Tentacle on 34th Street (Tinsel and Tentacles 2.0)

Chapter 13

CHAPTER 13

A lex stretched his arms over his head as he woke up, his entire body sore. It took him a few seconds to remember he wasn’t at home, but in Cryss’s bed. Smiling to himself, he loved how well used he felt—which only reminded him that Cryss had done without. Rolling to his side in hopes of relieving someone’s morning wood, he found he was alone. Dashed again.

Stretching again, he also realized it was the first night in months he hadn’t dreamed of Cryss—at least he didn’t think so. Perhaps the three orgasms, particularly the last, had left him so exhausted that his mind couldn’t even conjure up a dream. The smell of coffee, almost lost under the delicious scent of roasting turkey, lulled him out of bed. After washing his face, hands, and teeth, he went in search of his phone.

He found it on top of a stack of neatly folded clothes that he’d worn the day before. A clean freak? Maybe that’s why he doesn’t have a house filled with stuff.

Alex checked his phone. Eleven-thirty? He might be something of a night owl and like to sleep in, but he usually never slept past nine on his days off. What a bum. Glancing down at his pjs, he wondered if he should change and opted not to. He’d worked his ass off for weeks and wanted to remain a bum for a little bit longer. Hopefully Cryss wouldn’t mind. On his way out of the closet, he noticed something from the corner of his eye through the glass doors leading out to a balcony. He could see the glittering Pacific Ocean from Cryss’s bedroom.

He chuckled, shaking his head. Private plane money.

Alex quickly descended to the main floor in search of coffee. As he rounded the corner into the kitchen, he found Cryss expertly flipping what looked like green beans in a frying pan without a spatula. He looked like a real chef, tossing food around with the pan. Alex would’ve gotten it all over the stove, walls, and maybe even the ceiling.

A man who can really cook? That’s kinda hot.

Cryss lowered the pan and looked over his shoulder. He smiled. “Morning.”

“Morning.” Alex took in the view for a moment. Jeans that showed off that incredible ass. A thin, gray sweater that didn’t hide his muscles. The apron on top of it was sexy. “Do I smell coffee?”

“I just made a pot. I figured you’d be up soon.” He flipped off the stove and pulled a cup down from a nearby cabinet before filling it. He rested it on the island near Alex before leaning in for a kiss. “Sugar’s by the pot. Cream’s in the fridge, if you need it.”

“Thank you,” Alex murmured before sneaking a kiss of his own.

“How’d you sleep?”

“Great. Your bed’s comfortable.” Alex walked to the pot to add a bit of sugar.

“Glad to hear it. You’re not too sore, are you?”

“I’m sore… but pleasantly so.”

Alex smiled at the pleased look on Cryss’s face. “I hope you don’t mind me being a bit of a bum. It’s my first day off in two months. I promise I’ll get dressed before your guests arrive.”

“It’s fine. Relax.” Cryss stole another kiss before returning to the stove. “Let me finish these off and I’ll make you some breakfast.”

“If you’ve got cereal, I can just make a bowl.”

“Cereal?” Cryss asked, lifting a brow. “I’ll make you something.”

“It looks like you’ve got your hands full. I’ll go easy on you.” Alex rooted for the cream amid a fridge packed full of casserole dishes and the like. “And then after that, I can jump in and help. I’m not a great cook, but I’ll do whatever I can.”

“Prep’s almost done. Once these go in the dish, all I have to do is put everything in the oven in a couple of hours.”

“How long have you been up?”

“Since five.”

“Ew,” Alex murmured, wrinkling his nose. “Why?”

“The turkeys needed to go in.” He shrugged. “I don’t sleep much. Four hours and I’m good. I actually slept five last night because someone wore me out.”

Alex smiled with pride, sipping his coffee. “Oh, that’s good coffee.” He took another long sip. “You should’ve woken me up to help. Maybe not at five, but at a more reasonable hour than eleven-thirty.”

Cryss slid the beans into a dish and added something from a nearby pot on top. “You’ve been working long hours for two months, and I abused you last night on top of that. I let you sleep.” He covered the dish and added it to the Jenga pile in the fridge.

