Innocent Betrayal

Chapter 5

For the next couple of days Justin spent most of his time in his studio working on the replacements for his show. He and Luke hadn't really said much to each other aside from casual greetings since their argument on Tuesday. By Thursday night Luke had decided to sit Justin down and have a talk about the way things had been going. He knocked lightly on the studio door and waited for a reply before entering.

"Hey, do you have a few minutes?" he asked tentatively.

Justin looked at Luke and could see such sadness in his eyes, causing him to feel guilty for the way he acted the other day. "Yeah, I need to take a break anyway. What's up?"

"I think we need to talk about what happened the other day. I never meant to imply that you had to have permission to go anywhere. I was just out of my mind with worry. It's not like you to go anywhere without leaving me a note letting me know when you'll be back," Luke explained softly.

"I know, and I'm sorry about that. I didn't think I would be home so late. It was a spur of the moment thing, and I would have been back before you if it hadn't been for the problem at the galley. After seeing my work ruined, I guess I was just so upset that when you jump on me the minute I walked through the door, I kind of lost it, you know? I mean, all that work that I did was gone and I was just so upset," Justin replied.

"I know, Babe. I'm so sorry that you have to go through this. Can you just promise me that you'll take it easy and not work too hard? You've hardly left this room since the other night and I know you haven't slept much. You look beat."

"I am," Justin admitted with a yawn.

"Why don't you come upstairs with me and let me help you relax. I promise to behave myself," Luke assured him.

Justin could see the concern on Luke's face and knew he needed to make things right between them again. He loved Luke and didn't want the tension between them to continue. "What if I don't want you to behave yourself?"

"Well, I'm sure that can be arranged, too," Luke replied with a wicked smile.

Justin took Luke's hand and led him out of the studio and upstairs silently, each one thinking about what lay ahead. They took a shower together first, taking the time to slowly wash each other gently. It wasn't a sexual pairing, just two men in love offering comfort and support. After the water ran cold, they got out and dried off before making their way into the bedroom.

"Justin, lay down on your stomach. Let me massage some of that tension out of you," Luke offered softly.

Justin complied, stretching out in the center of the king size bed and relaxing, relishing in the feeling of his lover climbing on top of him. He lost himself in the feeling of loving hands rubbing and caressing his body gently, realizing how much he had missed Luke's touch. He may be lusting after his next door neighbor, but this was what he had; what he lived for. He felt Luke's hands working their way down his back slowly, tentatively, before finding their place on Justin's ass, causing his dick to grow hard beneath him. He couldn't suppress the low moan that escaped at the touch.

"Does that feel good?" Luke whispered, nipping gently at Justin's shoulders and neck.

"Ahhh, it feels like heaven," Justin replied, suddenly needing more. "Luke, make love to me."

"It would be my pleasure," Luke assured him as he began kissing his way down Justin's back.

Luke chuckled lightly when his tongue reached the small of Justin's back, causing the blond to jump at the sensations. He continued down, spreading Justin slightly so he could get access to his waiting hole. Luke lightly traced the opening with his tongue before pushing inside, eliciting a deep groan from the man beneath him.

"Luke, I need more…please," Justin panted softly.

"Patience Babe, patience," Luke replied with a chuckle.

"Fuck patience," Justin growled in response. "I want you inside me."

Luke lost what little control he had and quickly sheathed himself with shaking hands. The love he felt for Justin always seemed to amaze him. He slathered himself with lube, then prepared Justin's hole before burying himself inside.

"Yes," Justin hissed at the intrusion.

"God Babe, you feel so good," Luke moaned as he thrust inside Justin's tight opening.

The two men quickly found their rhythm and it didn't take long for them to come together, calling out to each other in their climax. Once their breathing started to even out, Luke pulled out of Justin, disposing of the condom before laying back and taking Justin in his arms.

"Does this mean you forgive me?" Luke asked, tentatively.

"Of course I do. I should have called you when I heard from Ron. I was just so upset that I wasn't thinking. Poor Brian got to see me in full Drama Queen mode. I wouldn't be surprised to see a for sale sign on their lawn by the weekend," Justin laughed, thinking back to the fit he threw at the gallery.

