Disclaimer: The following is a work of fiction. It contains detailed depictions of male/male consensual sex. If you are averse to anything homosexual, please go elsewhere.
Important Notice: This is the tenth chapter in a novel length work about Jevin, Nick, Jack, their friends and families. Please send any comments to: cutter57@hotmail.com. Please note that this is the only feedback I get. So take a minute and make your opinions known. Please include /RJC57/ on the subject line of all e-mails. Robert J. Cutter
WINE COUNTRY
Copyright (c) 2000 by Robert J. Cutter - All Rights Reserved
The author retains all rights to this story. It is not permissible to distribute it to any newsgroups and/or other web sites without the express written consent and permission of the author.
Chapter 10 - Nick and Will
I was an overcast Saturday morning. Nick Turner was busily working on a vintage car parked in the driveway of his home. He sat on the fender, leaning into the engine compartment and feeling somewhat depressed having to spend still another weekend alone at the house. Uncle Jack was off at the shop for the morning and early afternoon; then he would go off to Santa Rosa or San Francisco or wherever trying again to connect with someone for a weekend stand.
Every weekend it was the same goddamned routine - and Nick was getting bored and tired of it all. After the terrible scene with Jevin this week Nick was surprised that the guy was still trying. Jack hadn't been lucky for a long time now, except for that kid, and that had ended so very, very badly. Jevin seemed to be such a nice person, too. When Jack just brushed him off, Nick was certain that Jack was no longer made for these weekend prowlings. The guy was definitely getting too old.
Nick wanted to get the adjustments to the engine finished and the new spark plugs installed before the inevitable winter rains came later in the day. He was working while listening to the Metropolitan Opera radio broadcast of the week. Suddenly he became aware of a Range Rover pulling into the driveway. It was unfamiliar to him and he could not see who was driving. The vehicle stopped and the engine shut off.
A tall, very good-looking man stepped out. He had to be at least 6'-4" and very, very well built - wide full chest tapering down to a slim waist. He was wearing jeans, a red and black flannel shirt, cowboy boots and a yellow rain jacket. To Nick, he was just absolutely gorgeous - about the most magnificent man he had seen in years - years of abstinence and filled with unending frustrations. However, after taking his eyes off this attractive guy, he noticed two young children getting out of the back of the Rover.
The man walked up to Nick and extended his hand. Nick swung around on he fender and shook the extended hand. "Hi," the man said with a stunning, wide smile on his face. "I'm Will Kennedy and these are my two kids, Sarah and Elijah. And I just love that car you're working on."
"Hiya, I'm Nick Turner, and the car isn't mine. I'm doing the work for a client who lives in the LA area. He has it trucked up here periodically so I can work on it." Nick looked into his incredibly blue eyes and seemed to lose himself in them. He looked quickly down, away from those hypnotic eyes. He noticed, to his dismay, that the guy was wearing a wedding band.
"Daddy, daddy," the young girl said in a whiney voice as she pulled on her father's jacket. "That man had no legs. Look daddy, that nice man has no legs."
"I can see that, honey."
"Wha' happen to 'em, daddy? Wha' happen?"
"Sweetie, please don't ask that now. I'll find out later. Now please, Sarah, fewer questions, okay?"
She nodded. Nick noticed that she was a very cute kid with gorgeous strawberry-blonde hair, very vivid blue eyes and a beautiful pale complexion with plenty of freckles. She was four or five years old, Nick guessed. He then noticed the boy who walked behind his father and sister. He looked about six or seven and had the same physical characteristics as his sister - hair color, eyes and complexion. To pick them as siblings was not difficult. "Good-looking father, good-looking children," Nick thought.
"Incredible car!" Will Kennedy said almost to himself as he walked around the vehicle. "It's phenomenal. Just magnificent! '34 Pierce-Arrow, right?"
"Right." Nick was stunned that this guy had correctly identified the year and make of the car. "It's a 1240A convertible coupe. Less than 300 were ever made."
"I know! It's the year they went bankrupt. I've been trying to buy one like it for years!" This attractive hunk not only knew about the car he also knew the history of the car. Nick looked at him closely. Besides being tall he had a very handsome smooth face, big hands, and dark brown hair worn in a long ponytail. His demeanor and his appearance said "money" - lots and lots of money.
"Yeah, it is. You know, only one person in a million would know that. How did you know?"
Will laughed a hearty masculine laugh. "I happen to own a considerable collection of antique and vintage automobiles."
"Oh! Of course! Will Kennedy! You guys're the new residents at that fabulous house up north a bit...uh...Hermitage Park. Yes, yes I read about you in the papers." Nick paused and spoke in a low voice. "I was really sorry to hear about your parents. I was very shocked and upset when I read about the accident. Please accept my condolences."
"Thanks, Nick, I appreciate that." Will turned away for a second or two before continuing. "Yes, we moved in about a month ago. The kids and I were taking a drive, looking at our vineyards around the county. There's one just up at the end of this road, you know."
"The Winterset Vineyards. Yes, I know it. Very nice place - and great wines!"
"As you can imagine, the kids are rather bored with it all. 'Still more dead plants to look at, Will?' I keep telling them they're not dead, just sleeping for the winter, but that doesn't matter. Anyway, what're you doing with this beauty?"
"Oh, I'm just tuning it, replacing the plugs and doing some other maintenance work."
"I notice you're listening to the opera broadcast. Like opera?"
