Drew stood observing the exchange between his sister and Ash. He decided to let her form her own opinion of the man. Next to his grandmother, she had the best sense of anyone he knew, not that he’d ever tell her that. Some things a brother never told his sister.
They continued walking down Broadway to the corner of 18th St. then crossed to enter the park and the crowded farmer’s market. Drew dropped back, letting Rachel talk to Ash. Later he’d press her for details, but for now he remained content to sit back and study the guy.
Was Ash honestly interested in the project like he insisted, or was he using it as a way to meet men? It appalled him to think this way about another person, but Jordan’s comments, plus the sexual encounter he’d caught the man in and now outed him about, made him wonder. His face heated as he again recalled the blowjob in the darkened hallway of the restaurant. All the years he and Jordan had been friends, he’d never had any sexual feelings toward him, and merely listened and offered advice whenever his friend began or ended a relationship. Jordan was a buddy, a friend. Nothing sexual with him at all.
Not so with Ash Davis. Drew couldn’t get the memory of Ash’s blissful face out of his mind. Nor could he, if he confessed to himself, forget the sight of Ash’s cock sliding in and out of the mouth of the man sucking him off.
He stumbled. Shit. When was the last time he’d gotten laid? He couldn’t even remember. Months and months. That had to be it, the reason for his strange fascination with Ash’s sex life. Snapping out of his head fog, he heard Rachel laughing at something Ash whispered to her.
“Rach. We need to get the fruit.” Her smile faded at his unusually hard tone.
“Um, okay.” She gave him a frown and a side-eyed glare. “It was nice to meet you, Ash. Maybe I’ll see you around.” She shook his hand.
“That all depends on your brother, I think.”
Drew scowled. “We’ll see. I’ll get back to you this week and let you know my final decision.”
“Can we talk for one second?” Ash gestured with his head to an empty bench. “Rachel, would you excuse us?”
“Sure.” Her uncertain smile flashed for a brief moment. “I’ll, uh, go start picking out the fruit for you, D.”
He nodded and followed Ash to the bench, choosing to sit as far away from him as possible without looking too obvious. “You’ve charmed my sister, which is no easy feat. But—”
“But you still think I’m nothing more than the guy you saw in a hallway getting a blowjob from a waiter, right?”
Ash’s glittering eyes captured the green of the leaves, the blue of the sky, and the brown of the trees, reflecting back at Drew the emotion he held inside. Making it impossible for Drew to look away.
“Are you?” Drew held his breath. Footsteps pounded past them, and laughter drifted through the sweet, late spring air as the crowds in Union Square Park walked by. No one paid them much attention, but for Drew, for whatever reason he couldn’t fathom, this conversation became as imperative as breathing.
“Look, we barely know each other, and you’ve already been prejudiced, not only by your friend but by what you saw the other night. I want you to know, though, that I have my own reason for helping those kids.” He shifted his gaze, focusing on the sidewalk. His sleek hair swung forward, hiding the expression in his eyes from view. “It’s, uh, too personal to get into now, but I would never, ever do anything to hurt those kids.” He swept his hair back, revealing his anguished face. “They deserve every opportunity for a better life.”
The raw pain in the man’s voice struck Drew hard, lending credence to Ash’s words. Whether or not Ash revealed his past to him now, it was clear to Drew this man had suffered alone, locking his grief inside. Everything made sense now—the grasping anonymous sex with men he barely knew, the need for people to like him, and the air of ineffable loneliness he carried with him.
“Hey.” Drew placed his hand on Ash’s shoulder, but to his surprise Ash quickly pulled away. That brief touch, however, gave rise to emotions so intense it rattled Drew to his core.
What the hell?
“It’s okay. You don’t need to talk about it. I’m willing to admit I was wrong to make a hasty decision without giving you a chance to defend yourself. I have to get back to Rachel, but I’m going to take some time to rethink everything. Can I call you?”
His question hung in the air as Ash continued his study of the ground beneath his feet. After a moment, Drew noted the slight jerk of Ash’s head, an acceptance of his words. “Good. We’ll talk. So long, Ash.”
