High Test

by Elizabeth Noble

  There was a short hall lined with doors indicating rooms for cats, grooming, small dogs, larger dogs, and so on. Hayden laughed when he read some of the nameplates over the doors. Each kennel was given a cute name, such as King of the Jungle and Wolf Den.

  “Those are fun, aren’t they? This place has names for their runs too. My boys usually get the My Dog is a Rock Star run. It has little doggy couches and a window low enough for them to sit and watch the courtyard. I can’t bring myself to give them television access to a pet channel since their normal TV watching is done on their backs asleep.” He waved to a door that was labeled Play Dates. “Check this out.”

  Beside the door was a line of hooks with long cotton smocks in various sizes hanging from them. Neal took one and handed it to Hayden before he grabbed another, put it on over his suit, and tied it in the back. It was long enough to fall almost to Neal’s ankles. Another swipe of his keycard and they went inside.

  “Hello, Mr. Kirchner,” a college-age girl greeted Neal. She smiled politely at Hayden.

  “Good evening, Cathy.”

  Hayden liked Neal’s habit of learning and using the names of people he had contact with on a regular basis, no matter what their position.

  “They just had their brushings and will have playtime soon,” Cathy said. She grabbed a tablet and scrolled through something. “Just to confirm, no medications for either Royce or Marty?”

  “Thank goodness, no,” Neal said. “Cathy, this is Hayden Owens.”

  “Hello,” Hayden said softly, suddenly assaulted by a bout of shyness.

  Cathy didn’t seem to notice. She smiled brightly. “Hi. Welcome. First time?”

  Before Hayden could respond there was a buzz and the sound of a door opening, accompanied by a round of barking from what sounded like very excited dogs.

  Cathy smirked and said dramatically, “The hounds have been released.”

  Neal took Hayden by the shoulders and turned him to the right. There was a large indoor area with fire hydrants, potted trees, and thick ropes scattered over a cement floor that was painted green. It was “fenced” off by a four-foot-high wall made of cement, designed to resemble large stones.

  “I was one of the architects on the design team when the hotel expanded and remodeled a few years back,” Neal remarked. “That’s when I gave up my city condo and began staying here.”

  “You designed this?” Hayden made a circular motion in front of him with one hand.

  “Yep. The Pet Care Center is one of my favorite creations. Royce was a puppy at the time and one of the first dogs to stay here. Marty was added a few months later.”

  “Cool.” Hayden turned back to the exercise area when Royce, Marty, and about a half-dozen other dogs charged in. They romped and wrestled with one another, made good use of the fire hydrant, and a few of them had a game of tug-o-war with the thick ropes. “This is great. They don’t fight?”

  Cathy shrugged. “Sometimes, but we always have a few people in with them to keep an eye on things. Really most dogs like other dogs, and there are very few problems. The dogs have to be evaluated before they’re allowed to play in here with others. Antisocialists are exercised individually on leashes or in here when a group isn’t out. Weather permitting, we have people who take them on walks around the neighborhood too.”

  Hayden wondered if he could get a job like this. He made a mental note to investigate the possibilities. There had to be other places around town with similar services, and it would broaden his job hunt range.

  They spent about fifteen minutes watching the dogs before Cathy went into the play area and separated Royce and Marty, bringing them to the outer area where Hayden and Neal waited. Hayden immediately saw what a good idea the smocks were. Neither dog jumped but they paced around both men’s legs, wagging their tails and sharing their hair.

  Everyone who came by, whether other hotel guests Neal knew or employees, were introduced to Hayden. It made him feel good and like an important part of Neal’s life. By the time they said goodbye to Royce and Marty, returned their smocks, and headed toward the elevator to the ballroom where the party would take place, Hayden couldn’t wait to begin having Neal meet his family and friends. He was more and more anxious to talk to Neal and fix his mistake so they could get on with exploring a life together.

