Mostly because if he didn’t subdue himself, his smile would be far too wide and maybe he’d let himself forget how he was lying to his mother and he’d focus on how actually fantastic Josh was. And selling his mother on his fake beau was not hard. Rebecca had already done all the work anyway. Maggie Barnwell was now just demanding more pictures and details—specifically the ones about major lifelong commitments.
“Mom,” James whined to his mother the way children did, no matter their age. “We’re not there yet. When I’m ready, I’ll bring him here. I’m not ready.” He sighed, sipping his unsweetened tea and offering his mother a smile that hopefully she’d interpret as secretive.
She sighed as well, though in a much more frustrated fashion. “Honey, I’m just so ready for you to settle down. Look at your sister. I just want you to have that too.”
James stared out over the water for a moment, contemplating his mother’s words and his life—and this lie. And he wondered briefly, for the fortieth time since nine that morning… What is Josh doing right now? It had been almost a week since they’d returned from Jamaica, Josh flying home to NYC out of Sangster International as James’d had his private jet take him to Miami for work. He entertained the question for a moment then shoved the thought away once more, determined not to think about how—and maybe with whom—Josh was spending his time.
* * * *
“Thanks for helping me, Josh,” Nadia called over her shoulder across her bedroom as she turned on her Bluetooth speaker. Josh nodded, tapping his thigh with his fingers as he chewed his lip.
“No problem. Which client is this again?”
“That older guy from Queens. The burly one. I think I mentioned him? Anyway, he’s super into my dancing and basically all but begged for this, so I had to come up with something. You’re the perfect guinea pig. Andrew would just get weird.”
Nadia stepped away from the speaker as a familiar, older song began to play, and suddenly her attire made sense. Black top hat, high heels, little black dress, his own sport coat that he wasn’t even sure how she’d acquired prior to the performance she was beginning. A dancer at heart, she had the movement of someone who had spent years in the studio. Watching her wasn’t a chore.
Watching her hips swaying, her movements suggestive, Josh wasn’t immune to her beauty. He’d be lying if he said it didn’t make him think of James and their last night together in Jamaica. Something about feeling James against him, the way they moved and remembering it, licked heat up Josh’s spine. It didn’t help as Nadia grew closer, her dance moves practiced as she shed layer after layer, keeping the hat and shoes on.
He’d agreed to help her in hopes it would get his mind off the lack of James in his life right now. A week home from Jamaica and regular life had continued. He’d had four clients that week, three of whom he’d canceled to travel, and now Nadia and her ridiculous lap dance. Still, James fluttered to the forefront of his thoughts. His jaw tight, fingers flexing on his thighs, he refrained from touching her as he imagined the roles being reversed with him and James for a brief moment. He mentally berated his cock for rising to the occasion and wished his thoughts and the dancing would cease and give him a reprieve.
Instead, Nadia drew his focus back solely to her as she sat down on his lap, rolling her hips forward and making him gasp at the friction. He grabbed her ass, gripping hard as he all but growled, “I’m not supposed to be the one seduced by this.”
“Don’t fight it.” Her voice always got a little deeper, a little raspier when she was turned on, and Josh couldn’t deny that he liked it. The feel of her in his arms reminded him that it had been a while since they’d messed around between clients, and if he allowed himself to even think about it, it had been Jamaica since he’d last had a truly satisfying orgasm. Maybe she could help him with that, since he’d helped her with her practicing. “You’re always good at getting me off.”
He gave in to her at that, finding her neck as he cradled her head with one hand and wrapped the other around her back. Her breathy moans were just the evidence he needed to know she was enjoying it, and he didn’t stop, simply indulging her as she rotated her hips increasingly faster on his lap.
Josh couldn’t deny his erection. While he could get hard for his clients, getting hard for someone he was comfortable with—Nadia, or James apparently—was infinitely more satisfying. He didn’t allow his mind to ever entertain the idea of having James whenever he wanted, because it was far from realistic. But Nadia was here, and she knew what he liked because they’d practiced on one another more than was probably normal for platonic friends.
