Those summer nights chapter 5
Hours later, Luke walked home, his mind replaying the night over and over. He felt a little giddy and couldn't stop smiling. When he came here to the beach, for the 4th year in a row, he never would have thought that he would meet someone like Reid. That he would end up having a summer fling with someone like him.
Luke still had trouble believing he was having casual sex in the first place! This wasn't like him at all, but there was something about Reid that made Luke not care about his self-inflicted abstinence. He was 24 years old and it was about time he started to really live his life instead of just letting it pass by. He was really going to get some this summer!
He certainly didn't get it during his time with Noah, who wasn't really interested in sex. Sure, they'd tried some things, Luke was no virgin and it had been great at times because Luke had loved Noah, but his body certainly didn't react to Noah's touch as it did to Reid's.
Because when Luke had kissed Reid for the first time, he felt it all over his body. He'd felt dizzy and his body tingled. And all he was able to say when the kiss ended was 'wow'.
True, he didn't have many experiences to compare it to, he'd only kissed a few people, but this was the stuff you read about in silly romance novels. Kissing Noah certainly hadn't felt like this;he could do it for hours and hours and still want more.
Problem was, Noah hadn't been very physical. No matter how Luke was sometimes craving a kiss, a touch, anything really, Noah wouldn't or maybe couldn't give him what he needed. That led to many arguments with accusations flying back and forth and ultimately was one of main reasons that made Luke break up with him. He needed other things than Noah did.
For a long time Luke had thought he was the freaky one, that's his needs were abnormal. Even Noah had told him he was obsessed with sex and that it wasn't healthy.
He'd read a lot about the subject since then and slowly he came to realise that he wasn't weird or wrong for wanting to be close to his boyfriend. That physical intimacy was just as important as the spiritual and intellectual aspect in a relationship.
And yet, here he was, being physical with someone even though he didn't know well and didn't have any other feelings for at this point. Yes, he liked Reid, found him attractive and easy to talk to, but he didn't really know much about him. But he made Luke feel at ease and comfortable. He felt like he could be himself and didn't have to pretend to be something or someone he wasn't. He liked that Reid was so open about what he wanted and that right now, he wanted Luke. It was flattering to be wanted by someone like Reid and it made Luke feel mature, like a man instead of a boy.
Luke smiled when he thought about Reid and how he was all over Luke, touching him everywhere with experienced and knowing hands, telling him how hot Reid thought he was.
Maybe this was just what Luke needed to get back out there, to build his confidence back up. Reid had no trouble complimenting Luke on every part of his body and it made Luke feel really good.
He was still smiling when he reached the apartment he stayed in with another lifeguard, Casey, who also was his friend. They'd know each other since they were little kids and had been friends ever since.
Casey lay sprawled on the couch, watching tv with a concentrated look in his face. "Hey man." He looked at Luke briefly, before turning his attention back to the screen.
"Hey Case." Luke answered, grabbing a coke from the fridge and plopped down next to Casey, after pushing his feet off the couch onto the ground.
"You're up late." He looked at Casey who's eyes were still glued to the screen.
"Couldn't sleep. So I thought maybe watching tv would tire me out."
"Did it work?" Luke asked, his eyebrows raised.
"Obviously it didn't." Casey gestured to himself. "Because I can't stop watching this."
Luke laughed. "What are you watching?"
Casey shrugged. "I don't know what it's called, but it's about people who try to live as cheap as possible. It's really fascinating."
"Picking up some useful tips?" Luke teased. "I didn't think you'd need it."
"You never know, Lukey, you never know." Casey replied with a sigh. Then he turned his attention from the tv to Luke.
"So, how was your evening?" He waggled his eyebrows. "How did it go with your man?"
"Shut up, he's not my man." Luke shoved Casey against his arm. "But it was really nice. We talked and we just connected."
"You just... connected." Casey repeated.
"Yes, connected." The tips of Luke's ears turned red. "I mean, we.. uhm... kind of had sex."
"What?" Casey slapped Luke on his arm. "Really? Good for you, dude! It was about time for you to get out there."
