by CJ Turner
“Are you a magician?”
Lennox grinned, and Theo thought he would shatter under the bright light of that smile.
“No. Something more arcane. I’m an artist.”
Theo shook his head. “No. You’re a magician because you’ve cast a spell over me.”
Chapter Five
Lennox
Theo stood so close to Lennox that he felt the man’s body heat. Lennox made himself concentrate on the sketches, showing Theo how to make his project look upscale enough that people would want them in their homes.
“Do you know what else we have too much of?” said Lennox. The pencil scratched on the paper as he continued to sketch.
“Tell me.”
“Cargo containers. There are eleven million extra cargo containers in the world rotting out, that can become shells for new homes.”
“I’ve seen them. Not very impressive. Who would want to live in one?”
“Maybe not Waterside Residents.” Lennox stopped drawing and inspected his work. He decided to go for a simple design. He continued drawing.
“Tell me, how much did those sheets cost you?”
“They’re prototypes. But when we get rolling in production they’re twelve dollars a sheet.”
Lennox nodded. “The quarter of the cost of traditional materials. Do you know what we have too little of?”
“Handsome men, that are also whip-smart?”
Lennox pointed his pencil at Theo. “Good point. But that’s not what I’m getting at. We don’t have affordable but decent homes for people who earn between $25,000 and $50,000 a year. It’s impossible for them to get a loan. Thirty-eight million households that can’t get their own home. This is why people in the lower-income brackets can’t get ahead. If you don’t own a home, your net worth is what you can take in, less your bills. Yet homeownership builds more stable communities and a greater tax base for municipalities.
“For people in these income brackets to get a house, the houses need a price between $75,000 and $100,000. The problem is with building costs as high as they are, you can’t build a house for less than $170,000. Then you need to tack on the profit margin and the land, and even for a small dwelling, you’re looking at $250,000 home.”
“Why does this feel like a school lecture?”
“Shush, I’m just getting started. Now, with a container home, you have a sturdy shell but still run into many of the same costs, flooring, cabinetry, tiles, etc. But what if, with the containers’ regular dimensions, you molded sleeves that fit inside the shells that would serve as your basic walls, and fixtures. Recycled plastic as a building material is about a quarter to half the price of traditional materials. Your cabinets and baths would be built-in. You can even build the homes with openings where you can attach extra modular rooms if you wanted.”
Lennox stopped sketching and dropped the pencil. He had drawn a home that would use four 40 x 8 feet containers, with a wide porch set between a square U-shaped arrangement. Floor-to-ceiling windows graced the front of the building, giving it a modern appearance. He even penned the kitchen area and living and dining areas an open floor plan. He glanced at Theo but couldn’t gauge his reaction.
“That’s a 1,200 square foot home with three bedrooms, with enough room for four or five. On a lot of one-quarter of an acre in many parts of the country it would retail at around $100,000. What do you think?”
Theo continued to stare.
“You’ve put a lot of thought into this. Where did you get this idea?”
“It’s from a project I worked on in school in an industrial design course. But the idea of using recycled plastic for cabinetry is all yours. And it’s what makes the project economical.”
Theo blinked.
“Ecologically sound, cost-effective, and socially conscious.”
Lennox nodded.
“And profitable. With using these materials, you can almost double the profit margin of the usual construction.”
“Did you take economics too?”
“So, I used one project for two classes.” Lennox shrugged.
“You are a fucking genius. How did you come to focus on the plight of homeownership at that income level? Was that another class?”
Lennox leveled his gaze at Theo and figured it was time Theo learned the truth.
That should blow your chances with him out of the water.
“I grew up poor.”
Theo looked away, and his lips drew tight in thought.
“But you said you went to college.”
“That’s right. The only thing my mother had was a life insurance policy. I was the sole beneficiary. That, some student aid, and I worked a full-time job all four years.”
“Oh,” Theo said. “I’m sorry.”
