Pranked Read online

  Brooks watched me for a minute as I lifted the top of the mixer and transferred the industrial ball of dough to the table so I could separate it into loaves and shape them for tomorrow.

  “You’re always generous year-round, not just around the holidays like most businesses here.” It was a question said like a statement, but I nodded all the same.

  “I know what it’s like to not have a guaranteed meal. If I can help someone else not feel that way, then it’s worth it.” He gave me a look full of understanding, before nodding and walking out. I couldn’t help but pine after that man, he was selfless to a fault. He ran the food pantry in town, never turning anyone away. I had suspicions that he was supplementing with his own money sometimes. As much as people wanted to be seen as good, very few donated to those who actually needed it. He was kind of my hero… well, a hero I want to kiss.

  My feet ached and I was pleasantly exhausted by the time I poured myself onto my couch, microwave dinner in hand. It was nearly eight, which was later than I planned, but I couldn’t turn down a visit from Brooks. I dedicated my night to a cute Hallmark movie, dozing a bit before finally forcing myself to stumble to bed. Just as my eyes started to grow heavy again, the rumbling pulse of bass filled the apartment, making my walls vibrate as I filled with rage. It was quite a bit louder than usual and I knew exactly why.

  Screw you, King! I’ll get you back for this!

  Jasper

  The bass pulsed through the bar, setting the mood as I took another spoonful of the apple pie in front of me. It was a good choice in the end, not that the adorable, sassy guy next door didn’t sweeten the deal. Something about the fire in those eyes turned me on, made me want to pin him to the wall and do all sorts of unsavory things to him. From the first moment I saw him, I knew I’d make him mine, but he seemed to be immune to my charm.

  “Why are you over here smirking like a damn fool?” Talon, my best friend, asked with his signature annoyed look. To an outsider he seemed downright unpleasant, but I knew him well enough to read the hint of playfulness behind it.

  “Other than eating pie and whiskey for breakfast?” I asked innocently around another spoonful, not even bothering to hide the grin.

  “Yes, because that’s clearly a healthy choice,” he deadpanned as he reached over the bar for a shot glass and poured his own, slugging it back and not even wincing at the fiery substance.

  “Just a guy.” It was simple and evasive and gave him all he needed to back off. The noncommittal grunt had me biting back a laugh, but I didn’t have time to joke anyway, the live band had cranked up the music to near deafening decibels. I cringed, knowing exactly what Bow Tie next door would think. I’m a dick, but I’m not that big of a dick.

  By the time the newbie running their sound figured it out, it was too little too late. The disapproving look of the sheriff pierced through me as he wove his way through the growing crowd. Here it comes.

  “Son. When I suggested you move back to town for a fresh start, I hardly meant for you to piss off the whole damn town.” His raspy voice cracked as he tried to yell over the noise.

  “We turn it down at the town-wide quiet hours, you know that. The new local band just had some sound issues,” I reasoned, giving him a placating look. He rolled his eyes and glared for a moment, before shaking his head and heading for Talon.

  “Hand me a beer, Son, my shift is over.” Talon nodded, walking around the bar to get him his favorite local brew. Dad was a frequent customer of mine, coming by almost every night after his shift. I think he just hated the idea of going home to an empty house, and I couldn’t really blame him. He also had a penchant for calling everyone Son or Sweetheart. I guess you could take the man out of the South, but you can’t take the South out of the man. The twang that came out when he was actually mad, was always fun.

  “Who called me in?” I asked, before he could try and force Talon to talk. It was like a game to him and if he weren’t the sheriff, I was pretty sure Talon would have beat his ass by now.

  “It was an anonymous tip, but I’d assume someone nearby. I could hear it down the block,” Dad said, his disapproval strong again. I was used to that look. It wasn’t easy being the family fuck up. They were so proud when I went off to business school, but after I got fired from the corporate world for the third time and came back home, the disappointment wasn’t exactly well hidden. Refusing to let it bring me down, I took another swig from the whiskey bottle and walked away.

