Love is Blind chapter 26

[happy_never_after]

"Gonna call now," Ennis said, fingerin' the dial on the phone. Jack nodded, head propped up on a fluffy pillow and long legs sprawled out on the bed of the Motel 6. Nina laid next ta him, head on his chest, eyes closed while Jack absently scratched under her collar. 

The room was cheap, clean, but most of all, out of the way; Ennis was thankful that Linden took pains ta make sure no one would be findin' them. But damn, it took 'em over an hour ta find it. The man was cautious, methodical. Linden sat on the couch next ta Collinson watchin' Raiders of the Lost Ark. Seemed the place had color TV. Ennis was beginnin' to wonder if the real criteria for a place ta stay was gettin' the free movie station called HBO

Linden glanced over at Ennis. Another characteristic of Linden's was his never-ending chatter-- the man talked almost as much as Jack used to. Almost. At least his mouth was shut now, mostly 'cause one ear was turned to listen in on the conversation that Ennis was about ta have and the other was trained on Indiana Jones gettin' sealed in a tomb with a bunch of snakes. 

Well, this was one way ta get Linden ta stop his jack-jawin' about Indiana Jones. Ennis didn't know much about movies, and it was mighty borin' hearin' Linden and Collinson talk about this actor Harrison Ford, and downright embarrassin' hearin' Linden's comments like "Come on Indy-- bend over and pick up that hat."

Damn, man had no shame. 

The phone rang only twice before Benito picked up. 

"Hello?" 

Ennis' mind clicked. The welcome sound of the doc's thick mornin' voice gave Ennis a homesick pause, made his tongue trip with emotion. Felt nice. Even though Jack and him hadn't stayed with Benito long, the vet's home and hospitality had changed Ennis forever. 

"Hello, doc."

"Ennis! I was just thinking of you and Jack-- wondering how you were doing."

"That's why I'm callin'," Ennis said, watchin' Jack pet Nina. "Seems we run into a heap more problems."

Ennis hesitated, gatherin' up all them words he needed in order ta fill Benito in on the situation. Benito was patient as always, waitin' on Ennis' pauses, listenin' attentively. Finally Ennis was through; he'd said everything-- everything except for why he'd called. But Ennis didn't have to-- the old doc knew Ennis well enough ta read the why into it.

Ennis cleared his throat. "You have any problems since Jorge done that dental work on 'em?" 

"Not one problem; we haven't heard a thing."

"That's good." Ennis paused. The room was quiet. Collinson had turned down the volume-- Ennis could barely hear Jones bustin' the pillar through the chamber wall.

"So you are... what do they say? On the lam?" Benito said, "and need a place to hide out, and you are looking for some assistance."

"Yes, you got that right."

"I'm certain we can find you a place that will suffice. I'll contact Sister Sarita. Between us, we should be able to find you a haven until all is settled. How far are you from us now."

"About thirty miles." Relief washed over Ennis. Heart felt mighty happy hearin' Benito's offer. He was hopin' for that. Made it easier than askin'.

"Call back in four hours. That should give me time to check with Sarita and make arrangements. I trust you are in a safe place?"

"Yes. Leastwise safe enough fer now. Called our lawyer little bit ago. She and Collinson already contacted the feds so's we'll be needin' ta talk to them. Seems they'll be wantin' a face ta face meetin'."

"Then there are four of you?"

"No, Collinson is headin' back. The private detective I told ya about will be comin' with us. He wanted ta go back ta his office, but our lawyer told him to hold up and talk to the feds first. He's in up ta his neck in this too."

"A place for three then. I will go now. But first, how is Jack?"

"He's feelin' rough right now, but considerin' everything, he's doin' well." The corner of Ennis' mouth tipped up lookin' at Jack.

"I'm glad. Take care, Ennis."

"I will. Thanks, Benito." Ennis hung up the phone and stared down at it, a quiet smile on his lips. Talking to Benito warmed Ennis' heart. He'd never allowed himself ta think on such intimacies before in his life. Allowin' himself these feelings was something Benito had taught him. With the exception of Jack, Ennis had never felt this close to another man. Benito was like a father to him, and he loved and looked to Benito for guidance. Was like family. Was like home. Ta Ennis, Benito finally filled that empty space in his heart the day his parents died.

"Well," Collinson said, "sounds like you're gonna have a place ta go. Now all you need is some transportation."

"Got our truck," Ennis said. "Be better than Linden's car. That thing sticks out like a sore thumb and 'sides, only big enough fer two."