A knot formed in Lennox’s throat. There was so much more to that story, but it seemed Theo couldn’t handle the raw details of Lennox’s teen years.
Theo cleared his throat. “How about that drink?”
“Sure.”
His host quickly brought out an unopened bottle of Jameson whiskey, but a flustered look came over Theo’s face as he searched the desk drawers.
“No glasses,” he said.
“Not a problem. Not the first time I’ve drunk from a bottle.”
Theo twisted the cap off and handed the bottle to Lennox, who took a swig. Whiskey was never Lennox’s choice of hard liquor, but it was smooth, almost silky as it went down. The flavors of spicy oak and a faint tang of sweet sherry filled his nose. It held the unfamiliar taste of money buying the finer things in life.
He held the bottle out to Theo.
“Thank you.”
“There’s more where that came from. Drink up.”
Lennox didn’t want to. But he couldn’t resist Theo’s smile and nodded. He took another sip, sure that there was always more to Theo Collins. This was why it was a terrible idea for Lennox to remain here, with a nearly full whiskey bottle between them and sharing the bottle. It was too tempting to spend time with the sexiest man he’d ever met. He couldn’t count on staying sober and not do something stupid.
Theo insisted Lennox take another sip before he’d take the bottle for himself. The liquor seeped into Lennox’s blood, and he grinned at Theo as he handed him the whiskey.
“Your turn.”
Theo took an awkward sip as if his mouth had never touched the rim of a liquor bottle. Lennox looked down at his feet, restraining a chuckle. Theo drinking from a whiskey bottle and failing to maintain his calm demeanor was the most endearing thing he’d ever seen.
“What is so amusing?” said Theo.
Lennox covered his hand with his mouth.
“Nothing.”
“Uh, uh. You don’t get off that easily.”
“And how do you know how I get off?”
Theo groaned. “It going to be like that, is it?”
“What?”
“You standing there, your sexy self, and tossing out a thinly veiled sexual innuendo?”
“There’s nothing thinly veiled about it. Did I ever tell you that I can’t hold my liquor?”
Theo’s voice dropped an octave. “This is the first I heard about it.”
“Which is why I should leave now. Before this gets hopelessly complicated.”
“Why would it?”
“Have you looked at yourself in the mirror? Dude, this can be nothing but complicated for me. We’re from different worlds.”
“We’ve had the different worlds talk already. You seem to think I’m a shallow cad with one thing on my mind.”
“I didn’t say that.”
“No, your actions say it. What speaks louder than words?”
Lennox swallowed hard. “I should go.”
But Theo’s hand clasped Lennox’s bicep and he stared into Lennox’s eyes.
“I like it that you find me so irresistible you think you must run away.”
Lennox’s mouth ran dry, and he licked his lips. “Why would you like that?”
“Because you find me irresistible.” Theo slid his hand up Lennox’s neck and that sensitive place tingled at the touch. Lennox stood frozen, wanting to flee, yet unable to move his recalcitrant feet. Theo guided Lennox’s head to his mouth and pressed his lips against Lennox’s mouth. Lennox found himself consumed with the sensation of flesh against flesh. His heart stuttered, then raced as Lennox deepened the kiss and pressed his tongue against the seam of Theo’s mouth. With a satisfied sigh, Theo opened his mouth, and eagerly Lennox sought his whiskey-flavored tongue. He couldn’t breathe but didn’t want to. All he wanted was more of this boiling hot man in whatever way he could get him.
Theo wrapped his arms around Lennox’s waist, and Lennox’s breathing hitched when Theo pulled him closer and pressed his hips and hardened length against him.
Lennox fared no better. His heart pounded, and blood rushed to parts south, and it felt so damned good he didn’t want to stop.
What the hell are you doing? Who’s he been with? Do you think a gorgeous man like this ever has an empty bed?
Lennox made fists of his hands, hating that he was so damned practical. He set his fists on Theo’s shoulders and rested his forehead on Theo’s.
