Love is Blind Chapter 20

[happy_never_after]

Best Western. $24 per night. Two double beds. Orange shag carpet. Brass table lamps.

Ennis sighed and set down their merger belongin's. Nina's tail slapped against the chipped cherry veneer desk as she led Jack across the room. Ennis cringed at the poor man's paintin' of the Golden Gate Bridge assaultin' the center of white walls. And the green trim that trapped the windows, floors and ceilin' was the color of horse shit. Reckoned them fancy-pants decorators never slung horse shit, so they wouldn't be in the mind ta compare the two, still...

Then there was the bedspread-- was ugly as a mud fence-- a peaked swill of all the colors in the room. Ennis recollected a short story from his high school experience: The Yellow Wallpaper. Boringest story he ever had read, went on 'n on about this damnable wallpaper. Woman in the story got all crazy from watchin' the inane pattern in that intolerable wallpaper day after day after day. Ennis reckoned he understood what drove that lady wacko. That bedspread was like locoweed. Could yank anyone's reins. Whole room could do it. Fact was, dousin' the lights would be a blessin'. Ennis felt almost envious of Jack-- he didn't have ta see the bedspread.

Ennis scratched his head. Had ta look on the bright side-- the room was clean, and there was workin' airconditionin'...

And there was Jack.

Jack.

Standin' next to that butt-ugly bed, his darlin', lookin' so good. 'Course anything next ta that butt-ugly bed would be lookin' good, but Jack? In Ennis' mind, Jack could best the fuckin' Sistine Chapel in the area of attractiveness. Ennis reckoned if Michelangelo was alive today, the grand man would be a-paintin' Jack's image on the tip top of that chapel.

'Course there was more than looks that made Jack so beautiful ta Ennis. His mama told Ennis once that real beauty weren't seen with the eyes. His mama was right. Jack had a beauty inside him greater than his beauty out. 

Watched Jack pat Nina, tellin' her how good she done today. Ennis smiled and walked up behind, windin' his arms around, holdin' Jack the way Ennis liked best, tuckin' his face in the nape of his neck so's his lips could kiss off the day's sweet sweat. Jack hummed in return, pressin' back.

"Tired," Jack said, yawnin'.

"Hear ya, darlin'," Ennis answered, yawnin' too, then started undoin' the snaps on Jack's shirt, lazy-like. 

"Gotta buzz from them pills ya gave me," Jack said, leanin' inta Ennis' touch. He let his hand explore inside,  his fingers dawdlin' circles over Jack's chest. Loved feelin' Jack unwind under unhurried hands. 

"That's nice," Jack whispered. "Wanna fall down on this here bed 'n have ya ride me slow 'n lazy, like we done on them last days on Brokeback, remember?"

"Never ferget. Them memories the very heart a me."

"Hell, Ennis, ya don't talk sweet ta me much, but when ya do, it's like honey."

Ennis turned Jack around, pullin' Jack's shirt outta his weathered jeans. Loved undressin' Jack leisurely with eyes 'n hands. Loved watchin' his own thumbs slide inside the waist of his jeans, slidin' down over them narrow hips while Jack moaned, smearin' wet kisses across his brow. Ennis moistened his lips as Jack kicked one foot then the other, freein' his legs. 

Ennis eased Jack down, down into the bed. Ennis followed. Felt like home, kneelin' between them strong thighs. Ennis gasped at the sight. His heart always unraveled gazin' on Jack spread before him in all his glory. His man, he thought. Way his man looked at him now, was like Jack could see. Reckoned Jack seen inta Ennis in other ways like in a breath or in motion. His fingers were readin' Ennis right now like a book.

Ennis smoothed his own hands over Jack's hip bones, thumbs tracin' black fine hairs and kissin' the same trail. Took a long time ta believe that what they was doin' weren't wrong. Skin like clouds. Felt like heaven in them blue eyes. And Jack's chest heavin' was like storms of archangels, body was thinner, but still as beautiful as them who were pictured in art books Ennis used ta ponder over. 

Ennis blinked. Damn bedspread was distractin', but not near as distractin' as Jack's cock bobbin'-- a standin' invitation fer Ennis ta take him whole inta his mouth. Ennis obliged, right up to the root. Jack clutched at the bedspread as Ennis drew the length of him in and out. Loved how Jack yelped, then bucked his hips up ta meet him. Ennis didn't feel so unkindly toward the bedspread no more, grinnin' at how Jack was hangin' on ta that fer dear life.

"Gonna suck ya dry," Ennis mumbled with his mouth full. 

"Damn, Ennis. Moan," Jack asked. "Wanna feel ya moan. Wanna hear ya."

