The Billionaire and the Escort

by Evelyn Mahony

  “Josh,” James called, bringing him back to the present. Josh ignored the immediate itch to sketch the landscape. There’d be time for that, he knew, if this trip played out like the other had. “Our villa is ready, if you are.” He gave a gentle smile and Josh knew somehow that if he asked for something else, James would grant it to him. But James had his attention at the word villa.

  “Yeah, sorry.” He flushed, taking James’ extended hand. “It’s absolutely beautiful here,” he complimented. James smiled broadly and squeezed his hand.

  “This is one of my favorites. Wait until you see the villa. I always stay in this one when I come here. I think you’ll like it.” Josh knew there was no way he wouldn’t, but he simply squeezed James’ hand again and let them be led down to another waiting car. Stephanie was there, and Josh had to be honest that he was happy to see another familiar face. She waved excitedly as soon as she saw them.

  “Josh! Ahh! I’m so happy you’re here!” she exclaimed, and Josh separated his hand from James’ as Stephanie approached, all smiles. She was still dressed immaculately, Josh noted, in a pencil skirt and a lovely light-blue blouse. Her heels made her his height but that didn’t stop her from jumping into his arms. He laughed heartily, unable to stop himself at the sweet greeting. While he didn’t know where he and James stood in their affections sometimes, the way she greeted him was genuine. It was special to him.

  “Steph! Hi!” He caught James’ grin as the man stood back and watched the reunion while their bags were loaded into the new car. “I’m glad to be here. And I’m glad you’re here.” He was too. She was a ray of sunshine and had been a huge help to him in Jamaica.

  “I go everywhere with this guy.” She jutted her thumb toward James with a laugh. “And I’m glad to see that it seems you do now too, except I missed you in Miami. He’s so much more relaxed when you’re around.” Josh set her back down and glanced quickly at James, who was blushing hard behind his expensive sunglasses.

  “Well, let’s see if I can keep him relaxed here then.” He threw her a wink, and she was all smiles. “Then maybe I’ll earn myself an invite to Miami.”

  “God, please!” She laughed and leaned in close, stage whispering, “He missed you, ya know.”

  Josh’s own cheeks heated, and he took a moment to nervously glance at James. They’d hardly communicated while James had been in Miami, and Stephanie was to be none-the-wiser as to their real arrangement. But did that mean James was pretending to miss him? Or was that real? It was the one thing about all this that was making Josh’s head spin on occasion. Everything felt confusing.

  But James was blushing down into his white cotton shirt under his blazer and Josh had to question what exactly Stephanie had called him on.

  “Look at him. He’s blushing so hard,” she teased before James was swatting at her playfully to quiet her and get her into the car. Josh laughed it off and followed, filing that all away for analyzing later. Maybe he’d text it to Nadia and ask her what she thought.

  Or not, he decided, since he was sure she’d still fuss at him about it. He’d have to figure this one out on his own.

  The landscape was stunning as they drove. It was exactly as he’d pictured Italy to look, which was like a dream. James’ hand was settled in his own, tucked in his lap for the whole short drive as Stephanie chattered on about the week’s upcoming events. Josh would only need to attend a cocktail party on Wednesday for some celebrity visitors and a dinner on Friday. The rest of this week was for him to simply sit back and enjoy. James had meetings, a few other stops to make and a few rounds of golf to play with investors and regional directors, but he made a point to promise Josh he’d be around as much as possible. And added, with faux disdain, “I guess when I’m not around, you and Stephanie will have to continue being besties so she can torture me with it later.”

  Stephanie gave them a mischievous grin that made Josh laugh and James roll his eyes. Josh was very thankful for Stephanie once again.

  The car came to a stop, and while Josh was not ever prepared for these moments, it seemed, he was beyond unprepared for what was before him.

