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by Dawn Kimberly Johnson

  “You planning one?” Lyle headed for his office. “I know Ilsa’s birthday is coming up.”

  Alec could hear him rummaging through a drawer. “Oh, I hadn’t thought about it, but that’s a good idea. I’ll speak to Eli.”

  “I know I have Jacob’s card in here somewhere—ah ha! Got it. Ready?”

  “Shoot.”

  Lyle read off the phone number for Catering Jake, and Alec copied it down.

  “If you’re not planning a party, why—”

  “I’d like to check up on that waiter….”

  “I see. Well, I’m sure Jacob can help you.”

  “Thanks, Lyle.”

  “No worries… uh, speaking of worries, you didn’t happen to see Tony this morning, did you?”

  “He was coming in the door as I headed out.”

  Lyle sighed. “Okay, good. Ilsa will take care of him.”

  “Listen, Lyle, another thing….”

  “Yes?”

  “I heard there might be some units opening up in your building soon.”

  “That’s what I hear. They’re getting them ready as fast as they can. Why?”

  “I was toying with the idea of maybe Eli and I—”

  “That would be brilliant! Bloody fantastic… but….”

  “What?”

  “I guess I’m surprised Eli would want to move out.”

  “Oh… uh, we haven’t really discussed it yet.”

  “Mmm-hm.”

  “Why surprised?”

  “Well… it’s just….”

  “Yes?”

  “Uh… well, Bennett….” Alec didn’t say anything, and Lyle rushed on. “I’m sure I’m wrong. Don’t listen to me. I’m silly.”

  “No, no you’re not, Lyle. You have a point. It was their home… it’s something to consider.” It was Lyle’s turn to keep quiet. “Well, thanks for the number,” Alec said. “I should get off. I’ve got a student knocking at my office door.”

  “You’re welcome and good luck.”

  Alec hung up and stared across his tiny office. There was no one at the door, no one waiting to see him. He ran his fingers through his hair and sighed.

  “Bennett,” he said to an empty room.

  Chapter 9

  AS HE ran on the treadmill, Alec’s thoughts were filled with what he would say to the young waiter who had frozen up during Tony and Lyle’s party. He’d called Catering Jake to track the man down right after hanging up with Lyle. It felt good to occupy his mind with something other than Bennett and the possible hold he might still have on Eli. He had never voiced it to Eli, but there were times he feared his boyfriend’s reluctance to look at him when they made love was—Alec shook his head to clear it. He wasn’t going there.

  Just then he saw Eli passing in front of the gym windows: ball cap, head down, hand in pocket, gym bag over his shoulder, and grave expression. He looked like he was on his way to the gallows. He walked into the building and paused at the reception desk before entering the gym proper and immediately spotting and heading for Alec on the first treadmill at his left.

  Alec punched the controls several times, slowing down from a full-out run to a lope and wiping his face with his towel. “Hey.”

  “Sorry I’m late. Things ran long.”

  “That’s okay.” He quickly kissed Eli without breaking his rhythm.

  “You’re delightfully sweaty.” Eli smiled. “You’re not working too hard, are you?”

  “Nah, I’m on my cool-down. What’s first for you?”

  “Warm up with Devon.”

  Alec grinned. “Stretching in the studio?”

  “Yeah. Find me when you’re done?”

  “You bet.”

  ELI headed toward the back of the expansive room, past the weight and resistance machines.

  “Hiya, Burke,” Carl called. He was on the abductor—in shorts again.

  Eli averted his eyes, kept moving, and tried not to smile. “Hey, Carl.”

  On the far right side in front of a bank of windows were the free weights. He saw Dray working out over there, and they exchanged scowls. Dray’s bare torso glistened with sweat as he lifted the dumbbells. Next to him were Vanessa, George, and Alan. The three of them waved with their hand weights, and Eli waved back right before disappearing into the locker room.

  He worked the combination on his locker and then dropped his gear. He stripped and slipped on a pair of black sweatpants and a T-shirt. Dray came in as he tied his shoes and began massaging his leg.

