TRIALS AND TRIUMPH -- II
Chapter 7: TWO BEGINNERS
It was less than a week before Eric received a call from Justin. "This is Justin from the agency. I've got your first assignment. Are you available to spend Friday evening and the whole night with a client?"
"Yes," Eric replied, surprised that his new job would start so soon. "Can you tell me about the client?"
"Single. New client. In his early thirties, he tells us. A partner in a big accounting firm. He wouldn't say which one. Still in the closet because of career concerns so the usual discretion and confidentiality is a must. You know this but I have to remind you that it's very important that a new client be satisfied. That shouldn't be a problem because he says this is the first time he's hired an escort. Don't know if he's a virgin. Don't know what he looks like either because all our contacts were by phone. His name is Richard Osborne. That's his real name ... or at least it matches the name on his credit card. That's about all we know about him. He came up clean in our background check so you don't have to worry about him being an undercover cop. On the off chance he is a cop, make sure HE initiates any sexual conversation or contact. And NEVER mention payment! Most Johns will leave a tip somewhere in the room. If he does it's yours to keep. If he hands it to you, use your judgment. If he says or implies it's payment for your services, decline it. But we went over all that when you were hired, didn't we?"
"Yes. I've read over the guidelines you gave me several times. When and where do I meet him?"
"He'll be waiting for you at seven Friday evening in the Hilton Hotel near the Galleria Mall on the Johnson Freeway. It's a tall round building. You can't miss it. He'll be reading a Time magazine in the lobby. Don't know where he'll take you for dinner but in case it's upscale, you should wear a coat and tie. You'll be staying the night in his room at the Hilton. That probably means at least two couplings and premium pay for you, Stud. Call in your report on Saturday so we can figure the charges and cut a check for you."
"Thanks, Justin. I'll be there."
"I know he's going to LOVE you. No red-blooded gay man wouldn't give his left nut for a romp in bed with you."
Eric rushed home from work on Friday to get ready for his appointment. He took a quick shower, used an enema, and got dressed, leaving plenty of time to drive to Dallas and find the Hilton. He arrived in the hotel parking lot with thirty minutes to spare so he waited in the car for a while before walking into the lobby five minutes before seven. He was momentarily perplexed because there were two men in the lobby reading a Time magazine. But he easily identified which of them was his John because he was pretending to read his magazine but nervously glancing toward the front entrance. Eric was pleased to see that the man was quite handsome with a trim (maybe too slender) body. He wore an obviously expensive suit and had well-groomed blonde hair that contrasted strikingly with his dark eyes.
"Hi," Eric said, deliberately not using the man's name. "Traffic was light so I'm a bit early."
Richard Osborne looked up and seemed to be startled. That made Eric think he had identified the wrong man. Unknown to Eric, however, was that the reaction was an outward expression of total admiration of the young man who would be his companion for the night. The agency had assured him of a young, sexy escort but the figure that stood before him exceeded all expectations.
It was only a moment before the man said, "Eric? I'm glad you could make it on such short notice." He stood, leaving his magazine on the end table. "I have reservations for dinner at seven thirty. Shall we head out to the restaurant? My car is outside."
The dinner at a steakhouse on the outskirts of Dallas was delicious. The conversation, however, was initially awkward and strained because both Richard and Eric were nervous. Between the main course and desert, Richard gathered the courage to say in hushed tones, "Pardon me if I'm not good company. But ... well ... this is the first time I've done this. Arranged for a partner, I mean. Fact of the matter is, I've never had a partner even in high school and college. I'm not sure of what to do ... when we get back to the hotel."
Mindful of the restriction on initiating explicit talk of sex, Eric quietly replied using ambiguous terms that would nevertheless be understood, "You can do whatever you want. Ask me any questions you might have. I'll answer them as best I can. But if it makes you feel better I'm a little nervous, too. I've never done this before either. Don't get me wrong. I've had experience but never with a stranger. This is my first assignment from the agency. I'm sure everything will go well and you won't regret the adventure."