Abuse me? That’s not what I consider abuse. I’m ready for round two—or would that be round three?

Cryss glanced his way over one shoulder, one brow rising.

“What?”

Cryss shook his head and turned back to moving dishes around to find room for the new one.

“Are you going to have enough oven space for all that and that turkey I smell?” He climbed up on one of the island stools—sitting a bit gingerly—so he could better enjoy his coffee.

“The turkeys come out in an hour or so—and if you didn’t notice, I’ve got two huge wall ovens and one massive one under the stove. There’s plenty of space.” Cryss leaned on the island near Alex. “This is a day I live for. All hail the feast.” He winced. “Though I did read a very thoughtful piece in this morning about how Thanksgiving is viewed by the indigenous of North America. It’s made me think this might be my last year to celebrate.”

“You’re not American, are you?”

Cryss met his stare. “What makes you think that?”

“That accent. I still haven’t placed it. It seems almost Eastern European, but that’s not quite right, either.”

Cryss shrugged, a sly smile on his lips.

“Still holding out, hmm?” Alex asked, lifting a brow.

“Yep.”

Alex sighed. Was Cryss too embarrassed to tell him? He decided not to push anymore. Perhaps that was Cryss’s soft spot. “Well, I’m going to assume you’re not American. If I’m right, I have to wonder why you love Thanksgiving so much.”

“My grandfather was exiled from his home. He moved here, to San Francisco, and lived out the rest of his days. He was angry for all he lost, and in that anger, he denounced old customs and adopted new ones. He was also a man my size, very active, who loved to eat. Thanksgiving became a favorite of his, and I spent many of them with him here.” Cryss smiled. “I miss him. Celebrating this day is a celebration of who he was and how much he meant to me.”

Alex smiled. Cryss hadn’t share a lot about his family or where he was from, so Alex was happy to see a little peek inside. “He meant a lot to you.”

Cryss nodded. “He was the one safe place I had. Away from the chaos of my world and my parents and th—” He stopped. “It was quiet here. I felt safe. This place is special to me.”

Alex slid off the stool and wrapped his arms around Cryss’s waist. “I’m glad you had him and that safe place. We all need someone we can turn to.”

Cryss brushed his palm over Alex’s cheek.

I want to be your safe place now.

Cryss lowered his head and pressed his lips against Alex’s.

Alex smiled up at him. “Don’t stop your tradition and the honoring of your grandfather. Today’s not Thanksgiving. It’s his day, and we will celebrate him and what he meant to you.”

“I like that,” Cryss whispered, a shine in his eyes. He sniffed and looked away for a second before turning his head back to smile at Alex. “What do you usually eat for breakfast?”

“A fried or scrambled egg and toast.”

Cryss frowned. “That’s all? One egg?”

“I don’t usually eat a lot in the morning.”

“You bike to and from work every day. You’re burning calories like mad. You need to eat more to fuel your body.” Cryss washed his hands, glaring the whole time, then went to the fridge and pulled out some eggs. “The only reason I’m not going to make you a huge plate is the fact we’ll be stuffing our faces in a few hours. Otherwise, I’d have made you a pile of scrambled eggs, French toast, and bacon.”

“God, that actually sounds good—but don’t you dare. I want to enjoy the meal later.”

Cryss quickly whipped him up a plate of scrambled eggs and toast before refilling his coffee—adding cream and sugar.

“Thank you.” Alex stared at the cup, worried. Cryss couldn’t know how he took his coffee. He took a sip, and it was perfect. “How did you do that?”

“I watched you,” Cryss murmured. “Now I know how you like your coffee.”

A guy could get used to being spoiled like this. Alex lifted his fork and dug in. “Fuck, Cryss… what did you do to these eggs?”

Cryss looked stricken. “Are they bad?”

“No, they’re amazing. What did you put in here?” He shoveled in another forkful and moaned before trying to figure out what Cryss had done differently.

A much more relieved looking Cryss poured himself a cup of coffee, added some sugar, and sat down beside him. “It’s a secret.”

“Not fair.”

