Trials and Triumph

TRIALS AND TRIUMPH - PART ONE

Chapter 7: AN UNEXPECTED DOOR OPENS

Eric had been living with Grant Kaiser for just over a year. Grant (who insisted on being addressed by his first name because, having served the last two years of his Army career on the battlefields of Europe in World War II, hated the German surname) was in his late 70's and was so tormented by his failing body that he had to use a walker and rarely got out of the house. Eric, therefore, did all the shopping for groceries and medications (Vicodin and Oxycontin for pain among others). Grant had never married and had no children. Nor did he have any living relatives. His only sibling, an older sister, had died years ago. The old man subsisted on a small pension and Social Security. Still, with all his health and financial problems, he maintained a cheerful attitude, complaining only rarely about not being able to live without constant help.

Eric's duties were not difficult but they consumed most of his time. After working a full shift at a food processing and packaging plant, he would fix meals for Grant and himself; do light housework, laundry, and yard work; and help Grant with tasks he couldn't manage on his own. One of those tasks was the Saturday night bath. Grant was devoid of any false modesty; that was one of the adjustments he had to make because of being incapacitated by arthritis. The first few times Eric helped his host bathe, he very discretely checked out the fat penis and low-hanging testicles but it was out of curiosity and admiration and without the slightest bit of arousal. Very soon, Eric lost interest in the old man's genitals and focused exclusively on making sure he did not fall getting in and out of the tub. However, his fantasies did not diminish. Although the memories of his first and only sexual encounter -- with Brian -- were gradually being suppressed along with other painful memories of his younger days, he yearned for finding a like-minded sexual partner ... and bemoaned the fact that his chances of finding one were slim at best.

Eric's job at the food plant was monotonous but not at all strenuous and it paid well ... well enough that he could put much of his weekly paycheck into a savings account. After all, he reasoned, there was nothing to spend money on except groceries for his own meals and, without Grant's knowledge, to supplement the old man's miniscule food budget. He was extremely frugal by, for example, buying a few items of clothing at the Salvation Army retail store. His savings account had grown considerably. By far the biggest reason for banking most of his paycheck was his firm determination -- almost an obsession -- to never again face being penniless and hungry.

Eric was surprised one day when the foreman tapped him on the shoulder and said, "The boss wants to see you in his office at the end of your shift."

"What about?" Eric asked.

"Don't know," the foreman grunted. "I'm just passing along the message."

Eric knew that "the boss" meant the owner of the company, Ted Connors. But he had no idea why he was asked (ordered?) to report to the president's office. He spent the rest of his shift wondering -- and worrying -- about why the boss wanted to see him. He hadn't done anything wrong ... or at least nothing that he could remember. By the time the work day ended, Eric was a nervous wreck. He changed out of his white coveralls, hairnet, and latex gloves in the locker room and nervously walked to the front of the building to find the boss's office.

"Come in, my boy!" Connors said cheerfully. He stood, walked around his cluttered desk, and shook hands with the visitor. "Have a seat," he said, pointing to a sofa along the side wall of his office.

Ted Connors was a 50ish man with salt-and-pepper hair and Eric's immediate impression was that the company president (whom he had seen only briefly and at a distance) was quite handsome.

Eric was surprised when Connors sat next to him on the sofa and said, "Thanks for stopping by. Do you have a few minutes to talk?"

"Yes, Sir."

"Good! I don't want to keep you too long so I'll get right to the point. First of all, let me say that I've been impressed with your ... work ... here at the plant. I've been looking for somebody to fill a special position and you're one of the candidates. Before I make my selection, I'd like to find out more about you. May I ask a few questions?"

"Of course. But I have one first if you don't mind."

"And that is?"

"What kind of a job did you have in mind?"

"I'll answer that question in a moment. First, I have to tell you that this conversation never happened. Can I trust you to keep it to yourself?"

Eric was now confused as well as nervous. Why the secrecy? What was the job? Who are the other candidates? Why am I being considered for the job? Putting those concerns aside, Eric answered the question, "Yes, Sir."