Richard grinned broadly. "Thanks, Eric. I appreciate your understanding. You've made me feel much better."
Alone in the elevator, Eric said, "Calm down, Richard. Walking through the lobby your glancing around made you look nervous ... and guilty. We're just two friends going up to our room."
"Sorry," Richard said. "But I can't help being scared that people will find out about me. It would destroy my career not to mention devastate my family."
"I know exactly how you feel," Eric replied reassuringly. "But on the rare chance that anyone you know sees you, they'll be more suspicious if you act like you're trying to hide something. I learned that years ago in high school. I was afraid my secret would become known. As a result, my behavior around other guys -- especially in the locker room -- was unusual. Fortunately, I recognized it and make a conscious effort to act normally. I'm not saying it's easy. But you can do it."
Inside Richard's hotel room, Eric said, "I knew you could do it. We passed a couple in the hallway when we got off the elevator. You smiled at them and they would never suspect why I was with you."
"But I knew!" Richard objected. "And I felt guilty inside."
"First of all, there's no reason to feel guilty. I fully understand why you're afraid of being seen by somebody who knows you. But there's no reason to feel ashamed of us being together. And doing things together. We're alone now. You can do whatever you want to do -- whatever you've dreamed about doing but never had the chance."
"You mean that?"
"Absolutely. I want you to be pleased."
"This may sound odd," Richard said hesitantly, "but I'd like to undress you. Would you mind?"
"Not at all."
Richard's hands were trembling as he removed Eric's jacket and tie and laid them carefully across the back of a chair. He awkwardly unbuttoned the young man's shirt and impulsively touched both prominent nipples before removing the shirt and folding it neatly on top of the jacket. Eric was patient but amused that the fastidiousness was so typical of an accountant.
The man returned his attention to the half-naked body that was his to admire and explore -- at least for one glorious night. He ran his hands across the defined chest and flat abdomen, murmuring, "Gawd. You're beautiful." His trembling grew more noticeable as he unbuckled Eric's belt, unbuttoned the waistband, and pulled down the zipper. He gasped audibly when he saw the bulge in Eric's bikini briefs. Erotic passion and lust seized control of his mind. He fell to his knees and quickly pulled the briefs and trousers down to the young man's ankles. Cock and balls now swung free inches from his face, plunging the virgin into a delirium of delight.
Oddly, Richard asked, "May I touch it?" His tone was much like a small boy asking, "Can I pet your dog, Mister? Please."
"Of course," Eric replied. No longer constrained by the prohibition against initiating sex, he continued, "You're free to do whatever pleases you. Touch it. Fondle it. Watch it get hard. Lick it. Taste it. Anything you've always wanted to do. I'm here to please you and help you live your dreams."
Richard did just that: touch, fondle, watch in amazement as it rose to a swollen and upright position, and even tasted it. His shyness was disintegrated by his lust and by Eric's gentle encouragement. No longer concerned with others' opinion of homosexuality, the man was carried away by a tsunami of sensual pleasure.
Eric patiently allowed the fondling, caressing, (and worship?) to continue for several minutes but then said, "Get undressed, Richard, while I take off my shoes and pants. I'm going to give you the thrill you've always wanted."
Richard grinned. He almost ripped off all his clothes and uncharacteristically threw them carelessly in a pile on the floor. Eric watched and noted that his client's respectably sized cock was already fully erect and oozing precum. He lay down on the bed and held out his arms in invitation. Richard responded immediately and joined him on the bed.
Wordlessly, they hugged and ground their crotches together as they lay side by side. After several minutes, Richard said, "Help me, Eric. I'm not sure what to do ... or, more accurately, how to do it."
"Let me show you. Just lie there and relax. And enjoy the moment. I'm going to take you on a ride you'll never forget."
Eric's hands and tongue roamed all over the slim man's body to the accompaniment of moans and squeals of delight from the virgin. Precum fell in a string to form a pool just below the man's navel. Eric licked it up, held it in his mouth, and transferred it to Richard by way of an open-mouthed kiss. Noting the man's surprise, Eric said, "It's your precum. And I think it's delicious."