Without waiting for a reply, he left Ash sitting on the bench, alone in a sea of strangers.
Chapter Five
“Let’s raise our glasses to my parents and the realization of a dream come true.” Drew held up his glass and, with his arm around Rachel, smiled at the group of people who’d made this night possible. “To the Audrey and Maxwell Klein Home Away from Home Clinic.” He drained his glass of champagne and immediately poured another. His apartment might be small and lonely with just him, but tonight the people he cared most about in the world filled it with their loving presence. His sister; their grandmother who sat, wiping the tears from her eyes and smiling her sweet smile at him; his two best friends, Mike and Jordan—who was, of course, with his partner, Keith. Also included in their circle now was Peter and his wife, Lisa, as well as Asher Davis. For the past two months, Peter and Ash had helped with all the legalities, and Peter’s father’s influence had granted them speedy approval of all the necessary permits. His contractor, Jason Mallory, and Jason’s partner, Ryder Daniels, had shown up at the party as well.
Drew moved past the groups of his friends, trying to get through them to speak with his grandmother, but to his amazement, when he got to her chair, she sat laughing with none other than Ash.
“Drew, darling, why haven’t you ever introduced me to this handsome young man before?” Her blue eyes twinkled as her lips curved in a smile. “He’s been so sweet to sit here with me, telling me naughty jokes.”
Ash took her hand and kissed it, then placed a finger to his lips. “Shh, Esther. That was supposed to be between us.” He winked, and she laughed out loud.
“You, young man, are what was known as a rogue in my day.” She winked back at him. “I’ve always had a thing for the bad boys.”
“Nana?” Drew stood, dumbfounded by the scene in front of him. Was this his fierce, independent grandmother, flirting with a man over fifty years her junior?
“Yes, dear. Can I help you with something?” She didn’t take her eyes off Ash, and for some reason that irked him. He set his glass down and crossed his arms.
“Well, no, I wanted to say hello to you and invite you down to the clinic to give you a tour.”
That got her attention. She took his hands into her little ones and squeezed. “Your parents would’ve been so proud of you, and I know that they are looking down at you and your sister with all their love.”
His heart hurt. Physically. He coughed to try and relieve the pressure in his chest, but it didn’t help. The second glass of champagne slid down his swollen, dry throat. “Thank you, Nana. I still miss them. Every single day.” Hanging his head, her hand stroked his face.
“I do too. But they are here with us, giving us strength. If I didn’t believe that, I couldn’t get up in the morning.”
Ash handed him another drink. “Go on, take it. Seems like you need it. Let go for once.”
Drew held his silvery gaze and smiled. “Thanks, man. I think I do need it, and I’ll take my lawyer’s advice.”
“Is it true that you’re actually the lawyer for that horrible woman? The one who broke my grandson’s heart?” She shot Ash a stern look, and Drew had to laugh. He patted her hand.
“Don’t worry, Nana; she hardly broke my heart. It was a simple agreement, no fighting, and in a few months we’ll be finished.”
“She was a horrible person, wasn’t she?” Nana whispered to Ash, who surprisingly, nodded his head.
A speculative gleam appeared his grandmother’s eyes. “Do you have any nice girls for him to date, Mr. Davis? Maybe your girlfriend knows someone.”
Oh brother. The last thing he wanted to do was talk about Ash’s sexuality with his grandmother, for God’s sake. He took a big gulp of his drink. Ash, however, came to his rescue.
“Mrs. Klein, I don’t have a girlfriend. I’m gay. That’s why I was so anxious to help Drew with this project, so that no one would ever have to suffer for being different.”
Nana sat for a moment, her gaze shifting from Ash to him. An unreadable look crossed her face. “I see. Well, I could never understand the fuss people make about it. I mean, why is it anyone’s business who you love? Look at those husbands and wives who kill their children. That’s who society should shame, not someone like you.”
To Drew’s shock, she leaned over and kissed Ash’s cheek. “If one of my grandchildren came and told me they were gay, I could never love them any less. Let that be a lesson to you both. Never settle for anything other than true love.” She stood, brushing off their helping hands. “Now I’m going to get a snack. Drew, don’t hover over me. Mr. Davis, I hope you won’t be a stranger.”
