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javierpenaismyhusband · 12 hours ago

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Peru: Day Three

Joel Miller x M!reader

Summary: This chapter is a sweet one, with a hint of fear and heartfelt conversation. I’m keeping it spoiler-free, so no detailed summary this time.

Series Warnings: Fluff · AGE GAP · SMUT · 18+ · Joel is my father’s friend · Cigarettes · Alcohol · Mentions of toxic ex · threats, protective p in a, No Y/N, not an OUTBREAK and more that i cant think right now.

Note: I was originally planning for this chapter to be about visiting Machu Picchu, but I changed my mind and decided to focus on strengthening the relationships in the story instead.

(Dividers by @saradika-graphics) Other Fics of Mine

Series Materialist Previous Chapter

The next morning, I woke to the weight and warmth of strong arms wrapped gently around me. The room was quiet, filled with the soft hush of morning light seeping through the curtains. I blinked slowly, my body still heavy with sleep, and turned just enough to see him.

Joel was still asleep, his chest rising and falling in a steady rhythm. The sunlight touched his face, golden and soft, catching in the tousled mess of his dark hair. It made him glow, like a painting that had come to life. His features, usually so serious and sharp, were relaxed his jaw slack, his lips slightly parted, his lashes casting faint shadows beneath his eyes. He looked peaceful in a way I’d never seen before, and something about that undid me a little.

I didn’t want to move.

His hand rested over my waist, fingers curled gently against my skin like even in sleep, he was holding on. I shifted just enough to tuck myself closer, my forehead brushing the curve of his neck, and breathed him in. He smelled faintly like the sea, like salt and warm skin and the faintest trace of my shampoo.

I let my hand rest on his chest, right where his heart was beating slow and steady beneath my palm. I could feel the softness of his skin, the rise and fall of his breath, the quiet hum of safety in the space between us.

Outside, the world was waking up, but in that bed, wrapped in Joel’s arms, time didn’t feel real. It felt like I could stay like that forever.

After a few minutes of quiet, I felt the soft scratch of Joel’s beard against my head as he shifted slightly, his breath warm and steady near my ear.

“Good morning,” he murmured, his voice still thick with sleep, a low rumble in the peaceful morning air.

I tilted my head to look up at him, catching the golden light spilling through the window, lighting up his face. His hair was tousled, his eyes half-closed, and he had this peaceful look on his face that made my heart settle.

“Good morning,” I whispered, my smile coming naturally, like it always did when I was with him.

His thumb brushed lazily against my side, drawing slow, comforting circles, and I felt a warmth spread through me. “You sleep okay?”

I nodded, resting my head back on his chest, feeling the steady thrum of his heartbeat. “Yeah. I think that might’ve been the best sleep I’ve had in a long time.”

Joel’s voice was soft when he replied, a slight smile tugging at his lips. “Yeah, me too.”

Joel leaned down and pressed a soft kiss to the top of my head before slowly slipping out of bed. I watched as he stretched, his back arching slightly, muscles catching the warm morning light. He pulled on his boxers, then reached for the clothes he had left folded on the chair the night before—yesterday’s shirt and pants, wrinkled but still holding the scent of the ocean and our time together.

Once dressed, he walked over to the bed again, leaned down, and kissed me gently slow, sweet, like he didn’t want to leave but knew he had to.

“I’m going back to my room for a bit,” he said, his voice still soft and low. “Gonna grab some clean clothes and wash my face. I look like I slept in the desert.”

I smiled, still wrapped in the sheets, hair a mess and skin warm. “You look good to me.”

He smirked and ran a hand through his hair. “You’re biased.”

“Maybe,” I said, grinning.

Joel backed toward the door, his hand on the handle, eyes on me like he didn’t want to stop looking. “Be right back.”

And with that, he slipped out, leaving the room a little quieter but still filled with the feeling of him.

When Joel left, the room felt emptier, but I didn’t let myself linger in the silence for too long. I stretched, letting the warmth of the morning seep into my skin, then climbed out of bed. I picked out a pair of loose-fitting blue jeans and a simple white t-shirt, not too cropped, but just enough to feel light and easy. The fabric brushed softly against my skin as I moved, still warm from sleep and the touch of Joel.

I headed to the bathroom, splashing cool water on my face and brushing my teeth. The routine grounded me after such a surreal and perfect night. My reflection looked a little more alive than usual, like happiness had left its mark on me.

Just as I was finishing up, I heard a gentle knock on the door. My heart jumped a little, already knowing who it was. I walked over and opened it.

There he was. Joel, freshly showered, wearing a crisp t-shirt and dark jeans that fit him too well. His hair was still damp at the edges, and he looked at me like I was the only thing that mattered right then.

"Hey," he said, smiling.

"Hey," I replied, stepping aside so he could come in.

When I closed the door, Joel leaned in and kissed me. It was soft and slow, so careful like he was pouring something honest into it. I melted into him, into the safety of it.

When we finally pulled apart, I looked at him and asked, "Are you excited for today?"

He gave a small smile, eyes warm and steady on mine. "Yeah," he said, voice low and rough like gravel smoothed by time. "But more than that... I'm just glad I get to spend it with you."

I felt my cheeks heat up and looked down, a little shy. "Don’t say that," I mumbled.

He stepped closer and gently took my chin, tilting it up until I was looking at him again. His hand was rough but the touch was gentle.

