The Penthouse

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Jim was back to his smiley self and that made us happy. I made a mental note to talk to Jason. I thought that as good friends we would have to take care of Jim and not letting him have bad days. It would be nice to find a boyfriend for him, but we were not sure if he was ready for that. But we didn't risk anything by inviting some of our friends, among whom there were a few bachelors. I guessed that matchmaking was in the family after all.

The idea of throwing a party had been welcomed by Jason. He agreed that we had to see that Jim was not too often on his own. He was the happy guy with an eternal smile on his face when he was outside his apartment. He was the self-confident man when he was at work, but it was easy to guess that he was quite lonely and probably cried when he was behind closed doors. We thought he was too nice to have such a miserable private life. Yes, we had meals together from time to time as well as an occasional movie or theatre performance, but it still left him to much time to think about the past. We knew, from the story he told us, that it was a year since he last saw Josh and six months since he died. Practically he was on his own for over a year now. We couldn't even start to imagine his lonely nights were, crying himself to sleep.

The first thing we did was including Jim in our morning routine. We were now three to run towards the gym and work out. He was more than just good company! When dressed in sports gear he was sexy as hell. His strong and hairy legs were a feast to look at. During the first weeks he had a bit of a problem to follow our pace, because he was not used to it, but soon he caught up and got even better than we did. On Saturday mornings Jason took him with him to go shopping for the week at the fresh market and the grocery store. Jason told me that shopping with Jim was really funny and a pleasant time. When they returned Jason always helped Jim putting his stuff away at his place and then Jim would come over and help Jason put the stuff away in our kitchen. There was no need of a formal invitation so Jim stayed for lunch most of the times. Each Sunday we had brunch at Jim's place. That brought me to an idea.

• Hey Jim, by the way, we were thinking to have a brunch for some friends and we wondered if you would mind to help us out with all those delicious dishes you prepare!

He agreed without hesitation. He was proud about his culinary skills and enjoyed showing them off.

• Just tell me when and how many people will be present, he said, and I will do whatever plate you want.

Jason, who had immediately understood my intention, played along.

• We were thinking to do it on a Saturday as we don't go for a run and don't go to the gym. It gives us a bit more time to prepare the necessary. There would be around twenty people.

• In that case I would suggest having it in a buffet layout, Jim answered, it would allow everybody to have what he or she wants.

We thought it was a wonderful idea and started writing down what we would serve. Jason would prepare a few dishes and Jim the rest. I would take care of the various fresh fruit juices, the coffee and the tea. The French Baker down the street would deliver the rolls, breads and other pastries.

As soon as we were back at the penthouse, we went over the list of our friends and started to call them one by one to invite them and discreetly inquire about their marital status. At the end of all the phone calls we had about nine bachelors (including Jim) and five couples (married or not) which brought the grand total to twenty-one persons us included. I was so excited about that brunch because I had the suspicion that at least three of the bachelors would pique Jim's attention.

We needed a bigger table on the terrace. The table we had was good to sit about eight people, but we were going to be twenty-one. Jason had often mentioned that he liked those long tables that you saw in convents and abbeys. I thought it was a good idea as we had more than enough space on the terrace to have one. He went on the Internet and started a search for one that would satisfy our needs and which would have the matching benches. When Jason searched for something on the Web, he was always lucky and this time was no exception. He called the shop and they confirmed the table and the benches could be delivered on the Thursday before our party. We had of course to find an outside elevator as there was no way the table or the benches would enter the cargo elevator of the building. Not all outside elevators could reach our seventeenth floor and it cost Jason a bit more time to find a company that had it and that could be here on Thursday, but he managed. We just had to clear the terrace before their arrival.

On Thursday evening, the table and the benches were in their place. We had also purchased to huge umbrellas to protect us from the sun, as there was no time to have an automatic canopy installed. I had bought some material and my Mum had transformed it in a beautiful tablecloth. On Friday we decorated the terrace with bouquets of flowers and some extra plants.

On Saturday we were up really early. At seven Jim arrived with a few cold dishes he had prepared the previous night. He still had a few more to prepare and keep warm. The French Baker delivered our order and I busied myself preparing the fresh fruit juices. The table we had before buying the long one was setup as buffet. We had worked in such harmony that around ten everything was ready. Our guests were expected at eleven. Jim showed signs to leave and we asked him what he was doing.

• I will leave you with your guests now, he said.

