Martin smiled and looked over at Ray. Their silent communications honed over many years told his Executive Assistant that the corporate jet would be needed soon for a trip to Paris. The rest of the evening went smoothly with extraordinary food, wine, and lots of laughter. Vince kept glancing over at his date and occasionally gave him a squeeze on his right thigh. Their eyes would meet and Martin had to keep reminding himself that they weren’t going to end this evening in bed, no matter how much he wanted to. Martin couldn’t help the way he was feeling. He wanted to take this man home right now and finally put an end to his suffering, but he wanted this thing with Vince to grow and it would need at least one more date before they made certain they were compatible in every way.
“Well?” Vince turned to look at his date sitting in the driver’s seat. Once again, they were outside his place and neither man wanted to go home alone. “Still stuck on that third date thing?”
“Yep, afraid so.”
“Fuck! Marty.” Vince laughed, letting his head fall back on the soft leather. “You’re killing me, you know.”
Martin reached out to stoke the other man’s cheek, “It’s just as hard for me, Vinnie, trust me. I really feel like I’m getting to know you and you know what?” Vince shook his head. “I’m really liking what I see. I love your daughter and granddaughter. My God! That kid is talented. One more date, babe, and this time I get to choose where we go.”
Vince released his seatbelt and turned to face Martin, “Where are we going?”
“No, I’m not going to tell you, but I’ll text you Monday about what I need you to do.”
Vince grinned, delight brightening his eyes, “Okay, I’ll bite, but don’t wait too long.” He took Martin’s hand and placed it on his rock hard cock. “I am going to be dreaming about you all night, and into tomorrow and….”
A deep, passionate kiss interrupted Vince’s words. The older man groaned as he felt Martin’s hand rub over the hot, solid dick trapped on Vince’s thigh, but then Martin drew back. The look of regret evident in his slow, reluctant moves. “Honestly,” Martin whispered against his date’s lips, “it won’t be long and I swear, you won’t regret waiting.”
Vince slowly let out a huff of air. “God, Marty. I think I’m falling for you. I don’t know what’s happening here. I know it’s fast, but, sonnovabitch, you are… amazing. I’ve never had chemistry with anyone like I have with you. I feel like we’re already married and I don’t know why I do.”
“Does it scare you?”
“Yeah, a little.” Vince admitted. “You could break my heart, Marty. You’ve got that potential, but you’re right. I want to see where all this goes, too.” Vince sighed. “Now, give me another kiss and kick my ass outta your car.”
Martin leaned in for another not-so-chaste kiss and gave Vince a shove. He watched as Vince walked down his walkway and unlocked his door, then turning with a little wave, he disappeared inside. Martin sighed and closed his eyes for an instant. Things were moving fast and like Vince, it scared him a bit. He knew he’d call and text over the next few days, but he needed to think about everything that was happening. A nagging imp in the back of his mind was telling him he needed to put the brakes on this runaway train of emotions, but in the next moment, he realized he didn’t want to.
“It’s now or never, Marty.” He whispered to himself as he put the car in drive. “Jump off this cliff and hope for the best or play it safe, pull back, and end up being lonely with Mr. Wrong for the rest of your life.” He snorted as he pulled out into traffic. “Playing it safe has never been an option for you, now has it, Marty.”
As he drove down the lamp lit streets toward his condo, Martin Kull started to make plans for the ultimate trip to Paris.
Chapter Four
“Jess? This is Martin Kull.”
“Marty? Sorry, let me get to where I can talk.” It took her a minute to leave what was obviously a business meeting. For a moment, he felt a little guilty for calling her in the middle of the day, but he needed to move forward with his plans. The past weekend had been filled with Chrissy’s ballet recital. Jess and Jilly had joined them. Chrissy and Jilly, despite the age difference, seemed to really hit it off, with Jilly taking charge of the energy filled little girl. Dinner was more fun than he expected since Ray chose a family friendly venue. Only once did he catch some woman looking askance at him and Vince holding hands. When he’d pointed it out to Vince, it ended in a quick, but public kiss.
