Title: How I Wooed Timothy Speedle – by Eric Delko
Author: Bj Jones
Rating: FRAO
Summary: Eric wants Speed – he has a plan.
Sequel: What Really Happened by Timothy Speedle
***
I don’t know how it happened, it just did. One day I walked into work and realized I was in love with Speed, my best friend – my male best friend. I turned around and called Horatio, told him I was sick and going home. Don’t look at me that way I’m Catholic – Russian Catholic, did I mention the Cuban part? We Russian Cuban Catholic boys just don’t walk into work one day and realize they are in love with their male best friend who has beautiful brown eyes, hair that you want to run your fingers through, and a body that you just want to lick all over. Sorry I digress. I didn’t know what to do so I went home.
I sat on my couch and stared at the blank TV screen and tried to figure out when and how this happened. The moment we met we hit it off. I was so nervous starting at the lab; Horatio had confidence in me, but that didn’t mean anyone else did. Speed just looked up from the microscope and said. “So you’re the new kid.” He handed me some slides to compare and that was that. In that one gesture he made me feel as if I was part of the team.
It was his snide remarks and cynical outlook that had gotten me through the first bad cases. When it would get to close he would comment about stupidity of criminals or their lack of imagination in finding dumping spots, my favorite – “Ooh a trashcan that’s original.”
He was always there when I needed to vent. He never questioned it when I showed up at his door one night with tears in my eyes – angry and frustrated. The bad guy had gotten away because I screwed up. I felt like a failure. He handed me a beer and in his most loving caring voice told me to “Get over it”. I stared at him. I wanted to hit him. He smiled “Go ahead if it will make you feel better”. I did – it didn’t. I was mortified that I just hit someone I was beginning to see as a best friend. He just handed me my beer and turned on the game. I sat down next to him and watched the game. In retrospect I realize that was the moment I began to fall for him.
I became conscious of the fact that it wasn’t a sudden thing, falling in love with him, but gradual. When he would give that rare full smile my heart would beat just a bit faster. His eyes sparkle when he figures out that one piece of evidence – though he would never admit it. I remember one night I had found him working late, again – working on a cold case from his first year as a CSI. That’s when it dawned on me – he hides his caring side behind the asshole. I wanted to know more about him. Why sometimes when you look into his eyes you only see pain reflected back – pain so deep it’s scarred his soul.
I sat there slightly stunned that I wanted to take that pain away. I wanted him to look up from that microscope and smile at me – for me. I wanted to see that sparkle in his brown eyes as I made love to him. I wanted…I wanted him. I got up from my couch and went to the only person I knew that could help me.
Yes – I went to my mother. Moms can fix anything.
Was it smart for me to go to my Cuban Catholic mother for advice on what to do with this new found knowledge? Probably not, but the next choice was Alexx – and since we all know she’s Speed’s mom it wasn’t a good idea.
I have to say I was shocked. I really was. After my mom sat there in silence for a few minutes she smiled and said, “I like Tim, he’s a good boy. He needs to eat more; he’s too skinny. I guess I’ll just have to fatten him up since he’s now part of the family.” And that was that. I had to point out that the reason I was there was because I didn’t know what to do.
Her words not mine.
“Woo him.”
Okay someone tell me how the hell do you woo a cynical asshole CSI? Really, no really I want to know – flowers? Yeah right. Chocolate…there’s a possibility wonder if he has a sweet tooth. Note to self must find out if Speed has a thing for chocolates. I could ask Alexx or not. Besides that what do I do to woo him? We already hang out, drink beer watch the game. I know – I’ll ask if he wants to go with me scuba diving.
***
Well that failed miserably. I just asked if he wanted to go out with me the next time I went diving. He just looked at me and blinked then went back to processing the scene. So scuba diving wasn’t a good idea – hey don’t even laugh I’ve never wooed a guy before.
Though I scored on the chocolate, the boy has a sweet tooth. Of course after I brought him the third candy bar in two weeks he looked up and asked. “Are you trying to fatten me up?” I responded. “You’re too thin.” My God I must have been channeling my mother. He just eyed me and said. “This is coming from the walking bean pole.”
I saw my in and like any male I took it. “Well it’s my mom’s biggest complaint. She complains that I’m never around to eat her food so she can fatten me up. You know she would love if you stopped by for dinner. She adores you – why, I don’t know.”