  The driver opened the door, and as he climbed out, he pulled his sunglasses off to get a better, unobstructed view. The house towered before him, three stories and magnificent. It was a masterpiece—all hard lines and neutral colors, inviting in every way. Their suite in Jamaica had been amazing, but this was a whole other level of James’ wealth and reach. Josh was about to stay in a villa in Italy for two weeks. He was sure he’d died and was literally in heaven.

  “Stunned speechless, huh?” James appeared next to him and Josh could only turn and gawk at him.

  “Jamie…this is…”

  “This is how I do Italy. Just wait… I’ll make sure these two weeks are two of the best you’ve had yet.” The kiss to his cheek caught him off guard, then Stephanie and James were heading for the house, a security detail and concierge following with their bags.

  Josh followed in shock. Stephanie had slipped back into work mode, laying out papers on the beautiful kitchen table for James to read over and assess. She was explaining more about the week’s events as Josh wandered the expansive house on his own. There were three bedrooms, each with their own bath, including a master with a bathroom built for two, including the shower with two shower heads. The colors were completely neutral throughout, and the view was incredible from the balcony. He couldn’t decide what he wanted to sketch first—or where he wanted to fuck James first. He was curious if they’d be rooming together for a brief moment, but as he walked back through the house, he found his luggage already settled in the master bedroom. It made him smile a little brighter than it probably should have.

  When he finally arrived back in the kitchen, everyone was leaving. Even Stephanie was saying she had phone calls to return and emails to send. She paused as she passed Josh, wrapping her arm around his waist in an affectionate half-hug. “So good to see you again, Josh. My phone still works here too, so if you need me, call.”

  “You got it. Thank you.” He squeezed her back before she waved goodbye and headed down to the waiting car. Josh realized quickly that they were completely alone then, no more security or concierge. James was gathering up the papers in the kitchen, sorting them as Josh shut the front door, flipping the lock out of habit. It felt a little weird for a moment, but then James looked up at him and gave him one of those smiles, and Josh was immediately at ease once more. “So…it’s just us?” he asked, needing to make sure they were alone before he picked the first surface to lay James over.

  “Yes, sir,” James replied easily, closing the distance between them slowly. “There’s a housekeeper who will come in the mornings to make us breakfast, make the bed and do laundry if we need it. But she won’t be here until tomorrow at about eight a.m. So until then, pal, it’s just you and me.”

  Josh noticed the way James spoke a little softer as he reached out to touch his chest. His touch made Josh’s body temperature immediately rise. Josh wanted to ask if he really had missed him in Miami and if he really was more relaxed when he was around. But the words died on his lips as James met his eyes and murmured a small, “What should we do first, Sir?”

  The fact that James slipped into his role so well, so easily, made Josh’s cock immediately start to swell. He wasn’t ever really sure how these adventures would play out, but it seemed James knew just what he wanted. Josh could follow that lead and take over, no question. He lived for it, honestly.

  Josh let his hands slide up James’ strong arms, a smile spreading across his lips. “You’ve been aching to get me alone, haven’t you, handsome?” he asked. “The plane wasn’t enough for you, was it?”

  “Nope,” James grinned, though Josh could see the desire in his steel eyes, the hunger. He was already working on Josh’s belt. “Need more… That just took the edge off.”

  “Where do you want to christen first? The kitchen? The balcony? The bedroom? The shower?” Josh had far too many ideas as he t
urned James and pressed him back against the cool, cream colored stone.

  “The balcony,” James requested before he leaned forward and pressed his lips to Josh’s in a slightly bold move. Josh didn’t mind. In fact, he relished that James wanted to kiss him. He kissed back hotly, letting himself taste James’ mouth as he loosened James’ belt and pants, reaching inside to pleasantly find how hard James was for him already. One stroke and James was mewling beautifully against his lips.

  “Good choice. Let everyone hear me claim this tight, hungry ass.”

  James whimpered against Josh, and it was such a beautiful noise. Josh backed off, pulling his hand away as James whined, this time in disdain.

