Must Have an Open Mind

1: House on Big Timber Lane

Josh

I joined the Navy after high school because I wasn’t interested in college at the time. In the Navy, I was assigned to a naval engineering battalion and trained as a naval structural engineer. After my four years of service, I decided to go to college at the University of Missouri (Mizzou) because former military personnel are charged in-state tuition. I was born into a military family and grew up in San Diego, Okinawa and Norfolk, Virginia where I graduated from high school. At Mizzou I planned to study civil engineering and project management. I had to wait to enter the school of engineering until I had successfully completed my freshman year. I was discharged in April and got a job working construction in Columbia. When school started, I decided to take a minimum number of courses and continue to work to save money. Rather than rent long term I decided I would try to buy a house either in or near Columbia. If I could find a house, I would rent out rooms to help pay the mortgage and taxes. Tuition and housing were at my expense since my parents were divorced I was on my own.

I’m a good-looking guy and resemble my father when he was my age with dark hair and plenty of body hair. My construction job keeps me in good physical shape. I’m an exhibitionist, but that’s my secret. In the Navy I realized how much I loved being nude in front of the other sailors when we were at sea on maneuvers. I made every effort to be where there were naked men. Unfortunately, I was too scared to have any gay sexual experiences in the Navy. I’m a gay virgin at twenty-four but I actually lost my virginity at sixteen to a woman in the Philippines, during a one-time encounter while on a family vacation.

When I arrived in Columbia I contacted Jeff, a gay realtor, who I found on the internet. I didn’t tell him I was gay but he may have guessed. Over coffee at a local coffee shop one Saturday morning, I told him that I wanted to find a four-bedroom, three-bathroom house with a private backyard and, ideally, a pool and hot tub. My budget was $300,000 and I had been prequalified for a VA loan. Jeff was skeptical that I could get everything on my wish list for the money I had to spend. The market was also tight. Over the next several months we looked at several properties when they became available. I lived in a small one bedroom apartment close to campus on a month-to-month lease, so I had the flexibility to “jump” on the right house when I saw it. I didn’t find anything appropriate in September or October.

In late fall, I was successful finding a house on Big Timber Drive with an above-ground pool and hot tub which I bought for list price of $329,000 since there were other buyers. I spent more than I planned, but felt the home was worth the additional money. I saw the house one day and put an offer on it the following day. My offer was accepted. During the summer and fall I had gone to house sales to purchase furniture which I moved into a temporary storage unit. My black Ford F150 made many trips there as I acquired home furnishings. The house on Big Timber Drive was move-in ready except I had to buy a washer and dryer. In less than thirty days I closed on the property. There was some required painting of the main living area but I decided to move in before the Christmas holidays and do the work while I lived there. I had time since I had no plans for Christmas.

Before the appliances were delivered and the painting was done, I advertised in the student newspaper before the holidays with this ad. “For Rent in Columbia city limits. Private bedroom with shared bath and kitchen privileges. Must have an open mind. Men only. Text your cell number to 609-887-7333.” I received ten text messages the first day and several more the following day. My text reply to all was, “Rent is $300 per month. Must be comfortable in a nude house. Text if interested.” I got eight replies and two specifically asked if I was gay. I chose not to answer and instead texted, “I would like you to write a little something about yourself.” All eight responded within twenty-four hours.

I planned to rent to only three and I had a difficult time deciding how to proceed since all eight seemed genuinely interested and able to pay. I printed out each biography on a separate piece of paper. I texted “Call my cell phone between 6-10 pm tomorrow, Tuesday. If you can’t call then, call at your convenience and leave a message as to when you are available. We will find an alternate time.” On Tuesday I finished dinner early so I would be ready. The first call was from Terrell who called at 6:30 pm. I was interested in Terrell’s biography because he was just out of the army. I hoped he would be more mature than some of the nineteen-year olds who had responded. Our conversation ended with me inviting him to come to the house for a tour on Saturday morning.

While Terrell and I were on the phone, a fellow named Harry called and left a message. I called Harry back. When every other word out of Harry’s mouth was a swear, I knew I wasn’t interested, but was polite. Harry was not invited to tour the house. I received three other calls and one text requesting a later time. I agreed that he could call up to midnight.

Terrell

I called the cell number given in the text about 6:30 pm as my potential landlord had requested. I was nervous because there were things I didn’t say in the biography that I could have said. I wrote, “Greetings, my name is Terrell Jacobs. I am twenty-six and was recently discharged from the army after doing two tours in Afghanistan. I’m from Sioux City, Iowa where I graduated from high school. I attended Iowa State University and was commissioned an ROTC officer upon graduation. I hope to study physical therapy at Mizzou. Because of my personal situation I need to know if the bedroom I would be renting is on the same floor as the bathroom. I also need a shower rather than a tub. Please let me know if you would like to meet me. Thanks.” After a short but pleasant telephone conversation, Josh invited me to come to an address on Big Timber Drive on Saturday morning. I had PT scheduled, but I rescheduled it to accommodate the visit. I was very nervous driving out in my green Chevy Impala which was fitted with a hand accelerator and brakes. I have them because I was injured by an IED (improvised explosive device). I am paralyzed in both legs, but fortunate to still have them intact.

