Silver & Black

by Tyler May

  “Ok, that’s it.” He walks over to the bed, leans down, and kisses me softly. “When you leave just lock the door, and if you need anything Connor has the key and is available to take you home.”

  “Not necessary, I’ll take the subway.”

  “Be careful.” He lays one final kiss on my lips and walks toward the door. He stops and turns to look at me. “I’ll see you Saturday―don’t forget.”

  “I won’t and call me when you get there.”

  “Will do,” he says turning out the light.

  Silver’s bed is comfortable and I’m back to sleep before I even know it. A few hours later, my phone beeps waking me. I glance down at the text.

  Silver: Hope you’re sleeping comfortably in my bed. ;)

  Me: I was until someone texted me… Thanks, for that.

  Silver: Poor Greyson

  Me: lol Why are you bothering me so early?

  Silver: Early? I’ve been in LA for over an hour now.

  Me: Shit….seriously?

  I glance down at my phone. I must have been asleep a lot longer than I thought. I sit up and pull on my jeans.

  Silver: I just wanted to let you know that I was here. I’m even dressed more appropriately. See.

  He sends me a selfie. He’s wearing a tailored dark gray suit, and a sexy grin to match. I had to do it. I lie back on the bed, arrange myself in a sexy pose, and trying to do this without making myself laugh is a challenge. I’m not used to the sexy selfie or anything of this nature. I snap a quick selfie of myself wearing nothing but my jeans, that I haven’t even buttoned yet, and my hand tucked through my zipper. I hit send and wait for his response. I didn’t have to wait long.

  Silver: You’re evil. How do expect me to work after that?

  Me: lol I just wanted to give you something to anticipate.

  Silver: It worked. We’ll continue this later. I actually have to go. Panting over my lover is frowned upon in board meetings.

  Me: Well, that sounds boring.

  Silver: Very. So that means you’ll have to bring the excitement later.

  Me: See ya, baby.

  Silver: Oh, you will.

  Me: Is that a promise?

  I wait for him to respond, but get nothing. They must have started their meeting. I should get ready anyway. I take my time in the shower, relaxing as the water massages my skin. I climb out of the shower and wrap a towel around my waist then head back to Silver’s bedroom to get dressed. I pull back on my jeans. I’ve forgotten that my shirt has remnants of sexual spontaneity in the elevator. Can’t wear that, Silver has to have something I can borrow. I open his immaculately organized closet. The colors arranged perfectly in all shades. I’m almost afraid to touch anything. I’m thinking Silver may have a touch of OCD. I pull a fitted grey shirt from a hanger. The tags are still on it. Maybe he has a shopping problem too. “Eighty-five dollars for a T-shirt?” I say in disbelief. I don’t think I’ve ever paid that much for any clothing I own. I throw it on, and look through the rest of his clothes. His taste is superb, that’s why he always looks so hot. I go to shut the closet and something catches my eye―the dresser.

  Was he teasing when he said don’t look in there? No one is around. One peek won’t hurt, right? If I have to convince myself then it can’t be right. I click my tongue in thought, and reach for drawer. My conscience is fighting me, but curiosity is winning the battle. I slowly pull the top drawer open.

  “Greyson Black!”

  “Shit.” He startles me, and I close the door quickly and turn around. “Levi.”

  “Did I scare you?” he says, plopping on the bed. “Boy, this bed is soft.”

  “Yeah. What are you doing here and how did you get it?”

  “The tall hot guy let me in.” He must be talking about Connor. I didn’t even know he was in here. “Is he?” He whistles.

  “No, not at all. Levi, what are you doing here?”

  “My job,” he says, jumping up from the bed. “Greyson Black, were you going to snoop in Mr. Gere’s drawers?”

  “What? No. And stop changing the subject. What do you mean your job?”

  A sly smile takes over his face. “Brian stopped by our place this morning on the way to the airport. He offered me the job and even gave me my first assignment as a Silver Inc. employee.”

  “That’s awesome.” I hug him. “I’m so happy for you, Levi. You deserve this.”

