“That thought had crossed my mind.” Giovanni smiled smugly. “My brother isn’t that young. He’s well off, but he’s not rich. I’m not sure what you see in him if it’s not about his stock.”
“Have you looked at your brother?” Martin frowned then he shook his head, “Of course not, you’re not gay. I’m 48, Gio, not exactly young myself. Your brother is an extremely good looking man. He’s funny, hardworking, smart. I admire him. I could care less about your company. I should be worried about what your brother could do to me. If I marry him and then he divorces me, even after a year or so, I stand to lose a billion dollars or more even with a prenup.”
Giovanni shook his head, “If Vince marries you, it’ll be for life. He’s like my parents. He doesn’t believe in divorce. He’d suck it up and suffer whatever you threw at him. Knowing this about my brother, you can see my concern.”
Martin pressed his lips into a hard line and nodded, “I can. I’m taking your brother to Paris with me in a few days. Jess has worked it out so he’ll have five days free and in that time, one of the things we’re going to do is talk. Really talk. I’m falling for your brother and, I think, he is falling for me. This time alone will tell us a lot about each other. If it works out, then I plan on pursuing him with everything I have. If not, we’ll walk away from each other. No harm, no foul.”
Giovanni leaned back, arms crossed over his chest as he considered Martin’s words. “Okay, but if you break my big brother’s heart, Martin, you are in for a world of hurt.” The tall man stood, “I love my brother. Even though he’s a queer, he’s my brother. My dead father and my dead mother made me promise to take care of him. I take that responsibility very seriously.” He put his sunglasses on. “See you later, Marty. Nice talking with you.” Gio shoved both hands into his trouser pockets as he turned to leave.
Martin grinned and shook his head as he watched the two giants obediently follow their boss out the door.
*****
Vince stood looking down at all the boxes, bags, and garment bags covering his bed. He ran his newly trimmed and clear polished nails through his professionally cut and styled hair. He had to admit he did look better. All of it had cost him over five grand, with the two pairs of high end Italian leather loafers and a new, tailored men’s winter coat.
When he had tried on the boxer briefs, Kevin had insisted on checking them for fit. Secretly, he knew all of them were wanting to see what he looked like half naked. He had to admit the briefs were comfortable and the silk dress socks felt wonderful in his shoes. Vince picked up the deep blue, silk shirt that Doris had insisted he buy. He reluctantly admitted it fit well and showed off his eyes. The new trousers Max had picked out fit perfectly. Everything coordinated. The only thing he was still skeptical about was the baby soft, but snug fitting vee neck cashmere sweater that Eddie picked out for him. Eddie had insisted on a plain gold chain to wear with the cashmere sweater, but he wasn’t sure about the combination. Old memories of being called a Guido by some of his past lovers made him shy away from that look. Vince resolved that he’d have Martin check out every purchase and give him the power of keeping it or vetoing it.
On their way home, Eddie had dropped into a store that specialized in undergarments for men. Ten minutes later, he came out, but refused to let Vince see what he’d gotten him. He just made him promise that he’d wear it the first time he and Martin had sex.
Vince turned and dropped down on his bed as he buried his face in his hands with an exhausted sigh. He reached back and pulled out his cellphone. A moment later, Martin picked up.
“You will not believe the day I had.”
Martin laughed, “Me, too, but you go first.”
“Doris, Eddie, Kevin, and Max took me shopping. Jess called them and told them I needed new clothes.” Vince smiled even though he knew Martin couldn’t see it. “You wouldn’t know why they wanted to do a makeover on me now, do you? Would it have to do with this super-secret third date we’re supposed to go on?”
“It might have something to do with that. What did you get?”
“Nope, it’s going to be a surprise, but I gotta say, my friends have better taste than I thought they did. New haircut, mani-pedi, even a facial.” Vince laughed.
“Oh! So your skin is baby soft. Maybe I should come over and see the new you.”
“Nope. I want it to be a surprise. So what happened to you today?”
Martin paused. Vince could tell he was considering what he was going to say and he wasn’t sure he liked that.
