Date: Wed, 20 Jun 2012 10:33:19 -0700 (PDT) From: Pete Bruno Subject: A Single Soul Chapter 8 A Single Soul Chapter 8- Legal Eagles Matt ad Jim returned home from their five-mile run in just under forty-five minutes. They entered the kitchen and found Frank cooking breakfast, wearing nothing but an apron, and two naked boys playing with the puppies. "Hey, boys, just in time for breakfast; how about grabbing a quick shower and join us?" Frank asked. "Yes, sir," Matt said. "Come on, Jim. You can use a pair of my shorts to go home in after we shower," and he headed off to the master bedroom with Jim trailing behind. "Wait `till you see this shower," Matt said, stripping as he walked. "Wow; now that's a fucking shower," exclaimed Jim. It was, indeed, a beauty: seven feet by five feet, with three walls of tile and a glass wall with the door in it. At each end was a full-sized shower head, plus a dozen smaller ones. "Yeah, I think the guy who built this place was a real man's man; everything he did ranks high on the `guy meter'. Between this shower, the gym, and the pool and privacy fence, it's like man-heaven." While the guys showered, Matt could not help looking at Jim's amazing body. He had forgotten how incredibly hot his body was; at six foot three, he was solid muscle with a light dusting of Auburn hair covering his six-pack abs and incredible bubble butt. Not to mention his fat cock and low hanging balls. However, Matt pushed all aside; he needed to keep control of himself, so he confined the discussion to their run while they dried themselves. Then, Matt abruptly changed the subject. "Jim, how do you feel about coming in and finding Dad and the boys naked in the kitchen?" he asked. "Shit, buddy, we practically lived naked at your house when we were in high school, and it was never a problem." "Yeah, but we didn't have wives, and the world was a different place then," Matt replied. "Well, talk about it with the boys and your dad at breakfast." Jim and Matt strode to the kitchen, freshly showered, and nude, like Frank and the boys. After everyone was seated at the table and had begun eating, Matt started the conversation. Addressing the boys, Matt began the discussion. "Matty, Jimmy ... Uncle Gunner and I want to have a talk with you guys. We know you like hanging and swimming naked, and so do we, even Papa; but, we want you to know it's very important that doing all this remains a secret," Matt said. "Nobody else must ever know about it." "Look, guys," Frank chimed in, "your dad is right and let me tell you right now, we aren't doing anything wrong. When your dads were boys like you, we all did the same thing at home; so it's real natural for us, but it's not something most other folks understand. So, we don't want you telling anyone what we do, especially your moms. Ladies really don't like being naked around the house... and they sure don't like it when guys do that," he added with a laugh. "See, boys," Jim said, "it's like when Marines go out on a mission. To guarantee the success of the mission, the whole thing has to be kept top secret," Jim said. "Understand?" "We get it, Dad; after all, we're almost nine years old," Matty said with not a little indignation creeping into his voice, "Jimmy and me will keep it secret. We already had the talk at school about not going with strangers and adults touching us; but this is different." "Wow!" Matt said, "It seems we have two very smart boys," while winking at Jim and his Dad. "Okay, troops; now, what do you say to a day at the beach?" Frank asked. "Cool!" the boys yelled in unison. "Alright; and boys, I have some big news that I hope you're going to like; I'm going to be moving down here, to a house on the beach in the North Topsail Beach area; and, guess what, you guys will have your own room, so you can come and visit anytime you want," Frank said, to the delight of the two youngsters. After breakfast, everybody got dressed and headed down the road, along with the puppies, for a visit to North Topsail Beach. When they pulled into the driveway of Frank's new home, Matt stared wide-eyed at the sight. It looked to be at least four stories high, because it sat twelve feet off the ground, on pilings. The house had a large front door, with white wooden steps leading up to it. The ground step was ten feet wide, and the others narrowed gradually as they approached the front door. The group climbed the steps and walked through the entrance to Frank's new house. Standing in the vestibule, which had a tile floor, and staircases going up each side of the room to the second floor, they could see the second floor wrapped around