This above all: to thine own self be true, And it must follow, as the night the day, Thou canst not then be false to any man. Shakespeare (Hamlet)
Thanks to Chael for assistance in editing and proofing the story. Guys, hats off to Chael. With humor and panache he's slogged through the drivel and made grammatical sense of all of it. He's smoothed the edges and in general made the work more readable. My thanks to him for his patience and humor in the process. This is wholly fictional with no reference intended to persons alive or dead.
Please do not distribute to other sites without permission of the author. Comments can be sent to firehosejoe@yahoo.com
From the previous chapter:
Ben Craighead. Alejandro wrote the name and salient facts he recalled about the presentation as the chairman gave instructions for lunch and the afternoon's abbreviated session. Perhaps he would stay for lunch, press the flesh a bit more and see what he could learn about this promising young man.
Chapter 51 1974
Thinking on his own days at the university, Alejandro recalled many good memories. At times he felt his seat at the board was incongruous. He knew it was about the money, but as an alumnus he did have strong connections. Still, he related more with the twenty-two year old making a presentation than with the distinguished lions gathered around the room.
At the luncheon following the morning meeting, Alejandro was seated at the same table as the President and the Dean of Students. He asked about Ben Craighead and watched them light up. The young man had been a student-scholar since his freshman year. He evidently balanced scholastic and social life with ease. He was well regarded by faculty, staff and other students.
The President said Alejandro would have to talk to the Dean of the School of Science to get a real feel for the accomplishments of this young man. He'd had articles published in several national magazines, he'd been interviewed by the Tribune and the grant, just awarded last month, was icing on the cake.
He'd been given a grant for part of his Master's work at the university in alternative energy. The President wasn't sure about the specific field of study but said he'd be surprised if Ben didn't go on to do doctoral studies. He had great promise.
Alejandro's mind was spinning slowly as he listened, thinking about the possible correlation of work Matt was doing with what Ben might be studying. He wanted to learn more.
"As you know, the housing project that has occupied so much of my attention since its inception three years ago has an environmental/nutrition component. Lengthening the growing season in Chicago can mean fresh vegetables on the tables of the residents for an extended period of time – no small thing considering the nutritional impact for children and pre-teens.
"I'd like to meet Mr. Craighead and discuss some of the things we've been doing and see if he has ideas or insights on how to improve our efforts." Looking at the President he asked, "Could you set up a meeting for me and I'll take it from there."
After the conversation at lunch, Alejandro felt obligated to stay through the afternoon session. As the meeting adjourned the President's secretary met him with contact information for Ben Craighead.
She said, "I spoke with Ben this afternoon and he's looking forward to meeting you. He said to give you his phone number and address and asked for a number where he could reach you."
Alejandro gave her his business card with the phone number that would reach his secretary. He thanked her and headed for his office.
How his desk could get so stacked up with demands in five hours was beyond him at times. He placed a call to Cesar regarding the house and left a message. Neither Matt nor Paul was available but that didn't surprise him. He didn't know how they were accomplishing so much. Youth, purpose, passion and teamwork he reminded himself as he smiled and shook his head in amazement.
The Grants Administrator, David Tapper, whom he'd come to refer to as `The Linchpin', had a report on his desk that needed input, a signature and recommendations for action. He'd learned not to ignore that report for more than a week. Follow-up calls came from Tapper without fail with further questions.
As frazzled as he felt when he'd dug through all the mail, requests and messages he had a sense of accomplishment. He dialed John O'Malley's number and as he waited he let his mind wander back to Ben Craighead. What a good looking young man he was.
John answered and said he could work in some gym time but had to make it an early evening. Alejandro talked him into a dinner with drinks after their workout and demanded a rain check for getting together for fun at a later date.
It wasn't late when he arrived back at the condo. Taking a chance that Ben might be in, an early hour for a twenty-two year old, Alejandro called. Ben picked up on the second ring.