"I say it ‘cause it’s true," he said, simple and sure. Then he gave me that quiet smile of his, the one that made me feel like I belonged somewhere.

"That’s what scares me," I said quietly, the words slipping out before I could stop them.

Joel’s brow furrowed a little. “What do you mean?”

I let out a breath, my voice soft, raw. “Joel, the things I feel about you… I can’t. I don’t…” I looked away, my thoughts tangled. “My father, all of it… I don’t know how to deal with this.”

Joel didn’t say anything right away. He just watched me, not pushing, not judging. Then, in that steady voice of his, he said, “You ain’t gotta have it all figured out right now. Hell, I sure as hell don’t.”

He stepped in a little closer. “But whatever this is between us… it ain’t nothin’. And I ain’t goin’ anywhere unless you tell me to.”

His words were so simple, but they landed deep. I looked back at him, and for a moment, the weight in my chest felt a little lighter.

“I don’t want you to go anywhere,” I said quietly, unsure if I’d spoken out loud until the silence answered me.

Joel’s eyes softened. He stepped closer and took my hand with a gentleness that made something in my chest tighten.

“I ain't planning on going anywhere,” he said, his voice low and sure. “Not unless you’re the one tellin’ me to.”

I shook my head, quickly, a little too fast. “No. I’m not. I just... I’ve never felt like this before. And it scares the hell out of me.”

Joel nodded like he understood every word even before I said it.

“Me too,” he admitted. “But just ‘cause something’s scary doesn’t mean it ain’t worth it.”

I looked up at him. Really looked. And for the first time in a long while, I felt like I could breathe.

“I want this, Joel,” I said, my voice steadier now. “Even if I don’t know exactly what it means yet.”

He gave my hand a soft squeeze. “That’s enough for me.”

Joel pulled me into a tight hug, and I buried my face in his chest, letting the warmth of him settle over me. He didn’t pull away, just held me close, his arms wrapped around me like he didn’t want to let go either.

After a while, I pulled back slightly, just enough to look at him. “So what’s the plan?”

Joel smiled and chuckled softly, running a hand through his messy hair. “Well, we’re gonna pack up all our stuff, head to the airport, catch a flight, take a bus, and then a train. It’s gonna be a long trip.”

I grinned, teasing a little, “Thank God I got a good night’s sleep, then.”

He looked at me, eyes full of affection. “Good thing, ‘cause you’re gonna need it.”

I looked around my room, hands on my hips, and sighed. “So you’re telling me I have to pack this whole mess?”

Joel gave me that familiar smirk, arms crossed as he leaned against the doorframe. “I think that’s what I said, baby.”

I let out a dramatic huff. “Okay,” I muttered in the most bored tone I could manage, then started shoving things into my bag, half-pouting the whole time.

Joel came over and helped, folding some of my clothes while pretending not to notice how slowly I was moving. I glanced at him and rolled my eyes. “I’ll help you pack too, promise.”

He gave a low chuckle. “You better. I ain’t carryin’ all your stuff and mine.”

About an hour later, we finally had all my stuff packed up. Joel’s room was our next stop, and compared to mine, it looked like a hotel ad neat, organized… except for one lone pair of boxers on the floor.

I bent to pick them up, holding them by the waistband with a grin. There was a huge white stain inside, and I raised an eyebrow as I turned to him. “Did I do this to you?”

Joel looked over from where he was zipping his bag, eyes flicking to what I held in my hand. A slow smirk spread across his face. “Sweetheart, that’s the least damage you did.”

I laughed, feeling the heat rush to my face. “You’re unbelievable.”

He walked over, took the boxers from me with a teasing look, and leaned in close. “And you’re trouble.”

The way he said it sent a warm ripple through my chest and maybe a little lower.

As I glanced around the room, my eyes landed on a long button-up shirt draped over the edge of the bed. It was green with subtle brown stripes, soft and worn in the way clothes get after being loved for years. I picked it up and slipped it on. It hung loosely on me, the sleeves brushing my knuckles, and I liked how it felt.

Joel turned just as I was adjusting the collar. He walked over and reached out to smooth something near my shoulder. "Suits you," he said quietly. "Keep it."

I blinked at him. "Really?"

He nodded with a soft smile. "Yeah. Looks better on you anyway."

I smiled back, my fingers brushing the hem of the shirt like it was something precious. We packed up the last of his things. He didn’t have much, just the essentials. When everything was zipped and ready, Joel dropped down on the bed with a quiet sigh.

I pulled out my phone and texted my dad to see if he was ready. A minute later, he replied saying he’d be out front of the hotel in an hour. I tucked my phone back into my pocket and looked over at Joel, already feeling the anticipation for the day ahead.

"So, what are we gonna do with this hour we have?" I asked, looking over at Joel as he sat on the bed.

He raised an eyebrow, that familiar smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. "Oh, I think you already got somethin' in mind, baby."

I felt the heat rise in my cheeks, but I didn’t look away. "Maybe I do," I said, stepping closer, letting the shirt I was wearing fall just enough to tease him.

Joel leaned back on his hands, eyes trailing down then back up to meet mine. "Yeah… I figured you might."

I stopped just inches away from the bed, my hands resting lightly on my hips. "You always seem to know what I'm thinking," I teased, my voice soft but steady.