"You're right," Linden said, "I bet over eighty percent of the people in Texas have pickups like yours. Have to get different plates, but that's easy enough."

"I don't want to know about it--" Collinson said.

"Give me your keys, and I'll take care of it and come back to get you both," Linden said. "If you're really good, I might get something for you to eat."

Ennis stood up and pulled the keys outta his front pocket, Linden watchin' him closely. Felt kinda weird. 

"Make it barbeque chicken, will ya?" Jack asked. "I've been dreamin' about it."

"Dreaming?" Collinson said. "Dreamt of a lot of things, but never dreamt about chicken before. Is that a homosexual thing?"

"Depends," Linden said. "If it's breasts and thighs, nope, but if it's drumsticks--"

"Don't even finish that--" Collinson said, holdin' up his hands in front of him. 

Ennis felt his face burnin', knew it was turnin' four shades of red. Damn Jack, he was laughin' his ass off. "Puts new meanin' inta finger lickin' good--" Jack chuckled.

"Ennis, you're so cute when you're embarrassed. Don't know what sexual orientation people are who eat wings," Linden thought aloud. 

"Seems like some fairy thing ta me," Ennis said, goin' along.

"I think Ennis just made a gay joke! If that don't beat all," Linden exclaimed. 

"Yeah, he is," Jack said, mood suddenly changin'. "You two better get goin'. Need ta git on the road soon as Benito calls back."

Ennis threw the keys to Linden. He caught them in the air and winked. 

"Bye, and don't forget the chicken," Jack said.

"Wait," Linden said, turnin' ta Ennis. "You still have that gun?"

"Sure do," Ennis said, pattin' the dresser drawer.

"I bet you're real good with that gun."

---------------------

"What's eatin' you?" Ennis asked Jack as he spooned himself next ta Jack on the bed.

"Wesley Linden." 

"What about him?"

Jack sat up, forehead all scrunched up, hands rubbin' the tops of his jeans, tongue pokin' out. Damned if that wasn't a mixed signal.

"Sometimes I think you're the blind one here! The man was flirtin' with you somethin' awful. 'I bet you're good with that gun'? What the hell do you think that means?! I don't know how he's lookin' at you, but by the way you're movin' around the bed right now like ya got ants in your pants, I'd say he's been makin' eyes. Big blue eyes, right? What 'gun' do ya think he was referrin' to anyway? Hell. The man has a first-class crush on ya. He's a nice enough sort 'n all, and I know he's most likely harmless. God knows I ain't got nothin' ta worry about, but damn, Ennis, bein' that I can't see and all, I still imagine all these things goin' on. I start ta wonderin'-- is he lustin' over your ass when ya bend over like he done Indiana Jones'? The comments he was makin' during the movie sounded a lot like the off-hand shit he's been sayin' ta you. Said I ain't his type. 'Don't worry, Ennis-- Jack ain't my type,' he said. Guess that means you are. I can see why you'd be his type and all-- ya got that earthy sex appeal-- kinda like that Harrison Ford. But sexier. Bein' that you're the finest man ever was-- can't blame him fer lookin' but ya don't need ta encourage him none."

Jack leaned back down while Ennis blinked and waited to see if Jack was gonna continue his tirade.

"That's the most you've said in a long time," Ennis said, movin' his right hand slow up the inside of Jack's leg. "And I ain't encouragin' him," Ennis added. Until that moment, Ennis hadn't thought on it much. Was a couple of times, but no-- he still wasn't entirely sure Jack was right about Linden, but it was kinda excitin' that Jack was the one jealous fer a change instead a him.

"That's not the response I was lookin' for," Jack said curtly, noddin' at Ennis' hand.

"How's this fer a response?" Ennis asked, then grabbed Jack's hand and placed it over the hard knot in Ennis' jeans.

"Are you hard thinkin' on Linden or me?" Jack asked, but still kept his hand there. Even gave it a good squeeze.

"Damn, Jack, you're stupid-- you of course." 

Jack went for the zipper, and Ennis groaned.

"Come here, Rodeo. I'll show ya that yer the only one fer me."

Ennis rolled on top of Jack, grindin' his heat into Jack's.

He unbuttoned Jack's shirt, bendin' down ta take that mouth, suckin' on that perfect bottom lip before rammin' and fuckin' Jack's mouth with his tongue.

Just as fast as he started, Ennis sat up, lookin' down at Jack's eyes. Blue like deep water. And Jack's mouth-- moist, parted lips. Jack's hands moved with skill, graspin' the front of Ennis' shirt.