Yes he remembered who Mr. Algara was and yes he'd enjoy some time to talk to him. Of course, he'd enjoy meeting Mr. Grunwald for a tour of the buildings' growing areas to study what they'd accomplished. But could it please be after graduation. He had three papers to finish and an article promised for a magazine not to mention exams and an oral presentation for his major.
Whew, Alejandro,' thought. I had it easy my senior year.' They made a tentative date for the third week in May. Alejandro said he'd pick Ben up and take him to lunch. Time and place were decided on and a confirmation call assured by both.
As Alejandro was pouring himself a Glenmorangie and looking forward to some quiet time on his deck, the phone rang. Cesar apologized for the late call but explained that he had just arrived at the casa.
Yes, things were going well and the architect wanted to review the final set of working drawings, the positioning of the house on the escarpment and to begin to discuss custom furnishings. Could Alejandro come down?
Fleetingly Alejandro wondered if he could charter a cruiser to anchor in the water near the site so they could sit in air-conditioned comfort and take care of the work.
"Of course, Cesar. Let me thank you again for all you and Sanchez are doing for me. It would be quite impossible, I now realize, without your help."
They discussed the preferred timeframe and Alejandro cleared his calendar of the few commitments he had. His secretary made arrangements.
They met in Mexico City. The heat was blistering and the smog oppressive. Alejandro smiled. He remembered someone saying it strengthened character. He mused that whoever said it should be shot.
The meeting with the architect was involved, and long but productive. He had arranged to use a large room at a nearby hotel and had laid out the floor plan visually. Alejandro was fascinated at how easy it made the process for him. He appreciated how much work had gone into the preparation. It made the multiple pages of working drawings come to life.
For the first time, Alejandro began to think of this casa in three dimensions. He was excited.
That night the architect, Sanchez and Alejandro flew to Cesar's hacienda. The next day's heat was nearly unbearable for the northern boy despite his Mexican heritage.
Again, much preparation had gone into the day so it was blessedly brief and concluded before the sun was directly overhead. Stakes had been driven, string pulled and Alejandro could see the perimeter of the building, the lanai and the pool area.
Back at Cesar's, Sanchez excused himself and the other three discussed interiors. Alejandro wanted as much as possible to be natural. The architect guided Alejandro through a series of numerous questions regarding the look, feel and use of the house within the structure of several set scenarios.
It was tedious but Alejandro realized that it was saving him additional time and visits on site to make final choices. When they were finished, the architect promised a rich masculine feel with luxurious comfort. Painted glazed tiles would contrast earth tones of limestone walls. Dyed leathers would upholster benches and chairs.
Purposely the architect said he would leave all decorative pieces to Alejandro. He, Cesar and Sanchez would enjoy that element of furnishing the casa. He also promised to send illustrations, large samples and photographs of the various things they had discussed as the long day ended. Cesar took the architect to the airfield. Alejandro's plane flew the architect back to the city with a return trip to the Yucatan planned for the next day.
Alejandro was soaked with preparation. He and Cesar enjoyed a cold cerveza and they chatted quietly, enjoying the breeze from the overhead fan.
Cesar picked up his long-necked bottle and drained the last bit out. "I want to rest before our evening meal, but first I think a shower is in order." He smiled at Alejandro and paused, his eyebrow raised in invitation, "Would you like to join me?"
They retired to Cesar's large bath and casually stripped off their clothes. As Cesar adjusted the water Alejandro let his hands lightly explore Cesar's thick neck and back. The water adjusted, Cesar turned around and pulled them both under the refreshing stream.
They let their hands roam over each other's body. Cesar combed his fingers through Alejandro's chest hair. Alejandro let his hands slide slowly up and down the sides of Cesar's thick chest. His thumbs wandered to Cesar's nipples and he flicked them and watched as Cesar flinched slightly at the sharp pleasure.
Cesar reached for the soap and began to lather Alejandro's chest and shoulders.
"Step away from the water a moment, my friend," Cesar instructed. He then lathered Alejandro's back and the firm globes of his ass. Squatting down he continued to wash all of Alejandro's body, giving special attention to his crack, scrotum and cock.