  It only took about ten minutes before I spotted an adorable guy dancing with a group of friends. I leaned against the wall and observed for a minute, not missing the way his eyes landed on me before he started putting on a show, his hands roving down his body until my cock was standing at attention. The shyness before he approached had a certain bow tie wearing neighbor popping in my head, effectively ruining my mood. Thankfully, one of my waitresses dropped a tray and I was forced to jump into action, cleaning up the glass and reassuring her. Though, I was silently thanking her for the save.

  Owning a bar was supposed to be the ultimate bachelor life. I could sleep in late, take a man or two up to my room occasionally and let loose, and keep my life completely commitment free, just the way I like it. But from the first time Ezra turned his nerdy glasses my way, fire dancing behind the lenses, I was a goner. My goal was to get him out of my system, but each time he turned me down, I only wanted him more. The fact that I couldn’t even enjoy myself for a night of casual fun had me even more desperate and frustrated. It was time for a plan… as long as that plan didn’t mean I’d have to get up at ungodly hours, because what normal person gets up before the sun?

  Bow Tie’s face popped back into my mind at that train of thought, which started my dick stirring to life once more. Biting back a groan, I carried the tray of broken glass through the double doors into the back and dumped the shards into the recycle bin along the back wall. With the crowd growing the back was empty, making it easy for me to slip into the employee bathroom.

  The dingy, almost yellow-beige color of the tile and dim lighting reminded me that I planned to redo it after the holidays are over and I could have some help from Micah and Hudson to finish it quickly. It certainly was convenient to have friends that knew their way around a toolbelt, but that wasn’t going to help me take the edge off and get me through the night without embarrassing myself.

  I pushed thoughts of those goofballs away to focus on the serious but sassy baker with hipster glasses next door as I pulled my throbbing dick out of my pants. Closing my eyes, I palmed my erection, letting out a hiss of breath between my teeth as my cool hand started stroking up and down, my hand wrapped lazily around my cock.

  Allowing myself to get lost in my fantasy, I imagined Bow Tie, Ezra, in this bathroom with me. I pushed him into the corner using my arms on the wall to box him in as I brought my body against his, trapping him there between the heat of my body and the cold tile. Swallowing his gasp at the contrasting sensations with my mouth claiming his, I used the moment to slip my tongue into his mouth to finally get a taste of him.

  Not to be outdone, Ezra stroked his tongue along mine while putting his hands on my chest, slowly moving them upwards to thread themselves into my hair, and tugged me closer to him. The movement had me wrapping my arms around his lithe body. Ezra took the opportunity and spun us around so I was suddenly against the cold tile. The cool sensation reached my heated skin, even through the thickness of my sweater. I could feel his grin against my mouth as I let out a sound of surprise. Taking control of the kiss, he maneuvered me just where he wanted me, tilting my head and making me lean down to his height. Minutes, or maybe hours later, he pulled away, leaving us both desperately trying to catch our breath.

  Recovering quicker than me, Ezra sank to his knees in front of me with that feisty smirk that never failed to drive me to distraction. I managed to get myself together enough to help him to undo my pants, but he pushed away my hands to pull out my dick himself. My cock glinted even in the dim lighting
, with my dripping precum showing just how excited I was that this was happening. Turning his eyes up to look at me, he stuck his tongue out to taste me and licked me like his favorite sucker. The second passing of his nimble tongue along the tip of my dick had my orgasm slamming into me.

  It hit me so hard I was thrown out of my fantasy, instead of Ezra kneeling in front of me covered in claiming stripes of cum, I stood alone in the empty and rundown bathroom, a firm grip on my softening cock and cum covering my hand, the sink, and even some on the bottom of the mirror. Fuck. This is ridiculous. Quickly, I washed my hands and tucked myself back into my pants. As I zipped up, I caught sight of my watch and realized I’d been rubbing one off for almost fifteen minutes. Hopefully not long enough for anyone to realize I’m missing.

