The Wrong Man (18 page)

“Who is this?” Alex knelt down to greet the old Lab, switching from English to Spanish as he cooed to him in a low, sweet tone. Mack lay down and rolled onto his back to give Alex ample room to scratch and pet his stomach.

“Another conquest, Alex. Your day should be complete.”

“Not until you kiss me, Bran.”

“Not a chance,” I replied primly on cue. It was our normal banter. Usually he’d respond by tackling me like he had when he walked in the store. This time he turned to Mack and asked him for a kiss instead. The eager-to-please pup complied.

“Ew!” Luke took a step back and gave me a grossed-out look when I laughed at Alex’s antics. “I admit the dog is cute but seriously, Bran, have you gone nuts? He’s here all the time. Shedding, panting, drooling. You seem to kinda like it too.”

“Ha. Well, I like Mack, and that’s all that counts. Right, boy?”

Mack meandered to my side and leaned his head against my leg. Yes. I was smitten. I was nearly as gone over the dog as I was his owner. The knowing look in my best friend’s eye told me he was onto me. I wasn’t ready to discuss my new “relationship” with Jake. Luke remembered the events from twelve years ago, and he wouldn’t be easily convinced this was a good idea. He worried about me the way I did about him. However, there was no cause for concern this time around. I was older, wiser, and would certainly catch any telltale signs it was time to move on before tragedy struck. I wouldn’t be the schmuck left with a broken heart for the second time by the same guy. No way.

“He’s got a lot of personality. Maybe we should get a dog, Lukey.” Michael tightened his hold around his boyfriend’s waist and leaned forward, chuckling into his shoulder when Luke gave him a “you’re crazy too” look.

“What brings you to WeHo, boys?” I asked again, doing a quick survey of the store. There was a looky-loo near the dining table in the front, a serious decision maker in the back with two pillowcases in hand, and Josh was busy answering questions for a tiny older woman with blue hair.

“This is my ’hood now too,
mijo
.” Alex took a seat on the corner of the sofa and gave me a satisfied grin.

“That’s right! When is your gym opening? Tell me all about it while you shift your cute ass off the white sofa.”

Alex chuckled but obeyed. “Early fall. Michael’s helping me with the equipment and hiring. It’s looking good, though. Come check it out. I’m just around the corner.”

“We’re grabbing something to eat. Can you break away from the store?” Michael’s hand moved over Luke’s back unconsciously as he spoke.

“Not me. I have a furry friend and only one helper today.” I waved at a new customer walking in the door and caught the look my friends shared as I turned back to them. “What?”

“Nothing. I can’t wait to meet the sexy fireman, though. Luke told us he was a hottie in high school. Those guys usually don’t hold up so well. The best-looking ones end up fat and balding by thirty.” Alex’s tone was teasing, but he was right.

“Not this one.”

“Does he like soccer?” Michael asked conversationally. “We can set tickets aside for you guys if you’re interested.”

“I’m as interested in soccer as I am in getting a root canal, no offense.” I started to make a silly face but stopped. “Wait! Actually, yes. I’d like that.”

“You’d like what? Soccer tickets?” Alex asked with a wicked twinkle in his eye.

“Yes.”

“Say it out loud in one complete sentence.” He pulled his phone out and made a big production of setting it to record. “Go on.”

I mumbled a quick plea for tickets under my breath, tossing a dirty look at Luke and Michael, who were laughing at my pained expression.

“
No te oigo
. I can’t hear you. Try again,” Alex sang playfully.

“Will you please set aside two tickets to a soccer game, asshole?” I repeated through my teeth.

“Hmph. Only slightly better. One more time. Who are they for? State your name cle—”

“Fuck off. And never mind. I don’t want your crap—”

Alex slapped a hand over my mouth and kissed my cheek hard. “Watch that nasty mouth, mijo. I’ll take care of you and your boyfriend.”

“
Gracias
.” I moved toward the register when the pillow lady smiled at me, indicating she’d made her decision. “And for the record, he’s not my boyfriend.”

“Right,” they said in unison.