I am hoping that this living arrangement would work because I didn’t want to live in the handicapped dorm. I kept thinking about the words in the ad about needing to be open minded. Perhaps the guy was gay and didn’t want someone uptight. When I arrived, mine was the only car in the drive way. With difficulty I got my wheelchair out, lifted myself into the seat and wheeled myself up to the door. Thankfully, the dusting of snow had been swept off the sidewalk leading to the front door. I stretched to reach the bell. I don’t know who was more surprised, him or me when he opened the door. He saw me in the wheelchair and I saw him dressed in a white tee shirt and patterned boxers. I said, “Hi, I’m Terrell.” Without a word but smiling, he opened the door. Luckily the threshold was fairly level so I had no trouble rolling in. He closed the door and led the way into a large kitchen eating area. He said, “Welcome, I’m Josh. We’re waiting for a few others.”

I said, “Before anyone else gets here, can I ask you a personal question?”

“Sure,” Josh said. I figured if he didn’t like the question, he probably wouldn’t ask me to rent. He might not ask me anyway if the bedroom and bathroom situation didn’t work for me.

I said, “Are you gay? Your comment in the original ad made me suspect. I don’t care.”

Josh nervously responded, “I am, even though I haven’t admitted it to anyone before.”

I said, “Me, too, but my injury has slowed me down. I really haven’t had much experience being gay.”

“To let you know, the language in the ad had to do with something else. I want my renters to be comfortable with nudity. I am a person who rarely wears clothes at home or outside by the pool, if it’s warm enough.”

“Sounds fine to me since getting clothes on takes a lot of work for me.” At that point the doorbell rang and Josh left me in the kitchen.

Mark

I didn’t get around to texting the guy who advertised until the day after the ad appeared. There were plenty of ads about rooms to rent in the student newspaper, but the phrase ‘Have an open mind’ intrigued me. When I finally texted the guy, I assumed the room probably had been rented. I was surprised when he texted me back and told me he wanted a biography. His request put me off and I almost forgot about the whole thing but couldn’t get the phrase out of my mind. I whipped off something that reflected my normal cocksure self. “Hi, I’m Mark Mahonney from St. Louis. I am a sophomore at Mizzou studying business. I was a Signa Nu fraternity member but have decided I don’t want to live in that grungy house. The brothers told me I had to and I told them to shove it. As a result, they kicked me out of the fraternity, which was actually a blessing. I’ve got a pretty good build from soccer in high school even though I haven’t played at Mizzou, except in intramural games. I have my own car but was wondering how far out you are? If your phrase ‘Have an open mind’ includes smoking pot, I do that. Hope to hear from you.” I hit the send button, wondering if I would hear anything.

The next day there was a text inviting me to call him. I called and got his voice mail. I left a message and he called me back in about twenty minutes, sounding nice on the phone. Without much fanfare he said, “Mark, I saw your comment about pot smoking. I don’t care if you smoke pot but you can’t do it inside the house.” He also made it very clear that he would not tolerate anything stronger in his house. He repeated that there would be no cigarette, cigar or vapor smoking in the house. Josh explained that the phrase ‘Have an open mind’ had to do with him liking to be nude in the house and by the pool. He said he didn’t want a renter disturbed by that. I laughed and told him I was naked as we were talking. Josh invited me to come out around 9:30am Saturday morning. When I pulled up, there was a green Chevy in the driveway so I figured I wasn’t the only person looking at the really nice big house. It was quite a way from campus but I figured it had to be if people were nude sunbathing by the pool.

As I walked up to the front door a white Toyota Highlander with a bike rack on the back pulled in behind me. I rang the bell and waited until a good looking older guy with a close-cut beard opened the door. I introduced myself. We waited for two preppy twinks to join us on the stoop. Immediately, I thought I could never live with twinks, but they were both darlings. The blond one with sparkling blue eyes smiled at me as the other fellow introduced himself and his friend to our host, Josh, who invited us to follow him into the kitchen.

Brent and Ricky

The reason we are standing in front of Josh’s house is a weird story. I’m Brent and my gorgeous boyfriend is Ricky. We have been together for three years since we were sophomores in high school. We are from Davenport, Iowa and came out in high school. Because we were jocks and participated in tennis and cross country, we didn’t get the harassing that other geeky gay guys got. Our high school coaches never did anything to hinder us being together. We went to the prom together and were often seen giving each other a peck on the cheek as we went to our different classes. Both of us were into music and drama. I play the drums and Ricky, the string bass. With our friend Charlene, a pianist, we had a combo who regularly performed not only at school talent shows but also at our local steakhouse.

Ricky’s parents were not particularly cool about us being together and usually gave Ricky the silent treatment. Before our senior year, Ricky’s father got transferred. Ricky wanted to finish high school in Davenport and my parents were happy to have Ricky live with us. Without hesitation, his father gave Ricky permission to move into our house. When it came to deciding on college, we worked together to find a college that we both could agree on. Our grades were good and both of us got into the University of Iowa. Many of our friends were going there, but we decided even though the tuition would be higher, we wanted to go to someplace out of state. My parents were open to whatever I wanted. That was not the case for Ricky whose father insisted he go to the University of Iowa because of in-state tuition. Ricky applied for and received a scholarship from the Point Foundation for his music. As they say,” We followed the money to Mizzou.”

