Chapter 11:
Will walked through the front door and dropped his bags on the floor in the front hall. He breathed in deeply as he looked around. Damn it was good to be home. As much as he enjoyed being on the road and performing, it was always good to be back in Nashville. Gunnar suddenly appeared at the end of the hall looking slightly puzzled until he saw Will standing by the door. His expression quickly morphed into a gigantic smile as he spread his arms open wide, "The prodigal son returns!" Will smiled widely as Gunnar walked towards him and engulfed him in a fierce bear hug. "Welcome back buddy. I missed you."
"I missed you too." Will said as he backed out of the hug.
Gunnar wrapped his arm around Will's shoulders and started maneuvering him into the living room. "Come in, come in. I want to hear everything. How was the tour? Do you want a beer?"
"A beer would be great," Will said as Gunnar let him go and walked over to the refrigerator.
Gunnar grabbed two beers from the refrigerator and handed one to Will, "So, was the tour everything you hoped it would be?"
"It was," Will said as he plopped down on the couch. "The crowds were great. Most of the venues were sold out. I can't complain."
"Good," Gunnar said as he sat down on the opposite end of the couch and faced Will. "No crazy protesters?"
Will grimaced slightly, "There were some at a few of the venues. Small numbers though, and they didn't impact the shows at all. The fans ignored them for the most part."
"As they should," Gunnar affirmed. "How's Kevin doing? Where is Kevin?"
"I dropped him off at his house," Will answered. "He's doing good. He's almost back to himself again."
"Wow, that psychologist must be a miracle worker," Gunnar stated admiringly. "Kevin was in pretty bad shape when you left a few months ago. I know how worried you were especially after that truck backfiring incident."
"Man, that was awful," Will groaned. "He scared the Hell outta me. I never expected him to turn back around as fast as he has. He's improved so much this past month. You'll see a big difference."
"Can't wait," Gunnar said as he gazed at Will fondly. "I'm so happy for you Will. Your career is heating up, Kevin's healthy. Everything seems to be going your way for a change."
"Don't say that too loud," Will warned. "I don't wanna jinx it. This past year has been rough between coming out, getting dropped from Wheelin' Dealin', Kevin breaking up with me, getting hit with that beer bottle, having my truck vandalized, that witch Cynthia Davis, the shooting. I think I've had enough bad luck to last me the next twenty years thank you very much."
Gunnar held up his beer bottle, "I'll drink to that." They clinked bottles and drank as Gunnar glanced over at Will morosely. "I have to admit, I'm a little sad that things are working out so well for you and Kevin."
"Sad?" Will asked surprised. "Why?"
"Because I think I'm going to be losing a roommate pretty soon," Gunnar sighed.
Will squirmed uncomfortably, "What makes you think that?"
"Oh come on Will," Gunnar said. "It's just a matter of time before you and Kevin are shacking up together. You're crazy about him."
Will picked at the label on his beer bottle as he thought about these last few months with Kevin. A slow smile spread across his face as he glanced up at Gunnar, "I am aren't I?" Gunnar just smiled in return as he took another gulp of beer. "Well, maybe you'll lose a roommate and gain another." At Gunnar's quizzical expression, Will continued, "How are things between you and Scarlett?"
"Ugh," Gunnar groaned loudly. "Things between me and Scarlett are down…up…around…sideways…diagonal…horizontal…vertical…"
"That doesn't sound good," Will grimaced.
"It's not," Gunnar answered, "but it is. Scarlett and I have been doing a lot of talking lately. We've been dredging up all this old baggage that we've been carrying around for far too long, dealing with it once and for all finally. Which is bad and good all rolled together. Right now it's bad but, in the long run, I think it will be good for us. Does that make any sense?"
Will nodded, "Actually, it does." The two drifted into a companionable silence until Will squirmed uncomfortably again and cleared his throat, "So, uhm, I kinda need your help with something."
Gunnar perked up, "Sure, anything."
Will fidgeted as he said, "Well…it's…uhm…sorta…I mean…uhm…"
Gunnar rolled his eyes as he said exasperatedly, "For God's sake Will, spit it out already."
Will stared resolutely at Gunnar for a few seconds before sitting up straighter, "Okay, promise me you won't make fun of me."
"When have I ever…" Gunnar started as Will glared at him. He put up his hands in supplication, "Okay, okay, I won't make fun of you."