Eric then applied his full attention to teasing, sucking, and stroking the throbbing penis that was begging for orgasmic relief. It wasn't long before the man screamed and his cock erupted in several volleys of creamy nectar. Eric had to swallow some but saved most of it to deposit in his client's mouth.
After a prolonged period of recuperation from the most intense orgasm of his life, Richard said, "Gawd! That was magnificent!"
"If you're pleased, then I'm happy, too," Eric said.
"Would you let me do the same to you? I can't promise that I'll be anywhere as good as you were but I'd like to try."
"As I said before, Richard, you should do whatever you want to do. This night belongs to you."
Richard tried his best to duplicate the marvelous treatment he had enjoyed but was awkward at times. Nevertheless, Eric enjoyed everything the man did.
After a very long shower in which they washed each other and both sprouted hard-ons, they returned to bed to enjoy each other, this time in a sixty-nine position. Once again, Richard was quick to ejaculate; Eric's climax took a little more time but Richard didn't mind the extended opportunity to taste Eric's shaft of manly meat. Then they cuddled tightly together.
Before falling asleep, Robert's thoughts were mainly ecstatic gratitude for finally experiencing what he had yearned for since he was about fifteen years old. Eric, while he enjoyed the sex, thought about the life he had chosen to live. He concluded that sex without love can be enjoyed. And his new job with its variety of partners wasn't merely the "whore boy for hire" that had worried him previously.
They woke early and spent more than an hour gratifying each other's primal urges.
Before parting, Richard asked, "Can we do this again sometime?"
"Of course. Just call the agency and ask for me."
<><><><><>
Late Sunday night, Mike called to ask, "So how was your first assignment?"
"Very nice," Eric replied. "The client was a pleasant sort of guy and quite handsome. I enjoyed the dinner but he was shy and awkward at first. He was almost paranoid about our being seen together. But in the privacy of the hotel room he was an animal. That surprised me because he was a total virgin. I enjoyed the sex -- three times -- but you want to know what's surprising? This sounds corny but my greatest satisfaction was giving him what he had wanted for so long."
"Funny you should say that," Mike said. "I didn't mention it when I talked to you about joining the agency because I figured you would think I was just blowing smoke up your ass. Fact of the matter is, that's exactly how I feel with many of my clients. They're not virgins but they're appreciative as hell. And it makes me feel good that I'm giving them the pleasure they miss in their regular lives."
Eric said, "It wasn't that long ago that I had my first sex so I know how this guy felt. I'm pretty sure he went away very happy."
"That reminds me. Have you heard from Max lately?"
"No."
"Well, I'm probably out of bounds so act surprised when he calls you. He called me earlier today to thank me for recommending you. It seems that your client called Saturday evening to sing your praises and wants a return engagement next Friday night. Obviously, Eric, ya done good. And you're sure to get more assignments."
Chapter 8: AN ELUSIVE DECISION
Max called Eric soon after Mike's call. "Eric, my boy," he gushed. "You were a big hit on Friday night. The client was positively effusive in his praise for your performance. No small part of it was how well you talked him through his anxieties, which allowed him to fully enjoy the night. He wants another session Thursday night ... this time at his home. Are you willing to take on another long shift from seven on Thursday to noon on Friday?"
"Yes, sir."
"Good! I'll send you his address along with payment for your outstanding inaugural performance. One more thing. One of our regulars wants company on Saturday night. All the other escorts are booked that night and I'm confident that you can please him. It's not an all-nighter, just a few hours. Can you handle it for me?"
"Of course."
"Great! I'll have Justin call you will details -- where, when, his preferences, that sort of thing. Welcome aboard, Eric. You're going to be a great asset for the agency."
