Signing Reservations
Perched several stories above the main level, looking out over the colorful expanse of Club Reservations, Kreed stood at the glass wall inside the club’s office and got the full embodiment of what Thane Walker had accomplished. Yeah, Kreed had thought the club sounded like a good idea in his first meeting with Thane in Ellicott City, Maryland, but nothing had prepared him for the sheer badassness of such a grand place.
He’d be the first to admit he hadn’t truly anticipated Thane or Arik following through with something so immense. A nightclub of this magnitude took bank—enormous loads of cash to pull off. Not a fifty thousand dollar, throw some tables, chairs, lights, and music in a room then call the space a gay nightclub. No, many hundreds of thousands of dollars, maybe even millions had been spent on a club this spectacular.
After only being open a few weeks, Reservations had done so well they were already planning for the future. For SKS Security alone, Club Reservations had signed a lucrative two-year contract for Aaron to do his thing to keep the club’s roster private from hackers as well as Kreed and Mitch to keep the club, restaurant, and hotel security well trained and fully staffed. A hefty undertaking but the entire idea could be a game changer for gay men. Kreed grooved on anything that kept people safe.
After jotting down a few thoughts and observations, he went to the conference table, and took his seat at the end of the table where Thane looked over the schematics of the property. Kreed lifted a sheet of paper with his copy of the floor plan, searching for all the entry points to the restaurant then picked up another, counting all the entry points located in the back of the Escape resort property.
Aaron sat at the other end of the table, talking quietly with Julian, the club’s personnel manager. Aaron must have felt his gaze because he looked up. When their eyes met, Aaron smiled. He loved that grin. Kreed returned the smile before forcing his mind back to the business at hand.
“We’ll work with local law enforcement,” Kreed started then paused, counting off eight points of entry for the buildings. They’d need a strong outside presence. “Who’s currently guarding all of this?” he asked, considering the complications of keeping this building secure.
“Three off duty police officers, but we want more,” Thane answered off the top of his head. “Arik’s footing the bill for the security on the property. We want at least one armed guard at each two-way entrance. That’s a total of four doors. The other four outside doors only open from the inside as emergency exits, and when opened, they trigger a loud alarm. We would also like the parking lot secure and the path leading to the hotel rooms. That might sound like overkill…”
“No, it doesn’t. I get where you’re coming from. And we’ve hired an armed plain-clothes security guard to mingle inside the club.” Kreed marked his thoughts on the pad of paper in front of him. “Aaron’s the best with cybersecurity, he’ll keep your members information private. It’s these entry points that’ll need the most attention.”
“I want a completely safe experience for our guests,” Thane reiterated, placing his copies of the property layout down as Aaron and Julian stood in unison, drawing Kreed’s attention.
“No offensive, Papi, but this is major boring bullshit. We’re going downstairs to get something to drink.” Julian stated matter-of-factly as he smoothed down the jacket of his dark blue Armani suit.
“Stop calling me that.” Thane glared at Julian who just chuckled as if they’d had this conversation a million times before.
Julian lifted a brow, and Kreed caught the amusement flashing in his eyes as he turned and gave Aaron a happy little wink.
“Are you two staying tonight?” Thane asked, changing the subject.
Kreed glanced at Aaron who had the same I’m-so-out-of-here expression as Julian. Aaron hooked a thumb over his shoulder toward the office door. Kreed hid his smile, nodded once then turned back to the plans scattered on the table. He had to finish this meeting no matter how badly he’d rather go downstairs with his guy. They were still very much in the honeymoon stage of their relationship. If he allowed himself, he’d get completely lost in Aaron. It happened all the damn time. Kreed needed to be professional, not get caught wiping drool from his lip.
“We are,” Kreed finally answered after clearing his throat. After a second longer where focus didn’t come as easily as it should, he lifted his gaze to Thane and explained, “It’s a special weekend for us.” Their first somewhat romantic trip since they’d gotten matching tattoos. It seemed as traditional as he and Aaron ever planned to be.
“That’s great. Congratulations. Did we get you a room?”