  “Go upstairs, take off your clothes and I’ll meet you on the balcony. Touch yourself out there in the sunshine. Get warmed up. I’ll find my things and be right out to fulfil your needs.”

  James’ cheeks were flushed as he departed quickly, making his way up the stairs as Josh gathered himself. He counted to twenty slowly before climbing the stairs to find his carry-on bag and the contents he’d packed. He’d bought a new, high quality lubricant just for this trip and he pulled that from his suitcase. James’ clothing was neatly laid out on the bed and couldn’t help but grin. This man was something else. Josh could not wait to wreck him once more.

  * * * *

  Waking up next to James was something Josh could easily get used to. There was a comfort about it now after Jamaica and New York that made it even more enjoyable. Josh knew how he looked, his hair and beard a mess, his eyes closed, mouth opened ever so slightly. He tended to lie on his back and that opened up that expansive chest for Josh to cuddle up against, which he’d been about to do when he’d heard the door downstairs open. Pausing mid slide, he strained to listen for anything else as James shifted beside him. As if on cue, James’ alarm started blaring and Josh became very aware that the lazy morning he’d been hoping for was quickly dissipating.

  James groaned adorable and Josh flopped back on his own pillow. “Fuckin’ alarm,” the older man grumbled as he rolled to shut it off. Pans clanked and Josh suddenly remembered that it was the housekeeper downstairs. Well…at least it wasn’t an intruder—or his imagination.

  James opened his eyes and stretched, then laughed when he saw Josh’s glum pout. “I’ve gotta play golf at nine with some investors. I’d take you with me, but I know it’s not your thing. Plus, it’s getting colder—and who wants to golf in the cold?”

  James pulled the warm, heavy comforter up over them and let his hand splay over Josh’s ribcage. “I promise we’ll grab a late lunch around two or three. Then I’m yours the rest of the day.”

  Something about the way James made these plans, with every intention of actually spending time with him, made Josh’s heart beat rapidly and off rhythm. It felt so domestic, so right, so real that if Josh just ignored the little conscience in the back of his head, he could pretend they were really together. He didn’t, or at least he tried not to, but it was easy to let those lines blur.

  Especially when James was staring at him right now with that little smile of his. “We could get wine, take a walk—maybe find a fire pit,” James enticed Josh further, as if Josh had any intention of saying no to anything.

  “I mean,” Josh drew out teasingly with a faux sigh, “I guess I can manage this morning. Maybe my friend Stephanie will meet me for an espresso and a danish somewhere on this gigantic resort of yours.”

  James laughed, and it filled Josh’s soul. “Oh boy…I think you two are becoming actual best friends.”

  “We might be by the time this trip is over,” Josh teased, rolling to face James and kiss him out of pure habit and desire. James’ expression softened and he kissed Josh’s forehead in return. It was affectionate and personal. Josh flushed.

  “She’s essentially my best friend, but I guess I can share,” James huffed in playful exasperation, and Josh found that adorable as well. James moved all too far away and slid out of bed. Naked, Josh got a good look at the residual red marks along James’ ass from their adventures the night before. After their quickie on the balcony, they’d explored the house further and ended up in the large shower. Josh had started by going down on James and hungrily sucking him until the man couldn’t wait any longer, then they’d moved to the bed for condoms and lube and a rough fuck that had left Josh spanking James until tears had filled his eyes. They’d come at the same time, exhausted and satisfied. They’d had an order-in pasta dinner in front of the television, then they’d fallen asleep wrapped together.

  It had been the most perfect evening ever, in Josh’s opinion.

  Josh stayed in the bed while James showered, messing around on his phone and texting Stephanie to meet for coffee. She agreed for ten and Josh figured he’d catch a ride in with James. Pulling himself from the warm bed, he made for the shower and stopped only long enough to appreciate the way a clean, shirtless James looked while brushing his teeth in a towel. It shouldn’t have made him feel things, but… He was not a tin man.

