Date: Thu, 20 Aug 2009 19:19:46 -0700 (PDT) From: firehose Joe Subject: chapter 47 to thine own self be true This above all: to thine own self be true, And it must follow, as the night the day, Thou canst not then be false to any man. Shakespeare (Hamlet) Thanks to Chael for assistance in editing and proofing the story. This is wholly fictional with no reference intended to persons alive or dead. Please do not distribute to other sites without permission of the author. Comments can be sent to firehosejoe@yahoo.com From the previous chapter: "Matt and that architect John, its Dupuy isn't it, sure are spending a lot of time together. Matt is so fired up about this project, and is enjoying working with someone who understands where he's coming from." "I've noticed that too, John. They've really clicked. It's a relief to me to have that focus and energy coming from them. Together they're going to make a big difference in this effort," Alejandro added. He wondered at John's expression and what was behind the observation. He let the subject drop but determined to be more aware in the future. The next morning he was awake early and found himself anxious to get started. The next few days were going to be an adventure for him. Chapter 47 Alejandro found he was a bit apprehensive about both segments of his trip. His acquaintanceship with John Abernathy amounted to dinner conversation at a table of eight followed by a drink and a brief lunch the next day. Getting to know Cesar was buffered by the presence of Tony and Stan. Alejandro was a bit surprised at this bit of uneasiness with all the traveling he'd done in the past few years. Finally he realized it was the Charles Factor. `Grow up and get over it!' he told himself. He timed his arrival in Dallas for mid-afternoon as John had suggested. When Alejandro deplaned he saw a gentleman holding a sigh with his name. "I'm Alejandro Algara," he said approaching the man. "Mr. Algara, I'm sorry that Mr. Abernathy was not able to greet you in person as he'd planned. He was in the middle of some sensitive negotiations that lasted longer than he'd thought. He called the museum and asked if their Senior Curator would give you a tour of some of the prized works owned by the museum. Of course if that's not of interest I can take you to his club. This is most awkward, I do apologize." Abernathy's assistant was nearly squirming with discomfort. "A visit to the museum sounds like a great idea. I'll make sure I thank Mr. Abernathy for arranging it. I've only visited once and that was briefly. How long did Mr. Abernathy say the thought he'd be?" Alejandro hoped he'd not implied impatience with the question. "I'm to call the office and leave a message as to your choice. He'll call us there when the meeting is finished. He's certain it won't be much longer." Alejandro said, "Well let's collect my bags and give the man a call." On the way to the museum, the assistant was a more than competent tour guide. Finding that Alejandro had not been to Dallas but the one time, he took pleasure in pointing out sites of interest. The curator welcomed the men warmly. Alejandro smiled to himself. The Algara money represented a deep pocket to tap if possible. The collection contained some impressive pieces from the French Impressionists. The Monet The Seine at Lavacourt was a delight to see. He'd admired the Monet collection at the Institute. Manet's Portrait of Isabelle Lemonnier was new to him. It was rather austere to him. His was, he remembered, an amateur's opinion. It was nearly 4 p.m. when John Abernathy quietly joined the group. They looked at two more pieces the curator was especially proud of then took their leave. In John's car he began to apologize, "Alex, I can't tell you how much I regret this delay. The damned Arabs manipulate barrel prices at will and we have to be ready to respond a moment's notice. There was no choice with millions at stake. I hope you understand." Alejandro recalled John talking about his commodities brokerage business. In this case it was oil instead of beef. But if his grandfather had stayed in Texas, Alejandro realized he'd be in the oil business also. "Of course I understand. It's happened to me more times than I want to remember. Say no more about that. Instead tell me about your, how did you refer to it, small spread south of Dallas." Alejandro wondered just how large the spread was, enormous he imagined. "Well, I hope you don't mind putting your life in my hands. I'm planning to fly us down there." John said with a smile. "How long have you been flying, John?" Alejandro didn't want to challenge his skill just yet but wasn't ready to be cavalier about the situation. "I've had my license since before I could drive a car. I've got thousands of hours under my seat, if you get my drift." John laughed at his own joke and continued. "Don't worry, I fly several times a month. I've checked the weather and we're