  “Well the contract wasn’t as big as yours, but the money is fucking incredible. He really does treat his employees wonderfully.”

  “I’m happy to hear that. Shows the kind of man he is.”

  “Oh, look at that silly love struck grin.”

  “Shut up. I’m not love struck, yet. I am a bit smitten, though.” I go to shut the closet, and he stops me.

  “What are you doing?”

  “What do you mean?”

  “Fucking check the drawers, honey. You have the entire place to yourself; now’s the time to get to know the real Brian Silver. You can tell a lot about a man by what’s in his drawers or closet.”

  “That’s an invasion of privacy, don’t you think?”

  “Hell no. I do it all the time.”

  “And you haven’t had a long-term boyfriend in forever.”

  “Hurtful. True, but hurtful. And I would beg to differ that my doing this has anything to do with that.” Levi pulls open the top drawer before I could stop him. Ok, I could have stopped him, but I was curious too. We gaze inside. On top of a few neatly folded undershirts was a small wrapped box with a note attached. Levi lifts the box.

  “Levi, leave it.”

  “It’s for you, honey.” he says showing me the name on it. He hands it to me. “Open it.”

  I hold the handsomely packaged box in my hand wondering if I should or not. Maybe he planned on giving it to me when he got home. I open the small notecard and read it aloud.

  “I knew you would look. I can’t blame you. I’d look too.

  Now, open the box and message me after you get it.

  Silver.”

  Levi grins. “See, even he admits he would have looked. What are you waiting for? Rip that sucker open and see what your man got you.”

  “He’s not my man. Not yet, officially I guess.”

  “Oh, please,” he says, rolling his eyes. “Open it.”

  I peel back the wrapping exposing a shiny small black box. I lift the lid of the box. My eyes instantly go wide at the view. Inside is a titanium metal watch with another note on the inside of the box. I pull the gorgeous watch from the box. I glance at the face of the watch and read the name of the maker. “Holy shit.”

  “Holy shit is right,” Levi mimics. “That watch costs more than my last car.”

  I hold the expensive gift in my hand. I’ve never worn anything, or owned anything for that fact, this expensive in my life. “I can’t believe he did this.”

  “Oh, I can.”

  I snap it on my wrist. It fits perfectly. After admiring it for a few seconds, I read the note found inside the box.

  “I know you think it’s too much, but you’re worth every penny.

  I hope you accept the watch and wear it with pride. You deserve the best.

  Thinking of you while I’m away,

  Silver

  P.S. It’s engraved on the back. You’ll have to figure out what it means. If you can’t, I’ll have to show you.”

  I take the watch off and flip it over. There was a small engraved “8” on the back. I have no idea what that means, but obviously it means something to him. I’ll be thinking long and hard about what “8” could possibly be. I put the watch back on. I sigh. “There has to be something wrong with him. I mean a man like this can’t be real. He’s perfect, Levi. I mean look at this closet, this place…. him. What would a man like him want with me when he could have any man he wanted?”

  “First off, you don’t give yourself enough credit. If you ask me, Brian is the lucky one. And no one is perfect, not even Brian Silver CEO. But I w
ill say this, if a man bought me that watch I’d be constantly on my knees.”

  “Levi!” I laugh. “I guess I should thank him for the watch.” I pull my phone out of my pocket and text him. Levi places his hand over the screen.

  “Wait, let’s thank the man properly.” He goes into Silver’s closest and pulls out a light silver striped tie. “Take off your shirt.”

  “Ok,” I say with a questioning tone, and do as he asks. He hangs the tie around my neck. “Now do something seductive. Make that man want to come back home to you.” He takes my phone. “I’ll snap a picture and you can send it to him with a very nice message.” He smiles. I take the phone back. I want to do the shot myself.

  Remembering how much he loved the last pose, I position myself against the closest door. I unbutton my jeans. With just a small section of groin showing, I hold the tie closed against my naked chest―the watch fully in view. I snap my erotic pose on my cellphone then show Levi “What do you think?”

  “Fucking hot. I think I need a cigarette.” He fans himself.