three sides of the first floor. Looking through from just inside the vestibule, they could see that it opened into a large, sunken seating area with a ceiling that went up another ten feet beyond the second floor and was capped off with a widow's walk with a railed walkway and a spiral staircase from the second floor creating the impression you were in a hotel lobby. "Dad, this is incredible; it's a mansion!" Matt exclaimed with wide eyes. "No, son, it's just a house," his Dad replied. "All right, come on, everybody; let's go have a look," Frank went on through into the sunken living room. Just inside the vestibule, the first floor opened into a rather formal, sunken living room. Wrapped around the back of the living room, and to the right, was the kitchen and dining area. A family room stretched across the back of the first floor, on the same level as the kitchen and was highlighted on its outside wall by a floor-to-ceiling, sliding glass door that opened on to a completely screened-in deck. The deck traversed the entire width of the back of the house and provided a spectacular western view from it of the river and intra-coastal waterway. To the left of the vestibule on the first floor was the master suite. The boys spied an elevator and begged to ride it up to the second floor. Naturally, being the indulgent grandfather, Frank obliged; and they all rode the elevator up to view the remaining bedrooms. After the group finished the tour, they heard someone calling from the front door; so they made their way back to the entrance. Standing in the door was a strikingly handsome man, about six feet tall, built like a wrestler, with wide shoulders, small waist, and a thick neck, all supported by two legs that resembled tree trunks. Dressed in shorts and a tank top, he had flaming red hair and dark-green eyes, with freckles sprinkled across his nose. "Finn!" Frank exclaimed, as he moved forward and hugged the man. "Let me introduce you to my family," Frank said. After he made introductions all around, Finn addressed Jim and asked if he might speak to him for a moment, in private. Finn led Jim into a small office and closed the door. "Jim, Frank has filled me in, and I'm very sorry for your loss. Are you sure all this stuff that's happening isn't just a result of her losing the baby?" Finn asked. "No, I wish it was. I've tried to talk to her. I've called her mother; but she won't even speak to me. In fact, her parents are acting very strange with me lately ...," Jim said, a bit nervously. They continued to discuss Jim's problems with Linda and the threats she had made. Finn gave him his suggestions, with instructions to Jim about what to do immediately. Finn told Jim, also, that he would be filing an injunction first thing Monday morning for a standing order that would prevent Linda from taking Matty from Jim's home. He gave Jim all of his numbers and, for Matty's safety, suggested that Jim purchase Matty a cell phone for the boy to keep with him at all times, and he suggested that he tell Matty to try to keep the phone a secret. When Jim asked Finn about payment for his services, Finn said, "How about a buck for the retainer, just to keep things legal? And I'll send you a bill for the actual filing fees. Other than that, you're a friend of Franks, which makes you a friend of mine. Don't worry, Marine, you won't lose your son; I promise." Jim was both stunned and relieved at this news. He walked over and shook Finn's hand. "I can't thank you enough, sir," he said. "Well, believe me, I've been there, and I'm happy to help," Finn said. When Jim and Finn rejoined the group, Jim walked over and hugged Frank. "Thanks, Uncle Frank; I'll never be able to repay you." "Son, you don't owe me. I'd do anything for one of my boys," Frank said, holding Jim tightly. Jim laid his head on Frank's shoulder and wept a bit. It was overwhelming for Jim; first losing the babies and now this reunion. Considering how very long that he and Matt were estranged; and in only a few short days, it was like they had never been apart. "It's good to be home, sir," he said, wiping the tears from his eyes. "Sorry about the tears, it just seems lately they come pouring out, and I can't seem to stop them." "Don't worry, son. Being a Marine means you're a well-trained man who goes where others fear to tread. It doesn't mean you don't have feelings. Your life has been quite a cluster-fuck the last couple of weeks, and your nerves are raw. If you were going through this and didn't show any emotion, I'd be worried. Besides, your family, and I'm Italian; tears of joy and sadness are normal to us. Besides, it's