by A M Snead
Yet Gideon refused the sofa idea and insisted he trusted Daniel to be a gentleman and behave himself. Daniel didn’t harbor as much faith in his “gentlemanly” ways. But this could very well be as close as he would get to “sleeping” with Gideon and he didn’t have it in him to refuse the invitation. He just hoped he could live up to Gideon’s trust in him once he was lying between the sheets with the man.
Gideon crawled into the bed wearing his pajama bottoms. When Daniel hesitated to join him, Gideon looked at him and smiled. “What do you usually sleep in?”
Clearing his throat, Daniel told him, “The buff.”
“Hmm,” Gideon sighed and cocked an eyebrow. “Maybe not tonight?”
Daniel chuckled. “Kind of figured that wasn’t part of the deal.” He remained nervous as he stripped away his jacket and button shirt, leaving his undershirt in place. He unfastened his pants, trying to keep his hands steady. It wasn’t easy with the nervous flutter in his heart that found its way to his stomach. Gideon didn’t appear shy about watching him undress, but then again, watching other guys take their clothes off was a routine part of his life.
The zipper slid down and once the pants came off, there would be no concealing his desire for Gideon. He supposed it was a good thing that Gideon was fully aware of his attraction to him. Surely, he expected no less than the hard bulge in Daniel’s shorts.
Avoiding Gideon’s direct stare, Daniel worked his pants down his legs and off his feet, revealing a pair of snug white boxer briefs—much snugger now that he was on the verge of crawling into bed with the object of his desire. Daniel folded his trousers and laid them on the small sofa. He could feel Gideon’s eyes on him the entire time and tried not to think about just how prominent his arousal truly was as he walked to the bed.
Gideon folded back the covers in invitation.
Another hesitation on Daniel’s part as he stared at the man. “Are you sure about this?”
“Just get in bed.”
Daniel sighed and lay down, drawing the blankets and sheet up to his waist. “I hope I’m the gentleman you think I am.” Daniel smiled and turned onto his side. He propped his head in his hand and gazed at Gideon. “’Cause I’m not feeling overly honorable and moral right now.”
Gideon lay propped against his pillows and chuckled softly. “I have faith in you.” He looked at Daniel with just enough heat in his eyes to sizzle the surface of Daniel’s skin. “And if you don’t live up to it…I’m all about forgiveness.”
Groaning, Daniel dropped his face into his own pillow. “Don’t say things like that.”
Gideon chuckled. “What should I say?”
“Anything”—Daniel raised his head—“that will make me feel guilty about betraying your trust in my goodness.”
Laughing softly, Gideon glanced away. “Sorry.” His smile began to fade, and his lips tightened. “I really am.” He cast a quick look at Daniel. “Sorry, I mean. I shouldn’t play with you.”
“Why?” Daniel smiled. “Am I a bad influence?”
“If anyone’s the bad influence here,” Gideon mused. “It’s probably the porn boss.”
“I own a strip club,” Daniel reminded him. “I think we’re both sufficiently corrupt. So…feel free to play with me.” He kissed Gideon’s arm. “Tease me…taunt me…torment me…I’m up for all of it.”
Gideon cocked an eyebrow.
“Literally up for all of it,” Daniel chuckled.
Gideon laughed quietly. “Maybe you’re not the gentleman I perceived you to be.”
“Disappointed?” Daniel kissed his arm again. He needed to stop. Playing could easily turn to so much more. Maybe he wanted that, and even Gideon as well to some degree—but when it came right down to the wire, nothing of significance could happen between them. Gideon really did trust him not to push things too far.
Gideon turned his head and gazed at him. “In you?” He smiled. “Never.”
Daniel scooted closer and laid his head on Gideon’s shoulder. He rubbed his palm over Gideon’s chest and let it settle over the man’s heart…which beat at a quickened pace. Gideon covered Daniel’s hand with his own and intertwined their fingers.
“I know I’m a terrible flirt,” Daniel murmured. “But I would never betray your faith in me.”
Gideon tilted his head and touched his face to Daniel’s hair. “I know.”