"Oh Justin, we finally get good neighbors and you scare them off with a temper tantrum. How could you?" Luke teased, receiving a light slap from his lover. "Speaking of Brian, I better call him and Kyle and tell them we won't be able to make it for dinner tomorrow night."

"Why won't we make it?"

"Because I know how busy you are and how much work you have to do before next week. We'll just stay in and order Chinese, and I can sit in the studio and watch you paint. That's one of my favorite pastimes," Luke admitted with a kiss.

"No, don't cancel. I'll been working really hard the last couple of days and have managed to get a lot done," Justin assured him.

"Probably due to our fighting."

"Oh, I'm sure. One of the reasons you love watching me work is because we usually end up fucking on the studio floor," Justin laughed.

"You know me so well…besides, it's not my fault that you look so damn hot while you're creating. Are you sure about tomorrow? I won't mind if you'd rather stay home."

"No, I could probably use a night away from my canvases. In fact, maybe I'll call Molly and see if she wants to go with us. I was supposed to call her sometime this week and set something up."

"Sounds good. Now, do you need to get back to work, or are you all mine for the rest of the night?" Luke asked with a smile.

"I'm all yours. What did you have in mind?"

"Actually, as boring as this sounds, after hardly speaking for the last couple of days all I want to do is hold you in my arms while we fall asleep," Luke replied sheepishly.

"That sounds like a wonderful idea. I missed you this week," Justin said softly.

"Me too, Babe. You know how much I love you, right?"

"I think you've mentioned it before," Justin joked, "but it's always nice to hear. I love you, too."

Justin cuddled up in the arms of his lover and drifted off to sleep happy that they had worked everything out. He refused to let his mind drift towards the man next door.

The next morning Justin woke up early and slipped quietly downstairs to make breakfast. He figured it was the least he could do for Luke after the apology he received the night before. He was just finishing up when he felt arms wrap around him from behind.

"Good morning," Luke whispered as he nuzzled Justin's neck.

"Hey, did you sleep well?" Justin replied, turning in his arms.

"I always do when you're beside me. What's all this?"

"I'm making you a good breakfast to start of your day. Are you hungry?"

"Yes I am, but not for food," Luke replied seductively.

"Luke…" Justin warned.

"Come on, Jus…please?" Luke pleaded softly, nibbling Justin's earlobe.

"No, now behave yourself and have some pancakes," Justin laughed, gently shoving Luke away.

"Oh, you're no fun," Luke teased, trying to look shattered.

"I'm no fun?" Justin asked in mock anger. "You wait until tonight, and I'll show you just how much fun I can be."

"Promise?"

"Oh, you can count on it,"

After they had finished breakfast, Justin gave in and took a shower with Luke causing the man to be late for work. Once he was gone, Justin reached for the phone and called his sister.

"Hello?"

"Hey Molly, what's up?"

"Justin, I'm so glad you called. I've been worried about you all week. You said you were going to call me," she replied.

"I'm sorry. It's been crazy around here. The gallery had a pipe burst and half of my work for next week's showing was ruined. I've spent the last few days locked in my studio trying to recreate everything," Justin explained.

"Oh Justin, I'm sorry. That really sucks."

"Yeah, but I've got a lot done so far, so I don't think it will be too bad," Justin assured her.

"Good, if anyone can do it, you can. So, big brother…what's going on with you and your neighbor? Anything happen that you would like to share? You sounded like you really needed to talk to someone the other night and you know I'm always here to listen," she offered with concern.

"I'm alright, Mol. I've just chalked it up to one of those weird things. As long as I don't act on anything, it will all be okay. Besides, Brian and Kyle are really nice and we're becoming friends. In fact, that's one of the reasons I'm calling. We're going out for dinner with them and I was wondering if you would like to come. We haven't seen you much lately and this way you can meet them."

Molly listened to her brother's reply and knew that there was more going on than he was willing to admit. She thought about her plans for the night and knew she was going to have to alter them. "Is it alright if I bring Kevin?"

"Kevin? You have another date with Kevin tonight? Oh Molly, don't worry about it then. Go out with Kevin and have fun. We can get together another night," Justin assured her, happy that this Kevin was showing interest.