I discreetly flipped them off as I stepped over Mack to get to the counter. I wasn’t fooling anyone. If the damn dog at my feet didn’t give me away, my habit of constantly checking the time had been commented on a few times during the day. Jake was off for four days after working a forty-eight hour shift, and I couldn’t wait to see him. Tile color, gym openings, and soccer were background noise. Ordinary conversations paled in comparison to the thought of being with Jake again. I had no right to tease Luke for being starry-eyed over Michael. At least they were a solid couple. Jake and I were undefined in a real sense. But as I rang up my customer and glanced at the clock one more time, I knew it was pointless to deny I had it bad too.

A
FEW
days later, I knew I was hopelessly infatuated. I thoroughly enjoyed being with Jake. We spent the majority of our free time naked in bed, and it was divine. But we also did everyday things together like grocery shop and cook. Jake considered himself a master behind the barbecue, and I professed to be an excellent salad maker. We pooled our talents and brought our simple feast of barbecued chicken and quinoa salad outside to enjoy alfresco in my backyard under a bright red umbrella. The early summer evening was balmy and clear. Perfect for outdoor dining.

I stole surreptitious glances at Jake, trying to convey a casual interest as he snuck bits of food to the dog at his feet. He could give Mack the whole platter for all I cared. I just wanted to stare at him. Not in a creepy way. In an “I can’t believe we were giving each other blowjobs fifteen minutes ago” and “please don’t let me be dreaming” way. I willed myself to bask in the simple pleasure of good food and wine, a handsome lover at my side and a dog begging for scraps between us. It was preferable to thinking about not seeing him for the next few days.

“Is he supposed to be eating meat? I was online the other—”

“Babe, he’s ninety-one in people years. We don’t want to kill all his fun. Right, Mack?”

Mack’s ears perked up comically as he raised a paw and set it on Jake’s knee. I could have sworn he smiled too.

“I don’t want to ruin anyone’s fun. You’re in charge.”

Jake waggled his eyebrows suggestively, and we both cracked up. I picked up my wine glass and swirled the burgundy liquid thoughtfully as our laughter faded. I was learning to appreciate occasional silences. It was refreshing to be in someone’s company and not feel the need to fill the void with innocuous dialogue.

Until the burning question in my head threatened to choke me. I set the glass aside and took a deep breath. “Can I ask you something?”

Jake smiled as he leaned back leisurely in his chair with one arm resting on the table. “Of course.”

I didn’t speak right away. I was trying to formulate the best way to pose my question but came up blank.

“Did you— When we—” I sighed heavily and tried again. “I’ll never bring it up after this one teensy question, but I’m curious. This feels nothing like twelve years ago. Do you notice it too?”

Jake cocked his head to one side, eyeing me with a kind but cautious expression. “Yeah, I do.” He leaned forward and brushed his thumb against my mouth before sitting back to observe me. “We had no clue what we were doing back then.”

I let out an amused chuckle at what was truly the
understatement of the century. “I don’t think about those times in a sexual way. I tend to think about—”

“What?”

“The secret. The forbidden. It was necessary then. I get it. But I’ve romanticized it over the years. Weird, huh?”

“No. I know what you mean. I hope you aren’t offended but… I like the way things are now. Being a teenager was hard enough without sex.” He gave a self-deprecating half laugh. “The secrecy was too hard for me. Having lived in a closet for a short time, I can honestly say I prefer being out. The coming out process almost killed me. Literally. But as the saying goes, what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.”

We let the sounds of the summer evening take over in a silent agreement to leave the past behind. Crickets chirped as a gentle breeze rustled the palm fronds in my next-door neighbor’s yard and jazz played softly on the outdoor speakers.

“I love summertime.”

I hiked my feet over Jake’s knees and wiggled my toes while I waited for him to continue. When he didn’t, I dug a heel into his thigh. He snatched my foot deftly in one hand before giving in to my silent request for a massage. But he remained silent.

“Why do you love summer?” I prodded. “Popsicles, swimming all day, staying up late at night?”

Jake chuckled. “Yes to all of the above. It seems like the one time of year you have more opportunity to make things happen. More daylight equals more fun, you know?”

“Yeah, I guess. I like fall better. The changing seasons are my favorite. I love the crispness in the air at night even when the days are still mild. Plus it means the holidays are close!”

“It’s all about the presents, isn’t it?” he chided playfully as he soothed his thumb along my arch.