We arrived in Columbia having arranged to stay in a house with three other gay guys. What we didn’t know is they were druggies and slobs. By October we knew we had to get out of there. I rarely read the student newspaper, but was motivated to find us another place. We saw the guy’s ad where it said “You must have an open mind.” I told Ricky I bet the guy was gay and only wanted people in his house who were gay. I called him after I sent him our required biographies. I told him we were two, not one. He seemed hesitant but invited us to come to the house on Saturday to meet him. I was tempted but didn’t ask what ‘Have an open mind,’ meant. I assumed we would find out when we arrived.

We followed our GPS to Big Timber Road. When we pulled into his driveway there were already two cars ahead of us. Ricky and I dressed up, thinking that was the right thing to do, but were greeted by a guy in boxers and a tee shirt. He invited us and another hunky guy who arrived right before us to come into the kitchen. We passed through the dining room which had an attractive chandelier hanging over a large dark wooden table but there weren’t any chairs. The table sat on a lovely, worn Arab-looking carpet. In the other direction was the living room which only had a sofa and two side chairs. It appeared that the decorating wasn’t complete. Once in the kitchen, we stood quietly with the not too pleasant athletic guy and a guy in a wheelchair.

Before Josh said anything, he went to the front door and invited another person to join us. The guy was introduced as Anthony. He was dark skinned with coal black hair. His eyes were piercing and big. He didn’t speak as Josh followed him into the kitchen.

Anthony

I called right away and left a message that I was working at the pizza restaurant and couldn’t call until my shift was over at 11 pm. The guy texted that I should call when I could. Promptly at 11 pm I called him and liked the tone of his voice. I asked him if he had any questions since he indicated he had read my short biography. He asked if I had a car. I told him that I didn’t, because I was living at home and could easily ride my bike to campus and to work. He asked me how I would get to his house which was four miles from campus. I told him I knew the city bus route came within a mile of the house. He added that the Columbia buses had bike racks on the front. He asked me the one question I had not thought about and that was ‘how late do the buses run?’ Josh seemed hesitant, and I replied that I didn’t know and would have to look into it. Without me asking, he told me he was gay and the house was a clothing optional environment. When I said that was fine with me, he invited me to come out Saturday morning. I hadn’t gotten home until midnight the night before and was late getting started on Saturday morning. When I rode into the driveway there were three cars parked and the last one was a white Toyota Highlander with a bike rack. I thought there was hope for me.

Josh

When Anthony and I entered the kitchen there was nervous silence. I said, “Welcome, I’m Josh. I realize this is a strange way to find renters but let me explain.” I sat on one of the breakfast bar stools and invited everyone to take a seat. “I recently finished a stint in the Navy and started at Mizzou in September. I knew I didn’t want to live in the freshman dorm, so I decided to buy a house as an investment. I looked for quite a few months before I found this place which was private enough for me to be naked inside and outside.” There was soft guffawing as I stripped off my boxers and tee shirt. “This is the way you’ll see me at home if you decide to live here.” I straightened my dick and continued, “I invited the five of you guys out because I was interested in meeting you based on the biographies you provided. I eliminated one guy on the phone and several others didn’t follow up with me. Four bedrooms are for rent, but seeing that Ricky and Brent are already partnered, the five of you may work. This assumes you all like the situation and like the other guys.”

I got off of the stool and said, “Do you want to see the rest of the house?” Heads shook affirmatively as I started down the hall. “I assume you saw the living room and dining room. We probably won’t use those rooms too much.” I walked all the way down the hall to the master bedroom. Everyone and Terrell’s wheelchair could be accommodated and we weren’t crowded. I said, “This is my room and my bathroom. Anyone can use the bathroom whenever. I think you might have guessed that I’m a gay man and a nudist. My philosophy is an open-door policy is the best policy. Some of you may not feel that way and I respect that.” No one seemed nervous or uncomfortable so I continued. Looking down the hall I said, “There are two bedrooms on the right and a bigger one on the left next to the bathroom. If everyone accepts my invitation, we won’t have a study room though.” Brent held up his hand like he was in class and I said, “What’s up?”

“What say Ricky and I bring our own queen-sized mattress for the room on the left?”

“So, you’ve decided you want to move in.”

“Hell, yes.” There were ‘me too’s’ all around. Terrell was quiet and I preempted him. “I know you can’t figure out how this is going to work but I’ll show you. I didn’t know until you arrived that you were in a wheelchair. Getting into the house didn’t seem to be problem for you. You asked if any bathroom had a walk-in shower. The answer is ‘not on this floor’ but the bedroom in the basement has one.”

“How am I supposed to get downstairs?

“I decided when I first saw you that I would make this work if you wanted to live here. I will modify the stairs so you can use a motorized seat to go up and down. Let’s look at the basement.” At my direction, I told Terrell to put his arms around my neck. I asked Mark to walk in front of us in case I lost my balance and then for someone to bring the wheelchair. Terrell was remarkably light, I guessed, because of the loss of muscle tone in his legs. With Terrell living downstairs, he would be on the level of the deck, pool, hot tub and the kitchenette.

When we got downstairs and Terrell was back in his wheelchair he said, “Guys if we are going to live together, I want to tell you something about me. I don’t want you to look at my disability as a handicap. Sure, I have to do things differently than I did before I was injured. But I can do most things by myself. If I ask you for help and you can’t or don’t want to, say so. I won’t be upset. I am paraplegic and only my legs don’t work. My cock functions fine even though I’ve never had a chance to go beyond a hand-job.” There was polite laughter. I really liked Terrell’s candidness and forthrightness.