Hearin' Jack ask brought out the hunger in him. So Ennis, usually the quiet one durin' their couplin', let out what he was holdin' in, hopin' that the walls were thicker than they looked.

Jack coaxed him on, sayin', "Ennis, that so good" 'n "Ennis, yer mouth like fire." Made Ennis talk with his mouth full. "Tastes so good,"  was his last words before Jack went off, sayin', "Gonna shoot off the back a yer head."

After fingers 'n thumbs, some Jack's, some Ennis', circled on Jack's belly. Ennis took them same fingers and helped Jack draw a line over Jack's spent cock, under his balls. Touchin' light over the place Ennis wanted to be.

"Fuck me, Ennis."

Ennis started ta go for his knapsack, get something ta ease his way in, but Jack grabbed his arm, sayin', "Spit. Like we done on the mountain."

Ennis done what he asked. Brushed against Jack's openin', then pushed in, tight, so tight. Edged in gentle, heart hammerin' in his chest watchin' Jack take his own cock in his hand 'n teasin' himself as Ennis hit that spot. "Gonna ride ya slow," Ennis drawled. Jack let go, lettin' Ennis' sure hand take over. 

With one arm holdin' him up, his guts fluttered lookin' down at his other hand pumpin' Jack. Loved seein' his cock slide deep inside. Rode him smooth 'n steady, watchin' Jack's cock jerk in time. When Ennis hit that sweet spot, Jack told him. Wanted ta prolong this sweet paradise inta sweet agony. Wanted ta hear Jack moan. Tipped his face up ta see Jack lickin' off them perfect beads a sweat on that perfect upper lip a his. Ennis wanted a taste, too. Ennis strained fer more leverage. Gettin' old, Ennis thought. Used ta be able ta do this all night and on hard ground. Took his hand off Jack's weepin' cock. Put it next ta Jack's shoulder. Elbows locked, arms shook. He knew, no way he could keep this rollin' rhythm fer too much longer, but he wanted to just long enough to feel Jack clenchin' hard around him. Desire drove him. He couldn't hold off no more. Sparks shot up his spine, his arms gave, collapsin' heavy on Jack, shootin' like fireworks inside that fine ass a his.

Couldn't leave Jack hangin'. Two fists made one. Jack thrust hard inta them both, his toes quiverin', his body beggin' fer release. Jack came again, laughin' as he done it, makin' Ennis laugh too. Both of 'em got caught up in a fit, brayin' like asses. 

"Shit, that was hot as a whorehouse on nickel night," Jack hicupped, rollin' over.

Ennis slapped his ass. "Mind yer mouth, Twist."

"Rather mind yers, come here," he said between pokes.

Ennis leaned in. One mouth, then two, both breathin' life inta the other. When Jack rolled his tongue, Ennis felt his cock jump ta life. Damn that Jack Twist, King of Tease. 

Ennis knew if Jack kept doin' that he was gonna start somethin' all over again. 

Ennis drew away and kissed Jack's neck. This was perfect. 

"Missed ya so much," Ennis choked out. 

"Missed ya, too, especially yer ornery voice."

"Missed yer bitchin'."

Jack hugged Ennis' head inta his chest. 

"Used ta call ya 'n hang up, just ta hear that ornery voice," Jack fessed-up.

Ennis moved ta look into Jack's face.

"Jesus, Jack, thought that was you once, callin' from the great beyond. Thought I was goin' crazy."

"Weren't crazy. Was me alright."

"Shit. Shoulda known that heavy breathin' was you."

"Weren't no obscene phone call," Jack joked. "Just wanted ta hear yer voice. Needed ta hear ya."

"Damn you, Jack fuckin' Twist."  

Ennis scrunched into Jack closer, nestlin' his head under Jack's chin. Loved havin' Jack hold him tight. This was somethin' that always surprised Ennis-- how much he liked the holdin'. Never cared much fer doin' it with Alma, but Ennis loved sleepin' in Jack's arms. Somethin' about it always smoothed the pain of the day away. Felt more love times like these than any other in his life-- exceptin' when his girls would snuggle up ta him on the couch. Moments with Jack and his girls were gold ta Ennis. Hated ta let go a one second of it, but were times he had to. Like now.

"Should be callin' Benito," Ennis said finally, nuzzlin' Jack's neck, "check in ta see how he and the sister are." 

"Yeah, know yer right." Jack stretched his legs next ta him. "So nice bein' here like this."

"Sounds like yer feelin' better."

"Headache's gone. Feel stoned as hell, but happy. Nice ta have the world stop for a time. Got no troubles, no cares. Know we have plenty, and I'm not sayin' I don't want ta face 'em, just is nice ta forget for a few minutes."

