Darwin put a hand on Ricky’s shoulder. “I’m sorry. I know you didn’t want me to interfere, but I couldn’t let it sit like this.”
Ricky shrugged. “At least I know it had nothing to do with my skills.”
“No, not at all,” Louisa interjected. “Mr. Kincade was right. You were a breath of fresh air here. People complimented your attitude, your willingness to do what it took to make them happy. The night the Malchuck family came in, you calmed their little girl down when she got upset because she couldn’t have chicken fingers. You made her a crown and declared her princess of the table. Mr. and Mrs. Malchuck wrote a letter that I put in your file, gushing about how you were an absolute doll, and how their daughter wants to come back so she can see you. When you go looking for a new job, please tell them to call me. I’ll give you the best possible recommendation I can.”
Warmth flooded Ricky. That made everything perfect for him. He’d be going out on a high note, because he’d made someone happy, which meant the world to him. He stepped away from Darwin, walked around the desk and wrapped his arms around Louisa’s waist. She grabbed his shoulders and hugged him hard.
“I’m sorry,” she murmured in his ear.
“I’m not,” he told her. He stepped back, kissed her on the cheek, and placed his uniform on her desk. “Louisa, I’m here to quit.”
She tried to smile, but couldn’t quite do it. “I accept your resignation,” she whispered, her eyes shining. “It was an honor to work with you.”
“You, too,” Ricky replied.
Darwin put a hand on Ricky’s lower back and took him out of the restaurant through the front door. Ricky waved to a few people, who tried to smile at him, but he could tell their hearts weren’t in it.
“I’m sorry,” Darwin said again.
The pit that had formed in Ricky’s stomach had vanished with the new information. Even though losing the job sucked, at least it hadn’t been because he’d done something wrong.
“I’m okay,” Ricky told him honestly. When they got to the sidewalk, Ricky turned to Darwin and asked, “So since I seem to have the night free, what do you think about going to get a drink?”
Ricky couldn’t be sure if he’d agree. A look of puzzlement came over Darwin’s face as if he had to think hard about the invitation. They stood for a few uncomfortable moments, before Ricky got the hint that Darwin didn’t want to go.
“Hey, it’s okay if you don’t. I just thought I’d ask.” Ricky tried to hide his disappointment. The thought of being alone after the stressful evening depressed him. When Darwin put a hand on his arm, Ricky turned and was graced with a beautiful smile.
“Sure, I think I’d like that,” Darwin answered.
****
Darwin had met Dean at a business conference on his twenty-first birthday. The two of them had hit it off quickly when they’d found they had so much in common. Neither had been surprised when they fell into an easy friendship. Falling in love, though? That had been totally unexpected, but definitely not unwelcome. By his twenty-second birthday, Dean had moved into the mansion, and he and Darwin had begun a life together. Four years, and that hadn’t been enough time at all.
When Ricky had asked Darwin out for a drink, he’d had no idea what to do. He’d never been one for social gatherings, and the thought that he could make a fool of himself and alienate Ricky terrified him. But when he’d seen Ricky’s sad expression, he’d decided to take the chance.
Even though going out with Ricky wasn’t a date, it still gave Darwin butterflies. From their initial meeting, he’d liked the man—self-assured, confident, and not unwilling to take Darwin to task, which he’d proven more than once. Darwin tried to relax as Ricky directed him to a bar not far from Asiago. As they strolled along the street, Ricky pointed out some of the shops.
“I like to see the new displays,” he said. “I’d never be able to buy anything from places like these, but it’s fun to look.”
The bar was tucked between two of the shops Ricky said he loved. From the outside, the bright neon lights drew Darwin’s attention. When they walked in, the first thing Darwin noted was that the couples on the dance floor were predominantly male. Darwin had never been to a gay bar, so if nothing else, being out with Ricky had certainly broadened his cultural horizons.
They took an empty booth near the center of the room.
“I want you to get the whole experience,” Ricky told him, with a wave of his hand.