“No, but it means you will have to ask me to make your eggs from now on,” Cryss said, grinning.

Alex met his gaze, fighting a smile. “You’re going to get tired of me asking from here to New Year’s.”

“I won’t.” Cryss grabbed the base of Alex’s stool and dragged it closer. He swooped in for a kiss. “Not when I can collect payment for them after.”

Alex chuckled. “You’re so corny.”

“You love it. Admit it.” Cryss peeled his apron’s top loop over his head and laid it across the island before sneaking a glance.

Alex eyed him, fighting another smile. He took another bite to prevent him from saying something he didn’t want to. After he’d finished his meal and his second cup of coffee, Alex collected his plate and fork to carry to the sink. Cryss took it from his hands, set it on the island, and led him to the couch instead. He sat and dragged Alex astride him.

Just like they’d been on the sleigh.

Cryss collected his face in both hands and drew him closer for another kiss. Kisses soon turned dizzying. He was grinding his hard cock against Cryss’s when the front door swept open and shut. Alex attempted to slide off, but Cryss held him firmly in place. He shook his head.

“Do you know how many stores I had to go to in order to find your can of whipped cream?” Qylar yelled as he lingered in the foyer. “Everywhere I went was out. You got lucky at the last one I was going to attempt before giving up.”

Qylar marched in and froze for a few seconds. “Shit. Sorry. I didn’t know I was interrupting your fun.” He lifted the can. “Your whipped cream, my liege.” He strode to the fridge and whipped it open. “Where the fuck am I going to put this?”

“Just tuck it into the door,” Cryss muttered.

Qylar managed to find a spot after a bit of rearranging. He closed the door and turned to them. “I’m going downstairs so you can finish whatever this is. Just don’t forget company arrives in a few hours and you have a meal to finish cooking, mister. If you fuck up my turkey, I will never forgive you.”

“It’s all handled. I have a couple of hours before everything needs to go in.”

Qylar grunted and marched downstairs. “Yell when the coast is clear, and I can come up and set the table.”

“Will do,” Cryss replied. He focused on Alex again. “Where were we?”

Alex shook his head. “You should’ve let me move and not forced him to feel like he had to go away.”

“I can’t be too far from the kitchen so going upstairs is impossible,” Cryss said. “This is the only reasonable spot for fun right now.”

“Oh, we’re fucking again, are we? What if I’m too sore?”

“You already said you weren’t.”

Alex wrapped his arms around Cryss’s shoulders again, grinning madly. “I’m not.”

Cryss claimed his mouth again, quickly bringing them right back to where they’d been before Qylar’s interruption. When Alex thought he was going to lose his mind with want, Cryss dragged the waistband of his pajama pants down under his ass cheeks. Before he realized what Cryss planned, he was lifted and spun on the way back down. His back was against Cryss’s front. Being manhandled wasn’t on his sexual bingo card, but the fuck if Cryss easily flipping him about wasn’t hot as hell. Why was he so surprised? It wasn’t as if he hadn’t seen the man’s strength before and it had got him hot under the collar.

“The good thing about you staying in your pajamas,” Cryss whispered against his ear, reaching under Alex, “is the easy access.”

There was a roughness to Cryss’s play that hadn’t been there the day before. Maybe he was needy after ignoring his own needs the previous night. Whatever it was, it turned him on to no end.

Alex shuddered when he felt a slick finger rub across his puckered hole. The tingle made Alex turn to Cryss. “You just happened to have your little silver box, hmm?”

“Oh, I’ve been forming this plan all morning.” Cryss grabbed his cheek and turned his face, capturing a kiss as he moved his hand under Alex’s ass again.

Alex gasped, sensing what came next. Don’t slow down now. Put your foot on the gas and fuck me hard.

When the head of Cryss’s cock pressed against the split between his cheeks, Alex moaned. Alex was lifted. Cryss positioned himself, and then slowly pulled Alex down onto his cock. Alex could do nothing but moan as he was filled with that big dick—forgetting that Qylar was so close. When he realized how loud he was being, he slapped a hand over his mouth.

