Confessions of a Bachelor

CHAPTER 7

When Greg returned with a tray, Steve was already up and had his shirt on. He motioned for Greg to put the tray on the small table by the window then he stood to eat.

“Are you not going to eat?” Steve asked Greg when he saw only one set of utensils.

“I already had dinner. With Karen.”

Steve fell silent hearing Karen’s name. Afterward, he started eating and glanced at Greg from time to time who was sitting on the bed doing nothing, just watching him eat.

“Hey. Don’t just sit there. Tell me about your date.” Steve said.

“There’s nothing much to tell.”

“You’ve been gone the whole afternoon and there’s nothing to tell?” Steve got a little irritated. He thought that Greg didn’t want to speak because all they did was make love. Hmp, maybe that’s why he looks so tired.

“Come on. Just finish your meal so you can rest some more. I’m just waiting for your dishes then I’ll go to my room.” Greg couldn’t tell Steve that his date was awful because he was only thinking about him. His mind was not with Karen but kept on wandering to him.

Steve caught Greg staring at him. It was a look of love and sadness.

“Greg, do you have something to say? Did you get into trouble?”

“No, Steve. Why did you ask?”

“I can sense that you are hiding something from me.”

Greg laughed at how keen Steve was. To avoid his question, Greg took the remote control of TV from the bedside table then switched on the TV. He sat comfortably on the bed, his back on the headboard.

Steve didn’t force him to speak. He knew that Greg avoided his question that’s why he resorted to suddenly turning on the TV. He sensed that Greg was not really watching. He kept on changing channels and looked so bored. Steve just concentrated on his meal.

When he finished eating, he looked at Greg and saw him already asleep.

Tsk. Look at him. He looks so tired. But he’s still here because he thinks that it’s his duty to see me eat.

Steve went to his bathroom to brush his teeth and wash his face. When he went back, he saw Greg still sitting, but his body was already almost touching the bed. He was really sleeping now and was very uncomfortable in his position.

Steve went to him and helped him lie properly on the bed. He slowly pulled his body so he can lie straight with his back on the bed then he pulled the covers up to his neck. Steve was not sleepy because he just woke up. He took his laptop then sat on the table where he ate his dinner.

He checked his email. There were lots of unread ones and he selected the one tagged important.

The mail was from one of their partners who had business in Hong Kong. He was proposing that he expand his business abroad because of the market and the high potential that it could bring to their company. He was willing to discuss in detail if Steve can have time to visit.

While reading the mail, Steve thought that the investor was right. It was high time he expanded the business since they’ve already captured local market, it would be best to expand and tap a new market to prevent saturation. He shut down his laptop and carefully lay on the bed. He pulled the blanket slowly and shared with Greg.

He closed his eyes and forced himself to sleep. Knowing that he was on the same bed with Greg made him very conscious and uncomfortable. It was their first time to sleep together. Steve imagined Greg naked beside him and fondling his most sensitive part. It brought a tingling sensation to Steve and he instantly had an erection. His imagination went as far as when Greg was playing on his two guards underneath while rubbing his length gently with his able hands. Greg’s masculine arms show strength while moving up and down his groin.

Steve couldn’t control his erection anymore. He was so turned on with his imagination that he started touching himself and stroking his member gently. He was looking intently at Greg’s sleeping face and made sure that he wouldn’t wake him up. Steve continued on m**********g until he felt that he was nearing orgasm. He closed his eyes and moved his hand faster. Soft moan escaped his lips when he squirted his juices. His blanket was wet and his hands were a mess. He reached for the tissue that was on the bedside table but was startled when he suddenly felt Greg’s heavy leg on his own.

He immediately glanced at Greg and saw that he was still asleep. He just changed position. Steve heaved a sigh and carefully removed Greg’s leg. But when he was at it, Greg threw his arm around him and it landed on his chest. Steve was unable to move. He loved the warm feeling of Greg’s arm around him. He loved the male scent that permeated his nostrils. He loved the soft snoring sound that Greg made. Steve decided to just lay still and enjoy every moment with Greg near him, until he fell asleep.

Greg knew it was already morning when he heard chirping sounds of the birds outside. He knew that they were in the mansion. There were no blissful sounds like these in the city. He slowly opened his eyes then suddenly realized that his hand was on someone’s warm body. Did I sleep with Karen? He abruptly opened his eyes at the thought and was relieved when he saw that it was Steve. He then realized that he was inside Steve’s room last night.