After he made sure Darwin was comfortable, Ricky asked him what he wanted to drink. He had been tempted to say Macallan M, but that seemed really out of place in this establishment. However, nothing else came to mind. He and Dean had never been drinkers, preferring to stay at home and keep each other company. Going out like this seemed terrifying, but exciting.
“What are you having?”
“There’s a local cider I like,” Ricky answered. “It’s called Tempest Red Cider, and it’s really good. They serve it in a chilled mug, so it’s all frosty and cold.”
“Okay, I’ll give it a try.”
He watched as Ricky strolled to the bar. In his street clothes, Ricky still possessed a certain grace when he walked. It seemed almost hypnotic the way Darwin couldn’t take his eyes off the man. When Ricky brought the drinks to the table and put one in front of Darwin, he stared at the deep red liquid, with the tiny bubbles at the top. It reminded Darwin of a witch’s brew. His expression must have given him away, because Ricky laughed and picked up his drink, then took a sip, before he smacked his lips theatrically.
“See? Not poisoned. Try it. If you don’t like it, I’ll get you something else.”
Picking up the mug and bringing it to his lips, Darwin could smell the sweet concoction. His first taste, though, sold him completely. It tasted of apples, but had a definite kick to it.
“Good, huh?”
“Very. I’ll have to see about picking some of this up.”
“Don’t bother,” Ricky told him. “The bottled stuff isn’t nearly as good. I’m not sure what the difference is, but it’s really noticeable.”
“Then perhaps I’ll have to come back here again,” Darwin said, hopeful that maybe Ricky’d come with him. He looked around; it seemed like a nice place. The bar itself appeared to be oak with brass trim. The decor suggested they’d had a hard time deciding on a theme and had gone for the hodgepodge approach, with a multitude of pictures and other items dotting the walls, none of which went well together. But it worked, at least to Darwin’s mind.
There weren’t many people in the bar, but it didn’t matter. Darwin could sit with Ricky all night and simply listen as he told stories about people he’d served, some of the more risqué things that had happened with patrons in the restrooms, or the things that went on in the kitchen with the irascible chef. Enjoying someone else’s company gave Darwin a warmth throughout his whole body.
As the night wore on, the place began to fill with more and more men, dressed in a variety of outfits—businessmen, guys in leather, college students with their school names emblazoned on their chests—and Ricky, with his open, friendly manner seemed to be able to be part of the whole lot.
Darwin had finished his first drink and had begun his second. Ricky’s fourth had him slurring his words slightly, but beyond that, he seemed happy, which made everything okay. Darwin would make sure he made it home safely, even if he had to call Henley.
Ricky hiccupped, then grinned. He stared at Darwin for a few moments before he finally asked, “Do you maybe wanna dance with me?” He bit the corner of his lip, the uncertainty evident. Darwin could only describe the look as adorable. Ricky seemed to have so many facets, and Darwin hoped for time to explore them all.
Ricky’s chuckle snapped Darwin from his reverie.
“So…dance?”
Dance? Darwin turned his attention to the lighted stage where a few men shimmied together, pressed against each other in erotic ways. He and his brother had been taught to waltz and other ballroom dances. While
repetition had deeply engrained those lessons, he had no clue how to do what he saw on the stage.
“I…don’t know how.”
“No problem,” Ricky said, grabbing Darwin’s hand and leading him up to the raised dance floor. When they got there, Ricky leaned over and whispered in Darwin’s ear, “Just let yourself go. You don’t need to be great, or even good. Flow with the music.”
The music, much louder on the dancefloor than it had been at the table, wrapped around them, the pulsating beat reverberating through his core. He lifted his arms and started to sway, shifting his hips side to side. He peeked over at Ricky who flowed like he had been made of liquid. Other men pushed in against them, and a knot started forming in Darwin’s stomach. Why did it bother him so much to see men touching Ricky? Hell, Ricky didn’t seem to mind their hands on him. Darwin tamped down the uncomfortable feelings and let the music take him away.
The volume dropped, and the bartender called out, “Closing time.”
“Looks like we missed last call,” Ricky said, his voice soft as he gazed at Darwin through his thick lashes.
