by Allison
sweater clung to his body, accentuating broad shoulders which tapered into a flat midsection and a muscled waist. He was sturdy and big, but well formed. Handsome and financially successful. Robert thought Andrew looked tastier than the smell of the meal from the kitchen. This is a guy who would be a perfect match for me.
He checked himself in the bedroom mirror to make sure he presented well, before turning to Andrew, giving him his most charming smile. Given his line of work, he needed a ten-million dollar look, and his success with clients proved he had perfected his. “The other night, I admired your reasons for becoming involved in portfolio management. People need a solid financial advisor who can steer them through the ups and downs of the market. They get scared when the market dips and need someone who can help them through the rougher times. You must be proud of the help you give people.”
Andrew looked surprised. “Yes, you described the exact reason I love what I do.
You have no idea how glad I am to be able to talk about this with someone who understands what I do.” Robert’s ears perked up. Jeremy doesn’t understand your work.
“Whenever I have a client who calls me about a dip in the DOW or NASDAQ, the most important thing for me is to make sure I understand their concern, look at their investment horizon, and help them to realize what their best decision is. I can’t tell you how many calls I’ve received where people thank me for seeing them through difficult times. Those calls make the more cut-throat aspects of the job tolerable.”
Annoyed by Andrew’s melodramatic sentiments, Robert shoved his hands into his pockets and clenched his fists to release energy. At least he had passion. Passion could be redirected under the right circumstances, resulting in high yielding portfolios, which translated into lots of bank. “How about Jeremy? What does he do?”
“He’s a teacher in a private school not far from here. He loves his second grade kids. I have to admit, they’re cute.”
“A teacher. Noble job.” Bile rose up Robert’s throat. “It must be hell on him trying to afford a place like this with you.”
Andrew drew up his shoulders. “He contributes in his own way.”
Robert nodded. “I understand.” Translation, he cooks and cleans. “Where did you live before?”
“The East Village. We had a small place. The rooms barely fit beds, but he could afford the rent and Jeremy loves the neighborhood.”
“But you didn’t want to live in a cramped space any longer, especially when you had the means to provide more for the two of you.” The angle Robert needed to play became clear. Once Andrew realized the life he could have with Robert, he’d come running, and then Craig would be forced to make a decision—step up, make more money, and be a more worthy boyfriend, or suffer the consequences. Andrew would be a far better match for him anyways.
“Those were the exact words I used with him. I’m so glad you understand.
Sometimes I wonder if I’m being selfish by pushing this on him.”
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“Of course I understand. I worked my way through the ranks, same as you, and I like to enjoy the finer things this city has to offer. Hell, I’ve been pushing Craig to take his talents and market them to make more money. He’s got the ability to be the best in his field.”
“Boris seemed to like his work. He even mentioned to Jeremy and me he wanted to steal him away from his current company.”
“I know. But Craig doesn’t seem interested.” He attempted to sound as sympathetic as possible; a difficult task when he wanted to choke some sense into someone.
Andrew interrupted his internal thoughts. “Maybe we should head back to the living room with the boys. I’m sure they’re wondering where we are right about now.”
“I’m sure you’re right.” Robert held up his empty wine glass. “I need a refill anyway.” They walked back to the living room, Robert filled with smug satisfaction.
His conversation with Andrew had gone well. Options. The heart of any good business. He had definitely planted a seed with Andrew. Now all he had to do was water it and let it grow.
* * * * *
Craig couldn’t remember enjoying a meal so much. He and Jeremy gabbed on and on about their childhood and filled each other in on the rest of high school and college. Jeremy wanted to hear about the friends he had left behind. Most of them had gone through high school with uneventful stories, but some stories had Jeremy’s mouth gaping in wonder and surprise.
Robert continued showing interest in Andrew’s work at Fidelity and the two conversations ran concurrently with little overlap, which suited Craig fine. He hadn’t forgiven Robert yet. When the evening ended and the four of them were buzzed, Craig and Robert retrieved their coats.