Connors smiled. Eric thought he detected a twinkle in the eyes of the man, who said, "I must emphasize again, what I'm about to say is strictly confidential. I'm not an old man but I'm considering retiring ... or at least leaving the company. I don't plan to spend the rest of my life tending a vegetable garden in the back yard or sitting around watching the boob tube. There are things I want to do, things that I've never had time to do because I've never taken a vacation in more than ten years. And that brings me back to the question you asked. The job I want to fill is a sort of ... well ... personal assistant. I'd rather leave the details of the duties until after I learn more about your ... interests. My first question is: would you be willing to quit your current job, work for me, work odd hours but with plenty of free time and travel."

Eric's confusion only increased. He thought for a moment and said, "It sounds interesting, Sir, but I can't give a yes/no answer. I suppose I'd have to know more about the duties -- first, am I qualified and would I be interested -- and second, the odd hours and travel might be a problem for me. You see, I'm a sort of caretaker for an old man, an invalid. He needs daily help for meals, housekeeping, and personal grooming. I would hate to leave him alone because he can't fend for himself without help."

"I know," Connors interrupted. "I should confess that before talking to you, I hired a private investigator to find out whether you are the sort of person who I wanted. Let me assure you, Mr. Kaiser will have the best of care if you're offered the new job and are willing to accept the offer."

Eric was surprised that Connors knew about his living arrangements. His surprise quickly became irritation about the intrusion into his privacy. Thoughtlessly, he asked assertively, "And what else have you found out about me?"

Connors laughed and said, "I do hope you're not offended by my research methods. But please understand that I have to be very sure about the qualifications and interests of whomever I decide to interview for the new job. The reason will become clear later. In the meantime, may we continue? If you want to walk out of here now, there will be no repercussions to your job at the plant. If, however, you want to hear more about the opportunity that may be yours, we'll continue."

"I'm listening," Eric replied, irritation and confusion mingling in his mind.

"Good. Let me assure you that everything I've learned about your background I regard as strictly confidential. Nobody will hear anything from me! Now, about the job. For the first few years, it will be mostly travel ... Europe, Asia, possibly Antarctica. I'm a wealthy man. I can afford it. And I think I've earned it after years of building up the company. I want to travel but I don't want to do it alone. You would be my companion. And let me add that to avoid any suspicions, you will be playing the role of my son when we travel together."

"Suspicions?" Eric asked.

"Yes. Unfortunately, there are narrow-minded bigots who think a middle-aged man traveling with a younger man is suspicious. I think the term used is boy toy. I don't want to create that impression. Nor, I'm sure, do you. Do you catch my meaning?"

"Yes, Sir. People might think we're a gay couple."

"I knew you would deduce that. Now tell me about why you ran away from a comfortable home with the Winstons."

Panic forced its way into Eric's consciousness. It was clear that the investigator had uncovered more about his past than he thought possible. More significantly, he faced a dilemma. How could he explain the reason he walked out on Brian, his long-time friend? He pondered the problem and tried to think of an innocent lie that would explain his leaving. Connors detected Eric's discomfort.

"I've been honest with you," the man said. "I've told you that I hired a private investigator to look into your background. Will you be honest with me? Why did you run away?"

Eric succumbed to the man's charm and said, "I didn't run away, Sir. I was told to leave. I'd rather not say why."

"Ah," Connors replied. "But I know the reason. Forgive me, but I was testing your honesty. You see, if you're offered and accept the new job, I must be absolutely certain that you'll be honest with me in the future. I'm told that you made unwelcomed sexual advances on your friend, Brian Winston. Is that true?"

Eric was shocked by the distorted version of the incident. Very quickly, however, he recognized that it was a story that Brian made up to explain to his parents why he left. It angered him that he had been portrayed as a deviant predator when it was Brian who initiated the sex. That anger persuaded Eric to correct the misinformation. "That's not the reason. Brian and I had sex ... once ... but HE initiated it. Immediately after that he became sullen. More than sullen. He was rude and unkind to me. I tried to find out why but he refused to talk about it. We ended up arguing. He told me to leave and never come back. The story you got from the investigator must be his way of telling his parents what happened ... so they wouldn't suspect that he is homosexual."

