I going to keep my
hands off of him while he was laying next to me naked tonight?

While he brushed, I washed my face in the other sink and brushed my teeth.
Then we went back to the bedroom. We were standing next to the bed, looking
at each other, realizing the moment of truth was upon us. We were going to be
naked together for the first time.

"Do you want me to turn out the lights, Sam?" I asked.

"Don't you dare, Jack. I've waited for this for a long time. I want to see
you - all of you." I nodded in agreement and with slightly shaking hands
slipped off my socks, then my shirt. When my chest was exposed, Sam made a
sharp, gasping inhale. There was a growing bulge in his shorts now. I could
feel my own cock growing.

I slowly took my belt off, not trying to tease but slowing the moment down
just the same. Then I undid the button holding my cargo shorts together at
the waist, and pulled down the zipper. The shorts slid down my thighs and I
carefully took them off, trying not to fall on the floor. I was down to only
my black boxer brief underwear. Sam was nearly panting now, a wet spot on his
shorts seeping through. I saw that and my underwear got much tighter in the
front as my own cock hardened further.

I moved over to Sam. It was time to help him get undressed. I pushed him so
he sat down on the bed, his eyes never leaving mine. He was watching what I
was looking at. I took his socks off, and then I helped him remove his t-
shirt. I had seen his naked chest at the beach, but being this close to it, I
just had to touch it. I reached out and ran my fingers through the thick,
dark brown hair, barely resisting touching his nipples. Now I was panting, my
dick leaking precum every few seconds. I helped him stand up. It was time for
the pants to come off. This might be a challenge.

I got his belt off easily enough. Then I waited for him to undo his shorts.
He wasn't moving to do so, so I looked up at him. His eyes were on mine, and
he glanced at my hands and back to my eyes, telling me without words that he
wanted me to do the honors. Well, okay then. I reached for his waist, my
hands visibly trembling. I somehow got the button undone, then aimed my hand
toward the zipper. All I was cognizant of was the huge bulge right under my
hand. The wet spot was the size of a quarter, and up this close, I could see
whatever was behind those shorts was pulsing.

I got my fingers on the zipper pull, and started moving it downwards. Once
open, I could see that Sam had on blue boxer briefs, like mine. His cargo
shorts suddenly just fell straight to the floor and I was face to face with
his very large cock hidden only by the thin covering of underwear, now made
even more revealing with the precum drenching the fabric. He was definitely
bigger than me. The head of his uncut cock was clearly outlined in the wet
area. I helped Sam carefully step out of the cargo shorts without hurting his
ankle or suffering any other mishap, and we were now both down to our
underwear.

I looked up at Sam, his fiery blue eyes glistening, his mouth serious and
sexy. I had never seen this face. It was fascinating, and I studied it as he
had studied mine so many times before. He wanted something, and I realized in
a flash that I was it. He wanted sex. With me. He hungered for it. My heart
started racing faster than ever as I realized I wanted to give myself to him.
Desperately. I needed to do it.

With no hesitation, I reached for the waistband of my underwear and pulled
them down and off. I tossed them away and stood before Sam, watching him
watch me, my cock rock hard and leaking. I was standing naked and unashamed
before him. He kept a continuous connection with our eyes as he slowly pulled
his own underwear down, stopping only to release his cock from the waistband
when it got stuck. I wanted to look down at his dick but Sam's eyes held mine
in a virtual vice grip. When he had his underwear completely off, he looked
down at my dick again, giving me license to look at his.

It was a thing of beauty. Perfectly proportioned, the head flaring slightly
wider than the straight, thick shaft, and maybe an inch or two bigger than
me, solid and veiny and pure manhood. It now pointed straight out and upwards
at a slight angle from the ground, each heartbeat causing it to pulse up and
down. My own breathing became erratic and I realized I needed to sit down
before I fainted, so I got on the bed, trying to calm down. Sam followed me,
moving slowly up to sit right next to me, his hairy legs touching mine, our
throbbing dicks less than a foot apart now. I put my hands on his chest and
he did the same to mine. I held my hand over his heart and felt it pulsing
under my touch. Sam moved his hands slowly around my chest, before settling
his palms on my nipples. I was panting and moaning now, my dick leaking like
a sieve.

