Exposed

Exposed: Chapter 24

James had decided there was no reason to get up super early and told the pilot that they wanted to leave around nine in the morning. The pilot said the jet would be ready. James then asked how long it would take to get to New York. The pilot chuckled and said, "That's always an interesting question. Assuming normal weather and flight conditions, airtime is nine hours, and we will land in New York three hours after we take off. James had flown to Europe and Australia on vacation, and he intellectually understood jet travel seemed to warp time. However international business travel would be one of the aspects of his new role at Pierce International that he would have to get used to.

In the morning, Hans drove the boys to the airport and helped them get their luggage and packages loaded onto the plane. When they got on board, Josh greeted them and asked when they would want breakfast. James said, "I think we want to go back to bed for a bit."

"Very well," Josh said. "I will be up in the galley. When you're ready for breakfast, or if you need anything, just use the inflight comm system. Oh, and do remember you have to have your seats in an upright position for takeoff and landing. The pilot will announce when we're at altitude." As James and Brock got back to their seats, Brock asked, "Do you think he knows what we're planning to do?"

James looked at Brock and said, "It's so cute how innocent and naive you are at times."

Brock blushed and James kissed him. When the pilot announced the jet was at cruising altitude and everyone could move around, James and Brock made a beeline for the master bedroom at the back of the jet.

It did not take long for the guys to strip off their clothes and jump into bed. James was always a bit cool when he flew, so the minute he was under the covers, he cuddled up against Brock and said, "You're in charge stud."

Two and a half hours after leaving Zurich, if Brock had looked out the window, he would have seen the western tip of Ireland recede in the distance, but at that moment he was too busy dumping a load of cum into James' hungry hole. Brock rolled off James and lay on the bed panting.

"Damn boy, you were a tiger," James said.

"I guess flying agrees with me."

James laughed and said, "I wonder what Axella would say if I called up and said I wanted the jet for an afternoon just to fly circles around New York while you fuck me?"

Brock kissed James and said, "Yeah, I'm not sure how you would put that on your expense report."

"I'm going to take a shower then go get some coffee."

"Do you want me to help you?"

James laughed again and said, "You saw that shower. You are going to have a hard time getting your shoulders into it. There's no way we could both fit in it."

Brock rolled over and pulled James in for a hug, then said, "You know that's what my hole says every time I see your cock, but it still manages."

"You are so such an incorrigible dog."

"True," Brock said with a cute smile, "but I have only one master."

James smiled and pushed Brock away, and said, `I'm getting up. You can decide if you want to eat breakfast or stay in bed and play with yourself."

When James was clean and dressed, he went to find Josh and coffee. As Josh poured James some coffee, he asked whether he and Brock were ready for breakfast.

"Yes, and you wouldn't happen to still have one of those donuts left from the flight over?"

"No, but I do have some fresh donuts. Unfortunately, the Zurich Dunkin' Donuts didn't have any maple glaze donuts."

"I'm just surprised there is a Dunkin' Donuts in Switzerland."

"I'll bring an assortment of what they had, and you can choose. I'll also get you and Mr. Champlain's breakfast ready."

As James sipped his coffee, he had to think about how his life had changed, was changing, and still remained the same. He was now the largest stockholder in a multibillion-dollar conglomerate, of which he was the CEO in waiting. His former nemesis was now his boyfriend and lover, and despite all of that, he was still a kid. As privileged as he was, he did envy that `normal' kids get to grow into adulthood at their own pace and in their own way.

Just then Brock walked in, saw the donuts on the table, grabbed one, and tried balancing it on his nose before eating it. James smiled. Without Brock, James had no idea how he could handle his life. Brock had no intention of growing up too fast; in fact, James was pretty sure Brock would never grow up. That was not to say that Brock would be irresponsible or undependable, To the contrary, Brock was the rock, James would always hold onto to keep himself sane and balanced.

When they landed in New York, a car was waiting for them. Though it would be hard, they had decided they would each spend time alone with their families. The first stop was to drop Brock at his house. "I'm going to miss you," Brock said and gave James a big kiss.

"I know, and I'll miss you, but Christmas is just four days away. After that, we'll have our holiday," James said, "Plus, l'm going to be out at the estate tomorrow. If you can haul your lazy ass out of bed, we can get in a workout."