"Only 'cause you make it so obvious," he shot back, his smirk deepening. He didn’t move, but I could see the tension in his muscles, the way his fingers gripped the edge of the bed just a little tighter.

Reaching out, I let my fingertips brush against his knee, feeling the warmth of his skin through the fabric of his jeans. "Maybe I just like making it obvious," I murmured, my eyes never leaving his.

His breath hitched, just barely, but I caught it. I always did. Slowly, I dropped to my knees in front of him, my hands sliding up his thighs. His eyes darkened, and I could hear the faintest groan escape his lips as I leaned in closer.

"Jesus, baby," he muttered, his hands moving to cradle my face.

I didn’t say anything, just looked up at him through my lashes, my lips parting slightly. My fingers found the button of his jeans, and I made quick work of it, pulling the zipper down with a deliberate slowness.

When I finally freed him from the confines of his jeans, I couldn’t help but let out a soft breath. He was already hard, the length of him straining against the fabric of his boxers. I traced a finger along the outline of him, feeling him jerk beneath my touch.

"Fuck," he growled, his hands tightening in my hair.

I smiled, a wicked little curve of my lips, before hooking my fingers into the waistband of his boxers and pulling them down. He sprang free, and I took a moment to just look at him, to savor the way his chest rose and fell with each breath, the way his jaw clenched as he tried to hold back.

Leaning in, I pressed a soft kiss to the tip of him, feeling him shudder beneath me. My tongue darted out, tasting him, and I heard him curse under his breath.

"Sweetheart, you’re gonna kill me," he muttered, his fingers stroking through my hair.

I didn’t respond, just wrapped my lips around him, taking him deeper into my mouth. His hips bucked instinctively, and I moaned around him, the vibration sending a jolt through his body.

My hands rested on his thighs, steadying myself as I began to move, my mouth sliding up and down his length with a rhythm that had him groaning my name. His fingers tightened in my hair, not pulling, just holding on as if he needed something to ground him.

"God," he groaned, his head falling back against the mattress. "You feel so fucking good."

I hummed in response, the sound sending another shiver through him. My tongue swirled around the head of him, teasing the sensitive spot just beneath, and I felt his thighs tense beneath my hands.

He was close, I could tell by the way his breathing grew ragged, by the way his fingers clenched and unclenched in my hair. I quickened my pace, taking him deeper, wanting to push him over the edge.

"Baby, I’m…" His voice broke off, a low growl escaping his throat as he came, his hips jerking up into my mouth. I swallowed every drop, not pulling away until he was completely spent.

When I finally looked up at him, his eyes were hooded, his chest still heaving. "Jesus Christ," he muttered, his hand coming up to brush a strand of hair away from my face. "You’re gonna be the death of me."

I smiled, leaning in to press a soft kiss to his thigh. "You say that like it’s a bad thing."

Joel let out a shaky breath, his hand still gently resting on my jaw. "I need to go return the motorcycle," he said after a moment, his voice low and a little hoarse. "Wanna come with me?"

I looked up at him, still catching my breath, and gave a soft smile. "Nah… go ahead. I’ll start double-checking our stuff, maybe have a coffee downstairs or something."

He nodded, leaning down to kiss me slow and deep, like a silent thank you. "I won’t be long," he murmured against my lips.

"You better not," I said, playfully tugging at his shirt before he stood.

He smirked as he grabbed his keys, tossing me one last look before heading out the door.

I sat on his bed, still wearing the shirt he gave me, pulling it close and breathing in his scent. It was warm and familiar, like comfort wrapped in fabric. I picked up my phone and scrolled through the photos I’d taken of him smiling, relaxed, that moment on the motorcycle with the wind in his hair. I couldn’t help it I posted one to my story, then added a short video of our ride. Just a glimpse. Just enough.

It didn’t take long before my friends started messaging me, asking if I was having a good time. I texted back for a bit, giving vague answers and little hints.

Then a new message popped up.

Joel: I see you’re looking at my pictures.

I smiled, my thumbs already hovering over the screen when a second one came through.

Joel: You miss me already?

My smile grew wider, and I leaned back against the pillows, still clutching his shirt.

I stared at his message for a second, biting back a grin before typing my reply.

Me: Maybe.

Then I snapped a quick photo me curled up on his bed, still wearing his shirt, hair a little messy, eyes soft and sent it without thinking twice.

A few seconds passed. Then three dots appeared. He was typing.

He texted back

Joel: Good.

Just one word, but I could practically hear it his deep, rough voice, low and certain, like he was standing right behind me whispering it in my ear. It sent a chill down my spine, in the best way.

I bit my lip, heart thudding, and typed back:

Me: You always know what to say, huh?

A beat passed. Then his reply came in:

Joel: Only when it’s about you, sweetheart.

We left it at that.

I got up, still wearing Joel’s shirt, and headed down to the hotel cafeteria. The smell of coffee hit me instantly warm, comforting, grounding. I ordered a cup and stood there waiting, eyes wandering casually around the room. That’s when I saw him.

My dad.

He was sitting at a small table by the window, leaning in a little too close to a woman who looked just a few years older than me. She laughed at something he said, her hand brushing his arm.

I blinked, then smirked.

Grabbing my coffee, I walked over.

"Good morning, Dad," I said, my tone light but my expression smug. He looked up, startled like a kid caught doing something he shouldn’t.