“Your little brother paid me a visit today.”
“Gio? I’ll kill the little bastard!”
“No need. He just wanted to know if my intentions toward you were honorable.”
Vince snickered, “Really?”
“He was worried I might be wanting to take over PWM.”
“How?” Then Vince grew silent, “Oh,” he said quietly as he realized what Martin was talking about. He’d wondered why Martin was into him. Could this be the reason? “Are you after my share of the company, Marty?”
It was Martin’s turn to go silent for a moment, “Vince, do you think I’m dating you because I want PWM?”
Vince couldn’t help feeling more than a little unsure. Avery had used him, why wouldn’t Martin?
“Vince?” Martin’s voice sounded tentative over the phone. “Do you want me to come over to talk?”
Vince sat there silent, trying to decide what to do.
“Vince? I’ll be on your doorstep in 15 minutes, babe. Please talk to me, okay?”
“Okay, Marty. We’ll talk.”
*****
Fifteen minutes later, Martin raised a fist to knock on Vince’s door, but he didn’t get a chance to. Vince opened the door. His face started to crumple as he looked down at Martin. Martin’s heart ached and he stepped forward, wrapping Vince in his embrace.
Pulling Vince’s head down to meet his lips, he kissed him, pouring all of his feelings into that one moment. “Vince.” He whispered as he drew back. “Talk to me, please. You can’t believe what your brother accused me of, can you?”
Vince fought back tears, “Marty, I don’t want to, but for the life of me, I can’t figure any other reason you’d want to be with a guy like me.”
“What?” Again, he kissed the older man, holding him tight. “Sit. Let me make you some coffee or something. We can talk about this.” He led Vince to the couch and they both sat down on the slightly worn sofa. He held the other man’s hands in his, stroking the back of one with his thumb. Martin sighed, “Vince, I don’t want anything to do with PWM. If I wanted your family’s company, I’d own it without having to take your shares. I want to be with you because you bring a joy to my life that I never thought I’d have.” He raised one of Vince’s hands and kissed the back of it. “I love your laugh. I love how you look. You’re one of the most handsome men I’ve ever met. I love your family and friends, and most of all…,” He looked up, his eyes searching Vince’s to see if he felt the same. “I love you.” Martin laughed, “I know, I know. Two dates. Two stupid dates, but I’ve fallen for you.”
Vince’s tears began to flow. Martin reached up and started to wipe them away, but Vince stopped him. “I love you, too, Marty. I guess it’s just my crazy insecurities. Growing up, I never felt I was worth much in my father’s eyes. Long before I came out, I think he knew what I was. In his eyes, I wasn’t a real man. I just have a hard time believing someone like you could want me for me.”
This time Martin leaned back, pulling Vince against his chest, holding him as he cried. He stroked Vince’s hair and tried to soothe him, but a small part of him wanted to lash out at the man who had made this beautiful person doubt everything he did. Martin smiled, “You got your haircut.” He held Vince’s hand up and inspected his nails. “And you got a manicure, for me?”
“Yeah. I got some new clothes, too. I’ve got some of the best friends in the world. Do you want to see the clothes?”
“Sure, you can
model them for me.”
Vince looked up, his heavy lidded eyes and his hand told Martin what he wanted was more than a modeling gig. The kiss that followed confirmed exactly what Vince wanted, but Martin backed away.
“No.”
“No?” Vince’s expression showed his skepticism at Martin’s words.
Martin bit his lower lip as he shook his head. “No. I’m almost ready to take you on date three. Believe me. I want to fuck you so bad that my dick is cursing me right now, but, I swear to you that what I have planned will be worth the wait. So, on second thought, I guess I’d better not go upstairs with you.” He ran his fingers over Vince’s cheek. “Do you believe me about PWM?”
“Yes. I mean, you’re right. If you wanted PWM, you could get it. I just need to stop feeling so uncertain about myself. I guess I just need to start trusting more.” Vince pushed away from Martin and stood up. He held his hand out, drawing the other man up from the couch. He leaned in, kissing the man he loved. “Don’t make me wait much longer, Marty. I want to be with you more than anything. Hell, I got a facial for you.”