  Grabbing some cleaning supplies from the gray plastic storage cabinet, I cleaned off the sink and mirror to get rid of any evidence of my need to release some tension. As a last minute thought, I located the air freshener and sprayed the room before hurrying out. No one was back here, but I could still hear the bass thumping the walls of the bar again along with the sounds of people laughing and ordering drinks.

  Slowly making my way back to the front, I tried to push thoughts of Ezra from my mind, yet again, so I could focus on my customers.

  “What the fuck happened to you, Jasper?!” Talon called out as soon as I stepped into the packed room.

  So much for coming back unnoticed. The bar was surrounded by people trying to order drinks left and right. Talon was helping my new bartender, Jax, who looked overwhelmed by all the people vying for his attention. At Talon’s shout, half the people turned to look at me, I forced a chuckle out as I lifted the bar flap to join them.

  As I passed Jax, I sent him an apologetic smile, which he returned tentatively before going back to making the drink in front of him.

  “Sorry about that. Okay, where can I jump in? And thanks, Talon, for helping me out, but you don’t work here, so—”

  “So shut the fuck up, Jazz. You guys are swamped, and Jax is still wet behind the ears, don’t act like I don’t do this regularly. You need an experienced bartender to help you out and help train Jax. No offense, kid.”

  Jax just nodded at that, but even I could see the redness flushing his face at the words.

  “Talon, you’re being an asshole. If you’re going to help, take orders and make drinks.”

  Talon rolled his eyes at me bossing him around but decided to listen. Maybe he saw the flushed face of the kid beside him and took pity on him, but not before calling me out once more.

  “You know you never said where you were off to just now.”

  “I was taking a shit if you must know. Now,” I rubbed my hands together, “who can I help over here?”

  I turned on my megawatt grin as I faced the unmanned side of the bar, ignoring Jax’s choked back laugh and Talon’s disbelieving glare. If this is any indication of how my night is going to go, it’s going to be a long fucking night, and it’s only nine p.m.

  Ezra

  The incessant buzzing of my alarm clock rubbed me the wrong way as I blinked open my eyes. The music had been a bit more bearable the last few nights, but it wasn’t much of an improvement. I was really going to have to find a solution sooner or later, because clearly tipping off the cops wasn’t going to work.

  Once I was fully awake, I realized it was finally Monday, meaning I had the entire day off. I’d never appreciated free days like I have since owning my own business. Since it was my only one, Leo made sure to convince his Pops to give him the same day. Otherwise, we’d never get a chance to do anything.

  Glancing at the clock, I jumped out of bed and started my morning routine. For once I had plans. Brunch with Leo and dropping by Second Chance, the homeless shelter that Brooks runs. Plus, since winter had finally settled in for the season, I needed to run to the flower shop for some poinsettias to brighten up my storefront.

  “Honey, I’m home!” Leo called, just as I slipped my black sweater over my white button down. He covered his eyes as he rounded the corner. “Please don’t be in just a bow tie.” I snorted at his declaration, since the bow tie was the only thing I was currently missing.

  “I’m decent,” I deadpanned, glaring as he cracked up and rushed into the room, making a beeline for my bow tie drawer. After looking at my outfit and my selection of ties at least twenty times, he finally plucked out a bright teal one with black polka dots, tossing it over to me and shutting my drawer.

  “Don’t argue. Trust your best friend, I have far more fashion sense than you.” I couldn’t even argue with him, he always looked good. His blond hair was always perfectly styled, his outfits ranged from hipster to casual to nerdy, but somehow everything worked on him. It was his superpower, making everything look fashionable.

  “I’m starving! You ready?” I asked as I finished tightening my bow tie and sliding on my glasses, the world coming into full focus now that they were on.

  “Yes! Mondays are the best,” he sang out, intertwining his fingers with mine and pulling me from the room. The action barely fazed me anymore, you tended to adjust when your best friend was the most touchy feely person on the entire planet. The first time he kissed me, I panicked, then relaxed as I watched him kiss several more friends right after. He just liked to be affectionate, which was comical when you paired him up with Pops, the calm and collected ex marine.

  “You’re the only one on the planet who would agree.”

  “It’s not my fault that most people have to work on Mondays.”