Then I turned to her. "Hi," I said, holding out my hand. "I’m his son."

She smiled, a little awkward. "Julie," she replied, shaking my hand.

I could feel the discomfort radiating off my dad. He shifted in his seat and cleared his throat, trying to find the right words. I just sipped my coffee calmly, like this wasn’t totally weird or mildly hilarious.

"I’m gonna leave you two to talk," I said, stepping back from the table.

Then I turned to Julie with a polite smile. "It was nice meeting you."

She smiled warmly. "You too."

With that, I walked away, coffee in hand, heading toward the pool. The sun was already strong, reflecting off the water in soft glimmers. I found an empty lounge chair, dropped into it, and let out a long breath. The quiet hum of the morning around me felt calm, but my mind was still buzzing.

Then my phone buzzed.

Joel: Where are you?

I typed back, At the pool.

A few minutes later, I heard footsteps and looked up to see him walking over, a lazy smile on his face.

“Hey,” he said.

“Hi,” I answered, smiling back.

He sat down beside me, brushing his hand against mine. “How you doin’?”

“I’m good,” I said, then let out a short laugh. “Just saw my dad… with his new very young girlfriend.”

Joel raised an eyebrow, smirking. “Yeah?”

“What?” I said, pretending to be innocent.

He leaned back, clearly waiting. So I told him everything—how awkward my dad looked, how Julie smiled like she wasn’t sure if she was meeting his son or his younger brother. I told him about the tension, the forced politeness, the weird way my dad kept adjusting his shirt like it would somehow make him look cooler.

By the time I finished, Joel was laughing so hard he nearly choked on his own breath.

“You serious?” he asked between laughs.

“Dead serious.”

“Goddamn,” he muttered, wiping a tear from his eye. “That poor bastard. Tryin’ so hard and still makin’ it worse.”

“Yeah,” I grinned. “I almost felt bad. Almost.”

He chuckled again, reaching over to squeeze my knee.

Joel pulled out his phone and glanced at the time. “Let me call your old man,” he said, already dialing. “If we stay out here any longer, we’re gonna miss that plane.”

He stepped a few feet away to talk. I watched him pace for a moment, the sun catching in his hair, one hand on his hip like he was trying to stay patient.

After a short call, he came back and slipped the phone into his pocket. “Alright,” he said. “He’s getting ready. I’m gonna go grab our stuff.”

I stood up, ready to follow, but he gave me a look. “Nope. Stay here. I’ve got it.”

“You sure?”

He smirked. “Yeah. Don’t think I didn’t see you dragging your feet earlier. Sit tight, sweetheart.”

Before I could argue, he was already walking back toward the hotel.

We met up out front just as planned, and not long after, we headed to the airport. On the plane, my dad ended up in the middle seat, right between me and Joel which meant we couldn’t say much. We exchanged a few glances, a couple soft smiles, but that was it. After about an hour, we landed and hopped on a bus to the train station.

Joel and I sat side by side this time, talking a little about the flight, but still keeping it casual with my dad nearby. It wasn’t until we got on the train that things shifted. It was the longest ride, four hours and honestly the most exhausting part of the trip so far. The only good thing? My dad had booked a seat in another part of the train, so Joel and I finally had some space to breathe.

When we found our seats, Joel sat right beside me. The moment he settled in, his hand reached for mine, his fingers gently intertwining with mine, playing with them absentmindedly.

“You tired?” I asked, glancing at him.

“A little,” he murmured. “Might get some sleep.”

“Hmm, that’s a good idea.”

As the train started moving, I pulled out my phone and headphones. I offered him one, and he took it without a word, sliding it into his ear. I picked a soft playlist, something calm and familiar. Joel leaned his head on my shoulder, eyes fluttering shut. His breath was steady, warm against my neck.

After a while, I shifted gently, guiding his head onto my lap so he could stretch out. He didn’t stir. I smiled, watching him for a moment, then rested my head back and closed my eyes. The rhythm of the train, the weight of him on me, and the soft music eventually pulled me under too.

After about an hour, I felt Joel shift slightly on my lap. The movement stirred me from sleep. I blinked my eyes open and looked down to find his already open, still heavy with sleep.

“Did I wake you?” he asked softly, his voice a low rasp.

“Mmm… I don’t mind,” I whispered, smiling as my fingers lazily played with his hair, pushing a few strands off his forehead.

His eyes held mine for a moment, calm and warm, and he let out a quiet breath, relaxing again into my touch.

“Joel, can I ask you something?” I said quietly, my fingers still in his hair.

He didn’t look away. “You can ask me whatever you want, babe,” he replied, his voice still rough from sleep.

I hesitated for a second, then let the question slip out. “Am I… am I the first man you’ve been with?”

Joel didn’t blink. He held my gaze, then gave me a small smirk. “Why are you askin’ that, sweetheart?”

“I just… I don’t know. We haven’t really talked about your life. You know mine, pretty much all of it but I don’t know yours, except that you were married once and you’ve got a daughter.”

He didn’t get up. Instead, he shifted and rested his hand on my thigh, his thumb gently brushing over the fabric.

“You’re right,” he said, his tone low and steady. “No, you’re not the first man I’ve been with. But you are the first one I’ve seen again after just one night… and definitely the youngest.”