On Tuesday, a letter from the agency came with the information Max had promised together with a check. Eric was astonished at the amount of the check. With the tip Richard gave him, it almost matched his weekly pay at the auto parts store. For one night's enjoyment! Compensation was never discussed in all his conversations with Mike, Larry, Max, and Justin. He hadn't asked and they hadn't volunteered the information. Clearly, with only a few more assignments each week, his new job would easily surpass his income from a forty hour week peddling fan belts and wiper blades. But he prudently decided that he would not quit his day job yet. He would wait a few weeks to be sure that he wanted to commit to his new career. He needed to think it through very carefully.
To aid him in evaluating his options, he made two lists. Postive: + Considerable increase in income + Enjoyable "work" + Lots of free time + Getting out of Denton + (Maybe) finding a loving partner in Dallas Negative - Stigma of being a male prostitute - Variable and uncertain income - Risk of unsavory clients (kinky, fat, etc.) - Risk (minimal) of arrest - Risk of disease - Not long term (getting too old) - Burn out - bored with job
He pondered over the lists for days -- adding, deleting, and revising. For example, he changed a negative (burn out) to a positive (can quit at any time). His decision alternated between staying with the agency and declining all further assignments. As a result, he was nowhere near a confident decision. Maybe if he asked Mike and Larry for advice he could make up his mind.
<><><><><>
At ten minutes before nine on Friday night (no free meal in this gig) he arrived at the Omni Dallas hotel on Lamar Street, parked, and walked to the front desk. "I'm here to see Mr. Prescot."
"Yes," the desk clerk replied. "Your father is expecting you. Go right on up to room 1237." The father-son fiction was part of the information Justin gave to Eric.
Prescot was waiting at the open door of his room. Eric guessed it was a sign of the man's eagerness to get down to business. He was a tall man of about fifty and only slightly overweight, much of it around his waist but otherwise well built and handsome with short blonde hair, square jar, and piercing eyes. He wore slacks and a white dress shirt open at the collar. "Eric?" the man asked.
"Yes, Sir."
The man flashed a friendly smile and said, "Good. Come in." He pointed to one of two chairs in the room and said, "Have a seat." Prescot sat in the other chair. Eric had been worried about substituting for guys who were much more experienced but his worries vanished because the man said, "I was disappointed that Tim was not available but I assure you that after seeing you I'm no longer disappointed."
"Thank you, Sir. I hope you can say the same thing in the morning. I'll try to meet or exceed your expectations."
The man held up a half-full glass of whiskey and asked, "Can I fix you a drink?"
"Thank you but no."
Prescot sipped his drink and asked, "Before we get started, can you tell me about yourself?"
Eric was befuddled by the question. He didn't expect to have to recite his biography and he wasn't at all sure what to include. He chose to focus on what he thought would be relevant to the situation. "I'm nineteen. I was a companion to a wealthy executive for several months and he was -- if I may say so -- extremely pleased with me. I'd rather not say who he is or why we parted because it would violate confidentiality. I've also had experience with others before and after living with the executive. I'm new to the agency but I've received praise for my work. Is there anything else you would like to know?"
Prescot was impressed with Eric's demeanor and admired even more what appeared to be a firm, muscular body beneath his clothes. He was especially pleased with the young man's honoring of confidentiality. "You come very highly recommended. It was Max's glowing description of you and your work that convinced me to accept a substitute. But he didn't say how long you've worked for him or how many clients you have served."
It was not phrased as a question but Eric felt compelled to answer. "Only one week and only one client so far. But the client was extremely pleased and has booked me for more sessions. Max must also be pleased because he's given me more assignments."
"Let me see what you've got under your clothes."
It was an abrupt and bold deviation from the course of the conversation but Eric stood and began to undress. Fortunately, he had practiced the procedure with coaching from Mike and Larry and successfully followed it in his interview with Max. His movements were just slow enough to tease (and arouse) but not exaggerated to the point of being unnatural. Prescot's attention never wavered. His rational need to examine the merchandise was abandoned in favor of relishing the sight of an extraordinarily attractive young man revealing himself.