Luke laughed. "I know, that's exactly what I thought. We already kind of had sex yesterday and I totally freaked out today, because you know me... But tonight we talked and some other stuff happened. And it was amazing". Luke's whole ears were red now and the blush threatened to go down his neck.
"Okay, okay... I don't want any details, God.. " Casey said, holding his hands up.
But then he grinned and clasped Luke on his shoulder.
"But really, I'm glad you go out now and have fun. Lord knows you deserve it after the clusterfuck with Noah."
"It wasn't that bad, Case, come on." Luke said frowning.
Casey raised his eyebrows, as if to say really?, to which Luke huffed out a laugh.
"Okay, yeah, it kind of was."
"Yes, it was and the whole 'him living with your mother thing' is still fucked up. And I know it gets to you. So I'm happy for you. Are you going to see him again?"
"Yeah, we'll see each other at the beach of course, but we kind of agreed to spend the summer together, for as long as he's here."
Casey nodded. "Nice!"
"You don't think it's weird?" Luke asked, picking at his jeans.
Casey shrugged. "It kind of is, because it's you and you never do anything like this. But I like that you're doing it, man. You should live a little. Life is short, you know."
Luke sighed. "Yeah, I know." Then he squeezed Casey's knee. "Thank you."
"You're welcome. Now shut up so I can watch how to make coffee using an old sock."
----------------------
Over the next days, Luke worked his shifts on the beach during the day, being stared at by Reid. During lunchtime, sometimes they actually had lunch together, sometimes they went inside to get each other off and sometimes they just talked. Reid found himself looking forward to that time of day, taking a break from his research, watching Luke walk up to the house, a smile of his beautiful face.
He found Luke incredibly sexy and he couldn't wrap his head around the fact that Luke was completely oblivious about it. His ex-boyfriend clearly did a number on his self esteem. But apart from being sexy, Reid also found out that Luke was smart and sometimes funny and sarcastic. He could hold his own in a discussion and make Reid see another point of view. He was passionate about his work, his family even though there was also a lot of drama there. Luke’s relationship with his mother was.... strained, to say the least.
But he was fiercely protective of his siblings, which Reid found admirable but could not relate to, being an only child.
Thinking about all this while lounging outside watching Luke do his lifeguard-thing, whatever that was, Reid suddenly realised that he knew a lot about Luke. And it didn't bother him at all to know these things about him. Luke liked to talk, like many other people and could go on and on, but what was truly exceptional was that Reid liked to watch Luke talk, gesturing with his hands, his face expressing every emotion he felt and so expressing even more sometimes than his words. On top of this, he heard what Luke was saying, he sparred and argued with him. And Luke seemed to like it to. He launched himself into discussions passionately, disagreeing with Reid many things. Often he would get into Reid's space, his eyes sparkling because it was fun. And it always ended in a hot makeout session which made Reid's belly tingle just thinking about it.
They hadn't done 'it' yet, but Reid was certain that was happening any time soon. But in the meantime, he thoroughly enjoyed teaching Luke the many ways two men could enjoy each other.
The ringing of his phone made Reid reach into his pocket and bring it to his ear without even looking at the screen.
"Dr. Oliver."
"Reid? Hey, it's Terry."
"Terry? Why are you calling me?" Reid asked, his eyes still trained on Luke. "Something wrong?"
Reid heard Terry sigh at the other side of the line. "No, you doofus. I just wanted to see how you were doing."
"Why?" Reid asked confused.
"Why? Because I want to know, that’s why." Terry confirmed. "So, tell me, are you having fun in my house?"
Reid's mind went back to all the fun he had with Luke on several surfaces in Terry's house and he smirked.
"Sure, lots of fun." He admitted easily.
"Ha ha. Very funny. Now, tell how you really are." Terry answered, not believing a word.
"Terry, I'm not lying. I am having a good time here."
"Wait, you're.. serious?" Terry asked, apparently in shock.
"Yes, I'm serious. Why wouldn't I like it there?" Reid shrugged even though Terry could not see him.
"Well, I don't know Reid, maybe because you said and I quote 'I'll go, but I won't like it. And a month is three and a half weeks too long'? Now you've been away for a little over two weeks and you're telling me you're enjoying yourself? What happened?"