He paused for a moment, like he was thinking back. “Before my wife, there were… plenty of things. Men, women. I didn’t really care much about labels back then, I just followed what I felt.”

"Thank you for sharing," I said softly, my fingers still gently running through his hair. "I appreciate it. I really do."

Joel looked up at me, eyes warm and steady. “Ain’t nothin’ to thank me for, sweetheart,” he said, his voice low and honest. “You matter to me. You should know where I come from.”

“I’d love to know more about your past sometime,” I said, watching the way the light hit his eyes as the train sped past the landscape.

Joel gave me a small, tired smile and reached up to rest his hand on my knee. “Then ask me whatever you want, sweetheart. I don’t mind. I told you nothin’ to hide from you.”

There was something about the way he said it, like he meant every word. Like if I asked him to hand me his whole story, he'd do it without hesitation.

The rest of the train ride was cozy quiet music, warm touches, and the hum of the rails beneath us. When we finally arrived at Aguas Calientes, it was already getting late. We grabbed a taxi and rode through the fading evening light to the house we had rented nearby.

As soon as we stepped out and started unloading our bags, my dad pulled me aside. His expression was awkward, like he’d been rehearsing something in his head but still didn’t know how to say it.

“Do you mind staying in the same house with Joel?” he asked.

I blinked, a little thrown. “What? Why…?” I tried to play it cool, but my voice gave me away.

He rubbed the back of his neck. “Uh, well… Julie’s coming tomorrow and I thought…”

I let out a small laugh, realizing how uncomfortable he felt about it all. “I get it,” I said, saving him from finishing the sentence. “And I don’t have a problem staying with Joel.”

He nodded, clearly relieved. “Thanks, kid.”

I just smiled and turned to glance at Joel, who was already carrying our bags inside like it was the most natural thing in the world.

I followed Joel into the house, the door clicking shut behind me as he carried our bags inside like it was nothing. He set them down near the couch, rolling his shoulders a little. I stepped toward him slowly, a grin already tugging at my lips.

“Mmm, thanks for the helping hand,” I said, leaning against the wall with a teasing tone. “What do I owe you, mister?”

Joel turned, that familiar smirk already on his face, eyes narrowing slightly as he looked me over. “Owe me, huh?” he said, walking closer until there was barely any space between us. “I can think of a few ways you could say thank you.”

His voice dropped a little lower, rough and warm, making my stomach flip.

“Mmm, yeah? Tell me,” I said, my voice soft, a little daring as I looked up at him.

Joel’s smirk deepened. He reached out and ran his hand down my side, slow and deliberate, before resting it on my waist.

“Well,” he murmured, eyes locked on mine, “you could start by giving’ me one of those kisses you know I like.”

I leaned in just enough for our noses to touch, my voice barely above a whisper. “Just one?”

He chuckled, low and rough. “I never said just one, sweetheart.”

And before I could say anything else, his lips were on mine slow, deep, claiming like he’d been waiting all day for it. I melted into him immediately, my hands finding their way to his chest, feeling the steady rise and fall of his breath. He tasted like the faintest hint of coffee and something unmistakably Joel, and I couldn’t get enough. His tongue swept against mine, coaxing me to open up to him, and I did without hesitation, a soft moan escaping my throat.

Joel’s hands slid down to my hips, pulling me flush against him, and I could feel the hard press of his growing arousal against my thigh. The heat between us was intoxicating, and I wanted more needed more. One of his hands slipped under the hem of my shirt, his calloused fingers brushing against my skin, and I shivered at the contact.

“Joel,” I breathed against his lips, my voice shaky with want. “You’re driving me crazy.”

“Good,” he growled, nipping at my bottom lip before pulling back just enough to look at me. His eyes were dark, filled with a hunger that matched my own. “That’s the idea.”

I didn’t need any more encouragement. My hands moved to the hem of his shirt, pulling it up and over his head in one swift motion. His chest was bare now, and I couldn’t resist running my hands over it, feeling the warmth of his skin under my fingertips. Joel’s breath hitched, his hands tightening on my hips as I traced the hard planes of his stomach.

“You’re beautiful,” I murmured, my voice full of awe, and Joel’s smirk softened into something almost tender.

“Says you,” he replied, his hands sliding up my back, pulling my shirt off with practiced ease. The cool air hit my skin, but it was nothing compared to the heat of his gaze as it raked over me. His hands were everywhere on my chest, my shoulders, my sides and I leaned into his touch, craving more.

Joel’s lips found the curve of my neck, his teeth grazing the sensitive skin there, and I let out a low groan, my hands tangling in his hair. God, Joel, I whispered, my hips bucking against his as he sucked a mark into my skin. “I need you.”

“You’ve got me,” he murmured against my neck, his hands sliding down to the waistband of my jeans. “All of me.”

The sound of his zipper being pulled down was deafening in the quiet room, and I barely had time to breathe before his hand was in my boxers, wrapping around my hardened length. I gasped, my head falling back against the wall as he stroked me, his touch firm and sure. My hands scrambled for purchase, landing on his shoulders as I tried to keep myself upright.

“Joel,” I moaned, my voice trembling. “Fuck, just like that.”