The next two weeks were filled with work and texting. Only a couple of short phone calls because Bestrek was taking over another smaller company. If successful, they’d own a significant share of the market in Canada as well. He had warned Vince he’d be unreachable sometimes, but would try to stay in touch as much as possible since he’d be in Toronto. On returning to Boston, he knew he needed to complete the arrangements for Paris and for this surprise, he’d need the help of Jessica Pirelli.
“Meetings. They’re endless sometimes, am I right?” He could hear her smile. “I just want to thank you for what you did for Rich. You didn’t have to buy that property, you know.”
“I know, but I was hoping you might have some ideas on it. I hear you’re good with design.”
“Rich talked your ear off, didn’t he?”
“A bit. I’m serious though. He’s got some ideas, but I think you both should get together and write up a proposal for the property.” Martin swiveled around to look out at the grey sky.
“I have two ideas and we’ll work both of them up to present them to you, but I have a feeling this call isn’t really about Helsinger. So, how can I help you?” He could hear her three-inch stiletto heels tapping on marble, probably heading back to her office.
Martin heard the squeak of a desk chair, “I want date number three to be one for your Dad to remember.”
“You’re taking him to Paris, aren’t you?”
“Yes and I need your help.” Martin shifted his phone to the other hand. He’d made a list of what he needed Jess to do. Hopefully, she’d be willing.
“Anything you want, Marty. You got it.”
Martin smiled as he ran his finger down the note on his desk, “Do you have a pen and pad?”
Jess took down the details of the trip and what her father would need. She confirmed he had a valid passport, but the clothes were iffy. “I haven’t been in my father’s closet for years. He’s got a lot of winter and summer, not much fall.”
Martin started to doubt himself. “I would love to show him my villa by Lake Como, but we don’t have enough time, besides that’s better in the spring or summer.”
Jess coughed, “You have a villa on Lake Como where George Clooney lives?”
“He’s a few doors down.”
“And this address in Paris where you’ll be? Just a second.” He heard her long nails tapping on her keyboard. “Holy crap! Marty, this place is worth over $30 million. Seventh Arrondissement. It overlooks the Eiffel Tower and the Gardens. Good Lord in heaven! You can see everything from the fucking balcony. Rooftop garden. Five Bedrooms? Six Baths? Jesus, Marty, how much are you worth?”
Martin smiled, “As your Dad would say, a shit pot load.”
Jess was quiet for a few moments, “Marty, I gotta warn you. My Dad is a very proud man so be careful. Dad’s not broke or poor. Let him pay for some of this. I think that may be a good discussion you both need to have if this relationship is going to work.”
“I promise I will tread lightly, but you’re right and we’ll talk.” Martin paused, toying with his gold Mont Blanc ink pen. “Jess, do you like me?”
“Do I like you? Sure, why?”
“You know, this thing between me and your Dad is moving pretty quickly. I’m not saying it’s going to happen in Paris, but if everything works out. I want to marry your Dad. Do you think you’d be okay with that?”
“Let me tell you what I see. I see my Dad light up every time you call or text. Every time you come into a room, he sits up or stands up a little
straighter and he can’t keep his eyes off of you. I’ve been around him all my life and I’ve never, ever seen him like this.” He could hear Jess sigh, “With that being said, don’t hurt my Dad. Avery just about killed him. He really thought he was doomed to die alone. I mean, yeah, he’d still have me and Jilly, but you know.”
“I know and I had just about given up hope as well. I will promise you. If this isn’t working, I’ll say that to your Dad before we get in any deeper. I think this trip will be the deal maker or breaker. We’ll have a good time, but my intention is to get to know Vince, warts and all, and vice versa.”
“Okay. I’ll let you know when I’m ready on this end. How much notice do you need?”
“Twenty-four hours.”
Again, Jess paused, “I love my Dad. He’s taking a big chance with you. Text me if you guys break up so I’ll be prepared to pick up the pieces. If you marry him, get pictures. Later, Marty. Gotta get back to work.”
