by Max Walker
“Ok, so let’s take this all a step back.” Noah sat back in his seat, leaving his hand on Dean’s thigh. “Let’s just saaay, Red is as gay as a Sunday brunch with bottomless mimosas. In that alternate reality, do you think you guys would have chemistry?”
Caleb was going to blurt out a quick ‘no’ and move on with his life. He didn’t want to think about Red in any kind of alternate reality. He had made the mistake of living in a fantasy before; he couldn’t let himself fall into that trap again.
“Fine, yeah, we would.” He answered instead.
“Aha,” Noah said, nodding his head like a therapist just making a breakthrough. “And in this alternate reality… did you end up seeing how big he was?”
“Ok, now I’m starting to think you have a problem,” Dean cut in. Everyone laughed, although Caleb started wondering what his answer would have been.
Their drive wasn’t much longer. Siri declared they reached their destination as Dean parked his car across the street from a tremendous mansion gated off by a wall of manicured hedges and a grand black gate. There was a muscular, good-looking security guard standing in all black, hand holding wrist, in front of a small wooden door that seemed to magically appear in the hedge.
They walked to the guard, who had their names on the guest list. He checked them over and opened the door for them once they were done. Caleb walked through the hedge, immediately feeling like he stepped through a portal and into a land where money was as easy to find as air. The driveway was paved and wide, split in the middle by a marble fountain, and lead right up to an eight car garage, where a fleet of expensive looking foreign cars were parked. Suddenly, Caleb started to wonder if the navy button down and dark jeans he had chosen for the night made him underdressed.
“We’re fine like this, right?” Noah asked, reading Caleb’s mind. All three looked handsome and ready for a party, but were they about to walk into a sea of tuxedos?
“Yeah, of course.” Dean waved it off. “Look, that guy is wearing shorts.”
Sure enough, someone was standing by the door with a beer glass in hand and khaki shorts.
Caleb cocked his head. “Wait, is that…” It was getting dark out, but there was plenty of light on Red’s property. He could make out the face but couldn’t place a name.
“Holy shit, it is.” Noah dropped his voice, as though the celebrity had super sonic hearing. “It’s that one guy from that thing.”
Caleb wasn’t sure either. Dean shook his head and chuckled. Just then, the front door opened and out walked the only man who could have frozen time. Red was looking soo damn good. A simple black t-shirt and designer jeans that had to have been custom made. A silver wrist watch was catching the light, somehow making his muscles more prominent. That watch was likely more expensive than the car they drove to the party in.
Red flashed a smile from where he stood. Caleb managed to smile back, even though his entire body was malfunctioning. He suddenly felt pressured to ‘put it on.’ It was the same feeling he had gotten in the trailer. He was feeling outmatched and out leagued. It wasn’t like him. He enjoyed thinking he could fit into a multitude of different social circles. He was likable and charming. It had taken him some time to understand that about himself, but once he did, it changed his life.
And now, all of that went out the window. He pictured himself as that little ugly duckling, freshman year, scrawny and sad and beat up on.
“Caleb!” Red called. Dean clapped Caleb’s shoulder, stirring him into action as they started walking toward Red. There, Caleb introduced his friends to Red. He wondered how tight Dean was squeezing Noah’s hand during the introductions.
“Glad you guys could make it!” Hearing Red’s voice again was like rain after a California drought. “Here let me show you all inside.”
Red placed a hand on Caleb’s lower back. It was for a couple of seconds. Nothing longer. Just a gentle touch to push Caleb along. But it was also more than that.
So much more.
Caleb took a breath, the pressure disappearing. He looked around as they entered the grand foyer, suddenly surrounded by even more beautiful people, all talking about their latest project or most recent vacation or newest home purchase. His insecurities had a reason to start to claw back from the dead. No one was immune from their inner zombies, and Caleb was no exception. But, from the second Red broke the barrier between them and touched him, a piece of the puzzle fell into place. He couldn’t explain it, but that touch felt like more than just a glancing moment. That touch happened to Caleb before. A way for one man to warm the waters without causing waves.