Greg felt something hard on his legs. He peeked under the blanket. He had all his clothes on but Steve was only wearing shirt and had his boxers pulled down. His member was hard from morning erection and Greg knew that he had jacked off seeing the still wet underpants and some part of his hairy groin. He smiled and looked at Steve’s face. He was sound asleep. Greg feasted on his view and was tempted to touch Steve but held back because he knew that Steve would wake up anytime.

Greg slowly got up and was careful not to wake him up. He took the food tray then left the room. When he went to the kitchen, he smelled breakfast and felt his stomach churn.

“Ma! Good morning!”

“Hey Greg. Why are you still wearing those clothes?”

“Ah this...I slept in Steve’s room. I fell asleep while watching TV and he didn’t wake me up.”

Rowena nodded then pushed him gently. “Take a bath, be quick. Then let’s have breakfast together with your father.”

Greg turned around then went to his room. He took a bath. Smiled when he thought about Steve not waking him up last night. And laughed imagining Steve jerking off beside him. He has some guts. If I catch him doing that next time, I will help him and will put him in my mouth. Greg shut his eyes and was giddy with the thought of his mouth full of Steve’s c*m.

When he went back to the kitchen, Steve was already there teasing her mom.

“Come on nanny, let’s dance.” Steve was holding Rowena’s hands and forcing her to sway her body.

Greg saw that her mom was so happy goofing with Steve. He smiled and watched them for a while. Then they realized that Greg was there standing by the door.

“Oh, Greg! You’re here.” Steve blurted and dashed toward Greg excitedly. “You slept like a dragon last night. Your snoring was so loud!” He teased Greg and laughed heartily.

Greg laughed with him and couldn’t believe what he was saying.

“You’re just teasing me! I know that I don’t snore!”

“How would you know if you’re sleeping? I swear I should have recorded it!”

They were teasing each other and Rowena watched them lovingly. Then Daniel came in and stopped them.

“Greg, Steve, sit down now and have breakfast.”

The two of them stopped teasing then took their seats.

“Where’s mom and dad?”

“It’s a Sunday, Steve. They go to church early to hear mass.” Rowena answered.

“What about you, Ma? Don’t you go to church with papa?” Greg asked them.

“We do. But later when we finish with the chores.”

“Let’s go with them, Steve. It’s been a long time since I heard mass.”

“Okay. Let’s go after we had breakfast.”

Everyone finished their breakfast quickly to catch the ten o’clock mass.

When they entered the church, Greg saw familiar faces. He felt nostalgic seeing old faces and feeling the ambience of the old church. Greg closed his eyes as soon as he stepped inside and murmured a silent greeting to God. When he opened his eyes, he felt that someone was looking at him. He turned his head and saw Karen with her parents.

Greg wasn’t sure what to do. Uh-oh, it’s awkward. Should I approach them? Should I sit beside her? Before Greg could decide, he saw Karen already walking toward them.

“Hi, Greg!” She put her hands around Greg’s arm then greeted Greg’s parents. “Good morning, Ma’am, hi Sir.” She bowed her head.

Rowena and Daniel smiled at her.

Greg smiled awkwardly at her. He immediately looked at Steve and checked his reaction. Greg had that feeling that Steve wouldn’t want to meet Karen. And he thought he was right because Steve was not smiling and was showing a poker expression.

“Hmm, Steve. This is Karen, my girlfriend.” Greg introduced Karen then continued. “Karen, you know Steve, right? He’s my boss.”

“Oh, hi, Steve! It’s nice to meet you.” Karen said sweetly then offered a handshake.

Steve took her hand for a brief handshake.

“Let’s all sit together! There’s still space for all of us there!” Karen said excitedly.

“Okay. Let’s go.” Steve said then turned to walk toward the pew Karen pointed earlier.

Greg was stunned but followed Steve. All of them followed Steve. Karen sat beside her mother and introduced Steve who was right behind her.

“Mom, this is Greg, my boyfriend.” Karen’s face lit up seeing her mom smile at Greg. “Dad...”

“Hi, Greg.” Her dad interrupted her and greeted Greg at once. “Sit down properly, Karen. Sit down Greg. The mass is about to start."

Greg bowed curtly then sat next to Karen. On his other side was Steve.