Theo’s voice was thick and gravelly, and the sound went through Lennox like the plucking of a guitar string.
“What? Why did you stop?”
“This is too fast.”
“I don’t think so.”
“You know what I’m talking about. Don’t make me sound like an idiot by spitting it out.”
“Hey, you don’t need to worry. I haven’t been with someone since my last test.”
So he felt the need to get tested. And also, famous last words, as ubiquitous as “my wife and I are just roommates.”
Lennox took a deep breath and straightened. He trailed the back of his hand on Theo’s jaw. “You’re freaking awesome. Every bit of you. But we need to take a step back.”
Theo looked away, and Lennox waited for the inevitable, “what a tease” comment that would confirm that Theo was a selfish jerk.
But instead, Theo nodded, and then glanced at Lennox.
“Okay. I can respect that. It doesn’t mean I don’t want to hang out with you, though. How about this week I’ll make up for that bum that didn’t show tonight?”
What would be the harm? Lennox lowered his chin. He knew what the damage would be. But before he could say “no,” an unfamiliar ringtone sounded through the empty room.
Theo glanced at the screen and scowled. But then Lennox’s phone rang. He turned his back to Theo as he answered it. The caller ID said “private,” and he had no idea who it would be.
“Mr. Sewell, I’m a nurse calling from Municipal Hospital. Mrs. Pearson asked me to call you.”
“Is she okay? She hasn’t looked well.”
“We’re running tests now, and I’m sorry I can’t give you her condition. But she asked me to tell you to take care of the store for the next few days. And to call her grandson? She couldn’t give me his number.”
“Sure, I’ll do that.”
Lennox clicked off the call and found Theo pocketing his phone wearing an expression of consternation on his face.
“I’m sorry, I must cut the evening short.”
“Is there a problem?”
Theo shook his head. “Not really. I just need to take care of something.”
An uncomfortable sensation stole over Lennox that Theo hid something from him.
He need not explain anything to you.
“I should get going anyway. Bonkers needs a walk.”
“Sure. Let me get your number.
Lennox unlocked his phone and handed it to Theo. Theo did the same. After they put in their numbers on the other’s phone, Theo leaned in and gave him a quick kiss as he retrieved his phone. “I’ll call you to set up a time for that date.”
“I’d like that.”
“Good.” Theo escorted him to the door. Lennox walked out and turned to face Theo, who gave him a rueful smile. But Theo’s phone buzzed, and he looked at it again.
“I’ll call,” Theo said. Then he broke into a run toward the gallery. Within a minute’s space, Theo appeared in a black Porsche that rounded the corner and zoomed up Main Street toward the highway as if the devil chased it.
Watching the car pull away reminded him of his mother, leaving him at his grandmother’s house. Lennox shivered with the memory of being abandoned—and though it shouldn’t, Theo’s abrupt departure felt like that too.
Chapter Six
Theo
Theo tore toward New York City and did not care if the police stopped him. He could pay any ticket if needed, and if some judge took away his license, he could hire a driver. But right now, he must get to the hospital.
His phone rang, and he answered it through the Porsche’s Communication Management Center.
“Oh, my god!” said Livvy.
Theo’s mouth formed a tight line.
“And how do you know? And who gave him my number?”
“Wasn’t me,” said Livvy. “I wouldn’t talk to him. But my mother misplaced the sense the good Lord gave her. I’m sorry, Theo.”
Both Theo and Livvy had to deal with Thelia Grant’s lack of judgment on more than one occasion. Most times, they laughed about it. Theo wasn’t laughing today.
“I’m driving and can’t talk.”
“Theo! If you’re driving that fast, slow down. He’s not worth it.”
“I’m not driving fast.”
“One. I know you. Two. I hear the whine of the engine.”
“I’m driving Dad’s Porsche, Livvy. They all sound like they’re speeding on a raceway.”