"No, it's okay. I'd love to go with you tonight. Besides, I'm sure Kevin would love to meet you and Luke since I'm always talking about you both," she admitted.

"So he's…gay friendly?" he asked cautiously.

"Absolutely. You know I would never date anyone that wasn't. It's one of the first things I ask," she laughed.

"Okay, as long as you're sure. I'd like to meet him, too. I want to make sure he's treating my little sister the way she's supposed to be treated."

"Oh please Justin, no body could treat me the way you think I deserve to be treated and still be human," she teased.

"There's nothing wrong with wanting to make sure my sister is safe," Justin replied.

"Safe, yeah right. Thanks to you I didn't have my first boyfriend until I was sixteen," she replied dryly.

"I still think you were too young, and what do you mean thanks to me?" he asked defensively. "I didn't do anything."

"The hell you didn't! You scared away every boy who showed interest in me!" she exclaimed with a chuckle.

"Okay, obviously you don't remember what actually took place," Justin teased.

"Whatever Taylor. Where are we going tonight and what time should Kevin and I be there?"

They continued to talk for a few more minutes before Justin hung up to go back to his painting. By the time Luke got home, he had finished another painting as was getting ready to get into the shower.

"Hey Babe, how was your day?" Luke asked as he greeted Justin with a kiss.

"It was good, actually. I got another painting down, plus I talked to Molly. She and Kevin are going to meet us for dinner tonight," Justin explained with a smile.

"Good, I can't wait to meet him. We've heard so much about him. You're going to be on your best behavior, right?" Luke eyed him suspiciously.

Justin sighed dramatically. "What is wrong with everybody? Am I that bad a brother?"

Luke laughed at Justin's question. "No, Babe…you're not. You just love your sister. Now come on, we better start getting ready."

Kyle and Brian arrived at the house shortly before seven. Since their talk earlier in the week things between them have been much better. Now Brian was worried about his reaction to Justin during dinner. He hadn't seen the blond since he said good bye to him after the gallery incident the other day, but he hadn't been far from his thoughts. As soon as he saw Justin at the door, he knew he had reason to be concerned. He looked stunning and Brian had to pinch himself to make sure he wasn't dreaming the vision before him.''

"Hey guys, come on in. Luke is almost ready. Would you like something to drink?" Justin offered, feeling his heart race at the sight of Brian, once again dressed in all black.

"Hello Justin, thanks but I think we're okay for now. Brian told me about what happened at the gallery. How are you doing with your new pieces?" Kyle asked as he took a seat on the couch, tugging Brian down with him.

"Pretty good actually. I've replaced more than half of the pieces already so I should be okay by Thursday," Justin explained, very aware of the closeness between the two men. "By the way, I hope you don't mind but my sister and her new boyfriend are going to meet us at the restaurant for dinner."

"That's fine by us. The more the merrier, right Brian?" Kyle replied with a smile.

Before Brian could get a chance to reply, Luke appeared in the doorway.

"Hey guys, sorry for the wait. Someone kept me from getting in the shower sooner," Luke laughed, giving Justin a big smile.

Justin immediately resented the comment that Luke made implying that they had been too busy having sex to get ready but chose to ignore it. "Alright, are we ready to go?"

"Yes, I'm starving," Luke replied, reaching for his keys.

They met Molly and Kevin out front and once the introductions were made they went inside to be seated. The evening went really well. All six of them got along great and the conversation flowed between them like they had known each other for years. Before they knew it, three hours had passed and Justin could sense their waiter's angry glare at them for taking up one of his tables for so long.

"Guys, as much as I've enjoyed this, I think we're about to get thrown out on our ears." Justin motioned to their waiter for effect.

"Wow," Molly said glancing at her watch. "I didn't realize it was so late. I've got to be up early tomorrow."

After a strong round of arguments, Brian paid the bill and they headed out to the parking lot.

"Brian, I really wish you would at least let us pay for half. No one expects you to pay for our dinner," Justin tried again without success.

"I told you Justin, it's no big deal. I wouldn't have done it if I didn't want to."

"Well, thank you Brian. It was nice to meet you and Kyle. I had a really good time and I'm sure we'll be seeing each other again soon," Molly said, kissing first Brian's cheek, then Kyle's. "Justin, why don't you walk Kevin and I to the car? I have an idea for Mom's birthday that I want to run past you."