clear through the weekend. The crew that maintains the plane does a super job. You're safer flying than on the roads, let me tell you." Alejandro smiled and let that be his unspoken agreement for the moment. "Now you were asking about our little place down in Somerville. It's not large by Texas standards, a few thousand acres. I keep some cattle on it to give the men who live there taking care of the place something to do. Got my own airstrip so we can avoid all the traffic except between here and Love Field." John's personality was as big as he was. Alejandro felt swept along and gave into the moment. They arrived at the private aircraft terminal. The flight plan had been filed and John led Alejandro across the tarmac to a twin engine King Air. Alejandro was suitably impressed. He knew from talking to his charter pilot that this plane could almost fly itself. His worry factor decreased to single digits. When they were cleared for take off, Alejandro was pleasantly surprised at the raw power as well as the smooth ride. The flight down to Somerville was just under an hour and a half. As they circled to land into the wind, John pointed out the lake that edged his property. Pointing out landmarks he gave Alejandro a rough overlay of the ranch. It was mostly scrub Alejandro saw so it would take numerous acres to graze cattle. Soon they were on the ground and in a truck that had been left for John at the runway. "Climb in' Pardner. Throw your luggage in back here." The cab was extended and provided plenty of room. "I'll show you around tomorrow if that's okay with you. Right now I want to get to the house, get out of these duds and get a drink. How's that sound?" asked John. They were soon settled in the sprawling six-bedroom house. It was arranged in a U shape that surrounded a pool and barbeque area. They changed clothes and John fixed them drinks. "Let me see what instructions the maid left," he said as he headed off to the kitchen. Over his shoulder he called out, "Just make yourself at home." "Hope you like red meat. Damn, you do eat meat don't you?" John was briefly embarrassed at the presumption. "Of course I do, John! My great grandfather drove a herd to Chicago from Austin near the turn of last century. How could I not enjoy red meat?" Both men laughed. They found conversation easy as they grilled the steaks at the pool-side barbecue. John was an enthusiastic supporter of the Museum and gave Alejandro lots of details that were helpful. "It's the one thing that's mine. My wife is neck-deep in charities and causes but she never was much of an art lover. Kinda strange isn't it. Usually the reverse in most situations. Now I know you saw more men on the board than women but believe me they're there under orders." John laughed. Over dinner of baked potatoes, steak and a superb Caesar Salad, Alejandro did some gentle probing. John was forthcoming that the marriage was more a union based on finance rather than romance. Yes there were children, two sons eight and ten years old. Yes, he was a dad and enjoyed it most of the time. "There getting to be a handful these days and damned if I'm not having to spend more hours on hard bleachers than I want with all the sports. But that's my job for them." John explained that he'd known his wife since junior high and they'd dated on and off. He was on the football team and she was a cheer leader. Both their parents had played match-maker trying to get them together. "You see, her dad's in the oil business. Mine was in commodity trading, primarily with oil. We weren't exactly pawns but it was like a lot of families with money. The parents had expectations and strings on the money." He went on. They went to separate colleges and John thought it was over. It was in college that his frat brother roommate and he got drunk one night and fooled around. Alejandro knew this was the shift in conversation both had been waiting for. John went into some detail about how they'd finally owned up to what they were doing and agreed it was just lack of pussy. John shook his head as he smiled ruefully. "We both knew it was a lie but neither of us was ready for the truth. We kept each other happy most of the week then compared our weekend conquests with women," John said. John got back to the story about his wife. She came home her second year at Christmas with a diamond. Her dad went ballistic. He made it patently clear that if she was going against his wishes she'd better make damned sure the boy had resources of his own, not hoped for money, to keep her in the style she was used to. "She was and is very high maintenance," John added. She was smart enough to know that great expectations came with strings attached. By spring-break the engagement was off and she was all sweetness and light to her father. By their senior year John and she were engaged to the delight of both sets of parents. "That came with strings too, believe you