"Nothing happened. There are a lot of things for me to do here. Like Luke. And I'll admit it, the view of the beach and the ocean is pretty great. I like it."
"What kind of things do you do, Reid? Just out of curiosity." Terry inquired.
"I do research, Terry. But I sit outside when I do it and occasionally admire the view." He didn't lie, but it was definitely stretching the truth.
But Terry wasn't easily fooled. "I know you don't care for nature, so I'm gonna assume you're talking about the eye candy on the beach."
Reid smiled ot himself. "Maybe."
Terry groaned. "Please Reid, don't invite random strangers into my house for you-know-what."
Reid reacted annoyed. "What? Why not? You're the one who told me to enjoy myself here. And that's what I enjoy. Who cares?"
"Reid please, I don't care who or how many you," Terry cleared her throat, "...uhm… meet, but please, don't turn my house into a brothel."
"Are you calling me a whore?" He asked highly amused with the turn the conversation had taken.
"No?" Terry said, a little unsure.
Ried laughed. "Relax, I wouldn't do anything like that. So far, it's just one guy." As soon as the words left his mouth, Reid slapped his hands over his eyes. Why?? Why would you tell her that?
After a few moments of silence, Terry spoke again, excitement evident in her voice. "My God, you went out and met someone? The sea air really must do you good."
"Technically, he came up to me, but yes, I've met someone and have been spending some time with him." Reid admitted.
"What?? Tell me more, what's his name, what does he look like, what does he do?" Terry rambled.
"Ha, no. Not gonna happen. I'm not telling you anything more."
"Why not?" Terry almost whined. "Come on, you've got to give me something."
"No, I don't. Besides, it doesn't matter. In about 10 days I'm going home and that will be the end of it."
"But, Reid... " Terry started.
"No, I shouldn't have told you anything. Now, go back to work and make sure the hospital will still be there when I get back."
He could vaguely hear Terry protesting, but he pressed 'end call' anyway and threw the phone next to him on the couch.
10 days... he was going home in 10 days. It should make him happy and it did, but it also made him uncomfortable and something heavy settled in his chest.
His eyes sought out Luke again on the beach and didn't dare to think about why just seeing him made him feel a little lighter.
*
Luke still had trouble believing he was having casual sex in the first place! This wasn't like him at all, but there was something about Reid that made Luke not care about his self-inflicted abstinence. He was 24 years old and it was about time he started to really live his life instead of just letting it pass by. He was really going to get some this summer!
He certainly didn't get it during his time with Noah, who wasn't really interested in sex. Sure, they'd tried some things, Luke was no virgin and it had been great at times because Luke had loved Noah, but his body certainly didn't react to Noah's touch as it did to Reid's.
Because when Luke had kissed Reid for the first time, he felt it all over his body. He'd felt dizzy and his body tingled. And all he was able to say when the kiss ended was 'wow'.
True, he didn't have many experiences to compare it to, he'd only kissed a few people, but this was the stuff you read about in silly romance novels. Kissing Noah certainly hadn't felt like this;he could do it for hours and hours and still want more.
Problem was, Noah hadn't been very physical. No matter how Luke was sometimes craving a kiss, a touch, anything really, Noah wouldn't or maybe couldn't give him what he needed. That led to many arguments with accusations flying back and forth and ultimately was one of main reasons that made Luke break up with him. He needed other things than Noah did.
For a long time Luke had thought he was the freaky one, that's his needs were abnormal. Even Noah had told him he was obsessed with sex and that it wasn't healthy.
He'd read a lot about the subject since then and slowly he came to realise that he wasn't weird or wrong for wanting to be close to his boyfriend. That physical intimacy was just as important as the spiritual and intellectual aspect in a relationship.
And yet, here he was, being physical with someone even though he didn't know well and didn't have any other feelings for at this point. Yes, he liked Reid, found him attractive and easy to talk to, but he didn't really know much about him. But he made Luke feel at ease and comfortable. He felt like he could be himself and didn't have to pretend to be something or someone he wasn't. He liked that Reid was so open about what he wanted and that right now, he wanted Luke. It was flattering to be wanted by someone like Reid and it made Luke feel mature, like a man instead of a boy.