"Oh, I`ll be there, so you'd better be ready to hit the gym hard."

The two kissed again, then Brock got out and went into his house.

When James got home, he filled his mother and aunt in on how James Senior was doing. James also asked, "Mom, do you still own Grandpa's cabin."

A sentimental smile came over Julia's face, and she said, "The cabin, I haven't been up there in years. Yes, I still own it. I should sell it, but every time I think about it, I hear Dad saying, `Everyone needs a place in the woods.' Of course, neither I nor your Aunt Emily ever understood his need to get away from civilization. So, what has you interested in the cabin?"

"The suite we had in Zurich felt a bit like a lodge in the mountains. Brock really liked it, and that got me thinking about the cabin."

"It currently isn't being rented," Julia said. "Some work needs to be done to bring it up to code and update it."

"I hope you aren't turning it into a fancy resort property," James said skeptically.

"I wasn't planning on it, but if you want, I'm sure you and Brock could drive up there and make sure I'm not knocking too much of the rust off of it's rustic appeal. It's only a two-and-a-half-hour drive."

"Is it in a condition where we could stay, for a couple of days?"

"You'd have to call the property manager," Julia said. "I don't know if they have started any work yet. How about this. You get with the property manager and the contractor and make any changes you want. I'm just holding on to that cabin because it was your Grandfather Henry's, the same way your father is hanging onto your Grandfather Pierce's' yacht. If you would use and cherish the cabin, then it's yours. I'm sure that's what would have made your grandfather happy."

"I'm sure the same is true for the yacht," Sydney said. "Right now, the yacht, the cabin, the estate are just possessions, but you need to turn them into tools. Tools for you to use to keep a balance in your life."

James smiled, and said, "Thanks, Mom. Thanks, Aunt Sydney."

"Okay, so what is this Pierce-Walker Christmas party?" Julia asked. "And do you really think I should be there? After all, I'm not a Pierce anymore."

"You're still a Pierce. You're the mother of a Pierce, the fiancé of a Pierce, and let's face it, you and Dad are still .... well, you and Dad. As for the Christmas party, it's a way for me to revive some traditions that I have faint, but happy memories of. I know the Pierce-Walker Christmas Party was very important to my grandparents."

James paused, and Sydney said, "And does this also have something to do with the Walker Debt?"

"In a way. What do you know about the Walker Debt?"

"I know that the Walkers have as long of a history at the Pierce Estate as the Pierces," Sydney said, "I know that the Walker Family Trust is second only to the Pierce family in the ownership of Pierce International. I also did one of those, DNA ancestry tests, and in addition to the Pierces, Morgans, and Adams families, there is a strong connection to the Walker family."

"I hadn't thought about DNA testing," James said excitedly. "I should try that. Maybe I was switched at birth and there's some kid out there who is living what is supposed to be my normal, boring, teenage life."

Julia laughed and said, "Fat chance. You've got too much of your father in you. The good... and the bad." She paused and said, "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said that."

"But it's true," James said. Then he hugged his mom, and said, "I also have plenty of you in me."

After a few moments to calm their emotions, James said, "In addition to reviving a Christmas tradition, this party is a chance for me to meet some of the people who can potentially share the responsibility of the Pierce-Walker legacy, which is one of the reasons I want both of you at this party."

Julia and Sydney had meetings in the afternoon, so James decided to take a nap. When he woke up, he went to the building's fitness room for a workout. He tried to do his normal routine, but without Brock, it was just hard to stay motivated. Every day James became more aware of how much he leaned on Brock. On one level, that felt good, but on another, it was a bit scary. James had been an eyewitness to his parents' marriage and its demise, and he was fully aware that people can fall out of love just as easily as they can fall into love.

When James got back to the apartment, he called Brock and when he answered, James said, "Gobble, gobble."

Brock laughed and said, "I think we've long passed gobble, gobbling."

"Okay, Then Ho Ho Ho."

"Oh, so now I'm not a turkey; I'm a hoe. Kinky."

"No babe, I never want you to be a hoe. I always want you to be my man."

"James, what's going on," Brock asked with concern, and James told Brock how he was feeling.

"Do you need me to come over?"

"No, I just needed to be honest with you about how vulnerable I've made myself by falling in love with you. I spent years building a shell to protect myself from being emotionally hurt, and now it's gone."