YES! I really had to restrain from doing the happy dance around the lab. He actually smiled a full smile and agreed to come for dinner on Saturday. I couldn’t keep the grin off my face for the rest of the day.
***
Note to self and anyone out there who is listening. When you’re trying to woo a guy don’t let your older sisters near him. Why you ask? a) if they aren’t married they’ll try to steal him b) if they are married they will pull out cute baby pictures and public humiliate you c) if you’ve been straight all your life their husbands will tell the boy you’re trying to woo all about your ex-girlfriends and finally d) they will torment you when he leaves because in the middle of dessert they realized that you brought him home to meet the family.
***
I love my family. I really do. After the big confrontation after Speed left – it all came down to one simple thing. I loved him. So what does my family do? Strategic planning. Seems the sisters know how to woo a cynical asshole CSI – who knew? I didn’t. I walked into work the next Monday with a smile on my face. I had a plan. I had a mission. I…
I had competition. The bitch.
***
I heard it from Calleigh, who heard it from Alexx, who heard it from Speed. He met someone. How dare he – didn’t he know I was wooing him? Calleigh was just packed full of information and a little bit too cheerful for my taste. Basically, what I got out of the perky bouncy blonde was that Speed met someone at a bookstore on Sunday. They talked for hours, had dinner and ended up walking along the beach at sunset. Damn! Why didn’t I think of that? And to top it off… according to the now annoying blonde, they had a date on Friday. Growling probably wasn’t the best way of hiding my feelings. Calleigh just looked at me with that little all knowing smile on her face. “Oh,” she said and walked away. Damn.
The week sucked. Speed was actually smiling – and not at me. Calleigh kept shaking her head at me in sympathy. Alexx and Horatio were teasing Speed about getting a life. I brooded in the corner. And as pathetic as this sounds – I wanted my mommy. She can fix anything.
Well momma didn’t fix it she just smacked me, “He’s not marrying her. Go get your man!”
So I came in on Thursday, apologized for my behavior and gave him a box of Godiva chocolate. He gave me a soft smile. “It’s okay it was your time of the month.”
My chance came on Friday – the rumor mill was abuzz that she was coming to the lab to pick Speed up since she didn’t like his motorcycle. Well missy you aren’t going to last long – no one gets between Speed and his ride.
This would give me a chance to take a peak at my competition. Work out my next counter move.
Damn.
Well that answered one of my questions, actually the main one. He won’t be bothered by the fact I’m a guy. The bitch turned out to be a bastard. With a Jag. His name was Thomas. Thomas, the lawyer – a corporate lawyer. He was tall, fit, blue eyes, sandy blond hair, handsome, and had a killer smile. I hated him. He needed to die. I know how to hide bodies. I know places to dump them. I know how the ocean currents work. I could make him disappear. I glanced at Calleigh who was smirking. “You’re growling.” I hate blondes.
***
Well I can tell you my weekend sucked. I kept envisioning the two of them chatting over coffee about out of print books I’ve never heard of. I began to really wonder if I could keep up with Speed. He’s smart. I mean really smart. Alexx told me once that he finished the last two years of his BA in one – with honors.
I brooded for a while till my dad sat down in front of me and asked. “Do you love him?” Yes – stupid question. “Then that’s enough. Don’t let a shiny car and slick clothes stop you from the real thing – loving Speed.” He was right – so I got off the couch and formulated a plot. Though I had to laugh when my brother-in-law offered to go hunt this Mr. Jag lawyer down for me and take him out of the equation.
If anything this situation has really made me appreciate my family, and discover how sneaky and cunning they are. Now I know how my sisters landed their husbands – and I think said husbands figured it out too.
Step One: Weasel Speed’s time away from Mr. Jag as my sisters are now calling him.
Step Two: Get Alexx on my side – easier said than done.
Step Three: Slam him against the nearest surface and see if he has tonsils – Let me tell you the world stopped as we all stared at my mother. She grinned and pointed at dad – that’s what he did. I didn’t really need to know that.
***
So once again I walked into work on Monday with a plan. Speed wouldn’t know what hit him. The receptionist looked at me a bit strangely I guess she’s not used to a feral grin on my face. I was on the hunt – Timothy ‘Speed’ Speedle didn’t stand a chance.
I found him in the Trace Lab going over our case. I walked in and laid two tickets next to his hand. He glanced down then up at me. I smiled.
“You got tickets to the opening game for the Miami Heat?” Speed looked a bit stunned.