"I'm gonna fuck you so hard you're never gonna think on Harrison Ford again," Ennis smirked.

"Come here, cowboy." 

Ennis answered with a growl. They made fast work of their clothes, Ennis watchin' Jack's expert hands shuckin' off his jeans but not before Ennis had Jack help him retrieve what they needed from his front pocket. Moments later, shirts and jeans littered the foot of the bed. Ennis grabbed the pillow out from under Jack's head and pushed it under his hips, cock bobbin' eager-like. Jack smiled at Ennis, expectantly.

Ennis moved down Jack's chest, nippin' and lickin'. Jack made all kinds a noise, and Ennis loved the sound. Made him snake a slow trail down, down just so's he could hear Jack callin' and beggin'. Loved the way Jack smelled too. Nothing like it in all the world. Used to dream of that-- 

Not chicken.

Started laughin'. Couldn't help it.

"What's so funny?" Jack asked, thrustin' his hips off the mattress.

"Chicken-- barbequed chicken legs." 

"Huh?"

"Always did like the legs best. Now I'm gonna eat me some." Then Ennis took Jack's cock deep in his mouth, slurpin' ta get the desired effect.

It worked.

Jack cranked his hips up, pistonin' into Ennis' eager mouth.

Jack came fast, callin' out ta the lord-god and sayin' a host a Pentecostal prayers the likes of which Ennis never heard before. Liked ta made him blush. Ennis swallowed him-- was something he never done much but was hell-bent on makin' up for shyin' away. Took years admittin' to himself he loved givin' more than gettin'.  

Ennis wiped his lips off with the back of his hand, then moved up the bed, right hand touchin' Jack's cheek. Loved how Jack rubbed his face over Ennis' worn knuckles then kissed each one like they was a  treasure. Loved the way he could see Jack's pulse a-flutterin' in his neck. 

"Make love ta me, Ennis. Wanna feel you."

Jack used them skilled hands of his to help Ennis slick up. Oh how Jack could make them fingers twirl, flickin' obscene circles 'round the tip of his cock. "Jesus," Ennis moaned, "if ya don't stop I'm gonna shoot now." Loved seein' that devilish smile flash at him. Already decided to fuck him face to face. Had an itch to watch Jack beneath him, and look into that beautiful god-given face a his. Ennis moved between his legs, rearranged that pillow under Jack's hips ta get a good angle, then grabbed Jack's right leg and slung it over his left shoulder while Ennis' left hand balanced his own body on the mattress. 

Ennis pressed, pushed, then paused, takin' small puffs of breath ta calm himself down. Was hard not ta come right off. Just studyin' Jack's lips 'bout sent him over the top. Loved how the tip of his tongue toyed with the corner of his mouth. Jack always did that anticipatin'. He felt Jack give around him. Jack pressed his hands, palm up, against Ennis' chest as his cock filled him. Hands felt so good. Warm, rough. Man's hands. Took so long ta figure out that was only thing he'd ever wanted. 

Jack kept his palms flat, but his fingers curled in, nails scratchin' with need. Ennis started slow, rockin' into that spot he knew would make Jack shiver. Tight, so tight. Watched as Jack tipped his head back, throat workin'. 

"Yeah, Ennis. Right there." Jack's arms buckled in as Ennis thrust harder-- one arm of Jack's reached around, but the other stayed over Ennis' heart. Reckoned Jack could feel his heart poundin'. Had to. Was like thunder in his ear.

"Harder," Jack growled. 

Ennis bucked into him. Rode him just like Jack wanted. Saw color rise in Jack's cheeks-- knew what that flush meant, and why sweat was breakin' out on his upper lip. Watched as Jack grabbed for his own cock and pumped himself wicked-hard. Couldn't take his eyes off it. Wanted ta lick it off so bad. 

Ennis came first. Jack clamped down on his cock next, shootin' over his hand on to his belly. Both melted together on the mattress, a tangle of sweat 'n come. 

Jack held Ennis tight to him. The after with Jack always was the best part ta Ennis. Was just Jack and Ennis. No worries. No yesterdays. Only tomorrows.

---------------------

Ennis made sure they was decent long before Linden got back. Didn't want no remarks about what they'd been up to although Ennis knew damn well Linden would know the moment he saw em both.

Linden came back with the promised barbequed chicken. He mumbled something under his breath when he saw them. Ennis could a swore he said, "You two are like rabbits." 

He was tryin' hard not ta look Linden in the eye. Felt like ants was crawlin' on him. Knew he was jumpy and worked up. Jack seemed ta be humored by it all.