Jess hung up and Martin studied the list in front of him for the hundredth time. Vince’s daughter was right. Money could be an issue here, but he’d try to find some sort of compromise. The few younger men he’d dated wanted cars or jewelry. One of them was blatant enough to ask him to pay off his condo and thinking he was in love, he had. He knew Vince would be the opposite problem. They came from the same era and had the same work ethic. The night before he had to fly to Toronto, Vince appeared at his office in his grease stained apron with two dinners he’d prepared. They sat there in the dim light using his desk for a table. They ate and laughed. They talked about sports and music.
At one point, Martin remembered he’d looked up and caught Vince staring at him. He had smiled and Vince spoke softly with a hesitancy in his voice. I don’t know what I’ve done to deserve you, Marty. I think….” He had paused, a million emotions seemed to cross his face before he suddenly stood, picking up the now empty Styrofoam containers, “I better get back. I just locked up the place and put a sign on the door. The working girls need to be fed.” They had kissed, long and slow, with Vince’s left hand resting on the ornate brass doorknob. When he’d stepped back, Vince seemed to want to say more, but then he looked away before he turned the handle and walked briskly toward the elevator.
Martin sat down behind his desk, staring at the laptop in front of him. He knew exactly what Vince was about to say, because he’d been about to say it as well, but it was too soon. The Paris trip would tell them both if this was just infatuation or something real. He was hoping for the latter.
Chapter Five
Vince woke about eleven the morning after his shift at Kitty’s. It was Thursday and he had the day off so he didn’t tend to sleep in. The minutiae of life, like grocery shopping, demanded his attention. A quick shower and shave made him feel halfway human before pulling on a pair of jeans, a tee shirt, and a small diamond stud in his left earlobe rounded out his look. He’d started to make himself something to eat when there was a knock at the door. Vince shrugged and tossed his bag of salad back in the fridge before answering the door.
“What are you guys doing here?”
Max and his husband Kevin were flanked by Doris and Eddie, blocking his entry.
“Aren’t you going to ask us in?” Doris smiled, tilting her head and flipping her hair off her shoulder. He had to admit the red plaid coat with a black, silk scarf she was wearing looked pretty nice.
“Uh, sure.” Vince stepped back, frowning. He let them file inside before shutting the door. “So, to what do I owe the honor?”
Max grinned, “Jess called us.”
“She thinks you need to clean up your act and I must say, Vince, I agree.” Kevin took in Vince’s living area. Not that it was dirty or cluttered, it was just the opposite, but in Kevin’s opinion beige and brown were a sin.
“She wants us to take you shopping. Get you a manicure, doll.” Doris wiggled her perfect nails in front of her friend. “And a pedicure for those talons of yours. You wouldn’t want Marty to need stitches after you make love, do you?” She glanced down at her former lover’s unshod feet.
“And maybe a facial. When was the last time you had a haircut from a real salon, not Supercuts?” Kevin added.
“Botox wouldn’t hurt, too. Those lines between your eyes are so deep, Marty will think he’s looking at the Grand Canyon.” Eddie reached up, rubbing his thumb between Vince’s eyes. Vince swatted his friend’s hand away.
To prove Eddie’s point, Vince’s scowl deepened, making the furrows more pronounced. “Okay, you might be right about the mani-pedi and I might concede to the facial, but…,” He looked Eddie in the eye, “no Botox.”
“How’s the chest hair?” Max reached over and before Vince could protest, pulled his tee shirt over his face.
“Oohh! Nice abs, but you need to trim, dude. You have to show off your assets.” Kevin chuckled.
“Oh, Vince doesn’t have any ass-ets, that’s pretty flat, but he does have an impressive dick.” Vince could hear the appreciative smile in Doris’ voice.
He grabbed his tee, smoothing it back into place. “Why are you guys doing this?”
“Like we said,” Doris explained, “Jess thinks, and we agree, that you need to start caring about how you look. You’ve caught yourself a wealthy boyfriend. Now you need to care enough about yourself to keep him.”
“I can tell you from experience, being a trophy wife is hard work.” Kevin leaned into his husband, looking up with an affectionate smile. “By the way, how do you get arms like that, Vince?”
