Day by Day Unconditionally Buck & Skyler

By Adam James Glass

Day By Day #4

There are two types of love in the world. Conditional and unconditional. Only one is without effort.
Conditional love is a burden for those who have unconditional love for that person. They continue to watch their step around the conditional lover to maintain that semblance of love. In relationships like those, only one person loses. For a relationship to truly work, there has to be unconditional love. Love that has no boundaries, no minefields, and no reservation are the ones that last.
When it comes to Buck and Skyler, the love that is between the two of them is unconditional. There is nothing one could do to make them stop loving one another. Anger over the small things, upset over the big things, always resolved themselves through love.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Adam James Glass
• Release date: Jun 2, 2019
• ISBN: 9780463046142

Adam James Glass

From Fantasy settings to Contemporary, and Science Fiction, he enjoys writing about Male/Male Romance.Growing up with an active imagination, he found himself daydreaming constantly. As he grew older, he realized he could put those thoughts in his head down on paper. Starting his first work by the age of 17, he went on to find other genres that interested him. His first work is still coming along, but there have been other projects he wanted to do as well. After many years, he finished his first book, Lost Souls.

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Day By Day:

Unconditionally

Buck and Skyler

Adam James Glass

Distributed by Smashwords

Copyright 2019 Adam James Glass

All rights reserved. This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the author. If you enjoyed this book, please encourage your friends to purchase their own copy from their favorite authorized retailer. Thank you for your support.

All characters and events in this book are fictitious. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead, events, and business are strictly coincidental.

This work is intended for adults only. Explicit sexual situations between two males are depicted.

ISBN: 9780463046142

Other titles by this Author:

Lost Souls: Complete Episodes

Day by Day: Unusually Buck

Day by Day: Defectively Boyd

Day by Day: Undoubtedly Skyler

DEDICATION

To Sarah, for motivating me and being enthusiastic about my stories and wanting to read them until the end.

1: THURSDAY, OCTOBER 29TH, 2015

Sand slipped through Skyler’s toes as he sat on Sebastian Street Beach. The laughter of a child he was watching moved his attention away from the ocean. A small smile brightened up his face as he saw the joy of the 3-year-old. Sand flew up into the air and fell back down on top of the boy’s brown hair.

Is that fun Cole? Skyler asked.

Yeah!

Don’t you want to go into the water?

With daddy.

Skyler looked to the shore line and saw Cole’s father. Here he comes.

Black wet hair had fallen in front of his face as he was running up. His board shorts hung off his hips, showing his v-line. Next to that line were two footprint tattoos with Cole’s name and birthdate under them. On the center of his chest was a tattoo of an angel’s face, like those from the stone statues. A halo hung over her head with her eyes close. Partial wing tattoos stretched out over his chest.

Daddy!

You ready to go in? Denver asked as he jogged up.

Yeah!

Grabbing Cole in his arms, he looked to Skyler. You coming in Skyler?

No.

Come on Skyler! Come on! Come on!

I think you have to now.

You should just have fun with your daddy.

Hurry daddy let’s swim!

Okay. He ran off with his son in his arms.

As Skyler sat there, he felt a shiver run up his spine. It felt as if someone was watching him. He looked behind him and saw people walking, and cars going by. The people standing weren’t looking in his direction. Bringing his attention back to the two, he saw them playing on the edge of the water.

It was already late afternoon, and by the time the two finished in the water, the sun was starting to fade. The two of them came running up side by side.

We need to get back. Mr. Grier will be home soon, Skyler said.

Why do you call him that, and not Arthur?

Because I don’t feel comfortable calling him that as I live and work in his house.

But you call me Denver.

I don’t work for you.

In a way you do.

Just because you’re freeloading off of him.

That’s not fair.

Both you and his niece take advantage of him. At least I was able to talk him out of giving so much money to her.

And she was pissed with you.

But I can’t get him to see who you are.

Because he knows.