I grinned – score one for me. “Won them off some radio station.” I shrugged easily – no way was I going to tell him that I pulled every damn contact I had and then some to get them. “And since you’re the only one who would appreciate the value…”
“I’m so there.” Speed gave me one of those rare dazzling smiles.
I swear my knees felt weak. I just leaned against the counter. “How about dinner….” I tried not to glare at the phone.
“Speedle.” I watched his face change slightly a small smile appeared – mine disappeared. “Hey…yeah it was nice…” He laughed slightly – I glared at the phone. It was Mr. Jag – maybe I should let my brother-in-law go after him I can help hide the body. His tone changed and I focused back on the conversation. “No… it’s okay.” He looked down I wanted to hurt him for hurting Speed. “When will you be free?” Never, I hope. “See you then.” He hung up the phone and turned back to me.
“Problems?” I tried for casual, by his look it didn’t work.
“Big case.” Speed shrugged. “We were supposed to go out tonight to an art gallery.”
I swear my sister’s voice screamed in my head – HELLO! Opening! Go for it! Art, wine, cheese you can do this! “You still want to go?”
Speed looked startled. “What?”
“Art gallery…if you want to still go I can go with. Of course you might have to explain a few things to me. I’m more of a symphony guy.” I sweated while he just looked at me. “I promise not to embarrass you.”
He kept staring – I was starting to get nervous. “Okay.”
That’s it. “Should I know anything?”
“Wear a suit.” Speed answered then looked back at the microscope.
I really need to get my sister out of my head ’cause I know it wasn’t me that squealed ‘Oh My God I get to see Speed in a suit.’ I seriously need help.
***
“So I hear you’re taking Speed to an art gallery.” Alexx looked over the body at me. She had that look. The one all moms have – well at least the moms of the child you’re trying to woo. You know the look – ‘I know you’re up to something and if you think of hurting my baby – I can hide the body’ and in Alexx’s case, she could.
“Thomas cancelled, I just offered to go with.” I shrugged looking down.
“Two tickets to the opening game of the Miami Heat?” She countered. She’s good.
“Speed got us tickets to the playoffs it was only fair.” I still didn’t look up, the dead guys fingernails were really fascinating.
“Does he know you’re trying to woo him?” Yep she’s real good.
I look up…”Alexx…”
Her eyebrow rose. “He’s seeing someone.”
“I started wooing first.” Okay now I’m channeling my four-year-old nephew.
Alexx’s lips twitched in humor. “Eric, honey wooing only works if the person in question knows he’s being wooed.”
“Well…” She had a point.
“He loves Italian food and he told me once that being spoken to in a foreign language turns him on.” My mouth dropped. “Honey you might want to write this down.” She suggested. Have I mentioned lately how much I loved Alexx?
***
He rode up, wearing a suit, clean-shaven and yes – I swooned. You know I didn’t care if I had to listen to boring professors go on about color and pose as long as I was able to be next to him and just … just absorb his presence.
“What?” He asked.
“Suit, clean-shaven… Satan must be ice skating.” I grin.
He rolled his eyes then walked into the gallery. The show was early Baroque period art. Don’t look at me I have no clue. At least it wasn’t Abstract with high-end snobs trying to figure out the artist’s feelings about the black line next to the red.
There were some pieces that were really beautiful. You couldn’t help but get pulled into the picture – that moment in time the painter captured or imagined.
“I’m glad to see you’re enjoying the art.” Speed smiled easily.
“I don’t know much about the Baroque period,” I answered honestly. “Now music I can talk about not art though.”
“Well I guess you’ll have…” Speed began…
“Timothy!” Speed turned with a smile on his face. No. I couldn’t believe it – the bastard.
“Thomas.” Speed hugged the man – I wanted to throw up.
“I got out early, figured I would surprise you.” He looked over at me. “Eric, right?” He held out his hand.
My momma always taught me to be polite. So I shook his hand and smiled. “Glad you could make it. Speed was telling me about the various artists.”
“You interested in the classical arts?” He asked smiling.
“I enjoy the music from the time…” I made polite conversation.
“A symphony man…” Thomas grinned. “We must talk. Timothy here doesn’t know the difference between a harpsichord and a piano.”
You know what sucks. Thomas is actually a good guy. I like him. He has a sense of humor, knows his art and music, intelligent, witty, all around decent guy.