When Eric lowered his bikini briefs, his last article of clothing, his cock and balls swung free and Prescot gasped, "NICE!" The conclusion of the subdued strip tease came when Eric repositioned his cock in a way that convincingly seemed to be a natural gesture but was actually a deliberate way to attract attention to what he was offering to his client. The ploy was unnecessary because Prescot's eyes were riveted to the cock of above average length and diameter. Still, it added to the man's lustful desire.
Without another word, the man quickly stripped off his clothes and wrapped his arms around his companion for the night. He held Eric in a tight embrace for several minutes as he felt his cock engorge. Eric's cock also responded to the contact of their naked bodies but not as rapidly as his client's.
Wordlessly, Prescot led Eric to the bed, laid him down, and lay beside him. He then spent several minutes running his hand over the young man's body. Nothing between his knees and shoulders were unexplored. Except the cock which was now fully erect. The man moved to straddle Eric's legs and began to fondle the hardened shaft and pendulous balls. Unable to restrain his desires any longer, Prescot wrapped his lips around Eric's cock, drawing it slowly into and out of his mouth while teasing the sensitive tip with his tongue. His technique was so skillful that Eric had to consciously resist the urge to ejaculate.
Again without saying anything, the man moved up to straddle Eric's chest and positioned his own throbbing cock in front of Eric's face. It was more of a nonverbal request than an invitation so Eric engulfed the stiff rod and began to suck. Although the client was totally in charge, Eric was keenly aware of the need to be an active participant and used what he had learned -- mostly with Ted Connors -- to stimulate and arouse. He squeezed the man's ass checks, deftly slid a finger into the hairy crack, and massaged the puckered orifice. Prescot didn't object so (with difficulty because of no lubrication) he worked a finger up to the first knuckle into the anal channel, which then allowed him to intensify the stimulation.
Unexpectedly, Prescot withdrew his cock from Eric's mouth and said, "I want to fuck you. Have you cleaned yourself out?"
"Yes. Thoroughly."
"Good. I'm going to lie back. Get on top of me and sit on my cock. Face me so I can watch your cock bounce as you ride me."
Eric complied, doing all the work while his client lay motionlessly. After several minutes, Prescot closed his eyes. With a groan and a powerful upward thrust of his hips he discharged a load of cum deep in Eric's ass.
Eric maintained his position with the deflating cock buried in him but without moving. When the ecstasy of his orgasm wore off, the man ordered, "Off! On your back!" He was clearly a man accustomed to authority and being obeyed. He was a man of few words but they were unambiguous in meaning. Eric obeyed the commands. Prescot then sucked Eric's cock in a way that was somewhere between active and ferocious. Soon, Eric warned, "I'm gonna cum!" The information had no effect on Prescot's efforts. Several blasts of cum assaulted the back of the man's throat and were swallowed.
They showered, gently but thoroughly washing each other in decidedly erotic ways before crawling into bed and cuddling tightly together. Prescot said nothing as they awaited sleep. The man was reflecting on what had been a thoroughly satisfying experience. Eric, however, was worried that he had not performed well. There was nothing in the information Justin had provided about Prescot's habits of not communicating in other than terse commands. He had tried to please but the lack of any signs of approval or appreciation was distressing. He felt in many ways the same as he did during the last days with Ted Connors. He was nothing more than an available body although a desirable one. He didn't expect affection from a client of the agency. But he did expect more than a single-minded interest in carnal gratification.
Morning brought an identical repeat of the sexual activities of the night before. As Eric dressed to leave, he was depressed but maintained an outwardly cordial attitude. His disappointment and sense of failure weighed heavily on him. That changed, however, when Eric got dressed and Prescot said, "It's been wonderful, Kid. You don't have the experience of Tim but your performance was flawless. Can we get together again?"
"I'd be happy to," Eric replied but, worried about stealing a client from another staff member, said, "Just call the agency, Sir. They make the assignments."
"I will. And I intend to make my choice known! I couldn't wish for anyone better than you."
Eric just grinned, "Thank you. I'm glad you were pleased."
