Promises: Part I (Bounty Hunters Book 1) (5 page)

“A gift set of your
Bleu De Chanel
,
s’il vous plaît
.” Vaughan spoke with a perfect French accent.

Duke was very impressed and he hoped he’d played it cool. But if he was being totally honest with himself… he was Vaughan’s already.

“What about her?” Vaughan tossed back his fifth shot and pointed out a beautiful redhead to his dad. He’d pointed out about ten very different women and his father shot each one down, barely looking in their directions. “What’s with you?”

“Nothing. I just want to enjoy a night out with my son without a lot of distractions.”

Vaughan studied at his drinking partner for a while. “Aren’t you lonely?”

He got a serious look in return. “Not anymore.”

Vaughan understood. He was gonna have to be careful and make sure he didn’t dedicate every bit of his time to Duke. Even though he’d missed the man like crazy, his father had been missing him just as much. Vaughan was a smart guy; he could figure the situation out, make everyone happy. Him, his father, and Duke.

“Alright big guy. Let’s get the hell out of here. The music is giving me a headache anyway.”

“Here. Here,” Quick agreed.

He finished the last of his beer and went up to pay the tab. The quaint hole-in-the-wall in the heart of Atlanta was a hidden gem he’d heard about through the grapevine. The food was great, and while the music was good, old school stuff, it was a little louder than what he expected. The crowd was low key and people were nice, though. He got a lot of interested looks, mostly from women. He simply returned a slight smile and turned away. He was already taken. His father on the other hand… What was his deal? Vaughan would eventually want to build a life with Duke; he couldn’t be his father’s companion. He needed to find his own, even if it wasn’t for anything serious. At the age of forty-nine, he still had some miles left in him. Since his parents were only teens when they’d been forced to marry, his father had missed out on a lot. Vaughan wanted some happiness for him.

“Let’s pop Armageddon in the Blu-ray and veg out on the couch,” his father suggested happily, throwing his denim jacket on.

Vaughan mock groaned. “Armageddon again! We’ve watched it a million times.” It was their favorite; they could watch that movie a million more times and still be just as engrossed as the first time they watched it.

“You love it. Come on let’s go.”

********

Duke made a third attempt to clip on his gold cufflinks. His collared shirt was white with fine tan pinstripes. He left the top button undone and the hem untucked—just as he’d been instructed. The camel colored Ralph Lauren blazer brought out the tan pinstripes and was the exact length of his shirt. It went perfectly with the faded denim jeans and his brown Clarks casual shoes. He looked in his full-length mirror. He hardly recognized himself. He had to admit, he looked pretty good. His usual ensembles consisted primarily of jeans and t-shirts. With the occasional Polo shirt on special occasions.

He put a small glop of mousse in his hand and tamed his silver locks, simply finger combing them back. His freshly cut edges and sideburns didn’t hurt the look at all. Putting a couple dabs of Bleu De Chanel on the skin just above his collar, he was set to go.

His condo was only a few miles from his office. He had another bail bond taking his calls—if any came—tonight, so they could all have a great time with no interruptions. His phone buzzed when he got in his truck. He adjusted the temperature before pulling out his cell. His smile was broad when he saw the sender.

He and Vaughan had exchanged numbers at lunch the previous day. They’d kept the conversation light and used it as an opportunity to get to know each other all over again, as two grown men. He hadn’t been home for more than an hour after their outing before he got an “I’m thinking of you” text. It wasn’t cheesy or childish. It made Duke feel special. It’d been a long time since he’d been made to feel like that. He read the text.

I’m sure you look good enough to eat

VW

Duke shook his head. The kid was gonna kill him. He wanted Vaughan to do so many dirty things to him, it bordered on illegal. Before he pulled out of his parking lot, he typed a quick response.

You did good on the selection. I hope you like it.

D

When nothing else came, Duke pulled out into traffic and was at his office in less than ten minutes. The parking lot wasn’t full, but he quickly recognized Judge’s truck, especially since Bookem was lying down in the small patch of grass next to the building. He knew Judge would come. He and Charlie had a nice working relationship whenever Judge had floated in to the office. Judge considered Charlie a friend, so there wasn’t a reason to suspect he wouldn’t be at this party. Was he ready to see Judge again? It’d been a few months since he’d seen him, since Duke had limited their interactions to phone conferences only. He could do it. That part of his life was over, there was no reason to dwell on the what could’ve beens. Judge had Detective Austin Michaels now, and just maybe, Duke had Vaughan.