“Of course. Speaking of presents….”

“Uh-oh.”

“Someone has a birthday coming soon,” I singsonged.

Jake tickled my feet, so I scrambled to get away from him. He pulled me back by the ankle and gave me a wicked smile.

“Don’t tickle me. I hate it.”

“You don’t hate it.”

“If I say I do, I must. And your diversion didn’t work. Let’s talk birthdays.”

Jake groaned and let my feet drop to the ground in
exasperation. “Why?”

“Thirty is a big deal. When mine comes, be prepared for a month long Brandon-palooza.”

I waited for Jake’s laughter to subside before asking again what he wanted to do for his three-oh.

“Nothing.”

“Come on! Don’t be boring.”

“Well, you asked. If I could do anything I wanted, I guess I’d go to a baseball ga—why are you making that noise?”

“What noise?”

“The wounded-deer noise.” I shrugged innocently and motioned for him to continue. “Anyway, a game would be cool, but kicking back naked with a sexy boy all day sounds good too. Want to?”

“Spend the day with you? Sure.” My wide grin spoke volumes. I was thrilled he wanted to spend his birthday with me, but what I really loved was the almost vulnerable note in his voice when he asked, as though my answer mattered.

“Cool. My friends want to throw a party for me. It’s a few weeks away still but—Will you come?”

“Yes, but you said something about kicking back naked earlier. What kind of party is this?”

Jake chortled merrily, shaking his head. “Not
that
kind of party. It
is
a beach thing, though. You okay with that?”

I nodded in grudging acquiescence.

“My friend, Nate, wants to have it at his place in Oxnard. He has plenty of room, so we’d stay with him for the night. Nothing too big. Probably less than twenty people but yeah… it would be great to have you there too.”

I studied him for a long moment. “I wouldn’t miss your birthday party.”

Jake grinned like a madman and yanked me into his arms. He squeezed me breathless, sending a flurry of kisses up my neck. He tightened his hold when I tried to stand up and whispered “thank you” before releasing me with a firm kiss on my mouth.

“When are you leaving for work?” I tried to keep my tone light. His four days off had gone by fast. Too fast. However, coming across as needy wouldn’t do.

“Really early. Five a.m. Are you sure you don’t mind watching Mack? I don’t want you to feel like you have—”

“I don’t mind at all. I offered because I like having him around. He’s good company. And I hate the idea of him in a dog kennel for days on end or with Lizzy when he can be with me.” I shrugged. “You showed me how to give him his insulin shot and… I think he likes being here and at the store.”

“I know he does. I appreciate it, Bran, but you have to promise you’ll tell me if you need space. I’m tired when I first get off of a long shift, and I’m not great at reading body language.”

“Are you worried about my communication skills?” I batted my eyelashes playfully and leaned forward with my elbows on the table.

“Not at all. I worry about mine.” He grabbed my hand and kissed my fingers before licking a swath of saliva across my open palm.

“What are yo—oh.”

Jake yanked his workout shorts aside, exposing his rock-hard shaft, and then pulled me forward to place my hand where he wanted it. I gulped, feeling lightheaded with a rush of instant desire as I stroked him with a firm grip.

“Hmm, good. I’m better at communicating than I thought.”

I shifted over to sit on his knee, making sure not to release my hold on him. “Yes, I got the message.” I tightened my fist, delighting in his groan as I traced his stubbled chin with my tongue. “But no more talking if you’re going to be corny. Rolling my eyes and sucking your cock at the same time isn’t sexy.”

Jake laughed as he pushed me off his lap and guided my head lower. “No more distractions, baby. You need to concentrate.”

I looked up at him with a scowl. “I didn’t say it was like chewing gum and wa—”

“Bran?” He covered my mouth with his hand, then replaced it with the head of his dick. He tapped his swollen flesh against my chin. “No talking. Just suck.”

I let my bottom lip rest on the head of his cock for a second with my eyes locked on his before opening my mouth. The blatant desire in his voice made it difficult to think let alone speak. And really, there was nothing more to say. I loved the way he slouched in the chair with his head back as his hands held me where he wanted me. I took him as deep inside my throat as possible and swallowed convulsively. He lifted his hips and pushed at my head again making me gasp for breath.