Reflections and an Invitation
Noah
A few days had passed since Jake had stayed for dinner for the second time. A few days since the kiss that had rocked my world. I sat at the kitchen island, staring into the half-empty mug of coffee in front of him, wondering when my world would stop spinning. The house was quiet—Jimmy was off in his room, and Sean wasn’t yet back from work. The silence made the weight of everything settle more heavily on my shoulders.
Jake is unlike anyone I’ve ever been with. He’s strong, confident, and not just in the way he looks, but in the way he carries himself. The way he can fill a room without even trying. God knows, his muscles do things to me I can’t explain. But still, there’s something deeper. The way he looks at me, the way he talks to Jimmy, the way he just... exists. It’s magnetic, and I’m caught in it, helpless to break free even if I wanted to. And I don’t.
When he was last here, Jake smirked at me as he dropped his towel to the floor, in my kitchen! And then slowly walked away to get dressed. He stood right in front of me, completely exposed and completely unbothered by it. My breath caught, heat rushed through my veins... I’ve never felt that before. I desperately wanted to act cool, play it off, but I couldn’t. Jake knew exactly what he was doing, and he didn’t even need to say a word.
Then, later that night there was the kiss—the kiss that knocked the wind out of me. Jake was so calm, so controlled, even though Sean was literally just upstairs. The feel of Jake’s lips on mine, his body pressed against me, and the way I got hard so fast... I couldn’t stop myself. It’s like he knew exactly what I needed, exactly how I’d react. And it wasn’t just about the kiss. It was the way he looked at me afterward—like he was staring into my soul, reading thoughts I hadn’t even yet formed..
I can’t stop thinking about the difference between Jake and Sean. I know it’s not fair to compare, but how can I not? I’ve never stared at Sean the way I stare at Jake. It’s not just the physical part either, though let’s be honest—Jake’s body, the way his muscles flex under his skin, the sheer power he has, it’s enough to make me lose my train of thought. There’s something about Jake that draws me in, something that makes me feel... safe. Like I can let go of everything I’ve been holding onto, and it’ll be okay.
The thought that Jake could be playing me gnaws at the back of my mind. What if this is all just a game to him? A fling? I mean, why wouldn’t it be? I’m the older guy, already in a relationship—if you can even call it that anymore—and Jake is this confident, young, alpha-type who could have anyone. Why would he want me for the long term? But then I think about how he looks at me, how he teases me, how he kissed me like he’s been waiting for it. Am I reading too much into it? Or maybe, just maybe, Jake sees something in me that I don’t even see in myself.
And yet... why hasn’t he made more of a move? He knows I’m into him. Hell, he told me I’m not very subtle about it! But he’s holding back. Why? Does he want me to figure it out on my own, to end things with Sean before we go any further? Or is he waiting for me to make the first move, to show him that I’m serious about this? I keep thinking about that kiss, the way I reacted, and I wonder if part of me wants him to just... decide for me. To take that choice out of my hands. It would be easier, wouldn’t it?
I’m overthinking it. But that’s the problem, isn’t it? With Sean, everything was laid out. We had our routines, our life, but somewhere along the way, I started to feel like I’m coasting. Jake is the opposite—intense, charismatic, confident. But why is he holding back? A part of me wonders if I want him to just... make the decision for me. Take the choice out of my hands, so I don’t have to keep wrestling with this confusion. What if I’m wrong, though? What if I’m reading too much into this? The uncertainty is driving me crazy. I want Jake, but I’m paralyzed by the fear of screwing it all up and making the wrong choice.
Jake
I leaned back on the couch, stretching out my legs, still feeling the burn from today’s workout. My quads were sore in the best way, that deep ache that told me I’d pushed myself hard. I reached down, absently stroking the thick muscles, feeling the solid mass beneath my fingers. I couldn’t help but smirk. Lately, touching my muscles made my thoughts turn to Noah. When I’m with him, I keep it together, disciplined—cool. But here, when it’s just me? That discipline starts to slip. I want Noah, and it’s getting harder to be patient.