"Look babe," Brock said, "I know words alone can't wash away what you're feeling, but there is nothing and no one I care about more than you. I would swim across the Hudson every morning just to kiss you."

James laughed, then said, "As much as I love you, if you just swam the Hudson, you would have to shower before you got that kiss."

Brock and James both laughed, and James' spirit lifted. Soon, they were joking and telling stories until James heard Betty yell, "James, are you home?"

James ended the call and went down to see Betty.

"Where have you been? I was afraid Mom or Aunt Sydney pissed you off and you finally carried through on that threat to leave and let us all starve."

Betty plopped down on one of the kitchen stools and said, "I've been cooking my ass off out at the Pierce Estate. It seems some spoiled rich kid wants an old-fashioned Pierce-Walker Christmas."

"I'm so sorry, Betty. I thought we'd arranged to have that catered."

"You did, and I told Noah that no strangers are going to fuck up my kitchen. I may not be employed at the Estate any longer, but I got squatters' rights in that kitchen."

James laughed and said, "I should have known better than to try hiring a caterer behind your back."

Betty gave James a stern look, and said, "You got that right mister." Then she smiled, opened a container, and said, "Today was cookies and candy day, and I knew you would want to sample some."

"These are great Betty, but I hope you're not overdoing it. This is a lot of work. I can hire you some help."

"Don't need it," Betty said firmly. "Noah and Trudy took charge of the candy making. Candy has always been Trudy's thing. Then Gill and Noah's grandson, Peter, helped me with the cookies. Peter is taking culinary classes at his high school and plans to go to culinary school after graduation."

"Is the rest of the mansion ready for this party? I feel bad not being there to help."

"James, you can't feel bad about that. Everyone knows you had to go see your father. Besides, the estate will be ready. Casper and Gill decorated the grounds the week after Thanksgiving, and it looks like old times. Today, Noah's youngest son, Michael, his wife Sandy, and his daughters Emma and Emily helped the housekeeping staff decorate the Great Hall, the dining room, the library, and the music room."

"Wow, it sounds like everything is coming together," James said. "I plan to be out there tomorrow to help as much as I can."

"Well make sure to spend some time with Michael. He's just the man to take over as estate manager when Noah retires."

"How do you know about that?"

"There are four trustees of the Walker family trust: Noah, Casper, and me."

"I didn't know you were a Walker."

"I'm not...well not by birth. My first husband was a Walker. He was a captain in the Army and was killed in Vietnam. I was young and my boy Grant was just a baby. We were living in base housing, and I had no idea what I was going to do. But then John Walker, Noah's father, showed up and said he was there to see that Grant and I were taken care of. He moved us to the estate and hired me as an assistant in the kitchen. The Walker Trust paid for me to take culinary classes and for Grant's college education. So, when I was asked to serve as a trustee, I couldn't say no."

"I had no idea," James said. "There are so many secrets. I grew up on the Estate, but I sometimes feel like an outsider. You said there are four trustees, but you only named Noah, Casper, and yourself. Who is the fourth?"

"Your father is the fourth trustee, but...."

"Oh fuck," James said as he realized who would replace him.

The next morning James was up early and headed to the estate. He wanted to get in a swim before the day's work started. James decided not to turn on any light besides the pool lights. James slipped into the pool and began swimming. Soon he was in a rhythm and his sleek body seemed to effortlessly cut through the water. It felt good to stretch his muscles and he soon was swimming at his competition pace.

After a while, James found he was not alone in the pool and was glad he decided to wear his swim trunks. The other swimmer was two lanes over and seemed to be a very good swimmer. When James finished his swim, he finally had a chance to see who was swimming with him. He had assumed it was Gill, but while as tall as Gill, the swimmer was younger and less muscular.

James decided not to interrupt the other swimmer's workout and headed for the showers. James had just finished dressing when the other swimmer walked into the locker room. James smiled and said, "I'm James."

"I'm, Peter. My grandfather is Noah Walker. My family is visiting for the Holidays, and he said I could use the pool to keep up my training."

"Cool," James said, "Are on a swim team."

"Yeah, back in Texas. I'm on my high school team. How about you?"

"The same, high school swimmer."

"Do you live on the estate?" Peter asked.

"No, I just train here. I live with my mother."

"That's too bad. This is a great place, but there aren't a lot of young people here," Peter said.