Bookem ran over to him as soon as he got out of his truck and aggressively licked his hand while Duke patted the big Dane around his flank. “Good to see you too, Books.”

Walking inside, he saw that the place looked great. The decorations looked tastefully done. Charlie had on a suit with a nice button up shirt. His daughter and her family were around him talking, along with a couple of the guys. As soon as they saw him, Charlie waved him over. Duke cut a quick look at Judge, giving him a head nod in acknowledgement. The way Judge looked at him gave Duke an immeasurable surge of satisfaction. It added a little pep to his step. Judge must have thought he looked good because his eyes scanned him up and down, but Duke acted like he wasn’t the least bit fazed.

Duke gave Charlie a big hug, asking him if he liked the decorations. Charlie was modest, but the gleam in his eyes told Duke all he needed to know. Charlie was proud and stunned that all of it was for him. Duke kissed Charlie’s daughter on her cheek and Clara thanked him for everything he’d done for her father. Duke shook Clara’s husband’s hand as well.

Ignoring Judge’s eyes on his back, he turned and went to the buffet that had been set up by the caterers and checked to see if everything was in order. He’d just popped a carrot stick in his mouth when he heard Judge right behind him.

“Wow. Don’t you clean up nice.”

Duke spun around. He kept his face impassive as he wiped his hand with one of the “Congratulations you’re retired!” beverage napkins. Duke looked at Judge’s usual black t-shirt and jeans and smirked back at him. “Thanks.”

Judge looked uncomfortable, so Duke broke the strained silence. “So where’s Michaels?”

“Work. Of course. He might make it over later.”

“Good. I’ve only had the pleasure of meeting him once. How’s everything going at the house? All the renovations done?”

Judge drank out of his red Solo cup before he answered. “Yeah. It’s awesome, man. We’d love to have you over.”

Duke smiled broadly. “Work’s been insane, but I’d love to see what you’ve done with the place.”

“Just like I thought. Good enough to eat.”

Duke saw the frown crease Judge’s face before Duke turned towards Vaughan’s passionate voice. Duke’s smile was shy and he knew he was turning a shade of rose, especially when Vaughan shouldered past Judge and stood directly in front of Duke as if his sole purpose for being there was to be near him. He gave Duke another European kiss, on both cheeks, lingering like he’d done before to whisper in his ear. “Two minutes alone with you, please.”

Duke cleared his throat and Vaughan stepped to the side. He looked stunning as usual, but Duke expected nothing less. His short hair was moussed and actually parted on the side. It made him look so distinguished, Duke wanted to put his arm around the man’s waist and pull him close to his side. Instead, he pointed to Judge. “Vaughan. I don’t know if you remember Judge Josephson.” Duke pointed to Vaughan. “Judge this is Vaughan Webb, Quick’s son. He’s recently come to Atlanta after passing the bar to work in the DA’s office.”

“No shit,” Judge deadpanned. “You’re a lawyer? You don’t look like one.”

Vaughan’s laugh was dry. “I’m not sure exactly how a lawyer looks.”

“You just look a bit young.”

Vaughan nodded once, his lips tight like there was a lot he wanted to say to Judge.

Oh boy. This isn’t good. Judge and Duke weren’t lovers anymore, but Judge had made it clear that Duke would always be a special friend to him. Now Judge was acting like Duke needed protecting.

There was so much Vaughan wanted to say to Judge that he was literally biting his tongue to the point of pain. He didn’t like it at all when he’d come in to see Judge looking at Duke like he was a piece of prime rib. The guy had chosen another man over Duke. He didn’t get to be greedy and feast his eyes on Vaughan’s man too.

Since his father was consumed with congratulating Charlie, Vaughan took the opportunity to make his presence known. Duke had responded visibly to his kiss and he took it as a victory. Now Judge was giving him shit. The big bastard. If Vaughan were still in high school and weighed an extra hundred pounds, he’d invite Judge outside to the parking lot.

“Well, I’m not sure what you think a lawyer should look like, but I assure you; I am one.”