A comfortable silence settled over the two men. Daniel tentatively brushed his knee against Gideon’s leg, wishing desperately that he wasn’t wearing the pajama bottoms. Gideon responded by gently pressing back, and Daniel slowly wrapped his leg around Gideon’s, sliding the bottom of his foot down across the top of Gideon’s own. Their feet began a slow, sensual caressing dance that Daniel found surprisingly erotic as well as romantic.
Gideon’s leg was strong and warm against Daniel’s inner thigh and Daniel did his best not to grind his arousal into Gideon’s hip, but he couldn’t prevent the connection. He gripped Gideon’s chest to stop his hand from creeping lower…just to check the level of his friend’s own desires. But he didn’t have to inspect his nether regions to know that Gideon was sufficiently turned on. The man’s breath was quick, uneven, and his heartbeat rapid, erratic.
If they didn’t talk and create some form of distraction, Daniel feared he might disillusion Gideon.
He cleared his throat. “In all the time we’ve known each other,” he murmured. “You’ve never talked about past relationships. Even avoided doing so, it seems.” He twisted his head and propped his chin on Gideon’s shoulder. “Were they horrible?”
Gideon stared at the ceiling and squeezed Daniel’s hand against his chest. “There aren’t any,” he whispered.
“What?” Daniel pushed up on his elbow, brow pinched. “What do you mean…there’s no past relationships?”
Gideon looked at him. “None.”
“You’ve”—Daniel shook his head—“never had a boyfriend?”
“No.”
His frown deepening, Daniel eyed him suspiciously. “Girlfriends?” he suggested doubtfully.
“No, of course not,” Gideon laughed softly.
“So…you just engaged in casual dating?” Daniel stared at him. “One-night stands?”
Gideon shook his head slowly and turned his gaze back to the ceiling. “No,” he whispered. “None of it.”
“I see,” Daniel mumbled, then shook his head and sat up. “No, actually, I don’t see.” Hard furrows cut across his brow, displaying his puzzlement and confusion. “How could you have never dated? Why wouldn’t you?” A funny, somewhat disturbing sensation needled the back of Daniel’s navel when Gideon didn’t answer. Daniel stared at him uncertainly. “Gideon…wait…you’re not implying that you’re…”
Sliding his tongue slowly over his lower lip, Gideon murmured, “Not implying anything.” His eyes shifted and met Daniel’s stunned gaze.
“You’re…” Daniel swallowed tightly. “…a virgin?” Gideon just looked at him and Daniel sank down next to the man. “Wow…I-I don’t even know what to…” He shook his head slowly, the knit in his brow squeezing. “Is it even possible for a porn boss to be a virgin?”
Gideon smiled small. “Apparently so.”
Oh hell, Daniel thought. This changes everything.
72 “The Ties That Bind”
“It’s almost game time.” Lucas leaned in the doorway and winked at Garrett. “Ready to score some points for the home team?”
Garrett sat on the edge of the bed and released a slow, heavy breath. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d been this nervous. “I’ll give it my best shot,” he said quietly and looked at Lucas. “But there’s no guarantee I’ll win this one.”
“I’d put my money on you,” Lucas assured him and smiled. “Just tune everyone else out and play your part, say what you really feel. I’m betting you’ll get some feels back in return.”
Garrett rubbed his face. “Yeah, maybe,” he murmured. “He said he doesn’t want to fight with me anymore
, but that doesn’t necessarily mean he wants…”
“I think that’s exactly what it means.”
“And if it isn’t?”
“Then you cross that bridge when you come to it,” Lucas told him. “But don’t burn it before you even get there. There’s some kind of misunderstanding between the two of you and you need to find out what it is. Clearly Jack is reluctant to just come straight out with it, so maybe using the mask of his character role in this scene will help him be more open…like he was in the skit we did together. Except this time…” Lucas smiled softly. “He will be speaking directly to the one who needs to hear it.”
Sliding his fingers through his hair, Garrett stared at the floor. “I’m scared,” he whispered. His eyes stung as he looked up at Lucas. “I’ve never felt this way about anyone before. I don’t know how to deal with it if he doesn’t…” He swallowed thickly and looked away. “…if he doesn’t feel the same.”
