Dreamspinner Press Year Four Greatest Hits

by Felicia Watson

  “Did you have a good time?” Grier asked, hanging on to Lil’s arm to steady him. They were both a little woozy from the beer and the sudden shift to terra firma.

  “It was great,” Lil admitted. “Aren’t you supposed to be working the booth today?”

  “I asked for the day off.”

  “Good deal. The guys want you to barbecue with us.”

  “That sounds great. Where do they live?”

  “Bucktown.”

  “I’m surprised. I thought they’d have a big old house in the ’burbs.”

  “They kept their home in Berkeley, so they opted to rent in the city for now.”

  “Bucktown’s not bad.”

  “My initial impression wasn’t all that great.”

  “What do you mean?” Grier asked. They went to stand in the cab line.

  “The first time I came to visit was Thanksgiving two years ago. It was snowing, gray, and quite dismal. I was dismayed when we drove through the streets and even more so when we got to their house.”

  “Is it a dump?”

  “No, but it wasn’t what I expected.”

  “What were you expecting?”

  “San Francisco,” Lil said, laughing. “It’s so different.”

  “I suppose, but it’s just your typical Chicago neighborhood. Is it a narrow, three-story house with a deck out back?”

  “How’d you guess?”

  “They’re all like that.”

  “The inside of their home is lovely. It’s the outside that disturbed me.”

  Grier cocked his head to the right. “Why?”

  “The houses are practically on top of each other and so old. At least the antiques in San Francisco are colorful.”

  “You have a problem with age; I can tell,” Grier teased.

  “I like clean open spaces, and yes, I’ll admit that brand new is better than antique.”

  “I’ll keep that in mind when I start designing for you.”

  Lil raised a brow but didn’t reply. They got into a cab, and Lil gave the driver Clark and Jody’s address.

  THEY HAD barbecued brisket, and baked potatoes loaded with all the extras. Jody had even purchased an apple pie for dessert and was urging everyone to have a slice.

  “I can’t eat one more thing,” Lil groaned.

  “Come on, you can stand to gain a few pounds,” Jody commented.

  “If I had a bite every time I heard that statement, I’d look like Shrek.”

  “I love Shrek,” Grier exclaimed. “Did you know they’ve turned him into a play?”

  “I read that somewhere,” Jody replied, “unfortunately, we don’t get to the theater much.”

  “Our schedules make it difficult to have much of a life,” Clark said. “But if we ever get a chance, I’d like to see that.”

  “What about you, Lil?”

  “What?”

  “Do you want to see a play?” Grier asked.

  “My agenda seems to be filling up, Grier.”

  “It’s your vacation, so you decide.”

  “How about some dancing?” Lil suggested.

  “Yeah?” Grier smiled. “Have you been to Halsted yet?”

  “Is that the Chicago Castro?”

  “Yup.”

  “Let’s go.”

  “Tonight?”

  “When else?”

  “Okay, but I’d like to freshen up.”

  “Come on.” Lil stood and grabbed Grier’s hand. “You can use the bathroom downstairs.”

  Lil waited outside the bathroom door, which was off his bedroom. He heard the flush, the sound of running water in the sink, and then Grier opened the door and stood in front of him. There were drops of water spiking his lashes, and his breath was minty fresh after using the toothbrush Lil had handed him right out of the package. He’d urged Grier to use whatever he needed, and he could smell his own Calvin Klein in the air since Grier had applied it quite liberally. He looked rejuvenated with the little bit of sprucing.

  They’d been together all day and apart from the brief peck on the boat they had never moved beyond handholding. Lil pushed Grier up against the wall and studied the man he had trapped in-between his arms. He stared into eyes that were as black as a starless night and could think of nothing beyond kissing him. He wanted a taste, and he wanted it now. He thumbed Grier’s lips and sighed when Grier flicked out his tongue and drew in Lil’s finger, sucking on it gently. That move went straight to Lil’s groin, and he felt his cock surge in response. “Kissing you,” Lil announced, one second before he crushed Grier’s mouth.