Terrell followed on, “I do need help getting into the shower and out.” Anthony said, “I’ll come down whenever you need me. Just text me.” The rest of the group seemed willing to help out, too. I felt with Terrell’s decision made, everyone could move in.

Standing in front of the floor to ceiling windows that looked onto the deck Brent said, “Look it’s snowing.”

Anthony said “Shit.”

I jumped in, “I know you will think I’m crazy but I hate cursing so that’s one of my rules. No cursing unless absolutely necessary.” There was laughter from everyone. “I have another rule, there is no smoking inside the house or close enough to the house to be smelled inside. I don’t care if it’s tobacco or pot or vaping. If anyone brings a boy home for whatever reason you are totally responsible that he knows the rules. Upstairs on the kitchen table, in addition to cookies, there is a rental agreement that I want you to sign. Does anyone know when they’re going to move in? Terrell, I’ll get working on the elevator lift soon, since we don’t have classes. I am going to be here over the holidays.”

“I’ll pay half if you want me to.”

“I’ll get a price worked out and let you know. We’ll see.”

Anthony said looking at Mark, “What if we put our beds in one bedroom and make the other room a study room?”

“Do you mean like bunk beds?”

“I was thinking bunk beds but I am open if you want a queen.”

“I just met you and you are suggesting we sleep together.” There was laughter from the others.

I said, “Here is my thought. We put a queen in the bedroom and a day bed or long sofa in the study room. That way if one guy has company the other guy will have someplace to sleep.”

“Sounds like a plan.”

Terrell said, “Guys, I don’t need the queen size bed in my room because I don’t think anyone is going to want to sleep with me because I have nightmares. I’m getting treated but I can be scary, I’m told.” With the logistics worked out, the group gathered up coats and gloves. Brent invited Anthony to put his bike on the back of his and Ricky’s car as they would drive him into work. Mark with tears in his eyes, carried Terrell upstairs. I was pleased that this tough guy had a sentimental streak as he gently placed Terrell into his wheelchair.

Anthony

I called Josh the next morning and asked if I could move in immediately. He said to come on. I said, “Should I bring my sheets and towels? I have queen size bed sheets. They haven’t been used since my girlfriend and I broke up two years ago”. Josh said to bring them along as well as the towels. I had my clothes in several black trash bags plus a couple of boxes of shoes. I had these plus my computer, TV and CD’s, CD player and mini-refrigerator in my sister’s car which she loaned me. As I drove away from my home, I was so happy to be away from my parents who were always arguing, usually about money. When I told my sister that I was moving, she was excited that I was getting out of the house where I had lived my entire life, except for a short time with my ex-girlfriend. I knew I would not miss the house or be missed much by my parents.

When I pulled into Josh’s driveway, I parked behind his Ford F150. I rang the bell but instinctively pushed the front door open. There stood Josh as he had promised, completely naked. He smiled and came toward me to take things so I could return for another load. Josh said, “I’ll put your clothes in your room. We have to bring the queen mattress up from Terrell’s room.” I brought my things in and we put everything on the floor except for the mini-refrigerator which Josh wanted behind the bar in the basement. I was beginning to sweat and realized Josh had the temperature set for his naked body. I wasn’t ready to be nude. I did undress down to my baggy off-white briefs and grey tee shirt before we brought the mattress and box springs up from the basement. The mattress was more awkward than it was heavy. We had to maneuver around several corners to get first the mattress and then the box springs up the stairs and into the bedroom. We dismantled the bed frame, took it upstairs, and reassembled it. Josh said, “Still think it’s a good idea to sleep with Mark? You just met, for Christ’s sake.”

“Probably easier than if I knew him and didn’t like him.” We both laughed. I looked in the bedroom that was going to be our study room and I realized I should have brought my desk and chair. I said, “While I have my sister’s car, I will go get some additional things. Do you think I should bring my chest of drawers?”

“Wouldn’t hurt. I’m sure we can use it someplace. I’ll go with you to help you carry it. On second thought why don’t we take your sister’s car back and I will drive the F150. We can bring your bicycle, too.”

I waited while Josh put his clothes, jacket and cap on. He followed me to my sister’s condo where I introduced Josh to her. She said as she said before, “I’m glad you’re getting away from Mom and Dad. They’re crazy.’ About that I agreed. Next, we stopped at my parent’s home. I introduced Josh to my dad because mom wasn’t home. Dad seemed totally uninterested when I told him I was taking my desk and chest of drawers and not the bed. He groaned acceptance. In not more than fifteen short minutes we were sitting in the truck. Josh started the motor.

Josh said, “I want to stop and buy a Christmas tree. I haven’t had one of my own in ten years. Will you help me pick a good one?”

“Sure but do you have ornaments? I know I can take half of what we have. I suspect that Mom and Dad won’t bother putting up a tree. Let me go back inside and bring out a couple of boxes. If Dad objects I guess we’ll just have to buy some. All the decorations are in the back of my closet.”

I mentioned to dad that I was taking a few Christmas items. He groaned approval. I loaded the three boxes in the back of the truck and secured them so they wouldn’t fly off while we were driving. With my bike, the chest of drawers, the desk and chair plus the Christmas boxes there wasn’t really room for a tree. When we stopped at the Christmas tree lot we moved the boxes onto the seat between Josh and me. The tree was expensive. I offered to pay something but Josh said, ‘No, you provided the ornaments.’