Will took a deep breath, "Okay, so, this is real personal. Kevin and I…well we haven't…" Will trailed off as he stared at Gunnar hoping he would catch on without him having to say the words. Gunnar just stared back at him blankly. "We haven't…exactly…" Gunnar narrowed his eyes and cocked his head in confusion. Will sighed, "We haven't…you know…"
Gunnar eyes suddenly widened in surprise as he blurted, "You haven't had sex yet?"
Will cringed as Gunnar's voice ricocheted through his head. "Kevin's been sick remember? It's only been the last two or three weeks that he's been healthy enough."
"So, why didn't you when he was better?" Gunnar asked.
Will looked at him askance, "In the back of a tour bus? Driving down the interstate? With his nurse on the other side of the door?"
"Ah," Gunnar said. "I get it. Not very romantic."
"Exactly, which is why I need your help. I want to do something really romantic, and you're way better at that stuff than I am," Will explained.
"Okay, okay," Gunnar muttered as he jumped up from the couch and started pacing back and forth. "First, we need to decide on a setting. Swanky hotel?"
Will crinkled his nose, "Kinda cliché isn't it?"
"Good point," Gunnar said as he continued pacing. Will watched him expectantly until Gunnar finally turned to him triumphantly. "Got it. Camping. Nice secluded spot, a warm fire, a blanket of stars and a cozy tent for two."
Will gasped as he shot up off the couch, "That's it. Why didn't I think of that before? The cabin."
"Cabin? What cabin? I thought I said tent. Didn't I say tent? I meant tent," Gunnar rambled.
"No, no," Will said shaking his head. "Remember the cabin Kevin and I went to before I came out? The one the tabloid took the pictures of? It was Kevin's parents but it belongs to Kevin now. His brother gave him the deed to it the day he was released from the hospital. It would be perfect."
Gunnar glanced away deep in thought, "A cabin…a cabin…that could work. It was a pretty nice cabin if I remember correctly."
"Yeah, it's real nice," Will confirmed. "Kevin's parents are filthy rich."
Gunnar started pacing back and forth again, "You're going to want to grab a pen and paper to write some of this stuff down. I got a million great ideas coming fast and furious." As Will scrambled into the kitchen to find a pen and paper, Gunnar suddenly stopped pacing and looked at Will. "Wait…did you just say that Kevin's parents are rich? Filthy rich?"
Will took one last look around the cabin to make sure everything was in place. Kevin would be arriving any minute and everything needed to be perfect. Will straightened the centerpiece on the table and wiped his sweaty palms on his jeans for the millionth time. His head whipped around when he heard a car driving down the driveway. He took a deep breath and blew it out. "Let's do this," he muttered as he walked across the room and opened the front door.
Will walked out onto the porch and started down the stairs as the car pulled up and came to a stop. The back door opened and Kevin stepped out of the car with a lopsided smile. "I can't believe you hired a car to bring me here. I could've driven myself you know."
Will felt a smile stretch across his face, "I know, but I didn't want us driving home in separate cars."
"So there is a method to the madness," Kevin quipped.
"Yes there is," Will said as he stepped up to Kevin and placed a gentle kiss on his lips.
"I also liked your message," Kevin said as he pulled a small card out of his front pocket and proceeded to read. "Kevin – Get in the car. Love, Will."
Will's smile widened as Kevin laughed. "It worked didn't it?"
"It did," Kevin giggled.
Will laced his fingers through Kevin's, "Come on inside."
As they walked up the stairs hand in hand, Kevin off-handedly said, "Did you remember where the key was or do I need to replace a window?"
Will glanced at him sideways and said snottily, "Yes, I remembered where the key was." When Kevin turned a smug smile towards him, he muttered under his breath, "Smartass."
"I'm sorry, what did you say? I don't think I caught that," Kevin replied his lips twitching as he barely contained his laughter.
Will swiftly wrapped his arm around Kevin's waist and pulled him into his body tightly, "I said…nice ass." Before Kevin could come back with a response, Will leaned down and kissed him deeply. He let go when he felt Kevin sag into his embrace. As he pulled back, he cocked his eyebrow at Kevin and said, "Can we please go inside now?"
Kevin gazed up at him, his eyes sparkling, "Lead on." Will opened the door and pulled Kevin into the cabin. As Kevin's eyes darted around the cabin appreciatively, Will closed the door and waited anxiously for Kevin to say something. "Wow, it's beautiful." Will felt himself swell with pride as he glanced around the room himself. The cabin looked like something out of a magazine. Lamps were strategically placed to give the whole place a warm ambience as a fire blazed in the fireplace. The dining table was picture perfect with flowers accentuating two china place settings. Champagne was chilling in a bucket of ice with two flutes standing at the ready. "What is that amazing smell?" Kevin asked.