He didn’t say anything, just pressed a kiss to my jaw as he continued to stroke me, his other hand undoing his own jeans and letting them fall to the floor. My eyes widened as he stepped closer, his hard cock pressing against my thigh, and I reached out to touch him, my fingers wrapping around him. He let out a low growl, his hips jerking into my hand, and I couldn’t help but smirk.

“Like that, huh?” I teased, my thumb brushing over the sensitive tip of him.

“You’re a brat,” he muttered, but there was no anger in his voice just pure, raw desire. He leaned in, capturing my lips in another searing kiss, his hand still working me with practiced ease. The friction was almost too much, and I could feel the coil of pleasure tightening in my stomach.

“Joel, I’m close,” I warned, my voice breaking as I thrust into his hand.

“Then let go,” he urged, his voice rough and commanding. “I’ve got you.”

And with that, I was gone, my orgasm crashing over me in waves as I spilled into his hand. Joel didn’t stop, his strokes slowing as he milked me through it, his lips on mine, swallowing my moans. When I finally came down, his hand stilled, and he pulled back just enough to look at me, his eyes filled with satisfaction.

“You’re so fucking hot,” he said, his voice thick with need. “You don’t even know.”

I reached down, wrapping my hand around his length and stroking him slowly, watching as his eyes fluttered shut. “Show me,” I replied, my voice low and full of promise. “I want to see you fall apart.”

Joel groaned, his hips thrusting into my hand, and I knew I had him just where I wanted him. His hand tangled in my hair, pulling me into another kiss as I worked him, my strokes growing faster, more urgent. It didn’t take long before he was coming, his release spilling over my hand as he buried his face in the crook of my neck, his breath hot against my skin.

Joel looked at me with that smirk that always did something to my chest. "I wish we had more time," he said, his voice low and teasing. "So I could do all the things I wanna do to you, sweetheart."

He stood up and walked to the bathroom to wash his hands, and I followed him, stepping beside him at the sink. The moment felt casual, but close.

I looked over at him, catching his eyes in the mirror. "Well," I said with a small smile, "now that we're gonna be living together… we’ll have the time."

Joel stepped aside, still completely naked, making room for me to wash my hands beside him. His eyes were on me the whole time, calm and steady, like he wasn’t in any rush to change the moment.

Then, from outside the house, my father’s voice suddenly rang out loud and clear.

“Hey! Open up!”

We both froze and looked at each other, wide-eyed like two kids caught doing something we shouldn’t. Panic kicked in and we scrambled to get dressed, Joel quickly yelling, “We’re coming!”

As we rushed around grabbing clothes, I caught a glimpse of him smiling to himself.

I leaned in close and whispered, “You’re enjoying this, aren’t you?”

“Kinda,” he said with a grin, pulling his shirt over his head.

Joel went to open the door while I bolted to the bedroom, trying to make myself scarce so it wouldn’t be obvious what we’d been up to. I took a few deep breaths, straightened my clothes, and walked out casually like I hadn’t just been half-naked with Joel five seconds ago.

When I stepped outside to join them, my dad glanced over and greeted me with a smirk.

“Hey, kid,” he said.

“Hey,” I replied, trying to act cool even though I could still feel the rush of everything that just happened pulsing through me.

“I’m starving,” my dad said, rubbing his stomach as he stepped into the house, his voice echoing slightly through the open space. “Are we gonna go eat or what?”

I was still catching my breath, trying to look casual. “Yeah, definitely. I could eat a whole buffet right now.”

Joel joined me just in time, his shirt slightly wrinkled and his hair still damp from our rushed cleanup. He looked calm, composed, like nothing had just happened, and somehow, that made it worse. Or better. I wasn’t sure.

“There’s a place just a few minutes away,” Joel said, adjusting the strap of his watch like he hadn’t just sprinted to put on clothes. “I checked it out earlier. It looked good.”

My dad nodded with approval, already heading toward the door. “Perfect. Let’s go before I start chewing my own arm off.”

I glanced at Joel as we followed behind. He was smirking slightly, and I leaned in close enough that only he could hear me.

“Think we pulled it off?” I whispered, my voice low.

Joel kept his eyes on the path ahead, but I saw the corners of his mouth twitch upward. “Barely,” he murmured.

I leaned in a little closer to Joel as we walked behind my dad and whispered, "We need to disguise it better later…" My voice came out softer than I meant it to, edged with a bit of sadness I couldn’t quite hide.

Joel glanced at me, the smirk fading from his lips. He gave a small nod, his voice quiet but steady. "Yeah. We will."

His hand brushed against mine as we walked, just for a second. Just enough to say, I'm here. And even though I couldn’t reach for him the way I wanted to, that small gesture was enough to steady something inside me.

We sat down at a small local restaurant, tucked beneath colorful vines and warm, glowing lights. It had this rustic charm that made it feel like we were stepping into someone’s home rather than a business. The people were kind, welcoming us like regulars even though it was our first time.

The waitress smiled at us, full of warmth, and when we asked what to get, she listed a few house specialties with such pride we didn’t even hesitate. We ordered everything she suggested, and a bottle of red wine to share.

Once we settled in and the food started arriving, plates full of grilled vegetables, local meats, and fresh bread, I turned to my father and raised a brow.

“So,” I said, casually, but with a smirk. “Are you gonna tell us about Julie?”

He nearly choked on his wine. Joel looked down, probably trying not to laugh.

"Yeah, tell us about her," Joel added, leaning back in his chair with that teasing grin of his. "Your son said she was beautiful and young."