  What Hayden had seen of the hotel so far was tasteful, elegant, and impressive, and the ballroom was no exception. One entire end was a dance floor, and a band was tuning up to play. There was a long table covered with a white cloth that fell to the floor. Hayden saw people setting up Sterno heaters underneath metal frames that would hold food. Adjacent to it was a second table for desserts and coffee and tea urns being set up. Round tables with eight chairs each around them dotted the room. Those had black tablecloths with shorter white cloths set into a diamond pattern over the top. Each of the tables held a platter of hors d’oeuvres, smaller plates, and pitchers of water.

  People hustled around the room putting the finishing touches of flowers and candles on the dining and serving tables. A bar was set up near the dance floor.

  “This looks great,” Hayden said.

  Neal laughed. “I’d like to take credit for it, but all I do is hand over a credit card and invite guests. The hotel does the rest. One advantage to being rich is that throwing a kickass party is easy if you hire the right people and pay enough.”

  Hayden grinned. “I guess that’s the truth.”

  While Neal spoke with a few of the caterers, Hayden wandered around. Between the bar and band stage was a stone fountain with lilies floating in the pool. It wasn’t long before guests began filtering into the ballroom. Hayden gave up exploring the area and went to stand near Neal. He eventually lost track of the people Neal introduced him to and what their connection to Neal was. Some people were obviously surprised to meet him, and Hayden wasn’t sure if it was because of his age, because he was a man, or because Neal wasn’t in the habit of having a cohost.

  Half an hour from the start of the dinner, Hayden found himself sitting with a few clients of Neal’s architecture firm, talking and laughing. Hayden was enjoying the conversation with such interesting people. He’d had enough drinks to ease his shyness and make him chatty.

  “I’m so happy Neal is not here alone tonight,” one of the women said and laid her hand lightly on Hayden’s arm. “It’s so often that he is,” she continued, while Hayden did a mental scramble trying to remember her name. He wished all these people had nametags. Even the guests that gave Hayden a disapproving vibe remembered his name. Fortunately the majority of the people here tonight were excited to meet him, which was great except he kept forgetting names. He sucked at names, which was why he had special nicknames for customers at work.

  Since these were Neal’s friends and longtime business acquaintances, it was reasonable for Hayden to think they’d know if Neal was single or not. It struck Hayden that all these people, no matter their opinion of Hayden, thought Neal was no longer single. That made Hayden feel warm and secure inside.

  “Neal.” The woman looked over Hayden’s shoulder and smiled. “This young man is such a delight. I do hope to see more of him.”

  Hayden heard Neal chuckle and turned in time to see him smile warmly. “Oh, I know. I’m hoping to tempt him into spending more time with me.” Neal reached down and slipped his fingers around Hayden’s bicep. “Right now I’m afraid I need to borrow him for a few minutes.”

  There was a round of murmured “of course” and “so wonderful to meet you” from the group as Hayden stood up and walked away with Neal. “Those are nice people. I wish I could remember all their names.”

  Neal laughed and steered Hayden away from the main group. He half expected the band to begin playing something more appropriate for dancing. Instead Neal turned Hayden so his back was to the group and Neal was acting as a shield. He wasn’t fast enough to keep Hayden from catching a glimpse of Maeve, however.

  “You invited—”

  Neal cut hi
m off fast. “No. Of course not. I don’t even like her, and she’s a leech to Mirabel as far as I’m concerned. But I wasn’t going to tell Mirabel about her antics. They get along, and as far as I can tell, Mirabel loves her very much. I wanted to warn you. There are enough people here to occupy her. I’d rather not make a scene and ask her to leave unless I have to. That will simply encourage questions.” He shrugged. “As long as she behaves, no one needs to be the wiser.”

  Hayden wanted to ask what Neal thought people would find out and be wiser about but one of the other guests came closer. “Great party as usual, Neal. Thank you for the invite.” The man handed Hayden and Neal both fresh drinks. He held his up for a toast, and of course they obliged. “Great place for a wedding reception too. My son is getting married in a year or two, no firm date yet, so I’ll have to remind them about this hotel.”

  “It certainly would be,” Neal said and gave Hayden a sidelong glance that lasted only a second. “I think they’ll be very happy with this venue.”