"I understand," James said. "Maybe we can find time over the holidays to hang out."

"That would be great."

After saying goodbye, James headed off to the mansion.

"Good morning, Betty," James said as he walked into the kitchen, "You're here early."

"Well, you're here and your mother and aunt had a breakfast meeting. So, I thought I'd get a head start. I always seem to get more done in the morning. There are muffins and coffee. If you want something else, I can make it."

"How about I make you something? I'm pretty good at omelets."

"That would be great, and I can get started on making tomorrow's dinner."

"How many people will be here?"

"I'm planning on 70."

"Wow, there are a lot of Walkers," James said.

"That's only half of the family. The rest couldn't make it. But yes, the Walkers breed like rabbits, unlike the Pierces."

"I think that's why I'm so interested in connecting with the Walker family," James said. "In a lot of ways, they're my closest relations. I have always seen Gill as an older brother, and you're like my... I hope this doesn't offend you, like another grandmother."

"I'm not offended at all. Instead, it's an honor. Also, I think you and Peter will hit it off. In a lot of ways, he reminds me of you. You could easily pass for brothers. Just wait til you meet him."

"I have met him already. I was in the pool this morning when he came in for a swim. I only told him my first name, and he thinks I'm just some kid who is allowed to use the pool to train. I want to see how long it takes for him to figure it out."

"Already teasing him... just like brothers," Betty said.

James got busy cutting up vegetables and ham. Then he got out the eggs and cheese. When Betty saw how much stuff he was cutting up she said, "Just how much do you think I eat!?"

"Well, I figure there will be other people arriving soon to help and I thought I could make omelets for anyone who wanted one."

"Well, as long as you're running an omelet station, I'll have a Denver omelet."

"Coming right up."

Betty was eating when Noah, Trudy, and Peter walked in. "That looks good," Noah said.

"Well, go on back to the kitchen and tell the chef what you want. He'll make you one," Betty said.

When they got to the kitchen, Peter said, "That's the guy I was telling you about."

Noah laughed and said, "I guess Boxing Day has come early this year."

"Huh," Peter said with a confused look on his face.

"Boxing Day is the day after Christmas, and in England, it's a tradition for the lord of the manor to give his servants boxes of food in appreciation for their work."

"Wait," Peter said, as he realized what his grandfather was saying. "You're James Pierce, and you own this place?"

"Technically my father still owns it, but yes," James said with a grin.

"I'm so sorry Mr. Pierce. I shouldn't have intruded on you this morning."

"First of all Peter, my name is James. Second, I'm always happy to have company when working out. It gives me something to measure myself against. Finally, what do you want on your omelet?"

After Peter finished eating, he came back into the kitchen and asked James if he'd eaten. James said he hadn't, so Peter said he'd take over making omelets.

"Okay," James said, "just don't show me up too badly."

"Not a chance," Peter said. That was a damn good omelet."

"Thanks, someday I'll tell you about the guy who taught me how to make them."

James was eating in the kitchen so he could keep talking to Peter and meet the staff when Brock showed up.

"Brock, what are you doing here?" James said.

"Called your phone and you didn't answer. Then I called the apartment and no one answered there. Finally, I called your mother and she told me you were out here?"

"Sorry about that. Mom is getting me a new phone, so she took my old one to have all the data and settings transferred."

"Wow, that's brave," Brock said. "I would never let my parents have my phone, especially with the password."

"Don't worry, I called Rex...."

"Your au pair/computer geek/cyber security guy, and sex instructor," Brock said.

James looked at Peter and said, "He was also my omelet instructor. Anyway, He walked me through transferring and deleting things I wouldn't want her or anyone else to see or read. Now, let me introduce you two. Brock, this is Peter Walker, he and his family are here for the party tomorrow and to celebrate Christmas with his grandparents. Peter, this is Brock Champlain, and he's my boyfriend."

Peter's jaw dropped, and James asked, "Does that bother you?"

"No... not at all... it just sort of surprised me. I live in Texas. It's still a place, even in Dallas, where being openly gay in high school isn't something a lot of guys are willing to risk."

James laughed, and said, "It hasn't been all peaches and cream for us. However, it does help that Brock is an athletic stud and so are his buddies. No one wants to get their ass whooped enough to mess with Brock."