He also chose to ignore how much James had been entering his thoughts recently, blaming their week-long proximity for that issue and nothing more.
“Come on, Josh,” Nadia coaxed, nipping at a particularly sensitive spot on his neck, making him groan, “That’s all you’ve got? You’ve gone soft.”
He was suddenly aware of his phone vibrating behind them on the dresser by the door and what if it’s… He raised his head awkwardly and it almost made their faces collide. “I gotta get that. It’s probably a client.” He suddenly realized the situation he’d gotten himself into with her. His face flushed as he looked at her, frowning.
Nadia rolled her head back like she knew exactly what he was thinking. “You’re distracted. Look at you,” she fussed. “You have gone soft.”
“I am not distracted. I am busy, and I need to get that.”
“Mmm-hmm, sure,” she replied coolly, sliding off his lap. “Keep telling yourself that.”
“I don’t need to tell myself anything,” he snapped at her, standing. He grabbed his phone as he looked at her expectantly. “I know exactly what I’m doing, and I’m sorry you seem to think you need to question me about it.”
“Maybe I do.” She shrugged. “Someone needs to make sure your head is still in the game.”
“Are you fuckin’ serious?” He grumbled, unlocking his phone as he opened her bedroom door. Andrew was passing by just then, with his own unamused look.
“Guess James Barnwell didn’t make too big an impression, huh?” he quipped as he continued down the hall. Josh let out a loud sound of frustration, looking up at the ceiling and praying for strength.
“What the fuck? You too?” It was rhetorical as he all but stomped off to his room like a petulant child, annoyed at the fact that his friends seemed to think he was falling for James. The fact that Nadia had tried to seduce him to prove he wasn’t falling for James had him feeling used, and that was saying something, considering his job was to be used.
Slamming his door, he focused on that fact as he turned on his shower and his television to distract himself. He was undressed by the time he realized he’d never checked his phone. Josh grabbed it and unlocked it again.
He would never tell Andrew or Nadia the way his stomach swirled and tightened at the name on the screen above the word ‘iMessage’.
He clicked the message, holding his breath because he was sure James had said he’d been in Miami until he went to Italy.
Hi, Josh. I hope it’s okay I’m texting you. I wanted to see if you’d be available on Wednesday night. I’m flying up for a few meetings and would like to get an appointment with you if you have anything open.
Then, moments later…
Thursday would even work if you’re not available Wednesday.
Josh stared at the messages, chewing his lip and slightly aware he was blushing hard for no reason. The angst over Nadia dissipated for a moment as he typed and re-typed at least five responses.
Hi, James. You can text anytime. Sorry for the delayed reply. I’ll check my calendar and get right back to you.
He sent the text and clicked away to check his iPhone calendar. He cursed as he was free Thursday and not Wednesday. He would rather see James earlier, he thought, ignoring how unprofessional that thought was.
I can make either day work. Whatever is best for you!
The man had paid his way to Jamaic
a then paid him an exorbitant amount of money just to be there. No one paid him like that. He could call the shots. Josh didn’t mind moving things around.
He got a text right away, as he stood naked and waiting to hear. His cock twitched as he read the reply.
Wednesday would be perfect. I’ll send my driver to pick you up at six p.m. Make sure you’re hungry for dinner. I’ve got a craving for DeGrezia’s and I’m making you eat it with me. He ended with a wink emoji.
Dinner would be a good thing—and not out of the ordinary for his clients. DeGrezia’s was really nice. His phone buzzed in his hands with another message.
We’re eating in, though, so don’t worry about dressing up.
Josh grinned as he typed back.
Not gonna give me an excuse to wear that suit again?
It was teasing and slightly flirtatious. As he hit send, he immediately wanted the message back for rewording. Swallowing hard, he followed it up.
Anything in particular you want to explore? Any kinks I should come prepared for?
Ugh. Awkward at best, but also a professional question for his job. Immediately, the typing bubble appeared, and Josh waited anxiously for the reply.