Justin saw a strange look in Molly's eyes and knew she had more to say. "Sure. Guys, I'll be right back."

Kevin stayed back to say good bye to Luke, Brian and Kyle while Justin and Molly headed towards the car.

"So, what's up Mol? I know this isn't about Mom," Justin said, wanting to get right to the point.

"Oh big brother, you have it bad," she sighed once they were out of ear shot of the others.

"What are you talking about?"

"I'm talking about Brian. I could see it in your eyes," she explained.

"What? Shit, do you think anyone else noticed?" Justin asked in a panic.

"No, thank God. I only noticed because I was looking for it…and I'm your sister so I know you better than anyone. What are you going to do?"

"Nothing. What can I do? I love Luke and I don't want to hurt him. Besides, Brian has Kyle. This is my problem and I'll find a way to deal with it," Justin said softly, his mind racing with doubts.

"Actually, I don't think it's only your problem," Molly admitted.

"What do you mean?"

"Well, I don't want to make this situation worse, but I think there's a chance…a small chance…um..." Molly hesitated.

"Oh, for God's sake, Molly, spit it out already," Justin prodded.

"I don't think your attraction with Brian is one sided," she said quietly.

"What?!" Justin exclaimed.

"Calm down, Justin. I'm not sure of course…I mean, I don't know Brian all that well. It's just…"

"What, Molly? What makes you think that…please, tell me you're kidding," Justin pleaded.

"I saw the way he was looking at you when he thought no one was looking. It sort of made me feel like an intruder. As if Kevin, Luke, Kyle and I shouldn't have been there."

"Fuck! This is bad…really, really bad," Justin whispered.

"Just relax,"

"How can I relax? I have a thing for my next door neighbor and now you're telling me that he might have one for me, too? One of the things that kept me grounded was knowing that Brian was with Kyle and that nothing could ever happen between us," Justin cried.

"And nothing can happen between you. Justin, you just have to keep telling yourself that over and over again. Come on, you're a gay man. Your head turns at every good looking guy you meet. Why is Brian any different?"

"I don't know Mol," Justin sighed, taking a deep breath before continuing. "He makes me feel things I've never felt before. Not even with Luke. From the moment I laid eyes on him I haven't been able to stop thinking about him. Even when I'm in bed with Luke at night, Brian is on my mind. Shit! I better get back before they start wondering where I am," Justin said as he saw Kevin making his way towards them.

Molly took her brother in her arms and whispered in his ear, "if Luke asks, tell him I just wanted to know what you thought of Kevin and make sure you call me next week. I'm always here for you, okay?"

"Thanks Mol, love you," Justin replied as he hugged her tight and walked away.

"Love you, too," she called after him.

The ride back to the house was quick, Luke and Kyle were deep in conversation and neither one seemed to notice how quiet Brian and Justin were. After saying good night to Kyle and Brian, Luke and Justin walked into the house hand in hand.

"So Babe, you coming to bed?" Luke asked softly.

"You know what? I better put a few more hours in the studio first. I really need to get these paintings done. I'm sorry, Luke," Justin sighed, feeling more guilt. He knew that Luke wanted him in bed next to him, but he needed some time alone to think about what he was going to do.

"Oh…okay. I guess I'm just going to head upstairs then. I'll see you in the morning," Luke replied, disappointment evident in his face. "I love you."

"I love you, too. Good night."

Justin watched Luke walk upstairs before turning towards his studio. He walked in and closed the door behind him, but instead of going to his paints he walked to his filing cabinet and opened the bottom drawer, pulling out a sketch book from the very back. Taking a deep breath, he threw himself down on the couch, opened the cover and let his mind wander as he looked at the sketch, hazel eyes staring back at him.

Brian and Kyle locked up the house and headed upstairs, quietly undressing and climbing into bed.

"Molly and Kevin seemed nice, didn't they? I think we really lucked out buying this house," Kyle commented as he slowly began kissing his way down Brian's body.

"Yeah, we're really lucky," Brian replied, trying hard to think about Kyle instead of the blond from next door, like he had done every night since they met.


End of part 5
8/04/04

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