me. Both of us had trusts that wouldn't pay a mortgage as they were; but, if we were married and with child the trusts became fully ours. That created the finance part of the romance. "Like I said, she's high maintenance and doesn't give a damn about sex. Made that clear after the second boy was born. Hell, made that clear after she found out she was pregnant the second time. We have a mutual agreement, mostly unspoken, that I can go my way, and she her's as long as I don't embarrass the family. "I'm there with her on my arm all duded up in my tux when she asks me to be. I'm home with the boys most nights. I'm a good provider. I've inherited my pile and she can't touch it. I don't really give a damn what she thinks about my extracurricular activities. Now how about another drink?" John was definitely ready to change gears. Alejandro said yes. While John was fixing the drinks Alejandro walked to the window-wall looking out onto the pool deck. It was beautiful. The landscaping provided a natural eye break from the lawn and range beyond the house. The lights in the pool made the water shine. John returned with the crystal highball glasses. "How `bout us enjoying these outside? Like I said, the weather is just about perfect." John slid the door open and they both were soon settled on a couple of adjacent lounges. "Seems like you've kept me talkin' all night. No wonder I'm thirsty. Time to tell me more about you, Alex," John said. Alejandro quickly recalled what he'd shared during their dinner, drink afterward and lunch the next day. He filled in some of the blanks left from his previous information sharing and launched into what he thought was a safe middle ground – the housing project. John listened intently, asking appropriate questions, gathering more information. His interest was, it seemed, genuine. At the earliest moment he could gracefully, John steered conversation to more personal topics, finally asking Alejandro about his appetites and opportunities. Alejandro thought it a rather oblique approach but realized he wanted to get where they were going as much as John evidently did. They'd been polite. They'd had a meal. They hadn't jumped each other. But they both knew why they were here in Somerville, just the two of them. Alejandro decided to lay his cards out plainly. He told of his beginnings with Frederick, their wrestling and horse play. He told about the Bears' Den and Nicco. His intention was to let John know that he, Alejandro, wasn't someone who just rolled over. [EE had to work that in just for you] Alejandro watched John's reaction carefully. John seemed to be listening carefully and taking the measure of his guest. After Alejandro had stopped for a moment John jumped back in the conversation. "You seem like the kinda man who knows what he wants and goes after it." Alejandro met the comment with a smile and waited. John segued abruptly again. "How about a swim. The weather's perfect. Since there's nobody here but us we can just skinny-dip. How's that sound, Alex?" Alejandro smiled again, set his drink down and stood up. John watched and when he realized he hadn't offended his guest he got up quickly and stripped off his shirt. He had to sit back down to take off his boots but soon was naked, his dick beginning to fill. Alejandro had undressed without a rush but stood naked watching John finish. John stood and looked at Alejandro, "Boy, look at you! You're some kind of man. I always envied men with hairy chests and you've sure as shootin' got that base covered. Can't wait to get my hands on you. But let's take a dip first then we can play." Alejandro was beginning to expect the abrupt redirection John's thoughts took. John watched for Alejandro's reaction. Seeing him smile, John walked to the deep end and dived gracefully into the water with little splash. Alejandro followed suit. They swam laps for a while. Alejandro decided it best just to follow John's lead to see where it went. After several dozen laps, John stopped in the shallow end. "That felt good didn't it?" John said as Alejandro pulled up beside him. Reaching out John let his hands trace along Alejandro's chest outlining the muscles with his finger. "Good looking man, umm..." John said as if to himself. John seemed happy to take the initiative. He lifted his foot and began to rub the inside of Alejandro's leg while his hands explored Alejandro's chest. One of his hands dropped to begin tugging on Alejandro's erect penis while the other played with his nipple. Alejandro reached out and played with John's hardened nub pinching it gently between his thumb and forefinger. Reaching down he cupped John's balls and let his thumb rub up and down the urethra. John was taller than Alejandro by several inches. He kept himself in good shape. His muscles were toned and tight but no one would describe him as muscular. He had a nice tracing of brown hair over his pecs that narrowed quickly