As the night went on and the conversation with Red grew deeper, he realized he did belong there. Just as much as anyone else.
Maybe more so.
Eleven
Red Miller
Red was as nervous as he was in the eleventh grade when he had a secret date with Cesar Palomo. A wreck. Heart beating harder than the drum line. Mind racing faster than the track team. It was only one date and never happened again because Red freaked, but he would never forget how many times he was close to puking into a bush that day. And now, he felt like he had time-traveled right back to the years most sane people wouldn’t want to relive: high school.
Thankfully, he was much more mature than he had been back then. He could keep it together. I’m a fucking working actor, I should totally be able to keep it together.
He gave the guys a short tour of his estate, Noah was particularly taken by the arcade room, and then he let the pair drift off in conversation after he introduced them to Matt Damon. He was able to steal Caleb away and walked with him out to the backyard, which Red had completely transformed for the party. He enjoyed going all out, even for things that weren’t his idea in the first place. He had set up tables all over the huge space, with Edison bulbs strung up and between the palm trees, all above tiki torches with their flames dancing in the soft wind. He hired a catering company to walk around with hors d’oeuvres and champagne while his guests mingled to the sounds of a pianist working magic on the grand piano inside. The music filtered out through the wide open glass doors that normally separated Red’s mansion from the outside world.
“So,” Red started, shifting gears in their conversation. They were outside by the pool, sitting down at a table next to the waterfall. It was loud, but not obnoxiously so. It also allowed them some privacy as well. “I’m really glad you were able to make it tonight.”
Caleb cocked his head with his trademarked smile. Those breathtaking hazel eyes were once again working their magic on Red. Mist from the waterfall painted the air. The palm trees rustled gently above them. No one was around, and even if they were, Red wouldn’t have noticed them. “And I’m glad you invited me.”
“For a second, I thought you were going to turn down my invite right then and there.”
“And what would you have done?”
Red arched an eyebrow. Caleb was playing with fire, and Red wanted to feel the heat. “Asked again. Would have had to break my other ribs, but it would be worth it.”
Caleb laughed at that, his eyes crinkling with the smile. “You didn’t break anything, stop being such a drama queen.”
Red dropped his jaw, looking offended, although the glint in his eyes told a different story. “I am not a drama queen.”
“You’re right.” Caleb nodded. “More princess than queen.”
“Ok, now you’re really going to start some shit.”
They both broke down in laughs. The space between them grew smaller and smaller until they found themselves mirroring that moment back in the trailer. Knees were touching, but more than that now. Thighs were against the other. Bothersome jeans separated the two of them, but Red could still feel the heat coming from Caleb, and he wanted more.
“So, you’ve been feeling ok?” Caleb asked when the laughs died down.
“Yeah, still a little sore and laughing hurts sometimes.” Red smiled. “So I make sure to only laugh when someone’s worth it.
”
Caleb quirked his mouth. “I’ll try to be unfunny.”
“Impossible,” Red said, shaking his head.
“Did you end up nailing the stunt, at least?”
“First try,” Red said. Caleb leaned over and dusted some imaginary dirt off Red’s shoulder. The touch didn’t go unnoticed.
“Have you ever had a stunt you couldn’t do?” Caleb asked, taking a sip of his champagne. The waterfall blocked the sound of people conversing, but the music from the piano still drifted through.
Red nodded, remembering the one stunt he couldn’t complete. He couldn’t even try it. “They wanted me to jump from a third floor into a pit of cockroaches.”
“What… the actual fuck.”
“Yeah. My thought exactly. And the director was batshit and hated CGI, so he wanted all the effects to be practical. I didn’t care about jumping, but landing in a pit of cockroaches was in my no-fucking-way zone.”
Caleb looked a little green. “That’s so gross, and I’ve seen some gross shit.”