“Not like I haven’t heard him fucking men in here before,” Cryss whispered against his ear. “Don’t hold back on me. I wanna hear you whine and cry for the orgasm I’m about to give you.” He kissed Alex’s neck… and nibbled an earlobe. “You’re sure you’re not too sore?”

Alex nodded. “I’m good.” He smiled, laying his head back on Cryss’s shoulder. “I’m better than good.” Just fuck me already.

“Soft and sweet—or hard and rough?” Cryss asked, his hot breath washing over Alex’s ear.

Alex closed his eyes. He’d lived his life soft and sweet. He was tired of vanilla and being afraid to push the boundaries. Cryss had created a monster. An insatiable, greedy monster.

“Hard and rough.”

Cryss wrapped his big hand around Alex’s throat and the other on one hip before he set a quick, rough pace. He rolled his hips up to grind against Alex’s ass cheeks, pumping deep. The hand on his hip slid to his cock, gripping it tight before jerking him off. Alex gasped for air, the whole thing coarse and hot as fuck.

He rested his head back on Cryss’s chest, closing his eyes to the intense pleasure. Moans poured from his lips, punctuating each and every deep thrust. The hand on his neck tightened slightly and Alex shivered, remembering how hot it had been witnessing Cryss’s strength at the studio. Yet even as it tightened, the grip was never painful. Cryss had yet to use that strength against him. He sensed the man never would.

Maybe Cryss hadn’t used his strength, but he’d used Alex’s previously untapped horniness and deepest desires to weave a web of desire and trap him in it. He was completely under Cryss’s hypnotic control.

And I like it.

Alex came so hard he saw stars, shooting over Cryss’s hand and his pajama bottoms. Cryss followed him seconds later, filling him with a hot load. As they sat there panting and gasping for air, Alex knew he was lost. Cryss had him by the figurative throat, and he didn’t want to be let go.

Cryss’s hard cock didn’t flag. He was still hard, deep inside of Alex. His asshole quivered around it with the aftershocks racing through him.

“You okay?” Cryss whispered against his ear once their breathing settled.

“Better than okay,” Alex replied. “And ready for another nap. I’m going to be no good tonight.”

Cryss chuckled against his ear, and Alex luxuriated in the sound.

“From what I overheard yesterday, it sounds like you were able to get all of the time off you needed?” Cryss asked. “I forgot to ask last night.”

“I was. I had enough vacation accrued, and Trevor approved it before he was kicked to the curb.” Alex chuckled. “I’m almost upset I won’t be there on Monday when they announce it.”

“If we weren’t leaving, I’d have let you go in to see how it went.”

“Let me go?”

“You’re all mine right now. You agreed to it. Today’s Feast Day to New Year.”

He had agreed to it, and he was only just realizing he was getting the better end of the deal. He couldn’t take days away that he’d promised. “On that note,” Alex murmured. “I think I’d like you to come to North Carolina for Christmas—if you’re still agreeable to coming. I can’t let Ethan down. And I don’t want to break our agreement.”

Cryss nuzzled his ear. “I’d be honored to accompany you there.”

“I’ll buy our plane tickets since this wasn’t what you planned.”

“I’ll take care of the travel plans,” Cryss said. “No commercial.”

Alex scoffed. “Fine.” He laid his arms over Cryss’s wrapped around his stomach. “You do realize it’s not you that I don’t want there— right? It’s being back there and all the family stuff. It’s stressful enough being there on my own.”

“Do they accept you? Being gay?”

“My dad and Ethan immediately accepted me, and it wasn’t a big deal at all. It took my mom a little while. She’s said she’s come to terms with it—but she acted bizarre the one time I took a guy home for Christmas. I guess seeing me with a man on my arm was harder than she’d expected.” He shrugged. “Maybe the second time might be easier, but who knows?” He sighed. “Hopefully my uncles and their families aren’t coming. I told my mother I wouldn’t come if they were there, and she promised not to invite them. With any luck, I can avoid them while I’m there.”

“I assume your uncles aren’t accepting?”