  “Perfect,” I say as I dress fully, again. “Let’s see what should I say?” I type the message and say it aloud so Levi could hear. “Thank you so much for the watch. It’s beautiful like you. I’ll have to think of a way to repay your gift, but for now I’ll give you this as a present.” I attach the photo to the text and hit send. A few seconds later I get a reply.

  Silver: You’re trying to kill me aren’t you? Wow.

  Me: It’s not as beautiful as the watch, but….

  Silver: You’re right. It’s even better! I’m glad you like it. It’s original just for you.

  Me: I love it. Now, clue me in on the “8”

  Silver: Oh, no. You have to figure that out for yourself. I’m saving this photo for later when I’m alone in the hotel. ;)

  Me: Well, there are ways I can help you with that.

  Silver: Is that a promise?

  Me: It’s a date. I’ll call you later tonight.

  Silver: I look forward to that, Mr. Black.

  Me: Are you flirting with me, Mr. Silver?

  Silver: Not at all. I’m a terrible flirt. ;)

  Me: I think you’re a professional.

  Silver: Good. Now listen to Levi. He’s under strict orders on his first day as a Silver Inc. employee.

  Me: How’d you know he was here?

  Silver: I told him to. I’ll talk to you later. You two have business to attend to. See ya.

  Me: See ya.

  I laugh as I put the phone back in my pocket. I could flirt with this man all day. I glance over to Levi who checking out everything in Silver’s room. “So what are you here for exactly? You said you had an assignment, and Silver just told me that I need to listen to you.”

  “It would make my job easier,” he says in a serious tone. He reaches in his pocket and pulls out an American Express card. He holds it up between his fingers, and grins. “We’re going shopping, baby―all courtesy of Silver Inc.” I go to respond and he interrupts me. He knows what my response was going to be. “And before you say no,” he stresses. “This is my first assignment. I can’t go back to Mr. Silver and tell him I failed. You wouldn’t want me to lose my job on the very first day, would you?” He pouts his lips.

  “Laying it on a thick there aren’t ya?”

  “Come on, help a man out.” He pushes his lip out even more in a pathetic plea.

  “Oh God. Seriously? What kind of boss gives a man like you a day of shopping for his first assignment?”

  “A fucking fabulous one! Now, let’s shop. Plus that Mr. Gere is very smart. He knew you wouldn’t take the day of spoiling unless I persuaded you.”

  “And If I say no?”

  “Then I lose my job and you get to support me and my depressed ass for months, maybe years. It would take a while to get over an opportunity like this.”

  “You’re awful. Fine!”

  “Fine?” he questions, surprised. He claps his hands. “Yay, this is going to be so much fun. He said I could even pick something pretty out for myself.”

  “Silver said ‘something pretty’?” I crunch my eyebrows in disbelief.

  “Well not those words exactly. I like to put my own spin on things.”

  I chuckle. “That you do.”

  ~Chapter Twenty-Three~

  Levi and I meet Connor downstairs. He is assigned as our driver for the day. Silver has arranged everything, not surprising. He is very meticulous and wants things his way. I’ve realized that I need to be more understanding with his ways if I want him to understand mine. I’m used to doing things my way and so is he. Truth be told, I like the way he spoils me. It’s nice. I’ve never had anyone, let alone a man like Silver, do anything like this for me. Even as a child, gifts were scarce. My mom tried, but being a single mom and dealing with that deadbeat father of mine it was hard for her. She taught me to be strong and appreciative of everything. I’ve never taken anything like that for granted. I gaze at the watch. My heart swells with happiness.

  “Where are we going anyway?” I ask Levi who is staring out the window of the moving car.

  “Brian wants me to buy you a suit for his sister’s party this weekend, so he’s made arrangements at a shop downtown―a very sophisticated and expensive brand, Grey.”

  “Hmm.”

  “You ok? I thought this would be fun.”

  “It is. I just keep thinking about him.”

  “Well, that’s a good thing, honey.”

  I scoot next to Levi. I try to whisper so Connor couldn’t hear. “You don’t think it’s weird that he wants to do this for me when we’ve only been seeing each other for so short of time?”