“They ended up getting a stunt double, and they didn’t even use the scene in the movie.”
“Are you kidding?!”
Red took another drink from his glass, trying to ignore the pressure building in his balls. Even with the talk of the pit from hell, he was still horny. Caleb had a serious effect on him. “I felt so bad for the guy, took him to a nice dinner as an apology. Still works on my films, but he refuses to do any cockroach stunts now too.”
“I don’t blame him,” Caleb said. His dark hair tousled in the gentle wind. Hair that Red wanted to get his fingers twisted in. His cock gave a rogue throb against his thigh. A needy pulse that started overriding his other, more logical, thoughts.
“Sorry about Selena the other day.” Red wasn’t sure where it came from, but he had to get it out. This moment was too similar to the last not to bring it up. “She’s usually a little warmer than that.”
Caleb tensed at the name, but his leg didn’t move. “Oh, that’s fine, we all have our off days.”
“I just didn’t want you to think you weren’t wanted there.”
You were the only one wanted there.
“Not at all,” Caleb said, reassuring Red. And, to his shock and excitement, Caleb put a hand on Red’s knee. It was friendly at first. A supportive moment between two friends.
Except, in seconds, it grew to be much more than that. Both could tell they were falling, both hoping that they’d be able to catch each other. Caleb squeezed. His hand moved back to his side. Red’s body cried out for more. There was so much more of his body he wanted to be touched by Caleb—needed to be touched. And he wanted to do the same to Caleb. Exploring every single inch of him. Devouring his sweetness and savoring his spice.
Relax. There could be people around.
It was a sobering thought and one that dropped a heavy weight on his shoulders, causing an almost noticeable slump in his posture. Why did this have to be so fucking difficult? Why couldn’t he just reach out and grab the man and just fucking kiss him. If he were there with Selena, no one would have batted an eye. But he didn’t want to be holding Selena. He wanted Caleb.
Fuck.
I want Caleb.
He took a breath and moved his leg from Caleb’s. Red’s eyes moved from Caleb’s down to the floor.
“You ok?” Caleb asked.
“Yeah.” The feeling, or rather lack of, Caleb’s leg against his was noticeable. A reminder that he couldn't have what he wanted because of some bullshit society norms established by who exactly? None of the people judging him would be the ones sleeping in his bed, so what the hell did they care about who he had in it?
“Come on,” Red said, getting up from his seat. He offered a hand to Caleb, who took it. Red couldn’t help but notice how perfect of a fit it felt as he helped Caleb up. Their hands separated. Red’s wanting grew stronger. “I want to show you something. One of my favorite rooms here. I skipped it on the tour.”
Caleb looked like he was about to reach for a joke, and it was an obvious one. Red beat him to it. “It’s not the bedroom.”
“Hey, I was going to say the kitchen.”
“Riiight,” Red said. He lead Caleb from the waterfall, through the busy backyard, past the magical piano, and in through the halls of his mansion, the entire time wishing that it was the bedroom they were headed toward.
Twelve
Caleb Forester
Caleb was in awe at how big Red’s place was. He was so used to living in his two-bedroom, one bathroom apartment, he hadn’t realized someone could live in something so big. The hallways were winding and endless. Caleb stopped counting the closed doors after they passed the eighth. As they got deeper into the mansion, there were fewer and fewer people until finally, they reached a roped off section with a guard standing nearby.
“Hey, Cole.”
“Sup, Red.” The guard moved the rope aside for the two of them and then went back to guarding the post when they passed. The hallways started feeling homier now. Family photos hung up on the wall, showing a young Red being held by his parents on what appeared to be some sort of private beach. Pictures of Red’s mom and dad smiled at them as they walked.
“Do you have any siblings?” Caleb asked. He could have guessed the answer from the photos, but he wanted to ask the question anyway. As the night continued, Caleb wanted to ask Red all the questions in the book. What was his favorite color? Food? Worst fear? Celebrity crush? Shoe size? Whatever questions popped up, Caleb wanted to ask them. He was so interested in finding out what drove Red. What formed him into the man he was today.