Sam locked eyes with me again, his hungry look more pronounced, and then he
leaned in to kiss me. It was gentle, but full of passion and promise. I
kissed him back, our lips caressing and exploring as if it was our first time
again. I closed my eyes and gave myself to the sensations now coursing all
through my trembling body. Wherever Sam took us tonight, I would follow.

His tongue brushed my upper lip, and my own darted out to meet it. Our
passion and desire ratcheted up several notches, as our tongues became more
demanding and aggressive. Sam gently but firmly leaned against me, pushing me
slowly backwards and down on the bed, never breaking our kiss. My hands were
now roaming unrestrained, touching and caressing and exploring. Sam's were
doing the same.

I brushed across his hard nipple and Sam gasped into my mouth. I touched it
again lightly, and he gasped again. I very softly rubbed across his other
nipple with my thumb, this time eliciting a loud moan. He was trembling all
over now. I continued my nipple exploration, guided by his gasps and moans.
He finally grabbed my hand to indicate it was too much too soon. I smiled and
moved on.

Sam went back to kissing me. Man, he liked to kiss. Then his hand grazed my
nipple...and I understood his reaction. The feeling was electric, and I felt
a tingle all the way down into my dick. Each time he touched or rubbed a
nipple, my cock would jump, and another drop of pre-cum would ooze out.
Before long Sam had me writhing under him, unable to control all of my body
movements. I was moaning and groaning in pure pleasure.

Sam rolled over onto his back, pulling me on top of him. I was aware that our
rock hard cocks were now touching, sliding against each other on an oil slick
of pre-cum. Sam's tongue had taken over my mouth as I continued to grind my
crotch against his. Our breathing became more labored, more frantic. The
feeling of my sensitive cock sliding against Sam's had me riding on the edge
now. Sam started pushing up against my dick with his own, his movements more
insistent and urgent. He suddenly reached up to my nipples and squeezed them
and I screamed into his mouth as I came between us, shaking violently
throughout the entire orgasm. Seconds later, while I was still shooting and
spasming, Sam started moaning and shaking all over and I felt his cum spurts
blasting against my abs and cock.

We stopped moving, laying perfectly still, slowly catching our breath as our
bodies recovered. I was deliriously happy and completely exhausted. Sam
seemed content to have me lay on top of him, and I certainly didn't want to
move. For once I didn't try to analyze what just happened and let myself just
be in the moment. And what a glorious moment it was, too.

After a few minutes, I became aware that Sam was in some discomfort. I
thought it was me laying on him, so I quickly rolled off, but it was his
ankle. He smiled at me through the pain and tried to ignore it.

"You okay, Jack?" he whispered.

"Hmm hmm. Really good, actually. I feel great, Sam. How 'bout you?"

"Oh man, Jack. You were awesome. I can't believe we did that - came together
like that. That was the best ever for me."

I looked down at our torsos, now covered in cum. I was getting a little cold
and I knew Sam was in pain. As much as I didn't want to move, I had to. I got
up and went to the bathroom, returning with a warm washcloth. I gently
cleaned off the mess on Sam's chest, abs and genitals, then did the same for
me. I returned from disposing of the towel with two Tylenol and a water
bottle for Sam. He took them gratefully, looking at me with love in his eyes.

I turned off the lights and settled back in the bed, all snuggled up against
Sam, my head resting half on his chest, my hand slowing playing with the hair
between his nipples. I felt warm and secure and at peace with his arm wrapped
around me. They say you never forget your first time, and I knew that would
be true for me. It had been beyond anything I had ever fantasized. I had a
feeling that everything with Sam would be better than I had hoped before. I
drifted off to sleep happy and content, laying in the arms of the man I
loved.


To be continued...

Author's Note: Way to go, Jack and Sam! They finally confess their love for
each other. And they had sex! They appear to have weathered the storm about
money...at least for now. But what about the upcoming departure of Jack for
Denver? How will they handle that? Will forever last for the young lovers?
Stay tuned...

As usual, my editors - Mark, Harry and Josh - have done an excellent job
lifting the standards of this story. Thank you, guys.

And thank you readers, as always, for loving this story as much I love
writing it. Thank you for your kind words and the thoughts you share with me
from time to time. They are much appreciated. If you are enjoying this story
and have never sent me a note, please do. It's fun to hear from people all
over the world who are following the adventures of Jack (and now, Sam, too!)