  “Hello, Erby.” He walked by without even looking at Eli, toweling the sweat from his head, chest, and back. He stopped just before entering the shower area and began stripping, toeing off his shoes and pulling off his sweatpants until he was completely bare—a tower of perfect, fit, unblemished dark brown skin and muscle. Eli couldn’t help but stare as Dray knelt and gathered his clothing, tossing the items onto the bench closest to him.

  “Have you and Alec made a decision yet?” he asked as he leaned against the entrance to the showers, arms folded across his chest, completely unashamed—actually, somewhat proud.

  Eli blinked. “Decision?”

  “About a flat in Tony and Lyle’s building. I mentioned it to Alec at the housewarming last night.”

  “You—”

  “Told him there would be one or two units ready for rent soon. You should really get in on them right away.”

  Eli’s expression darkened. “We haven’t had a chance to discuss it yet,” he said quietly. “But why would you—?”

  Dray straightened and turned his back on him, walking into the shower area. “They’ll go fairly quickly, just so you’re aware.” Eli heard the water come on. He gathered his things, shoved them in the locker, and slammed it shut. As he left the locker room, he bumped into Devon heading to the elevators.

  “Whoa, there!”

  “Sorry, Dev.”

  “You’re certainly fired up today, eh? Ready to work?”

  Eli smiled weakly. “Of course.”

  Over the next thirty minutes, Devon worked with Eli’s leg, slowly warming, massaging, stretching, and getting it ready to work on the resistance machines. He talked throughout about his newest baby girl, but Eli heard very little of it. While lying on the mat and letting Devon maneuver him, Eli’s mind was occupied with thoughts of Alec wanting to move out. What would Ilsa say? What did he want to do? Why had Dray brought it up? It seemed strangely helpful of him.

  “Eli?”

  “Huh?” He refocused and saw Devon and Alec standing above him—each with a hand outstretched to help him up.

  “Where were you just now?” Alec asked, smiling and kissing him as he pulled him to his feet.

  Devon handed him his cane. “Just thinking.” Eli headed for the elevators.

  “About what?” Alec persisted, following him.

  “Devon has a brand new baby girl,” Eli said, turning to Alec with the brightest smile he could manage. “Did he tell you?”

  Alec stared at him for a moment before turning his attention to Devon. “Really? What’s her name? Do you have pictures?”

  On the ride down to the main level, Devon showed Alec and Eli several photos of his new daughter, Felicity. “It’s a family name,” he explained.

  When they reached the main floor, they split up and headed to their respective favorite starting places. Throughout their workouts, Eli and Alec crossed each other’s paths a couple of times, always pausing to share a smile, a kiss, or to show their concern or respect for how hard the other was working.

  “Let your right leg do most of the work,” Devon instructed as Eli got comfortable on the leg press. “Your left leg is only there to prevent disaster, yeah?”

  “I remember.” Eli flattened his feet against the panel and slowly pressed to lift the weight as Devon watched over him.

  A FEW machines away, Alec sat on the bench press. He’d seen Eli do this workout for months now, but the weights he lifted were gradually increasing. He reclined on the bench and
took hold of the barbell. He wasn’t fooling himself into thinking Eli could get rid of his limp—the muscle and bone damage had been too extensive—but making the leg as strong as it could be was worth all the work.

  Alec took a couple of quick, deep breaths, adjusting his grip rapidly, squaring his feet, and adjusting his back before lifting the barbell off its rack and lowering it to his chest. Just as he struggled to press it upward, he heard, “I’ll spot you.” He looked up to see Dray standing over him. He was freshly showered and out of his workout gear, his crotch directly in Alec’s line of sight.

  Alec pressed the weights up and brought them back down. “You look like you’re headed out, Dray. I’m good. You have a nice day.”

  Dray didn’t move. He simply watched Alec continue through his reps to exhaustion, and when Alec couldn’t press the weight upward one more time, Dray grabbed it and helped him place it back on its rack.

  “See? I came in handy, didn’t I?”

  Alec sat up and wiped the sweat from his face. “Yes, Dray. You were very helpful.”

  Dray leaned closer. “My hands are not all I’m good with.”