He turned to leave but stopped when the smiling Prescot said, "I think you forgot something on the bedside table."
Eric looked and saw several bills in a money clip. He walked over, picked it up, and asked, "Are you sure this is not yours, Sir?"
Prescot laughed. "You ARE new at this game, aren't you? It's yours!"
In the elevator, Eric counted the cash. The client was not amiable but he was VERY generous.
<><><><><>
Eric's next appointment with another client was less rewarding. A very overweight man in his late sixties who reeked of cigarette smoke met him at a Holiday Inn. With no preliminaries and minimal foreplay, they got naked and sucked each other to orgasm in a 69 position. It was over in less than an hour. He complimented Eric and thanked him profusely but Eric left without a tip.
As Eric drove home, he reflected on the two experiences. The only similarity was that both clients were interested in one thing only: sexual gratification. He wondered if that would be a common thread in every subsequent assignment. He also wondered if he would find a partner and be able to form a loving bond. If so, would he be able to live separate lives like Larry and Mike who inexplicably seemed able to love each other while constantly servicing lonely men.
When he arrived home, he revised his lists of pros and cons once more.
Chapter 9: THE OUTING
Eric had been working for the agency for three months. His schedule had expanded and he was servicing at least five clients each week and sometimes as many as ten in Dallas, Fort Worth, and surrounding cities. It was it profitable because Max steered him only to affluent clients who tipped generously. His expenses were minimal and his bank account was sizable. More importantly, he was happy. The frequent sex was enjoyable, of course, but he took pride and delight in pleasing grateful and lonely men. He didn't yet have what he most wanted, a lifetime companion, but he was optimistic about finding someone to love.
In early December, Max summoned all twelve employees to a staff meeting at his home. It caused quite a stir among the escorts because it had never been done before and no one had any clue about the purpose of the meeting. Max deflected all questions about why he called the meeting.
Everyone assembled on a Wednesday afternoon to find name tags laid out for them on a table in the foyer. It was a considerate move since none of the escorts had personally met more than two or three of their colleagues. For the first hour, they mingled and introduced themselves to each other while Max and Justin circulated to make sure that plates were filled with hors d'oeuvres and glasses filled with wine or soda. Always in hushed tones when the curious young men were sure that neither Max nor Justin could hear, they wondered to each other "What's this all about?" The consensus was that it must be an early Christmas party.
All conversations were interrupted when Max called out, "Gentlemen! Would you all join me on the patio out back? Bring your plates and glasses if you like. I have something to say to you."
Most of the guests looked quizzically at each other but they all followed Max and Justin out the back door to a spacious patio. Four tables and sixteen chairs were in place under a very large awning.
When everyone was seated, Max started the meeting. "First and foremost, I want to thank each and every one of you for your efforts. It's you guys that have made the agency the success that it is. And I want to commend you for earning the praise ... and the loyalty ... of our clients. As a token of my thanks, I'm inviting you to a two-day retreat where you can relax and have a bit of fun. I've arranged with one of our satisfied clients to rent his vacation house in the Piney Woods Region of East Texas. Calling it a house isn't right. It's a huge place surrounded by forest on three sides and overlooking Sam Rayburn Lake. There's a swimming pool and tennis court out back. I've visited there and I assure you it's palatial and beautiful. There are only six bedrooms in the main house and two in a nearby guest house so you'll have to double up at night." Max paused and continued, "HOW you double up is entirely up to you." A mixture of giggles and laughs rippled through the surprised staff. Max turned to Justin and jokingly asked, "What's so funny?" Laughter resumed.
"The dates are December 27th and 28th -- typically a slow time for the agency. It's only two days but I think you will enjoy it. It may conflict with regular weekly appointments for a few of you. If so, I will explain to your clients the reason. I'm sure they will understand. Some of you might have other plans for those dates. I'm hoping, however, that ALL of you can arrange your plans to join us. Now. What will you do to fill two days of vacation? There will be no planned activities except for meals that will be catered. You'll be on your own to hike, go boating, swim, or ... whatever comes up and catches your fancy." Boisterous laughter erupted.