good for the boys to see that even tough guys have feelings," Frank said reassuringly. After all the business was concluded, Frank headed next door to Finn's house. The two homes occupied a cult-de-sack on a peninsula that stuck out into the river, ensuring complete privacy for both homes. After the tour of the house, they all loaded into two large golf carts and rode over to the private beach access across the road that was jointly owned by the small development of sixteen homes. At the entrance to the development was a small parking lot with a security gate, and a dune cross-over that had a bathroom and outdoor shower. As they made their way back over to the house, Finn asked, "Okay, boys are you interested in a boat ride?" He led everyone around his house and back to his private dock, where he kept a beautiful, twenty-eight-foot Chris Craft launch; Matt and Jim became almost as excited as the boys. With the puppies stashed safely in their crates at Frank's house, the crew headed for a ride down the river. Finn took the time to point out a few of the changes along the river that were due to three direct hits by hurricanes during the mid `90s. Surprisingly, the biggest change was the overall boom in development since that time; the past ten years had seen hundreds of huge homes built not only on the beachfront, but on the sound side, just like his. He informed them that North Topsail Beach was also experiencing a boom in film making. He pointed out one house, in particular. "That's the house used for interior shots in the film with Richard Gere, "Nights in Rodanthe," he explained; "and the exteriors were shot up on Hatteras." Matty and Jimmy were having a blast and especially enjoyed seeing the observation towers that were scattered around the island that the Navy had used to test missiles in the late 1940s. However, the biggest hit for the boys was the ride in Finn's CrisCraft to the boat restaurant located in Surf City. They had never ridden on a boat before let alone cruising up to a dock and ordering lunch. The group made it back to Finn's house around 1400 hours and Finn asked the two boys, whether they would like to swim in the pool or the ocean. They picked the ocean, of course, explaining that they already had a pool at home. "Let's go over to my place, then, and get your suits. You guys can't go `commando' on a public beach," Frank said, "and, by the way — while we're there, you guys can pick the room you want to stay in when you visit." The boys were changing for the beach so Matt and Jim approached Frank, "Dad, would you mind watching the boys this afternoon?" Matt requested. "There are a few things Finn suggested that Jim do ASAP regarding the divorce." "Yeah, Uncle Frank; I don't want Matty to get wind of all this until it's absolutely necessary," Jim said. "Sure, you guys go ahead. Finn and I will bring the boys back around dinner time, say about 1800. Will you have it ready by then?" Frank asked with a smile. "Think we got played on that one, buddy," Jim said to Matt. "Sure, Dad, we'll be ready; I think we'll have barbequed chicken." "That sounds great; see you then," Frank said. On the way back to Jacksonville, Jim explained in greater detail to Matt what Finn had suggested that he do in preparation for Linda's arrival; and one of the biggest things was not to move out of the house or bedroom. Make her be the one who leaves, not him. "Aren't you even going to try to save your marriage?" Matt asked. "That's what I thought about all last night and, truthfully, there's nothing to save, except my son. Like I told you, I had wanted out many times, and she kept pulling me back in. Now; she's decided she wants to end it all and call all the shots. Well, if she wants to leave — fine; but I'm taking my son! And I'm going to make that happen. What he didn't say was that it was because of Linda that he had lost twenty years of friendship with Matt, and he wasn't going to let that happen again. Linda had already started making snide comments about Matt before she left. He never understood her dislike for Matt; but, he no longer cared enough for her to even give a shit for her reasons. On the way back home, they stopped at the local cell phone store, and Matt picked up two basic phones for the boys; they thought it best that the phones not be in Jim's name. They also stopped at the UPS store and opened a PO Box in Jim's name. At home, Jim removed all personal papers and other items that he wanted to keep secure and stored them at Matt's. Then, working on a list that Finn had supplied of the five best and most sought-after high-power divorce lawyers between