by Lynda Aicher
But this unknown was too big.
The last five days of thinking had allowed all the doubts to fester and grow. He was teetering on a point that could determine the rest of his life. How did he make that choice? What if he made the wrong one?
He lifted his head and reached for the papers on the dresser next to him. They crinkled in his hand as he brought them down. The room was too dark to read the words, but he didn’t need to. He knew what they said. Right down to the five more years of safety offered in a life he knew.
If Rock really loved him, he’d understand.
At midnight tonight, when his current contract officially expired, he’d be free of that life, yet would he ever really be free? He couldn’t erase the last ten years. There was no getting away from the fact that he’d spent his entire adult life serving others with his body.
Being a whore was all he knew.
But Rock thought he was more than that. The real question was did he believe he was too? If he was honest with himself, he’d been struggling with that one for years.
The knocking funneled up the stairs to interrupt Carter’s spiral of self-doubt. Why in the hell couldn’t everyone leave him alone? The universe was working against him, just like it always had.
He trudged down the stairs, the contract in his hand. It was most likely Tony. Hank was tenacious enough to send the man around one last time, just in case Carter changed his mind.
A glance out the side window brought him up short.
“Open up, Carter.” Tyler’s voice was muffled but understandable through the door.
What the hell? He opened the door, only to have Tyler plow right on in like he belonged there. “Come on.” He grabbed Carter’s arm and dragged him down the hall as the two men with him let themselves in and shut the door behind them.
“What’s going on?” Too confused to object, he found himself at the stairs before he looked back at Deklan and Jake by his kitchen counter. “Why are you here?” He knew them from the condo building and was also aware that they owned The Den, but that didn’t explain why they were at his place dressed in suits.
Jake smiled. “Reinforcements.”
“We don’t have time for this,” Tyler insisted, pulling on Carter’s arm. “You need to get your ass in the shower. Now.”
He balked. “Why?”
Tyler spun around. “Really?” He flipped his bangs out of his eyes with a snap of his head.
“Rock.”
The single word bounded across the room to smack Carter in the back of the head like a physical force. He jerked around, but his glare was met with an equally menacing one from Deklan. “Rock what?” Carter gritted out.
“You’re going for Rock.”
“That is none of your business.”
“You don’t want to go there,” Tyler mumbled from behind him, but that didn’t make Carter back down. If anything, it made him more determined. He flexed his shoulders back and took a step toward the other man.
“That’s more like it,” Deklan said.
“What?” Carter lifted his hands, exasperated by everyone that suddenly thought they had a say in his business.
“Wow, man. You really need to go through your mail.” Jake flipped through the stack of unopened mail like he had every right to do so. He held up an envelope. “Electricity might be a good thing to have.”
“Jesus Christ,” Carter muttered, running his hand through his hair.
“Ooh, this looks important.” Jake waved another envelope before tossing it to the side.
“Let’s go, Carter.” Tyler stepped around in front of him to push on his chest. “You can fight with them in the car.”
He allowed himself to be maneuvered upstairs and found himself in the shower before he could come up with a reason to object further.
“You’ve got five minutes,” Tyler hollered over the spray of the water. “And don’t forget to shave.”
He stood there for a moment, water sluicing over his shoulders and back before he grabbed the soap and started to wash. This was Rock’s doing. It had to be. The man must’ve guessed that Carter would back out and sent a team over to make sure he didn’t.
Rock hadn’t given up on him. Not even when Carter had given up on himself.
He scrubbed the shampoo out of his hair, washing the last of his indecision down the drain with the suds. Relief rushed in to loosen his muscles and replace the doubt that had plagued him.
It might not be Rock here dragging him to his show, but he’d sent three men he trusted, who wouldn’t let Carter say no.
He stepped out of the shower and quickly finished the rest of his grooming routine. It was suddenly important to get to the gallery before Rock changed his mind.
Carter wouldn’t let him down. He couldn’t, because then he’d be letting himself down too.