"Absolutely! My Uncle Jack introduced me to it and I just love it"
"Wagner's 'Die Walkure'. Right?"
"Right!" replied Nick. "Jeez, is there anything this guy doesn't know?" Nick thought.
"Do you go often?"
"I go about four times a year down in San Francisco." Nick paused before speaking again. "Say, would you guys like to come in for something to drink or anything? Kids would you like something to drink and maybe use the bathroom?"
"Elijah, what do you say?" Will asked. "Want anything?" The boy nodded. Will turned to Nick. "Thank for you generosity, Nick."
Nick slid off the fender and into his wheelchair. He wheeled himself into a corner of the garage and washed his hands and arms in a sink there. Everyone then went inside.
The house was very large and very nicely decorated, Will noted. Everything was extremely neat and beautifully arranged. The kids immediately went to use the bathroom while Nick and Will went into the kitchen. When the children returned Nick poured soft drinks and juice for all.
Nick showed the children into the spacious den to watch television. Nick and Will sat in the kitchen and drank orange juice. As they sat across the kitchen table, Will felt himself being drawn to this Nick. The guy was seemingly younger than he was, and was a stunning blonde, with gorgeous straw colored hair even in the middle of winter. He seemed to be very well built (under his coveralls) with a wide chest, and, despite his lack of legs, he seemed incredibly self-sufficient. And those heavenly blue-green eyes of his were breathtaking.
"So how do you like Sonoma County, Will?"
"I like it very much and the kids are absolutely crazy about it. The house is much bigger than we're used to and everything is just perfect. We have a staff, I have my offices there and all those old cars to play with. Ever seen them?"
Nick shook his head. "No, I've never been that lucky. How many are there?"
"I think there're fifty-four right now and I'm trying to get some others. I'm in negotiations with the current owners. Would sure love to get my hands on that Pierce, though," Will laughed. "Guess we'll have to set up a time for you to get to see the collection."
"I know that the owner has already put the car in his will, so I guess it isn't for sale. Yeah, I love to see them sometime but I'm really very busy right now. I...uh...honestly don't...uh...know when I can find the time." Nick was looking for an excuse not to visit the house. He felt himself somehow being drawn to this man - this obviously married man - this obviously married man with two young children. "I really like to stay close to home and work around here.I'm just a homebody, I guess. I'm a little uncomfortable, you know, going to unfamiliar places - I'm sure you can understand. I never know what I'll find; you know, handicapped accessible and all."
"Yes, I suppose I can understand that, but can't I even entice you with the opportunity to work on some of these cars?"
"Work on them?"
"Yes, work on them. I have a '64 Mustang that really, really needs some immediate TLC. Don't you think you could find time for that?"
"Er...yeah I suppose so. When would you like me to come by?"
"This hasn't been planned. I just happened to be driving by and saw you working on that Pierce...but...how about this afternoon? I'm not doing anything. How about it?"
Nick thought for a while and looked directly at Will. Will gave him a small, questioning smile. "Okay. I suppose so," he replied not too enthusiastically. He knew he still had to finish the work on the Pierce-Arrow and he did not necessarily want to be around this gorgeous man too long. "Yeah, maybe later this afternoon'll be okay, after I finish up on the Pierce. Could you write down the directions to the house and leave me your phone number?"
Nick gave Will a notepad and he wrote down the information. They smiled at each other before Will rounded up his kids, thanked Nick for his gracious hospitality and headed back to his automobile.
"See you later then, Nick," Will said as he once again sat behind the wheel of the Rover. "Try to be over between one-thirty or two and we'll all have lunch together. Okay?" Nick nodded. He gave Nick another beautiful smile.
The kids waved goodbye and shouted out their thanks as the Rover pulled out of the driveway.
Nick was sitting in his wheelchair in the driveway, next to the Pierce. "Just my goddamned luck! Nice guy, many of the same interests, and he's married with kids." Nick hung his head and started feeling sorry for himself. "Got to stop this! Can't get into that cycle again!" He turned his chair and hoisted his body onto the fender of the car and began his work again. "But it's been so long since there was someone - anyone!"
"I can't believe my luck!" Will thought as he drove home and reviewed his mental photo gallery of Nick Turner. "He is so incredibly beautiful, must still be in twenties. He has that striking shaggy cut sandy blond hair, greenish-blue eyes, clean-shaven, and looks like he does some working out. And we have so many things in common - so much we can talk about. The kids may present a problem, though. Let's take it very slowly and see what happens. Shouldn't be any big deal, right? Right!" All of this was going through Will's mind as he pulled to the front of his house and shut off the Rover. He just sat there, thinking and eagerly looked forward to Nick's arrival. "He is handicapped. Is this a problem? Not a problem at all!"
"C'mon, Will, get outta the Rover," Elijah called. Will suddenly realized that he had driven home in a daze and was still sitting behind the wheel.
William Clark Kennedy had come to northern Sonoma County one month earlier. He attended to the details of settling his parents' estate following their deaths in a boating accident off the coast of Baja California. An only child, Will was heir and executor of their estate, which was considerable and very far-reaching. His father had been the inventor, patent holder and producer of several popular computer components whose sales had enabled his early retirement and his subsequent direction as a philanthropist.
Will had actually settled down in the south Bay Area and started his career in anti-discrimination law after graduating from Princeton and Harvard Law School. Instead, years later, he found himself incredibly rich, with two young children and a financial empire to run. The children were not his biological children. They were children of his former lover who had been married and fathered this stunning pair in a youthful flight of fancy.