With the end of the evening upon them, Craig wanted to make the moment last as long as possible. “Thank you so much. I’m going to have to call mom and tell her she has competition for cooking the best roast chicken I’ve ever eaten.”
Jeremy laughed. “You better not. She’ll never forgive me if I take over the role as hostess. Just say hello and tell her we found each other. Maybe I’ll give her a call sometime soon.”
This is moving too fast. Craig wanted to suggest they have another glass of wine, but they all had work the next day. Besides, he had no idea how to prolong an evening without seeming…interested. All evening he had been focusing on Jeremy while trying to conceal his growing attraction. Craig gave Jeremy one last hug, kissing him on the cheek, then turned to Andrew and shook his hand. “Thank you for inviting us. Your place is terrific.”
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Andrew smiled. “We loved having you. I’m so glad you and Jeremy reconnected.
I’m sure we’ll be seeing a lot more of you.” Andrew paused for a moment. “Will you be helping us remodeling the condo?”
Jeremy jumped in before Craig could answer. “We’ve already talked about that. I think we are going to get together this weekend to discuss some ideas I have for the place.”
“Perfect.” Andrew shook Craig’s hand once again.
On the way home, Craig couldn’t stop thinking about the evening and how much he enjoyed being around Jeremy the feel of the other man’s arms wrapped around him, the scent of dinner wafting through the air as if they were back home, and his knowing smile which made him feel like the center of Jeremy’s world. It had been a surprise when Jeremy lied to Andrew about plans for discussing remodeling. He tried not to over-think it, but a question lingered in his mind: Is Jeremy unhappy with Andrew?
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Chapter Nine
Craig called Jeremy from work the next day just after three o’clock. He picked up after the first ring. “Hey, you answered. Cool!”
Jeremy laughed. “That’s typically what one does when a phone rings.”
Craig’s cheeks heated and he grinned. “Wise ass. You might have been busy with work. School usually gets out about now, right?”
“The kids are dismissed at two-thirty. I’ve been off the clock for half an hour.”
“Oh…uh, well, I called to ask if you wanted to get together for dinner on Friday night. Andrew had said you wanted to redesign the condo and you dropped the bomb we would be working on ideas, so I figured I’d make an honest man out of you.” His voice sounded casual, but his heart raced inside his chest.
Jeremy remained silent for a few seconds. “Yeah. I appreciate you running with my story. Andrew’s been pushing me and…” The pause as Jeremy stopped speaking caused Craig to hold his breath, sensing Jeremy had something important to say. “…I’d love to get together for dinner.”
Craig exhaled. Jeremy’s response had simply been to accept the invite. “Great.
How’s Friday night? I could cook another one of my mom’s famous meals this time.”
“Shit yeah! What time?”
“Ho
w does six o’clock sound?”
“Sounds perfect.”
On Friday, Craig left work early and headed out to pick up the food to make his mother’s lasagna.
The meal was ready to pop into the oven when the buzzer rang. Craig placed the casserole dish on the stove top, ran to the door, and pressed the button to let him in. His heart beating fast. He opened his apartment door a crack, then rushed back to the kitchen to put the lasagna in the oven. If he timed it right, he’d be back to the front door by the time Jeremy got there and he wanted to be there to greet him.
He placed the casserole dish in the oven turned around to find Jeremy standing in the kitchen watching him. Craig jumped in surprise, then took a step towards him, tripping over his feet as he did so, and falling to the floor. Jeremy, slightly out of breath, laughed and reached out a hand to help him up. Craig took his hand, embarrassed, but pleased to see him. “Hey, you scared me. Did you run up the stairs or something?”
“As a matter of fact, yes, I did. And your blunder reminded me how much I enjoy sneaking up on you. You get flustered so easily.”
Craig blushed. “Well, some things never change. Remember how I used to call you an asshole every time you scared me?” Craig took a step forward and opened his arms.