Driving back, I asked Josh if he had heard from any of the other guys. He said, “It’s just you and me until after Christmas. The boys should be here the 26th or 27th.”

“Are you referring to Brent and Ricky?”

“Yes, and I have to stop referring to them as the boys. However, they do seem so innocent and young.”

“Mature in so many ways better than me. I can’t even decide if I want to be gay or not.”

“Have you ever had sex with a guy?”

“No, and not with a girl either. I’m nineteen and really a virgin. My right hand has seen plenty of action.” Josh smiled.

“I’ll be happy to give you a no obligation lesson before the house gets too full.”

“Let me think about your offer. I might be interested.”

“It’s an offer, and a no obligation offer.”

After the furniture was moved in and my bicycle was in the garage, we brought the Christmas tree in. Josh said, “I found an old Christmas tree stand in the garage. Let’s see if we can get the tree stuck into the stand.” We struggled to get the tree straight before standing back and admiring our work. “I’m getting undressed but do as you please. I bought some twinkly lights and an extension cord.”

“Naked it is for me, too. Let’s start with the lights.” We both piled our clothes on the sofa and began to string the lights. “Wait, let me get my CD player. I have a couple of Christmas CD’s.” As I was rigging up the player Josh carefully strung the lights. Even without ornaments the tree was really pretty. I had forgotten how long it had been since Mom and Dad had a tree.” Josh stood up and he was sticking out long and hard. “Looks like the Christmas music turns you on.”

Josh hesitated, “I was just thinking how happy I am to be decorating a tree with a cool undecided hunk of a guy.”

I’m sure I blushed as he looked at my half-inflated cock. He slapped me on the butt and we opened the first of the three boxes of ornaments. I had no idea what was in the boxes. In the first box we found a Christmas table cloth, table runner and matching napkins. We decided we might need those later. The second box was filled with my favorite ornaments. As I took them out, I tried to remember when and where we got each one. I wasn’t paying attention to Josh until he handed me a glass of wine. “I think this deserves a celebration. Cheers!” I tasted the wine and it was sweet and smooth. After we finished box two, we found more ornaments in box three but also some holiday party serving pieces.

By the shadows I could tell it was getting into late afternoon. Josh said, “What if we order pizza?”

I said, “Shit, sorry Josh, necessary swearing. I’m supposed to be at work in thirty minutes.”

“Get dressed and I’ll take you. I want you to take a taxi home.”

“Let me make a call. My sister said she is leaving tomorrow for a few days with her husband and my niece. Maybe she will let me borrow her car.”

I called and she agreed but said she had to have the car back the day after Christmas so she could go to work. I assured her I would have it in her driveway on Christmas Day. Josh and I drove to my sister’s, and then Josh followed me to my restaurant and ate at a small table near the front door. Things were slow that early in the evening so I was able to sit with him. I thanked him for a truly memorable day. He smiled and kept eating his pepperoni and mushroom thick crust pizza, which was a favorite of mine.

Josh

When Anthony blunted out “Shit, necessary swearing.” I, initially, was irritated but realized I was not upset by the swearing but because he broke the Christmas spell. I came home after eating pizza with Anthony and sat by my Christmas tree listening to his CD player, play the Christmas album of Mannheim Steamroller. After three glasses of wine I began to fade. I walked down the hall to my room. I saw that Anthony’s bed wasn’t made. I put the mattress pad from Terrell’s bed on before putting on the sheets that Anthony brought. He had a blanket and two pillows which I arranged. I thought what a shame he had to sleep by himself. I heard him come in after eleven but didn’t get up to greet him. I heard him shower and then heard the Christmas music playing softly. He was doing the same thing I had done two hours earlier. I fell asleep.

I got up to pee and noticed the digital clock displayed 5:30. When I returned Anthony was standing at my open door naked. “Do you mind if I join you?”

“Sure, come in.” He followed me to my bed and got in behind me. It was awkward at first for both of us, but slowly he turned me on my side and cuddled up behind me. His hard dick was firmly planted in my butt crack. He didn’t move for quite a while until he was asleep. His soft snoring was gentle and his hot breath felt moist against my neck. I was excited but let myself go back to sleep. Light was seeping into the drawn drapes so I knew it had to be late morning. I turned to look at Anthony only to find him with his head propped on his right hand. He smiled, “I have been watching you and you make me feel different. Would you allow me to kiss you on the lips? I have never kissed a man.”

I moved my lips toward his without a word and let our lips gently brush. He pushed forward and I let my tongue push into his mouth. He opened and our slippery tongues touched. I turned toward him and our hard cocks touched. I felt his hand touch mine and his at the same time. I shivered. I was as much a virgin as he was. We kept our lips together for what seemed like minutes. He was moving his hand slowly up and down my slippery cock. His hand was soft and I loved his touch. When I touched him, he took in a deep breath as if surprised. In not more than three minutes both of us were thrashing around and slowly moving up and down the cock of the other. He came first all over my stomach. I reciprocated with three strong squirts to his mid-section. We slowly came down and continued to kiss until Anthony put his head on my shoulder. He whispered, “Whoa, that was truly extraordinary.” I didn’t speak but murmured agreement.

I invited him into my shower and we let the warm water cascade over our newly liberated bodies. We kissed again and Anthony said, “Thank you so very, very much. I can’t believe the Christmas gift you gave me.