"Interesting," Connors mused. "It tells me a lot about your friend's character. And, more importantly, yours. You said that you and he had sex. Does that mean that you're homosexual?"

Eric knew he had been caught in a trap he had set by his angry description of what happened. He also knew that no lie would free him from the trap. Reluctantly, he said, "Yes, Sir. I suppose that takes me out of the running for the new job."

"Not at all," Connors beamed. "Quite the contrary. Your honest admission of your sexual preference convinces me that you have the one qualification I wasn't sure about. Now here's my offer. How would you like to work for me -- at twice the pay you're getting here in the plant? You would live in my house. Your only duty will be to be my companion and to travel the world with me for about three years."

Eric thought he knew the answer but asked anyway, "Companion? What does that mean?"

Connors laughed. "I think you know. But to be perfectly clear, you will not only live with me, you will share my bed ... and provide services that we're both sure to enjoy thoroughly."

Eric was torn. On the one hand, he was being offered a life of luxury and the adventure of seeing the world. One the other hand, he would be nothing more than a sexual partner without the underlying foundation of love and commitment. Could he refuse the chance of a lifetime to live in comfort? Could he swallow his pride and become a whore-boy for hire? No ready answers came to mind.

The anticipation of having sex with a virile and strikingly handsome young man made Connors impatient with Eric's delay in responding. "Well, what's your decision? Will you accept my offer?"

Eric groped for a reply. He needed time to weigh his options. Finally, he asked, "Don't you want to interview the other candidates?"

The man grew quite serious for the first time in what had been a largely congenial conversation. "I've considered others. But you're my first choice. If you decline, I'll have to go down the short list and settle for second best ... and a distant second at that. If you accept, you'll make me very happy. And I promise that you will be happy as well. What'll it be, Eric?"

"I appreciate your offer, Sir ... more than I can say. And I'm flattered that you think I have the ... ah ... qualifications you want. But it's a decision I need to think through. Can I give you my answer tomorrow?

Connors masked his disappointment and said, "Of course. I respect and admire your desire to make a decision that's right for you. And let me add: if you accept my offer, I will do whatever I can so you'll never regret it."

Chapter 8: A DIFFICULT DECISION

Eric had a lot to think about that night. Mr. Connors' offer was tempting. To travel the world would be an adventure ... and it would no doubt be in luxury. The frequent sex was also appealing even if it was with an older man. He was, after all, a very handsome man. But there was a nagging problem. It was sure to be a liaison based solely on sex-for-hire. There would be very little chance of developing a loving relationship, something that was important to him. Could he tolerate being a whore boy?

In the middle of the next day he had still not made up his mind and he knew that Mr. Connors expected an answer at the end of the shift. By the time the horn blared to indicate the end of the workday, Eric had formulated a plan.

"Come in," Connors beamed when Eric appeared at the office door. "I hope you have good news for me."

"That depends, Sir."

"Depends on what?" the puzzled man replied.

"Before I accept or decline your offer I'd like to make sure I understand all of the details."

"Good!" Connors grinned. "That shows you've got a head on your ... your wonderful body."

Ignoring the compliment, Eric sat on the sofa. As he expected, the boss sat next to him. "First of all, you said I would be pretending to be your son. Is that right?"

"Right."

"So whenever we're together, my name would be Eric Connors?"

"Of course."

"And who would be my mother? We will have to coordinate our stories."

"Your mother is my wife ... or, rather, WAS my wife. Her name was Harriet. But she's no longer around. We divorced many years ago. I've completely lost touch with her."

Eric was surprised that Connors had been married. Why, then, was he now obviously interested in having gay sex? He would have to ask ... but now was not the time. Instead, he resumed his questioning. "And would I have grandparents or other relatives?"

"No. My parents are dead. Harriet's parents refused to contact me after they found out.... I might as well be honest. They found out I was gay, which was also the reason for the divorce."

Although he was curious, Eric wisely decided not to pry further into why a gay man would marry or into the subject of how his wife found out her husband was gay. "You also said that I would be getting a salary. Is that right?"

"Right! Twice what you're making now."