  “No, not at all. You want my honest opinion? Brian is the type of man that likes control. He has the money. Fuck, Grey, let the man spend it on someone he likes.”

  “Do think this is his thing? You know… buying the man?”

  “Do you think that’s what he’s doing?” We’re trying our hardest to whisper.

  “No. Yes. I don’t know.” I sigh and settle against the seat. “It’s just confusing. I want to think this is innocent, but then I keep thinking that stuff like this doesn’t happen to me. I don’t get the Prince Charming’. I always seem to attract Prince I’m-not-gay or Prince Fuck-me-and-leave.”

  “I think I met him once. I liked that prince,” Levi jokes.

  I laugh. “I know it’s just my insecurity. I just keep thinking it’s too good to be true.”

  “Ok, let’s think of it this way. Do you like it?” Levi is such a great friend. He always knows how to comfort me.

  “Sure, who wouldn’t?”

  “Then who gives a fuck if he’s done this for other men before. Some men stick with what works. Spoiling men he likes must have worked for him. I say enjoy it.” He was right, and that was exactly what I was going to do. If anything else, it was an afternoon in New York with my best friend. Levi is so fun to go out with.

  We pull up to a high-end designer’s shop. At first I think we might be in the wrong area, but then Connor parks and comes to open our doors. I look over to Levi and he raises his eyebrows then mouths, “Pretty Woman.” We get out of the car laughing. Levi walks ahead of me toward the store. Connor stops me. Levi turns to watch us.

  “I heard what you and Mr. Martinez were discussing, and I want you to know, Brian doesn’t do this for every man. He’s really trying with you.”

  “Listen to the tall handsome man.” Levi moves slowly around Connor. He hums flirtatiously. “So, you’re straight-straight or is there room to play here?”

  “Levi.” I couldn’t believe the balls on this man.

  “It’s ok. I like the attention.” He turns to Levi. “Very straight.”

  “Can’t blame a man for trying.”

  “Let’s go, Casanova.” I loop my arm through his as we walk into the store.

  I’ve walked past these stores thousands of times, never once thinking I would ever afford to go into one. I still feel a little uneas
y about taking such a gift from Silver, but I want to look nice for his sister’s engagement party, so what choice do I really have. I couldn’t afford it on my own. Why do I feel so guilty?

  “You must be Mr. Black?” A slender woman dressed very professionally greets me. “We’ve been expecting you.” She turns to Levi. “And you must be Mr. Martinez?”

  “Yes, ma’am.” Levi shakes her hand.

  “Let me go get my planner and we can get started. Please, sit.” She slides her hand over the leather sofa in the lounge area of the store. Levi and I sit. A tall man comes over with a tray of fruit, cheese, and crackers.

  “We have some mimosas or a flute of wine. Would either of you like one?”

  “Mimosas are fine,” Levi says. The man leaves to retrieve our drinks. “Can you believe this?”

  “Did you call them? She said they were expecting us,” I whisper.

  “No, it must have been Brian. This is fucking unreal.”

  The man returns with two large glasses of mimosas that are garnished with orange slices on the rim of the glass. He stands and nods his head. Levi reaches in his pocket to tip him, but the man stops him. “Not necessary. This is all part of your shopping experience. Enjoy.” He leaves.

  Levi lifts his glass in a mock toast. “To living rich, ‘pretty woman’.”

  “Yeah.” I shake my head in disbelief.

  After several minutes the woman returns to the sitting area with her planner. She sits on the sofa next to me and smiles brightly. She places her hand on my shoulder. “I’ve prepared a dressing room for you. There are several suits and casual attire I believe will fit you perfectly.” She stands. “If you’d follow me, please?”

  “Sure. Uh, how’d you know my size?” We walk down a hallway to a big room with several smaller rooms on one of the walls. The room is wallpapered with mirrors.

  “Oh, please, sir. It’s my job to know your size. I’ve been doing this for several years. I can size men in my sleep.” She laughs delicately as she opens the door to one of the dressing rooms for me. “On that wall are a couple of suits Mr. Silver has requested I have you try on. The other, there, are some items he thought you would like.”