After seeing the property he had inherited and the area where it was located, Will decided that he would permanently settle down here. There was enough to keep him quite busy running the family enterprises and investments. He needed to set up charitable foundations in his parent's memory. So what if it was "far from the city lights"? And the kids loved the enormous house and all the extraordinary trappings of being very rich.
Physically, Will was an attractive man: thirty-five years old, tall, with dark brown hair (worn in a long ponytail), ice blue eyes and, as Nick had readily noticed, very handsome and well built. He knew he was gay at the age of twelve and had very extensive experiences in school, the service and college. He had had a few regular, steady adult lovers over the years. This included Ferenc, his law partner and lover who had killed himself and his ex-wife in a suicide pact, leaving Will the legal guardian of their two children.
Just before 2 o'clock, Will heard a vehicle coming up the drive. He was in the shop, getting the Mustang ready for Nick's inspection. He stepped to the opening of the garage and watched as an aqua and white '55 Chevrolet Belair Coupe rolled to a stop a few yards away and parked beside the Rover.
The driver's door opened and a pair of work boots landed on the concrete driveway. Filling the boots were feet and legs. Nick Turner shifted around in the driver's seat and got out of the classic car. He had changed out of his work overalls; he was now wearing a pair of very loose fitting jeans held up by suspenders, a plaid shirt and a rain jacket. As Will looked at this handsome guy walking towards the garage, he realized that his first impression of Nick was a little understated. This guy was gorgeous and tremendously desirable. He walked very well, too. A limp, of course, but that's to be expected for a double above the knee amputee. "But is he gay?"
Will asked himself.
As Nick walked into the shop, he looked at the collection of vintage automobiles inside the garage and some parked outside the building. Will walked up to greet him. "Oh, man! What an awesome bunch of cars! These are great!" Nick said enthusiastically.
"Yeah, pretty nice, aren't they? And there's another level below this one with many more," Will said as he once again let his eyes roam over the face and figure of the standing next to him. "So, glad that you decided to come out here." He hesitated then said, "I see you're wearing prostheses. Are they good?"
"Yeah, they're quite good and pretty comfortable." Nick walked over to the Mustang. "And I guess this is the patient, huh?" Nick said as he peered under the hood of the beautiful, shiny red Mustang convertible.
"Yep, sure is!" Will came up and stood beside Nick. The mere presence of such a stunning specimen of manhood as Nick was making Will very excited and getting his blood pumping. "But let's get some lunch first, okay?"
Will called the kids into the house and began to take things out of the refrigerator and the freezer. Nick noticed that it was a fabulous kitchen, with professional equipment including a convection oven, restaurant broiler and stove. "This is my special chili. I made up a batch last week and froze some of it," Will commented. "I noticed you looking over the place, Nick."
"Yes, it's quite professional."
"I love to cook. You could say that it's my real hobby. I find it relaxes me, not to mention that one can enjoy the outcome almost immediately. Do you like to cook?"
"Absolutely! My Uncle Jack taught me when I was a teenager and love it."
"Wonderful. I'm trying to get the kids interested and Elijah is really taking to it. Would you like to prepare a salad? I have all kinds of greens, chevre, tomatoes. Do what you want."
Nick walked to the professional fridge and peered in. It was loaded with a tremendous assortment of fresh produce. He took out a few things and began working on the salad. The kids came running in looking for lunch. When they saw it wasn't quite ready Sarah seated herself at the table and continued coloring in a book she had with her and Elijah walked over and helped Nick retrieve some items from the refrigerator and cabinets.
"Wow! You have legs!" Elijah exclaimed, having just realized that Nick was walking around the kitchen.
Everyone laughed. "Yes, I have legs. I'm wearing my prostheses. Like 'em?"
"Yeah! They look really great!"
In fifteen minutes everyone was enjoying a great impromptu lunch. Nick complimented Will on the quality of his chili and Will was enthusiastic about Nick's salad. The kids enjoyed themselves too and Elijah even managed to smile once or twice.
"Will, may I ask something?" Nick asked.
"Sure."
Uh.where's your wife? Is she away?" The kids tried to cover their smiles. This had the effect of unsettling Nick somewhat.
"I'm not married, Nick. There is no wife."
Nick was silent, his fork poised in mid-air. "Divorced?"
"No, Nick. I've never been married." Nick was now really stupefied. He glanced over at Elijah and saw that the boy was smiling again.
"W-w-wha?" Nick responded, now totally confused.
"Okay, Nick, I'll explain," Will said, giving Nick a big smile and fingering his wedding band. "Elijah and Sarah are not my biological children. Their parents died in a tragic accident and I was the executor of the estate. I was named as their legal guardian and I eventually adopted them both. Their father was my law partner and committed partner, if you know what I mean. Simple as all that."
Nick was still slightly bewildered but realized that his first instincts and attraction to Will Kennedy were totally honest and correct. He nodded his head. "Thanks Will, for sharing that with me. I appreciate it."
"No problem. Elijah and Sarah have been with me for two years now and their last name is Kennedy. When my parents died, I closed my practice in San Jose and we all moved here. We're getting to really love this place. It was designed by Richard Meier and is quite magnificent, as I'm sure you've already noticed. I'll give you the full tour a little later."
After the four finished their lunches, Will said, "Okay! Let's get started on the Mustang!"