  They shared a sweet smile, then Josh turned the shower on and climbed in, losing himself to the heat and steam as he cleaned up. He had to hit the gym today too, wherever that was.

  Climbing out, he grabbed a towel and decided he had enough to do to keep him occupied while James worked. It was strange that he felt such a need to spend time with someone while on one of these vacations, but he ignored it, drying off. James had already disappeared to get dressed, so Josh finished up, brushing his teeth and fixing his hair. He left shaving for last, slathering the cream from his travel bag all over his neck, jaw and lower cheeks.

  James came back in as Josh was slipping the blade down his cheek and regarded him curiously as he fixed his collar. “Have you ever let it grow out?”

  “Hmm?”

  “Your facial hair. Have you ever let it grow? Had a beard?”

  Josh chuckled as he rinsed the razor under the running water. “Nah. Wouldn’t it make me look old?” He said it then immediately looked at James, who was giving him a look of playful warning. “You’re older than me. It’s okay for you to have a beard. I’d look—”

  “Very attractive, I bet,” James replied, crossing his arms and leaning against the counter. “I bet it would feel real good in other places too.”

  Josh’s cheeks went hot. “Well,” he considered, knowing he couldn’t stop now after having shaved half his face, “I’ll…think about it.”

  “You’re attractive just the way you are, Josh. Don’t worry. But I think a beard or some scruff would add a little extra…something special to you. Anyway, I’ve gotta go early, gotta meet the guys for coffee and a brief meeting before our round. Stephanie will come down to get you with your security.” Josh tried to digest everything James had just said, from the genuine compliments to the fact that he had security, then James was kissing the side of his clean hair and running a hand down his back affectionately. “I’ll text you in a little while. Have fun and enjoy the resort. Charge anything you want to the villa. Don’t worry about cost.”

  And with a departing smile, he slipped away before Josh could form words. He stood there staring after the man, the water running and his razor in midair.

  The kiss had left him floundering. His heart beat erratically in the best of ways, knowing that all of what James had just said was just for him. It wasn’t about the money or security itself. It was about the fact that James had taken the time to ensure Josh had a phenomenal trip while James worked. It made him feel warm all over.

  He ignored the rational part of his head that flashed attachment warning signs. He was fine. This was all fine, just part of the job.

  Who am I kidding? Only myself, apparently.

  * * * *

  “You’re sure this is enough?” Josh stood in front of the mirror on Wednesday evening, looking himself over as he considered his suit. It was a new one he’d bought just for the trip, and while it wasn’t as expensive as the one James had bought him—he was saving that one for th
e dinner that weekend—it wasn’t a cheap suit. James was slipping on his black overcoat, adjusting the collar as he glanced up to look Josh over. Josh’s cheeks flushed under his gaze.

  “I mean,” James began as he walked up to Josh, standing behind him as he admired him in the mirror, “I’d prefer you naked, but the suit looks very good on you.”

  Josh’s flush ran down into his chest, heating him up under the suit. “Jamie…”

  “What? I’m being honest.” He shrugged like it was the easiest thing in the world to say, and Josh, once more, didn’t know how this entire situation had fallen into his lap. This man would be the death of him.

  “Thank you,” he murmured, staring at their reflection in the mirror. They did make a handsome couple. It was almost as if they were really together…

  “Hey, I have something for you,” James interrupted his thoughts as he stepped away, heading for a drawer on the large dresser they shared. He pulled open the top drawer—he had the top three, Josh had the bottom three—and pulled out a very nice leather box. Josh’s curiosity peaked as his heart began to beat rapidly.

  James handed him the box and grinned confidently. “I saw this and immediately thought of you,” was all he said, but something about it carried affection and made Josh’s belly flip.

  He untied the white silk ribbon and let it fall away. Opening the lid, he gasped.

  “Jamie!” he whisper-yelled in surprise, staring at the expensive—beyond expensive—gift. “I can’t… This is… I’m just… I can’t, James.” He was in awe as he stared at an IWC watch, something far out of his affordable range.