"Ummm, Cesar, that feels so good. Be careful. I don't want to cum yet," Alejandro murmured.
Cesar stood and quickly lathered his chest, arms and crotch before he set the soap aside. He gathered Alejandro into his arms and they began to rub their slick bodies together. Their cocks, both erect and leaking precum were caught between their firm abs. His head leaned back and eyes closed, Cesar murmured softly, "Alejandro. Alejandro, ungghh this is so good. Ahhh, ungg." His breathing was deeper, his thrusts against Alejandro growing harder.
Lifting his hands to Alejandro's shoulder he pushed them apart slightly and turned Alejandro around. As Cesar's cock nestled between Alejandro's slippery crack he whispered. His voice was husky and conveyed his need, "May I?"
Alejandro recalled the times at the Casa del Placer and the pleasure of being filled and muscularly fucked by this giant of a man. He found himself eagerly assenting to Cesar's request.
Without a word, he pushed back and enveloped Cesar's muscle with his crack. He began to flex his glutes as he massaged the hard organ. A moment later he bent over slightly and felt Cesar's finger begin to prepare him.
As in times past, Cesar was gentle. But once he began his assault he pushed slowly until he was buried deep within Alejandro. For a few minutes Cesar enjoyed holding Alejandro by the hips as he rhythmically thrust his muscle into the tight hot place with short strokes.
"Turn around," Cesar said as he withdrew. "Put your arms around my neck." Alejandro wrapped his arms round Cesar's neck and lifted his legs and encircled Cesar's waist. Cesar guided his cock into Alejandro and again probed with pleasure.
When this had happened once before, Alejandro remembered being amazed that to Cesar, Alejandro's 200 pounds seemed like no weight at all. As Cesar's thrusting pushed deeper and faster, Alejandro buried his face in Cesar's neck as he pushed his cock against Cesar's heaving abs and pecs. He was close.
Cesar was grunting with each thrust, his animal-like strength intent on fulfilling its quest. The grunting became a low, almost continuous growl.
Alejandro felt his balls tighten. His breath came in short fast gasps. "Unggg, ungggg. Ohhhhh Fuck!" Alejandro's head snapped back as he lunged against the living wall of muscle. His cum shot up and hit Cesar in the chin.
As Alejandro's ring spasmed and tried to close, Cesar opened lips and between clinched teeth, his growl erupted as his thick muscle released its hot seed. He pumped deeply, slowly, each a deliberate effort to empty himself.
Finally all was quiet save for the men's heavy breathing. Alejandro started to release his legs.
"No, please. Remain where you are. It feels so good," Cesar said as he stepped back into the gently falling water. Together they let the water wash over them, rinsing away most of the soap.
"Thank you, my friend. It was wonderful. It had been so long," Cesar said softly, his words mingling with the gentle splash of the water against the stone floor.
Alejandro let his legs loosen and held on to Cesar until he gained his footing. Without a word, he turned Cesar and finished rinsing all the soap from Cesar then himself.
Cesar turned off the water and looked at Alejandro with a warm smile of friendship and appreciation.
"I imagine we will both sleep well during our siesta," Cesar said as they toweled themselves dry.
When he awoke, Alejandro was refreshed and relaxed. They dined late in the cool of the evening on the lanai. After a brandy they embraced as Alejandro thanked Cesar again for all his work. Cesar smiled saying it was nothing. In his bedroom, Alejandro lay naked under the ceiling fan and finally slept.
Alejandro dressed for the heat of the Yucatan and enjoyed a light breakfast of pan dulce and fruit on the lanai with Cesar. During the trip to the plane he reveled in the car's air conditioning. He began to cool down and after several hours into the flight he began to feel normal. `No Mexico for me in the summer. Damned sure!' he promised himself.
On his return to Chicago, Alejandro was delighted at the progress Matt reported to him about the house plans and the bermed garage. At least twice each week Alejandro picked up dinner for them, took it to their house and shared the meal as they caught him up. It was great to see the progress they were making.