to a treasure trail. He was an attractive man but not unusually so. John watched Alejandro the entire time. The lack of conversation to mask the movements was a bit unnerving to Alejandro but he went with it, letting John know he was enjoying the attention. Alejandro decided to play the game of abrupt change himself just to see what happened. He shut his eyes and groaned as if John's attention was making him unbearably hot. Opening his eyes, he lifted his hands and took John by the shoulders and pushed him back against the wall of the pool. The excitement flared in John's eyes. `Yeah' Alejandro thought, `This guy wants to be manhandled as least a little'. Grasping John's Shoulders firmly Alejandro pulled their bodies together. He began to rub John's neck, pecs, and shoulders roughly as he shoved their cocks together. John was chewing his lower lip; his upper lip was curled in a slight snarl that said it all. This was what he wanted. Alejandro decided to push a little further. He raised his head slowly and put their faces closer together. Johns tongue began to lick his lips. His breath was shallow and fast. `Fuck' thought Alejandro, `he's gonna cum in the pool'. Alejandro mouth reached up and was met my John's mouth in a feverish kiss. John was tonguing Alejandro, lashing his tongue and at times probing deeply into Alejandro's mouth. He had to cool them down, Alejandro knew. He pushed away gently from John. "Can we take this to your bed?" Alejandro asked. "This way." That was all John said. He took Alejandro's hand and pulled him toward the house, ignoring drink glasses and clothing left behind. In his room, John stripped back the covers and pulled Alejandro atop him. It was all the cue Alejandro needed. He began to give his host the most thorough attention he could. Sensitive to any erogenous spots, when Alejandro found one he exploited it. Finally when John was begging Alejandro to fuck him, Alejandro reached for the lube on the bedside table and prepared them both. When both were sated, they lay beside each other. Recovering from their pleasure, John boarded on effusive with his praise for Alejandro's prowess. "Alex, you sure know how to give a man a good ride. Damn, I'm not sure I'll be able to sit a saddle tomorrow. That pecker head of yours played hard-ball with me and took me over the edge in the best way. Fuck! I hope you've got another one in you after you've rested up a bit." "Don't you worry, John. I'll ride you like a horse that needs breakin'" Alejandro said with a mock Texas drawl. "Cowboy! Damn, Son, I'm holdin' you to that promise." After more light-hearted banter and trash talk, they agreed that they should shower off the chlorine, sex and sweat. Alejandro showered while John closed up the house. When John returned, he brought fresh drinks for both of them. Alejandro was near his limit but sipped his. John returned from the shower as he toweled himself talking about the plans for the next day. What ever Alejandro might think, he had to admit John was a generous host. Soon they were back in bed. John made no pretence when he reached over and took one of Alejandro's nips in his mouth and began to suck and chew. His hands roamed freely. Alejandro gave himself to the offered pleasure and soon found is muscle throbbing and needing to mark John again. Alejandro intentionally made John wait. He played John, building the intensity then letting it wane. Finally he stoked up the level of heat to the point where they both ached to spill their seed. Alejandro entered him with one smooth, deep thrust. John moaned his pleasure. Alejandro began a steady, hard, fucking rhythm that increased with speed and intensity. The bed hammered against the wall. Their orgasm came fast and hard for both of them. The next morning, over coffee and muffins, John outlined the opportunities for the day. Alejandro eagerly agreed with everything John had planned. Before the day was out the city boy had seen cows roped and branded, and watched a cowboy wrestle a calf to the ground and tie his legs together. They'd ridden over some of the most beautiful arid landscape that Alejandro could imagine. A late lunch was shared on board John's speedboat in one of the coves of the lake that edged his property. The afternoon soon began to fade and they rode back across the other side of John's property. They cleaned up, swam and napped by the pool. That night they had a rematch and again Alejandro won two falls. The next morning as they flew back to Dallas, they joked, talked and passed the time like friends rather than new acquaintances. Alejandro extracted a promise that John would visit Chicago and a summer visit was tentatively planned. Soon Alejandro was on his way to the Yucatan and Cesar. He shook his head slightly in wonder as he thought of the past few days and wondered what was in store. He'd definitely added a friend to his growing circle of people he could spend time