"Dinner." Will said boastfully as he walked past Kevin towards the kitchen. "I hope you're hungry."
"Starving," Kevin said with a slightly bewildered look on his face. "You cooked?"
Will turned and stood a little straighter, "You didn't know that I'm a gourmet chef?"
"Is this one of those hidden talents you've been keeping from me?" Kevin said suspiciously.
"Absolutely," Will said as he turned and walked into the kitchen opening the oven door and peeking inside. He glanced up to see Kevin leaning in the doorway with his arms crossed and his eyes narrowed. Will sighed, "Okay, so my hidden talent isn't that I'm a gourmet chef. My hidden talent is having a best friend who knows a gourmet chef who hooked me up." Will closed the oven door and walked over to Kevin. "And that I know how to work an oven."
Kevin nodded, "That sounds more like it."
"Hey, I'll have you know I can grill with the best of them. Bobby Flay has nothing on me when it comes to ribs and steaks," Will bragged.
Kevin cocked his head, "You do know I'm a vegetarian right?"
Will's face fell, "Wait…what?" Will frantically thought back. How did he miss that?
Kevin suddenly laughed, "Relax Cowboy, I'm joking."
Will took a step closer and pointed an angry finger in Kevin's face, "NEVER joke about beef with a Texan."
Kevin raised his hands in surrender, "Duly noted."
Will grunted and mumbled angrily under his breath as he walked past Kevin and into the dining room. He continued to glare at Kevin as he popped the cork on the champagne and poured some into the two flutes. He offered one of the glasses to Kevin, "Champagne?"
"Thank you," Kevin said contritely.
Will placed the champagne bottle back into the ice bucket, "Do you want to move into the living room and enjoy the fire while we're waiting for dinner?"
"Sure," Kevin said as they meandered into the living room and sat down on the couch in front of the fire. Will placed his arm along the back of the couch as he made himself comfortable. They sat in a companionable silence watching the fire and sipping their champagne. Will was aware of Kevin shooting him glances but didn't acknowledge it. After a while, Kevin scooted closer to Will on the couch and peered at him through his lashes, "I'm sorry I made you mad." Will didn't answer, so Kevin scooted even closer so that he was wedged into Will's side. Will felt his heartbeat speed up as Kevin purred into his ear, "Can I make it up to you?"
Will turned his head to respond but Kevin captured his lips before he could get any words out. Will moaned as Kevin reached up and placed his hand behind Will's head and deepened the kiss. Will wrapped his arms around Kevin pulling him closer as he enjoyed a series of long, lingering kisses. As the kisses grew more passionate, Kevin turned and straddled Will's lap. He leaned down and nipped at Will's jawline before diving in for another deep kiss. Will had just wrapped his arms around Kevin again when suddenly a buzzer went off. Will nearly jumped out of his skin which threw Kevin off balance, and he went sprawling down to the floor with a crash.
"Oh Gosh, are you are alright?" Will asked with concern.
Kevin propped himself up on his elbows as he glared at Will, "What the Hell was that?"
Will whipped his head towards the kitchen then back to Kevin, "Dinner's ready."
Kevin just stared blankly at him before devolving into sidesplitting laughter which was apparently contagious as Will found himself rolling around on the couch laughing right along with him. Finally, Kevin lay on the floor panting, holding his sides as he said, "Damn, I haven't laughed like that in a long time."
"Neither have I," Will responded as he wiped the water from his eyes.
Kevin smiled up at Will, "So, you gonna help me up or just sit there?" Will lazily stood up from the couch and extended his hand out to Kevin hauling him up off the floor. "Thanks," Kevin said sweetly as he leaned up and kissed Will softly. "Can I do anything to help with dinner?"
"Nope, just go sit at the table. I got this," Will said as he started sauntering towards the kitchen. He glanced back when he reached the doorway to see Kevin walking towards the table rubbing his rear end, a slight grimace on his face, "You sure you're okay?" Kevin shot him a look then waved him away. Will chuckled as he went into the kitchen.
Will watched as Kevin took the last bite of his dinner then leaned back with a sigh of appreciation. After months of watching Kevin struggle to get food down, it was comforting to see his appetite returning to normal. Kevin was still too thin for Will's liking but he was slowly gaining the weight back. "Everything taste okay?"
Kevin groaned, "More than okay. That was one of the best meals I've ever had. If I wasn't completely stuffed, I'd have seconds and maybe even thirds." Kevin reached out and picked up his champagne glass, "Thank you Gunnar." Will clinked his glass with Kevin's and drank. Kevin put his glass down and leaned forward on his elbows, a slow smile creeping onto his face. "So, what's for dessert?"