“Hottest lawyer I’ve ever seen,” Duke added, and Vaughan thought his chest would burst with pride. If he had been concerned about Duke hiding them, he wasn’t anymore. Now he needed some alone time with him. He turned towards Duke and mouthed, “Your office.” He left without saying anything else to Judge. He was irrelevant to Vaughan. He actually should be Judge’s new best friend, because it was his stupidity that gave Vaughan the opportunity to be with Duke. If he and Duke were still sleeping together, Vaughan would have had to waste precious time trying to convince Duke to leave him. He gave that very little thought as he headed to Duke’s office and closed himself inside to wait.

The party was in full swing with just about everyone that was invited having showed up. The DJ played Charlie’s favorites, all Bluegrass Country, and Vaughan was glad for the quietness of Duke’s office. He really did appreciate all types of music, but those tunes had him thinking that someone should be sitting in a corner clicking spoons while another strummed a metal tool on a washboard. His mom always told him that he had an old soul; it’s why he was so mature. But that music was a little
too
old school, even for him.

As soon as Duke entered and closed the door behind him, Vaughan crowded into him, pushing him against the door. He buried his nose in Duke’s neck, the tip of his tongue snaking out to lick him just under his collar. “Damn. You smell good.”

Duke murmured against his throat. “You do too. You look really nice tonight.”

Vaughan hummed. He rubbed against Duke’s strong physique like a feline marking its mate with its scent. He wanted to absorb Duke. How did one manage that? He ran his fingers through the short strands just above Duke’s neck. “Damn. I can’t believe this is happening.”

Duke huffed an indignant laugh. “
You
can’t believe it.”

Vaughan chuckled deeply. “Well, we can be shocked together. Hmm.”

“Will you kiss me?” Duke said on a choppy breath.

Vaughan pulled back and smiled, gently cupping Duke’s jaw. “When was the last time you were properly kissed?”

Duke ducked his head but Vaughan tilted his chin back up. He needed to see those dark, soulful eyes, needed to see what Duke wanted, what he craved.

“Umm.” Duke shrugged casually, but his eyes pleaded dramatically. “Couple years, I guess. Maybe more. Give or take.”

“Fuck.” Vaughan groaned. How could he make this perfect for Duke? “I really want to devour you right now. But there’s a room full of people out there and there’ll probably be a knock on your door any minute.”

“Sorry. I know. I just—”

“Hey,” Vaughan cut Duke off. “I’m gonna give you every damn thing you need and more, if you’ll let me. But you’ve been thinking about the idea of me and you for what? A couple of days now?” Vaughan put both hands on Duke’s neck, forcing him to look in his eyes. Wanted him to see his sincerity. He just barely brushed his lips across Duke’s. “I’ve been thinking about this moment for almost fifteen years.”

“Jesus Christ.” Duke closed his eyes.

“Open,” Vaughan ordered, and Duke easily complied. As soon as Duke was focused back on him, Vaughan pressed his lips more firmly against Duke’s parted mouth and flicked his tongue against his bottom lip. “You taste so fuckin’ good. No amount of fantasizing compares to this right now.”

Duke’s arms were around his waist holding on to him for dear life. How the fuck was it possible that he’d been hooking up with Judge for the past few years and hadn’t been kissed. Vaughan didn’t think he could’ve thought any less of Judge, but he did. Wouldn’t kiss Duke, would only fuck him. That motherfucker. Duke adjusted his head to the other side and Vaughan tamped down those thoughts and oh so gently kissed Duke’s supple mouth again. “Fuck,” Vaughan hissed. “Enough. I can’t… fuck. If we don’t stop, I’m gonna have a huge damp spot on my pants that will not be easy to lie about. I’ve wanted this too much… too long, to do it here, like this.”

Duke nodded his head in agreement, his eyes still cast downward at Vaughan’s lips. He licked them, enjoying the gasp of breath Duke expelled. “I rode here with my dad, so I have to take him home. Can I take you out tomorrow night? A nice dinner, maybe a movie.”

Duke smiled. “I’d like that.”

After their night out, Vaughan was going to have to apologize for how hard he was going to fuck Duke. With a devious smile, Vaughan gave Duke one more kiss before he stepped back. “Goddamn, you look hot.”

Duke blushed and Vaughan thought it was the most adorable thing in the world. He was getting ready to show Duke what it really meant to be in love. Both of them were floating on cloud nine after they left the office. Stolen touches while no one was looking. Discreet winks from across the room had Duke blushing and no one understanding why. Vaughan thought it was hilarious to see his man so flustered and buzzing with excitement. The best part about the rest of that night was that Duke hadn’t paid a lick of attention to Judge.