Martin smiled, caressing Vince’s face with his hand. “Um, soft as a baby’s bottom.” He stepped away and headed for the door. He whirled back, pointing a finger at Vince. His eyes bright with the love he felt. “Not too much longer, I swear. Just be patient and Vince, don’t call your brother. He may be an ass, but I could tell he really does love you.”
“Not making any promises, Marty, but maybe I’ll wait until after our third date.”
Martin threw Vince a kiss and reluctantly left. Vince stood staring at the closed door. His heart felt a lot lighter than it did an hour ago. He knew what Martin told him was true. He could feel it in his bones. He’d have to shove a lifetime of these negative feelings aside and embrace Martin’s love. If he didn’t, he knew this fledgling relationship would never get off the ground.
Chapter Six
“Are you ready, Marty?” Jess Pirelli glanced out the window of her father’s townhouse, watching him lock the door to his car.
“We’re ready at this end. You get him here and we leave.”
“I’m going to make him shower and shave so I’ll get him there ASAP.” She turned, hearing the key in the door lock. “Gotta go.”
Vince stepped into the house. As he looked up, he saw his daughter standing in the middle of the living room. Suitcases and garment bags rested on the chairs. A small grin started to form.
“Uh, baby, what’s going on here?”
Jess took in a deep breath then exhaled slowly. She knew her father could be obstinate or willing. She was hoping for the latter.
“You need to take a shower and shave, Dad. I’ve picked out some clothes and left them on the bed for you. A car will be here in twenty minutes.”
Vince’s grin grew into a real smile. “So this is it? D3 day?”
Jess nodded and her father ran to her, picked her up and swung her around. They laughed as he placed her back on the ground. “Oh, baby. I… I….”
“Come on, Dad, get moving. You’ve got eighteen minutes now.”
Vince turned and ran up the stairs. The shower took less than 10 minutes with the shave another 5. The shirt and trousers on the bed were what he would’ve picked. Nothing summery as far as he could see, so they weren’t headed to an island somewhere. Slipping on his loafers, he checked his underwear drawer. The boxer briefs were gone, but Eddie’s present was still tucked in the corner. He’d promised his friend that he’d get a shot of him wearing his gift, depending, of course, on what it was. Grabbing the sack, he ran down the stairs.
“What’s that, Dad?” Jess pointed at the object in his hand.
“Present from Eddie for our first night together.” He unzipped the travel bag sitting on top of the suitcase and stuffed the plastic sack in the corner then zipped it back up. An instant later, a knock on the door caught his attention.
“They’re here.” Jess kissed her father, but held on to his face. “Listen to me. Do not ask questions. Get in that car. You’re getting on a plane with Marty and I promise you that you are going to have a trip of a lifetime. By the way, I rearranged your work schedule at the diner. You have five days off starting tomorrow, got me?”
“But….”
“Don’t argue. Everyone was glad to do it.” The knock came again. Jess released him then opened the door, allowing the chauffeur to grab the bags in the living room as she turned back to her father. She looked up at him and there were tears in her eyes. “Let me say this and don’t interrupt. I wish I was going with you, but I have a feeling this won’t be the last trip. I really, really like Marty and so does Jilly.” She wrapped her arms around her father. “This man is going to treat you like a prince, Dad. He’s going to treat you the way you deserve to be treated. You’re going to be in his world for a few days. I have a good feeling about him. Don’t let all that stuff Avery and Grandpa put in your brain poison this. Marty isn’t Avery, so give him a chance. He’s not going to be perfect, but then again, neither are you.” Jess paused and her expression grew serious, “If, for some weird reason, this doesn’t work out, call me. Me, your friends, hell, even Gio, we’re all here for you, but I don’t really think you’ll need us.”
The chauffeur stood in the doorway and cleared his throat. “We’re ready, sir.”