Jacksonville and Wilmington, Jim used Matt's computer to email requests for consultations. Finn explained that, once he had a consultation with an attorney, his wife could not use the same one, whether or not he hired that attorney. After a quick trip to the grocery store, the guys busily began preparing dinner for the group. Matt rolled his Weber kettle grill out and lit the charcoal. "What's with the old-school grill, buddy?" Jim asked. "I don't know; there's just something about chicken done on charcoal that makes it taste better," Matt answered. "What about a swim while we wait for the coals to get hot?" Matt asked, already beginning to strip out of his shirt and shorts. "You bet; this divorce prep is hot work," Jim laughed. After a bit of swimming, the two men relaxed, floating around on noodles and just generally catching up with their lives, their jobs, and their mutual love for the Corps. Jim thought it was great that Matt was letting Denise advance, and that Matt stayed home to raise Jimmy. "You know, Jim, if Linda does end up leaving you, Matty can always come here, whenever you need it, or he wants to. The boys really enjoy each other; and, when you have one, looking after two is no problem. Plus, it actually makes my life easier. I get a lot more work done when he's here to occupy Jimmy's time. I don't have to turn into an activity director, as well as be a parent," Matt said with a warm smile. "Thanks, Matt; that really takes a load off my mind. It's something I've thought about; but I really didn't know how to ask. There's nobody I'd trust more than you to look after my son." After a while, Matt said that he really should get the chicken on the grill, if they wanted to eat on time; he liked to cook it slow, so the chicken stayed moist. The two were sitting at the table drinking a beer when Frank returned with the boys and Finn, the puppies in tow. Finn saw the two studs sitting with their butts forward in their chairs; legs spread and gloriously naked. The sight made his heart jump. Since his divorce, he had been finding men more and more attractive, especially Frank, and the sight of these two young studs made his cock twitch in his pants. Frank noticed the look on Finn's face and was, on one hand, sorry he didn't warn him about the "nudist" aspect of his son's house; but, on the other hand, he was encouraged by the interest Finn showed in the naked men. While working through his grief after the unexpected death of his wife, he was re-assessing his own life and had decided that maybe he should act on the homosexual side of his personality a bit more; and Finn was somebody he'd love to act with. "Sorry, Finn; I forgot to warn you — these guys, their boys, and even me, I'll admit it — I happen to like going without clothes," Frank said. "Works for me," Finn said. "I've played sports all my life; being naked around guys is nothing new, look how many years we've swam naked and took steam baths at the gym naked Frank; however, speaking as your attorney, Jim, I'd have to say it may cause a problem." "No worries, Finn," replied Jim; "we've already had a talk with the boys about that and, besides, both our wives know the boys swim in the nude with us," Jim said. "Even so, it might be wise to limit it to just the swimming when their moms are around, for the time being," Finn said with a knowing glance. "Well, then," Finn said as he started to strip, "when in Rome...," He continued until he was naked, and what a sight! He was not only beautifully built, with muscles in all the right places, but his cock had to be at least five inches, soft, with a set of low hanging balls to match and a mass of flaming red pubic hair. Frank had to concentrate hard not to get an erection right there on the spot. After an enjoyable dinner and a bit of swimming, Frank and Finn headed back to the beach. Frank had driven everyone up earlier that afternoon, so he needed to take Finn home. When they pulled into Finn's driveway, Finn asked, "Would you like a drink, Frank?" "Yeah, that would be great," Frank said, trying to hide his grin, as they made their way into the house. Once inside the living room, Finn started to strip off his clothes. "What are you up to, buddy?" Frank asked. "Well, after finding out how you guys like to hang out nude; it's given me the courage to do what I've always wanted to do ... hang out naked!" Finn said as he continued to strip. "Well, fine with me, kind of makes it easier not having to hide it around you," Frank said while drinking in the beauty of Finn's naked body and getting naked himself. The two men took their drinks out onto the back deck that faced