Ash, who’d sat frozen to his seat after her brief kiss, briefly touched his cheek. He shook himself out of his reverie, took her hand and kissed it again. “You must call me Ash, then.”
She squeezed his arm and walked away. Drew finished his drink, realizing he was a little light-headed and not caring a bit. “She’s a firecracker. And she took a real shine to you. That says a lot. My grandmother is the best judge of character.” He tracked her progress across the room as she stopped to socialize with people. Too bad he didn’t pay attention to her opinion about Jackie instead of stubbornly insisting on doing what he wanted.
Jordan and Keith pulled him away to talk to some other people. He glanced back over his shoulder and mouthed, Thanks to Ash, who stayed where he was, drink in hand.
Ash loved Lisa, he really did, but before this party was over, he’d have to tell Peter he was not interested in his wife’s gay hairdresser or decorator. There was only one man he wanted, and that hadn’t changed since they’d first met over a conference table in his office. He wanted Drew Klein in his bed and under his body. He wanted to slide into the man and bury himself, balls to the wall, so to speak. Instead he was stuck listening to her extol the virtue of her decorator’s blond hair and perfect tan, when all he wanted to touch was pale skin and soft, dark curls.
“Lisa, sweetheart. I know you mean well, but I’m not interested. I’m not into dating or relationships.” He smiled down at the pretty redhead. Her green eyes narrowed, and he braced himself for her lecture.
“Oh come on. You can’t go through life having one-night stands. I’m afraid for your health. Besides, you need someone to love. Everyone does.”
He barked out a laugh. “Oh please. Look at Peter’s friends. These men aren’t tied down. Well, except for Peterson. But you know what I mean.”
She scowled at him. “You’re laughing at me, but one day you’ll understand what I’m talking about, and you’ll want to stop this drifting through life with no meaning.”
He kissed her cheek. “I’ve been told I’m very meaningful, sweetheart—where it counts. If you want, I’ll get you references. Now I’m getting another drink; catch you later.” Ignoring her gasp of outrage, he walked away. Conversations ebbed and flowed around him, and he listened with only half an ear as he poured another vodka. Drew, he noticed, looked to be flying high and in a silly, playful mood with his friends. His lips curved in a smile. Perhaps he could end this celebration with a bang after all. Casually, he walked over to a small table by the window and slid his sunglasses behind a grouping of pots holding various cacti.
By the end of the evening, only a few people remained. Rachel had taken her grandmother home. That lady was truly a sweetheart, and she surprised him when she kissed him good-bye. “Don’t be a stranger, young man. My grandchildren and their friends stop by every Sunday to see me. I expect to see you one day.” She fixed him with a pointed look, and before he could stop himself he’d nodded in agreement.
Peter and Lisa had left an hour before to relieve their sitter, and Mike left, claiming plans for the evening. Right now the only people who remained were Drew—who was a bit drunk—Jordan, and Keith. Ash knew Jordan still didn’t trust him fully and he gave the good doctor credit for being as perceptive as he was. For a moment guilt pricked his newly discovered conscience, but Ash ignored it. All he wanted was one taste of Drew Klein, and then he’d be satisfied.
“Well, Drew, looks like you need to sleep it off, so we’re gonna go, right, Davis?” Peterson jerked his head toward he door. “Drew needs to take some aspirin and go to bed.”
He’d make sure Drew would go to bed, but if Ash had anything to say about it, the man wouldn’t be alone. “Sure. Drink lots of water, Drew, and we’ll see you Monday for the grand opening.”
Drew threw his arm around Ash’s waist. “Yeah. Thanks for all your help. And boy does my grandmother love you, Ash. Couldn’t stop talking about you.” He pushed back the dark curls that fell over his forehead, a crooked smile transforming his face into someone young and vulnerable. Sweet. Ash swallowed hard. An unaccustomed wave of both protectiveness and lust coursed through him. He clapped Drew on the back.