I play it cool around him, but I can feel that pull between us every time. I know he feels it too, even if he’s not ready to admit it yet. The way his eyes linger on me—yeah, it’s not exactly subtle. I chuckled to myself, remembering the other day when I asked if I was the first bodybuilder he’d ever known. He got all flustered, face turning red, stammering like he didn’t know what to say. Priceless. He thinks he’s hiding it, but I see it every time. The quick glances, the way his breath hitches when he sneaks a look at my arms or chest—like he’s trying to figure me out. I like that. I like that Noah’s drawn to me, even if he’s not ready to own up to it.
Part of my attraction to Noah is the contrast between us, it works for me. He’s smaller, slender, quiet. And he’s got this vibe, like he’s trying to hold it together while figuring me out. I won’t lie, I like the effect I have on him, you can’t fake that. Of course, beyond the emotional chemistry he’s easy on the eyes—a trim waist, toned arms, and that ass? I can’t wait to see more. I flexed my quads, a grin pulling at the corners of my mouth. Noah’s not used to someone like me—someone bigger, more confident—and that’s part of what makes it fun. The way he watches me when he thinks I’m not paying attention... man, it’s a rush. He’s caught between being curious and excited, and I can feel it. Hell, the other night when I flexed my arm for him, he was practically drooling. But it’s more than the muscles. It’s the energy I bring. I know it’s intense, and Noah, well... he’s figuring out what to do with that.
And then there’s Sean. I scoffed, shaking my head slightly. That guy’s not even a factor. Noah doesn’t look at him the way he looks at me. I saw the way Sean tried to puff himself up when we met, throwing those little comments around like they’d land. Weak. He’s got nothing. I don’t need to say it—Noah’s reactions tell me everything I need to know. He’s not flustered around Sean. There’s no spark there. Sean’s just... in the background, like white noise. And me? I’m not gonna push Noah into anything, but I’m not gonna sit back and wait forever either.
I leaned forward, my fingers tracing along the grooves in my thighs. That kiss keeps replaying in my head. The one that happened while Sean was upstairs, clueless. Noah didn’t pull away—if anything, he leaned into it. Hard. I had him pinned up against my quad, and he didn’t even try to hide how much he wanted more. The look on his face, the way his body clung to mine for that brief moment... He wasn’t conflicted then, not really. He wanted it. I could feel the tension after, sure—like he didn’t know what to do next. I’ll give him space. We’re headed somewhere, and it’s only a matter of time before he stops fighting it.
I chuckled softly, running a hand over my jaw. The next step is simple. Get him away from the distractions. Away from Sean. That’s where the beach house comes in. A weekend with Jimmy, just us. Nothing too complicated. It’ll give Noah space to breathe, to see what this could really be. He needs to see the bigger picture, to see what life would look like with me in it.
I stretched my legs again, feeling that satisfying ache from the workout, a grin still playing on my lips. So, that’s the plan. Tomorrow, I’ll suggest the beach house, see how he reacts. If I’m reading him right, and I think I am, he’s close—he’s almost there. Tomorrow, the wheels start turning. I want him, and I want Jimmy in my life too. The weekend at the beach? That’ll just be the beginning.
An Invitation
The next day, the afternoon light filtered through the kitchen windows as I found myself once again sitting at the island, absentmindedly spinning my phone between my fingers. My thoughts had been drifting back to Jake ever since that kiss—unexpected, intense, and impossible to forget. It had been a few days, too many days, since I’d seen him, and the memory of his touch lingered. The doorbell rang, cutting through the quiet. I wasn’t expecting anyone, but my chest tightened with anticipation as I stood. I had no idea who it might be, but it didn’t stop me from hoping.