• But Jim, replied Jason, you are one of our guests! We can only allow you to leave if you intend to have a change of clothes, but otherwise there is no way you will not enjoy this brunch with us.

Jim went down to his apartment to change clothes as he was wearing lose gym shorts, a T-shirt and flip-flops. He thought it was not adequate for a brunch with people he had never met. Jason and I looked at our outfit and agreed we had to change clothes as well. Jason's T-shirt had some stains on it after working for three hours in the kitchen. We calculated that we had about half an hour before Jim would be back and ran to the bathroom. We made a mistake though. We showered together! Before long Jason was expressing his love to me and under the cascading water he filled me with his juice and then I filled his mouth with mine. We finished our shower and heard the doorbell. I wrapped a towel around my waist and went to open it. It was Jim, of course. He said he had been ringing our bell for about ten minutes and guessed we didn't hear it because of the water in the shower. I admitted it was the case.

• That means you were showering together, he stated, and from the grin on your face you were probably doing more than just showering! I envy you!

Jim was very nicely dressed I must say: dark blue trousers and a sailor T-shirt with white and blue horizontal stripes. He had boat shoes on his bare feet. He looked damn hot.

I ran back to the bedroom to get dressed. Jason came out with a similar outfit as the one Jim wore except that his T-shirt was plain white. I pulled on my white trousers and a light yellow button down shirt. As I came out of the bedroom the doorbell rang again. Our guests were arriving.

We introduced Jim to our friends and the way they acted, Jim could only feel welcome. The easy-going guy he was made it all the more pleasant, as he was instantly part of the group. There were a lot of "Ohhhs" and "Ahhhs" from our guests when they discovered the buffet. When the last guests arrived, the first ones had already served themselves and were sitting at the long table. Conversations were animated and joyful.

I sat at the middle of the table with Jason at one side and Jim on my other side. I felt fortunate to be that well surrounded. At one point Jim asked me if all the guests were gay and I nodded. He had a playful grin on his face. We were happy that we bought the umbrellas. The sky was bright blue and the sun was pouring his golden rays upon us. When everybody had finished eating, we cleared the table and the buffet. There was still enough food for at least two meals. It was warm on the terrace and a few guys took off their T-shirt or shirts. Jim did the same and got more than one glance of admiration. The three guys I had hoped would pique Jim's attention did everything they could to be near him. They actually looked as the three musketeers with Jim being d'Artagnan.

As it began to be usual at our parties, we opened the chilled Champagne and brought out a toast to friendship, love, respect and trust. Everybody drank to that. Around five in the afternoon some stomachs started to make noise. Jim went to the kitchen and with the remaining rolls and bread started to make some sandwiches. In the corner of my eyes I saw Ted, one of the three musketeers, following him. Some five minutes later I pretended I had to go to the bathroom, but in fact I wanted to pass the kitchen and see what they were up to. They were standing side by side, quite close I must say, making sandwiches. They seemed to have a pleasant conversation as I could hear some laughter. I crossed my fingers for them. I really hoped they could find a connection.

I was so glad and excited that I went to find Jason. I wrapped my arms around his neck, gave him a kiss and whispered what I had seen in his ears. Jason looked happy about it, too. As we went on whispering, one of the couples shouted that we should get a room.

• We have one as a matter of fact, Jason replied.

• Well, use it then and call us if you need some help!

• You wish!

That caused another round of laughter. That couple, Frank and Dennis, had tried in the past to convince us to have a foursome, but we always politely declined. They were nice people and we respected that they wanted an open relationship. They respected our choice to be monogamous. As there was respect, we never had a problem, but even jokingly they still tried.

The huge pile of sandwiches was quickly gone, together with some more bottles of bubbles. We also noticed that Jim and Ted were gone as well. Once again I crossed my fingers for them. Around ten the party was coming to its end. Our guests left, thanking us profusely. The other two musketeers had apparently seen Jim and Ted disappear discreetly and had decided to see if they could find some common ground. They left the party together. Frank and Dennis were the last ones to leave after helping us to clean up the place. Dennis couldn't help asking us if we had changed our mind about the foursome. They left a little deceived after we said we hadn't.

We closed the umbrellas, switched off the terrace lights. It was warm enough so we let the French doors to the terrace open. We emptied the last bottle of Champagne and sat down on the terrace, commenting the day.

• I really hope Jim and Ted can find each other, I said. They both deserve it and I even think they are cute together.