"I've chartered a bus to take us there and back. I've prepared an information sheet on when and where to meet the bus and some more information. Justin? Would you please pass them out, please? Any questions?"
After a short pause, Tim asked, "What should we bring?"
"A shaving kit, a change of clothes, and ... depending on you interests ... swim suit, hiking shoes ... whatever you might need for your preferred activities."
"Plenty of condoms?" Justin shouted.
"JUSTIN!" Max shot back, faking displeasure. "Can't you think of anything else?"
Justin pretended to sulk, which only caused the laughter to grow louder.
"Okay, guys," Max said to quell the din of laughter. "Meeting's over. I'll assume that you will all come but let me know in a couple of days if you CAN'T attend the party. You're welcome to hang around here for a while or get back to whatever you had planned for the rest of the day."
<><><><><>
It was about a four hour bus ride to the site of the retreat but the joviality and energetic conversations among the passengers made the trip pass quickly. It was almost midnight on the evening before the two-day retreat when the bus pulled up in front of a very large house. "Geez," one of the escorts exclaimed. "It's a scaled down version of the Grand Hotel complete with huge porch and a portico!" Pressed for what he meant by those who had never heard of the Grand Hotel, the young man explained, "It's a famous and very classy hotel on Mackinac Island in upper Michigan. I stayed there with my parents years ago. And to think this is just some guy's vacation house! Incredible!"
Max escorted the entourage into the house as the bus pulled away. Inside, he briefly pointed out where to find the available bedrooms and bathrooms (He and Justin would take the master suite.) and finished by saying, "It's late. Breakfast is at seven. If you haven't already paired with a room mate, do it now. I'll see you in the morning."
Most had already agreed to share a room and proceeded immediately from the foyer up the stairs. Eric and Tim were among the first to go up the stairs. They had not met each other prior to the trip and nothing more than chance found themselves as seat mates on the bus trip. They developed an immediate rapport and agreed to share a bedroom.
Tim was not a hunk like many of the other escorts. He had a thin frame and very youthful looking face that made him seem years younger than his age of eighteen. Perhaps, Eric thought, that would be appealing to some clients.
Tim came from a dysfunctional family in northeast Ohio. His parents found out he was gay and berated him mercilessly. They threatened to send him to a camp in Wyoming that claimed to "cure" homosexuals. He refused to go and left home at seventeen to live with his boyfriend. A heated argument with his boyfriend just before high school graduation forced him to move out. He hitchhiked to Texas to stay with his married older brother who knew he was gay and accepted it. Unable to find a job without a diploma, he started working for the agency.
But they were dissimilar in other ways. Tim was a gregarious extrovert who made friends easily. He was what academics would call a lateral thinker because he creatively found connections between seemingly unrelated things. Whereas Eric's interest was in the orderliness of demonstrable facts, Tim saw the world around him differently and was drawn to artistic expression in painting, music, and the performing arts.
Eric found Tim to be, for lack of a better word, refreshing -- honest and unpretentious, energetic, an attentive listener and interesting talker. Tim appreciated Eric's curiosity and genuine interest in Tim's passionate love of visual and performing arts. Together, those factors formed the basis of mutual attraction and their agreement to be room mates.
Upon staking claim to one of the upstairs bedrooms, Eric and Tim unpacked the few things in their overnight bags while still talking to each other as if they were old friends. Eric said, "I think I'll grab a quick shower before anyone else monopolizes the bathroom."
Tim surprised even himself when he impulsively asked, "Why don't we shower together?"
Eric's expression was briefly startled but it quickly changed to a grin. "I'd like that." But, fearing that his comment was too bold, he immediately added, "It will save time for others who want to shower."
Both young men grinned. Each had the same hopes. Each sensed that the other felt the same way. They stripped off their shoes, socks, shirt, and trousers and walked down the hall to the bathroom where they took off their underwear.