Darwin wanted to protest. They hadn’t even been there… Oh hell. The clock on the wall claimed it to be nearly two am. He’d been having such a good time he never even realized how quickly the evening had all passed.
“Well, that was….different.” Darwin smacked himself internally. Different? Why not say the truth? It had been amazing. Sublime, even.
“I had a good time,” Ricky said, guiding Darwin toward the door. He paused to say good night to the bartenders, who gave him hearty handshakes. “I love this place. They’re some really great guys. Thanks for coming with me. I need to get home, though. Have to start looking for a new job tomorrow.”
The door opened, and they stepped outside. Darwin glanced sideways toward Ricky. His shoulders had slumped a little, but whether from tiredness or the reminder he was no longer employed, Darwin didn’t know.
I can get you a job. Whatever you want to do, I can help. The words were on the tip of Darwin’s tongue, but he kept quiet. Ricky might appreciate the sentiment, but Darwin didn’t think he’d actually take him up on it. He seemed too independent to take a handout. Truth be told, Darwin feared that if he offered Ricky a position, things between them would change, and Darwin didn’t want that.
“Let me get you a cab,” Darwin said, directing him to the taxi stand.
“Nah, it's a nice night. I think I'll walk. I only live a few blocks away. It's what made working at Asiago so cool.”
Darwin didn't want the night to end. He couldn't remember having had so much fun in years. When Ricky bit his lip again, Darwin knew he had something on his mind. He took a step closer, ready to ask, when Ricky looked up, wrapped a gentle hand around Darwin’s neck, and leaned forward to press their lips together. The kiss sent tingles down Darwin's spine. It had been so long since he’d last been kissed. He wrapped his arms around Ricky’s waist, drawing him closer. When Ricky's tongue touched his lips, Darwin opened for him. He could taste the cider they'd consumed, but now it had a sweet and spicy taste to it that Darwin would gladly have every day.
When Ricky stepped back, Darwin didn't want to let him go. He wanted more with Ricky. More dancing. More drinking. More kissing.
“Can I call you?” Darwin asked, desperate for the night to not end.
“I'd be disappointed if you didn't,” Ricky said, giving Darwin a sly grin.
They exchanged phone numbers, then Ricky gave Darwin one last peck on the lips and turned to walk away. Darwin shivered a little. He could happily watch Ricky walk until he disappeared from view but knew how awkward it would look if Ricky caught him. He stepped into the cab waiting at the taxi stand and told the driver where to take him. He smiled as he thought how Ricky had kissed him, and it had been damn nice. He hadn't been kissed by anyone since Dean, and he hadn't realized how much he’d missed it. He traced his lips with a fingertip and smiled. He hoped that there'd be more kisses in his future.
****
Ricky couldn't help but turn to watch as Darwin got into the cab. He really wanted to invite him up to his apartment, but Ricky had never been casual about sex. He liked a man who made him laugh, who acted protective of him, but still had an air of vulnerability. Darwin had those things in spades.
Ricky thought about texting Darwin before he got home, but decided he'd give the man a little space. They'd only known each other a short time, and Ricky didn't want to come off as needy or one of those people who had to know everything about someone. Besides, there had to be a little mystery in a relationship. What good would it do if everything spilled into the light within the first few days?
As he entered the lobby of his building, the smell of cabbage cooking caught his attention. He figured Mrs. Metzger must be getting ready for a visit from her son, and would be cooking for days before he arrived. He opened the mailbox and pulled out the small stack of envelopes. Deciding to forgo the elevator, he took the stairs two at a time, until he came to his floor.
“Merlin, I'm home,” Ricky called as he entered his apartment and threw his keys and mail on the living room table. The tiny white fluff ball he'd found shivering on the sidewalk near his building stuck his head out from under the couch before bounding toward Ricky and trying to climb up his pant leg.
“Hey, you're frisky today,” Ricky said, scooping the kitten into his hands and bringing their faces together. Merlin reached out and batted at Ricky's nose, which made him laugh. “Bet you’re hungry, huh?” He started toward the kitchen. “Sorry I'm so late. Quit my job today, and then went out for a few drinks with Darwin. You'd like him. He’s—”
Merlin mewed loudly.