Luke smiled when he thought about Reid and how he was all over Luke, touching him everywhere with experienced and knowing hands, telling him how hot Reid thought he was.
Maybe this was just what Luke needed to get back out there, to build his confidence back up. Reid had no trouble complimenting Luke on every part of his body and it made Luke feel really good.
He was still smiling when he reached the apartment he stayed in with another lifeguard, Casey, who also was his friend. They'd know each other since they were little kids and had been friends ever since.
Casey lay sprawled on the couch, watching tv with a concentrated look in his face. "Hey man." He looked at Luke briefly, before turning his attention back to the screen.
"Hey Case." Luke answered, grabbing a coke from the fridge and plopped down next to Casey, after pushing his feet off the couch onto the ground.
"You're up late." He looked at Casey who's eyes were still glued to the screen.
"Couldn't sleep. So I thought maybe watching tv would tire me out."
"Did it work?" Luke asked, his eyebrows raised.
"Obviously it didn't." Casey gestured to himself. "Because I can't stop watching this."
Luke laughed. "What are you watching?"
Casey shrugged. "I don't know what it's called, but it's about people who try to live as cheap as possible. It's really fascinating."
"Picking up some useful tips?" Luke teased. "I didn't think you'd need it."
"You never know, Lukey, you never know." Casey replied with a sigh. Then he turned his attention from the tv to Luke.
"So, how was your evening?" He waggled his eyebrows. "How did it go with your man?"
"Shut up, he's not my man." Luke shoved Casey against his arm. "But it was really nice. We talked and we just connected."
"You just... connected." Casey repeated.
"Yes, connected." The tips of Luke's ears turned red. "I mean, we.. uhm... kind of had sex."
"What?" Casey slapped Luke on his arm. "Really? Good for you, dude! It was about time for you to get out there."
Luke laughed. "I know, that's exactly what I thought. We already kind of had sex yesterday and I totally freaked out today, because you know me... But tonight we talked and some other stuff happened. And it was amazing". Luke's whole ears were red now and the blush threatened to go down his neck.
"Okay, okay... I don't want any details, God.. " Casey said, holding his hands up.
But then he grinned and clasped Luke on his shoulder.
"But really, I'm glad you go out now and have fun. Lord knows you deserve it after the clusterfuck with Noah."
"It wasn't that bad, Case, come on." Luke said frowning.
Casey raised his eyebrows, as if to say really?, to which Luke huffed out a laugh.
"Okay, yeah, it kind of was."
"Yes, it was and the whole 'him living with your mother thing' is still fucked up. And I know it gets to you. So I'm happy for you. Are you going to see him again?"
"Yeah, we'll see each other at the beach of course, but we kind of agreed to spend the summer together, for as long as he's here."
Casey nodded. "Nice!"
"You don't think it's weird?" Luke asked, picking at his jeans.
Casey shrugged. "It kind of is, because it's you and you never do anything like this. But I like that you're doing it, man. You should live a little. Life is short, you know."
Luke sighed. "Yeah, I know." Then he squeezed Casey's knee. "Thank you."
"You're welcome. Now shut up so I can watch how to make coffee using an old sock."
----------------------
Over the next days, Luke worked his shifts on the beach during the day, being stared at by Reid. During lunchtime, sometimes they actually had lunch together, sometimes they went inside to get each other off and sometimes they just talked. Reid found himself looking forward to that time of day, taking a break from his research, watching Luke walk up to the house, a smile of his beautiful face.
He found Luke incredibly sexy and he couldn't wrap his head around the fact that Luke was completely oblivious about it. His ex-boyfriend clearly did a number on his self esteem. But apart from being sexy, Reid also found out that Luke was smart and sometimes funny and sarcastic. He could hold his own in a discussion and make Reid see another point of view. He was passionate about his work, his family even though there was also a lot of drama there. Luke’s relationship with his mother was.... strained, to say the least.
But he was fiercely protective of his siblings, which Reid found admirable but could not relate to, being an only child.