My dad shot us both a look, half-annoyed and half-amused. "He did, did he?" he muttered, wiping his mouth with a napkin.

Joel nodded, clearly enjoying this way too much. I just smirked into my wine glass.

Dad sighed, setting his fork down. "Her name’s Julie, and yeah… she’s a little younger than me. We met a few months ago. She’s smart, independent. Works in tourism. Not that it’s any of your business."

"That’s adorable," I said, nudging Joel under the table.

Joel chuckled. "Just making conversation, Mark. You know, family bonding."

My dad gave us both a skeptical look, but he was smiling. "You two are trouble."

"Only the good kind," I said, popping a piece of bread into my mouth.

"So, is she here because of her job?" I asked, tilting my head, pretending to be casually curious while keeping my tone light.

My dad took a sip of his wine, then nodded. "Partially, yeah. She had some meetings scheduled in the area this week, and since we were already planning this trip, we figured... why not combine the two?"

Joel raised an eyebrow. "Convenient."

"Exactly," my dad said, not missing the sarcasm but choosing to ignore it. "We’re taking some time off after her work stuff is done. Thought it might be nice to show her around."

I leaned back in my chair. "Well, I hope she’s ready for all this family charm."

Joel smirked beside me. "She’s in for something, that’s for sure."

Then Joel leaned forward, setting down his wine glass. “You should tell her to come with us tomorrow to see Machu Picchu. We’re doing the whole experience, right? Might as well have her join and maybe we can all get dinner after.”

I nodded in agreement. “Yeah, it could be nice.”

My father looked at me, hesitating a little. “Are you okay with that?”

I raised an eyebrow. “Why wouldn’t I be?”

He exhaled, glancing at his plate. “I don’t know… I thought maybe you’d mind seeing me with someone else. After your mother.”

I looked at him for a moment, then gave a soft smile. “Dad, I just want to see you happy. The same way I want Mom to be happy, too. Life’s short. If Julie makes you feel good, that’s what matters.”

He looked touched, his eyes dropping for a second as he nodded. Joel gently brushed his knee against mine under the table, and I leaned into the moment quiet, honest, and a little healing.

We lingered at the table, the empty plates between us still carrying the scent of spices and slow-cooked warmth. Conversation drifted from one topic to another, from how the trip had been so far to the quiet charm of the town, the kind people we’d met, and the things we still wanted to see. There was laughter, a few shared glances, and that gentle kind of silence that only happens when everyone feels content.

When the last sip of wine was gone, I leaned back and glanced at the bill. Joel gave me a look, that subtle one that meant he was ready to argue, but I grinned and waved him off. Before he could say a word, I reached for my wallet and paid.

As we stood, the waitress returned with a warm smile and a soft "gracias," and we thanked her in return. Outside, the air was cool but pleasant, brushing against our skin like a soft exhale. The cobbled street reflected the glow of the streetlamps, and the sounds of the town had quieted into the background hum of night.

My dad walked ahead, hands in his pockets, still talking about a hiking route he’d read about. Joel hung back a little, close enough that our arms brushed now and then. When he thought no one was watching, his fingers found mine for the briefest moment. Just enough to feel, not enough to be seen. It made my heart flutter in that familiar, secret way.

The walk back felt slow and calm, like the end of a long day you don’t want to let go of just yet.

We arrived at the houses, my father heading straight to his with a quick nod. I called out softly, “Good night, Dad,” before turning toward the door of the house Joel and I would be sharing. My fingers trembled slightly as I fumbled with the keys, the quiet night wrapping around us like a promise of what was to come. The lock clicked open, and I pushed the door ajar, stepping inside with Joel right behind me.

When we stepped inside, I let myself collapse onto the couch, the exhaustion from the day crashing over me like a wave. Joel followed, sitting down close, his hand warm and steady on my back a quiet anchor in the storm swirling inside me. His voice was soft, almost hesitant. “Are you okay?”

I met his eyes, and for a moment the words stuck in my throat. Then I breathed out, shaky and honest. “I don’t know, Joel. Part of me feels like I’m finally alive when I’m with you, like everything I’ve been missing is right here. But the other part… the other part is terrified. Terrified of what might happen if my dad finds out about us.”

He didn’t say anything at first, just held me there gently. The silence wasn’t empty; it was full of understanding. I swallowed hard, my voice barely more than a whisper. “Being with you feels like a new kind of freedom, but I’m trapped in this fear. What if it ruins everything? What if I lose you because I can’t stand up to him?”

Joel’s eyes held me like I was the only thing that mattered in the world. He took a slow, steady breath, like he was gathering every ounce of strength just for me. “I know it’s hard,” he said softly, his voice low and full of feeling. “Your dad… he’s a part of your life and mines too, and that makes everything complicated. But you’re not alone. Not now. Not ever.”

He reached up, his fingers trembling just a little as he tucked a stray strand of hair behind my ear, his touch so gentle it sent a shiver through me. “I’m here, and I’m not going anywhere. Whatever storms come our way, we’ll face them together. You don’t have to carry that fear on your own, not while I’m with you.”

He paused for a moment, searching my eyes, then whispered, “We’ll figure it out as we go. One step at a time.”

