by Megan Slayer
“Who are you bringing?”
“Huh?” He glanced up at Ridley. “For what?” He hadn’t been paying attention.
“The Ball.”
“I don’t know.” Considering he’d just learned in the last five minutes that he was invited, he hadn’t thought about a date.
“What? You’ve got someone. I heard you met a guy. Did it fall apart already?” Ridley asked.
“I don’t know.” He wasn’t in the mood to deal with Ridley’s questions. “I’m not sure where I stand with him.”
“Josh.”
“What?” He flattened his hands on the desk. “It’s still pretty new between us and I don’t know if I’m ready to ask him to a ball.” He wasn’t lying.
Ridley folded his arms and remained on Josh’s desk. “Talk to me. Do I need to sue him?”
“No.” Josh snorted. “You always want to sue someone.”
“It’s a force of habit.” Ridley shrugged again. “Talk to me, seriously. What happened?”
He sat back in his chair. The tablet was beyond fixing. The water had ruined the circuitry. “First, this is shot. If it’s under warranty, just get it replaced.”
“Will do.”
“Second, I met Cam at the dog park. His Lab and Dolly are pals. We talked and went on three dates.” Honestly, the relationship had moved at warp speed. What did he expect from Cameron?
“Sounds promising,” Ridley said. “What’s the issue?”
“The sparks are real.” Warmth spread through him. He couldn’t forget Cam’s kiss. “I haven’t felt like that in a long time.”
“But?”
He groaned and pinched the bridge of his nose. “We…you know.”
“And? Was it good?”
“Yeah.” Very much so.
“Awesome. So…where’s the hang-up?”
“We didn’t set parameters. We said monogamy, but we’re still finding our traction,” he said. “It’s not solid.” What if Cameron ended up seeing him as the nerd, just like the people at the law office?
“There’s nothing wrong with having some leeway.” Ridley frowned. “Josh, you can’t rush into stuff, but you can’t be afraid of life, either.”
Afraid? He wasn’t scared of life. Worried, more like it. “How do I figure out if we’re a couple if we don’t have it defined?” he snapped.
“You meant you were a couple and he meant fluid?”
“Yes.” His head ached. He hated arguing about his love life.
“You’re sure you like him?”
“Mostly.” He didn’t want to get involved with someone who wasn’t able to fall for him, but still. He hadn’t given Cameron a chance—not really. He hadn’t given himself one, either.
“Mostly doesn’t win the legal argument. You need to be sure,” Ridley said.
“I left before I could ask him.” He couldn’t handle seeing Cameron with the new guy. “I was supposed to meet up with him but the situation was murky so I got out.”
“Ah.” Ridley stood tall and sighed. “Want my opinion—as a friend, not a lawyer? Just a friend.”
“Sure.” He had nothing to lose and didn’t have to listen to Ridley.
Ridley scratched his chin. “So you like this guy and you’re not sure where you stand?”
“Pretty much.”
“Talk to him.”
“That’s your advice?” He should’ve known Ridley wouldn’t have anything to add to the situation.
“Yes.” Ridley put his hands up. “Give me a chance. There must’ve been something that drew you to him and vice versa. But the relationship is new. You can’t know everything about him in a short time. You saw him with someone else, right? Maybe it’s an ex and you were right to leave. Maybe it was a family member or a friend. Maybe it’s something innocent.”
“With his arm around Cam?”
“Cam?”
“Cameron.”
“Nice.” Ridley nodded and paced. “But you’re not sure who the guy is. You need to confront Cameron—gently—and find out his identity. Get the answers. They might not be what you want to hear, but you’ll have the truth."
Ridley made a lot of irritating sense, but whatever. “I’ll do my best, but promise me you’ll buy me drinks at the ball if this goes south. I’ll show up, but I’ll be a mess and won’t want to be there alone.”
“Keely and I will do our best to entertain you.” He shook Josh’s hand. “Go home, cool down, then talk to Cameron. Give him and yourself a chance.”
“Will do.” He still wasn’t a fan of coming into work on his day off, but he found solace in being there. He felt a little better. “See you tomorrow?”