Whatever. He picked up the beach blanket. How can a straight guy just have sex with a guy for money.

Who said I was straight?

You did. When I got here.

But I think I may have been denying another side of myself.

No, I know people who are like that. You are just a who—his eyes went to Cole and he stopped—a selfish person.

It’s just sex. It’s not that big of a deal. He doesn’t expect me to love him.

Skyler rolled his eyes.

You know, I could make an exception for you though. Cole loves you, and you’re easy on the eyes. He moved in closer.

Skyler put his hand on Denver’s chest and pushed him away. No thanks.

Oh, right. You’re married. He grabbed Skyler’s ring hand; a tattoo of Buck’s name was there. Are you even really married if you’re not with him?

Skyler yanked his hand away. You don’t know the story, and you don’t need to know. Let’s go. He started to walk away.

You’re such a tease.

Skyler turned his head to glare at him.

Tease! Tease! Cole shouted.

That’s right Cole, Skyler’s a tease.

Cole giggled.

Skyler sighed and began walking ahead of them to the black Mercedes-Benz SUV. He sat behind the wheel as he waited for Denver to buckle Cole in and return to the passenger side. His mind wondered, not paying attention to what was going on around him. Frustrated that Denver brought his already deteriorating mood down even farther.

Hey, Denver tried for Skyler’s attention.

When Skyler looked over to his voice, Denver was already in the passenger seat waiting.

You okay?

Fine, Skyler put the vehicle in drive. Their destination wasn’t far as Mr. Grier’s home was in Las Olas Isles.

Once he parked in the drive, he didn’t wait for the others. He went inside and started to work on what they were going to eat for the evening.

Skyler was lost in his cooking not paying attention to the world around him. He loved cooking and it helped him take his mind off other things.

Mm, that smells good.

Skyler looked and saw Denver, but for a second, he thought he heard Buck’s voice.

Uh, thanks.

What are you making?

Just taco filling. You guys will have to put it together.

Something smells sweet too.

I’m making a pumpkin pie. I just wanted to make one now before I make more for the youth center.

Why?

They are having a Halloween dinner, and I wanted to provide something nice.

Why?

Why not? I don’t understand you. The whole reason either of us are here are because Mr. Grier wants to help those in need. You were living out of your car until Mr. Grier saw you and your son, and felt sorry for the both of you. If it wasn’t for the shelter I helped at, Mr. Grier wouldn’t have known about me and helped me. I want to do what I can to help as well. If that means a good meal, then that’s what it is. He started cutting the avocados.

And you know why he offered to help.

I have not had sex with him.

I know, but he wants to.

That’s why he’s got you. And I don’t understand it. He didn’t expect you to sleep with him.

Yeah, but I get a lot more for doing it.

Skyler sighed in disgust.

He’d give you more if you slept with him. You wouldn’t have to do this anymore.

I don’t mind working for a little money and a place to stay. He started smashing the avocados.

Yeah, but it’s easier.

And what are you teaching your son. Is that the kind of life you want for him? He started to throw some spices in with his mixture.

He’ll get a better life. Arthur has already said he’ll pay for Cole’s schooling. Even college. I never went to college.

But what if you fuck this up? What if Mr. Grier gets tired of you? What are you going to do?

Find someone else. I’m sure I could also find a sugar mama instead.

You’re despicable. Where is Cole, shouldn’t you be watching him.

He’s watching his favorite show. He’ll be glued to the TV.

Great parenting.

Hey, I’m doing my best.

Your best? You have family Denver. I’ve heard mention of them. There’s no need for you to be here.

Family? I wouldn’t call that family. You don’t know the whole story.

I would if you told me. You are very secretive.

And you aren’t?

Touché.

That wouldn’t be a good life for my son to grow up in either.

This is better?

It’s good enough for now. But what about you?

What about me?

You plan on doing this the rest of your life? Continuing to run away?

I’m not running away.

Then what are you doing?

I’m trying to be selfless. If I had it my way, I would be with him.