The steam followed him out of the bathroom as he entered the bedroom. He was reaching for his shirt when he saw what Tyler was staring at. He’d tossed the contract on the dresser before he’d taken his shower. He only hesitated for a second before he picked up the shirt and slipped it on. “I’m not doing it,” he told Tyler.
“I should fucking hope not.” Tyler ripped the papers in half then stacked them together and tore them in half again. He glared at Carter the entire time in a dare to stop him. “I can’t believe you even considered it.”
“Like you didn’t?”
Tyler sighed. “But I didn’t do it.”
He tipped his head toward the door. “There’s a shredder in my office.”
“Good.” Tyler strode into the hall.
Carter had his buttons half done when the whirl of the shredder reached his ears. He’d delete the email tomorrow. Hell, he’d get a new email address too. That’d go nicely with a new phone and number. A completely new start.
He was slipping on his slacks when Tyler came back to lean on the dresser, crossing his ankles and arms.
“So what was that all about?”
“Stupidity?” He said it as a question, but it was probably the truth.
“Definitely,” Tyler agreed. He narrowed his eyes. “You know that man is crazy about you, right?”
Carter paused in tucking his shirt in, heart skipping. He’d been afraid to believe it, but hearing Tyler say it seemed to make it real. A silly grin spread over his face and he ducked his head, focusing on fastening his pants. “Yeah. I finally believe it.”
“Are you guys ready?” Jake’s voice shot up from downstairs.
Tyler looked him over before shouting back “Almost.”
Carter reached for his tie, only to stop. He looked at Tyler, who shrugged.
“I thought that one was better.” Tyler had replaced the simple red-striped tie he’d selected for a brighter royal blue one he didn’t remember owning.
He slipped it around his neck and under his collar. “What are you up to?”
“Me?” Tyler asked all innocent. “I’m just getting your ass to the gallery so Rock won’t kick mine.”
Carter finished knotting his tie, slipped on his socks and shoes then grabbed his suit jacket and headed for the stairs. Tyler was right behind him.
“You guys ready?” Carter asked as he hit the bottom of the stairs.
Deklan frowned, but Jake let out a laugh. He picked up a small stack of mail and waved it at Carter. “I’d suggest opening this pile soon.”
“Right.” He couldn’t even be annoyed by Jake going through his mail. He’d ignored everything but the pictures for the art show for over three weeks. There were bound to be overdue bills in the pile. He slung the suit jacket over his shoulder and strode down the hall. “I’m assuming one of you is driving.”
He didn’t wait for an answer but headed out the front door into the light of early evening. He had a show to get to and a man waiting for him. It was beyond time he jumped into his future instead of hiding in the past.
Hopefully, he wasn’t too late.
Chapter Thirty-One
A steady flow and
variety of people milled about the gallery, some wandering through, others staying to sip a glass of wine or champagne. The dress code ranged from jeans and T-shirts to suits and dresses. The weekend was designed to be open to all as a means to spread the love of art and promote local artists. It wasn’t restricted to the wealthy or elite, and the variety in the crowd showed that.
Rock stood in the corner by the front window, his attention shifting back and forth from the front door to the people standing before Carter’s pieces. He couldn’t hear specifics over the low din, but people’s expressions as they viewed Carter’s photographs seemed positive.
His smile spread naturally when he spotted Rachel coming up the sidewalk. A bit of the tightness clenching his insides loosened. He made his way to the door and scooped her into a hug the second she stepped into the gallery.
“You made it,” he said into her spiky hair, her floral perfume surrounding him in comfort. “Thank you.”
She squeezed him back, her small handbag knocking against his back. “Of course I did. I wouldn’t miss it.” She stepped away and looked around. “Is he here?”
“No.” Rock guided her to the side. “But he should be soon.” Tyler had texted they were on their way over twenty minutes ago, but rush hour traffic was a bitch on Fridays. He glanced at the clock again and blew out a breath. There was still time.