“She’s very cute. Well, everyone, I’ll see you at the center. Have a great night.” He left and, after exiting the building, hung around the little grocery store across the street buying mints and gum, until he saw Jordan and Keith leave the building, get into their car and drive away.
He paid for his items, slipped them into his pocket, then left the store and hurried back across the street. He buzzed Drew’s apartment.
“Yeah?”
“Hey, it’s Ash. I think I left my sunglasses there. Can I come up and look for them?”
“Sure.” A second later the buzzer rang, and he opened the security door and took the stairs, two at a time. Within a minute he was at Drew’s door. It stood partially open and Ash pushed it wider, catching sight of Drew standing in the hallway weaving a bit.
“Come on in.” Drew extended his hand. “Look around, wherever. I’m a little wasted, so I wouldn’t be that much help in looking.”
That sweet crooked smile appeared again, sending the blood racing straight to Ash’s cock. He needed to touch this man. Soon. Ash entered the apartment and closed the door behind them both. “Why don’t I get you some cold water, then I’ll look for my glasses?”
“Sure.” Drew wandered off into the apartment, yawning and scratching his head. After getting some ice from the freezer, Ash poured Drew a glass of water. His pulse raced in anticipation.
When he returned to the living room, Ash found him lying on the sofa, eyes closed.
“Hey, Drew? I have your water.”
“Mmm, thanks.” He kept his eyes closed but smiled.
“Do you need some help sitting up?”
“Sure, yeah.”
Drew’s cat, who’d done little more than glare at him, was nowhere to be found. The air stilled as if in anticipation. Ash lowered himself to the couch and slipped his arm around Drew’s shoulders and pulled him close. He froze in shock as Drew opened his eyes and laid his head on Ash’s shoulder. “Wanna know something weird?” Drew’s mouth hovered close enough that if Ash turned his face, their lips would touch.
He swallowed, fighting the unaccustomed urge to press his mouth to Drew’s. “Sure, tell me.”
Drew’s slightly unfocused eyes met his, the sweet, irresistible smile never wavering. “When I saw you that night with the waiter, it was the hottest thing I’d ever seen.”
Oh shit.
It took all his strength of will to keep his voice calm and steady. “Really? I’d have thought you’d be shocked.”
Drew chuckled and like a cat, rubbed his face against Ash
’s shoulder. Ash half expected the man to purr his contentment and he tightened his arm around him.
“Nah. Jordan was right. It was hot. You were hot. I came home and jerked off, so I guess I liked it, huh?” The rubbing turned into nuzzling, and Ash’s blood warmed in response. Drew continued to laugh. “A little too much information, huh?” He hiccupped, closed his eyes, and settled back against Ash’s chest with a sigh.
Ash gazed down at the man virtually cuddled in his arms. What the hell was he doing? With shaking fingers, he brushed back those damp, curling dark waves off Drew’s face. Drew’s eyes opened, and though reddened and heavy-lidded, their focus remained steady on his face.
“I’m so lonely.” The green eyes closed, and Drew’s head fell back to rest upon Ash’s shoulder once again. His murmur was almost lost against the roaring in Ash’s head. “I don’ think you’re as bad as Jordan says you are. Jus’ lonely too, like me.”
Hell, he couldn’t take advantage of a man when he was so drunk. Even he wasn’t that calculating. When it came to having sex, he’d made mistakes too numerous to keep track of. More likely than not, he could fuck Drew, and they’d both enjoy it, but for the first time in Ash’s life, he stepped back and refused to take advantage of the situation. It didn’t seem right.
What the hell was he thinking?
A soft snore rent the air. With regret he looked down at the sleeping man, wishing he could stretch out and join him. For the second time that day he shocked himself. He’d never spent the night with anyone. He’d never spent more than the time it took afterward to zip up his pants and button his shirt with anyone he fucked. A yowl came from the doorway as Drew’s big black-and-white cat stalked into the room. After some growling and warning sounds, the cat jumped on the sofa, stretching out at its head, his baleful yellow eyes glaring at Ash as if he knew Ash had taken advantage of the situation.
A Walk Through Fire Page 5