"Just to be crystal clear, my duties while in your employ would be to have sex with you whenever you wanted and in whatever way you wanted it."

The man cringed at the blunt question but answered, "You're putting it a bit bluntly ... one might say crudely ... but yes."

"So far, so good," Eric said. "But there are a few more details I think we should agree on. That is, if I accept your offer."

"And they are?"

"My only sexual experience was one time with Brian. You should know that I don't have experience in pleasing a man. If that disqualifies me, you may want to withdraw the offer."

"It's not a problem, Eric. You have the good looks and sharp mind that attracts me to you. As for techniques, it will be a voyage of discovery for us both."

"One more thing, Sir. I have no problem with oral sex but I've never been fucked. Anal sex may be difficult for me at first. I'm a virgin down there and you'll have to go slow until I'm used to it."

Connors was delighted that his prey was a virgin but he controlled his enthusiasm when he said reassuringly, "I understand. You can trust me to be careful."

"That's good," Eric grinned but he grew serious when he said, "There's one thing that might be a deal breaker. I will NOT submit to any S and M stuff."

"Not to worry, my boy. I wouldn't enjoy that and would never subject you to it. I can see you've thought this through carefully. Is there anything else we should agree on?"

"Yes, Sir. The chance to travel with you is enticing. But I'm sure you would choose to travel in comfort. Airfare, fancy restaurants, and first class hotels would be expensive. I could never afford to pay my share of the cost. Are you planning on paying for my travel and hotel rooms?"

"Of course. You needn't worry about that. But just out of curiosity, what do you plan on doing with your salary?"

"Personal stuff, mostly -- souvenirs, clothes, perhaps meals when we don't dine together -- most of it will go into a savings account. You already know from the investigator's report that I've had a couple of periods of homelessness. I don't want to be homeless and hungry ever again."

"Very prudent of you," Connors grinned. "Is there anything else on your mind?"

"Just one more thing, Sir. It's the duration of the new job as your ... what did you call it? ... your personal assistant. Twice in my life someone close to me has turned against me. First it was my Dad; then it was Brian. It's made me very cautious. So here's my proposal. Either of us can terminate the agreement at any time if it doesn't seem to be satisfying our needs. That means you can fire me ... or I can quit ... before things get ugly ... with no hard feelings. I have absolutely no reason now to think that will happen but I think it's only fair that both of us have an escape hatch IF it happens."

Eric's last condition took Connors by surprise. He had considered the possibility but hadn't expected an eighteen year old boy to think about it and have the courage to make such a request. "My, my," the man said. "You have a talent for negotiation, don't you? I agree to your terms. Do we have a deal? Will you accept my offer?

"Yes, Sir," Eric grinned.

Connors smiled broadly. His proposal had been accepted. He even felt a tingle in his crotch at the prospect of taking the attractive young man to bed. But he suddenly grew serious (although it was pretense). "Wait!" he said. "There's something I have to add to our agreement.'

Eric was puzzled and just a bit fearful about the sudden change in the man's expression and what he might require.

"You must never again call me sir. If our deception is to be believable, you must always call me Dad." His smile returned, easing Eric's anxiety.

"Okay, Dad!" Eric beamed.

"You've made me a very happy man, Eric. And I sincerely hope that I can make you happy in your new life. As for me, I can hardly wait for ... ah ... for you to come live with me."

"I'll have to give notice to my foreman that I'm quitting. I think two weeks is the customary time."

"You're ethical to the bone, Son! I admire that. Two weeks is normal but I can exercise my prerogative to grant an exception. Let's consider your new duties as my personal assistant to begin immediately."

"There's another problem," Eric said. "Maybe I can walk out on my job here but I can't walk out on Grant. He needs me. Arrangements will have to be made for someone to assist him ... part time ... seven days a week."

"I'll take care of that first thing in the morning," Connors said. "I know a reputable elder care service. They have nurses but also have other dependable people on staff for non-medical services. What does he need?"

"Fixing meals, light housework -- cleaning and laundry and such -- that's all. OH! He also needs help taking a bath so it would be better if another man helps him with that."