"Was just thinkin' along them same lines, friend."

Ennis sat up 'n smiled down at Jack. Jack took his hand and brought it up to his cheek.

"Ennis?"

"Mm?"

"Not sure if that Donaldson saw through me. What you think? You saw his face."

"Hard tellin', but if he is any kind a detective, he has an inklin' that something's up. Don't seem ta me a man who'd do somethin' rash. Seems ta me the kinda man who'd watch 'n wait fer his chance. Take his time." 

"Was 'fraid a that. Fuck."

Ennis pulled Benito's number outta his worn wallet. Was fallin' apart. Knew he should get another, but didn't want ta part with it 'cause Junior give it to him. Made him smile every time he used it just thinkin' on how proud she was on that Father's day over eight years ago-- saved up babysitting money ta buy it. Wrapped it up all perdy. Kids were his world. Ennis understood how powerful worried Jack was. Bobby and Lureen weighed heavy on Ennis' mind as well. Jack loved 'em both so much. Didn't bother Ennis that he knew Jack still cared for Lureen. Was part of what made Jack, Jack. 

Had ta dial out to the hotel operator ta get an outside line. Made Ennis nervous. After this, he was gonna make sure he made all his calls from a pay phone. Didn't want no one listenin' in. Only took two rings fer Benito ta pick up. 

"Hey, Benito, this is Ennis."

Benito laughed. Knew Ennis hated talkin' on the phone more then talkin' in person.

"Yes, I trust you are well?"

"As well as kin be expected, considerin'."

"We had some unwelcome guests."

"That so?"

"They were not very polite when we asked them to leave."

"Shit, excuse me, but is everything okay?"

"We are fine. I cannot say as much for our guests, however."

"That's too bad. How many guests did ya have?"

"Two."

"That's two too many. Better tell me what went down."

"They were looking for Jack. Asked if he had stayed here. When we told them I had no such house guest, they became nasty and pulled out a gun. They said they knew he was with 'another man' but did not know who. They were very persistent and pointed the gun at me. Jorge became very angry."

"Jorge? Who's Jorge?"

"That is Sister Sarita's brother. He is such a nice man. Very good company. He enjoys fine wine, too."

"Mmm, I didn't call to talk about wine. What happened?"

"They both left after Jorge retrieved the gun from one gentleman and knocked the other gentleman's front tooth out. I'm so glad I have tile floors. It was much easier to clean up." 

Ennis had to chuckle. "Sounds like the sister was right about her brother. Woulda liked ta have seen that."

"I helped too. I kicked the bastard hard in the balls."

Ennis laughed outright.

"We called the authorities. We told them the two men broke in, and we suspected they were after narcotics."

"So yer really okay?"

"I don't have a scratch on me. Neither does Jorge."

"How's the sister?"

"She is well. She has not heard from the men again."

"Well I reckon they'll know where we are now. Seems the local detective, name a Donaldson, was one of them in on the whole deal with LD. Now they're tryin' ta pin Lureen with insurance fraud 'cause they claimed she knew all along Jack weren't dead."

"Not surprising," Benito paused. "Ah, yes. I have Lureen's phone number. She called just a few hours ago, wanting to know how Jack was. How is Jack?" 

"Doin' fine," Ennis felt his face flush. "Thanks, ah, let me git somethin' ta write with," Ennis rummaged through the desk and found a Best Western pen and with a half mangled pad of paper. "Ready."

"She can be reached for the next few days at 480-555-6709."

"Thanks, doc. Don't know how we'll ever pay ya back fer all you done."

"Take care of yourself and Jack. That is all the thanks I want."

"And I wanna thank ya fer the money ya give ta Jack."

"Call that insurance. You will be indebted to me-- that way I know you will come visit me again."

Ennis smiled, lookin' over at Jack, who sat on the edge of the bed listenin'.

"We'd come back no matter what, doc."

"How's Nina?"

"She's a great dog. You were right about her-- she's a hell of a help. Almost human."

"Good to hear. Hug her for me."

"Thanks fer everythin'."

"I'll let ya go now. Goodbye, Ennis."

"Goodbye, Benito."

Ennis set the phone back in the cradle. Jack was lookin' at him expectantly.

"Afraid they paid 'em a visit. Good new is, we can identify one of 'em. Seems one is missin' a tooth."

Jack listened as Ennis told him what happened. 

"We'll call Lureen later," Ennis finished. "Think we both could use a nap first." Jack nodded, and Nina jumped on the bed.

Ennis shucked off his shirt, but before he got into bed he reached into his knapsack. Ennis loaded the .45 and set it on the table next to the bed.