Lucas stepped into the room and walked to the bed. “I’d bet on Jack’s feelings for you as well.”
Raising his head, Garrett lifted an eyebrow. “With all the betting you’re doing,” he said. “If this turns to shit, you’re gonna be stuck with one hell of a debt.”
Lucas chuckled and pointed at Garrett. “Then you better be sure and do a damn good job of winning back Jack’s affections.”
“Yeah.” Garrett dropped his gaze and tried to combat the doubt churning inside of him. He was certain Jack hadn’t been totally honest with him in the kitchen yesterday, and then what Scotty had told him about Jack…
“You’ll do fine,” Lucas offered sincerely and squeezed his shoulder. “Jack is ready to hear you.”
Garrett released another hard breath and stood up. “I hope so.”
“Make him listen.” Lucas smiled, then swatted his butt and winked. “I know you know how.”
“That’s your answer to everything,” Garrett chuckled. “Fuck ’em to compliance.”
Lucas grinned and nodded. “Foolproof system. Hasn’t failed me yet.”
“You’re hopeless.”
“Probably.” Lucas laughed then clasped Garrett’s hand, dragging him into a manly shoulder hug. He kissed his neck. “You got this, bro.”
Uncertainty continued to grind his gut as Garrett drew back and nodded.
“Go show that boy what he’s been missing.” Lucas winked again and walked to the door. “I’m betting on you, baby.” He jabbed a finger back at Garrett as he passed through the doorway. “Don’t let me down.”
Garrett chuckled softly as the guy disappeared into the hall, but his laughter faded while he struggled to summon his courage to face Jack.
When he left the room, Scotty was lingering outside his own door. “Good luck,” he said quietly.
Garrett cleared his throat. “It’s just a shoot.”
Scotty stared at him. “No, it isn’t.”
Nodding slowly, Garrett sighed. “Maybe it isn’t.” He looked at the kid and could see him trying to be strong. Garrett was aware that he was the first to care for Scotty in an intimate way, and he knew how hard that was for Scotty to let go of. But at least he was trying, and Garrett admired him for it. “Thank you, Scotty,” he murmured. “We’ll…see how it goes.”
Garrett turned away down the hall.
“You…” Scotty spoke up quickly. Garrett paused and faced him again. Scotty shifted. “You asked if Jack said anything else when he came to your door…”
Garrett stared at him.
Scotty pursed his lips and nodded. “He did.”
♥
Admitting to Daniel that he’d never had sex before was a big deal for Gideon. No one else knew this detail. And he was pretty sure that those of the boys who saw Daniel leave this morning came to the seemingly obvious conclusion that sex had taken place between the two men. It hadn’t.
Not much had been said after Gideon’s confession. He had expected Daniel to ask a multitude of questions as to why he would go his whole life and never once indulge himself sexually. But the man had held back his inquiries—perhaps sensing that Gideon wasn’t ready to offer details—and Gideon had been grateful. He would have told him the truth, had he asked. But he wasn’t ready to go there yet, to dig into his psyche and drag out into the open all the reasons he avoided intimate relationships.
Daniel had held him through the night as Gideon had wished for him to do. Soft, passionate kisses had been shared, even light caresses. But it had gone no further. Pressed up close to Daniel’s warm, aroused body…Gideon had longed for more, ached for it. And there was no question about Daniel’s own desire for him in return. Just before Gideon had drifted off to sleep, Daniel had whispered to him and requested that Gideon let him be the first to love him when—if—Gideon came to the place where he was ready to take that step.
Sleep pulled Gideon away before he’d had the chance to answer. And come morning, Daniel didn’t press for it, didn’t even acknowledge that he’d made the request. Yet it was in his eyes as he kissed Gideon goodbye and left the house. Gideon had wanted to stop him, assure him that if the time came—he would be his first. But he couldn’t promise him even that much.