Eric must have shown his surprise upon seeing Tim's pelvic region with no public hair, which made his average penis look longer. Tim chuckled and said, "Yeah, I keep it shaved. It's a turn-on for a couple of my regulars; all the others don't mind. Any time a new client requests a juvenile escort, Max tells them we're all at least eighteen. If they insist on a young appearing escort, he gives the assignment to me. I can't be sure -- I have no clear evidence -- but I think one guy might be a pedophile but if I can satisfy his urges so he doesn't bother little boys, I'm happy to do it."
"Well," Eric said, "I'm not a pedophile but I must say it's sexy."
It was not undiluted lust but it was a combination of mutual fondness and admiration that drove them both to be gentle and caring as they washed each other. No words were spoken as they tentatively began; none were necessary. The budding bond between them eliminated the need for requests and permissions. Both became increasingly aroused in small part by the sensuous actions of washing and being washed but mostly due to their fondness for each other. Their erections did not plead for release as much as they seemed to beg for the privilege of bestowing joy on a deserving friend. The intensity of their orgasms was magnified by their liking for each other. As each deposited his seed in the other's mouth, he didn't fully recognize the magic of the moment: another seed had been sown -- the latent seed of love for each other. Neither could foresee how soon or how vigorously that seed would grow and flourish. Both of them, however, were warmed by a rich glow of emotional bliss as they cuddled together in bed. Before they fell asleep, each reminisced to himself about his first lover. It seemed so long ago and quite meaningless when compared to the current evening's physical and emotional gratification.
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Everyone gathered on the patio by seven in the morning or slightly after for the catered breakfast of eggs, sausage, bacon, toast, waffles with a selection of syrups, juice, milk, coffee, and tea. The good food was enhanced by the view of a swimming pool, tennis court, and part of the expansive back yard, some of which was obscured by a wooden privacy fence on three sides of the pool that was visible only from the house and patio.
After breakfast, everyone scattered to enjoy hiking in the woods, swimming in the pool, playing tennis, canoeing on the lake, lounging on the patio, or going back to their rooms for undisclosed reasons.
"Hey, Eric," Mike said. "Care to join Larry and me in a walk through the woods?"
"Sure," Eric replied. "Would you mind if Tim comes along?"
"More the merrier!" Mike replied.
For the rest of the day, Eric and Tim were inseparable -- canoeing, swimming, playing billiards in the basement game room -- which caused many others to speculate. The new friends' companionship was particularly obvious to Mike and Larry. They, more than anyone else, noticed the uninhibited laughter, the frequent consideration of the other's needs and wishes, the sparkle in their eyes when they exchanged glances, and what seemed to be a glow of happiness in both their faces.
Larry and Mike sat with Tim and Eric at dinner that night. When Tim excused himself to go to the bathroom, Mike seized the opportunity to resolve a question that had intrigued him for most of the day. "You and Tim get along very well together. Is it more than a friendship?"
Eric was blindsided by the question and was hesitant to reply. Yes, he cared for his vivacious new friend. He allowed himself to hope that the friendship would continue and ... perhaps ... blossom into a relationship. But it was far too soon to be sure of any reciprocal interest. To divert the subject he answered, "I only met him yesterday. He's fun to be with. He's a friend ... like you and Larry are my friends."
"Forgive me," Mike said. "It's just that I see in both you and Tim the same thing that Larry and I experienced when we met. Call it excitement, camaraderie, joy ... whatever. But I've never seen you so happy. Let me just say that I hope it works out for you both. You'd make a perfect couple."
Larry interjected, "If it does, buddy. I hope we're the first to know that our prediction was right."
"Geez, guys!" Eric exclaimed. "You really believe in love at first sight?"
"YES!" both Mike and Larry said in unison and laughed.
That night, as Eric and Tim made love in bed, they both felt that they may have found someone with whom to share the rest of their lives or at least allowed themselves to hope so.
To be continued
AUTHOR'S NOTE: My thanks to Iatia for his peerless editing and continuing encouragement.