by Megan Slayer
“Friends?” He didn’t remember Josh mentioning them before, not that it mattered.
“They’re both partners. They decided I’m irreplaceable.” Josh shrugged. “Want to dance?”
“Sure.” He hadn’t noticed the music until Josh mentioned dancing. A ten-piece band entertained on the stage—just like they were at an old ballroom. “I’d love to,” Cameron said. He moved with Josh. The soft music played, adding an air of sophistication to the moment.
Josh snuggled his close. “I envisioned having my wedding here.”
“Oh?” Cameron fought the urge to tense. He hated hearing Josh talk about his former relationships. The guy who’d given Josh up had been nuts. But if Josh wanted to get married here in the Leopold, he’d have to find another man. There was no way Cameron would be able to afford to rent the building. He ignored the sourness in his stomach and focused on the strength in Josh’s embrace. He was in the mood for love and enjoying himself.
“I wanted to say my vows by the grand staircase in the rear of the ballroom. Had it all planned out. I’d even saved the money back to rent the building.” Josh nodded. “Wasn’t cheap.”
“I wouldn’t imagine so.” He smiled. “I’m happy you’re not married.”
“I wasn’t ready for marriage back then.” He rubbed Cameron’s back. “Besides, I wouldn’t have met you.”
“Then I’d say it’s a great thing.” He swayed with Josh and relaxed. Time to enjoy the moment.
“You’re the most handsome man here.” Josh kissed him. “I’m honored you chose me.”
“The dogs chose for us.” He brushed his nose along Josh’s. He hadn’t expected Josh to be so demonstrative in public.
“They did.” The song ended and Josh led him back to the table. “The partners should be up soon to give speeches. Since there aren’t any new partners, this shouldn’t take long.” He pulled the chair out for Cameron. “But don’t quote me on it. Last year they talked for a whole hour.”
“Thanks, and I’ll keep that in mind.” He noticed the other couple at the table.
“Ridley, Keely, this is my boyfriend, Cameron. Cam, this is Ridley and his wife Keely. They’re partners at the firm.” He turned back to his friends. “And Cameron is a teacher at the junior high.”
Cameron shook Ridley’s hand and smiled. “Nice to meet you both.”
“We’ve heard a lot about you.” Keely scooted closer to Cameron. “But Josh never mentioned your occupation. Is it hard to teach? I would’ve thought you were a model. You should model. You’d be good at it.” She folded her hands on her lap. “I wish you’d have visited us at the firm. You’re handsome, but even more so in person.”
He tried to keep up with her changing line of interest. She spoke so fast. Cameron smiled, but said nothing.
Ridley laughed. “Eat the attention up now. Keely never compliments anyone this much. She’s normally ready to eviscerate you during cross-examination.”
“I’ll plan on staying out of trouble,” Cameron said. “But I’m not a model. I really teach American history to eighth-graders.” He didn’t see where he looked like a model. She must’ve wanted to be kind. “I enjoy teaching. It’s hard because sometimes the information isn’t engaging, but I try my best.”
“Teacher.” Ridley sobered and turned to Josh. “You found an intellectual.”
“I’m not allowed to?” Josh asked. “I don’t hang with my computers all the time. I need human contact, too.”
Cameron listened to the banter. Although he said nothing, he didn’t feel too far out of place. Keely and Ridley seemed nice and welcoming enough?
“How long have you been teaching?” Keely asked.
“Fourteen years. I started right out of college at Collins Junior High. I knew the district superintendent. I still went through the interview process, but he put in a good word for me.” Cameron nodded. “I can’t imagine doing anything else.”
“I admire teachers. I don’t have the patience.” Keely bumped shoulders with Cameron. “Let me loose in the court room and I’m golden.”
“I’m not surprised.” Cameron laughed. “Have you practiced law long?” He frowned. Damn. That doesn’t sound right. “I mean…”
“I passed the bar twenty years ago and became a partner seven years ago. I told Ridley we couldn’t get married until I made partner. I’m shocked he waited,” she said. “But he did and here we are.”
“Good for you,” Cameron said.