“Welcome to my home, asshole.” Jeremy closed the distance between them and hugged him tightly.
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“I wanted to bring something, so I grabbed a couple bottles of wine. You like Rosemount Shiraz, right?” Jeremy motioned toward the counter where he had placed the two bottles.
A rush of affection flooded through him. Chill out, Craig. You’re being ridiculous.
“You didn’t need to bring anything. I wanted to be the one to provide all of the food and drink tonight. You fed us the other night.”
Jeremy dismissed Craig’s comment with a wave of his arm. “Like you said, the wine’s cheap.”
Craig’s mouth pulled up into a grin. “Are you calling me a cheap date?”
Jeremy blushed this time. “Well, I guess I am. But no one said being a cheap date is a bad thing.”
Craig fell silent, enjoying their banter, but feeling a hint of guilt at their flirtatious behavior. This shouldn’t happen with people in happy relationships. But you aren’t in a happy relationship. Worried his attraction to Jeremy would make his friend uncomfortable, Craig shifted conversation to a new topic. “I’m making Mom’s lasagna, even though I had to run for days to burn off the calories.”
“Don’t I know it? Of course, you’re naturally fit. Your body is as taut now as I remember it back in Newton, with one exception, your muscles are even bigger now.”
Jeremy made a show of inspecting Craig.
Craig’s cock shifted some more in his pants. “You’re not so bad yourself. You’ve grown much broader over the years.” So much for keeping my mind off my attraction to him.
“I’m not as big as Andrew.”
Craig mentally cringed at the mention of Andrew’s name. “No, but Andrew is beefy. Anyway, I need to take in the calories. I’m still thinner than I would like to be.
You know us artist types. Bohemian lifestyles make us thin.”
Jeremy leaned against the countertop , a confused expression on his face. “I thought most bohemians were also vegetarian. Don’t they do sit-ins on farms, communing with cows and shit?”
Craig laughed, coughing and trying to catch his breath. “Oh my God. You didn’t actually take me seriously did you? I’m no fucking Bohemian and I’m definitely no vege-fuckin-tarian.” Craig shook his head. “Wow, so maybe you did change some. You never used to fall for any of my shit.” Jeremy became withdrawn and Craig worried he had offended him. “Shit, sorry Jer, I was only kidding around.”
Jeremy closed the distance between them, keeping the serious expression on his face. In a flash, he caught Craig in a headlock. “Maybe I fell for your shit, but I’m still stronger than you Mr. Bohemian Cow-man.” They struggled playfully for a few minutes until Craig lost his footing and crashed to the floor, bringing Jeremy with him.
They remained on the floor laughing. Craig grabbed his stomach, a stitch starting to form, and peered at Jeremy. Tears ran down his face, his mouth pulled up in a wide, happy smile. Pure, raw, emotion flowed through him, both blissful and heart-79
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wrenching, as he sat on the floor with Jeremy. I can’t remember the last time I’ve laughed like this.
Jeremy interrupted his thoughts by reaching up to grab the countertop and pulling himself back into a standing position. “Man, it’s good to see you again. I’m so glad I went to Boris’s party with Andrew.” Craig followed Jeremy’s movements as he stood, his shirt lifting form his waist revealing a trail of dark hair leading from his navel into his pants. Craig needed to readjust himself for the third time, almost fully erect as heat seared through him.
Craig stood up as Jeremy brushed himself off. “What do you mean? Your life seems to be going well, Andrew seems like an awesome guy, you’re teaching like you always wanted, you’re apartment is amazing—”
“Of course, I wasn’t referring to the things I have. I meant I’m glad to have a taste of home again; a piece of what I lost…you, Craig. After I moved to Arizona, everything changed. I made friends and all, but no one compared to you. Seeing you again brings back a part of myself I thought was gone forever.”
Warmth spread through Craig. “I had no idea the move was so hard on you. I mean, I hung out with the same group of kids and I lived in the same place, but without you, nothing was as fun.”