Jason agreed and added:

• I know what you mean. I really like Jim a lot. No scratch that, I love him like a brother. First because he helped me, but even more knowing what he had to go through. He entered my heart and I hope he will never get out of it. It is nothing like the love I feel for you, but yes, it is similar to the love I have for my brothers. If anybody hurts him they will have to deal with me, I can promise you that!

That was my man! Standing up for his family and real friends. Oh, how I loved him. He didn't like to put labels on people, but when he did, it was with a fantastic conviction. When he used the label of "friend" on someone, you could be sure he would stand-up for them and defending them in any way he could. After all these years, first as friends, then as lovers and husbands, I still felt so fortunate to have him in my life. He was my hero and my example to follow.

When our glasses were empty, we blew out the candles and arm in arm went to our bedroom. Jason unbuttoned my shirt and I pulled his T-shirt over his head. I caressed the fine hairs on his chest that I loved so much. Jason softly pinched my nipples making his intentions clear. He unbuckled my belt, opened my trousers and brought the zipper down. My trousers fell around my ankles and I stepped out of them while I opened his pants. He stepped out of them as well and we were standing in front of each other with just our tiny white briefs on. I wrapped my arms around Jason's waist and he put his on my shoulders. We looked in each other's eyes and smiled. The distance between our lips got smaller and smaller till they brushed softly together. From that first, almost electrical, touch the blood of our entire body flooded down to our cocks. We were hard even before we kissed more forcefully. I pulled Jason closer to me and the skin-to-skin contact fueled our lust. The kiss became really passionate and we were devouring each other's mouths. Out tongues were dancing together like so many times before and nonetheless giving us the sensation it was the first time they met.

Some of the greater things in life cannot be seen and that's why we close our eyes when we cry, kiss or dream! We had our eyes closed because we were opening our hearts to each other, something I call one of the greater things in life. It was a wonderful feeling that we loved to share: opening up to each other in every possible way. I trusted and respected Jason as much as he did it for me, but above all I loved him and would never allow anybody or anything come in between of us. We were one. We knew we couldn't live without the other and Jason showed me that feeling every day and every night. There was absolutely no doubt possible that we were soul mates. When his hands glided over my skin it felt so natural, so vividly sensual. I woke every nerve ending in my body. The hairs in my neck stood up and my toes curled. When he grabbed my buttocks I vowed to never sit down and prevent him from doing it. When our nipples rubbed against each other they unleashed our carnal desire.

Jason pulled me with him and we fell on the bed. Our lips never parted. Our hands roamed over the other's body and as our chests were pressed together, our hearts agreed to beat in unison. I broke the kiss but it was just to attack his ears, earlobes and the tender flesh of his neck. Once I started my travel down on his body, there was no stopping. I let my body glide off his and nibbled at his nipples, causing a deep moan from inside of him. I bit them softly and slowly continued my travel towards his navel that I licked out. His cock-head was already poking at my chin as if it was calling for attention. I slipped down even more and licked up the pre-cum that was oozing out of his piss-slit. I loved the taste of his pre-cum. It was sweet. But once I had tasted it, I couldn't help to want more of it and exerted a strong and hard suction on his manhood to get even more of it. I deep throated him and then came up pressing my tongue on the underside of his shaft to push the pre-cum out of his rock- hard penis. I did that several times and played with his balls while I was doing it. But his balls tried to escape my hands as they were pulled into his lower abdomen. That was a clear sign he was about to ejaculate. I stopped my sucking and took those balls in my mouth as if I wanted to tell them to have some patience. They rolled over each other on my tongue and when I sensed that they were relaxing I let them slip out of my mouth so I could go and munch on Jason's perineum. He knew hat I was doing and lifted his legs. He spread them wide open to give my full access to what was soon being the center of my activities. I munched my way to his wide spread open ass-cheeks. The muscles of his rosebud were spasming, but to me it looked like they were winking at me. His puckered hole was calling me to come closer and closer I got till I could kiss it. His musky fragrances made my head spin. Sweat pearls were shinning on his buttocks and ass-cheeks and I licked them off. I licked his ass and French kissed it. I hardened my tongue and pushed it inside him. Jason lifted up his torso so his hands could reach my head and so pulling me even deeper between his ass-cheeks. I twirled my tongue around and Jason's breath became heavier. I used my fingers to stretch his hole and when two of them were inside I pushed on his prostate. Jason contracted his muscles as to prevent me fingers of leaving his hot ass. I stretched him open again and entered four fingers: two to keep his hole open and two to play with his prostate. But I knew I couldn't do that too long for he would ejaculate his juice. I jumped on the bed between his spread legs and aimed my cock right on target. I had left so many spit that we didn't even need any extra lubrication. With my first thrust my cock-head disappeared past his sphincter muscle. I wanted to wait to let him get used to the invasion of my manhood, but Jason pushed towards me and my shaft entered him up to the hilt. As soon as Jason felt my pubes against his buttocks, he closed his muscles around the invader. I was trapped in his furnace. I held his ankles in my hands and kept his legs wide open in the air. When his muscles relaxed I started slowly pulling out of him till just my cock-head was inside. I teased Jason by pushing back in with an excruciating slowness. He begged me to go faster and harder in between two gasps for air. Although I wanted to tease him a little bit more, my body refused the slowness and my hips followed a mind of their own, increasing speed and strength. My pubes were slamming his buttocks and with each passage on his prostate I could see another pearl of pre-cum coming out of his cock-head. I saw his scrotum shrink and his balls being pulled to the shaft. He was close to coming and I increased my pumping into him. I felt my juice boil in my balls and tried to match my climax with his. It was difficult and when his first spurt of semen came out and he contracted his ass-muscles I lost it all and filled his inside. I let go of his ankles and he immediately wrapped his legs around my waist, trying to push me even deeper with his heels on the lower part of my back. Having nothing to hold on to, I collapsed on his chest. We kissed till we came back from our post-orgasmic height. We didn't change our position fearing my cock would slip out unintentionally. You know how difficult it is to keep a deflating cock in a warm hole. Nature followed its course and my cock glided out of him. I rolled off of him and rested my head on his chest. Jason reached out, moving as less as possible, and switched off the light. Holding me tight to him we fell asleep.