“It was the best decision I ever made.” She clinked glasses with Cameron. “You should consider modeling. You fill out that tuxedo well.”
“It’s good tailoring,” Cameron said, repeating Josh. “I don’t like being the center of attention. I can stand in front of thirty thirteen-year-olds, but not a room full of my peers.” He hated public speaking. “I’m horrible on camera.”
“You’re kidding.” She patted his arm. “I still think you should, but I’ll let it drop.”
Josh placed his hand on Cameron’s thigh. “Time for the speeches.” He nudged Cam. “At least they’re letting us eat while they chatter.”
Cameron turned his attention to the man at the dais. The music stopped as the four speakers talked about working for the firm, the hours put in and the camaraderie among the staff. The food arrived and gave him something to do, other than undress Josh with his eyes. He’d rather be home making love to Josh. He finished eating before the speakers were done.
“This is taking forever,” Josh whispered. “So much for being short.”
Cameron smirked, but said nothing. The final speaker bowed and left the dais.
“I’m guessing they wanted to hear themselves talk.” Josh finished his champagne. “Thank God they’re done. The rest of the night should be for dancing and mingling.”
Two men arrived at the table. The taller of the two stuck his hand out to Josh. “Josh, how are you? We have a bet going.”
Cameron steeled himself. He had a bad feeling about the wager. This should be interesting.
The shorter man leaned on Cameron’s chair. “We heard you’re working on a robot.”
“Huh?” Josh blushed. “What are you talking about?”
The tall one slapped Josh’s back. “Well, we figure the guy you’re here with has got to be a robot or he’s been paid to attend.”
Cameron’s jaw slackened. What nerve! He smelled bourbon on them. One wobbled. Had they needed the liquid courage to make their smart remarks? “You’re drunk,” Cameron said. “And out of line.”
“I am?” The short one glared at him. “I’m not up to my neck in computers.”
“Exactly,” the other man said. “It’s a wonder your friend here has got any color to him. He never leaves his office. I thought he’d married a robot or that stupid dog.”
Both men laughed.
“Leave the dog out of it,” Cameron bit out. He wasn’t sure if either man was important and didn’t care. They were insulting Josh and he’d had enough. “Leave. You’re not welcome here.”
“Exactly,” Keely added. “Dry out and find your self-respect.”
Once they slunk away, Josh slid down in his seat. “Sorry.”
“Why?” Cameron asked. “They were rude.”
“They won’t be the only ones,” Josh said. “Others aren’t my fans.”
Cameron nodded to Keely and Ridley. “Excuse us.” He tugged Josh onto the dancefloor and held him close. “Why would they insult you? When they break stuff or get a virus, who do they come to? You should be considered a savior. That’s how I see you—you’re the computer guru.”
“To some I am, but like I told you, not everyone thinks that.” Josh held Cameron tight. “I’m the nerd and they’re the jocks.”
That he understood. He didn’t agree, though. “You’re more important. They can’t write those briefs or win their cases without the computers working.”
“True.” Josh offered a small smile. “This is why you’re good for me. You know how to bring me out of my funk. I thought if I pr
ojected confidence, they’d leave me alone. I was wrong.”
“There’s no reason to be in a funk,” Cameron said. “You should be proud of your work.” The music ended, but Cameron wasn’t ready to head back to the table. “Is there a balcony or somewhere to get a breath of fresh air?”
“Over here.” Josh directed him to the French doors, then the balcony area. Twinkle lights decorated the pergola and more palms added greenery. The stars sparkled overhead. “I’m glad you suggested this. I needed to get out of there for a bit.”
“We both did. It’s beautiful in there and your friends are great, but it’s too stuffy.” Cameron draped his arm around Josh’s waist. “I like our view in the back yard more.”
“I have to agree.” Josh grinned but tensed. “Shit.”
“What?” When Cameron turned, a man and woman approached. They made a handsome couple. She notched her chin in the air.
“Well, well.” She swept her gaze over Cameron. “You’re a treat. Josh, you finally got out of the office and found this.”
Not another one… Cameron suppressed a growl. He hated pushy, snappy people. “I hope you’re having a good night,” he said.