“Does that mean you don’t want any more gifts?”

“The more gifts the better.” That was December 20th. Anthony and I had sex of one sort or another for the next five days. I liked the physicality of the sex but I didn’t feel romantic about Anthony. I think he would have taken our relationship further but I was not willing to let that happen. It snowed on Christmas Eve and we decided to open the hot tub which I had cleaned when I moved in but hadn’t turned on the heat until it was time to use it. After a lovely Christmas Eve dinner we undressed and walked across the snow-covered deck and slipped into the steaming water. The water was hot, in fact, too hot, but we enjoyed the bubbling water for about fifteen minutes before returning the cover and hurrying inside. We showered together and gave our mouths a workout pleasuring the other. I knew we had only two more days before the boys arrived. We didn’t get out of bed the next morning until 11am and found the snow had stopped. We backed out of the driveway to return Anthony’s sister’s car. When we returned to the house, we sat by the tree enjoying each other’s company.

Brent and Ricky

Before we left Columbia for the Christmas break, we moved our things from the grungy house to our room at Josh’s. We didn’t unpack because we had to bring our bed from home plus some other furniture. We hugged Josh and told him to expect us on the day after Christmas in the afternoon since it was 262 miles from Davenport to Columbia. After all our gifts were opened and wrapping paper gathered up, Ricky, mom, dad and me had a wonderful Christmas dinner at the restaurant where we regularly performed. Ricky surprised me when we finished dessert. He cleared his throat to get our attention and said, “Max and Martha, Brent and I are moving in with a bunch of gay guys in a clothing optional house. Dad looked puzzled and mom didn’t say anything so Ricky continued, “Josh who owns the house told us if we wanted to live in his house, we had to be opened minded.”

“What did he mean?”

“He’s just out of the Navy and told us that there was no smoking – tobacco or anything else inside or near the house. He told us we could swear only if it was absolutely necessary. He also told us that each of us would have household duties since there would be six gay guys living together. I’m sure he won’t allow grunge like the other place where we lived. Oh, yes, he is nude most of the time and wanted to make sure we didn’t care. Ricky and I don’t care but we both get cold easily. When I told him that he said we were free to wear whatever we wanted to.

“What do you know about the other guys?”

“Well, one guy named Terrell is in a wheelchair. He was injured in Afghanistan. He’s a cool guy but we are going to have to help him. He’s going to live in a bedroom in the basement since the bathroom has a walk-in shower.

“How’s he going to get up and down the stairs?”

Josh said he is going to install one of the motorized chairs that go up and down stairs.”

“Has he ever installed one, they’re a bitch? I’ve installed three and there’s a trick to it.”

“Is it OK if we mention that to Josh when we get back? I know he has to do it quickly since classes start in less than two weeks. Could you come down to help?”

“Tell Josh that I can help anytime this week and next. We’ve closed down for two weeks.”

“Let me tell you who else is moving in. There’s an arrogant, frat guy named Mark from St. Louis. We just met him and a nice guy named Anthony. I’m sure Josh won’t care if you and Mom come to visit but I can’t guarantee Josh will be dressed.”

“We’ll see what your Mom thinks about seeing someone other than you two running naked from your room to the bathroom.”

“She didn’t say anything.”

“I didn’t say she minded. But you two are pretty free with your self-expression.” We all laughed.

The day after Christmas we picked up a small U-Haul truck as soon as they opened. We had everything staged in the garage which included our bed frame, box springs and mattress, our desks and chairs and a low chest which we shared. We are the same size and share the same clothes. We had mentioned to my parents that Josh’s basement room didn’t have a refrigerator. Mom and Dad bought a new side by side Amana and insisted we take the old refrigerator. It was heavy, but we managed to get it loaded along with clothes and a Care package of cookies, brownies, and a wide assortment of leftovers. We didn’t get away from Davenport until almost 10:30 am. Ricky drove the truck and I followed in the Highlander.

The roads were clear of snow and ice. It was dark when we got to the Big Timber Road house. I had texted Josh at approximately 3 pm when we stopped for our last pee break. When we pulled into the driveway, only Josh’s F150 was sitting there. When I walked up to the truck I said, “Looks like no one else has checked in. Josh opened the door before we knocked. A cold, wet wind was blowing so we hurried to get everything out of the truck except the refrigerator. Josh seemed happy that we had it but in order to get it to the basement we were going to have to get a refrigerator mover before we returned the truck. I took our car and went to the U-Haul rental store. When I got back, we loaded the refrigerator onto the dolly and rolled it into the garage. We decided we would move it around the house in the morning before we returned the truck.

Josh

I was sitting at the kitchen table with my cup of black coffee and my mobile device when the two rumpled boys came in wearing their matching flannel pants and body warming shirts. I said, “Cold, wearing boxers and a tee shirt?”

Brent said, “We were cold but we slept dressed to avoid the heavy covers. Have you turned up the heat?”

Dismissively I snapped, “Yes,” and went back to reading my mobile device. The boys poured themselves cereal. After they sat down Brent inquired, “Hasn’t Anthony moved in? I thought he would be here by now.”

“Yes, he moved in several days before Christmas. He drove my F150 over to his sister’s condo to take her dog for a walk. He’ll be back soon. He said he would help me install the mobile chair for Terrell.”