  Alec laughed and looked at him. “You’re relentless.” They smiled at each other, but when faced with the lustful gleam in Dray’s eyes, Alec’s smile faltered, and he became very serious. “I need you to hear me. I’m with Eli. I’m not interested in being with anyone else, Dray—not even you. Got me?”

  Dray stopped grinning, straightened up, and examined Alec’s expression for several moments. Then a slow smile spread across his face. “Got you? Not yet, Alec. Not yet.” Dray winked, turned, and headed for the door. Alec watched him go with a disbelieving grin on his face—until Dray strolled past Eli, and Alec saw his boyfriend watching him—watching him smile. Alec’s expression quickly changed to mirror Eli’s scowl, and he got up and went to him.

  “Lunch after? I know I’ll be starving when we’re done here.”

  Eli didn’t say anything. He simply passed his cane to Devon and inserted his arms in straps to begin his abdominal work. Eli brought his weight forward, off the step so that he was hanging, and began slowly lifting his knees to his elbows. He was methodical, his breathing steady and deep, his eyes focused forward.

  Alec glanced at Devon, who studiously counted Eli’s reps and pretended not to feel the tension in the air. “Eli?”

  “I’m meeting Casey and Ilsa for lunch.” Eli didn’t look at Alec. “You’re welcome to join us, if you like?”

  Alec felt the heat rush to his head and couldn’t stop himself. “I’m welcome to—” He stepped in front of Eli, preventing him from raising his knees like he wanted. “I’m not playing this game with you anymore.”

  Eli glared at him. “Game?”

  “This Dray-spoke-to-you-and-you-didn’t-spit-in-his-face-so-I’m-not-speaking-to-you bullshit you’ve become so fond of lately.”

  Eli smiled. “What would you like me to do?”

  “Fellas, do I need to be here for this?” Devon asked. They ignored him, so he turned his back and wandered a few machines away.

  “I want you to grow the fuck up!” Eli’s eyes widened in shock, and a couple of heads in the room turned toward them. Alec could see he’d shocked him. He wasn’t known for his temper like Eli was. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d lost control. Alec took a couple of steadying breaths. “I’ve told Dray, and I’m telling you—you are the man I want. Trust it or don’t. I’m sick of the tantrums and pouting.”

  Eli’s eyelids fell to half-mast. “I don’t have tantrums,” he said evenly.

  “Right.” Alec turned to leave, but Eli captured him, his legs encircling his waist and then tightening their grip so that Alec was pulled forward, almost close enough to kiss.

  “Alec, wait, I’m—”

  “Let me loose, Eli.”

  ALEC didn’t look at him, didn’t see the playful smile fall from his lips as he released him. Alec headed for the showers, and he didn’t look back.

  “Walking stick?” Devon was back and holding it out to Eli. With his foot he slid the small step beneath Eli’s feet and handed him the stick.

  “Thanks, Devon—for everything.” Eli stepped down. “I’m good from here.” He looked toward the showers.

  “Best of luck, mate.” Devon saluted him, and Eli slowly followed in Alec’s footsteps.

  He found him standing at the far end of the large shower room, beneath the very last showerhead. He watched Alec from the entrance; his head hung as the water pounded his shoulders, his palms resting against the tiled wall as if he were trying to shove it out of existence. He was so beautifully tan, strong, and perfect that Eli found his thoughts wandering beyond an apology. He shook his head to clear it just as Alec slapped the soap dispenser several times and began lathering up.

  He watched Alec soap himself from top to bottom before rinsing and beginning again. He set his cane against the nearest locker and stripped, dropping his clothes onto the pile of Alec’s by the shower entrance. He limped over to stand beside him, placing one hand on the shower wall to steady himself.

  “Alec?” No response. “I’m sorry.”

  Alec turned to face him. “I don’t know that that’s enough, Eli. You always apologize, and then you do it again. This has been happening for nearly six months now. What I want is for you to trust me.”

  “I do—”

  “No, you don’t! If you did, you wouldn’t flip out whenever Dray speaks to me.”