When I opened the door, my pulse spiked. Standing there was Jake, not in his usual work clothes but in a light, fitted shirt that hugged his broad chest and jeans that drew my gaze to his powerful legs. The sight of him jolted me, and for a moment, I stood frozen, caught off guard by how effortlessly attractive he looked.
“Hey,” Jake said, a playful smile tugging at the corner of his lips, his voice as smooth as ever. He leaned one shoulder against the doorframe, exuding that same casual confidence that seemed to draw me in every time. His gaze held mine, and I could feel a shift between us, the tension returning as though no time had passed at all.
“Oh, hey, Jake,” I managed, my voice sounding a little too breathless. I tried to compose myself, but seeing him again after several days felt strangely intense. It was like the time apart only made the pull stronger, and now here he was, standing on my porch, completely at ease while I scrambled for words.
Jake’s smile widened just a fraction, clearly sensing my reaction. He stepped inside without waiting for an invitation, his movements fluid, like he belonged here. I stepped back to give him space, my eyes tracking the way his sleeve struggled to contain his bicep and tricep as he moved.
“You’re looking sharp,” I blurted, heat rising to my face as soon as the words were out. Jake raised an eyebrow, his smirk deepening.
“Yeah? You like it?” His voice had that teasing edge while he bounded his pecs, like he knew exactly what I was thinking. I swallowed hard, nodding awkwardly, trying to play it off like I hadn’t just been staring at him.
He leaned against the counter, his casual posture only making him more attractive, and I had to force myself to look away. “So, how’ve things been?” Jake asked, his tone light but his eyes sharp. “Thought maybe we could hang out sometime—do something together. Just us.” The suggestion hung in the air, making my heart race. I wasn’t sure what to think, what to say.
Without thinking, I blurted out. “Sean’s going away this weekend.” The second I said it, I knew it was wrong of me to share that. Jake’s eyebrows lifted, his smirk turning into a full grin, and I cursed myself internally for being so obvious.
“Away, huh?” Jake’s voice was smooth, full of opportunity. He stepped a little closer, his eyes locking onto mine. “Sounds like the perfect time for you and Jimmy to get out of the house. You guys should come for the weekend to my family’s beach house. Get some fresh air, clear your head. “It’s not far—right on the water.”
The invitation stunned me, my mind scrambling to process it. A weekend away, with Jake? Just us and Jimmy? The idea was tempting, too tempting. I hesitated, torn between the sensible part of me that knew this was dangerous territory, and the part of me that wanted to say yes.
“I don’t know,” I muttered, my voice unsteady. The logical part of me knew I should say no, but the other part—the part that kept replaying our kiss—wanted to say yes.
Jake watched me closely, sensing my hesitation. He stepped a little closer, his presence filling the space between us. “No pressure, Noah. Just think about it. You could use a break—you and Jimmy. Besides, I’ll make sure it’s fun.”
His voice was low, persuasive, and the calm confidence he projected made it hard to resist. There was something grounding about being around him, like his presence alone could steady me. My pulse quickened, but I found myself nodding. “Maybe... I mean that does sound great.”
Jake’s smile grew wider, satisfaction gleaming in his eyes. “Awesome,” he said, clapping a hand on my shoulder. “I’ll pick you guys up Friday afternoon. Pack light—it’s super casual.”
As he spoke, my eyes were drawn to his hand resting on my shoulder, the veins in his forearm standing out as his fingers pressed lightly against my skin. The heat of his touch spread through me, and I nodded, unable to form any other response.
As Jake turned and walked toward the door, I couldn’t help but watch the way his muscles strained against his clothes. His lats stretched his shirt tight across his back and the way his jeans hugged his legs was certainly distracting. Everything about him screamed confidence. When the door closed behind him, I leaned against it for support, my pulse still racing as I tried to process what had just happened.
I’d just agreed to spend a weekend away with Jake, alone at his beach house, far from Sean and everything familiar. And no matter how much I told myself it was for Jimmy, deep down I knew better. There was something happening between us, something real, and as much as it scared me, I couldn’t deny my excitement.