  “I’ll agree after a stack of french toast.”

  “You only want to go to the diner to see Corny.”

  “You’re literally the only one he protests, calling him that.”

  At that, Leo flashed me his dimpled smile and batted his freakishly long lashes. He was beautiful and he knew it. “It’s because I’m adorable and people can’t resist my charm.”

  “Yea, something like that,” I snorted, opening the door to Cornelius’ Diner and ushering him in.

  “Mornin’ boys! The usual?” the man in question bellowed from behind the counter, his wide toothy grin on full display. A swash of flour adorned his cheek, but he didn’t seem to notice.

  “Always, Corny!” Leo called, earning him a playful glare from Cornelius.

  “If that name sticks, I’m revoking your pie privileges. You’ll be dessertless and sorry!” Cornelius called back, causing Leo to stop in his tracks. He turned, his eyes narrowed and his expression serious.

  “Everyone already calls you Corny and you know it! So, you wouldn’t dare,” he fired back, patrons turning their heads from one man to the other, like they were watching a tennis match.

  “You know I would. Wouldn't it be a shame if I accidentally picked up salt instead of sugar?”

  “Wouldn’t it be a shame if I planted fake bugs in my food and snapped a pic?” Cornelius gasped and did the sign of the cross, muttering under his breath.

  “Maybe too far?” I said, shooting my best friend a look that said he needed to rein in his crazy.

  “Nah. Wait for it.” He took his seat before turning to the kitchen with a goofy and expectant grin on his face.

  “You do that and someone will accidentally release a wild animal in that shop of yours, Leonardo!” Cornelius yelled, crossing his arms over his chest, getting batter all over himself in the process.

  “Where you going to find a wild animal to release?” Leo asked, wheezing because he was laughing so hard. I rolled my eyes at their brand of crazy, but with Leo I shouldn’t have been surprised. He lived for teasing his friends.

  “I have my ways, kid.” Cornelius made his way around the counter with two plates in hand, bringing them to our table. Somehow he managed to make a stack of french toast and Leo’s eggs and bacon while yelling back and forth with him.

  “Thank you, Cornelius,” Leo said sweetly, giving his best behaved smile. I choked on my bite of french toast, the whole innocent look on him was just f
ar too startling. He might look innocent, but Leo was about as innocent as the devil wearing a halo.

  “See, I knew you had it in you!”

  “Don’t be fooled,” I warned, earning a chuckle from Cornelius before he turned and walked away.

  “My name isn’t Leonardo. I’m not a Ninja Turtle,” Leo called after him, earning a snort from Cornelius as he got back to work, effectively ending their little game.

  An hour later, we were bursting at the seams and heading for Second Chance. Actually convincing Leo to sit still long enough to help assemble the meals was never an easy task, but he’d readily agreed today. The reasoning was easy to figure out as soon as we were alone again.

  “So, what’s got your panties in a knot?” he asked, suddenly serious. It threw me off, serious wasn’t a side of Leo that I saw often.

  “What do you mean?” I went through the first part of our day, trying to figure out what he could possibly be talking about.

  “Something is wrong. I can tell. You’re agitated and there’s a bit of fire in you. My normally passive best friend is on the verge of starting a fistfight,” he joked, though I could see the tightness around his eyes meaning he was trying to break it to me gently.

  “Ugh, fine. It’s that damn bar next door! Jasper King is infuriating!” I grumbled, launching into the full story of Jasper’s trip to the bakery and the loud music keeping me up at night.

  “You guys should just fuck and get it over with.” I choked on the sip of water I just took, not expecting him to say something so ridiculous.

  “Please enlighten me on what’s happening in that head of yours. How do you go from me telling you how infuriating this man is, to me wanting to get in his pants?”

  “First. Nobody says ‘get in his pants’ anymore, we aren’t in middle school, Ez. Second, I know you and I’m pretty sure this adorable rivalry you’ve got going on is just you two begging to bang each other,” he said smugly, flipping a curl out of his face as he finished loading food into his stack of bento boxes.