  “You know my history with him—”

  “Despite that… despite what he tried to do to you and Bennett, he failed.” Eli didn’t say anything, but he looked away. “He failed then, and he’s failed now.” Alec went back to washing himself. “Your attitude toward him is… it’s approaching irrational.”

  “I promise I’ll do better.” Inching forward, Eli moved to stand directly in front of his boyfriend, under the spray. “I trust you.” He kissed Alec, pressing himself against him.

  Alec responded for a moment, but then he pulled away. “No. You can’t make this better by getting me off.” He looked Eli in the eyes. “I’m serious.”

  “I know. I hear you. I’ll do better… I swear.”

  Eli kissed him again, lingering at the corner of his lips, trailing light kisses along his jaw toward his ear, and eagerly massaging Alec’s behind. Alec wrapped his arms around him, squeezing him against his rapidly responding body.

  “I’m tired of being tested,” Alec whispered before pushing his tongue past Eli’s lips and pressing him into the wall. Eli’s tummy flipped-flopped as Alec pressed his thigh between Eli’s legs, lifting slightly and drawing a moan from him as he fought to gain purchase on Alec’s slippery skin. “I’m sick of having to prove I love you.”

  Eli suddenly pulled back. “What?” His eyes searched Alec’s, not sure if he’d heard what he thought he had.

  “I said—”

  “Uh… fellas?” Devon stood in the shower entrance, trying to look everywhere but at the two of them. “We’re about to get our afternoon rush. You might want to….” He waved a hand in their general direction in an unfocused, hurry-up motion.

  “Oh… uh, sorry, Dev,” Eli said.

  Turning off the hot water completely, the two of them quickly finished showering and rushed to get dressed.

  “Thanks,” Alec said as he dashed by the trainer.

  “No worries, mate. I remember the last row I had with the wife—and how it ended. Thought I’d best check on you two.” He watched them rush about, collecting their clothing and drying off. “Not that we don’t have a few of that lot who like an audience—I just didn’t think you were into that sort of thing.”

  “We’re most definitely not,” Eli said. “Cheers.”

  Holding hands, he and Alec exited the locker room and walked through the gym, stepping out into some welcome and rare London sunshine.

  Chapter 10

  THEY spotted Casey outside Covent Garden Grill. The sunlight shone off her short, blonde hair as sh
e paced, speaking angrily into her cell.

  “You promised you’d be here. We picked this restaurant to give you a break from yours.” Casey listened for a few moments. “Fine!” She ended the call and turned to face her friends. “Oh, hey. Sorry about that. Ilsa can’t make it. Busy at Peaches.”

  “Oh… sorry,” Alec said.

  Casey’s gaze fell to Alec and Eli’s entwined hands. “Let’s go in, shall we?” she huffed.

  The two men glanced nervously at one another and followed her into the restaurant.

  ELI watched how quickly Alec was eating. He must have been hungry after his workout, because he wasn’t allowing conversation to slow his intake.

  “I might head to Richmond on Wednesday,” he was saying, and as Eli gave him a cautioning glance, he added quickly, “Just to watch, mind you.”

  “Just be careful.”

  “I’m not even limping anymore.”

  Alec had joined the London Kestrels, a local football team. And during his first game, as Eli, Ilsa, Tony, Lyle, and Casey cheered madly—and his loyal, but snarky, good friend Mirabell watched, calmly chain-smoking and occasionally clapping—he had raced up the field for a goal. Unfortunately he was limping after, and Eli nearly came out of the bleachers to look after him. But Ilsa had grabbed his belt and sat him down.

  “I know this is a gay- and bi-friendly league, but Alec doesn’t need you fussing over him in front of his teammates,” she’d said firmly.

  Even though Alec was all healed in time for the following Sunday’s game, he’d missed it in favor of Tony and Lyle’s move. Wednesday evening was their next training session, however, and Alec was determined to make it.

  “I don’t want Casey to have to patch you up,” Eli said, and the two of them laughed, tangling their feet together under the table. They had practically inhaled their meals, but Casey still picked over her salad, scooting the cherry tomatoes off to the side in disgust.

  “Huh?” she asked, having heard her name.