The lights in the office dimmed, drawing Kreed’s gaze up to the reflections suddenly highlighted on the ceiling. The faint sound of music began. Beyond the office view, dancing lights bounced in time with muted music heard through the wide expanse of the thick, tinted glass.
“We have a room at Escape.” Kreed looked over his shoulder and watched as the office door closed behind his guy. This club would be right up Aaron’s alley. Kreed was sure to get good and lucky tonight. A drunk Aaron was a persuasive guy who always got his way.
Aaron trotted down the steps, staying close to Julian Cullen, listening to the fascinating man talk. They’d struck up an instant friendship weeks ago when Aaron had taken a virtual meeting with the entire Reservations management team to learn the ins and outs of their membership vetting process. Since then, he’d found Julian to be most knowledgeable about internal company policy. The guy knew everything—way past the scope of his job title. Julian was also an open book with his life. He dropped small details all the time. The guy had done more, seen more, lived more than his twenty-eight years should have ever allowed.
Aaron hadn’t even had to search to fill in the holes to Julian’s life story, the guy readily supplied it all. Some answers Aaron had suspected, others were a surprise. Aaron wasn’t sure he’d ever believe Thane and Julian weren’t a couple, after seeing them together. They were as familiar with one another as he and Kreed.
“I reserved you a table close to the stage,” Julian said over his shoulder, slowing as he strolled across the room toward the other side of the large nightclub, pointing to a sole two-top in the front corner with a reserved tent sign on top. “It’s the best vantage point to see everything.”
“It’s really quite remarkable,” Aaron said, leaning in toward Julian to be heard over the music. “Reminds me of my favorite club in Dubai.”
Julian stopped abruptly, twirling around as astonishment hit his handsome face. “Finally, someone who sees the vision. You’ve traveled the world. I knew I liked you.”
“So it is patterned after the Cavalli Club?”
“It is. The coloring is slightly different. I had to put my foot down, the designer insisted muted tones were better suited for our clientele. I disagreed, but other than that, it’s about the same design. We strived for symmetry in the flow. Everywhere is very easy to navigate and promotes unity or so I insisted it did,” Julian said with a waggle of his brow.
“The stage—what’s that for?” Aaron pointed to a long, wraparound platform as Julian again led Aaron to his table.
“We’ve barely opened, but eventually, we’d like to have some acts. Things are so new, we’re working out the kinks before we begin to integrate those into our nights. For now, we have some dancers who perform in the cages on the Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights.”
When they got to the table, Julian both surprised and pleased Aaron when he grabbed a seat, sitting across from him as he raised his hand toward the bar. “You’re eyeing the pole. You dance?”
Aaron just chuckled. “Not at all, but when I drink, the clothes tend to come off and poles are a beacon. You should probably move me away from the stage.”
Julian barked out a laugh, shaking his head. “Oh, sweetie, don’t threaten me with a good time.”
An underwear-clad waiter stepped up to the table and placed a napkin in front of Aaron.
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“This table’s on us tonight,” Julian said to the waiter. “Quinn meet Aaron. He’s part of our new security team. He’s also challenged us so keep those drinks coming.”
Aaron’s gaze locked on Julian, and he couldn’t help the laugh when he caught the implied dare directed at him with a simple cock of Julian’s brow. Good thing he and Julian lived a thousand miles apart. He suspected the two of them could get in loads of trouble together.
Other than taking the opportunity to spend quality time with Aaron, Kreed had wanted to come to California, sit in on all these meetings to make sure they weren’t missing anything. Their company had taken off like a rocket from almost day one. They were busy as hell, going ninety different directions all the damn time. Kreed didn’t want to mess this up. Not this job. It was too important.
Now his head swam with all the meticulous intel Thane had laid on him. He’d known the club was over the top in vetting their membership applications, but to learn the whys and the extent to which this team of men went to keep everyone safe fascinated him. Kreed liked Thane and respected what he tried to do. He was youngish and still idealistic.