Then be with him and stop bothering me. Denver walked away.

Skyler growled in frustration. He grabbed a knife and started cutting up lettuce. He heard the front door open and close. Soon, an older man with salt and pepper hair and short beard, walked into the kitchen.

Hi Mr. Grier. How was your day? Skyler asked.

Better now that I’m home.

Well, I made tacos. Cole requested them.

I am hungry.

Go ahead and get a plate. He put the chopped lettuce to the side. I’ll go get Denver and Cole.

Skyler, do you like Denver?

Not particularly, no.

Oh.

Why?

You two are here together a lot and I just wondered.

Mr. Grier, you know I am celibate now. Besides, I already talked to you about him. He’s straight.

I know.

I just don’t want you to get your heart broken.

It’s nothing like that.

Let me go get them.

The house was large and it wasn’t as simple as calling out for the two. There were multiple rooms and floors of the mansion. Near the kitchen itself was a family room and living room. The living room held the fireplace and artwork, while the family room held the television. Denver and Cole were on the third floor where the entertainment room was.

Skyler made his way up the flights of stairs to find them. The third floor was open with the entertainment room connected to the bar. It was where Mr. Grier hosted parties.

Hey, you two. The food is ready.

Great, Denver said. Come on Cole, time to eat.

Yay.

Before following them back down, Skyler walked out to the large balcony. Clouds had started to roll in. He breathed in and out, wondering what he was doing.

Back downstairs he found them all at the table eating. It brought a smile to his face as it looked like a family.

Near the end of their dinner, and with Cole getting more on him than in him, Mr. Grier realized he left his flash drive at the office.

I’ll go get it for you, Skyler said.

Are you sure?

Yeah.

I wanna go, I wanna go.

No Cole, Denver said.

Why not? Skyler said. We can get that and then I can get him some ice cream since he didn’t want my pumpkin pie.

Yes, ice cream!

Here are the keys to the front door. Digging into his pocket he pulled them out, and handed them over. It’s in my office. Plugged into my computer.

Okay. We’ll take our time.

Skyler took Cole out to the SUV and strapped him into the car seat in the back. The sun was setting, and he drove with the window down. Music played on the radio and Cole hummed in the back. The sound of the tires hitting the wet road brought a sense of calm out of him.

Every important place was located within a few minutes of each other. That included Mr. Grier’s office, house, mall, and beach. Before getting ice cream, Skyler stopped at the office. As they went inside the lobby of the main building, Cole ran around people.

Cole stop, come next to me.

Cole was giggling.

Come on, hold my hand.

No.

Ugh, you little brat, come here. Skyler ran after him and picked him up. God you’re heavy.

Cole was laughing.

Skyler went to the elevator and called it. Not wanting Cole to run, he held onto him until they were inside and the doors were closed. When they reached the floor they needed, it was dark. Cole didn’t mind the dark, and rand down the hall.

Cole, slow down. Skyler went after him, but he was glad the boy was going the right way. When he reached him, he was waiting by the door. Skyler unlocked it and flipped on the light switch. With the light on, Cole was gone. Cole!

Not all the lights came on and Skyler didn’t know where all the switches were. Skyler walked down a dark hall, past a conference room, to an open area where all the offices were.

Cole jumped out from behind chairs in the middle of the room. Boo!

Very funny Cole.

Haha! You scared.

Yes, now you should stay beside me so you can protect me.

Okay. Cole grabbed Skyler’s hand.

Where did all that energy come from? he said more to himself.

With it still dark, the light from the reception area was all he could use to find the office door. Skyler let go of Cole’s hand so he could unlock it. Once in the office he felt for the switch near the door and flipped it. With the lights on he went straight to the computer. Since the computer was off, he just pulled out the drive. Then he heard a crash, and realized Cole was not with him.

Cole!

Oops.

Skyler went out and saw a vase had fallen over and broke.

It fell.

I can see that. And you’re going to help me clean it up. Go grab that trash can.