“Okay, so not interested in my life. You only love me for the food, am I right?”
After putting Merlin down, Ricky opened the cabinet and pulled out a can of food with a dancing tuna on the front of it. He opened it and scooped it into a bowl, then set it on the floor. Merlin dove into it, eating voraciously.
“Slow down. You're going to get sick, and I'm the one who has to clean it up,” Ricky admonished. Of course, Merlin ignored him completely. Ricky chuckled and went to sit down in the overstuffed chair he’d gotten at the thrift store. A little threadbare in places, but it still was his favorite. The fabric, with its muted blue and white checks, reminded him of the one his mom used to have when he was a kid. He pulled his legs up under him and grabbed the mail. Bills. Bills. Coupons. More bills. He sighed and tossed the stack back onto the table.
When the kitten finished his food, he loped over to Ricky, leapt up onto his leg, then climbed onto his chest, where he curled into a ball and made himself comfortable. Ricky stroked the kitten, delighting in the loud purr that emanated from the mound of fluff.
“Can I tell you about Darwin now?” Ricky whispered, rubbing the kitten between the ears. Merlin glanced up and yawned. “I’m going to take that as a yes, because I need to tell someone, and it’s too late to call Trish.”
His sister would be over the moon when he told her he’d met someone he liked. She’d always pushed him to get out and meet people, reminding him he’d never find a boyfriend if he holed up in his apartment alone. When he protested he wasn’t alone, she told him Merlin didn’t count.
“She was wrong,” he said. “You’re very important to me.”
Merlin looked up and bumped his head against Ricky’s chin, a gesture that always made Ricky smile.
“So, his name is Darwin. An interesting name, right? Don’t find many of those around. He’s between thirty and thirty-five, with dark hair, brown eyes, and a cute pug nose. His ears jut out just a little, but that adds to his personality, I think. He’s different from the rest of the guys I’ve met. He’s…sweet.”
When Merlin started kneading Ricky’s chest with those tiny claws of doom, Ricky decided the cat was implying they should get some sleep, though more likely he wanted additional food. Either way, Ricky was wrung out. He put the kitten on the floor and made his way to the bed
room. He stripped off his shirt, which he tossed into the hamper as he passed by the bathroom. After removing his shoes, socks, and pants, he crawled into the bed, allowing the soft, lumpy mattress to envelop him. He waited a few moments, then felt the tug on the blanket as Merlin made his way onto the bed and settled on Ricky’s pillow.
“Good night, boy,” Ricky said quietly, before he drifted off into a dreamless sleep.
Chapter Four
Darwin glanced at his watch and suppressed a groan. He told Heather to schedule his brother, but eight a.m. on a Monday? Maybe this had been revenge for making her reschedule. Or maybe Kent hadn’t been able to come the previous week. At least they’d agreed to meet at Kincade, so Darwin didn’t have to travel. Though when he’d walked into the building and found Kent’s group waiting and looking none too happy about it, he’d known it would be a very long day.
Kent had been droning on for an hour, talking about how his company’s product would revolutionize not only individual houses around the world, but whole cities. Darwin loved his brother, but the man had made and lost several fortunes, starting with his inheritance, whenever something shiny attracted his attention. He’d throw money, hand over fist, at any new adventure. On occasion, his enthusiasm worked out, and Kent reaped enormous profits, but more often than not, his brother could have tossed his money into a pit then covered it with manure and been better off.
At thirty-six, Kent was the older brother by three years, but he certainly didn’t look it. With his dark hair and deep brown eyes, people often mistook them for twins instead of simply siblings. Growing up, his brother had always been a doer, always chasing the next big thing. He’d excelled in school, and they’d both thought he’d inherit the family business when their parents died. Darwin had no idea which of them was more surprised when their parents had named Darwin CEO instead of Kent at their father’s retirement party.
Of Love and Corn Dogs Page 4