When I opened my eyes, the sun was already flooding the place with its golden rays. Jason was softly snoring and I tried to get out of bed as softly as I could as to not wake him. I needed the bathroom right away as my bladder told me I was going to wet the bed if I didn't hurry. After emptying it, I slipped on a fresh pair of white briefs and went to the kitchen to make some coffee. I knew the smell of fresh coffee would wake Jason slowly, but the ringing of the doorbell decided otherwise. I went for the door, as the only person who could ring our doorbell without using the buzzer of the Intercom, was Jim. I didn't bother to put any more clothes on. Jim was dressed in his running gear and was sweating profusely. He was clearly coming from a morning run and came up before getting to his place. He said he had pushed the button of our floor by mistake, but as he was here, he decided to pay us a visit.

Just then, Jason came out of the bedroom with an identical pair of briefs on as I had.

• Oh, I see you have matching pajamas! Jim said referring to our briefs.

• No, answered Jason, we sleep in the nude but we covered up as to not give you an inferiority complex if you saw what we have between our legs!

Jim laughed heartedly. The day begun well! I poured three mugs of coffee and we went to sit on the terrace.

• Aren't you going to ask me why I left without saying a word yesterday?

It was clear Jim wanted to talk about it and seeing the smile on his face we could assume everything went well.

• No, said Jason continuing his sarcastic mood, we can only assume you left because you were disgusted and wanted to fuck the brains out of Ted as he had drunk quite some Champagne and wouldn't turn you down.

Jim laughed till he had tears in his eyes. It was good to see him like that.

• Seriously, he said, Ted and I disappeared discreetly because we know that when one person leaves, most of the others do as well. We didn't want to break up the party, so we slipped out. We went down to my apartment and we talked for the longest time. I had to switch to psychologist mode as Ted had quite some issues bothering him. No, we didn't have sex. We talked and got to learn to know each other a bit more. It is only when he left that he gave me a kiss to die for! We agreed to meet again tonight for dinner.

• Wow! I said. I had not a clue Ted had problems. He always seems so cheerful and happy! He never mentioned any of it to us. I just hope it is not too bad!

• No, it is not. But to him it is important. You have to understand I can't say anything about it. As I said, I switched to professional mode and therefor I consider our conversation as confidential. If he wants to tell you, it will be his decision.

We recognized the professional Jim was.

• What I can tell you is that he is a nice guy, good looking and intelligent. He seems to be a very responsible man and professional. And yes ... I wouldn't mind knowing him better and see where that will lead us.

So, there was hope after all. Apparently they had decided to take it slow and not do what most guys did: jump in bed and if the sex is good explore the other possibilities. They wanted to know each other and I was sure Jim wanted to help Ted with his problems before taking it all to the next level. Jim had suffered enough and certainly deserved something stable with mutual respect and trust. We thought it was a good thing.