The men went outside to the garage/museum while the kids went elsewhere. Nick leaned over the fender of the car and asked Will to start it up. Nick listened for a while and asked Will to rev it up. He listened some more and signaled Will to shut it down. Nick maneuvered himself around to be able to get to the engine, carburetor, etc. Will watched with absolute amazement as Nick surely and quickly darted about and checked all linkages, belts, wires et al under the hood. Nick took a screwdriver from his shirt pocket and began to adjust some screws on the carburetor.
After five minutes of making these tests adjustments, Nick had Will start the car again. They went through the same procedure as before. When the engine was off, Nick made a few additional adjustments and had Will restart the car. This time after listening to everything, Nick slowly slid off the vehicle, smiled at Will and had him shut the car down.
"I guess that's it," Nick said. "It'll run fine now, but I'd replace the plugs, distributor, coil and a few other things pretty soon. It's been a while, I'm sure. Must have skipped a few regular maintenance appointments." "So, when can you do the work?" Will asked.
"You'll have to call the shop and make an appointment with Uncle Jack."
"Uncle Jack?"
"Yes, my Uncle Jack and I own the shop where I work and we repair, restore and maintain old and antique cars."
"Oh, I didn't know it was your business." Will looked embarrassed. "I thought it was only a hobby."
"Sorry I didn't make myself clear. It's our business - Uncle Jack's and mine. It's called Jack's Garage and it's right in town. We've been doing this for quite a while and we're very well known throughout this area of the country."
Will closed the hood of the Mustang. He suggested a test drive and went into the house to find out if the kids wanted to come along. Nick looked around the enormous garage and at all of the superb old cars, automobile memorabilia and equipment.
Will came with the two kids following close behind him. Nick was a bit taken aback when Will held out the keys to the car. "Really? You want me to drive? You trust me to drive this car? We barely know each other."
"Sure I trust you. Why not? I saw that beauty you drove up in, so I know you're obviously capable of doing it. Besides, it very well insured. I happen to own the insurance company."
The kids got into the rear seat, the adult up front. "Are you a good driver, Nick?" Sarah asked.
"Yes, Sarah, I think I'm a very good driver. I've been working with cars and driving 'em since I was about eight years old."
"Oh! Wow! That's great!" Elijah said loudly and with enthusiasm. "Who let you drive?"
"Well, Elijah, where I lived in central California there wasn't much to do when I was a kid so I used to go to the dumps and work and play with the old cars there." Nick started up the Mustang and listened to the engine as it roared to life. "Jeez, this is wonderful. Just fabulous!"
They settled in and headed off down the road. Nick felt very comfortable with Will and the kids; somehow he felt as if he had found a kindred spirit and they were beginning to connect. For the first time in many years he felt completely relaxed with another person who was essentially a stranger. His thoughts raced back years, to that first time Vinny had come up to him in the locker room and they had spoken - and had closely inspected each other.
Nick began to feel good about himself - and about Will and Elijah and Sarah.
He began to tell Will some of his story and explained how his life had evolved into what it currently was. Aside from the work at the shop, an exercise program and living with Uncle Jack, there weren't many things. There were no significant others and no real family other than Uncle Jack. His social life was at an absolute minimum. It was not a bad life, he admitted, considering his condition, but not a whole one either by any means.
Will sat back and absorbed what he'd been told. He was amazed how much their current lives were alike. Except for the two children, Will didn't have any real family either and had nobody to share his life with. He realized that he and Nick were essentially two very lonely people. Yes, their financial circumstances were different, yet they were fundamentally quite the same. He felt himself being drawn to this guy and not just sexually, although that was most definitely there. Will felt true empathy with this man.
The drive over, Nick pronounced the car in good shape. It had been a pleasant and most relaxing drive. Will decided that he had to make the most of the opportunity at hand - having this beautiful guy here. "Would you care to stay for dinner? I don't know what Mrs. Cummins is making for dinner but I know what we're having for dessert - we have a home made chocolate cake; I baked it this morning."
"You baked a cake this morning?"
"Yup. Right after I got home. As I told you, I find that cooking and baking take my mind off of business matters and relaxes me. So can I induce you to stay? I can also give you a tour of the place now." He gave the children a stern look. "The kids, I'm sure, have schoolwork to do so they will be very busy." The children were obviously not happy with Will's pronouncement but knew what had to be done.
"If you don't mind having me around, I'd like that very much."
"'Mind having you around?'" Will replied. "Not at all. I'd love it! We'd love it!"
"Thanks. Thanks very much."
"And I'm sure the kids like having you here too."
"And I like all of you," Nick blurted out. He blushed with embarrassment. "I...uh...mean, I'm not used to such instant acceptance like you've guys have given me. Usually people just can't get past the 'no legs' thing. I guess I'm just blown away by how great you've all treated me."
"I'm thrilled that you like us. C'mon, let me show you the place before it gets too dark."
"Great. From what I've already seen it looks quite impressive," Nick responded.
Will and Nick walked out onto the large stone and concrete terrace at the back of the house just outside the kitchen door. It offered a magnificent view of the hills in the distance and some spectacular vineyards below. "Are those vineyards yours?" Nick asked.
"They certainly are. My father bought some and planted others when he bought this property. We don't make any wine, though. We are viticulturists. We grow premium grapes and sell them to the highest bidders among certain wineries in the area. Those are the Andrew Kennedy Vineyards.
You can see the name on some of the best wines out of California. I employ a very large staff."