the river. The deck was completely screened in, which allowed them to enjoy the summer evening without being eaten alive by bugs. Each man took a lounge chair, and lay back and relaxed. Frank kept stealing looks at Finn's equipment and was almost sure that it was on the rise. They spent the next hour making small talk and checking each other out. Half-way into their third drink, Finn threw caution to the wind and just said what was on his mind. "I'm not sure how you're going to take this; however, since my divorce, I've been thinking about trying something different, an I've known you for a long time and trust you," he said. "Well, if I'm following you, and I hope I am; I'm thinking about the same thing," Frank replied, as his cock began to rise at the chance of having sex with this hot man. As if they were following a script, both set their drinks down and stood to face each other. Looking into Frank's eyes, Finn spoke, "Frank, I find myself in a tough situation about now. I have never been anything but straight; however, I find myself inexplicably attracted to you," he said, still looking directly into Frank's eyes. Frank took the younger man into his arms and kissed him deeply. Then, pulling back, he looked into Finn's eyes and said, "And while I have played on both sides of the fence, I can honestly say there is no one I would rather have finding me attractive than you." He pulled Finn into his arms and kissed him again while their hard cocks pressed against each other. Frank eased Finn down onto the lounge chair, kissed him quickly, and proceeded to lick the younger stud from his neck down to his huge pecs, where Frank began to chew on Finn's large, pink nipples. Finn was moaning loudly and holding Frank's head in his hands while the older man worked his way down his body, causing Finn to experience sensations he had never felt before. When Frank started to lick and nuzzle the man's balls, Finn almost flew off the lounge chair, only to be thrown further into a frenzy when Frank raised his legs and began licking his way under the balls. Frank took a good lick on Finn's perineum, and then he started to chew softly on it, causing Finn to groan loudly and clutch the sheets. "Oh, God, Frank, you're driving me crazy!" Finn moaned. Frank just grunted and continued to work on the base of Finn's thick cock, with Finn's balls resting on his nose. Finns intoxicating man-scent flooded Frank's nose as he gently stroked Finn's cock. When Finn moaned that he was getting close, Frank gently left the succulent cock and made his way down to Finn's tightly puckered hole, which was covered in Finn's flame-red hair. While Frank was tonguing the delicious ass, he was also pushing as much spit into it as he could. Finn continued to moan quietly and offer words of encouragement as Frank happily worked toward his goal. Frank then reversed his path, and moved up and back towards the younger man's perineum. Finn was literally shaking from the pleasurable sensations coursing through him with every movement of Frank's tongue. When Frank engulfed Finns throbbing cock, Finn's body went rigid from the intense pleasure he was experiencing. As Frank swallowed the quivering man's cock, he began to work slowly one of his fingers into Finn's spit-soaked ass. Licking and sucking Finn's cock, he pushed his finger farther into the hot, tight ass. When he finally discovered Finn's love nut and began to rub slowly it, Finn shouted, "Holy fuck! Don't stop what you're doing, Frank; it's gonna make me shoot!" Frank brought the young man to an earth-shattering climax and savored the salty sweetness of Finn's cum. Then he sensually moved up Finns trembling body and shared a deep kiss, letting Finn taste himself in Frank's mouth. "Frank, that was the most amazing experience I have ever had, and I want all of you," Finn said, as he took Frank by the hand and headed for the bedroom. Frank woke Sunday morning spooning Finn from behind and holding him tightly, thinking how he hadn't felt this content since his wife passed away. He had always enjoyed snuggling up to someone in his sleep; even so, there was something pleasurably different about holding the mass of muscle snoring gently in front of him ... and it was something he wanted to explore further. Finn began to stir. "Good morning, stud," Finn said sleepily as he pushed his ass back into Frank's morning wood. "That has to be the best night's sleep I've had in years. Tell me, are you available for return engagements?" he asked with a grin. Kissing Finn on the back of the neck, Frank said contentedly, "Anytime you'd like, Counselor." Back at Matt's house, Jim