Cole went and dragged it over.

Now hold it while I put these in there. Uncle Arthur is going to be upset.

Less not tell him.

Cole, we have to. I just hope it wasn’t important. He put the last piece in and put the trash can next to the wall. Come on. Let’s go.

Skyler locked the doors and turned off all the lights. Cole ran ahead to the elevator pushing the button.

As Skyler was walking, he saw a man come from where the bathrooms were. With the man wearing a hoodie inside the building, he didn’t trust him. He moved at a quicker pace to catch up with Cole.

Standing at the elevator, he looked out of the corner of his eye to the man. Skyler wanted the elevator to get there faster so they wouldn’t have to share it. He contemplated the staircase, but it was behind the man.

The doors opened just as the man stepped up. Skyler took ahold of Cole’s hand and they entered the elevator with the man.

You’re huge! Cole said.

Sorry, Skyler said, barely looking at the man. Cole? Want to press the button? He picked up Cole more for the fact he wanted to keep Cole close.

Yeah.

Are you going to the ground floor? Skyler asked, and only received a nod from the man, who was covered by his hoodie. Push the ‘G’ Cole. You know what G looks like, right?

Uh … dis one. He pointed.

Good, go ahead and push it.

As the button lit up, the doors closed, and they started to descend.

What’s your name?

Cole, don’t bother him. Sorry.

But the man didn’t reply.

He’s taller than you.

Cole, stop.

Skyler looked and saw the man’s hands in the pocket of his hoodie. With the weight of Cole on his arm, Skyler moved him to his other arm. It was a better position as Cole was farther away from the man.

Cole began running his hand in Skyler’s hair.

I want long hair.

Then you’ll just have to ask your dad.

The elevator bounced as it hit the floor and Skyler sighed in relief as the doors opened.

I wanna walk.

Okay but hold my hand. Skyler put him down and grabbed Cole’s hand. He didn’t want to leave the elevator first, but Cole was pulling.

Ice cream now!

In a way, Skyler liked that Cole was running. It was a good excuse to get farther away from the man. Outside they made their way to where Skyler had parked. Looking back, he saw the man standing outside the door. He was relieved nothing happened.

Instead of going to an ice cream place, a frozen yogurt place was closer. He knew Cole wouldn’t know the difference anyway, and it had a selection of toppings Cole could pick, and Skyler knew that would make the boy happy.

They sat and ate there because he wanted Mr. Grier and Denver to have time together. He was sure Denver didn’t care, but Mr. Grier would like it.

Back at the house, Skyler heard sound coming from the TV off from the kitchen. Walking with Cole to the noise and they found Denver. Cole ran and jumped on the couch next to his father.

Get your ice cream?

Yup!

Where’s Mr. Grier? Skyler asked.

Up in his room.

Skyler walked away without saying anymore. Taking the spiral staircase, he made his way to the second floor.

He knocked on the door, and was told to come in. Mr. Grier was sitting at a desk with his computer and papers all over the place.

Here you go. He sat it beside him.

Thank you.

Cole knocked over a vase near your office. We picked it up. I hope it wasn’t important.

No, it’s fine.

So, did you have a little fun while we were gone?

No.

Why not?

I have a lot of work.

You need to stop working so much. Skyler leaned with his left hand on the desk.

Mr. Grier looked at the hand and saw the tattoo. He took Skyler’s hand and ran his finger over the marking.

You loved him a lot, didn’t you?

I still do.

Why aren’t you with him?

I’ve told you.

But if you love him, you should be with him. He let go of Skyler’s hand.

He’s better without me.

I don’t believe that. If someone loved me the way you love him, I would want you with me no matter what. You shouldn’t let real love pass you by.

What’s gotten into you all of a sudden?

Just an old, lonely man.

Mr. Grier, you are only fifty, and you’re very handsome and charming. If I wasn’t spoken for, I would date you. Besides you have Denver.

You’re too nice Skyler. And Denver, you know that’s not going to last, but I do want to help his son.