“How are you doing?” Rachel eyed him, looking beyond his clothes. “Are you sure about this?”
He shrugged “There’s no going back now.” Then nodded. “It’s good.”
“I hope so.”
“Me, too.” He rubbed a hand over his nape to get rid of some of the dampness. “You look nice.”
She did a small preen, spreading one hand and lifting the other to pat her hair à la Marilyn Monroe. “I do, don’t I?” The pink floral pattern on the thigh-length black slip dress should’ve been overmuch with her hair, but somehow came across as sexy and hip.
“You always do.”
She swatted him lightly with her purse. “You’re biased, but I’ll take it.” Her smile was infectious, and he resisted the urge to hug her again. “So which pictures are his?”
She scanned the various works mounted on the walls and stands around the room that ranged from photos to paintings to sculptures. There was even a large metal rendition of a crumbling building that took over an entire corner of the room.
Rock took her elbow and guided her to Carter’s photos. The lighting was perfectly done to show each image at its best. “These are his.”
“Wow,” she breathed. “Those are nice. He’s really good.” There were murmurs of agreement from the people standing around them.
He smiled, the pride growing within him even though it wasn’t his to earn. Where in the hell was Carter? He needed to hear this.
Rachel struck up a conversation with the woman next to her, and he moved toward the bar to get her a glass of wine. He was on his way back when he spotted Seth entering the gallery, Allie, Cali and Kendra with him. This was one of those small-world coincidences that Deklan had referred to. Not only were the women in relationships with the three founders of The Den, but they also lived in the same complex as Carter.
He handed the wine off to his sister and went over to greet them.
“Hey.” He slapped a hand on Seth’s shoulder, shaking his hand. “Thanks for coming.”
“We wouldn’t miss it,” Cali said, her green eyes shining.
“Definitely not,” Allie agreed, looking around. “This is so nice.”
“The gallery owner knows what she’s doing,” Rock said. It was lame, but he was completely out of his element here. “You all look beautiful tonight,” he added, motioning to the women who were all decked out in stylish dresses. Good manners were something he could always fall back on.
“Thank you, Rock.” Kendra gave him a once-over and smiled. “You’re looking handsome yourself. I like the suit.”
He glanced down, noting her bare ring finger. What was Deklan thinking? It was hard not to straighten his tie or adjust his cuffs, but he managed to take the compliment without blushing. “Thank you.”
“The others shouldn’t be far behind,” Seth said. He had his hair tied back and he worked his expensive suit better than Rock did. The man actually appeared comfortable in his.
“So you and Carter, huh?” Allie raised a brow, a grin lightening the question. “My gaydar is seriously broken because I never suspected either one of you.”
“Allie,” Cali admonished, slapping her on the arm.
“What? I didn’t know. Did you?”
Kendra laughed, breaking the tension. “I don’t think you even have a gaydar, Allie. You had no clue about Seth or Tyler either, if I remember right.”
Allie tossed her curly hair over her shoulder, hooking her arm with Seth’s. “I think we need some wine.” They walked away to a chorus of chuckles, including Seth’s.
“Hey.” Marcus grabbed Rock from behind, wrapping an arm around his shoulders in a brief hug. “How’s it going?”
“Good,” he said with a firm nod of his head. It was—if Carter would get there. He glanced at the time again and checked his phone for messages. Nothing. He turned back to Marcus and his girlfriend, Quinn. “You look great.”
“Thank you.” Quinn rubbed a hand over her rounded belly, clearly displayed beneath her dress. “But I don’t think that’s going to last much longer.”
“Ha!” Cali interjected with a laugh. “I was bloated like a balloon by the time I was six months pregnant. Your little baby bump is so Hollywood perfect it almost looks fake.”
“Give it time,” Quinn said, smiling. “I already feel huge. I can’t imagine three more months of growing.”