Kreed sensed good things from Thane, and not just because Thane had just fed him a great meal. After Aaron and Julian had made their escape, Thane suggested they take their meeting downstairs to the restaurant where Thane had the chef prepare them dinner. Kreed had also finagled a free monthly membership to Dishology’s Olive Oil and Balsamic Vinegar company. Every month, he would receive a specially packed box of specialty blended oils and vinegars. Aaron was sure to be surprised when a pineapple balsamic vinegar showed up unexpectedly on the doorstep. Maybe that would help appease his always hungry guy, especially since Kreed hadn’t thought to include Aaron in this delicious meal…
Kreed winced. Yeah, he was going to get some hell over not texting Aaron to come eat.
As Kreed rounded the corner separating the dining area from the bar, he heard a whoop of excitement. The music had changed, something a little more seductive filled the club, and he watched a growing crowd lose interest in dancing together as, one by one, their attention shifted toward the stage.
“You Kreed?” a good-looking guy in black briefs asked.
“Yeah?”
“Jules told me to be on the lookout for you. Your table’s over here,” the guy said, cocking his head toward the dance floor as he started that direction. “I’m Quinn by the way.”
“Nice to meet you. So, what’s going on over there?” Kreed yelled over the music.
“Your tablemate’s dancing.”
Kreed furrowed his brow as those words skidded across his brain. He couldn’t have heard that right. “What?”
“He was right. Said the clothes would come off if he started drinking, then he just jumped up on stage.” They walked past a long cage hanging at the end of the stage where Kreed got a better view of his church boy working the pole, swinging his shirt in the air before flinging it toward the crowd. Kreed’s grin grew, his gaze transfixed on Aaron’s natural sway. His guy oozed sexy, always had. Kreed’s dick plumped instantly—no doubt most of the men watching Aaron dance had a similar affliction. He wasn’t jealous, didn’t have any reason to be. He knew exactly whose bed the man on stage would be in by the end of the night. That thought amped up his enthusiasm. He loved every exciting surprise he got with Aaron Stuart, and he was going to enjoy this one to the fullest tonight.
“Can you get me close to the stage?” he yelled over the volume of the music.
“Yeah, sure, this way!”
Kreed followed the waiter, trying hard to keep up with him as they navigated through the large crowd. Quinn held a curtain aside and waved him into the dark area beyond it. It was hard to see. Kreed lifted his arms to feel in front of him, trying to gauge his distance.
“There’s a trash can—” Quinn’s words were cut off as Kreed bumped straight into the large container, managing to stay on his feet while keeping himself and the trash can upright.
“Sorry.”
“No problem…” Quinn’s voice held a grin.
Eventually, they made their way to a roped off section with high-top tables directly behind Aaron.
“Two steps here.” Luckily Quinn had pointed those out before he’d tripped up those. Kreed grabbed a barstool, carried it to the edge of the stage, and took a seat.
“Don’t tell him I’m here,” he yelled as the waiter started to retreat.
“Got it. Need a drink?”
“Nah, it looks like he’s had enough for the both of us. Can we use that exit?” He pointed to the one just past the stage while reaching for his wallet. “And how much did he drink?”
“You’re paid up, and he’s a generous tipper. Might be my best night yet.” Quinn waggled his eyebrows with excitement. He nodded in the direction Kreed had indicated. “There’s an officer out there. He’ll point you in the right direction.”
Cutting his eyes to the stage, Kreed barely caught the last part of the waiter’s remarks. All his focus landed on the man who could buy and sell this place several times over. Of course, no one there knew that little fact. Aaron’s skill, combined with his hipster, nerdy guy persona kept all his secrets tucked tightly away.
A shirtless Aaron currently tried to work his pants off his body in a sexy, somewhat awkward move, and when they came off, Kreed stared at that perfect ass covered in a pair of skin-hugging black briefs. His dick hardened fully, his mouth watered, all before Aaron hooked a leg around the vertical bar, swinging himself up and around like a pro. Aaron’s lean muscles flexed as he held his position, spinning around the bar. Kreed cheered for him along with the transfixed crowd. It was in the middle of that move that Aaron spotted him, lost his balance, and almost toppled from his perch in his hurry to swing back in front of Kreed.