The three sat on the couch with the bucket of chicken on the coffee table. A feast of cole saw, buttermilk biscuits with mashed potatoes and gravy spread in front of them. Linden even bought beer. Was that damn Michelob shit but at least the man was tryin'.

Ennis sat down last, makin' sure he was on the far side of the couch. Jack sat in the middle. Linden played the TV remote and stuffed half a biscuit in his mouth. He was eatin' a breast so he guessed the earlier comment was all for humor. 

All was quiet, except for Nina, who was beggin'.

"Can't have chicken bones. Get struck in yer throat," Jack told her, then slipped her part of a biscuit.

"Yer quiet," Linden said to Ennis. 

"Yep," Ennis answered, flickin' his eyes nervous-like at Linden then ta Jack.

"Ok, what's up?" Linden asked. "You both are acting stranger than normal."

"Nothing's up," Ennis mumbled.

Jack sat back, takin' a swig of beer. "Hell, Ennis."

"What?" was all Ennis could say. Linden studied them both fer a moment, then dropped it. But after that was damned unbearable for Ennis. Linden kept meetin' his eyes, raisin' his brows, questionin'. That was the direct looks. Also seen him, takin' peeks. Ennis dropped his napkin, caught Linden watchin' him. Ennis reckoned Jack had a point earlier. Linden was checkin' out his ass. 

Ennis took the last bite of the chicken leg and set his paper plate on the table. The sauce was mighty good. He licked his thumb then his fingers one by one. Then he saw Linden with a fork-full of mashed potatoes hoverin' in front of his lips, his eyes big and fixed. On his fingers. On his mouth. Ennis pulled his finger outta his mouth.

Then Linden's eyes met Ennis'. Linden's eyes large and round with shock. He realized he was caught. 

The mashed potatoes slid off Linden's fork into his lap. Cheeks bright red, eyed wide. He jumped up. "Shit." 

 Ennis sat there, mouth open. His own eyes wide because now he could see-- couldn't miss--

His lap. Gravy, mashed potatoes and--  Don't look there. Eye level. Look away. Look away.

He did. For an instant, Ennis flashed a look at Jack. But like some bad accident, he looked again. 

"It's not what it seems," Linden babbled, covered his crotch and plopped back down on the couch next ta Jack. "Well, I mean it is, but hell. It happens to everyone. Why you looking at me like that? You were the one sucking your fingers."

Ennis couldn't speak. He stared down at Nina, who was at Linden's feet, lappin' the fallen potatoes off the floor. Then at the TV, pretendin' to watch the commercial, Alka-Seltzer tablets fizzin' in a glass. 

"Ennis?" Jack said, jabbin' Ennis with his elbow. "Ennis?"

Ennis opened his mouth, but nothin' came out. 

"Fine. I'll say it," Jack said, throwin' his arms in the air. "Ya like Ennis."

"Oh, god," Linden said, pressin' the palms of his hands into his eyes.

"Ya like Ennis, don't you?"

"Ah," Linden blinked. "Yeah."

"Don't blame ya. He's a fine-lookin' man, but ya understand he's mine."

Linden blinked again. "Yes, of course I understand. You've been together so long. The relationship you two have is something I want someday. I'd never come between you. It's hard for me not to notice him-- he's so good-looking. Sorry."

"Least you both could do is talk about me like I was here," Ennis cut in finally.

"Believe me, I never forget you're here," Linden said. 

"That's good," Ennis said. "...I think."

"M-m, Jack. I understand what you two have together is special. I'd never try anything. It's just, when he bends over or licks his fingers-- shit, I admit it. All he has to do it breathe and I notice. I know it's no excuse, but it's been a while since-- you know."

"I can understand that," Jack said, noddin' his head.

"I mean I come back here with the chicken, and I can't help noticing the bed rumpled and your hair stickin' out and Ennis' big smile. Puts all kinds of images in my head that got no place being there but they are. I can't chase the images away. Sorry that I'm rambling. I do that when I'm nervous."

"Noticed that," Ennis said.

"Yeah, but anyway, I'll try to keep my eyes to myself. I think it's time ta call Benito anyway."

"Good idea," Ennis said. He stood up and as he did, Linden's eyes stayed trained on the TV until he walked in front of Linden.

Ennis frowned down at him.

"Christ," Linden swore, "can't expect me not to look when it's in my face!"

Jack laughed and slapped Linden's knee.

"Ya could a walked around, Ennis."

Ennis grumbled as he picked up the phone. Roomin' with both of them was gonna be murder.

TBC