let himself in the front door with the key he now carried. He found Matt and the boys in the kitchen, all dressed in their boxers; apparently, Matt had discussed the nudity issue with them. Because Frank wasn't around to watch the boys, the two men decided just to exercise in Matt's gym, in lieu of their morning run. They had also decided to explain to the boys just enough about what was likely going to happen with regard to Matty's mother so that Matty wouldn't be blindsided if the shit hit the fan. After breakfast, the boys wanted to go for a hike in the woods while Matt and Jim worked out; so, before they left, Jim and Matt sat the boys down for part one of the talks. "All right, guys," Jim started, "Uncle Gunner and I have got something for each of you; but, we need to explain a few things before we give them to you." The boys looked at each other with an excited look of anticipation. "We both think you're responsible enough to go hiking in the woods by yourselves; its jus that we still worry about you, so we have gotten you both cell phones that we want you to carry at all times when you're not with us. Listen to me; please understand that these cell phones are for emergencies, only. They are not to fool around with and do things like calling your friends. You are to call me or Uncle Gunner anytime you need us. Understand? The phones are already programmed with our home and work plus our cell phone numbers, and the same information for Papa and Finn is also programmed into them," Jim instructed . "Why do we need Mr. O'Brien's number, Dad?" Matty asked. "Just in case you can't get one of us; but, call him only if you can't get one of us," Jim said. Thankfully, the explanation seemed sufficient. Jim did not want to have to explain too much of what was going on, just yet. The men spent the next twenty minutes showing the boys how to work the phones. Of course, the two boys knew quite a bit already and picked up the rest quickly. Then they were off on their adventure, along with Ian, Duffy, and Danny, who were all doing well walking on the leashes. Once the boys left, Jim and Matt made bets on how long it would take before the boys to call with an "emergency" question. The two friends had just finished their work-out and shower when Frank showed up. They prepared a quick lunch and called the boys on their phones to tell them to come home for lunch. Both Matt and Jim were amazed that neither boy had found an excuse to call. Jim's phone rang just as he finished his call with Matty. From the immediate change in Jim's countenance and the abrupt stiffening of his body, Matt was certain that it was Linda on the other end of the line. All Matt heard Jim say was "fine," over and over. Jim angrily snapped his phone shut when the call ended. "Herself and the evil twin will be here around six," Jim said, looking as if his head were about to explode. "She wants Matty and me to have dinner with her and her ass hole brother; but she asked if you would let Matty stay here tonight, because she doesn't want Matty to overhear our "discussion'...the discussion will probably be more like a knock-down fight, if you ask me." "That's a good idea," said Matt. "Just remember that, if you need anything, all you have to do is call, and I'll come running." He looked at Jim as he was filling a plate with sandwiches; it was hard to believe that, after twenty-two years, Jim was back into his life, and in a big way. The deep feelings of physical attraction and love he felt for Jim, that he had pushed so deeply inside himself, were beginning to resurface ... also in a big way. He told himself to get a grip on the situation. After lunch and a swim, Jim and Matty left for home around four o'clock, to await the arrival of ... as Jim had renamed them ... the "gruesome two-some." Matt retired to his office to write a long email to Denise, filling her in on all the happenings since she had left. He started with the news of his father moving down to the beach, and then related the story about Peggy and the trust fund for Jimmy. Next, he related the story about Jim and Linda, including what happened with Linda losing two babies early in their marriage and then losing the latest. He finished with the news about getting the puppies. He hit the "Send" button and sat back, staring at the screen. It was almost surreal how his life had changed in such a short time. What bothered him was that, with Jim's presence, Denise's absence barely registered; and that caused a little voice way in the back of his conscience to start sending out "Danger" signals. He shook it off and went back to work. To be continued...