“I’m in court all day, but I’ll check on you during recess and lunch.” Ridley grinned and tapped on the door before leaving.
Josh remained in his seat and debated what to do next. He had too much on his mind. Ridley, Cameron… He couldn’t help but be angry with Cameron. Why would Cam choose someone else? Had he misinterpreted the situation like Ridley had suggested? He knew one thing. Having his life and dog were great, but he needed someone to share them with. Hoping for someone who was unavailable wasn’t smart. What could he do? Talk to Cam and get answers. He might not be happy, but he could move on.
Josh left the office building, then drove home. He needed peace and his dog.
Ten minutes later, he stood in front of his picture window and stared out at the roof of the next-door building. He couldn’t believe what he’d seen. Cameron and someone else. They’d had such a connection. They were a couple. Cameron was the one who’d demanded monogamy.
Dolly whimpered and scratched the door.
He glanced over his shoulder. “What are you doing?” He wanted to chew her out. She didn’t normally tear things up—not even her toys. “Dolly?”
She sat by the door and continued to whimper.
“I don’t know what’s gotten into you. Do you want to go for a walk?” He tugged her leash from the hook. “Fine. We’ll go to the dog park. Hopefully Cameron’s not there.” He clicked the leash onto her collar and scooped his keys from his jacket pocket. “Okay.” He opened the door and froze.
Cameron stood in the hallway. Winston barked and darted into the apartment. Dolly pulled away from Josh. She ran out of view, but he couldn’t miss the sounds of her and Winston chasing each other.
“Hi.” Cameron stayed in the corridor. “Winston missed Dolly.”
“So I hear.” He leaned on the doorframe. Part of him wanted to tug Cameron in, but the rest wasn’t ready to give in yet.
“I missed you at lunch.”
“I doubt it. I saw who you were with.” He folded his arms. “I thought you were into monogamy and not into other people.”
“I didn’t sleep with him.” Cameron didn’t back down, but he also didn’t push. “Can we talk?”
“Isn’t that what we’re doing?” Josh snapped. He sighed. “Yeah, come in.” Cameron had driven him berserk, but he deserved a chance to explain.
Cameron inched past him. He didn’t sit down. Instead, he stood by the sofa. When Winston darted past him, he snatched the leash and unhooked the dog. Dolly barked at him.
“Well?” As much as he wanted to wring Cameron’s neck, he also wanted to kiss him. Josh took the leash off Dolly. At least one of them was happy.
“Lance isn’t a threat. He did what he did so you’d get upset and it worked. I’m not with him.” Cameron leveled his gaze at Josh. “He’s the one who wants me to get rid of my dog. I can’t.”
He opened his mouth but didn’t speak. Lance? He’d seen the guy before. “Wait. Was he the one you saw at the club?”
“Yeah. He likes to pop up and give me hell.” Cameron stuffed his hands into his pockets. “Look, I don’t want him. We tried and it was a bust so I moved on. I want you. Why? Because you’re handsome, sweet and funny. I want someone who appreciates me and my dog.”
Josh folded his arms. Knowing Lance wasn’t in the picture helped, but he was still irritated
. Damn jealous streak.
“This is new—what we’ve got. I know that. What I also know is I like who I am when I’m with you. I like how I feel. I’m happy.” Cameron sank onto the arm of the sofa. “I asked the cosmos to bring me someone who wasn’t put off by Winston. Someone that when I looked into his eyes, I could see forever. That’s you. Give me another chance. Please?”
Josh fought the urge to throw himself into Cameron’s arms. Everything Cameron said was what he wanted to hear.
“Think you can give us another chance?” Cameron’s shoulder sagged. “Josh?”
He wanted to make Cameron twist a little longer. Was it mean? Probably, but he didn’t care. When Cameron bowed his head, Josh relented. “I can.”
Cameron tensed, but didn’t look up. “Josh?”
He curled his fingers under Cameron’s chin and tipped his gaze. “I’m sorry. I have a jealous streak. I want to be with you. We’ll figure this out, like you said.” He nodded. “I need to get used to being in a relationship again. I’m rusty.”