“Just me,” Red said. An edge of sadness cut through. It was fleeting and had Caleb second-guessing if he heard it.
“Always wanted a sibling?” he asked.
Red nodded. “It would have been fun growing up with someone around. I’m close to my father, but he was always crazy busy when I was a kid. My mom, she was such a force through it all though. My dad would come home at nine o’clock from a long day of negotiations and meetings, and she would have a feast waiting for him. I grew up surrounded by their love. I think that helped balance out the lack of a brother to beat up on.”
Was. Caleb hadn’t known that Red lost his mother. He was going to ask about her when Red suddenly stopped in front of a nondescript white door, closed and locked.
“Alright,” Red started. He reached into the pocket of his jeans and pulled out a key. “So this room is pretty special. Not a lot of people know this even exists. I come here whenever I need an escape.”
Caleb felt a rush of warmth run through him. He wasn’t sure what was waiting behind that door, but he was glad he was getting a chance to experience it with Red. It sounded like not many people got the opportunity to see this side of the action-movie star. He was so much more… human under the light of the hallway. And, at the same time, there was something otherworldly about the way his golden eyes shone like jewels. How his perfectly kissable lips curled into a soft smile. The way his muscles twitched subtly underneath his sculpted jaw. Caleb was definitely standing in front of a movie star, but he was also connecting with Red on a much deeper level.
That’s when a thought hit Caleb. One he would have punched himself for if he didn’t say out loud. He put a hand on the doorknob, stopping Red from opening it. He looked into Red’s eyes, and with all the seriousness in the world, Caleb asked, “Is this a… red room?”
They both cracked up. “We won’t need safe words in here, no,” Red offered when he finally pulled himself together.
Damn it.
Red opened the door and stepped aside. The lights turned on automatically, revealing a study of sorts that took Caleb’s breath away. He felt like he stepped into a fairy tale. The room was small, by Red’s standard, and there was a thick gray couch pushed up against a nook on the far wall. A tall window, rounded at the top, looked out onto a private lake Caleb had no idea existed. Moonlight streamed in from the square of glass above the center of t
he room. A rustic, light gray table rested under the spotlight of the moon.
And none of that was what had impressed Caleb. He was more taken by the fact that there were books from floor to ceiling, wall to wall. All kinds of colors and sizes, with titles like Interpreter of Maladies and The Journal of Hard Science Bred With Comedy, to Harry Potter and The Hunger Games. Books on books on books. Gone Girl. Fire Flow. The Stand. Yes Please.
“Wow,” Caleb said, looking around. He was a huge reader as a kid and still enjoyed a good book, but found he had less of a drive to pick one up lately. He hated that. It had even been his New Year's resolution to change that. He remembered the joy he would feel on finding a book that erased all sense of time for him.
“Crazy, huh?”
Caleb looked to Red and was surprised to see he looked a little shy about it. “I’d never leave this room,” Caleb said, being a hundred percent truthful. Well, maybe ninety percent truthful. If he were a hundred, then he would have also said how he found it so fucking sexy, especially with how Red was more known for his car flipping and jujitsu fighting skills than his other, more scholarly pursuits. Caleb felt like he was seeing a side of Red not many people saw. Not through any lens of a camera or a click through Wikipedia.
Red closed the door as Caleb walked around, admiring how the bookshelves seemed to organically rise out from the dark wooden walls.
“There’s a ton of downtime on set, so when I’m not practicing a stunt or lines, I like to read. It helps. Plus, I’ve always just loved reading, ever since I was a kid, I always had a book in my hand. Especially before going to bed. I love reading a great book in bed.” He smiled. “My mom always used to say, to be a good person you have to always be reading and you also have to work a service job at least once in your life.”
Caleb smiled at that. “She sounded like an incredible woman.”
“She was. The service job part sucked, but the reading stuck with me.”