The weeks ticked by and soon Alejandro saw his note that a lunch with Ben Craighead was scheduled in a few days. Alejandro called Ben and confirmed the location to pick him up. He inquired about Ben's schedule.
"I'm available all afternoon, Sir. Thanks so much for postponing this for me."
Alejandro asked about exams and graduation and was pleased to hear Ben's enthusiasm for a job completed and he believed well done, pending final grades, of course. They both laughed.
When Alejandro's car arrived, Ben was waiting for him dressed in typical attire for the heat of Chicago – shorts, sandals and a polo.
When Ben climbed into the back of the car with Alejandro, he saw the suit and tie.
"I'm sorry Mr. Algara. I don't know what I was thinking. I'll run up and change into something more appropriate. I won't be a minute."
"No you won't. Actually if I didn't have more work this afternoon I'd be in the same clothing. Don't say another word and really, its okay. I'll be the odd man out where we're going for lunch. Always get strange looks in the summer."
The both laughed and Ben seemed to relax. They lunched at a café downtown. Afterward he took Ben to his building and they chatted comfortably in Alejandro's office. Alejandro was pleased that the young man didn't seem impressed with the trappings of power people usually noticed.
Alejandro had planned for this visit and had numerous questions. Ben's answers were thorough but to the point. Alejandro couldn't help but admire the young man as he talked.
Ben was broad-shouldered and long-limbed. His hair was honey-blond, cut long. His bangs brushed his eyes often and he swung them out of the way unconsciously. His biceps stretched the ribbing of the knit shirt and his thighs nearly filled the hem of his shorts when he sat. His legs were crossed and Alejandro could see tight definition in his calf muscles. As he gestured Alejandro noticed his large hands. The young man was fit as well as attractive.
After an hour of conversation, questions and answers, Alejandro suggested that they go see some of the thermal components designed for the garden areas. As they began to leave, Ben saw Alejandro's riding clothes tossed across a chair. "You ride?" Ben asked, excitement evident in his voice.
"Yes. Please pardon the clothing draped across a chair it just came from the cleaners and it's the only way I'll remember to take it home. Obviously you're familiar with the attire. Do you ride?"
Ben's smile was ear-to-ear, "I used to. Loved it. Haven't ridden since I came to school. Have my riding clothes in the closet but nothing fits anymore. I guess when I see them folded up on the shelf they bring back good memories and I just keep them."
Alejandro didn't pick up on the good memories comment. Ben noticed and was relieved.
"Well I have access to horses that would enjoy some exercise, I can promise you. If you'd like, let's set up a time and we'll spend some time riding trails."
"You name it, Mr. Algara. I'm ready."
Alejandro smiled at the eagerness; another thing to share with someone was nice. Wanting to make sure he left time for John if their Saturday workout was on, Alejandro suggested Sunday afternoon.
"If you don't mind, let me come by your place Sunday and you can follow me to the stables. That way you'll know how to get there next time," Alejandro said. "You did say you had a car didn't you?"
The plans were made. As they drove to the first garden site, Alejandro briefly filled Ben in on the history of the project. Ben was attentive and asked pertinent questions. When Alejandro began to talk about Matt's involvement, Ben's enthusiasm ratcheted up several notches. Ben asked technical questions about the thermal heat exchange that Alejandro said he'd defer to Matt.
The gardening, in and of itself, didn't do much for Ben. He was polite and looked at everything Alejandro pointed out and asked questions indicating he was listening. Alejandro quickly understood that most of this was simple solar gain, effective but not of great interest to someone researching alternate energy sources.
Changing tack, Alejandro began to push Ben for alternatives that would work in the environment. He watched as Ben's mind reengaged and began to look at the gardens as projects for applications not solutions for nutritional need.
"I can't do it today but I do want to make time for you to sit with Matt and discuss your questions. They're in the middle of a building project and are not burning daylight carelessly, but I know Matt will want to meet you - probably talk your ear off. I'll talk to him and see what works and get back to you," Alejandro said as they headed toward Ben's apartment.