"Don't let him feed you a bunch of crap," Brock said. "It's not me they're scared of, it's Ninja Boy here. James laid out one of the jocks in front of the entire school, and now no one wants to mess with him."

"Whatever," James said. "You still haven't told me why you're here."

"Mom kicked Dad and me out of the house. She's hosting her sorority sisters' annual Christmas party. Then she's wrapping presents and doesn't want us doing any snooping. So, I thought we could do something."

"I've committed to helping get ready for the Christmas party," James said. "But you can stay and help."

"Sure, that beats going to the club with Dad or spending the day sitting in a coffee shop. What do you need me to do?"

"You can help Casper. He has a few things to do outside."

"On it," and Brock went to find Casper, while James went looking for Michael.

James found Michal wrapping the banister and railings of the central stairs with greenery and lights. "Do you need some help," James asked.

"I will never turn down help," Michael said and told James what he was doing.

As they worked, they began to chat. Michael asked James about his plans for the next year, and James told him about his London Summer plans and Columbia in the Fall.

"It sounds like you've got it figured out," Michael said.

James laughed and said, "I thought I did until Mom and Dad decided I had it too easy flying under the radar."

"I've read a bit about what went on in the financial press and online," Michael said. "I'm sure Dad knows more, but he never talks out of school, even with his family."

"Your father is a good man and a great estate manager. Growing up here, I never really thought about what it took to keep everything running. It just seemed to happen. I guess that's the naivety of little rich boys. You don't realize how hard other people work so you don't have to. I guess you see that a lot in the hospitality industry."

"I did when I was managing hotels," Michael said. "However, now that I'm at corporate I sometimes wonder if I'm not the guy failing to see and recognize how hard the frontline people are actually working. I think there are two reasons my Dad has done so well in his position: he and Mom live on the Estate and know everyone, and he pitches in and helps, so he knows what goes into each job."

"Since moving to the Hilton corporate offices, what have you been doing?"

"I'm a project manager for Hilton's Curio and Tapestry collections. All of the hotels in those collections are unique existing hotels, so when we take on a new hotel, particularly if it's a historic or landmark hotel, I lead a team of designers, architects, and hospitality specialists to determine how to preserve the character of the hotel, but still provide the guests with the amenities today's travelers expect. We also are constantly working on how to improve and enhance existing hotels in the brands."

"That sounds exciting and rewarding."

"It is, both creatively and financially; however, it consumes a person. Between the travel, the constant expectations for higher and higher returns on investment, and the theft of time from my family, it just isn't worth it anymore."

James thought for a minute then said, "You used an interesting phrase: theft of time from my family. What do you mean by that?"

"I guess I'm thinking about how little time parents have with their kids. For example, Pete has been accepted at the Culinary Institute of America for next year. It's a five-hour flight from Dallas to New York, then it's still an hour's drive. That's not counting airport time, car rental, etc. Sandy is already crazy at the thought and it's seven months until he leaves."

"So, how would Emma and Emily feel about moving to New York?"

"Emma is in the eighth grade and Emily is in the sixth grade. So, if we move this is the best time to do so, before they get into high school. As to how they feel, Emma loves adventure and Emily loves her grandparents. So, is this my interview for the position of estate manager?" Michael asked.

"I guess I'm not very good at this kind of thing," James said.

"On the contrary, you're innately quite good at it. You found out why I want this job and I found out what matters to you."

"Family," James said.

"Yes, family. Let's go see if we can snag a couple of Betty's pastries and some coffee," Michael said, "and then we can talk."

After getting their pastries and coffee, James and Michael walked into the library. James closed the door, and said, "Let me be honest with you. When your father said you were interested in the job, I had my lawyer check you out, and there was nothing but gold stars on your report cards. So, between that, our conversation, and the recommendations from your father, Casper, and Betty, the job is yours if you want it and we can work out the compensation package."

"I definitely want the job, and the family is all on board."

"Good, so now we're in an area I know nothing about. I have no idea what my father is paying the staff. I really can't talk to my father about this. He's got enough going on so that means I'm going to have to talk to Noah. Do you mind if I ask what you are making now?"

"$180,000 plus benefits and performance incentives. Last year I earned $73,000 in performance incentives."

"Can you go find Noah and tell him that I need to see him in the library?"

When Noah walked in, James said, "I want Michael but I have no idea what to offer him. Please tell me you know what I should offer him."