“I’ll help you.” Cameron tugged Josh against his chest. “We’ve got each other and the dogs are their own pair. We’ve got this.”
“You’re so confident.” He rested his hands on Cameron’s shoulders. “You’re also pretty sexy when you beg.”
“And you’re hot when you’re stern.” Cameron patted Josh’s ass. “We learn as we go and stick together?”
“Yeah.” He kissed Cameron. Damn, he’d missed that. When he’d thought he wouldn’t have another chance with Cameron, his heart had broken. All that worry for nothing. He’d found the man who liked him and his dog.
Cameron broke the connection first and brushed his nose along Josh’s. “We should celebrate.”
“Yes, we should.” Josh paused. He wanted to invite Cameron to accompany him to the company function, but he worried the folks at the law office would embarrass him in front of Cameron. Take the leap and ask or stay safe and not attend? Why does life have to be hard? “Before we take things to the bedroom…would you be interested in being my plus one for a ball?” Oh, God, I said the words out loud.
“Ball?” Cameron slid his hands under Josh’s shirt. “What kind of ball?”
He couldn’t think straight with Cameron tweaking his nipple. He groaned. “Uh…the Partners Ball.” Damn. “It’s the big formal event for the firm.”
“I know something else that’s firm.” Cameron smoothed his hand over the bulge in Josh’s jeans.
“Steady.” He rested his forehead against Cam’s. Cameron wasn’t taking him seriously. “Will you attend the event with me? As my boyfriend?” There. He’d done it. He’d asked Cam on a formal date. He’d said the word boyfriend, too. His stomach soured and he second-guessed his words.
“Wow. You seem so confident about asking me,” Cameron said. “Are you sure you want to go to this event?”
Cameron’s answer stung. He tensed in Cameron’s arms. “If you’re not interested or want to make this a joke, then just say so. I’d rather you be honest and not want to date a nerd than go and be miserable.”
“What are you talking about?”
“I’m okay with you declining. It’s not the first time I’ve been turned down,” Josh said.
“You need to slow down. I was about to say yes.” Cameron nibbled on Josh’s bottom lip. “I want to attend as your boyfriend, your lover…your partner.”
“You do?” He froze. “You’re serious?”
“I am.”
Thank you, God. Josh relaxed and nodded. “Now we can celebrate.”
Chapter Six
Cameron stood in his bedroom and tugged on his collar. Tuxedoes weren’t his favorite. He hated the many parts and being so formal. “Are you sure this is the right size? Seems too small.”
“It’s well-tailored.” Josh eased up behind Cameron and placed his hands on Cam’s hips. He nuzzled Cameron’s neck. “You look like a million dollars.”
In the last two weeks, Cameron and Josh had spent most of their days together. The dogs had curled up together on the pillow. For all anyone knew, this was their little family and how they’d always conducted themselves. Cameron smoothed his hands over Josh’s and admired their look in the mirror. “I can’t believe my sister talked me into buying a tuxedo. This thing cost as much as a car payment,” Cameron said. “Do you wear yours every year?”
“Yep. Always for the Ball at the Leopold in June. It’s hot until you’re inside the building. The air at the event is stuffy with attitude.” He dragged his nose along Cameron’s neck. “I’ll be ready to go as soon as you say the word.”
“Let’s get this over with.” He faced Josh. “I’m nervous.” Every one of his failings came to mind. The people at this gathering were mostly lawyers. He was only a teacher. Would they accept him?
“You’ll be fine.” Josh kissed him. “I’ll be right beside you.”
“Why aren’t you nervous? Won’t your coworkers be judging me? I’m just an educator. I doubt I’ll fit their standards.” He wanted to offer to stay home but kept that quiet.
“Judging you? Yes. Do I care? No.” Josh tucked his hands into Cameron’s pockets and kissed him again. “I’ll be there with the sexiest man ever. I win.”
“We both do.” He slid his palm over Josh’s chest and glanced back at the dogs, snuggled up together. “At least those two will have fun.”
“They’re together. That’s enough.” Josh tugged Cameron closer. “Like us.”