“Josh,” Ricky began,” Brent’s dad works construction and said he had installed several of the mobile chairs. He would be happy to drive down and help you install the thing. He indicated that it’s tricky.”

I admitted, “I’m feeling pressure to get it done because Terrell comes back the day after the new year. Is your dad free today or tomorrow?”

“He’s on vacation because his construction company is closed for the holidays. Oh, we told him and Mom that the house was clothing optional. They didn’t seem to care as long as we thought you were a good guy.”

I smiled, “I don’t know how comfortable I will be with you mom seeing my swinging dick.”

“She wouldn’t care because she saw Ricky and me naked all the time.”

“Yeah, but you’re young and cute. I’m wrinkled and over the hill.” They laughed and I continued, “When the box with the rail and chair arrived yesterday, I got the instructions out. It is not complicated but it is appears that getting the anchoring correct makes all the difference. I’d appreciate it if you would call your dad and see if he is willing to drive down.” Brent retrieved his cell phone and we could hear muffled voices. Brent reported that his Dad would be here tonight but had to drive back for New Year’s Eve parties on Friday. Brent reported that his mother had decided that she’d come later.”

When Max Hanson arrived at four, the boys were dressed in workout clothes and I was wearing boxers and a tee shirt. I was surprised to meet a 40-year-old guy who was muscular and handsome. His firm handshake suggested he was a guy who worked with his hands. Max explained that he worked for a structural steel fabrication company but had worked regular construction before. I explained my own background in construction. Brent and Ricky showed him their room and when he returned, he was wearing a singlet over red briefs. He asked, “Let’s see the instructions.” I showed him the instructions and the stairs to the basement. He said, “Where’s the electrical box? This thing requires a dedicated circuit.” Fortunately, the box was on the wall about ten yards away. Max decided that running the cable through the ceiling was the best solution. It was obvious he was comfortable with me as well as Anthony who he met briefly before he went off to the pizza restaurant.

We gave Anthony our pizza order which we asked to be delivered. Anthony didn’t appear while we were awake. Max slept in Mark and Anthony’s room so Anthony slept on the day bed in the study room. We agreed to be up early because we only had one full day to get the project completed. Max first started figuring out the electricity. Rigging the wiring went smoothly. Max and I weren’t comfortable with the rail anchors because the wall studs had been done as a DIY project and weren’t properly attached to the ceiling joists and the basement floor. We worked most of the morning making sure there was the proper wall support for the weight of a man in the chair. We were sweaty and beginning to smell ripe when we stopped for a sandwich and a beer. Ricky and Brent watched and prepared our lunch. We all sat together at the breakfast bar downstairs as the big fire the boys prepared warmed us on a bitterly cold day.

Sitting next to Max and smelling his muskiness made me horny but I managed to keep control. If Max noticed he kindly didn’t say anything. We got back to work and with the boys help got the rail in position. The rail was awkward and heavy so it took three of us to hold it while Max screwed in the giant bolts. Max’s fear was not getting the rail aligned and having the chair bind. By four the chair was on the rail. Ricky wanted to be the first person to ride down and back up. The chair and the controls worked without a glitch. I said to Max, “Man, I couldn’t have done it without your help.” He smiled and patted me on the butt.

He said, “It was fun. If there are more projects like that let me know.” He was in his car by 10:30 the next morning and on his way back to Davenport. I stood at the door waving and wondered what it would be like to have sex with that hunky guy. I heard my cell phone ring.

Mark

It was early morning in Colorado when I called Josh. My parents paid for my three siblings and me to fly to Breckenridge for a week of skiing. They rented a big condo on the slopes as a Christmas gift for the family. We had learned to ski at a young age so everyone including my mother was comfortable on the slopes. The three boys including my eight-year-old brother could tackle the black diamonds. The snow was fantastic and the weather wasn’t too cold. My call to Josh made me nervous because I was requesting a change in the sleeping arrangement that we had worked out before Christmas. On our first full day of skiing I was standing at the urinal in the lodge half way up the mountain. When I finally found my cock buried in the multi-layers of clothes I was wearing, the dick tip was barely out enough to pee. I noticed an Asian guy standing next to me. He didn’t seem to be having the trouble that I was having. He was smiling as he looked at my predicament. He said smartly, “Find it?”

Embarrassed I said, “Yes, thank you.” I turned away re-buttoning and re-snapping my clothes. He stepped back from the urinal but didn’t walk away. He said, “Sorry, I was rude. At the urinal you are supposed to look at the wall. But you looked like you were either having fun or having trouble, I couldn’t tell.” We walked out of the toilet together. Since none of my family was around, I invited him to get his food and join me. He walked toward two adult men and a few minutes later returned with his food. We sat by the window as the snow-flakes swirled past.

I’m not usually friendly with strangers but I was taken by his candidness and his casual manner. He introduced himself as Lee. We had typical conversation as one gets to know someone. He told me he was Chinese and lived with his father and uncle in San Francisco. Lee didn’t mention a mother and I didn’t ask. It turned out that he’s a junior at Westminster College in Fulton, only thirty miles from Columbia. I didn’t tell him exactly my living arrangement but told him I lived off-campus. He seemed interested in coming to visit as soon as we both got back to school. We skied together the rest of the afternoon and went to a bar after skiing, for a beer. I wasn’t twenty-one so wasn’t sure I could get served. He left our table and returned to the two men I saw him with earlier. He introduced his father and his uncle, who were cordial. After they walked away, he ordered a Coke and so did I.