Will and Nick were standing right next to each other and Will slowly put his arm around the slender waist of the young mechanic, and pulled him close to himself. He could smell the just-showered scent coming from Nick's body. It was delightful and arousing.
Nick looked into Will's eyes and then looked back to the wondrous scenic view before him. He slowly lowered his head until it rested on Will's shoulder. They stood that way for a while, watching the afternoon shadows creep across the valley below. The gathering rain clouds in the distance made the scene look almost unreal.
Will did not believe the tremendous effect this young man was having on him.
"Let's get on with the tour," he said suddenly, trying desperately to reclaim his composure. "There's plenty to see, although I think I'll leave the complete tour of the vintage cars for another time." Will showed Nick the outdoor and indoor swimming pools, the tennis courts, driving range and various other magnificent features of the house and property, including, as would be expected, the very extensive wine cellar.
Will explained that the house was laid out like an airplane propeller, with five different wings radiating out from a central entrance area and service core. There was the recreation wing, with the vintage car garage on two levels below, the children's wing (bedrooms, playrooms, computer room), a dining/living wing (kitchen, dining room, living room, etc., with staff quarters below), a guest bedroom wing (four large bedrooms, library, and other rooms on two levels) and then the master bedroom wing. Since the house was built on the side of a hill (Californians will build homes7 on any hill they find) the wings were each on different levels.
"You mean you've got a whole wing for yourself?"
"Yup, and it is more than just a bedroom. Come, take a look."
Will showed Nick his wing of the house - the closets, the private gym, the sauna, the indoor lap pool, the enormous bedroom, complete with two bathrooms, and the sumptuous sitting room. It even had a small, well-concealed kitchen. "Downstairs is my suite of offices. There is a hidden spiral staircase behind one of the doors that leads down there."
"Just magnificent," Nick said, an expression of absolute awe on his face. And awesome it really was! Will checked his watch and realized it was getting close to dinnertime. He walked over to an intercom on the wall and called Elijah and Sarah to dinner.
During dinner Nick related, in more detail, about his current physical condition and situation - growing up in Fresno, the accident that resulted in the amputation of his legs, his high school and college years and about living with and working for Jack Turner. He mentioned that he participated in handicapped swim meets, wheelchair basketball and marathon racing during those college years, and he still does the swimming and racing competitions.
Nick was able to study Will's extraordinarily handsome face during dinner. He was so sweetly handsome; his beauty was overwhelming. And he did not flaunt it. Everything seemed so natural; it just flowed from the man. Will's possessed tremendous self-assurance; he broadcast high-powered confidence and composure. Nick believed that this man was in complete control of his own life and destiny.
Will filled Nick in about his stint in the Navy, then his years in college and law school, and his working years before he inherited his fortune. He told Nick about Elijah and Sarah's mother and father and what a great couple they were although he did not go into the details of their death. Ferenc was Will's law partner in their small two-man firm; it was situated in Silicon Valley area and they specialized in civil rights and anti-discrimination cases, particularly those involving gays, lesbians and the physically handicapped.
After dinner they all went into the television room; to Nick it was more like a movie theater. The chairs were luxuriously comfortable and the amenities absolutely unbeatable. One of the service staff brought in popcorn and soft drinks. Will put on a good movie, one selected to demonstrate the superlative qualities of the home theater. "The Empire Strikes Back" was the selection and it was thoroughly enjoyed by all. They all joked about George Lucas being a "local" boy since his Skywalker Ranch was located just a few miles south in Marin County.
Before the kids went off to bed Sarah asked Nick to read her a bedtime story. Both Will and Nick were very surprised at this request, particularly Will. Nick followed her to her room, which was beautifully decorated and absolutely filled with stuffed animals. Nick was very pleased at his acceptance by the kids that he began to get a little misty-eyed. However, he did manage to get through one whole chapter of "Charlotte's Web" without breaking down. It was one of his favorite stories as a kid and since he knew the ending he could never read the book without crying. Sarah kissed him on the cheek when he finished reading.
"Thanks, Nick," she said in her high pitched but pleasant voice. "I like you."
"You are very welcome, Sarah," Nick replied while kissing her cheek, "and I like you, too."
"Can you really swim without your legs, Nick?"
"Absolutely! I swim very well. I'll give you a demonstration sometimes."
"I hope it's very soon."
"So do I," Nick said in a slightly dreamlike voice.
"Nick, are you gonna stay with Will tonight?"
Nick was certainly taken aback with this remark from this young child. But he knew he had to answer her. "I don't know, Sarah. I really don't know. Good night," he said and made a hurried exit from the room before she asked any more embarrassing questions.
As Nick walked down the hall, he noticed Elijah standing in the doorway of his bedroom.
"Hi, Elijah. Ready for sleep?"
The boy nodded. "Can I ask you something first, Nick?"
"Sure. What is it?"
"Do you think I can come down to your garage sometimes and watch you, you know, like fix the cars?"
"Certainly! I'll ask your dad...uh...Will when it'll be okay. All right?"
The boy nodded again. "Can you tuck me into bed now, Nick?" he asked sheepishly.
Nick walked into Elijah's room; it was a real boys room, filled with pictures of sports figures and airplane and car models. Elijah climbed up to the top of the bunk beds. Nick covered him and gave him a light kiss on the forehead.