Thinking about all this while lounging outside watching Luke do his lifeguard-thing, whatever that was, Reid suddenly realised that he knew a lot about Luke. And it didn't bother him at all to know these things about him. Luke liked to talk, like many other people and could go on and on, but what was truly exceptional was that Reid liked to watch Luke talk, gesturing with his hands, his face expressing every emotion he felt and so expressing even more sometimes than his words. On top of this, he heard what Luke was saying, he sparred and argued with him. And Luke seemed to like it to. He launched himself into discussions passionately, disagreeing with Reid many things. Often he would get into Reid's space, his eyes sparkling because it was fun. And it always ended in a hot makeout session which made Reid's belly tingle just thinking about it.
They hadn't done 'it' yet, but Reid was certain that was happening any time soon. But in the meantime, he thoroughly enjoyed teaching Luke the many ways two men could enjoy each other.
The ringing of his phone made Reid reach into his pocket and bring it to his ear without even looking at the screen.
"Dr. Oliver."
"Reid? Hey, it's Terry."
"Terry? Why are you calling me?" Reid asked, his eyes still trained on Luke. "Something wrong?"
Reid heard Terry sigh at the other side of the line. "No, you doofus. I just wanted to see how you were doing."
"Why?" Reid asked confused.
"Why? Because I want to know, that’s why." Terry confirmed. "So, tell me, are you having fun in my house?"
Reid's mind went back to all the fun he had with Luke on several surfaces in Terry's house and he smirked.
"Sure, lots of fun." He admitted easily.
"Ha ha. Very funny. Now, tell how you really are." Terry answered, not believing a word.
"Terry, I'm not lying. I am having a good time here."
"Wait, you're.. serious?" Terry asked, apparently in shock.
"Yes, I'm serious. Why wouldn't I like it there?" Reid shrugged even though Terry could not see him.
"Well, I don't know Reid, maybe because you said and I quote 'I'll go, but I won't like it. And a month is three and a half weeks too long'? Now you've been away for a little over two weeks and you're telling me you're enjoying yourself? What happened?"
"Nothing happened. There are a lot of things for me to do here. Like Luke. And I'll admit it, the view of the beach and the ocean is pretty great. I like it."
"What kind of things do you do, Reid? Just out of curiosity." Terry inquired.
"I do research, Terry. But I sit outside when I do it and occasionally admire the view." He didn't lie, but it was definitely stretching the truth.
But Terry wasn't easily fooled. "I know you don't care for nature, so I'm gonna assume you're talking about the eye candy on the beach."
Reid smiled ot himself. "Maybe."
Terry groaned. "Please Reid, don't invite random strangers into my house for you-know-what."
Reid reacted annoyed. "What? Why not? You're the one who told me to enjoy myself here. And that's what I enjoy. Who cares?"
"Reid please, I don't care who or how many you," Terry cleared her throat, "...uhm… meet, but please, don't turn my house into a brothel."
"Are you calling me a whore?" He asked highly amused with the turn the conversation had taken.
"No?" Terry said, a little unsure.
Ried laughed. "Relax, I wouldn't do anything like that. So far, it's just one guy." As soon as the words left his mouth, Reid slapped his hands over his eyes. Why?? Why would you tell her that?
After a few moments of silence, Terry spoke again, excitement evident in her voice. "My God, you went out and met someone? The sea air really must do you good."
"Technically, he came up to me, but yes, I've met someone and have been spending some time with him." Reid admitted.
"What?? Tell me more, what's his name, what does he look like, what does he do?" Terry rambled.
"Ha, no. Not gonna happen. I'm not telling you anything more."
"Why not?" Terry almost whined. "Come on, you've got to give me something."
"No, I don't. Besides, it doesn't matter. In about 10 days I'm going home and that will be the end of it."
"But, Reid... " Terry started.
"No, I shouldn't have told you anything. Now, go back to work and make sure the hospital will still be there when I get back."
He could vaguely hear Terry protesting, but he pressed 'end call' anyway and threw the phone next to him on the couch.
10 days... he was going home in 10 days. It should make him happy and it did, but it also made him uncomfortable and something heavy settled in his chest.
His eyes sought out Luke again on the beach and didn't dare to think about why just seeing him made him feel a little lighter.
*