Lee, his father and uncle had only one more day of skiing so I didn’t see him until Lee and I got together for a Coke late in the day. We agreed that he would drive over to the Big Timber house as soon as he got back. I knew I had to let Josh know I had a guest coming even though I hadn’t moved in. I was nervous when I punched in Josh’s number. When he answered I said, “Hi Josh, this is Mark.”

He said, “When will we see you?

“January 2nd in the afternoon. We fly back into St. Louis on the 1st so I have to pack the car. I should be there in the afternoon. But that’s not the reason I called.” I paused waiting for Josh to say something. He said, ’And?’ I hesitated. ”Well I met this guy while I was skiing this week. He goes to Westminster. I want to invite him over. I told him he had to have an open mind. What I was wondering was, could you ask Anthony to sleep somewhere other than our bed?”

“You asked him yourself, he’s right here.” I could feel my arm pits dripping and sweat forming on my upper lip. After he said ‘Hello.’ I started.

“Anthony how were your holidays?”

“Too fricking busy. What about you?

“Skiing with my family in Colorado. Coming back tomorrow and I’ll see you guys the day after New Year’s.”

“Great, do you need to talk to Josh.” I could hear puzzlement in his voice.

“Listen, I met this guy who goes to school in Fulton. I invited him to come over next week. I told him about the house. I was wondering if you could find somewhere else to sleep while he was here.” There was a long pause before he said, ‘Sure, no problem.’ His accommodating voice suggested he had no problem with my request even though I wasn’t sure Lee would want to sleep with me. I felt like a snail crawling on my stomach.

I texted Lee and suggested he come over as soon as he returned to Fulton to see the house and meet my roommates. I didn’t hear anything until the next day when he replied that he would be over and stay the weekend before he started classes on Monday.

Terrell

I texted Josh and inquired if he was ready for me to show up. He immediately texted me that everything was ready. I texted him back that I had secured a second wheelchair from the VA so I could leave one downstairs and have one for everything and everywhere else. I drove my Chevy to Josh’s house on New Year’s Eve at Josh’s suggestion. Josh was having a casual new year’s party to celebrate with our new house mates. He told me that the party would be outside my bedroom. I was happy that I wouldn’t have to be carried up and down the stairs. I was amazed, the first time I took the motorized chair. It worked perfectly. I could get out of my chair and onto the mobile chair easily but someone had to stow my wheelchair in the front closet. I left my old chair at the bottom of the motorized chair so I didn’t need help on the lower end.

Anthony was quick to help me unload my car and stow my things in my new bedroom. He put my clothes in the closet and the dresser. He unloaded my computer and printer and set them up for me. He set my two portable speakers up on the chest and tested the Winamp connection for my music. The Bluetooth connection worked fine. I sat on the quilt that covered my twin bed watching as he did everything for me.

I needed to use the toilet and wasn’t quite sure how I could get from the toilet to the stool Josh put in the shower stall. Anthony looked at me waiting for his next instruction. I said, “I hate to ask but could you help me onto the john?”

He said, “Sure, hand me your clothes first, do your business and call me. I’ll help you get into the shower.”

“You don’t have to leave. I have learned as a paraplegic you can’t be modest or you’ll spend your life being frustrated.” Anthony smiled as I crapped, wiped and said, “Lift me into the shower.” The stool seat was cold on my bare butt. He could tell and said ‘Next time I’ll run hot water on the stool before you get in.’ He walked out of the bedroom and went into the kitchenette where Brent and Ricky were stocking the refrigerator with beer, soda, wine and champagne. He must have heard me turn off the water because he was there with a towel for me to dry myself. He smartly put a towel on the wheelchair seat so the seat didn’t get wet. Even though he had laid out some clean clothes I choose to roll in front of the fire naked. It was my first time and no one seemed to notice.

Mark

Because of a predicted snow storm, I left St. Louis early so I was assured of getting to Columbia to be part of Josh’s New Year’s Eve party. I about shit in my pants when I pulled into Josh’s driveway and saw Lee’s black Corvette parked behind the Highlander. I was already apprehensive about Lee coming over, but that wasn’t supposed to happen until I informed the other guys. I wasn’t aware that Lee had returned to Fulton. I got out of my car tentatively and walked toward the front door. I knocked even though I should have walked in. Josh opened and looked puzzled. “Why didn’t you open the door and come in. You live here.”

I stiffly replied, “Sorry, and sorry Lee showed up unannounced.”

“We were surprised, but thanks for alerting me. I told him you were expected. He went downstairs to meet Terrell and the others who are watching the big screen TV. Why don’t you leave your things in the car and come in for our little party? You can unload tomorrow unless you’ve got something that will freeze. It’s supposed to be a really cold night.”

After throwing my coat and gloves on my bed I went downstairs. Lee greeted me with a hug which was something he hadn’t done before. He handed me a beer even though he kept a Coke in his hand. Everyone talked and usually over someone else. With the fire roaring, everyone got naked. That was the first time we were all seeing what everyone else was sporting. Terrell was the only one whose dick went up and down like a yoyo. Anthony kept teasing him and he didn’t seem to mind.

At midnight we drank a champagne toast. I invited Lee up to my room. Without a word he got in bed with me. We cuddled for a few minutes before he fell soundly asleep. I thought we were ready for our new experience together.

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