• Why don't you go and shower and come back up here? There is still enough food left from yesterday!

Jim jumped to the occasion, confirming that being alone in his apartment was not his thing. He came back about fifteen minutes later in white Bermuda shorts and a dark blue polo, showing his hairy legs and arms but as well the rebellion of chest hair peeking out of the collar of the polo. Jeez, he was attractive and knew how to show his best assets. His bubble butt filled his shorts nicely.

While eating, we had several calls of our guests of the previous day, thanking us for such a nice gathering. One of them was Ted, of course. When he heard that Jim was with us, he didn't openly asked if he could drop by, but it was clear he wanted to. I mouthed his request to Jim who nodded his approval. It didn't take Ted more then ten minutes to arrive. When the two of them saw each other they were beaming. It was clear they were happy to see each other sooner than planned. I put an extra plate on the table for Ted.

Jason opened a bottle of bubbles. I was starting to wonder if we were turning alcoholics, as it seemed we drank more Champagne than water. We tried to convince ourselves by saying that we read a medical report that said that Champagne was actually good for our health. We knew it was only an excuse, but after all, we were so often in festivity mood that it was better to drink the bubbles than any hard alcohol. While we were taking, I saw that Jim and Ted were holding hands with intertwined fingers. I smiled inside and hoped the best for the future.

I had known Ted through my work. We hit off almost straight away. He was in need of a good website as he was expanding his self-employed architectural job to a company with two other colleagues. They had quite some success and were not afraid to work long hours to satisfy their customers. That was some years ago and we had met several times since. In all of our gatherings, with who it was, we always tried to avoid talking about work, so I didn't know if his business was still good. I couldn't help myself. I had to ask him even though Jason frowned at me.

• Business on itself is going great, Ted said and then turned to Jim who nodded. But I have a problem with one of my colleagues. You see ... I never came out to them as I always try to separate work and private life. I discovered a few months ago that one of them is a real homophobic. It puts me in an awkward position. I heard him various times insulting and being rude to gays in general. Of course, this is not compatible with me. I talked it over with Jim last night and he has given me some good advice. I don't know yet how I will manage it all, but I know I can't go on with it. The company is mine but the other two have shares in it. Just right now I can't afford to buy that guy's shares and throw him out. It's a dilemma and it doesn't leave me at peace.

Jason asked him how much the shares were worth. Ted told him. It was not a huge amount, but it was still quite some money. Jason went into the penthouse and stayed inside for almost over an hour. We didn't know what he was doing, but he came out again and gave a check to Ted.

• Come out to him. Tell him you are gay. Tell him you won't allow hatred in your company. If he starts to cause problems, here you have the money to buy him out and fire him. This is not a present I give you. It's a loan. There will be no interests to pay and you can give it back to me at your own pace with a maximum of five years. If that is ok with you, you take the check and delete a problem in your life. If it is not ok, you tell me and we shred this check to pieces.

Ted was flabbergasted saying nobody had ever done something like that before. I silent tear rolled on his cheek. He suddenly had the solution to his problem without even asking for it. Then Jason turned to Jim and asked him if that was the problem he didn't tell us. Jim nodded.

• Well gentlemen, this asks for a refilling of our glasses and a toast to love, friendship, respect and trust.

The mood was suddenly much lighter and we all had a smile on our face.

When Jim and Ted were about to leave, Jason told Ted that if the guy was making too much problems he could tell him to call his lawyer.

• You then give him my number and I can assure you he will believe I am a lawyer. I will scare the shit out of him. But I don't think he will. If he as narrow minded as to be homophobic, the amount of money will be the only thing he sees!

We had a group hug and kisses at the door.

Once they were gone I asked Jason if we could afford to give Ted that kind of money.

• It's easy Jake. I think I am quite a good judge of characters. I am sure at ninety-five percent that he will give the money back before the five years are over. If he doesn't, I will be the only one to blame for my mistake and I will assimilate that mistake. I can tell you that this money will not affect our daily life. The investments I did were quite good. You don't have to worry.

• I believe you my man! It was just a rhetorical question. You know I trust you and I know you wouldn't do anything to jeopardize anything we have.

We sat down on the terrace and enjoyed a nice sunset ... with a glass of bubbles in our hands.

To be continued if you guys go on telling me you like the story. All comments welcome at amahy1957@gmail.com