  Grier arched into him and met his passion head on. They tangled tongues, and Lil’s hands were all over Grier’s ass, kneading the firm muscles encased in tight jeans. He was grinding against him shamelessly, encouraged by Grier’s matching boner and the soft whining sounds coming from deep in his throat. “Shit, you’re killing me,” Lil sighed, pushing Grier away reluctantly.

  “Don’t stop,” Grier protested. He wrapped his arms around Lil’s neck and began kissing him again. Lil was lost in a swirl of sensation. Grier’s tongue swept his mouth aggressively. He knew that Grier was just as eager to move onto the next step, but Lil was hesitant. There was something holding him back, and so he chose to wait. Once more, he stepped away from the beautiful man in his arms. Grier’s lips were swollen from the kissing, and he looked dazed and disappointed. “Lil?”

  “Yeah?”

  “I want you.”

  Lil closed his eyes and took a deep breath. “We’ve got all night.”

  “Do we?”

  “That’s unless someone’s waiting for you?”

  “No,” Grier said slowly. “There’s no one.”

  “Your absence won’t turn into an Amber Alert?”

  “I’m not twelve, Lil, even though I still live with my father.”

  “Do you?”

  “Yes.”

  “Why?”

  “Long story.”

  “You have all night to tell me,” Lil said gently. “Give me a minute to get ready.” Lil stepped into the bathroom and leaned against the closed door. He took several deep breaths to try and regain some of his composure, which had been blown apart by the kiss. He was completely captivated, and wanted Grier desperately, but there was an element of vulnerability he’d never expected from his sexy bad boy, despite the tattoos and the self-assured persona. Lil wanted this endless date―ten hours since the boat ride―to be more than just a one-night stand. He knew there was no future for them, but he wanted the sex to be memorable at least. A quickie wasn’t what he had in mind.

  THE CAB dropped them off at Rick’s, and they ended up playing pool instead of dancing. They passed a pleasant hour enjoying the camaraderie, almost relieved to step back from the intensity of their mutual desire. Dancing would have just exacerbated the passion. After a while they got bored and moved on to the next bar. Grier suggested Cellblock, an obvious leather bar. It surprised Lil and made him question, once again, who and what Grier was all about. People knew him, and soon they were the center of attention as a group of bears, in full leather regalia, teased Grier affectionately. After they left the couple alone, Lil couldn’t resist asking. “Are you into this scene, Grier?”

  Grier shrugged. “I stumbled into this bar once and made a few friends.”

  “You must be into leather.”

  “I’m not into BDSM, if that’s what you’re asking.”

  “That’s a relief.”

  “I do ride a Harley, however. Is that an issue?”

  “Not unless you make me ride behind you,” Lil said. “I’m terrified of motorcycles and have no desire to end up as road kill.”

  “Have you had a bad experience?”

  “A couple of my friends in college were killed on their Harleys, and that sort of put the kibosh on my enthusiasm.”

  “It’s like any mode of transport, Lil. There are rules that need to be followed, and if you stick to them, it’s as safe as a car or truck.”

  “I
don’t agree.”

  “I’ll have to take you on a short ride to change your mind.”

  “I’d rather not.”

  Grier smiled. “Your choice.”

  “What time is it?” Lil asked.

  “Close to three.”

  “I’m exhausted. Aren’t you?”

  “It’s been a long day,” Grier acknowledged. “You want to get going?”

  “Yes.” The mood between them had changed drastically, and Lil couldn’t explain why. Maybe it had to do with the scenario and the idea of being with someone who was into the leather mentality. Lil had always shied away from these type of men; the rough and tumble guys who needed that little bit of danger to keep them going. The truth of the matter was he knew nothing about Grier, and years of being on his own had taught him to be cautious and listen to his gut feelings. He was wary of getting involved with a guy who was so comfortable in these surroundings. Lil had never been into the leather scene and wanted nothing to do with it. Although, Grier had reassured him by saying he wasn’t into BDSM. Maybe he was tired and overreacting, but he decided to listen to his feelings.