I wrapped my arms around him, feeling the steady beat of his heart beneath my palm. He sank back into the couch, pulling me close until I was curled up against him. His arms tightened around me like a shield, and I buried my face in the warmth of his neck, breathing in the calm reassurance only he could give.

His hand moved slowly up and down my back, the warmth of his palm seeping through the fabric of my shirt. “Tell me what you need,” he murmured, his lips brushing against my temple. “Anything. I’m here.”

I didn’t have to think about it. I knew what I needed. I needed him. Not just his words or his touch, but every part of him. I needed to feel connected, to remind myself that what we had was real, that it was worth fighting for.

I tilted my head up, my lips finding his in a kiss that started soft but quickly deepened. His breath hitched, and his hands tightened on my waist, pulling me even closer. I could feel the tension in his body, the way he was holding back, like he was afraid of pushing too hard.

But I didn’t want him to hold back. I wanted all of him.

I broke the kiss just long enough to whisper, “Joel. I need you. All of you.”

His eyes darkened, and for a moment, he just looked at me, like he was trying to decide if I meant it. Then he nodded, his hands moving to the hem of my shirt. “You have me baby” he said, his voice rough with want but still soft.

He pulled my shirt over my head, his hands immediately returning to my skin. His touch was electric, sending sparks of pleasure through me as his fingers traced the curve of my spine.

He stood then, taking my hand and pulling me up with him. Without a word, he led me to the bedroom, his grip on my hand firm but gentle. The moment the door closed behind us, he turned to me, his eyes blazing with a mix of desire and something deeper, something that made my chest ache.

“Let me take care of you,” he said, his voice low and steady. “Let me remind you how much you mean to me.”

I nodded, my breath catching in my throat as he stepped closer, his hands moving to the waistband of my jeans. He undressed me slowly, every touch deliberate, every movement filled with purpose. When I was finally bare before him, he stepped back for a moment, his eyes roaming over me like he was committing every inch of me to memory.

Then he was on me again, his lips crashing into mine as he pushed me onto the bed. He followed me down, his body covering mine as his hands explored every inch of my skin. His touch was everywhere, overwhelming but in the best possible way. I could feel the heat of his body against mine, the way his heart raced in time with mine.

When his hand finally moved between my legs, I gasped, arching into his touch. He was slow, deliberate, his fingers working me open with a patience that drove me wild. Every touch, every stroke, was like he was trying to tell me something without words, like he was pouring every ounce of love and devotion he had into the way he touched me.

By the time he finally entered me, I was already on the edge, my body trembling with the need for more. He moved slowly at first, his eyes locked on mine, his breath coming in ragged gasps. “You’re so beautiful,” he murmured, his voice rough with emotion. “So fucking beautiful.”

I wrapped my legs around his waist, pulling him closer, deeper. The feel of him inside me was almost too much, but I didn’t want it to stop. I wanted to feel every inch of him, to lose myself in the rhythm of our bodies moving together.

He groaned, his forehead pressing against mine as his pace quickened. Every thrust was like a promise, a reminder that no matter what happened, we had this. We had each other.

When I finally came, it was with his name on my lips, my body shuddering with the force of it. He followed me over the edge a moment later, his body collapsing onto mine as he whispered my name like a prayer.

For a long time, we just lay there, our bodies tangled together, our hearts beating in sync. Joel’s fingers traced lazy patterns on my skin, and I could feel the steady rise and fall of his chest beneath my hand.

“No matter what happens, no matter how hard things get… I here for you.”

I smiled, my eyes closing as I let the weight of his words sink in. “I know,” I whispered back, my voice thick with emotion.

But even as I said it, I couldn’t shake the tiny, nagging voice in the back of my mind. The one that reminded me of my dad, of the storm that was still looming on the horizon.

Joel must have sensed it, because he tightened his arms around me, pulling me closer. “We’ll figure it out,” he said, his voice steady and sure. “Together.”

I nodded, but the words stuck in my throat. Because as much as I wanted to believe him, as much as I wanted to trust that we could get through anything… I wasn’t sure. Not yet.

But for now, in this moment, with Joel’s arms around me and his heartbeat beneath my hand, I could try. I could hold onto him and believe that whatever came next, we’d face it together. One step at a time.

The silence between us wasn’t empty, it was full of everything we couldn’t say yet, everything we hoped for and feared all at once. His hand moved gently across my bare back, slow and comforting, like he was grounding me to this moment, to him.

The warmth of our skin pressed together, the quiet rhythm of his breath, the steady rise and fall of his chest beneath my hand it all lulled me into a calm I hadn’t felt in days. Maybe even longer.

Outside, the night was still. The soft hum of the wind against the windows, the faint sounds of life beyond our walls, all seemed distant. Here, it was just us. No secrets, no pretending. Just this fragile, perfect peace.

Joel shifted slightly and pressed a soft kiss to my forehead. His lips lingered for a moment before he whispered, “Sleep, sweetheart.” His voice was low, thick with sleep and something gentler, something that wrapped around me like a blanket.

I nodded against him, too tired to speak. My fingers rested lightly on his chest, his heartbeat steady beneath them. His arms tightened around me like he didn’t want to let go.

Naked, vulnerable, and warm in his embrace, I let myself drift. And like that, tangled together in silence and skin, we fell asleep. Peaceful. Safe. Wrapped up in each other, with only the sound of his heartbeat to carry me into the night.

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