with when traveling. As before, Cesar had a car to meet him. Alejandro was whisked away to the Casa and the reception area. There Cesar met him as a porter took Alejandro's bags. "Perhaps if you would like to take care of any personal needs, we could then meet with the managing partner and have your name added to those who are recognized for reservations," Cesar said. Later as they walked to their room, Alejandro was pleased and curious that Cesar hadn't presumed that they would share a room. As they stopped at Alejandro's door Cesar said, "These rooms have adjoining doors. Perhaps it will make our stay more pleasant." Alejandro shrugged inwardly as he smiled, he was sure he was getting the right vibes from Cesar but still begin held at arms length. Time would tell. There was a discrete knock at the joining door. Alejandro unlocked the deadbolt. "Please come in." "I hope you find the room acceptable," Cesar said. Alejandro looked round the room with its massive king size bed situated in a room large enough that it seemed quite in place. The appointments were nicer than the room they'd previously stayed in. Elegant would have been inadequate to describe the space. "Cesar, this is one of the nicest rooms I've been in when traveling. Yes, much more than acceptable. Won't you have a seat," Alejandro said gesturing to a pair of arm chairs. "I don't know what your preferences are but the day is growing short. Once again, I've taken the liberty of selecting a restaurant for us and a time. I hope it is not presumptuous on my part," Cesar said. Alejandro thought Cesar was in part making conversation while studying him. "Your selection last visit was very was enjoyable. Will we dine there tonight?" Cesar's brow wrinkled slightly, "No, I've selected another of the dining rooms. I hope you'll enjoy it. The fare is equally good." Pausing a moment he continued, "I trust the arrangements made for separate rooms suits you. We'd not discussed any particular preferences and it seemed that having the convenience," he gestured to the connecting door, "as well as the opportunity for privacy might be preferable to you." Alejandro looked at Cesar for a moment, and then decided to take the step, "Cesar, I'm looking forward to spending time with you this weekend. Thank you for inviting me." Cesar smiled and some of the worry that Alejandro had seen in his eyes vanished. "Good, I'm looking forward to getting to know you better also. Perhaps you'd like to freshen up a bit from your travels and join me for a drink next to the pool." Alejandro agreed and Cesar returned to his room, leaving the connecting door open. They found conversation easy and broached any number of topics as they watched the colors of the sky deepen with approaching dusk. Cesar looked at his watch and said, "The time for dinner approaches. We have adequate time to dress. Are you ready?" The wait staff was never obvious but always present to refill a glass or remove a plate. The pace of dinner was unhurried. The wine savored on the palate, along with the subtle flavors of beautifully presented dishes. Conversation ranged from Mayan art to current Mexican politics. Alejandro excused himself to use the restroom and looked at his watch. They'd been there three hours. The time had flown. The table had been cleared when Alejandro returned. A brandy snifter sat at his place. Cesar smiled as he said, "Perhaps I should have waited until you returned but this is one of my favorites and I wanted to share it with you." When they had finished the brandy Cesar said, "I enjoyed our evening walk during your last visit. Would you care to take a walk on the beach tonight? Of course I would understand if you wished to retire. You have traveled much today." Alejandro quickly agreed with Cesar's suggestion and they left for their rooms to change into appropriate attire. Alejandro knocked against the wall and heard Cesar's "yes, come." The weather was warm and humid. Cesar was dressed in shorts and a short sleeved polo, much like Alejandro. Seeing the heavy muscles under the knit fabric made Alejandro's sex pulse. Cesar was powerfully built and exuded a masculine presence that permeated any room he was in. Their stroll down the cart path to the beach was interrupted only occasionally as they both seemed occupied with their thoughts. The torches danced along the beach. It seemed to Alejandro they beckoned them, inviting them to share the soft air of the evening breeze. As they neared the last torch, they had both grown quiet. The splash of the waves and occasional soft roar of an off shore breaker filled the silence. It was a comfortable time. Finally Cesar broke the gentle silence, "Alejandro, I've never been comfortable in the subtle games men play with one another when they find another attractive." Cesar stopped and watched Alejandro's face as the torch light played across it. Cesar's was mostly in shadow but that didn't