  They were quiet in the cab, and Lil relaxed slightly when Grier reached over and took his hand. “You’re freaking out, aren’t you?”

  “No, I’m not,” Lil said quietly. “But I am tired. Let’s call this a night, okay?”

  “Really?”

  “Yes.”

  “Do you still want to tour the Board of Trade Building and Willis Tower?”

  “I’d like that. Are you free tomorrow?”

  “I think I’ll be free until five, and then I have to be at the Taste until closing.”

  “Give me your phone,” Lil said. He keyed in his number when Grier handed him the phone, and then he did the same for himself, inputting Grier’s phone number as he rattled it off. “There, we’re connected,” Lil said, passing the phone back to Grier.

  “Are you pissed?”

  “Not at all.”

  “Let me walk you to the door.”

  “That’s fine,” Lil said, already regretting his decision. He wanted Grier to stay but was reluctant to ask.

  “Give me a few minutes,” Grier said to the driver who nodded nonchalantly.

  When Lil fumbled with the key, Grier took it from his hand and opened the door easily. Lil disabled the alarm before he turned on the lights and was surprised when Grier pulled him close and kissed him deeply. “I’m disappointed that I’m not spending the night.”

  “I’m sorry, hon. I’m not sure what’s gotten into me.”

  “I hope it wasn’t anything I said. I would never force you to ride my bike if it’s not your thing.”

  “I know, sweetie. I really do think I’m tired. I’m no spring chicken, you know.”

  “Will you stop it? You’re not even forty yet.”

  Lil laughed. “Kiss me and be off.”

  “I had a really good time today,” Grier said gently. “Thank you.”

  “You’re welcome. We’ll do it again tomorrow.”

  “Okay,” Grier said, kissing Lil once more. He let himself out, and Lil dead bolted the door and reset the alarm.

  GRIER WOKE up to the sound of someone beating on his bedroom door. He pulled his wristwatch off his nightstand and struggled to see the time. It felt like he’d just gone to sleep, and this was confirmed when he saw that it was only eight in the morning, a scant four hours since he’d fallen into his bed.

  “What the fuck,” he grumbled, pulling on his briefs and staggering to the door. Jillian stood there with Luca, looking terribly embarrassed.

  “I’m sorry. Did I wake you?”

  “Ya think?”

  “I’m in a bind, Grier.”

  Grier sighed and saw that Luca was already dressed in street clothes. “What’s the matter?”

  “I’ve been called into work, and no one can watch Luca.”

  “You’ve got to be kidding.”

  “Grier, please.”

  “I had plans for today.”

  “Can you change them?”

  “I don’t want to change them.”

  “Could Luca go with you?”

  “Come on, Jill.”

  “Please?”

  Grier looked down at the little boy who stared up at him expectantly. “How long am I supposed to keep him?”

  “All day.”

  “That’s crap, Jillian.”

  “Mom has to work, and Dad and Jake will be at the Taste. There’s no one else.”

  “I have to be at the Taste at five.”

  “Bring Luca and I’ll pick him up there.”

  “Fine. Come on, little buddy,” Grier said gently, taking Luca’s hand. As soon as Jillian left, Grier sat back down on the bed.

  “I’m thorry to bother you, Tito G,” Luca lisped. Grier had been working with him to overcome the speech impediment, but it was stubborn, and slipped through when Luca was emotional or excited, like now. Grier heard him struggling with the letter S and knew that he’d caused this moment of anxiety.

  “You want to go back to thleep?”

  Grier felt awful about his earlier outburst and even worse when the large sloe eyes brimmed with tears. “Hey, it’s okay, buddy. Don’t cry.”

  A fat drop rolled down the pudgy cheek and just about broke Grier’s heart. He picked up Luca and hugged him tight. “Do you want breakfast?”

  “Yeth.”

  “Let’s go see what we can rustle up. Is oatmeal okay?”

  Luca nodded, rewarding Grier with a perfect S despite the sniffles. “You got maple and brown sugar?”

  “You bet.”