"Done! Why don't you break the news to him tonight? Assure him that he will have professional help. And meet me at six thirty tomorrow evening at the front entrance to the plant. You needn't bring your things; we can pick them up later. Tomorrow, we'll have a good dinner and I'll take you to your new home. I CAN'T WAIT!"

Impishly, Eric asked, "For the dinner? For having a son? Or is it something else?"

Connors flashed a wick grin and said, "Whatever comes up!"

<><><><><>

Eric explained to Grant that evening that he had been given a promotion at work. It was quite a stretch of the truth but he could hardly divulge the nature of the offer he had accepted.

"Congratulations, my boy," the man enthused.

"There's more," Eric said. "The new job will require some travel. That means I won't be here for occasional long periods. So I've arranged for someone to take my place and help you here."

"Don't want no damn stranger around!" Grant groused.

"But I was a stranger once," Eric countered. "And it seemed to work out well. Besides, you'll be getting professional help. I'm confident they will do a better job than I did. I'm arranging for an elder care service to come in part time and do what I've been doing for you."

"Why can't you continue to do it?" Grant asked.

"Unfortunately, with the new job I won't be able to," Eric replied. "In fact, I'll be moving out. But I'll keep in touch with you because you've been like a father to me and I want you to be happy."

Grant was greatly disappointed that Eric would be moving out. He had become quite fond of the young man who was not only dependable and considerate but also had a disposition that seemed to brighten his life of aches and pains. And he was reluctant to have an elder care service -- with who knows what caliber of staff -- take care of his needs. Eric overcame the resistance, however, by promising to keep in touch and to immediately intervene if any problems arose.

Mr. Connors had promised to smooth things over with Eric's foreman when he didn't report for work the next day. That gave Eric a whole day to pack his things and to periodically reassure Grant that the elder care service would prove to be more than acceptable. It was a tremendous help that the middle-aged woman from the service appeared at the front door shortly after noon was friendly and professional ... and significantly, she was a member of the church Grant had attended before age and arthritis made him a prisoner in his home. He took an immediate liking to the idea of having a new caregiver.

As six thirty approached and Eric prepared to meet Connors, he grew nervous. He had no significant regrets about accepting the offer; all of his major concerns had been erased after questioning Connors about the details. And he no longer obsessed over being a whore boy; it wasn't what he wanted most -- a loving, lifelong emotional bond -- but at least the sex would satisfy his physical needs. Also, living in a luxurious home and traveling the world with his new `dad' would be exciting and fun. No, it was none of those things that made Eric nervous. He had committed himself to a totally new life, one that was vastly different than the one he had been living and one in which the unknowns were unknown. Would he enjoy it as much as he thought he would? Could he give up the fierce independence that had carried him through a series of unpleasant episodes? Was he, in fact, to become a slave to an older man's demands?

Chapter 9: FIRST CONTACT

Ted Connors was twenty minutes late meeting Eric after work and profusely apologized but gave no reason for the delay. "That's quite all right," Eric said although he had grown impatient while waiting.

They walked to Connors' car, a new Jaguar, in its reserved space in the parking lot. They chatted amiably on the thirty minute drive to an exclusive suburb but thoughts kept popping up in Eric's mind. What have I got myself into? Whatever it is, there's no turning back now. I wonder what Connors -- my `dad' -- has planned for our first night together. Oh well. Occasional sex is a small price to pay for traveling and living in luxury. And I will probably enjoy the sex. Or will I? He's an old man. Maybe not that old but more than twice my age. I may be glad I insisted on an escape clause in our agreement.

The car pulled into the long, circular driveway of a large, very impressive two story house. Eric fought to control the temptation of saying, "WOW." The man touched the remote control and one of two double garage doors opened. Inside the garage, Eric saw a Land Rover, a Mazda MX-5 Miata sports car, and a Lexus sedan. Eric wondered why one man would own FOUR expensive cars; his real dad managed to get along with a ten year old Honda Civic. Even Brian's father, a doctor, drove a Ford Explorer. Eric decided that it would take a while to become accustomed to his new life.

Connors noticed Eric's surprise at the four vehicles and said, "You're welcome to use the Miata anytime you want. The keys are on a rack in the kitchen."