Vince glanced at his arms and was about to answer before he looked at Kevin’s face and realized he was joking. “Ha ha, very funny. Seriously?”
“Seriously, Jess wants us to take you shopping. Do you have any nice trousers that don’t go with a suit? Do you have any dress socks?” Doris looked down at Vince’s feet again, “Do you even own a pair of loafers or a pair of boxers that aren’t, like, ten years old?”
“Do you really want Marty to see you in boxers? Sweetheart, you’ve got a really nice package and you need to show it off with boxer briefs. How many button up shirts do you own that don’t go with the aforementioned suits? How about pullover sweaters? Something just a touch tight that shows off your chest and arms? Something that’s not wool. More like cashmere?” Kevin looked at his friend with a sad, hopeless face.
“Yeah, Vince, Marty’s a classy guy. You need to make, at least, a little effort to look nice for him. So, stick your shoes and coat on. I gotta open the bar in about 3 hours.” Eddie pushed through the group and headed for the door.
Vince grew silent as he thought about what his friends were saying. For too long, and especially after Avery broke up with him, he hadn’t cared about his looks. Martin, even casual, looked like a GQ model in his mind. A touch of insecurity crept into his thoughts. His friends couldn’t know that he still wondered why a guy like Martin Kull was interested in him. He was fifty years old for god’s sake! Yeah, Marty wasn’t a spring chicken himself, but he could have any man he wanted on this planet and he’d chosen him.
Vince sighed, looking at the four sets of eyes watching him expectantly. He knew they were right. He needed to face the fact that if he wanted to capture and keep Martin, he needed to make some changes. His inability to change and self-esteem issues were two of the excuses Avery used to leave him.
Reaching out, he snatched his coat off the rack next to the door and shoved his feet into his half laced work shoes. “Come on, let’s give me a makeover.”
Cheers came up from his friends as they led him out to Eddie’s car.
*****
“Mr. Kull?” Eve, Martin’s secretary, opened his office door and stepped in. He looked up at the young woman. She was twisting her fingers and appeared nervous as she glanced back toward her desk. “There’s a Mr. Pirelli here? He would like to see you.”
Martin stood and nodded, “Of course, send him in.” He couldn’t help his curiosity as to why Vince might be there at this time of day, but seeing him any t
ime of day made everything better. The young woman stepped out and a tall, dark haired man in an expensive business suit took her place, followed closely by two giants dressed in black, tight fitting suits. They all wore sunglasses.
“Mr. Kull?” The tall man put his hand out and stepped forward as the giants stayed near the door. “I’m Giovanni Pirelli.” He smiled, taking his sunglasses off with his other hand and tucking them into his suit coat pocket. “You were expecting my brother, right?”
Martin took the proffered hand and shook it. “I wondered when I’d get a visit from the other side of the family. Can I offer you anything? Tea, coffee? A drink, perhaps?” He didn’t bother looking at the men by the door. They were obviously bodyguards and weren’t meant to be acknowledged. He tended to use such men when he traveled out of the country, but hadn’t felt the need for a while.
“What brings you here, Mr. Pirelli?” He decided to turn on the niceness and give the man the respect he really didn’t feel he deserved. Martin motioned for the man to sit in the plush leather club chair across from his desk and Pirelli took it.
“My niece told me that my brother is dating you, is that true?”
“Yes, he is.”
Giovanni looked around the room. Martin noted that he seemed impressed. “What are your intentions toward my brother?”
Martin’s eyebrows rose and he couldn’t keep the slight look of amusement out of his eyes. “My intentions toward your brother are between him and me, but I will tell you this, I’m looking for a long term relationship.”
Vince’s brother leaned forward. “You thinkin’ about marrying him? I know you gays can do that now.”
“It’s a possibility.”
“How much are you worth, Kull?”
Martin’s eyes hardened, “Let’s put it this way, Gio, I could buy your whole operation and it wouldn’t even put a dent in my checking account. Are you worried about whether or not I can take care of your brother? Or are you worried I’m wooing him to get hold of his shares of PWM?”
Songs of Love : Books 1-3 Page 21