All throughout the mass, Greg felt so awkward sitting between them. He asked God if this was a sign that he should decide now and be man enough to stand for whoever his heart chooses? Greg closed his eyes and prayed silently. He asked for God’s understanding. He asked for God’s love and mercy, because in his heart, he knew that he's choosing Steve.

Unconsciously, he moved closer to Steve and was consoled by the feeling of his warm thigh against his thigh. Steve looked at him and was wondering what Greg was thinking because he caught him smiling. Steve thought that Greg’s face showed peace and it was very different from the Greg he saw last night who had those sad eyes and unhappy vibes.

When the song was played and all had to hold hands while singing the prayer, Greg held Karen’s hand lightly but with his other hand, he held Steve’s tightly like he wanted to tell him that he’s choosing him and wouldn’t let go of him for the rest of his life.

Steve felt it. He also held Greg’s hand tightly. There was an unspoken love between them that only the two of them could feel. There was a connection that only them could understand. When they finished singing the prayer, Greg squeezed Steve’s hand. Steve smiled and squeezed Greg’s hand back.

When the mass ended, Greg decided to end it with Karen so he asked Steve to go first with his parents. Steve was clueless but thought that Greg was just being polite to Karen’s parents that was why he wanted to stay behind. They said their goodbyes then left.

“Karen, let’s not go home yet. Ask for their permission.” Greg whispered to Karen.

Karen’s heart fluttered at the thought that Greg was asking for a date. She quickly asked her parents to go home without her.

“I’m sorry Sir, Ma’am, but I wanted to treat Karen to lunch. Then we’ll be home soon after.” Greg politely asked for permission.

“Okay. Go ahead.” Karen’s dad answered and gave them a nod.

“Be careful. Enjoy your meal, Karen.” Karen’s mom was teasing her.

Karen and Greg walked around the town until they found a good restaurant that served lunch. It was big and not many people ate there because their food was a bit pricey. Greg thought that it was the best place for his agenda. He would definitely break up with Karen today and set his heart straight. He was sure about his feelings for Steve but knew that he couldn’t tell him yet for fear that Steve might kick him out, and worse, his parents, too.

Greg ordered all the delicious food in the menu. He made sure that Karen was happy and let her enjoy the moment. Karen was in her bubbly self and was sweet as usual. She fed Greg and wiped his mouth with her own hands.

When they finished eating, Greg just told her directly what he wanted.

“Karen, let’s end it here.”

Karen was astounded hearing him say those words.

“What do you mean end here?” She was close to tears.

“Let’s break up.” Was Greg’s short explanation.

Karen could no longer hold back the tears. She was crying and asked for more explanation.

“Please Greg. Why? Did I do something wrong?” She was talking in between sobs. Greg was relieved that they were seated far from the rest.

“I just don’t love you anymore and I hope that you understand how I feel.”

“And you have the guts to ask for it when you don’t even understand how I feel?” Karen started to become angry.

“Please. I don’t have anything more to say. I’m sorry.” Greg stood and walked toward the door.

He felt something cold on his back and knew that Karen splashed water on him. He didn’t look back. He continued walking. Then he heard Karen bawl.

When Greg returned to the mansion, he saw Steve sitting on a bench while reading a book in the garden. He silently stood behind him then suddenly hugged him from the back. Steve was startled and immediately turned his head. He almost touched lips with Greg and just stared at him for a second before he stood and faced Greg.

“Why? What was that all about?” Steve was flustered. But deep inside, his heart was racing like thousands of horses were there.

Greg laughed and walked toward Steve. He gave him a friendly hug. It was short but sweet. Then he placed his hands on Steve’s shoulders and looked at his eyes.

“Forgive me. I’m just so happy, Steve.”

Steve felt sad right away. How can he be so happy when I was here all alone feeling miserable without him? He has some guts to tell me that. His brows furrowed and blatantly asked Greg.

“Of course, you’re happy you went out with Karen. So, what’s new about it?”

“No, Steve. I am not happy that I went on a date. I am happy because I finally ended it with her.” Greg sat down and motioned for Steve to sit beside him.

Steve was still shocked with the news but was pleased hearing Greg say it. He sat down and pretended not to feel too excited.

“Come on. Why? What happened?”

“Well, Steve. Just please be happy for me. I am happy with my decision and never felt this free before.”

“I thought Karen was good. And she could be an ideal wife if you take her seriously, she’s a teacher, right? And I find her beautiful.”

For a brief moment, Greg thought that Steve liked Karen so he stared at him in disbelief.