Vince looked down at his daughter. “I love him, Jess and he said he loves me. I don’t know, baby, what’s going to happen for sure but I’m not going to let him go easily.” He gave Jess a quick kiss on the cheek and grabbed his coat. “I’ll call you, baby, whenever we get to wherever we’re going. Give Jilly a kiss for me.”
Jess stood at the door and waved to her father as he got into the limo then watched it disappear down the street. Closing the door, she leaned back against it, suddenly weary. With a sigh, she walked over and grabbed her phone from the kitchen counter. “Marty? The Eagle is on its way.”
*****
Vince watched the Boston scenery fly by as the limo took him toward the airport. He knew the route well, but as they neared the airport, the driver took a side road. For a moment, he was worried the guy had missed his turnoff, but then he saw the sign for private aircraft and helicopters. Vince grinned and shook his head. Of course, Marty doesn’t fly commercial. The limo pulled directly up to a large executive jet on the tarmac. It had its staircase down, but the turbines were whining so loud it was almost impossible to hear. A man Vince didn’t know opened his door and before he had the chance to, the man motioned for him to follow. He glanced around looking for Marty, but figured he was probably already on the plane and as he climbed the stairs, he realized he was right.
Marty greeted him with a glass of champagne and a kiss before leading him to his seat. “Strap in, Vinnie. We have clearance as soon as your luggage is stowed.”
The door closed with a thud and the noise of the engines outside decreased slightly. Martin looked at Vince, who seemed a little nervous.
“Don’t like flying?”
“That’s not it.” He grinned. “How long does it take to get where we’re going?”
“Nope. Not going to tell you on the off chance you work it out and spoil my surprise.”
Vince reached over and took Martin’s hand, “I don’t care where we go, honestly, Marty, as long as I’m with you.” Then he grinned and waggled his eyebrows, “And I get you in bed with me.” He paused, his grin broadening, “Eddie picked out a special gift for me to wear the first time we make love. I’m almost scared to open it, but he says he wants pictures.”
“Okay, now I’m curious.” He sighed, his expression softening. He took in the man across from him. “I will tell you this. We aren’t going directly to where we are staying. We’re going to do some sightseeing first and grab some food. I know you haven’t had a lot of sleep, so if you want to stretch out, go for it. I’ve got plenty of stuff to read.”
Vince considered his alternatives for a moment, then nodded. “Does this thing lean back?”
“As soon as we are in the air, just push that button on the outside of your right armrest.”
“I want to thank you, Marty. I’ve been looking forward to our third date more than you can possibly imagine.”
Martin smiled, “Then rest up because you, sir, are going to need all the strength you can muster.” They felt the jet make it’s bumpy run and felt the downward pressure of liftoff as the wheels of the jet tucked neatly into the underside of the fuselage.
*****
The next thing Vince remembered was the feeling of warm hands massaging his shoulders. He smiled, but didn’t open his eyes. He turned his head as moist lips kissed the side of his neck.
“Marty, that had better be you or your pilot is getting a little handsy with your boyfriend.” Vince opened his eyes, turning his smile on the man standing over him.
“If any of my employees lay a hand on my boyfriend, I’ll fire them.” He gave Vince a quick kiss on the lips and returned to his seat, securing his seatbelt. “Huh!” He chuckled, “Boyfriend. Is that what I am to you?”
Vince pressed the button to raise his seat to the upright position. “Do you want to be my boyfriend?”
Martin nodded. “At least until a better position comes open.”
“Like?”
“Partner, Fiancé, or Husband?”
“I like the sound of all three of those.”
A voice interrupted them over the intercom. “We’ll be landing, Mr. Kull, in fifteen minutes. I’ve been told your car is waiting just outside of immigration.”
“We’re in a foreign country. How long was I asleep?”
“A while and I found out something about you while you slept.”
Vince grimaced, “Oh, god, do I snore? No one’s ever said I did, but….”
“No, you don’t snore, but you do drool. I wiped your face like four times to keep it from ruining the leather.”
They both laughed, but that was cut short when there was a little turbulence with their descent. “Can I take a window seat and see where we are now?”
Songs of Love : Books 1-3 Page 22