But Livvy had a nose for when Theo lied to her. “Please, Theo. If not for your sake, then for mine. I can’t get through this summer without you.”
Theo cursed under his breath. How did a man with no responsibilities become so responsible for so many people? He eased the gas and slid to the right behind another car. Without the sensation of speed carrying him in his mad dash, a dark weight settled in his chest. He frowned. Less than an hour ago, he’d been happy and in the arms of an intriguing man.
“Theo? Are you okay?”
“Why did he list me as next of kin?” The last sentence came out more anguished than he wanted. Theo wanted to be angry, settle things, and leave the mess behind him.
“Armand has always been careless,” she said.
He checked his rearview mirror and noticed the line of cars forming. Theo would have had to slow the vehicle anyway as he came close to the city. He hoped traffic wouldn’t crawl because he wanted to finish this quickly.
“Ah, but mon chérie, it is as you say, fini.” Theo delivered those words in a perfect imitation of Armand’s voice. Theo tried to push back the memory of his response, but it rose like a smoke tendril from dying ashes.
It never will be.
Theo gritted his teeth.
“Yeah, for a New Jersey boy, he worked his French ancestry hard,” said Livvy. Her voice came laced with sarcasm she rarely used, echoing her intense dislike of the man.
“I can’t have this conversation now,” he said.
“I know, sweetheart. You’ll stay in the city tonight, right?”
“Who’s mother hen this summer? Not Livvy Grant.”
“You’re such a brat. I’ll hang up now.”
“Good.”
“And be careful, please.”
“I’ve slowed the car to a pedestrian sixty-five and haven’t struck a guardrail yet.”
“That’s not what I mean.”
“Good night, Livvy.”
Theo smiled grimly. He hadn’t minded his “Livvy watching” duties as much as he protested. These past few weeks had brought back the old closeness between them. For the past eighteen months, Livvy’s intense involvement with Carlton had left Theo on the outside looking in. Not that he resented that. They all had to grow up. But he had missed it, and it made him susceptible to Armand’s predati
on.
That’s how he viewed the whole affair now. From their first meeting at an art show to the final denouement as Armand furiously packed his bags, the older man manipulated Theo to his will.
It was a bitter lesson.
I’m supposed to be smart. How could I be so stupid?
The New York traffic was much lighter at this time of night, and before he knew it, the GPS had guided him to the hospital that had called Theo.
He walked into the lobby and started for the information desk. Then he spotted a familiar mop of black curly hair bent over in a pair of folded hands wearing a ring Theo recognized. He had given Armand that ring.
Theo stopped and stared. He did not want to do this and half considered walking out.
He shouldn’t leave the hospital alone, the nurse had said.
With a sigh, Theo walked to him though each inch forward brought more dread.
“Armand?”
His former lover lifted his head and revealed his handsome face, bruised and turning black. Theo sucked in his breath, so he didn’t gasp.
“Thank you for coming, chérie.”
Theo rebelled. He wasn’t Armand’s chérie, not anymore. But the man had been through enough for one night. And Theo didn’t ask why Armand called him. He knew why.
“Do you have a place to stay?”
Armand bent his head again and shook it, confirming Theo’s suspicions.
“I’ll get you a hotel room.”
Armand looked up and pleaded with his eyes.
“Please, chérie, can I just come home?”
It took every ounce of Theo’s self-control not to break down or erupt in rage. He stood between weeping and screaming, and he did not like this at all. Livvy’s words asking him to be careful rang in his head. She had meant to take care of his heart.
“I’ve closed it for the summer,” said Theo. “I’m in the Hamptons for the season.”
Incredibly, Armand’s face brightened. “I always liked your parent’s house.”
Theo shook his head. “No, Armand. You are persona non grata with my parents and Livvy.”
“Oh, yes, Livvy,” said Armand derisively. “She wouldn’t give me your number.”
Smart woman.