bother Alejandro. He was comfortable, and willing to go where he thought this conversation was taking them. Cesar continued, "I didn't want to presume after out last visit, that we would share a room. I just want you to know that I find you an attractive man – not only physically, but your thoughts, and actions are attractive to me as well. If I am being presumptuous forgive me. I hope I am not." Alejandro let the silence grow for a moment as he considered how to respond. Cesar was not an impulsive person and this wasn't an invitation as much as it was an overture. "Cesar, I must admit I was puzzled by the separate rooms but your explanation not only made sense but left a door open, as it were," they both chuckled at the double entendre, "for us to enjoy time together." Alejandro gently reached out and placed his fingers gently beside Cesar's muscled pecs and let his thumbs trace along the firm contours. As his thumbs crossed the hardened nubs, Cesar inhaled sharply and held his breath for a moment. He reached for Alejandro's hands. He held them for a moment then dropped them before he spoke. "I did not invite you here under any pretence, though I would find that difficult to believe after my last comments. I want this weekend to find its own rhythm, much like the waves on the shore." Cesar paused a moment, "It is difficult for me to speak plainly about this. I hope you understand." For a moment Alejandro was confused and decided that walking and talking was easier. "Are you ready to walk the other way?" They turned and began to retrace their steps. Alejandro quickly sorted through the various strands of conversation they'd shared. There was the small chance that Cesar was suggesting more than friendship but Alejandro was nearly sure that was not what he meant. It needed to be tested. "Cesar, since our last visit I've looked forward to spending more time with you. I echo some of your words when I say it is comfortable to share thoughts and ideas with someone removed from the day-to-day obligations and responsibilities of home and work. "As I am sure is true for you, I have numerous acquaintances and friends with whom I share parts of my life. There are a few who know me more intimately. I hope you will become a friend like that. "Spending time with you is pleasurable. Our conversations, walks, and even the playing we enjoyed with Stan and Tony was easy and natural. Whatever flows from the time we share will be good and I look forward to it." Alejandro said and wondered how the dance would begin. They climbed the cart path, both breathing hard when they reached top-side. "Why do we punish ourselves this way," Cesar said with a bark of a laugh. "Because we both enjoy the feel and look of a hard muscled body and it comes with sacrifice. I'd rather climb the path than give up the wonderful dinner we shared." "Well said, Alejandro." They sat near the pool as they cooled down and began to breathe normally. "When we last made the climb, I almost envied your shower out here. Perhaps we could share. Would that be acceptable or am I presuming on the hospitality of the Casa?" Alejandro asked. "You have seen the casual acceptance of nudity among the guests. But I fear that if we showered together my inevitable erection might push the boundaries." Cesar said looking questioningly at Alejandro. "Then I suggest we shower in my room. I'm sure I will respond the same way." With that Alejandro stood and waited. Cesar looked, smiled and stood. "As you say, it would likely be best," Cesar simply said as he followed Alejandro to his room. Alejandro went to the bathroom, stripped and turned on the water, adjusting the temperature. The shower enclosure was a small room, tiled with black Mexican Onyx tiles eighteen inches square. There were lights in the floor at the corners and lights over head. The shower heads offered a bracing spray from several directions. Another feature that Alejandro selected was an overhead rain-shower pattern that pelted the body steadily with a soft gentle spray. Cesar had stripped and joined him. Alejandro let the water flow over his body then stood aside for Cesar to rinse himself. They studied each other's bodies with approval. Alejandro took a new bar of soap sitting in the tray and turned Cesar around. Alejandro let his strong fingers dig gently into the cords of muscle that defined Cesar's neck and shoulders. `This man is huge' Alejandro thought to himself again, certainly bigger than Liam or Nicco. Lathering his hands, he traced the mounded flesh on either side of Cesar's spine that met the flared lateral muscles which filled his back. He let his hands press Cesar's back tracing with palms and fingers shape as it disappeared into the armpit. After repeating the pattern several times, Alejandro let his hands circle Cesar to explore his pecs and abs. The hairless skin was silky-smooth under Alejandro's touch. He could feel each contour as