They shook hands in the car and Ben made his exit. Through his rolled-down window, Alejandro turned to smile and wave. He was eyelevel with Ben's crotch. How he'd not noticed it before surprised him but the definite change in contour at mid-zipper indicated the young man was generously endowed.
Alejandro watched as Ben bounded up the steps. His calves flexed as his muscled glutes stretched the fabric of his shorts.
As he raised his window he derided himself, Don't be a pervert. He's just a college kid. Get a grip, Alejandro!' As he leaned back into the plush car seat he mentally argued with himself. What were you like at twenty-two? Did you consider yourself an adult, able to make your own choices and determine how you'd live your life?' `Absolutely!' He nearly spoke out loud and smiled at the intensity of his reaction.
`You're not being a pervert. You're not going to do anything but admire and of course you'll be discrete. They young man is sexy-looking as well as handsome.'
For the rest of the trip to his office he tried to focus on the remaining business of the day and was mostly successful. The mental image of Ben did flash into his imagination with surprising power more than a few times. He was glad to see the building and get back to work.
John had left a message that he was free all day Saturday. Alejandro smiled at the underlined word `all' wondering how much emphasis he'd added when he'd left his message.
They enjoyed their workouts, both vertical and horizontal. By midafternoon they'd showered, dressed and shared a light lunch. Alejandro had time to finish his weekend errands. He was looking forward to seeing Ben and kept telling himself to keep his priorities aligned and his eyes to himself.
When they got to the stables, Alejandro could tell Ben was impressed. It was nice.
"Do you board your horses here? This is a beautiful stable," Ben said.
Alejandro brought himself up short and only said, "The stable master does a great job. I've never had any complaints."
Alejandro was dressed in his khaki jodhpurs, boots and had his riding hat with him. Ben looked over at him.
"I know I'm gonna hate riding in these jeans but I didn't know where to go for riding clothes. Anyway I didn't have the time."
After asking Ben some leading questions designed to indicate the temperament of the horse he would prefer, Alejandro smiled and said, "I imagine you like a little spirit in your mount."
"Well not too much for the first time out after four years, but yeah, I don't want a docile mare."
The stable master came over and began a brief conversation with Alejandro about changing suppliers for food for the horses. Alejandro listened then assured the master that Alejandro believed the horses were in good hands and he'd trust the master's decision.
Ben kept watching the interchange between the stable master and Alejandro. Either this was an exceptionally good stable or there was something he'd missed.
They both followed Alejandro's normal routine with work in the show ring, some trail riding and finally some galloping in an open field. Alejandro admired Ben's seat and control of the horse. He was comfortable and the animal trusted him. `Very good for a first ride after a number of years,' Alejandro thought.
When they got back to the stables, Alejandro dismounted as the stable master came to take the horse.
"I'll groom him and comb him out this time. I'm not in any rush today, but thanks," Alejandro said.
"Do you need any assistance, Sir?" Ben looked at the stable master a bit confused but followed Alejandro's lead.
"No thanks, I'm used to this." Turning to Alejandro Ben said, "It's a beautiful afternoon. I'm surprised more people aren't riding."
"Yes, it is kind of nice having the place to ourselves."
Ben immediately heard what sounded like a cough and a muffled throat clearing from the stable master. Of course,' he thought. This is private. Wonder why he just doesn't say so?'
They talked about the ride and Ben complimented the horse while they unsaddled and groomed the horses. The stable master had disappeared - Ben guessed into an air-conditioned office.
When they'd wiped down the saddles, and made sure the horses were watered, Ben pulled off the knit polo he was wearing to wipe off the sweat.
"Talk about sweating like a horse. I am drenched."
Alejandro found himself staring. Ben's body had all the markings of a disciplined athlete. His chiseled pecs flared to powerful shoulders. As he wiped his chest, Alejandro could see his biceps swell as Ben raised and lowered his arm wiping the sweat. The young man had a defined eight pack of abs with a hint of a treasure trail peaking above his waistband.
