All of the Voices, Bailey Bradford [e novels to read .TXT] 📗

Carlin opened his mouth as if to speak then nodded briskly before heading back to his room. Matt hadn’t missed the speculative look in the man’s eyes and figured he’d have to explain his reticence sooner rather than later.

* * * *

Carlin pulled off his clothes and sprinted into the bathroom. He brushed his teeth and put on more deodorant along with subtle cologne he’d ordered from France. He raked his fingers through his hair, giving it a softer, tousled look he hoped Matt would find appealing, then left the bathroom, already visualizing his outfit as he walked to his luggage.

Something casual would be best. Matt Nixon didn’t seem to be the kind of man who’d be impressed by designer names. If anything, he’d probably think such things were pretentious. Usually when Carlin went out looking to get laid, he dressed in shiny, expensive shirts that acted as lures to other like-minded men interested in a one-off.

Is that what he wanted? To get laid?

“Well, why not?” It would push aside the grief and guilt for a few precious hours, and Carlin was reasonably certain he could seduce Matt. The man had looked Carlin over that morning like Carlin was Matt’s most desired fantasy come to life. Just thinking of the heat in Matt’s eyes made Carlin shiver with anticipation.

He found his soft, faded jeans, so old the seams were ragged in places. They were a designer pair, true, but he doubt Matt would notice. They hugged Carlin’s ass perfectly, and if he skipped the briefs, Matt wouldn’t be able to ignore the way Carlin’s cock was outlined by the tight material. Especially not if he didn’t tuck down, though maybe that was too obvious and tacky.

Carlin left his briefs on and dressed in the jeans he’d picked out. A tight burgundy Henley would do for the shirt, although it was long sleeved and he might get hot. Then again, he’d have an excuse to pull off his shirt. Carlin slipped on a pair of loafers then grabbed his wallet and hurried out the door. His dick was already half hard and he didn’t bother to try to hide it, actually rolling his hips just a little as he walked toward Matt’s cruiser.

As he strolled the last few feet to the vehicle, smiling warmly at the admiration in Matt’s eyes, Carlin wondered about the man’s refusal to come to the motel room. It had slipped his mind in his haste to get ready, but now as he opened the passenger door to get in the vehicle, Carlin wondered about the fear he’d sensed in Matt.

Being attuned to body language was important in Carlin’s job, and he hadn’t missed the tensed muscles or the sweat beading Matt’s brow. Just as he hadn’t missed seeing the man rubbing at his stomach as though to ease a pain.

So, what was it? Fear of what the townspeople would say if Matt was seen entering Carlin’s room? If that were the case, wouldn’t Matt be equally nervous to be seen driving off with him?

A quick check showed Matt to be more relaxed now and Carlin smiled and hummed his approval at the erection tenting Matt’s pants. He wanted to reach out and cup that tempting bulge, but then he’d forget about the question he wanted to ask.

Matt shifted in his seat as his face turned a ruddy pink. He glanced at Carlin before clearing his throat and turning back to look out of the windshield. “You, um, look good out of the suit. Not that the suit was bad, just—just kind of fancier than I’m used to seeing, I guess.”

Carlin thought if his grin got any bigger it was going to split his face. “You’re really cute when you’re embarrassed. Very sexy.” And obviously unused to blatant flirting. Matt sputtered and coughed, his eyes widening as he gawped at Carlin.

“We should probably get going,” Carlin pointed out, because Matt was still staring at him in an adorable slack-jawed way that put all sorts of raunchy thoughts in Carlin’s head. Namely how good it’d feel to stuff his cock into Matt’s mouth, to see those thin, sensual lips stretched wide around his girth. Carlin closed his eyes and groaned. His erection was throbbing with each beat of his heart and he needed—

“Fuck it.” Carlin pressed the heel of his hand against his groin and hissed. “Drive before I jump you here in the parking lot.”

Matt didn’t argue and soon they were heading out of McKinton. The silence in the vehicle hadn’t been uncomfortable, more like thick with sexual tension. Every time Carlin thought he had his dick under control, an image of Matt’s mouth engulfing that length, or a glance at Matt, would have Carlin’s rod plumping back up. He needed a distraction, and Matt couldn’t possibly be comfortable driving with that huge hard-on.

“So tell me why you wouldn’t come to my room.”

Matt had known the question was coming, but he’d hoped to put it off a little longer, at least until they reached Mrs. Hawkins’. Then again, talking about it while he was driving might not be a bad idea. He’d have to pay attention, keep his eye out for wild hogs and other critters that might dart in front of the car. So yeah, he could do this.

“You don’t have to tell me,” Carlin said quietly. “I know I was rude when we met, and I am sorry. I can see where you wouldn’t think I was someone you’d want to confide in.”

“It’s not that, but thank you for the apology.” Matt took a deep breath, exhaled slowly, did it again. “About four and a half months ago, I walked into a trap in that motel. Not the same room you’re in, so I didn’t think I’d have a problem, you know, going in your room. But I couldn’t even…” Matt cringed, knowing there was no way to finish that sentence where he wouldn’t come off sounding like the world’s