  The evening progressed, Maeve wasn’t an issue, and dinner was one of the best meals Hayden had ever had. Hayden was tipsy enough that when they got around to dancing after dinner, he shyly offered Neal a few smooches while on the dance floor.

  Neal held Hayden closer and whispered in his ear, “Still worried about our age difference?”

  “Not as much. I guess being able to meet and talk to your friends helps.” He sighed contentedly and rested his cheek on Neal’s shoulder. “Thank you for making me such an important part of this party.”

  Neal spun them around. “I hope it’s the first of many. Still want to take the boys up to our suite?”

  “Well,” Hayden said softly and snuggled closer to Neal, “they did seem very happy in the pet center.”

  “We’ll get them tomorrow. That way I can have you all to myself tonight.” Neal took Hayden’s hand, and they returned to their table as people began coming up and saying their goodbyes.

  “What is left of the night,” Hayden reminded Neal. “It’s almost midnight.” He and Neal made their way to the front of the ballroom and took up a position near the main entrance. After a solid half hour of thanking the guests for attending and bidding them farewell, the place finally cleared of everyone except for the catering crew, Hayden, and Neal.

  “I think the best part about hosting a party here is someone else cleans up,” Neal said.

  They walked to the elevator but had to wait a few minutes before one of the cars arrived. It was late enough that there were very few people in the corridors, so Hayden didn’t object when Neal slipped one arm around his waist and pulled him close. Hayden stretched his arms over Neal’s shoulders, then wrapped them around his neck and sought Neal’s lips. He nibbled lightly on Neal’s lower lip and pushed his tongue into his mouth, inhaling deeply and appreciating the taste of fine whiskey on Neal’s tongue.

  The elevator dinged, and they separated for a few moments while people exited. Once inside, they found themselves alone again. Hayden licked along Neal’s ear. Neal slipped his hand between Hayden’s legs and thoroughly massaged his groin. Hayden moaned and rocked against Neal, his head swirling from alcohol-spiced lust. Running one hand down Neal’s back, Hayden gave the firm muscles of his ass a squeeze before pushing his fingers between his cheeks. That caused Neal’s kisses and caresses to become more aggressive.

  Hayden jumped when the elevator bell sounded again and the door began to open. Neal rumbled a low chuckle. “The concierge staff is off duty from midnight to six in the morning.”

  “Oh thank God!” Hayden took a minute to catch his breath before taking Neal by the hand and leading him to their suite.

  It wasn’t long before they fell into bed, but neither would be sleeping for some time yet.

  Chapter Nine

  SUNLIGHT was streaming through the windows when Hayden was awoken by Neal’s enthusiastic attention to his early morning hard-on. The suite was high enough that there was nothing covering the windows. Hayden stretched when Neal’s hands roamed his body. It didn’t take long before they were reaching for lube and a condom. Hayden inwardly praised himself for his ability to take Neal to the edge then back off, leaving him gasping and desperate for more. By the time Hayden came, his cock thumping and pulsing in Neal’s hand, they were both thoroughly gratified.

  “I could very easily get used to this.” Neal talked while he brushed his lips up Hayden’s throat. “What are your plans for the day?”

  Hayden said in a soft voice, “Me too.” He sighed and eased away from Neal. “I have to get Rick’s suit back to him, I think it’s part of one of his final exams.”

  “So plenty of time for a leisurely brunch.” Neal swung off the bed and grabbed Hayden’s hand. “And a nice, hot soak in the tub.”

  “That tub is amazing,” Hayden said and snickered as Neal led him to the bathroom.

  An hour later, loose and relaxed, Hayden was dressed, and he and Neal sat down to eggs Benedict, orange juice, and coffee. He’d carefully returned the tux to its garment bag but hadn’t packed any of his other belongings other than to put his phone and wallet in his pockets.

  Pulling in a deep breath, Hayden silently vowed nothing was going to keep him from setting everything right with Neal. “I very much need to talk to you about something.”

  “Oh God, you’re breaking up with me.” Neal slapped one hand over his heart.

  I hope you won’t want to break up with me after what I say. Hayden shook his head. “No. Hell no.”