Alejandro's glance dropped a second after Ben looked up at and met Alejandro's gaze. He'd been caught but what of it he thought. Men check each other out all the time in the gym. Heck, Ben just had his shirt off.
Alejandro was talking about the ride and saying he hoped Ben could join him again, busying himself with brushing off imaginary grass from his jodhpurs. All the while the memory of the muscled contours was seared into his memory. Alejandro hoped he wasn't making a fool of himself.
"Hey thanks, I'd love to do this again. But you can take it to the bank that I'll have riding pants next time. These jeans were awful. No give, nothing!"
Alejandro invited Ben to go for a beer.
"Thanks, I'll take a rain check on that too. I've still got some gym time to get in today. Now that I've worked up a sweat, might as well push some metal around before I shower and hit the books. Ask again, okay?"
Ben started walking toward his car. Alejandro watched Ben's lats' sinuous movement as he walked. It wasn't the heat of the afternoon Alejandro was feeling. Alejandro waved a friendly good-bye as Ben honked and headed down the long driveway.
He needed to get his mind off of Ben. Alejandro thought as he straightened his leaking hard muscle. Fuck! What was he thinking!?
On the spur of the moment he headed toward Matt and Paul's. He stopped in a large grocery store before he got too far out of town and picked up a large deli tray, some bread, chips and a twelve-pack of cold beer.
They guys were there as he had expected and welcomed the beer, food and a visit with Alejandro. As they each drained a bottle, Alejandro bragged on their progress and got filled in by Paul on all the minute details of the progress. As usual, Matt stood back and smiled.
"You're a mess. I think I smell sweat and horse. You need a shower. Stick around. We're still hammering away at chores. Got some clothes?" Matt asked.
Alejandro shook his head and said he'd shower at home and headed back into the city.
Seeing the Duo and the progress was just what Alejandro needed. He showered and dressed in some loose shorts and a T and fixed his supper. The guys hadn't been ready to stop and had put his offering in the fridge.
Darn, he'd forgotten to ask if he could bring Ben for a visit. Picking up the phone he called the house. "Of course, bring him out next Sunday," was the answer.
So he wouldn't obsess over it, Alejandro called Ben that night and told him of next Sunday's arrangement for riding followed by dinner with the guys.
"We can grab a shower out there so bring extra clothes. He's got a great system in the barn you'll enjoy seeing. We'll have dinner and you'll have time to meet the guys and at least begin your conversation with Matt. I'm sure one evening isn't going to be enough for either of you," Alejandro said as he chuckled and said good-bye.
Try as he would, Alejandro found his idle mind daydreaming about Ben. `Get a grip, Man!'
Sunday finally arrived. Ben was at the stable when Alejandro arrived.
"I know I'm early. I was pretty sure I knew the way but wanted to make sure I had plenty of time so you wouldn't wonder where I was," Ben said with a charming smile.
Looking around, Ben said, "Um, I've been here for nearly thirty minutes and haven't seen the stable master."
Without thinking Alejandro replied, "I called him and told him to come in about five p.m. We can take care of ourselves, can't we?" Alejandro asked.
"Mr. Algara," Ben said and Alejandro turned. "I noticed the heavily carved `A' just under the center eve. Has this stable been here long or has it been rebuilt sometime in the recent past?"
Alejandro smiled at the clever framing of the question. It let him answer evasively if he chose but knew it would be recognized for what it was and cause questions.
"My Grandfather had the stable built as you see it early this century. His father had quartered horses on the property and had fussed about inadequate carriage and stall space. My Father surprised him with it as a gift for some occasion." It was a simple story and allowed Ben to think what he would.
"It's nice, but I said that last week, didn't I?" was the only reply Ben made.
They saddled their mounts, the same as the week before and enjoyed the afternoon's exercise. Alejandro commented on the missing jeans.
"Tell you what, I sure don't miss them. I'm just glad its shorts weather `cause I had a major rash inside my legs early last week," Ben said. "This is soooo much better."