Noah laughed and said, "Don't you think it's kind of risky asking a father what his son is worth?"

"Not nearly as risky as giving a kid a multi-billion dollar company to run and telling him, `Don't worry, you'll learn on the job'."

Noah chuckled, pulled out his iPhone, and sent a document to the printer. He handed the document to James. It said:

Base salary: $90,000 Benefits: housing, insurance, retirement, two weeks of paid vacation 1% annual salary increase contingent on a satisfactory performance review. Walker Family Trustee stipend: $30,000 Expense account: $10,000

"Is this what we pay you?" James asked.

"My base is $96,000, but the rest is the same. Do you think it is too high?"

"No, I think it's too low. You should be making at least as much as a VP at Pierce International."

Noah smiled and said, "I am making more."

"Huh?" James said.

"You're looking at just the cash, but look at the total package. The estate manager's house would cost over 200,000 dollars, plus I would have to pay interest on the loan, insurance, taxes, utilities, and maintenance. All of that is paid for by the estate, not by me. Also, because I don't have to drive to work, Trudy and I have never had to own two cars. I often eat with the staff in the mansion. The trust paid for my boys' education and my family has had the use of the estate's amenities like the pool, the tennis courts, and the gym. Add to that I don't have to endure the rat race that exists beyond the boundaries of this estate. The truth is that when you get down to it, the Pierce family is working pretty hard to give the Walker family members who work on the estate a pretty good life."

"Fuck," James said, "Do you think Michael would want to trade places with me?"

Now Noah really laughed, and said, "Not a snowball's chance in hell."

"Okay, fine. Let's raise that offer by 12 percent. If I did the math right that will put Michael's salary just over 100,000 dollars. No one should lose a digit when they take a new job. Oh, and while we're at it, give everyone on staff a 12 percent raise. I suppose I should call Dad since he still owns the estate, and make sure he will pay what I just offered."

Noah smiled and handed James a letter. It said, "I authorize James Pierce, Jr. to increase the Pierce estate payroll by 15 percent. James Pierce, Sr."

James looked at Noah, then smiled, held out his hand, and said, "Okay, give me the other letter."

Noah handed James another letter that said, "What the hell are you doing, you dumb fuck. What do you think...we shit money? P.S. I love you, son."

James burst into laughter when he realized this whole thing was a kind of lesson. Now he just had to figure out what he was supposed to learn. James sent Brock a text, that read, "I need to clear my head. My room in 15. Don't be late."

Brock walked through the door to James' bedroom in the mansion with three minutes to spare. What he saw was James spread naked on the bed.

"What took you so long?"

Brock was gasping for air and managed to say, "I...was on...the far side...of the property ...trimming...a..."

James had gotten off of the bed and walked over to where Brock was trying to catch his breath. He gave Brock a small kiss, then said, "Don't talk, just breathe." When Brock did catch his breath, James kissed him and said, "You must need this more than me."

Brock kissed James and replied, "You have no idea."

James crawled onto the bed and got on all fours, then said, "Show me stud. Show me how much you need it."

In a flash, Brock had his tongue buried in James' ass. James moaned as Brock licked and probed his hole. It wasn't long before James was hard and the duvet under him was wet with precum.

Eventually, Brock flopped onto his back on the bed. Pulled back his legs, and said, "My turn." So, James started to tongue fuck Brock's ass until finally, Brock said, "Come on boy, get that damn cock in me!"

James did as Brock ordered and soon was balls deep inside Brock and pounding him like a bass drum.

"Is this what you want?" James asked.

"Yeah, that's it." Brock moaned..... "Keep doing that...... That's the spot, baby."

Brock had been helping Casper decorate two pine trees, and he was giving off a masculine pine aroma that James found intoxicating. James pushed Brock's legs back until his ass was raised. Then James got up on his toes so his entire body was now behind the force of each thrust. A stream of precum was dripping from Brock's cock onto his abs then running into the cleft formed by his pecs.

"I'm gonna cum," Brock moaned, his entire body shuddered, and a flood of ivory-white cream covered his torso. Now the smell of sex was added to the musk and pine. James inhaled deeply and the sensual aroma was more than he could handle. James dumped an epic load inside Brock then collapsed onto his chest.