“We are,” she replied.
“Cam, this is Jonathan and Demi. They’re partners, too.” Josh stuck out his hand. “Good to see you.”
“Uh-huh.” Jonathan didn’t bother to shake hands. “You’ve talked to this guy outside of his dating profile, right?”
Cameron stifled his groan. “I have.” He didn’t understand how Josh put up with this treatment on a daily basis.
“He’s not much of a conversationalist,” Demi said. “Never dates and can’t fix computers for crap. He still has my laptop.”
“I said you crashed it and destroyed the battery. I can’t fix what’s been physically broken on it,” Josh said. “It needs to be completely replaced.”
“Right,” Demi said. “I thought you could fix things.”
“Why would you do this?” Cameron asked. “Do you respect anyone?”
Jonathan shrugged. “He’s been with the firm for over ten years and this is the first time he’s brought a date to the ball,” he said. “You could do so much better.”
“Yeah,” Demi added. “Keep going, honey. You got into the ball. Find another man here, or even a woman. There’s plenty of singles back in the ballroom.”
For the love of God. Cameron kept his arm around Josh. “I can’t do this.”
“There you go, honey.” Demi nodded. “Go for the kind of guy you should be with.”
“Cam?” Josh tensed. “What? Wait.”
Chapter Seven
Cameron kept Josh beside him but deviated to one of the alcoves. He could’ve sworn he heard Demi shout something about not having to dump Josh in private. What a pain in the ass. He stopped in the relative quiet and blew out a ragged breath.
“Cam, don’t do this. They think they’re funny or witty or something. Don’t let it get to you.” He grasped both of Cameron’s hands. “Just give me a chance.”
“You aren’t the issue.” Cameron sighed. “I’m not angry with you or ready to dump you. You’re more than they give you credit for being. I’m irritated with the way they’re treating you. It’s terrible.”
Josh’s eyes widened. For being a big, tall, brute of man, he could look so forlorn.
“Leave their precious electronics to fester for a day or so. Don’t do the defrags or remove the viruses and they’ll see how important you are.” He growled, unable to tamp down his annoyance. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t be losing my cool, but I couldn’t be in there much longer without saying something I’d regret. I don’t want you to get into trouble, but, babe, I don’t understand how you put up with it.”
“Practice.” Josh leaned against the wall. “The way you stuck up for me was sexy.”
“It’s not hard to defend your honor. I’m rather fond of you.” He crowded Josh against the wall and kissed him. “Do we have to stick around here much longer?”
“No.” Josh brightened. “I’m ready to go when you are.”
“Let’s tell Ridley and Keely we’re out. I’d rather dance by the pool at home.” He kissed Josh again. “How about you?”
“I’ll follow you anywhere.”
Cameron took the lead. They said their goodbyes to Keely and Ridley, then made their way out to the foyer to wait on the valet.
Keely hurried after them. “Hold up.” Wisps of her hair danced around her face. “Don’t let the jerks bother you. Their behavior hasn’t gone unnoticed.”
Josh shrugged. “It’s not new.”
“Well, it’s going to stop.” She hugged Josh, then Cameron. “You deserve better.” She turned to Cameron. “Take care of him. He’s a gem.”
“He is.” He grasped Josh’s hand. “Think anyone will notice that we’re leaving?”
“I’ll have Ridley grab your bonus.” Keely waved. “Take this man home and do naughty things.”
“We will,” Cameron said. The car arrived. Instead of letting Josh drive, Cameron took the lead and settled behind the wheel.
“I can drive.” Josh tipped the valet and sat beside Cameron. “It’s my car.”
“Yeah, but I can’t take the stuffiness any longer. Let’s go home.” He left the parking lot, then sped across town. He said nothing and listened to the radio instead. He had no words for the evening. The notion of screaming about the people Josh worked with came to mind, but he held back. Josh deserved better than to listen to him rant. He’d wanted to see the Leopold, but now that he’d done so, the experience had let him down. It wasn’t as exciting—because the people had ruined it. Josh said nothing, which annoyed Cameron. He was probably irked. Cameron flexed his hands on the wheel. “I’m not trying to run your life.”