By all means, wear the suit. You know you look damn good in it. Sure wouldn’t bother me any—another wink emoji. Surprise me with something you think I’d like. I’m starting to feel adventurous.
Adventurous, huh? Josh knew just the thing. His cock twitched again as he replied.
I’ve got an idea already. I think you’ll like it. I look forward to Wednesday. Maybe I’ll wear the suit. He ended with his own winking emoji.
These fucking emojis made him blush harder. James wrote right back.
I’m looking forward to it too. Glad you were available. One more emoji.
Josh wanted to type back ‘Me, too’, but it didn’t feel right. So he left it at that, wishing his cock wasn’t thinking about all the things he could do to James in three short days. He also had to move that one client, but that wasn’t a big deal. He ignored the irrational guilt and irritation over Nadia as he showered and played with himself slowly, purifying his issues with thoughts of Wednesday.
As if that wasn’t an oxymoron—and also completely inappropriate.
No one had to know. Even Josh wasn’t sure how much he was allowing himself to know. He was a mess.
He chose to ignore that too.
* * * *
Nice jeans and a navy sweater—not too formal but not too casual. Brown cognac dress shoes gave the outfit a little something. Josh studied himself in the mirror and wasn’t even sure why he cared so much, but alas, he did. It was Wednesday and the car would be downstairs in ten minutes. He needed to gather his things and slip his coat on. This late autumn cold was getting to be a bit much. They were forecasting snow on Friday. Maybe James would be forced to stay a few more days and need Josh’s services.
He was putting the cart before the horse and he knew it as he dismissed those thoughts. Slipping on the warm jacket, he grabbed the duffel bag he’d packed for this particular evening. Nadia was already out on a job and Andrew was preoccupied reading a book, so he and Josh only exchanged a wave, which was a relief to Josh. He hadn’t told them James was back in town and that he’d made another appointment. He didn’t need them giving him any more of a hard time.
When he got downstairs, the Mercedes town car from the last time was waiting out front. An older man stood next to it, patiently waiting. This was his ride.
“Mr. Roberts?” the man questioned. Josh nodded as he approached. “Paul. I’ll be your driver this evening.” He shook Josh’s hand and pulled open the door to the running car. Josh thanked him kindly and slid inside, noticing once again how warm the seats were. James had literally spared no expense. It was still impressive to Josh.
Josh fiddled with his phone as they weaved through the streets to James’ home. Nerves filled his belly. It hadn’t been long at all since they’d last seen one another, and yet it felt like a month. As the car pulled to a stop, Josh glanced up at the warmly lit townhouse. It was the kind of place someone like him only dreamed of owning. He felt pretty lucky to get to spend a little time there, no matter the reason.
Paul pulled open his door and Josh thanked him again. He stepped down to knock on the familiar entrance. It swung open almost immediately, revealing a bearded, tanned James Barnwell. Miami had done James good, Josh immediately realized.
James’ gaze roamed him quickly as a smile broke across his face. “Josh! It’s good to see you. Come in!”
Josh tore himself away from staring at the man. He floundered for a moment then a smile stretched across his own face. “Hey, Jamie,” he replied easily, not even aware as the nickname slid off his lips. It had become natural in Jamaica. He stepped inside with his bag, turning toward James as he closed the door. “It’s good to see you too. I—”
He was cut off as James turned and pressed his lips to his. It was shocking at first. Josh was completely unprepared as his back hit the wall behind the door. But he was quickly kissing back, having missed the taste of James, the feel of his body. His own body roared to life, heat rapidly filling his veins as he dropped his bag and held on to James, wrapping his arms around him.
James gripped Josh’s shirt under his coat and held him against the wall. Josh couldn’t help himself as he groaned into James’ mouth, his brain clouded by the overwhelming need for this kiss that he’d had since he’d left Jamaica. No one needed to know that, but he felt it to his very core.