“You’re right.” Still, a twinge of uneasiness took over. He’d have to deal. He followed Josh downstairs and stopped on the front porch. “Nik? We’re leaving,” he called.
Nikki hurried onto the porch. Her eyes lit up. “I’m so jealous. I haven’t gone to a formal event in forever.” She squealed. “You look so handsome. See? This is why I insisted you buy the tux. When someone gets married or needs a groomsman, you’re set.” She turned to Josh. “And you… You’d better keep him in your sights. You’d both better do that.”
“I plan on it.” Josh beamed.
“I need a photo.” Nikki pulled her phone from her pocket. “Ready?”
“We’re not headed off to prom,” Cameron said. “It’s just a dinner.”
“You haven’t dressed up since your prom.” She squeezed between him and Josh. “Smile.” She snapped photos, but Cameron didn’t know how many. She waved her hand. “One more.”
“You should dress up more,” Josh said. “Nikki’s right. That tux works for you.”
Why’d Josh have to encourage Nikki? Cameron smiled but would rather be in his own clothes. “How many more?”
“Oh hush.” She nudged Josh and Cameron together. “I need a couple of you as a couple.”
“Just promise you’ll keep an eye on the dogs,” Cameron said.
“I will like they were my own pets—until we leave for the concert.” She finished the photo session. “Okay, have fun.”
“We will, Mom.” Josh tugged Cameron down the steps. “I’m driving. You’re my guest and I insist.”
“I’m not arguing.” He stole a glance up at the second floor. Dolly and Winston stared down at him. “Our kids noticed we’re leaving.”
Josh opened the door for him, then waved. “Bye, kids.” He rounded the hood and slid behind the wheel. He closed the door. “We’ll have fun.” He snagged Cameron’s hand. “I promise.”
“We will.” With Josh there, he’d have a blast. He listened to the radio as Josh drove to the north end of town. He’d seen the Leopold building a hundred times, but only by driving past. He’d never gone inside.
“What are you thinking about?” Josh asked. “You’re quiet. You’re dangerous when you’re not talking.”
“I’m thinking about the Leopold.”
“What about it?”
“I’ve seen it many times but never went inside. I love the pillars and gardens. The design of the façade reminds me of a Roman temple.” He tried to settle, but his stomach churned.
“Tha
t’s what Dutch Leopold wanted. You’ll love the interior.” Josh joined the line of cars waiting to drop passengers in front of the building. “For being a former gangster, the guy had good taste.”
The ivory columns gleamed in the setting sun. He noticed the egg and dart pattern along the capital of each column and admired the grape-leaf design along the top of the building. “Impressive,” Cameron whispered.
“Don’t let it overwhelm you.” Josh rolled forward. “There will be a lot of people. We’ll barely be noticed.”
“Are you sure?” Josh’s words didn’t help with his apprehension. At least he’d be there with Josh.
“I’m positive.” Josh chuckled. “You’re usually more confident. Just be yourself.”
“I will.” His free hand trembled. The other people there were lawyers. Would they want him around? Why was he being so narrow-minded? He said nothing until they reached the door. The valet attendant opened the car door. Cameron froze. “Will they announce us?” he murmured.
“No.” Josh left the vehicle and rounded the trunk. He offered his hand to Cameron. “We just walk in. No announcing or fanfare.”
“Good.” He left the car and clutched Josh’s hand. He tried to relax. Everyone there wore tuxedoes or formal gowns. He couldn’t comprehend the amount of money spent for a dinner. He walked beside Josh into the building. The red carpet stretched into the foyer, then into the main room. The scent of opulence hung in the air. Ferns and potted palms decorated each corner. A fountain bubbled in the middle of space.
Josh strode in with confidence. “See? Nothing to this.” He accepted two fluted glasses of champagne. “I nurse mine all night.”
“Good.” He wasn’t in the mood to drink. People milled about and he recognized none of them.
Josh made his way to the hostess stand. “The Josh Charles party.”
“Table forty-five,” she said. “This way.” She led them around the ballroom to a round table near another fountain. “Enjoy your evening.”
“Will do. Thank you.” Josh slipped money into her hand and placed his glass on the table. “We beat Ridley and Keely here.”