  “LIL, I’M afraid I can’t make it.”

  “Why not?”

  “I’m babysitting for a friend,” Grier explained. “I’m really sorry.”

  “Is it that kid I saw you with the other night?”

  “Yeah, Luca.”

  “Bring him along.”

  “Are you serious?”

  “Is he well-behaved?”

  “Very.”

  “Then bring him. What the hell, I’m not child-phobic.”

  “That’s good to know.”

  “See you in about an hour?”

  “Okay.”

  Grier disconnected and stepped back into his room, where he’d left Luca happily watching The Penguins of Madagascar on the Nickelodeon channel. He was sitting cross-legged on the floor with a Pop-Tart in hand.

  “Pick up your crumbs, okay, kiddo?”

  “’Kay.” Luca nodded as he chewed loudly.

  “And close your mouth while you’re chewing.”

  Luca shut his mouth instantly and proceeded to chew his food like a cow masticating grass, moving his jaw slowly from side to side.”

  “You don’t need to exaggerate, buddy. You’ll end up with TMJ problems.”

  “Huh?”

  Grier laughed and ruffled Luca’s dark fringe. “You need a haircut.”

  Luca agreed with a nod. “Tito A said I look like a girl.”

  “When did he say that?” Grier frowned. Since when did Ali have a say in anything involving Luca? A girl? What the fuck!

  “I don’t remember… the other day.”

  “At the Taste?”

  “No, at home. He came to have dinner with Mommy and me.”

  Grier froze. “Does he come around a lot?”

  “Not tho much,” Luca said, slipping on the S word.

  “How many times, Luca?” Grier raised his hand and spread his fingers. “This much?”

  Luca folded down two of Grier’s fingers leaving three standing. “That much.”

  What the hell? How come nobody told him about this new development? “Finish up your breakfast, buddy, we’ve got to get going.”

  BY THE time the cab made its way to Bucktown, it was close to ten thirty in the morning. Lil was already waiting at the door, looking very summery in khakis and a Tommy Bahama shirt. He’d left his hair product-free, choosing to have it flop naturally, rather than dealing with a
sticky mess that resulted from the high levels of humidity. The end result was more youthful, with the soft hair falling over his forehead. Grier couldn’t help admiring the blond who’d captured his interest so acutely. He would have greeted him with a kiss but held back due to Luca’s presence. “Hey.”

  “Hey, yourself.” Lil smiled broadly. “And who is this young man?”

  “I’m Luca.” The boy stared at Lil with frank curiosity. “What’s your name?”

  Lil was charmed. “My name is Lil.”

  “Do I have to call him Tito Lil?” Luca turned toward Grier.

  “That would be best,” Grier replied.

  “Tito?” Lil inquired.

  “It means ‘Uncle’ in Filipino.”

  “But I’m not his uncle.”

  “And neither am I, but we’re adults, and in his culture it would be disrespectful if he addressed us without a formal salutation.”

  “I see.”

  “Everyone buckle up, and let’s get this show on the road,” Grier said, helping Luca into the cab and adjusting his seat belt. They headed toward the Loop, not very far distance-wise, but with the perennial gridlock, they inched their way across town. Finally, a few blocks away from Willis Tower, they asked the taxi driver to stop. Walking would be far more enjoyable than sitting in a stuffy cab. Lil paid and they exited onto the sidewalk.

  “Wow,” Luca said, craning his neck when they finally arrived in front of Willis Tower. “I can’t see the top of the building.”

  “It’s certainly impressive,” Lil seconded. “This should prove very interesting.”

  “Why’s that?” Grier replied, noting the tiny bit of apprehension in Lil’s voice. “I thought you wanted to do this?”

  “I’m not comfortable with heights,” Lil confessed. “They make me queasy, and I always have this urge to throw myself over the edge.”

  “I’ll hold your hand, Tito Lil,” Luca said solemnly. “Don’t be afraid.”

  “Thank you, Luca. I need all the help I can get.” Lil looked at Grier and mouthed, He’s so fucking cute!

  Grier smiled. “He is.”