Gathering back some semblance of control, he slid his knee up between James’ thighs, rubbing him just the way Josh knew James liked. And as Josh knew he would, James moaned into the pressure. He settled into the fact that this was James and not Nadia or any other client. This almost didn’t have to be a game for him. It came naturally. It scared the shit out of him, too, but he refused to acknowledge it.
It also helped soothe the wound Nadia had left—no matter how right she apparently was. Nope. He wasn’t acknowledging that, either.
James rocked into his thigh, and Josh let out a shuddering gasp. He could feel how hard James was already and it drove him wild to know it was all for him. He’d caused this reaction, to some degree. While Josh was practiced in getting an erection for someone he wasn’t attracted to, James was not. This hardness was his tonight and his own cock throbbed with need.
Pulling back after furiously kissing and rocking together for several moments, Josh marveled at James’ wrecked look already. His eyes took a minute to open, their pupils blown. His lips were red and swollen as they parted to his breaths, and Josh’s face burned from James’ beard—but he didn’t care. He’d take that burn anywhere on his body, had yet to feel it anywhere. Not that he minded, but a guy could dream…
He reached for James’ belt, anxious to drop to his knees. He locked eyes with James as he began to undo it, but as he moved to slip down, his jacket even still on, James stopped him with a gentle touch to his arm. His face was still flushed but his expression was softer.
“Let’s eat first…then play,” James suggested quietly, a slight rasp to his voice. Josh blushed hard, having been so forward, and he fixed James’ belt.
“Dinner. Right.” He nodded with a shy smile. “Y’sure know how to distract a guy,” he let out before he could stop it. He didn’t miss the blush that rose in James’ cheeks—a new hint of pink.
“It wasn’t my intention, but then you walked in and I—” James stopped himself, drifting off as he rubbed the back of his neck. “Anyway, let me take your coat. I had take-out delivered and set up in the sitting room,” he explained as Josh slipped his coat off his shoulders and handed it to him. James took the bag too, setting it aside at the bottom of the staircase. He then gestured to Josh to follow. “I hope you don’t mind. It’s just that when it gets cold like this, the fire feels nice. It’s gas, not real like we’d get up in a cabin in Northern New York, but it does a nice job heating the small room.”
Josh tripped
up on so many words as James spoke—sitting room, fire, a cabin?—but he listened and followed, taking in parts of the townhouse he hadn’t yet seen. It was still very beautiful, and with the lights dim, it felt cozy. And James was right. The fire did give off a fair amount of heat. The table was set, and Josh was about to speak when an older woman stepped around the corner, carrying a bottle of red wine. He blinked.
“Mr. Barnwell, your food is staying warm in the oven. I found that bottle of red wine you were looking for earlier.” The woman was clearly from New York based on her accent. Josh estimated her to be his mother’s age. As James took the bottle and thanked her, it was with surprise and a heat to his cheeks that he realized she worked for James—as a housekeeper or maybe a butler? Josh wasn’t sure, but she was dressed as an employee and had obviously been rooting around somewhere for this particular bottle of wine, which Josh realized was very expensive.
Josh smiled pleasantly as her attention flickered to him. She gave him a warm smile and surprised him by winking at James. “I’ll leave you two to your evening, Mr. Barnwell. Call me if you need anything. It’s nice to have you home for a few days.”
James’ chuckle was genuine as he turned to watch her leave, “Thank you, Maggie. Are you ever going to call me James?”
“Not in this lifetime, Mr. Barnwell. Goodnight!” she called out in a sing-song, playful tone before the front door closed and locked. James turned back to Josh, grabbing his corkscrew.
“Maggie is my butler. She keeps up with this place whether I’m here or not—waters the plants, laundry, the whole thing,” James explained as he opened the wine and began to pour two glasses. “I hired her when I first moved back to New York years ago. She’s amazing. But she always calls me Mr. Barnwell and it just…makes me crazy.” He shook his head with a laugh and Josh marveled at this man and his world for a moment.
The Billionaire and the Escort Page 9