***
I take it back he’s not a nice guy. He’s an evil conniving bastard. I shouldn’t be surprised he’s a lawyer. Every time I planned something with Speed he would reschedule something and suddenly be free. He knew I was trying to woo Speed away from him. Bring it on – lawyers don’t scare me.
The next week was hell. All I heard was Thomas this, Thomas that. The man called at least twice a day – Hello a little overboard in my humble opinion. The only good side was the huge case we had – not that triple homicide is a good thing. It just kept us busy which meant no Thomas.
I was starting to realize my wooing wasn’t working. I had to figure something out and fast. Or Thomas was going to win and I…well I don’t think I could handle it. I know you’re supposed to be happy that the one you love is happy – fuck that.
Maybe I should just tell him.
***
“DAMN!” I kicked the tire – it had been a really long week.
“Problem?” Speed’s voice had surprised me.
I turned around Speed was leaning up against the SUV next to my Lexus. “My tire’s flat.”
“Got a spare?” Speed asked.
Like, I hadn’t thought about that already. “Yeah and it’s flat.” Though I couldn’t understand why, I checked last month it was fine.
“If you don’t mind the bike I’ll give you a lift.” Speed nodded towards his bike.
Do I mind riding on the back of his Ducati, plastered against his back, my arms wrapped around him as we speed down the highway? There is a God. “Promise not to kill me.”
The grin worried me. “I wouldn’t risk my bike.”
“Oh I see where I stand in the scheme of things.” I grinned as we walked over to his bike.
“Do you?” He asked sincerely.
***
I’m adding this to my favorite things to do. Flying down the streets wrapped around Speed is … it’s… there are no words to describe it. All I could feel was his warm body and the power of the machine under us. He didn’t seem to be in a hurry to get me home. I didn’t really care.
We ended up stopping at a small fish place along the ocean. It was in one of the quieter sections of Miami – no clubs or fancy restaurants to lure the tourists. It was just a place to get cold beer, fish tacos and sit and watch the ocean.
That’s when I realized I had been going about this the wrong way. Speed didn’t need to be wooed, I didn’t need to do anything special – I only needed to be me. I suggested a quick walk before getting back on the bike. As mush as I loved riding it with him I wasn’t used to it and my legs needed some more time before getting back on.
We talked for over an hour just about everyday stuff. He really is smart. He knows a lot about a variety of things – it’s what makes him a great Trace expert. I talked about swimming and my attempt for the Olympic swim team. I found out he loved to cook.
We walked back to the bike still chatting. I really wasn’t looking forward to the night ending. He leaned up against the Ducati and looked at me.
“Eric…”
Screw it – I’m going with mom’s plan. I grabbed him and kissed him. I had never kissed a guy before and let me tell you it’s a bit different. His five o’clock shadow was scratchy against my face and hands but in a good way. His mouth opened under me and I dived in – yep he had tonsils.
A honk startled us. I pulled back and looked into his eyes. They were darker than usual. “Get on.” He motioned towards the bike. I nodded and settled onto the back wrapping my arms around him. I nuzzled his neck – I just couldn’t resist. I smiled into his back when I heard the low purr – so his neck was sensitive.
We made it my place in record time. He turned on the bike and looked at me. “Eric.”
“I love you.” I was shocked by my own admission.
He smiled a smile I had never seen before. It was pure and free and full of happiness and love? Speed? “I love you too.”
I leaned forward and kissed him hard. My hands went into the soft hair and held him steady as I devoured his mouth. Speed groaned and tried to get closer to me…I felt the bike shift. Speed quickly moved back steadying the bike.
“So I do come after the bike.” I teased.
Speed’s eyes blackened. “I can make you cum on the bike.”
Damn. “I’ve got a nice big…” It’s so hard to concentrate when his hands are doing wonderful things to my nipples.
I reluctantly pulled away and got off the bike. I held out my hand. Speed took it as he got off the bike. I led him up to my apartment. I was giddy with excitement, but at the same time I could feel the anxiety seeping in. I’ve never been with a … “Shh…” His lips were on my neck. “We only go as fast as you want.”
I got my apartment door open and pulled him inside. I wanted him. I know I wasn’t ready for well you know that… but I wanted to feel him… learn from him. I wanted… his lips are very distracting.
“What do you want Eric?” Speed looked at me. He expected me to think after he nibbled on my neck.
“You.” I answered simply.
His laugh sent shivers down my spine. He pushed me up against the wall. “You want to be inside of me? Me inside of you? Want me to blow you?”