Will greeted Nick in the magnificent family room. The lighting was subdued and there was operatic music playing on the stereo; there was also a bottle of Chardonnay chilling in a bucket. They spoke at some length about their boyhoods, their teenage years and about their life as adults. They spoke of financial matters and automotive matters, opera and musical subjects, exercise and diet and love. They also spoke honestly and openly of sexual matters as they slowly sipped the wine.
Will was very forthright about his sexual orientation. "I've probably know I was gay since I was eleven or twelve. It started in boarding school, with a younger kid named Whitney. He was so beautiful...and so willing. We were together for...er...a while. It was a wonderful time and very fulfilling."
Nick spoke quite openly, the first time he had ever talked about his early relationship with another person. He never even spoke to Jack about the details of his love for Vinny. "I knew when I was about fourteen that I liked guys a whole lot more than girls, and I began a relationship with another guy on the football team - Vinny. It was very intense for a short while and I adored everything about it. But then came the accident and the surgery and his family moved to LA around the same time and that was the end. We even managed to have sex in the hospital one last time."
Nick thought back to that last time he had sex with Vinny - sex with someone he really loved. He sighed heavily. "After the surgery.well." His voice trailed off. "Not may girls or boys wanted a guy with no legs. I had a very, very uneventful adolescence not to mention a very uneventful young adulthood. And now tonight...so much is happening...and your acceptance...and your affection...being here with you and the kids...I'm so happy that you want to be with me..."
Will wrapped his arms around Nick and pulled him close, hugging Nick tightly to his body. He pulled back and looked directly into Nick's eyes. He noticed they were beginning to get wet. Will looked at the exquisite face in front of him and how Nick's lower lip was beginning to quiver slightly; it was so sexy and so provocative. He knew he could not resist any longer. He slowly leaned in towards Nick and saw him close his eyes. Will kissed those full, sexy and quivering lips and gradually brought up his arms and put them completely around Nick, drawing this incredibly desirable man to his body. The kiss was blissful and they continued to kiss passionately while holding each other tightly.
The two were standing in the middle of the master bedroom, near Will's over-sized bed. The lights in the room were low. Will turned towards Nick and slowly put both his arms around the younger man's waist. Nick just seemed to melt into his embrace. Will slowly moved his lips towards Nick's magnificent soft, waiting lips, and placed a light kiss there. While he held the kiss, he let his hands move up Nick's back. He was thrilled as he felt the incredibly strong muscles there.
He moved his lips away from Nick's. Nick's eyes are wide and he had a beautiful smile on his face. Will leaned in for another kiss, this time opening his lips a bit and letting his tongue stroke Nick's lips. Nick opened his mouth and let Will's tongue explore the warmth of his mouth. Will let his hands explore more of Nick's tempting body. He ran his hand up and down his back, his sides and finally cupped Nick's tight ass cheeks. Will then slipped his hands to Nick's hips and gently pushed Nick away so that he could look at those beautiful eyes.
"Will." Nick stammered.
"Yes?"
"Oh god, Will," Nick whispered. "Oh god, oh god. I don't...know what...to say...I-I don't know...how to say it."
"What's the matter? Did I do something wrong?" Will was concerned that he had move too fast and spoke softly and soothingly in his ear. Will looked into Nick's eyes again and saw tears rolling down his cheeks.
"No, no; you were great. Oh Will.Will.I want you so much," he blubbered. "I knew it from the moment I first saw you at the house today. And then tonight.you, the kids, how you all accepted me. B-b-but Will, I haven't done anything intimate with another p-p-p-person in such a l-l-long time."
"Ssssshhhh," Will whispered as he caressed Nick's wet cheeks and soothingly rubbed his back.
There was a silence as Will continued staring into those eyes. He ran his hand through the beautiful blond hair, luxuriating in the feel of its softness. "And I do want to be with you, Nick - very much." Will paused and swallowed. "Do you trust me Nick?"
"Oh, absolutely...absolutely..."
"Would you let me to touch your body?"
"Yes."
"Anyplace?"
"Yes."
Will leaned in again and he kissed Nick. It was a deep, luxuriating kiss, and this time Nick returned the kiss, exploring Will's mouth with his tongue. Will bit down slightly on Nick's tongue; Nick started squirming around in Will's arms. "This is absolute heaven," Will thought.
Will reached to undo the suspenders holding up Nick's jeans. Nick gently stopped him.
"I'll have to give you instructions on how to de-pants a double above the knee amputee," Nick said with a laugh. "There are certain things that need to be done. Is that okay, Will?"
"Certainly. I'm eager to learn and am a great student, particularly if it's about you, Nick." Will planted a light kiss on Nick's lips. "I want to know everything there is to know about you,"
Will shifted his attention to Nick's broad and obviously powerful chest. He unbuttoned the top buttons of the shirt and leaned in to suck and lick Nick's neck and the exposed area of his chest. He was nicely hairy, with thick blonde hair, and Will was enthralled with the smell and taste of this man, not to mention the vision before him. He moved his hands up the sides of Nick's chest feeling the strong muscles of his lats. Nick shuttered slightly and began to wriggle around.
Will kissed him hard again, and Nick pushed his crotch against Will's already swollen and constrained penis. Will felt Nick's cock pressing into his jeans and noticed that Nick was starting a slight humping motion. Nick's whole body was tingling and anxious. Will realized that he had to slow things down.