Neither of them spoke for a few minutes. Finally, Jeremy broke the silence. “The lasagna brings me right back to your house. I can’t wait to dig in.”
Craig smiled. “It should be ready in about thirty-five minutes. How about some wine?”
At Jeremy’s nod, he opened a bottle and poured two glasses, handing one to Jeremy. “Come on. Let’s go hang out in the living room while the food cooks.” He led Jeremy out of the kitchen and took a seat on the couch.
Jeremy sat next to him and curled a leg under his butt so he was facing Craig. He twirled the wine in the glass a few times before taking a sip. Craig studied him, the expression on his face giving the appearance of deep concentration. “Craig, can I make a confession just to get it off my chest?”
“Sure.” Craig settled back on the couch, nervous about what Jeremy might say.
Jeremy fidgeted with the wine glass for a few more moments. Craig watched him his lips moving slightly, as if he were rehearsing what he wanted to say before actually saying it.. “This is kind of embarrassing, but ever since I ran into you on Saturday night, I can’t stop thinking about our last day together before I moved.”
Craig’s heart rate increased. Could he be thinking what I am…that we could have been an incredible couple? Craig mentally reprimanded himself. Just because he wasn’t happy with Robert didn’t mean Jeremy was unhappy with Andrew. “Really?”
“Yeah. I haven’t been able to stop thinking about our kiss. Did you know I had never kissed anyone before?” Jeremy stared down at his hands in an uncharacteristic show of awkwardness.
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“Of course I did. We told each other everything. Remember? The kiss made your leaving so much more difficult for me.” Craig stopped talking and waited for Jeremy to return his gaze. When Jeremy lifted his head to face Craig, he continued. “I had always loved you, but I figured I loved you like a brother. I never thought to try to kiss you or to think of us as something more than friends.” Well, I did, but now’s not the time to spill all. “Something clicked into place when you kissed me. I figured a lot of things out about myself in the days and weeks that followed.”
Relief washed over Jeremy’s face. “So you felt it too? Because up in the tree, sitting on the branch, hidden from the world, you became
my world. I needed to kiss you before I left. I knew I would regret it for my whole life if I didn’t at least kiss you once.
Even if you had pushed me out of the tree, I would have still done it.” Jeremy talked fast, his voice animated. “Gosh, listen to me. I’m babbling on like a fool.”
Craig shifted in his seat. As far back as he could remember, Jeremy had always been the one to take chances, to express his emotions and thoughts. Craig desperately wanted to be the one to take charge, to open up to Jeremy. “No,” he said slowly, staring a moment into his wineglass, his heart pounding, “not a fool. The saying is true. You never forget your first love.”
Craig looked up and was faced by Jeremy’s smoldering eyes, catching him off guard and forcing all thought from his mind. The expression said more than I’m glad we’ve reconnected. It said something far deeper, dangerous for someone in a relationship.
Startled by the intensity of Jeremy’s gaze, Craig stood up. “I think I should check on the lasagna.” So much for taking the reins. Jeremy offers me a perfect opportunity to open up, to tell him what’s on my mind, and I take the first excuse to escape.
Jeremy followed Craig into the kitchen. If he had sensed Craig was about to admit his feelings, he didn’t show it. “Can I help? Where are the plates and utensils?” Craig pointed them out and Jeremy went about the task of setting the table.
Craig removed the lasagna from the oven, which bubbled like his mom’s and smelled perfect. He grabbed a trivet and placed the casserole dish on the living room table. “Here we go. Lasagna a-la-mom. Dig in.” They sat down to eat, Craig still berating himself for not having grabbed his chance to open up to Jeremy.
Craig went to the kitchen, returning with the steamed broccoli and a spatula for serving the lasagna. He cut a large square for Jeremy, before cutting a piece for himself.
They both spooned broccoli onto their plates and began eating in silence.