Aaron’s eyes lit up, his naughty smile turned into a full-fledged grin as he started swaying his hips, moving just for Kreed. His guy bit his lip, gyrating in attempted seduction, teasing Kreed with the promises of things to come.
But that put Aaron’s ass bouncing the wrong direction. Kreed watched as other men, gathered close to the stage, slid their hands over Aaron’s hips, shoving crisp green bills into the waistband of Aaron’s underwear. Kreed jaw twitched as his possessiveness soared. They could look, but that ass belonged to him.
He hopped off the stool and moved forward just as Aaron launched himself at Kreed, almost taking him off his feet. Aaron wrapped those long legs and arms securely around him. He struggled for balance, taking two giant steps backward and trying to remember exactly where those stage steps were located. Instinctively, Kreed gripped Aaron’s ass and held him in place while finally finding balance, lucky they had stayed upright. The crowd went wild.
“You’re drunk…” Kreed barely got the words out before Aaron licked across his lips. His tongue invaded Kreed’s mouth. Oh holy hell, he was in serious trouble. His desire shot from zero to ten in the matter of moments. Kreed wanted Aaron in the worst of ways. Judging from the way Aaron kissed him, his guy was on his same page.
Damn, Aaron could kiss as well as he danced.
Kreed’s fingers gripped Aaron’s naked flesh, tugging him closer, rubbing Aaron’s rock hard cock against his. He found the steps he’d searched for, stumbling down, remarkably staying on his feet as his back hit the wall. The curtains closed, separating them from Aaron’s adoring fans while darkness surrounded them.
Suddenly, Aaron tore from his mouth, leaving Kreed sucking air. Two palms clasped on to each of Kreed’s cheeks as Aaron came nose to nose with him. “You took too long. I figured you’d have stopped me.” He slurred those words out.
“I got coerced into having dinner with Thane,” Kreed answered, tilting his head, moving again toward Aaron’s lips. He wanted more of that sexy as hell kiss.
“I didn’t eat.” Aaron pulled back indignantly.
“I’ve got something you could eat,” Kreed teased, a laugh erupting at the transformation of Aaron’s look. He’d gon
e from sexy drunk to outraged to excited in less than a few seconds.
Aaron’s face lit up, and he started to wiggle free, moving against Kreed’s hold as he dropped down to his knees, making his intentions clear. Kreed blocked the move. “Not here, Aaron.”
“I’m starving, and besides, you were the one who offered,” Aaron yelled, pushing at Kreed’s hand, trying to work his zipper free.
“You know the club rules. We can’t. We need this account, babe. Let’s go to the room,” Kreed encouraged, bending to tug Aaron up.
“Only if you promise to fuck me like you mean it.” Aaron did allow himself to be pulled to his feet with a distinctive pout firmly on his lips. He was seriously as captivating a man as he could be, looking so dejected that he couldn’t suck Kreed’s dick like he wanted. That adorably genuine pout always got Kreed in trouble.
With a tug and a promise, Kreed pulled Aaron flush against him then leaned in for a small sampling of those lips. “I promise I’ll be the one taking care of you as soon as we’re alone in our room, church boy.”
At Kreed’s insistence, Aaron had slipped his trousers on for the trip back to their hotel room. He had somehow even managed to find his shirt, which he’d just shrugged on, not bothering to button a single button. Why should he? No way did he plan for any of these garments to stay on for long. Aaron’s most current goal focused on being able to disrobe before the hotel room door clicked shut. If everything worked out, he hoped to be naked and under Kreed as soon as humanly possible.
The long—not really, but it felt that way—walk to the hotel then through the lobby and inside the elevator had Aaron reminding himself about the value of patience. It built anticipation—per Kreed, definitely not Aaron. He somehow managed to cage the desire coursing through him. Not because he wanted to, but because Kreed still had hang-ups about raunchy sex in public places. And he respected Kreed’s boundaries, at least when Kreed forced him to, but as soon as the door to their room closed, all bets were off.
Nice Guys Collection With Added Bonus Material Page 115