“Oh no,” Alex murmured. “They most certainly aren’t. I’ve been called the whole gamut of names, especially when they’d had a few and were hyped up watching football.”

Cryss pressed a kiss to Alex’s forehead.

“Parents love me. I’ll win yours over. Don’t you worry,” Cryss replied. “And if your uncles are there, I’d like to see them call either of us a name.”

A shiver raced up Alex’s spine. He didn’t need Cryss sending an uncle to the hospital.

“I am at a loss as to how I’ll introduce you. Hey, Mom and Dad, this is my fuckbuddy for the rest of the year. Or, meet Cryss, the model you might’ve seen sucking my face in those ads.”

“You’re cute,” Cryss muttered. “You could just say that I’m your future baby daddy and be done with it.”

Alex lifted a brow. “Funny.”

Cryss nuzzled his neck. “I could sit like this for the rest of the day.”

“Too bad you have guests coming.”

Cryss bit his ear. “It’s not too late to call them and tell them to stay home.”

“And waste all that food you spent hours preparing?”

Cryss rolled his hips, feeding his still hard cock deeper into Alex. He gasped, his head falling back. For a split second, he considered letting Cryss cancel the whole damned thing.

Alex fought the need. “You can’t cancel now.”

Cryss groaned. “Fine. I guess they can come.”

A timer went off in the kitchen.

“Turkey time,” Cryss said. He lifted them both to their feet before pulling out. Before he walked away, he snuck another kiss. “You might need another shower after that.” He strode into the kitchen, tucking his cock back into his pants, then washed his hands. “Actually, don’t. It’ll be hot knowing you’re sitting there all night with me all over you.”

Alex’s face reddened. “I suppose I should go wash up a little and get dressed before anyone shows up.”

“Don’t wash up too much,” Cryss murmured, adding a wink. “I’ll know.”

Alex climbed the stairs, chuckling to himself. He was back down thirty minutes later, dressed and presentable. With some of Cryss’s load still wet between his cheeks.

He helped Qylar stretch the table to place a leaf in and then set it for eight. Qylar was a bit quieter than normal. He realized he’d forgotten to ask Cryss if they’d fought the night before. All the fucking had left his mind foggy. “I meant to ask last night… were you guys fighting when I walked out of my room yesterday?”

“No,” Qylar murmured. “We rarely argue.”

“You looked like you had been.” Alex searched Qylar’s face. “Do you not want me here?”

Qylar paused, frowning. “Why wouldn’t I want you here?”

Do you have feelings for Cryss? Am I getting in your way?

Qylar gave him an odd look and lifted his brow before he walked closer. “I’m pleased my friend has finally met someone who sets his world upside down. He needs a man like you in his life.”

Alex fought a smile. “I just wanted to make sure. You were quiet last night, and you have been this afternoon, too.”

“Issues from home are weighing on my mind. That’s all.”

“Today can bring up a lot of family stuff for a lot of people,” Alex said. “I’m sorry it’s bringing you down.”

Qylar smiled. “Thank you.”

Alex wandered out as soon as he laid the last fork. Sidling up beside Cryss, he asked, “Anything else I can do to help?”

“Sit on the island and keep me company?”

“That’s all?”

“Yep. I’ve got this all handled.”

Alex slowly sat on one of the stools and watched Cryss in his element. He was fascinated by the man’s ease and comfort in the kitchen. It was as if Cryss served a feast for eight every day of his life. Cryss’s friends arrived just before the sides were timed to come out. He was introduced to a couple, Jerry and Andrew, and their single friend, Paul. All three seemed nice and were very interested in how he and Cryss had met.

Ethan and Keely arrived a bit later, and Alex was happy to see them. They all soon settled around a boisterous table, eating a mountain of amazing food that Cryss had lovingly prepared. His stomach was so full by the end, he wasn’t sure he’d last long before the turkey coma hit. He had no idea how Cryss and Qylar packed away three times as much food and still picked here and there as they chatted. Jerry and Andrew, who were almost as big, weren’t far off of Cryss’s consumption, either.