  Neal took a sip of coffee before setting his cup down and focusing on Hayden. “I’m sorry. You’ve tried to tell me something several times now, and we always seem to get interrupted. You have my undivided attention.”

  “Remember when we met you’d—” Hayden’s words were cut short by a pounding on the suite door.

  Neal heaved a sigh, rolled his eyes, and stood up. “Whoever it is, I’ll get rid of them.”

  He crossed the room, wearing a decidedly irritated expression. When he opened the door, Maeve shoved by him and into the suite.

  “What are you doing?” Neal snapped.

  “You need to see this.” Maeve slapped an envelope against Neal’s chest, then pointed a finger at Hayden. “I don’t know what you’re playing at young man, but you are not Frank and Lilia Owens’s son. They don’t even have a son.” She turned back to Neal. “It’s all in there. You need to read it.”

  “Maeve whatever you think you’re doing, you’re wrong,” Neal growled at her. “I’m calling security to remove you from this hotel.” He turned far enough to look at Hayden.

  Panic surged through Hayden. Neal would never believe him now. Hayden scrambled out of his chair, grabbed the garment bag, and slung it over his shoulder. “Neal, I—”

  “The only thing this little tramp is after is your money,” Maeve snarled.

  “Stop it, Maeve.” Neal took her by the arm and shoved her toward the door. He held the envelope she’d forced on him in his other hand.

  “I-I’m s-sorry, Neal. I never meant….” Hayden’s words trailed off. He didn’t know what to say or how to explain.

  “Hayden?” Neal’s voice was soft and hinted at confusion. “What are you doing?”

  Brushing by Neal and Maeve, Hayden kept repeating, “I’m sorry,” as he fled down the hall to the elevator.

  Once the elevator door opened on the first floor, Hayden hurried across the lobby and bolted out the front door. He didn’t stop running until he was a few blocks away. Finally he came to a bus stop, and he dropped onto the bench. He blessed his habit of always putting his wallet and phone in his pocket every morning. At least he could call Rick or Steffie for a ride. He tried Rick first and was relieved beyond words when Rick answered and told Hayden he’d be there soon.

  The entire time he waited on Rick, he sat there, knees bouncing nervously as he looked up and down the street. Part of him was afraid Neal would find him. Another part was just as afraid Neal wouldn’t follow and seek him out. No famil
iar figure hurried down the street. No one came after Hayden. He shouldn’t have been surprised, but he was. He was more than disappointed; he was crushed, though he knew he’d brought all this upon himself.

  At long last he saw Rick’s car coming down the street. He had to stop at a traffic light, so Hayden left the bench and jogged the distance to Rick’s car. After tossing the garment bag into the back seat, Hayden climbed into the front beside Rick.

  “Are you okay?” Rick asked at once.

  Hayden leaned back in the seat and nodded. As Rick’s car moved forward, Hayden blurted out the whole story from the time he’d gotten to the hotel until Maeve’s arrival at their suite that morning.

  “You’ve got to talk to Neal,” Rick said.

  “Yeah, I know, and I tried, but that bitch Maeve busted in and made it sound as if I was some con artist or criminal or something. I should have set the story straight before I slept with him. I should have done it a long time ago.” Hayden ran both hands through his hair. “I’m so stupid.”

  “No, you’re not. You made a mistake, and all you did wrong was to not correct an innocent misunderstanding,” Rick pointed out. “One, I might add, he started because he made an assumption to begin with. You didn’t do anything to exploit that mistake—like trying to get money. You went on dates because he invited you to and to a party he asked you to attend. Those are things people do every day without ulterior motives. Just like you. I really don’t think it’s such a big deal. But if you don’t talk to the man it will become one.”

  “I don’t know how to even face him.”

  “So send a letter or email.”

  “That’s tacky,” Hayden protested.

  “And running out on him isn’t? At least an email will open the door to talk, and you can organize your thoughts, not blurt out something.” Rick reached over and patted Hayden’s arm. “Give yourself a day or two. Figure out what to say and how to say it, then call him or write. If it doesn’t work out, at least you’ll have tried.”