“Steve! Don’t tell me you actually got a crush on her?”

“No! Of course not!” Steve was quick to answer. “I was just curious why you'd let go of a woman who’s pretty and intelligent like her. And it seems to me that she loves you that much.”

“Someday, Greg, I will tell you my reasons. For now, I just want to be happy and I want to share my happiness with you, that’s why I’m telling it to you first.” He stood and tapped Steve on his arm. “Let’s go. Let’s prepare to leave but I’ll tell mom and dad first about what happened.”

Steve stood and walked behind Greg who was frantically calling his parents.

“Ma! Pa! Where are you?”

They were in the kitchen preparing for snacks. Greg and Steve walked in and were met by delicious smell of banana fritters.

“Wow! I miss that nanny!” Steve stood behind Rowena who was cooking then he lovingly wrapped his arms on Rowena’s shoulders.

“Hey, Steve, careful. This is hot, stop being playful.”

Steve was happy with Greg’s news earlier that he felt he had to express his feelings. He couldn’t contain his happiness that’s why he poured it out to her nanny.

“No, nanny. Let me just stay here and hug you. Just continue cooking, I'd stand still.”

Rowena was used to Steve being sweet so she just let him stay behind her until she finished with the batch she was cooking.

Greg was talking while watching them.

“You know what, ma? Karen and I broke up.”

Rowena was putting the bananas on the plate and almost dropped it when she heard Greg.

“Steve, sit down and eat now.” Steve sat down and waited to be served. Greg took the utensils from the cupboard then sat beside Steve.

“Ma, didn’t you hear me?” Greg asked his mom.

“I heard you. I just can’t believe it.”

Steve helped Greg tell his story.

“Nanny, Greg and Karen just broke up and Greg was so happy about it. Look at his face.” Steve pointed at Greg who was grinning from ear to ear.

“But Greg, what’s wrong? Why did you break up? Did Karen initiate it?” Rowena asked.

“I actually broke up with her, ma. I just thought that it wouldn’t be fair for her to be stuck with me for long when I don’t even have plans of marrying her.”

“Well, you have a point there. But that must have hurt Karen deeply.”

Greg stood and showed his back. There was a trace of liquid on his shirt.

“She actually threw water on me when I was leaving. She was angry at me, ma. Luckily I just got my shirt wet.”

“Goodness, Greg. How could you do that to a lady?”

“But ma, it would have been more painful if we go on with our relationship and she learned that my heart belongs to someone else.” He quickly gave Steve a look.

Steve felt his eyes on him but didn’t look up. He was silently eating and was listening to them.

“I pity Karen now. I know that feeling. She must be crying now.”

“It would be better that she cried now, ma. She’s still young and she can still look for another guy. Maybe someone who’s better than me.”

Rowena sighed. Then urged them to hurry up so they won’t be caught in the traffic.

After eating, Steve went to his parents’ study room and found them there.

“Hey Steve.” His mom greeted him.

“Ma, we’re leaving in a while.”

“Okay, be careful Steve. Don’t skip meals.” Remedios reminded him.

“Yes, ma.”

“Is there anything else, Steve?”

Steve looked at his dad who was reading the papers.

“Pa..” Julius looked up.

“Yes?”

“I’ll send you and mama flight tickets to LA. When I’ve finalized the deal with Mr. Tan for the merging of our flights, I want you to be the first passengers for Javier Corp.”

“That’s good! I’ll look forward to it, Steve. I wanted to travel with your mom for a long time but haven’t found the chance.”

“Okay pa. I’ll keep in touch. We’re leaving now.”

“Okay. Tell Greg to drive carefully son.”

“Yes ma.”

When Greg and Steve were finally alone in the car heading to Manila, Steve asked Greg because he was really curious.

“Greg, you told nanny that your heart belongs to someone else. I didn’t know that you had someone back in Manila. Or did I miss something?”

“Steve, when the time is ripe, I’ll tell you about it. For now, I just want to enjoy being single and wanted so badly to spend my time alone...” he paused for a few seconds, then went on. “And with you.”

For a second, Steve thought that his heart skipped a beat. It felt different when Greg said it the way he said it. He stared at Greg who had his eyes focused on the road. While looking at Greg, Steve thought that Greg was behaving unusually sweet lately. But he loved him that way, being sweet and extra caring. Steve felt very special and wanted to show Greg that he was also special to him.