“Never said you were,” Josh replied.
“You didn’t like how I took charge. You said it was sexy, but you’re second-guessing.” He wouldn’t blame Josh if that was the truth.
“I didn’t like how I was treated.”
“And I didn’t help.”
“No, but it doesn’t matter.” Josh folded his arms. “It’s over now.”
“Yeah, it does matter.” He parked in the driveway and turned the engine off. He stayed in his seat. “You were being insulted and I wanted to protect you. I got too pushy, but I hate seeing someone I care about being treated like dirt because of his profession or IQ.” He grasped Josh’s hand and kissed his knuckles. “I wanted them to lay off.”
“I know.”
“Then what?”
“I wanted this evening to be more than it ended up being.”
“How?” Cameron asked. “We danced, had fancy food, talked with friends, got all dressed up and are home together. Other than the jerks, it was a good date.”
“I wanted it to be special,” Josh snapped. “I didn’t want to be saved. I didn’t want saving to have to happen. I wanted you to be proud of me.”
“Who says I’m not?” He didn’t understand.
“We left.”
“Because you work with dicks.” He put his free hand up. “Strike that. You work with some dicks. Some are cool people.”
“Cam.”
“I’m sorry, but I know dicks when I see them.”
“I know.”
“You wanted respect,” Cameron murmured. “And they didn’t understand that.”
“Yeah.”
Now he got it. “If it helps, I respect you.” He tipped Josh’s chin. “You’re smart, funny, adorable and so sweet. I’m honored to be with you.” He kissed Josh. “Oh, and you fill out your tuxedo pretty well, too. You’re a walking wet dream.”
“I am?” Josh laughed. “Cam.”
“You are.” He wouldn’t lie about such things.
“And you’re corny.”
Cameron shrugged. “Let’s go inside so I can take the tux off you.”
“You’re going to unwrap me like a package?”
“The best present ever,” Cameron said.
He wriggled his eyebrows.
“Is your sister here?”
“She and Nathan went to a concert. They won’t be back until the morning. I’m assuming they thought we’d be home by now so they weren’t worried about our children.” He shrugged. “We should let the dogs out.”
“And have naked swimming.”
“Nice touch.” He left the car and scrambled inside after Josh. Once in his part of the house, he pinned Josh to the wall and kissed him. He slid his hands inside Josh’s jacket and caressed his lover’s chest.
“Careful,” Josh said between kisses. “We want to use these tuxedoes again.”
“True.” He had to rein it in until they were down to their boxer briefs. “Then peel everything off nice and slow.”
“Uh-huh.” Josh shrugged out of his coat, then draped the garment on the arm of the sofa. He loosened his bowtie and tugged it free of his collar. Cameron groaned. Mussed works for Josh. Josh’s eyes flickered as he removed his cummerbund. One by one, Josh unbuttoned his shirt. He popped the clasps on his cuffs. He slid the shirt down his shoulders, leaving him in his undershirt. The soft cotton garment stretched across his broad chest like a second skin.
Cameron shivered. He scrambled out of his tuxedo, but couldn’t take his gaze off Josh. He wanted to be naked. Now. He needed to touch Josh and caress every inch of him. The dogs barked, stealing his attention. “Just a minute.” He stripped to his boxer shorts and wrenched himself free from his undershirt. Blood coursed through his veins and his desire reached a fever pitch.
“You’re insatiable.” Josh unzipped. His pants slid down his legs and landed in a heap around his ankles. He stepped out of the wadded-up clothing and tugged his socks from his feet. “You should pick your clothes up or they’ll be covered in dog fur.”
Shit. He tossed his rumpled tuxedo onto the couch cushion, then held his hand out to Josh. “Last one down the stairs bottoms?”
“Yes.” Josh swatted Cameron’s ass and darted around him to the back steps. The dogs chased at his heels.
Cameron grinned. He grabbed condoms and a bottle of lube before racing after his boyfriend. The warm evening kicked his desire up a few notches. A dip in the cool water would be refreshing.