He slowly walked over to the bed and began to remove the large spread. He looked over at Nick standing there, and his whole body vibrated at the sight of this exquisite man standing there and waiting for him - waiting for his next move. Will slowly pulled the spread off, keeping his eyes on Nick all the time. He noticed that Nick had an anxious expression on his face and made a slight shuffle forward toward Will, as if he had a sudden fear that Will would abandon him or not like what he saw. Will smiled at Nick and blew him a soft kiss. Nick smiled. "Oh, that incredible smile!" Will thought. "I could live with it forever."
Nick looked at the white satin sheets covering the bed and the magnificent white and black satin covered pillows that were now exposed.
He said softly, "It looks like it's made for royalty." Nick's eyes started tearing again as Will stood up and embraced him once more.
Will stood and slowly began unbuttoning the rest of Nick's shirt; when that was done the shirt fell to the floor, and Will stepped back and gazed at Nick's half-naked body. Nick was covered in the most attractive blonde hair Will could ever remember seeing. This was a vision - a perfect vision.
Nick hung his head and was looking at the floor. "What's the matter, Nick?"
Nick shrugged and spoke in a slightly choked voice. "I don't know. Maybe I'm a little bashful...and...and afraid that you won't like, you know, like what you see."
"Nick, Nick," Will said very soothingly. "Nick, I love what I see. Please believe me!"
"Well, don't say that until you see the rest of me, because there is less than...less than usual."
"I'm not worried about that. Not in the slightest."
Nick moved slowly to the bed. He sat down on it and using only his arms, scooted his body to the center. Then he undid his suspenders, unbuttoned and unzipped his jeans. "Okay, Will, this is where you can be of help."
"Just tell me what I have to do and I'll be very happy to do it. Very happy."
Nick smiled and Will returned the smile. "Okay. It could be a little tricky so I'll give you detailed instructions. Are you ready?" Will nodded. "Pull my jeans off of me from the belt. Peel them down. When you see my boxers grasp them too and peel them down. I'll tell you when to stop."
Will kneeled on the bed and did exactly what Nick had told him. He slowly peeled down the jeans Nick was wearing and grasped the elastic on his boxers when he saw it. As he continued to remove Nick's jeans, Will found himself getting more and more excited and his breathing became labored. "This has to rank up there with the greatest experiences of my life," he thought. As he slowly peeled away Nick's clothing he was able to see the top of the prosthetic limbs. This made him even more excited and agitated.
"Okay that's far enough, Will. Now, you will see a valve-like thing on the 'thighs' of each leg. On the outside...right. Now press the valve; this will relieve the suction...good. Excellent. Now, grab both legs, along with the pants and boxers, and pull slowly."
He slowly pulled off Nick's legs. It was a tremendous experience for Will and he thrilled at the sight of Nick's naked body before him. He was stunned.and delighted. He had never seen anything that gave him as much pleasure as Nick's gorgeous body. He stood completely still while holding Nick's prostheses.
Nick's broad, well-developed chest tapered down to his wonderfully thin waist. His hips were narrow and the short leg stumps were perfect - muscular, hairy, narrowing to nicely rounded ends with practically invisible scars. Will just kept staring at Nick and his all encompassing beauty.
Nick wiggled his stumps slightly. "Are you just going to stand there holding my legs or do you intend to put them down anytime soon?" Nick asked with a wide smile on his face. "Will? Will?" Nick called out. Will was jolted back to reality. "Stand them up in a corner or something. Prop them up somehow." Will walked over to the closet and set them against the wooden louvered door. "Good. Now, are you coming back to bed?"
Will shook his head as if to get the cobwebs out. The beauty of his new friend overwhelmed him. He was a man in a trance. Nick rose up on his elbows and wiggled his stumps again. Will had to catch his breath; he became slightly lightheaded. He was perfect - and he was here - and Will knew that he was plunging into the realms of strong desire and overwhelming love.
Will continued to look down Nick's body and reveled in everything he saw. He had a striking, well-defined, hairy chest (again those magnificent blond hairs) and a most magnificent cock. It was circumcised with a gorgeous helmet shaped glans, was nestled in a large bush of blond pubic hair, and looked to be about 6-1/2 or 7-inches long and quite thick. His testicles looked to be very large and hung low in a stunning hairy sac. Nick had spectacularly beautiful genitals. His arms were also lovely (what about this guy wasn't?) - very muscular and covered in downy blond hair. And those highly erotic and inviting leg stumps!
Will came up to the edge of the bed and started to unbutton his own shirt. Nick said in a voice throbbing with excitement, "Let me do it, Will - my friend. Please sit."
Will sat on the edge of the bed as Nick began to unbutton Will's shirt. Will was getting incredibly hard. He could feel Nick's fingers brushing his chest and he was in absolute heaven. Will slowly lowered his hands and rested them on Nick's leg stumps. Nick took the shirt and threw it into the pile of clothes forming on the floor. Nick leaned over and the two kissed. It was a deep, passionate kiss and it left both of them quite weak. Nick ran his tongue over Will's hairless chest, pausing to lick and bite lightly on each of his nipples. He gently pulled away.
"Oh Will! Oh god!" Nick moaned. "You have no idea how long I have wanted to do that to a man; how many times I have woken up in the middle of the night after having a wet dream where I am doing that. I honestly believed that I would never be intimate with any person - ever again. Who would want a legless cripple? And now to have you with me, and it's all real, and I am doing it to my man."
"Yes, I am yours - completely."