Inside the house, Ted Connors said, "I have dinner reservations for eight thirty this evening. We have time to show you your room and freshen up if you like."

Eric followed the man up the circular stairway from the marbled foyer to the second floor landing and into a bedroom. It was huge to Eric's eyes with a double bed, two chests of drawers, a large closet, a desk, and two easy chairs upholstered in leather. "This is your room, Son. I thought that you should have some private space ... but of course you'll be sleeping with me. Settle in, think of how you want it decorated, and get ready for dinner."

Eric overcame his astonishment over the elegant room that was to be his and asked, "Will we be eating at a fancy restaurant? The only clothes I have at the moment is what I'm wearing."

"They'll be fine," came the reply. "But I've taken the liberty of having my housekeeper buy you a few things. They're in your closet. I guessed at the sizes. I hope they fit. Whether they do or don't, the two of us can go shopping for whatever you need or want. Oh! I almost forgot. You can use the bathroom at the end of the hallway. It's well stocked with whatever you might need. Of course, when we're together in my bedroom, you can use my private bathroom. Make yourself comfortable. We should leave for the restaurant in about twenty minutes." Somewhat abruptly, the man left Eric alone.

Eric had only enough time to check out the clothes in the closet -- shirts, trousers, shoes, a sport coat, and a suit -- all far more expensive than what he had left at Grant's house. As he emptied his bladder, he couldn't help feel a pervasive awe at the luxurious life his new dad enjoyed. He could hardly believe that he would enjoy the same comfort ... at least for a while. Lurking in his subconscious was the fear that living like this would become addictive. The withdrawal would be difficult if the relationship with his benefactor changed.

<><><><><>

"Ah! Mr. Connors," the officious maitre d' gushed. "I have the private dining room ready for you."

"Thank you, Charles. My guest tonight is not the usual business associate. I'd like you to meet my Son, Eric, and I hope you will extend the same hospitality to him as you have always done for me. That is, if the occasion arises that he dines here without me."

"But of course, Mr. Connors." Turning to Eric, the maitre d' said, "Pleased to meet you, Master Connors. May I say that you look just like a younger version of your father? We'll be honored if you come back to see us."

After being seated in the elegant private dining room, there was a knock on the door. "Come in," Connors called. A waiter in a tuxedo entered.

Eric's new dad said, "I'll have the usual, Michael. But my son will need a few moments to look over the menu."

Eric was stunned by the prices on the menu and, with no forethought, said, "My God! Any one of these choices cost almost as much as I spend on food for a whole week!"

Ted Connors laughed and said, "Get used to it, Son. I promised that you would be starting a new life with me ... one that you deserve and one that I hope you will enjoy."

The conversation during the meal was sporadic but friendly. Both diners were chatting on one level but anticipating the night together on another, private level. Fully sated with exceptionally delicious food, Eric's new dad grew serious and said, "I don't normally eat in the private dining room ... only when I'm with a business associate and expect to be talking about confidential matters. I asked for this room because I have something to say to you that must not be disclosed. At least until the public announcement. The long and the short of it is that tomorrow is my last day with the company. For the past four months I've been negotiating the sale of the company to a big conglomerate. There were a lot of sticky points and a lot of meetings that I won't bore you with but the outcome is, I think, quite favorable. First, they have agreed not to close the plant or layoff any current employee for the next five years. Second, I will be replaced as president but will have a seat on their Board of Directors. Finally -- and this was the most difficult part of the entire negotiation -- the price they agreed to means that, as sole owner of the company, I will be quite rich."

When it was clear the man had no more to say, Eric asked, "How rich?"

"I don't know the exact figure yet. It depends on the conglomerate's stock value when the final papers are signed. But it will be in the seven figure range." After taking note of Eric's astonished expression, Connors continued, "When it became clear that the deal would be made, I started planning what to do after leaving the company. That's when I started looking around for a companion. You caught my eye so I hired the investigator to -- as we would say in business -- assess the feasibility of making you an offer. Before you ask ... and I know you've been wondering ... there were other candidates. I rejected some immediately because ... well ... they didn't share my interests ... if you know what I mean. But you, Eric, have everything that I was looking for. You're exceedingly attractive. You had the good sense to finish school in spite of your troubles at home. You demonstrated your intelligence and analytical skills during our interview yesterday. And you're apparently willing to ... ah ... share my bed. To be quite candid, I'm quite anxious to do that."