Rock was so staying out of that discussion. He glanced at Marcus, who was rubbing Quinn’s shoulders, a bemused but happy expression on his face. Their new relationship was obviously working out for them, despite the pressures that came with Quinn being one of Hollywood’s ex-sweethearts and his being a Dom and partner at The Den. The thin strip of black leather that circled her neck told him more than their smiles did.
“Am I the last one here?” Vanessa asked as she stepped up to the group. Her slick black hair hung glossy and smooth over her bare shoulders to settle across her red sleeveless dress.
“No,” Kendra answered for him. “The star of the show is still missing.”
“Deklan, Tyler and Jake are on it,” Cali supplied, her hand lifting to stroke the infinity-link choker around her neck.
Rock gave Vanessa a quick hug and thanked her for coming as the others continued talking.
“How are you doing?” she asked softly.
“Okay.” That was all he had at that point. It was six-thirty, and Carter still wasn’t there.
“I’m happy for you,” she went on. “I hope it works out.” As the only female partner in The Den, the hard-edged Domme still managed to retain her gentler side with those she cared about.
“Thank you. So do I.”
He hadn’t divulged all of his life details to the other partners, but they were close enough now that the essential information was already known to the group. He didn’t need to keep Carter a secret anymore.
“Noah sends his regards and said not to worry about the club tonight.”
“I owe him one.” Noah had volunteered to work that night so the rest of the partners could be here for Rock, but a couple of them were scheduled to head over to the club later.
“We all do,” she said before pointing to Seth, who’d returned with Allie and glasses full of red wine. “Where’d you get those drinks?”
Rock stepped out of the circle to go check on his sister. He wanted to introduce her to his friends, but the room was getting crowded and he couldn’t spot her. That was damn amazing, given that flashy pink hair of hers.
“Rock.”
He turned around to see Leslie weaving her way through the people, a tall, lanky gentleman in tow.
“This is Grant Thompson,
” she said when they reached him. “I thought you’d like to meet before the unveiling.”
“Mr. Fielding,” Grant said, his long face overcome with a broad smile that sent wrinkles gathering along his brow and around his eyes. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
“Likewise. And call me Rock, please.”
His handshake was firm, his demeanor warm. “Certainly, if you’ll call me Grant. I feel like we already know each other after all of the emails and calls we’ve exchanged.”
“I agree.”
“I can’t thank you enough for agreeing to do this.”
“It’s me who needs to thank you and Leslie for getting it all arranged so quickly.” He hoped the extra work was worth it.
“We should head up there,” Leslie said, motioning toward the stage. “I haven’t spotted the elusive Mr. Montgomery yet. Have you seen him?” She looked to Rock, who shook his head.
He let them go ahead so he could take out his phone and fire off a text to Tyler. Where the f are you? He was at the stage when the reply came back. Parking now.
Damn. Maybe this was a bad idea. Could he really go through with it? He had to. He’d given himself no outs and no options for exactly this reason. He’d spent his whole life denying himself, his life, his happiness. There was no way he was backing out now.
* * *
“Come on. We gotta go.” Tyler slammed the SUV door and took off at a slow jog through the parking garage.
“What’s the hurry?” Carter followed along, cursing as he slipped his arms into his suit jacket and tried to straighten it out. “The show goes ’til ten.”
Jake put a hand on his back to hurry him along. “Trust us. You want to get there soon.”
“Rock is going to kick my ass,” Tyler muttered before he bounded down the stairwell, his footsteps echoing against the concrete.
Christ. Carter buttoned his jacket, ran a hand through his hair and descended the stairs faster than he thought was necessary.
“I knew I should’ve dropped you guys off.” Deklan’s voice carried down the stairwell over the patter of shoes.
“But you don’t want to miss this,” Tyler hollered up. “Trust me.”
Carter squinted into the sunlight as they exited the darkness of the garage and headed up the sidewalk in the direction of the gallery. It was one of the nicer ones in the area, and he’d been more than humbled by the upscale and refined atmosphere of the place.