Oh God. I practically came right then. “Speed…”
He looked at me and understood. He took my hand and dragged me to my bedroom. I stood there shivering in need and anticipation as he stripped both of us. I stared at him. Where the hell has he been hiding? Man … he … oh God those hands.
“Relax…” His voice was soft in my ear.
I ended up flat on my back looking up into sparkling brown eyes. He kissed me deeply his tongue dueling with mine. His mouth blazed a trail down my neck, chest and stomach. I have new admiration for his tongue not only, can he spout of witty comments, and snide remarks he can … OH GOD!
His chuckle just added to the sensation. I looked down my body to see my hard cock disappear into that warm mouth. My hand slid into his hair caressing, gripping as he teased, licked, and sucked. I came with a shout, awed and amazed. He swallowed everything. I pulled him up, kissing him deeply and tasting myself on his tongue. I felt his hard cock press into my thigh.
I grinned and rolled us. I might not know exactly what to do, but I know what I like. I slowly stroked him. My thumb smeared the leaking juices around making it slick for my hand to slide up and down. His head was thrown back, my name on his lips as he pumped into my hand. I leaned over and whispered what I wanted to do to him – in Russian. He shouted and came all over my hand and stomach. I pulled my hand up and licked his cum off my fingers. I looked down when I heard a deep groan. He was watching me eyes bright. I just smiled and licked my fingers clean.
I laughed when he tackled me to the bed kissing me soundly. I had Speed in my arms, my bed, my life – nothing could be better.
***
When I woke the next morning and found Speed gone from my bed I panicked. Did he have second thoughts? I slipped on my jeans and hurried out the bedroom door, only to stop in the living room. Speed and my mom were in the kitchen cooking. They both turned and looked at me. I just stood there trying to act calm. Speed walked up obviously not buying it.
“I’m here.” He whispered kissing me softly. “I’m not leaving.”
I kissed him back. “I love you.”
“Ahhh that’s so…” I looked at my mom. “So I see my advice worked.”
“Yes, momma it did.” I walked over to her and kissed her cheek.
She beamed at the two of us. “Welcome to the family.”
I could get used to his new smile – the one full of love and happiness.
Six weeks later
I can’t believe I convinced him to go scuba diving with me. Okay, so he’s not really diving with me – he’s sitting on the boat reading while I dive. But the point is the two of us are going out on the sea for the day – together.
Can’t you tell – I’m happy.
I stow the gear carefully then look up to see what’s keeping Speed. He went back up to the car to grab his bag. I paused. What was he doing here? I saw Speed talking with Thomas. In the six weeks we’ve been together there has been no mention of Thomas. There have been no phone calls from Thomas. Thomas hadn’t showed up at the lab. As a matter of fact Thomas just disappeared.
Speed laughed slightly then smiled at someone walking up to them. I followed his gaze. Okay who’s the petite pregnant blonde with the cute set of five-year-old twin boys?
My jaw dropped. I … what… I… I stood there for a while in shock. I didn’t even notice Speed climb aboard.
“Eric?” His voice shook me out of my stupor. “You okay?”
“Thomas?” I asked glancing back towards the dock.
He just smiled. “If I waited for you to figure things out and actually get to the wooing part I would have been retired.”
“So he…”
“Is one of my only friends from college.” Speed answered. “And that was his wife and their twin boys – their third is due in two months.”
“I’m not sure if I should be relieved or pissed…” I can’t stay mad, he’s smiling at me. Wait. “Alexx?” He nodded. “Calleigh?” He nodded again. “Horatio?” He smirked. “My Lexus…”
“Your sisters are devious creatures…”
I stood there in shock… damn them – they’re good. “Remind me to send them flowers.”
“Already did honey.” Speed pulled me into his arms kissing me soundly. “So, this boat, does it have a bed in it?”
“Yeah,” I groaned, enjoying the feel of his hands as they slip under my shirt.
“Good…” He licked my ear lobe. “We’ll be out on the open sea – alone – no one around for miles.”
Oh God. I took his mouth in a passionate kiss. I pulled him down towards the cabin. We didn’t make it out to the open sea. As he slipped inside of me for the first time I screamed out his name not caring who heard.
***
And that is how I wooed one Timothy Speedle.
“You wooed.” He looked at me eyebrow raised. “Okay whatever you want to believe.”
“Fine. Why don’t you tell your side.” I challenged.
He grinned. “Maybe I will.”