Maybe you should get in contact with Denver’s parents.

Don’t let him know I told you this, but he told me the real reason he hasn’t gone back. The child’s maternal grandparents wanted to take Cole from Denver when his mother died. So he ran. He knew with his record they would have a chance to take custody away.

Jeez, what a mess.

Let’s not worry about it now. I’ll probably have to deal with it soon. Now, tomorrow I want you to go pick up our suits for the Halloween party.

I can’t believe you’re making me go. You have Denver, and who’s going to watch Cole.

I told Heather I would give her more money if she stopped by and watched Cole.

Heather? She doesn’t understand responsibility.

It will be fine.

I hope you’re right. Well I’m going to bed.

Goodnight Skyler.

Goodnight Mr. Grier.

2: FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30TH

Skyler walked down a dark hallway. Behind him, a man in a black hood followed. Skyler started to pick up speed, but the man did the same. The man went even faster and tackled Skyler from behind. Skyler tried to fight, and he called out for help.

His pants were pulled down, and instead of continuing to struggle he stopped. Skyler looked into a mirror that was in front of them. The man did the same and his hood was off. Buck was looking back.

Buck woke up from his dream in a sweat. For a second, he was confused as his surroundings were different, but everything started to come back to him. He was in a hotel room. Throwing back the sheets, he slipped out of bed and moved to the bathroom sink. Cold water ran into his cupped hands as he splashed it on his face. He looked in the mirror noticing his scruffy look. Drying his face off, he let the water run as he brushed his teeth.

He looked out of the window to the beach not far away. The sun wasn’t up yet, and he looked at the clock to see it was five in the morning. Squeaking came from the bed as it bent to his weight. A sigh escaped him as he ran his fingers through his hair.

Buck got dressed, put on his hat, and carried the hoodie with him. It was thin, but that didn’t matter. It was the only thing he could think of to keep himself hidden. He left his hotel room and walked to his rental car, a Prius. The car being quiet was the only reason he drove it.

He made his way to the house Skyler was staying at but parked farther down the road.

It was later in the day when Skyler left the house in the SUV with the two. Buck didn’t have to drive close, because he was able to fit tracking devices on the SUV and the car Mr. Grier drove the most.

They ended up at a mall. Buck kept his distance but watched. It was disheartening to see Skyler happy. He wanted to bring Skyler back, but he didn’t know how to approach the situation. If Skyler was happy, he didn’t want to disrupt that, but at the same time he wanted to drag him home.

Following them for a few days he knew Skyler had nothing to do with Denver. At that moment, Denver was hitting on some girls at a bar while Cole was dragging Skyler around parts of the Rainforest Cafe. Since the mall was crowded, he didn’t keep his hood up, but just kept his distance.

It was an hour later when they finally left the cafe. They walked from there to a large clothing store. Buck decided to follow. At one point, they moved to a changing room. Buck walked by to get a look, and saw Skyler at the changing room door talking to Denver. Cole was sitting on a chair nearby and spotted Buck.

Buck walked away, and Cole went to follow. He wanted Cole to follow him as he wanted to send a message through the boy. Taking off his hood, he bent down as Cole walked up to him.

You’re that big guy.

You remember?

You’re bigger than my daddy.

I want you to do something for me.

Okay.

Buck pulled out the other half of his dog tag. Give this to Skyler.

Cole smiled as he took it.

Cole! Skyler’s voice called out.

Buck put his hood on and stood up and walked away.

Cole what were you doing? Skyler’s voice traveled to Buck as distance was placed between them.

Buck made it out of the store, and around all the other people. He removed his hood and hid around a kiosk. He saw as Skyler ran out looking around. Then Denver came out holding Cole. They were talking but Buck couldn’t hear. He could see tears in Skyler’s eyes. Skyler left Denver and Cole. Buck could tell Denver didn’t know what to do. He started to follow Skyler.

Skyler made his way outside, with Buck not