Nick began to undo Will's belt and unzipped his jeans. Will stood and let the jeans drop to the floor. Nick softly stroked the full and straining pouch in the front of Will's bikini briefs. It was now Will's turn to moan, and moan he did.
"Oh, Nick, Nick, Nick...you are so incredible! What are you doing to me?"
"Showing you that even though it's been a long time, I know how to take care of a man."
Nick continued to stroke Will's cock through the thin material, then stopped and began to lower the briefs. Will stepped out of his underwear. They looked at each other; they were both flushed with the realization of their newborn love.
Nick touched Will's penis and pubic hair very gently. Will's cock was about the same length as his but not as thick. It was circumcised and sprang from a large growth of dark hair. Will's legs were lightly covered with dark hair as opposed to his chest, which seemed to be completely hairless. A thin line of growth below his navel led to his pubic region.
Nick continued his rapt attention to Will's cock and balls. Will slowly lowered his arms and gently took hold of Nick's beautiful cock, slowly caressing it and working his fingers lightly over the head, feeling the lubricant being emitted from the slit. With his other hand he reached down and cupped Nick's large balls. He worked his fingers over the hairy but silken scrotal sac; those magnificent orbs seemed to float around in their very special vessel. Nick was moaning softly and breathing rather heavily.
Will slowly shifted his arms until each was gently stroking Nick's leg stumps. He caressed them gently slowly applying more and more pressure gradually. They felt wonderful in his hands - silky soft and warm. Will could feel the scars at the tips as he lightly touched each one.
"Oh...oh...oh...Will. This is the first time anybody has.has rubbed and played with my stumps in such a very long time and I can't believe how great it feels. I...I...I'm getting so hot."
"I'm glad you like what I'm doing to your stumps. They're very exciting to me too, Nick - very exciting. I love their softness and their beauty, and I love that they are part of you."
Nick lowered his arm and rolled onto his side. Will followed suit and they were together, facing each other. Nick began to squirm from the feelings that Will was creating in him and pressed his cock harder and harder into Will's pubic area. Their two cocks were rubbing together. The feelings were electric through both their bodies. Will continued applying pressure to Nick's leg stumps and began to slowly kiss Nick's mouth again. They were in a kissing and cock rubbing frenzy - getting hotter and more aroused with each passing second.
They broke the kiss and threw back their heads as both began moaning and yelling loudly. They both came simultaneously with a tremendous rush. Their mutual eruptions just kept coming and coming; they felt it warm and oozing between their bodies. Will held Nick's waist tightly and felt Nick's body shudder and spasm against him.
Nick spoke first. "Thank you, Will. It's been so long...so long." He began to sob lightly and then shook his head vigorously. "I'm so sorry...so...so sorry! It has been so many years since anyone found me attractive...attractive enough to make love to me." Nick wrapped his arms around his incredibly loving and desirable partner, hugging him tightly to his body.
"No thanks necessary, my sweet! But I do have to thank you, Nick. It has been years since I found anyone as attractive to me as you are." He smiled at Nick who managed to return a little smile through his tears. Will put his hands behind Nicks head and kissed him deeply. His legs stroked Nick's stumps. "It was fabulous for me too. Really! However, there are things that the two of us will do that are going to make this seem extremely tame."
"If it's with you, Will, if it's with you, I can hardly wait...I can hardly wait."
After showering together, they cuddled under the luxurious quilts on the silk sheets. It was heavenly and so incredibly comfortable. Both thought back on the events of the days and both were quite content.
Will did not believe his great good fortune finding this marvelous man. His beauty was exceeded only by his wonderful personality. Of course, his beauty was definitely not to be ignored. Not by a long shot! He thrilled at the feel of Nick's wonderful body in bed with him. God! It was glorious having this incredible legless stud in his bed. He began to softly stroke one of Nick's stumps. He loved the feel of this hairy leg remnant. The slight groove made by the scar and the soft, exciting hair and skin were a delight to his senses. Yes, he had been a bit promiscuous following Ferenc's death. But now he felt that he had quite possibly found an honest and true kindred soul - and up here in the boondocks. He felt so comfortable around Nick; their common interests were astonishing. And the kids! It was amazing how quickly the kids accepted him! Particularly Elijah, who could be so exasperatingly standoffish. "Yes! Here was a man with whom I could find permanent contentment and fulfillment."
Nick too felt great comfort. Even more, he felt complete acceptance by this awesome man. His great wealth did not seem to be a barrier between them. They seemed to have so much in common - the cars, the cooking, wines, art, opera. And, most surprising of all, he got so along great with Will's kids. They both had him tuck them in tonight. It was wonderful! Possibly...quite possibly...he would not be lonely any more. Was this too much to hope for?
They kissed and cuddled and stroked the other. Will loved the feel of Nick's body against his own; it was so comforting having this great, loving stud in his bed. Nick reveled in the exquisite sensation of Will cradling him in his arms. luxuriating in his warm and comforting embrace and making him feel so damned amazing.
As Will reached for the light switch, Nick asked, "Will, would it be possible to call my answering machine? I need to check my messages."
"Sure! Use the phone right behind you."
Nick made the call. While taking his messages he began to shake slightly and turned pale as he hung up the phone. Quickly, his unbounded joy turned to one of horror. He sat up quickly. "Will, I have to leave. Leave right now!"
Will also sat up quickly. "What's wrong, sweetheart?"
"My...my Uncle Jack's in the hospital. I have to get d-down to Santa Rosa immediately!"
End of Chapter 10