Gideon tried to clear his head and focus on the task at hand; Jack and Garrett’s scene. Both young men were aware this was more than a typical shoot, yet neither had opted to back out of it. That was a good sign, he hoped. Despite some lingering hostility at the club yesterday, it was notable that both boys’ resolve was weakening—as was the strength of the misunderstanding that was keeping them apart. Gideon felt confident that they were ready for this, ready to face the issue and deal with it once and for all.
Please, God, let it be so. One less stress would be much appreciated.
♥
Jack walked into the studio only half aware of Pratt’s discreet attention. For the most part, Jack tried not to think about the guy while naked in front of the camera. He didn’t care for Pratt’s attention, but the man hadn’t made any forceful advances, so Jack simply attempted to tune him out. It wasn’t as if he felt threatened by the cameraman, even if he did creep him out. He doubted the guy was harmful—just horny. Couldn’t really blame him for that.
Even so, it made him uncomfortable when Pratt approached him directly—as he did now.
“So, you and Garrett getting chummy again, after all, huh?”
Jack frowned. “Excuse me?”
Pratt shrugged. “That seems to be the vibe going around.”
Keeping some space between them, Jack mumbled, “Just trying to settle things between us.”
“Well.” Pratt smirked. “This should do it. Nothing like a good fuck to clear the air, huh?”
A hard frown knit Jack’s brow. “What is your deal with me?” he asked low, tight.
“No deal.” Pratt shrugged, then smiled, adopting a less predatory air. “I just hope, for your sake, if you let Garrett back into your good graces…he doesn’t hurt you all over again.”
“Thanks for the concern,” Jack murmured doubtfully. He didn’t want to be a prick to the guy, but Pratt’s interest in his “well-being” felt a little too personal to Jack. His first time at Gideon’s home, Gideon had introduced him to Pratt and Jack had put his best foot forward and showed himself friendly. What if Pratt had taken his cordial friendliness to mean something more? Possess some veiled interest? If that were the case, shouldn’t he by now realize that that wasn’t the case?
Pratt seemed about to say more but aborted his words when Gideon and Garrett entered the studio. Rich wasn’t far behind and spoke to Gideon a moment before turning his attention to the camera crew.
“Boys.” Gideon motioned to both Garrett and Jack. “Come here.” When they approached, Gideon rested his hands on their shoulders, standing between them. “I love you boys. You know that.” He cupped the back of their necks and drew them close, their brows touching his temples. His voice lowered and softened with emotion. “I want what’s best for you both. I want peace in my home again. But most of all�
�—he drew back just enough to kiss them each on the brow—“I want the two of you to be okay, with each other. It’s up to you to decide where that takes you, but don’t throw away what could be, at the very least, an amazing friendship.” He squeezed the nape of their necks gently and pulled them close again. “You’re my boys and I just want you to be happy.”
I want that, too, Jack thought with a lump in his throat and pressed his head to Gideon’s temple. His arm went around the man’s back, as did Garrett’s. Their fingers brushed unexpectedly but neither shifted away from the touch.
Gideon cleared his throat and stepped back out of their partial embrace. He took a deep breath and released it slowly, then smiled warmly. “You ready to do this?”
Garrett nodded slowly and cast Jack a quick glance. “Yeah.”
“Ready,” Jack whispered with a slight rasp.
“All right then.” Gideon patted them on the shoulder. “Go ahead and get changed.”
The large adjoining bathroom had been turned into a small dressing room and Jack and Garrett entered together and closed the door. Jack kept his back to Garrett as the guy changed into a suit. Jack dressed down to a soft cotton button shirt, left open at the front, and lounging pants. When he glanced at Garrett, he was messing with his tie in front of the mirror, a pinch of annoyance on his face.
Catching Jack’s stare, Garrett mumbled, “I really hate these things.”
Jack chewed his lower lip and shrugged. “It probably doesn’t need to be tied,” he said quietly. “Surely you would have loosened it by the time you reached the bedroom.”
Garrett stared at him through the mirror. “Good point,” he murmured and left off fussing with the tie. His lips pursed, and he lowered his eyes. “Of course…I might not be getting comfortable if I don’t know for sure I’ll be…taken back.”