Cesar gently flexed his muscles in response to Alejandro's touch. Alejandro leaned forward letting his rampant cock rest against Cesar's crack as he pulled their bodies together increasing the firmness of his grip on Cesar's torso. Holding Cesar with one arm wrapped around his waist, Alejandro let his other hand slide down the upper thigh and slip between Cesar's legs. He turned his hand and cupped the generous sack letting the balls roll gently within his grasp. Ignoring the erection that rose above them Alejandro raised his hands. He cupped Cesar's mounded pecs and with a firm grip massaged the striated contours of muscle. Finding the hardened nubs he grasped them with soapy fingers and kneaded them roughly. Cesar's groan of pleasure rose from deep within him. Alejandro realized he was putting himself in a submissive posture. He was willing but it was not the message he intended to send at the moment. He stepped back from Cesar and waited. Cesar turned and met Alejandro's gaze. His black eyes glinted with the passion he was feeling. Taking Alejandro's shoulders, Cesar turned him and copied Alejandro's ministrations. Alejandro felt dwarfed being encircled with the long, massive arms. Cesar's presence and power radiated through Alejandro's body. His throbbing penis dripped precum. He rested his head back against Cesar's strong chest, "Unnngguhh." The sound came involuntarily from Alejandro's chest. Cesar held Alejandro firmly as he let his hands rake through the furry mat covering Alejandro's chest and abs. "You are so hairy, so strong," Cesar said as his fingers dug deep into the fleshy mass. Alejandro groaned again. Cesar let his hand find Alejandro's cock. With his thumb and forefinger he ringed the turgid organ. "A horse or a bull, I can not decide," chuckled Cesar softly into Alejandro's ear. He captured Alejandro's sack with his remaining fingers. Cesar began to pull and stroke Alejandro with his firm grip. Alejandro was lost in the pleasure. At the moment postures had little meaning. He gave himself to the pleasure. Turning his head slightly it rested in the crook of Cesar's neck. "I will milk you my friend. I want to see your seed shoot from this magnificent cock." Cesar's breathing was deep and fast. It was quiet save for the soft groans of pleasure from Alejandro mixed with the heavy breathing and the soft sound of falling water. "Alejandro's orgasm came swiftly, forcefully. With a cry his body suddenly arched pushing from his toes back against Cesar. He felt the white, hot seed erupt from his pulsing muscle. Again and again he shot, giving himself totally to Cesar's grasp of support. Alejandro began to recover slowly as Cesar held him, gently licking and biting Alejandro's exposed ear. He whispered, "You are strong and virile. I like a man who is strong." Alejandro didn't try to listen to the other murmurings, he simply soaked it in. Cesar took responsibility for finishing their bathing. He washed Alejandro's body and shampooed his hair. He quickly finished his own bathing. Both men dressed in the thick, long terry cloth robes hanging in the bathroom across warming racks. As they sat, Cesar offered to call for a bottle of wine, or whatever Alejandro wanted to sip as they talked. `Talk, so that's what we're going to do. Yeah, that's probably best right now.' Alejandro thought as he looked with a small smile at Cesar. "I'd like to know what single malt Scotches they offer." Soon Cesar had ordered for both himself and Alejandro. Their talk was of various things, each comfortable and of no consequence. They sipped their drinks in increasing moments of silence. "Did I take too much from you? Would you have rather waited? Are you okay?" Cesar's concern was touching and amusing. Alejandro kept his face open and answered honestly. "Cesar, I find your presence somewhat intoxicating. No, you did not take anything from me." Alejandro said. "I hope our evening is not over." Cesar smiled. Alejandro stood and walked over to the bed and pulled down the ornate heavy cover. Pealing back the sheets he returned his look to Cesar. "Perhaps we can be comfortable here," Alejandro said. After a long pause, Cesar said, "As you wish." The passion in each man seemed to feed off the other. Their bodies grappled. They held, stroked, and caressed each other with both fierce desire and tender longing. Alejandro willingly gave into Cesar's need to cover him. When he awoke, Alejandro was alone in his bed. He lay quietly remembering the night before until the need for morning relief pressed him urgently. Finishing his bathroom duties, he walked quietly to the open door between the rooms. Cesar lay on his back. The covers spread across his lower body. His breath was the deep and slow rhythm of sleep. Alejandro gazed at the thick muscled torso in repose. He felt his cock thicken with the memory of that same body enflamed with desire and tension. He reached down letting his