Eric grinned. He was flattered by the compliments and was amused by the discrete reference to having sex. He had wondered since the time the offer was made what was under the boss's custom suit and, more significantly, what he carried between his legs. Those thoughts returned in force largely because his only gratification for a long time had been with his fist. It had a surprisingly arousing effect and he spontaneously said, "Well, then. What are we waiting for?"

<><><><><>

In the master bedroom, Connors said, "I've been waiting for this for a long time. But I want to make one thing very clear. Your happiness is more important than mine. I want you to promise that if I do anything that makes you uncomfortable, you will say so. Will you do that for me?"

"I promise," Eric replied.

"And I have a request. At least for our first time together, I'd like to undress you. And spend time exploring and admiring your body.

"Whatever you want, Sir. I mean Dad."

The man grinned broadly, extraordinarily pleased that the gulf between business owner and assembly line worker was closing. He quickly shed his suit jacket, tie, and dress shirt. He placed his hands on Eric's shoulders and said, "You've made me a very happy man, Son." He began unbuttoning Eric's shirt, moving very slowly and deliberately. He didn't know whether or when the young man would feel aroused but the tingling in his own crotch foretold the imminent engorgement of his own manly shaft. The sight of a well- defined chest with a sprinkling of hair accelerated the stiffening of his rod. His hands roamed over his young partner's chest and across his firm abs. Reluctantly, he interrupted his admiration to quickly remove his tee shirt but immediately returned to unbuckle Eric's belt.

Eric couldn't help but notice the man's admiration and was flattered by it. Nor could he be more fascinated with his new dad's firm torso with chest hair that blazed a trail downward across the navel and disappeared beneath his trousers. When Eric's pants were unzipped, the older but very fit man dropped to his knees to pull down the pants that stood as a barrier between him and what he wanted to see since the new, young employee captured his attention on the assembly line in the plant.

Connors first felt, squeezed, and rubbed his hands over Eric's ass cheeks but kept his eyes focused on the sizable bulge in the jockey shorts that were within inches of his face. Unable to restrain himself any longer, he placed his thumbs inside the waistband of the tighty-whities and slowly lowered them, revealing first a thick, black pubic bush and then the root of the young man's cock. When the full length of the manly appendage came into view it was beginning its growth into a fully capable instrument of pleasure. Eric was amused that his sex partner did nothing but stare at the no longer dangling cock as it gradually rose -- not smoothly but in barely perceptible jerks -- to a fully upright rod. With his pants and underwear puddled around his ankles, Eric watched as his new dad ran his fingers through the pubic hair, fondled the ball sack, and seemed to take a surprising amount of time to actually touch the now throbbing cock. He wondered: is he deliberately delaying contact to heighten HIS arousal or MINE?

Connors knew the answer to that question. It was his own enjoyment that was paramount at the moment. And he wanted the moment to last as long as possible ... although he remained aware that his young partner should also be given pleasure. It was the latter thought that prompted him to rise to his feet and take off his own trousers, boxers, shoes, and socks. Naked, he stood and noticed Eric's wide-eyed stare that was almost trancelike. The young man's eyes were fixated on the thick cock that pointed straight at him and the hairy ball sack that hung down under the weight of large testicles. Eric reminded himself of his earlier decision to let his benefactor take the lead so he restrained himself from touching.

Eric's mind alternated between two thoughts. Awe -- over genitals that were substantially larger than any he had seen on classmates in the shower after gym class. And worry -- about whether his ass would accommodate the penetration of such a massive intruder. Regaining awareness of the situation and anticipating the next move, he sat on the edge of the bed.

Connors quickly removed Eric's shoes, socks, pants, and underwear. He gently (adoringly?) lowered Eric onto his back, lay beside him, and whispered, "You're beautiful, Eric. In every way. But right now I'm captivated by your body. May I explore it?"