For six or seven minutes, all James and Brock could manage was to tightly hold each other as their bodies continued to periodically spasm. Finally, James kissed Brock and said, "I need to get back downstairs before everyone begins to wonder where I went."

"Is the lord of the manor afraid everyone will find that he's been fucking his squire?"

James laughed and said, "Squire!? Hardly, more like my most noble, true, and fucking hot knight."

"Knight, I like that," Brock said. "I've come a long way from asshole in distress, to knight in shining armor."

"You've got that right, Sir Fucks-a-lot.," James said and gave Brock another kiss. Then added, "Now I need to get a shower and take care of some business."

"I'll clean things up in here," Brock said. "Then I need to get home. I'm going with my parents to the parish tonight to bake cookies to give to children after the Christmas Eve Mass."

"I'm going to be here tomorrow around seven," James said, "Do you want to come over and we can get in a workout?"

"That would be great. I'm feeling the need to pump some iron."

James walked downstairs and found Noah and Michael. James said to Michael, "So, has your father told you the offer?"

"He has, and I accept."

James smiled and said, "Good, you can start whenever you're ready."

"We're thinking of moving Michael up here at Spring Break," Noah said. "That way he can help Trudy and me downsize and move to one of the other cottages."

"Will you have enough room in the new cottage? I know you and Trudy raised a family of four boys in your current cottage, but times have changed."

"Several of the apartments are empty," Noah said. "Currently only Gill and one of the housekeepers are in the apartments. Since Sandy and the kids won't be moving up until after school is over, we thought we'd just put Peter in one of the apartments."

"That sounds great," James said, "Also, could you get another apartment ready for when school ends? I have hired one of my friends, the librarian at Mill Brook, to do some projects for me."

Noah looked at Michael, and Michael smiled and said, "You got it, boss."

Later that day, James walked through the kitchen and he noticed Peter smile, so he walked over and said, "I take it you've heard."

"Yes," Peter said, "I'm so excited to be moving to New York. Although, I'm not sure how I'm going to tell Luis. I haven't told him this was a possibility. I figured I wouldn't worry him without reason."

"Who's Luis?" James asked.

"Luis Ortega is my..." Peter looked around and then said, "boyfriend."

"Oh, so your parents don't know?"

"No, mom and dad know. We just haven't told Grandpa and Grandma. I thought I would wait until after Christmas."

"I see," James said. "If you want to talk, I'm going to get in a swim before I head back to Manhattan. You're welcome to join me."

"Thanks."

Around four o'clock, everything that could be done before the party was complete, so James headed for the pool. About a half-hour later Peter showed up. The two swam in adjacent lanes and it was soon clear they were competing with each other. It was one of the best workouts James had had in a while.

When James finally decided to call it quits, he hopped out of the pool and then went to the sauna. He was soon joined by Peter. After a bit of small talk, James asked Peter about Luis.

"Well," Peter said, "we're not where you and Brock are."

"Oh, so where do you think Brock and I are?" James ask.

"You guys are Eagles," Peter said.

"Eagles?"

"Yeah, Bald and Golden Eagles mate for life, and they're like the power couples of the bird world."

James laughed and said, "I like that. So, what kind of birds are you and Luis."

"We're common sparrows. Sparrows form monogamous bonds for one mating season, but they know it can't last for a lifetime. I want to be a chef and I can't wait to get out of Texas. Luis on the other hand is looking at politics. His dream is to be the first gay Latino U.S. Senator from Texas."

"I see. So how do you think your grandparents will react?"

"They will be fine. Mom and Dad just don't want Christmas to be all about me, so I'm waiting until after Christmas to tell them. I'll be starting the New Year out and proud. Well, at least out and proud in New York. Neither I nor Luis are coming out back home in Texas until we graduate. I suppose that sounds pretty cowardly."

"Not at all," James said then told Peter about how he outed himself in front of the entire school which also resulted in his being outed as James Pierce rather than James Spangler. James did leave out the part about finding Brock tied naked to the library fence. He figured that was Brock's story to tell.

When they finished in the sauna, they took showers, then James headed home and Peter went back to his grandparents' place. When he got back to the apartment, James sent Brock a text, "I love you so much."

A few minutes later Brock responded, "I love you too, babe. Is everything okay?"

"Absolutely! I'll see you in the morning. Goodnight."

"Goodnight."

I hope you're enjoying "Exposed."

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