“And they are blissfully oblivious to how close we came to a mob war,” Ben said. “As they should be.”
“Everyone loves the movie pirates, but they were the Mafia of their day,” Erik said. “It really wasn’t fun when they came into port.”
“One more illusion ruined by an accurate knowledge of history,” Ben replied.
A busy stand sold tickets for Monty’s lighthouse tour and evening ‘Spirits of the Sea’ haunted beach tour and story hour. Ben smiled, knowing that Monty would be accompanied by his very own ghostly partner and few, if any, of the tourists would be the wiser.
Since they didn’t have to drive to get home, Ben and Erik stopped at the pavilion showcasing local wineries and settled in to try several different flights. The pavilion was dog-friendly, and George wasn’t the only canine under the tables.
“I approve of this sort of spirits.” Ben raised a glass in a toast.
“Works for me,” Erik agreed. The knowledgeable bartender explained the backgrounds of the different vintages and what made them unique to Cape May. Ben bought a couple of bottles and made a note of others for future purchase.
“I know we’ve had way more excitement than we bargained for since we moved here,” Ben said, “but I wouldn’t trade it for all the peace and quiet in the world.”
He surreptitiously snagged Erik’s fingers for a moment before releasing them, but his heated glance promised much more once they were behind closed doors.
“Finding you was worth it all,” Erik murmured.
Now that the storms had passed, the air was cooler, providing a much-appreciated respite from the heat and humidity. Ben lifted his face to the breeze, then felt a shiver when they passed one of the old Victorian houses. George paused and eyed the house suspiciously before picking up his pace to move Ben along and past them.
“What do you think the ghosts make of all this?” he asked Erik.
“I imagine they’re used to it by now,” Erik replied. “I think some of them are nostalgic, and the others just go about doing what they always do. The ones who don’t like crowds make themselves scarce. Events go with the territory if you decide to haunt a tourist town.”
They drifted through the crowd, greeting friends and neighbors and admiring the shops and homes that had gone all-in on Fall decorations.
They ordered cider-themed cocktails and settled on a blanket they brought with them to watch a classic movie on a big screen. Sitting side by side on the lawn, Erik covered Ben’s hand with his. George sprawled between their outstretched legs, then rolled onto his back.
“I know I saw this when it first came out, but I definitely didn’t get all the jokes,” Ben said as the audience laughed.
“Or the innuendo,” Erik agreed. “Although it’s aged well, considering.”
Ben thought back to when he had seen the movie in first run, and how much had changed since then, in the world but especially for him. Not just his job or location, but what he wanted out of life, and who he wanted to spend it with. Back then, he could never have imagined leaving Newark and law enforcement, or settling down with a man he adored and who shared a long-term commitment.
Ben leaned against Erik. “I like the now better than the then.”
Erik briefly rested his head against Ben’s shoulder. “So do I.” His comment made Ben guess that Erik’s thoughts had run along a similar track.
Despite their jackets, the air held a chill as they walked home. Music from the late-night bands provided a faint soundtrack. Any remaining party-goers clustered in the festival area, leaving the streets and sidewalks empty.
“That was a fun day, even if we did have to avert a Mob war to make it happen,” Erik said once they were inside the apartment. He hung George’s leash by the door and checked to make sure there was kibble and water in his dishes.
“Just another day at the office,” Ben replied, although he could do with less excitement on a regular basis.
“For us, it really is,” Erik agreed.
Ben turned Erik to face him and backed him up against the door. “Tricks or treats?” he murmured in a growl that he knew always went straight to Erik’s groin.
“Both,” Erik answered a second before Ben captured his mouth with kisses and let his hands roam from Erik’s hard nipples down to his thickening cock.
“Then gimme sugar.” Ben kissed and lightly nipped his way down Erik’s neck.
Erik returned the kisses with equal fervor, sliding his hands down Ben’s arms and back, then giving his ass a firm squeeze.
Since he had come to live with them, George had taken to sleeping in their room, but he didn’t object when they closed the door from time to time. Ben figured George would settle outside the room, on guard.
They maneuvered toward the bedroom without really letting go, managing to shed clothing as they went before tumbling onto the bed.