"Of course." Eric was curious about why the question had to be asked. Wasn't it a normal prelude to sex and an accepted part of foreplay? Hadn't he already agreed to submit to intimacy and sex? Nevertheless, he was pleased by the apparent consideration.

The man spent an inordinate amount of time running his hands across Eric's chest and abdomen. His touch was gentle and surprisingly arousing. The biggest surprise, however, was the eroticism of having his nipples suckled until they hardened, protruded, and became very sensitive.

Ted Connors was living a dream. He had free access to a young man's body. And the best part lay ahead. He was impatient but he disciplined himself to delay exploring and manipulating the very private parts of Eric's body. He didn't recognize it (nor would he admit it if he did) but intimate, erotic contact with a young man was, at least subconsciously, a way of regaining his own youth ... a way to capture the opportunities he lost when he conformed to society's expectations and married. There had been a few gay experiences but none of them satisfied more than physical gratification. They were transitory and resulted in a bitter divorce. And they happened years ago -- many years ago, during which he had longed not for just sex but for a lasting relationship. Now, however, he had the companionship of a steady partner that promised emotional fulfillment as well as physical gratification. He knew that the adventure of travel and the luxury of living well wouldn't be enough to ensure a durable relationship. No, he would have to do all in his power to make his young friend genuinely happy. And the most important way to do that was to be considerate and attentive to him as more than a paid staffer. The concern for Eric's happiness controlled the man's lust and prevented him from engaging in a thoughtless `biff-bam-thanks, man' episode.

Connors repositioned himself for better access to Eric's muscular legs, which he massaged in a way that brought him great pleasure and also heightened his young companion's arousal.

While Eric enjoyed the sensations of prolonged foreplay, he was becoming increasingly impatient for relief from the urging of his throbbing erection that was now drooling precum down onto his lower stomach region. But he had to remind himself that he had agreed to allow Connors to do what he wanted and on his own schedule. So he endured the distress of a mounting need to ejaculate. Just as his willpower began to crumble, he felt something touch his cock. He looked down. The man was gently running the tips of his fingers up and down the underside of the pulsating shaft of rigid meat. Eric gasped at the sensation that signaled the beginning of active sex and simultaneously boosted his arousal to new heights.

Ted Connors had also reached the point of being unable to stifle his compelling urges. In rapid succession, he licked up the pool of precum and engulfed the manly rod deep into his mouth.

Eric moaned loudly in delight.

Masterfully, Connors used his tongue and lips in a stroking motion to stimulate Eric's grateful shaft. It took very little time before the young man bucked his hips and felt the slightly painful but extraordinarily pleasing surge of semen erupt in a series of explosive volleys. Glorious sensations blasted from the epicenter of his crotch, radiating throughout his body and causing his heart to skip beats, his breathing to momentarily stop, his voice to emit a primal scream, and his limbs to convulse as though hit with a Taser. Eric would later recall the overwhelming feeling and conclude that all the orgasms he had previously if combined would not equal the intensity of the erotic stimulation of his first encounter with Ted Connors.

Several minutes later, Eric regained his senses and found his partner cuddled up against his side with an arm and a leg draped across his body. Without censoring his phrasing, he moaned, "GAWD! That was fuckin' AWESOME."

"Glad you enjoyed it," the man grinned. "Because I did, too. I've told you before and I'll probably tell you again that you've made me a very happy man."

Impulsively, Eric kissed the man who had bestowed such an ecstatic delight. Connors welcomed it and returned it with genuine passion.

They cuddled in silence for a while before Eric said, "I can't do it as well as you but may I return the favor?"

"Be my guest. And I'm sure you'll do fine."

Eric set to work, thoroughly enjoying every moment -- massaging chest, abdomen, and legs; bringing the semi-flaccid cock back to rigidity; filling his mouth with a hot, manly pleasure pole; and savoring the taste of love cream. The recipient of the sensual treatment, whose only sexual release for years had been solitary masturbation, was overjoyed.

To be continued

AUTHOR'S NOTE: Thank you, Iatia, for your expert editing and continuing encouragement.