hand find his cock. He let the memories flow through his mind as he took in the presence of the man. Quietly, Alejandro withdrew. He called of coffee, café con leche, he remembered from his last visit. A few moments later a discrete knock let him know a server had arrived. He savored the rich flavor as he considered what he wanted in his relationship with Cesar. He heard stirring in the next room and waited. Soon Cesar appeared, his thick black hair askew. He smiled as he saw the pot of coffee. He walked over and lifted the second cup. "May I?" Without waiting for a response, he poured the steaming liquid into his cup. Talking a sip, he sat and rested his coffee on the table beside him. "Did you sleep well?" Cesar asked. "Yes. Thank you. Did you?" Cesar held the gaze for a moment, "I am restless in my sleep, so I'm told. I did not want to disturb you during the night." Alejandro smiled at the thoughtfulness, "Thank you, very thoughtful." "I am hungry this morning. Do you care for breakfast?" Cesar asked. "Yes, it is one of my favorite meals of the day." "Shall we eat in here or would you enjoy it on the patio. It is truly beautiful here in the mornings." Cesar added. "As you wish," Alejandro said eliciting a smile from his friend. While they ate, conversation ebbed and flowed naturally across many topics. Alejandro reiterated how beautiful he found the coast, how he would enjoy having his own small casa to visit from time to time. They discussed how they would spend their day. Alejandro had mildly complained about his sedentary week and Cesar suggested a schedule of activity that promised to give them exercise along with fun. The remainder of the weekend sped by as they shared activities. During quiet times they conversed easily. In the evening after dinner and a walk on the beach, they found their sex with each other both satisfied and created a yearning for more. When Alejandro's plane lifted off on Sunday afternoon, Cesar was standing at the side of his car watching. Alejandro slept most of the return trip. Their days and nights had been full. Each had commented on the shortness of the time. Alejandro would return. He was sure of that. The chill of late winter and early spring still held Chicago in its grip. Alejandro shivered slightly as he moved from the plane to the car. He already missed the Yucatan. The next day as Alejandro dressed warmly, remembering with longing the warm ocean air bathing his skin. In the office he attacked the tasks on his desk with renewed vigor. It was good to get away, he thought. There were several calls from Paul Dupuy. Alejandro put them aside knowing they would entail a lengthy conversation. He called and left a message for Matt Grunwald to call him. He hoped Matt would have an idea about Paul's numerous messages. His phone rang in the late afternoon. "Alex, I'm glad I caught you. It's been a day! How was your trip?" Matt asked. After catching up with each other's news, Alejandro asked if Matt might know why Paul had called him several times. "Yeah. He's been thinking about the apprentice program he saw working in San Francisco. Be prepared, Alex. He's got a head of steam built up and some great ideas. He has done a surprising amount of homework in preparation for his conversation with you. A word to the wise, let him have his say. Then the two of you can have a conversation." Matt chuckled. "What strikes you funny about that?" Alejandro asked. "I've been privileged," it sounded like Matt was adding quotes to the word, "to hear literally hours of his thoughts, ideas and discoveries. It's your turn, my friend." "Sounds like a face-to-face meeting is in order" Alejandro added. "If you don't mind, I'd like to be there. He's really psyched about some of his ideas. I might be a helpful buffer at times," Matt added. Alejandro thought that a curious comment but said nothing. "I'll call him and see what he says. If it gets to be too much for a phone call, I'll set up a time to meet and call you, with his permission of course," Alejandro added. "He'll be fine with that. Call him. Let's see where this leads," Matt said. Alejandro sat back in his desk chair. As much as he enjoyed the challenges that engaged him in Chicago, he realized the value, for him, in getting away from it occasionally. He reviewed the proposed schedule of board and committee meetings on the calendar for spring. It would be a busy couple of months. Getting ready to leave the office, Alejandro straitened his desk. He sat for a moment recalling the memories that would soon fade into obscurity. He remembered the braying of the calf that had been wrestled and tied. He recalled the smell the moist salt air. His memories ran free, recalling so many good things. He was grateful. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ The peculiar food and drink of writers is the comment from the reader. Please feel free to drop me a note at firehosejoe@yahoo.com