When they arrived at the stable, the master's truck was there, Alejandro noted.
As soon as Ben had hitched the horse to the ring for unsaddling and grooming he pulled off his polo again. Commenting on the weather and humidity he wiped himself thoroughly, too thoroughly Alejandro thought.
It wasn't a quick swipe to chest and forehead. Ben lifted his arms wiping his pits, took care rubbing his chest and reached around to his back to get sweat there, all the while naturally twisting and flexing.
Ben's eyes were all over the stable as he talked about construction and joinery. Alejandro stole numerous glances before he realized Ben's lack of eye contact was likely intentional. `Two can play this game, Boy.'
Ben tossed his shirt over the stall wall and turned his attention to the horse. As he finished and closed the stall door Alejandro pulled off his shirt.
"Ben," he said making sure he had the young man's attention, "remind me to bring some towels for us. I'm drenched too." With that he swiped at his chest then buried his face in his shirt as if getting something out of his eye. Alejandro tightened his glutes making his cock and balls push against the stretchy fabric of the riding britches. It was enough time to give the kid an eyeful if that's what he wanted.
"Hate to put this back on." Alejandro said remaining casual and unaffected. "Ready to follow me to Matt and Paul's? I'll make sure I keep an eye out for you. It's about an hour from here to the southwest."
The trip was easy with little traffic. Alejandro introduced Ben to the Duo and suggested that Paul take him to the barn or house so he could shower. They headed off to the barn, Paul bragging on Matt's ingenuity.
When Alejandro saw Paul dragging Ben toward the greenhouses, he went to get his shower. Matt walked with him.
"What was that all about?" Matt asked.
Alejandro was nonplussed. "What do you mean?"
"Well from where I stood it looked like you shuffled the boy off with Paul at your first opportunity. As soon as you saw him dressed and heading to the greenhouse, you decide its shower time. Did I miss something?" Matt wore his usual wry smile as he waited for Alejandro's response.
"Just thought he might want some privacy."
Matt guffawed. "More like you didn't want to get caught checking out the goods, or worse yet, throwing a bone."
Alejandro felt himself flushing.
"Thought so. He is a good looking youngster," Matt observed then started to turn away, "Weren't you going to get a shower?" Walking away he was still chuckling.
Hell and damn' Alejandro thought as he headed for the barn. Does the man ever miss anything?'
Dinner was a cold supper - sliced tomatoes, cucumbers in iced water and vinegar, cold potato salad and some thinly sliced grilled pieces of chicken breast. Iced tea and a light white wine were offered for a beverage. All four men enjoyed the wine and chatted easily.
Ben gradually steered the conversation to Matt's area of interest in heat exchange. As their conversation deepened, Paul motioned for Alejandro to help him clear and clean up. After they were done they went outside.
"Have you noticed how Ben looks at you?" Paul asked apropos of nothing.
"What? Do you see a little hero worship? I think he's done some homework on the family name and my connection to the college," Alejandro offered as an explanation.
"Nope. I'm pretty sure he's got the hots for you. What I see is a carefully tamped down lust for your bod, Bud," Paul said laughing softly at his alliteration.
"You gotta be kidding me," Alejandro protested.
"Alex, I've seen it before. Seen it particularly in Matt's eyes, except his isn't tamped down in the least," Paul said casting a look toward the house.
Paul continued, "I'm not saying anything. He's of age and able to make his own decisions. It's just a word to the wise."
They wandered up to the excavation where the footers had been poured earlier in the week. Paul went through the details of the forms, the pour and the interconnecting rebar once again. Alejandro realized that Paul loved this project.
He and Paul spent time relaxing in the barn watching the sun wash the western sky with color. It was nearly dark when Matt and Ben emerged from the backdoor.
"Up here, Guys," Paul called out.
Soon Alejandro and Ben were ready to go. Ben checked his directions and confirmed he knew a shorter, more direct route back to the university and his apartment. As Alejandro headed for his car Paul called out softly, "Remember, word to the wise."
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