Will felt heat rising into his face but he remained calm as he answered nonchalantly, "I thought you were stuffed."
Kevin's smile turned lascivious as he said huskily, "There's always room for dessert."
Will shifted in his seat as Kevin's blue eyes blazed into him, "Maybe we should work up to dessert." Kevin's eyes followed him as he got up from the table and walked across the room. Will flipped on the stereo then walked back to the table extending his hand out to Kevin. "Dance with me?"
Kevin placed his hand in Will's and said softly, "I'd love to."
Will escorted Kevin to the center of the room, turned towards him and automatically moved his hands into the lead position. Kevin did the same. "Oh, ah…" Will stammered as he awkwardly tried to shift his hands into the appropriate position and failed miserably. Will looked at Kevin who just cocked an eyebrow at him and didn't move. Will tried shifting his arms again, but he still couldn't get it right. "I've only ever danced with women. I don't know…how…" Will fumbled.
Kevin rolled his eyes and sighed exaggeratedly as he gracefully and fluidly moved his arms into the correct position. "Fine, you can lead. This time," Kevin said testily as he moved closer to Will. "But don't get any ideas. I am NOT the girl in this relationship."
As Will wrapped his arm around Kevin's waist and pulled him close, he felt the hard planes of Kevin's chest and the firmness in his grip. He slowly breathed in Kevin's musky scent as he gazed down at him, "No, you certainly aren't." Will closed his eyes as they swayed to the music, his cheek pressed against Kevin's temple. He placed Kevin's hand over his heart and clasped it tightly. Never in his life had dancing with someone felt this perfect. "This is nice," he murmured into Kevin's ear.
Kevin squeezed Will as he replied, "Yeah, it is."
Eventually, Will let go of Kevin's hand and placed his other arm around his waist pulling him in tight to his body. Will's hands roamed over Kevin's back as the heat between them rose. Kevin pulled back and captured Will's lips in a deep, heated kiss. When they parted for air, Will placed his finger on Kevin's lips as he was leaning in for another kiss. "Wait right here. Don't move."
Will walked swiftly towards the bedroom and out of sight. Within five minutes, he re-entered the room smiling when he saw that Kevin had followed his instructions and was still standing in the middle of the room. He walked over to him and wrapped his arms around him. "Now, where were we?" Will said as he leaned down and kissed Kevin passionately.
The next time they came up for air, Will took Kevin by the hand and led him towards the bedroom. Will opened the door and let Kevin go in first. As soon as Kevin stepped into the room, he let out a hushed "Whoa." What seemed like a million candles were lit all around the room with rose petals scattered on the floor and bed. Kevin glanced back at Will his eyes shining, "You are quite the romantic Mr. Lexington. I'm impressed."
Will laced his fingers with Kevin's and walked them slowly towards the bed. "I hoped you would be," Will said shyly.
Kevin placed his hands on Will's chest and looked at him adoringly, "I love you Will."
Will gently cupped Kevin's face with his hand, "I love you too." Kevin slid his hands over to the top button on Will's shirt and undid it working his way downwards. He gently tugged the shirt out of Will's jeans and pushed it off his shoulders. Will mimicked Kevin's actions and soon they were both shirtless. Kevin never broke eye contact with Will as he sat on the bed and laid back. Will stretched out beside him propped up on his elbow. "You are so beautiful," Will breathed as he leaned down and kissed Kevin.
Heat raced through Will's body as hands explored and breathing became ragged. Pants soon joined shirts in a pile on the floor as limbs entwined. Passions ignited and came together in glorious waves each more intense than the last until a final crescendo left them gasping, sweaty and spent.
Will blinked awake slightly disoriented. He relaxed when he felt the warm body softly breathing in his arms. Kevin was lying on his right side sleeping soundly. Will glanced around the room and realized that the candles were still burning. He gently extricated himself and quietly started blowing out the flames. The last thing he needed was to burn the damn cabin down. He cautiously made his way back to bed in the now pitch black room and spooned up to Kevin stroking a soft hand down his back. His hand stopped midway as it encountered a slight rise on the skin. Will's thumb traced the scar that was now a permanent part of Kevin. Will blinked back tears and swallowed down the lump in his throat at the sudden onslaught of emotions. He had come so close to losing Kevin; it was a miracle that this night together had even been possible. Will wrapped his arms around Kevin and closed his eyes saying a small prayer in thanks. He kissed Kevin's shoulder and whispered, "I'm never letting you go," before sliding into a deep, contented sleep.