Through it all, Cryss had laid a possessive hand on Alex’s thigh whenever he could. They sat side-by-side on one side of the table, friends and family spread out around them. Near the end of the night, before everyone left, Alex stood, hoisting his last glass of wine. “I propose a toast.” He glanced at Cryss, smiling. “To friends, new and old— and our families,” he said, peeking at Ethan. His gaze went back to Cryss. “To the memory of Cryss’s grandfather, who was his safe place and taught him how to be the same for others.”

A shine came to Cryss’s eyes as he looked at Alex.

He felt himself get a little emotional as he held Cryss’s stare. “I thank you for opening your home to my brother, Keely, and I. This has been an incredible night.”

Everyone hoisted a glass with a chorus of “hear hear” before they clinked them together. After he took a healthy gulp, Alex sat back down and was immediately tugged into a kiss. The others hooted around them until they broke apart, Alex’s face warm.

Once everyone left with massive to-go plates in their hands and big smiles on their faces, he, Qylar, and Cryss organized the leftovers as best they could and got them into the fridge. There weren’t as many dishes as Alex had expected—many items remained in the dish they’d been cooked in—and he tried his best to be the one to do them since Cryss had done most of the cooking. Cryss kept shoving him out of the way to wash this or that and would take over until Alex could sneak back in again.

Eventually, the dishwasher was running and the kitchen clean. Qylar fixed himself another plate of turkey and rolls before excusing himself to go downstairs. Cryss led him back to the couch and sat down.

Alex sat beside him. “There’s no way we’re having a repeat of this afternoon anytime soon. I’m stuffed. And exhausted.” He rested his head on Cryss’s arm, weary.

“Why do you think I snuck in some afternoon delight? I knew we’d be too tired later.” Cryss kissed the top of his head. “Did you enjoy dinner and our company?”

“Paul’s a bit quieter, so it was harder to get a reading on him, but I really liked Jerry and Andrew.” He smiled, lifting his face to Cryss. “And I’ve already mentioned the food was amazing at least half a dozen times.”

“I had to check that you weren’t just being nice in front of my company.”

“I wasn’t. That was one of the best meals I’ve ever eaten. Way too much food, but amazing nonetheless,” Alex replied.

“Qylar complains about how much I make every year, yet it always gets eaten and he ends up whining in a few days when there’s no more turkey or no more this or that. It won’t go to waste. Trust me. Even with us leaving.”

“I have no idea where you two put all that food.”

“I burn a lot of calories, so I have to feed my body. I didn’t go for my run today, but you helped me burn a bunch earlier. One day off won’t hurt.” Cryss drew Alex against him. “Anything you’d like to do with the rest of our night?”

“I don’t think I have it in me to be much more than a bump on a log tonight. You?”

“Same,” Cryss whispered.

“There’s always a Christmas movie to get us in the spirit.”

Cryss flipped on the television. “Have one in mind?”

“White Christmas,” Alex said. “I was going to get one of those this year in Aspen, but now we’re going to North Carolina, and I doubt it’ll snowing there.”

“There’s always next year,” Cryss whispered.

Alex met his gaze for a moment, the mention of next year gripping around his heart and squeezing it tight. He didn’t want to get his hopes up that it would last, though. The brightest, hottest stars always burned out the fastest.

Cryss turned back and searched for the movie. When it popped up, he clicked to start it. “I’ve never seen this one.”

“Really? It’s one of my favorites,” Alex cuddled in closer. “I hope you like it. It is a musical.”

“I don’t mind a musical if it’s well done.”

Alex sighed as he snuggled close, happier than he could remember being in a long, long time.

T he movie ended, and Cryss smiled. It wasn’t exactly his taste, but enjoyable enough. “That was nice.” He glanced down and found Alex dozing again.

Cryss gently caressed his cheek, his chest tightening. If he already felt this strongly for Alex, what was he going to feel by the end of the year?

If he was truthful with himself, he’d admit he was already lost. He’d fallen. Alex had his heart already. He pressed a kiss to his human’s forehead before rising. Cryss lifted Alex into his arms and carried them both to bed. They had to get to the airport in the morning to start their magical holiday and needed their sleep.