His future hung in the balance as it was, so he didn’t need to add this to his list of problems. And if Aiden really did care for him, it wasn’t fair of Marc to lead him on, not with the real possibility he’d be in Chicago in a couple of weeks, starting a new life.
He tiptoed into the bedroom and carefully picked up his clothes and shoes, made sure his phone and keys were still in his pocket, then dared a quick peek at Aiden. The man was still asleep, so Marc retreated to the living room and dressed. He considered leaving a note, but he wasn’t sure it was the right thing to do. He could text Aiden, but he didn’t know what to say.
Fuck, he felt like an idiot. He was probably making way too much of this. This was most likely a one-off and he should have known it.
He made his way to the front door, pausing at the bookcase when he saw a large box of crayons that seemed out of place, then quietly slipped out and jogged to the road. He knew from which direction they’d come, so he kept up a quick pace as he headed toward Graham’s house.
The air was cool and the sounds of the night surrounded him. He loved hearing the water. It felt so peaceful here. No wonder Graham and Sam loved living at the lake. He could definitely get used to it, too.
He finally reached his car and unlocked it, sliding into the driver’s seat. He really wanted to be back in Aiden’s arms. But that would have led to an embarrassing morning. He didn’t need another heartache. And the way he already felt about Aiden, he knew if the man looked at him with disgust this morning, it would shatter him. So he started the car and headed for home, glad he didn’t have to work that day.
* * * *
The theme song to Star Trek Voyager wouldn’t stop playing in his head, and he finally pulled himself from his sleep to grab his phone. He’d forgotten he’d changed Graham’s ringtone to that tune since he loved the show.
“Yeah?” he croaked, wondering why his friend was calling so early.
“Thank God you’re alive,” Graham barked. “Are you just now waking up?”
“What are you, the sleep police?”
“You do realize it’s almost 2:30 P.M., right?”
He opened his eyes and glanced around his room. Sunlight streamed in through the window. “Shit. Really? I can’t believe I slept this late.” Although good sex took a lot out of him. He moaned as he rolled over, his ass still sore. It had been too long since he’d been with a man. God, Aiden had felt good inside him. Not to mention those strong arms. And he seemed to like being called “Daddy.”
“Marc?”
Aiden hadn’t acted like it was weird or anything. And he hadn’t teased him for being small…everywhere.
“Marc?”
Crap. He’d let his mind wander. “Sorry. What?”
Graham sighed heavily. “I was asking if you were okay.”
“Sure. Why?”
“Because Aiden called Sam at 7:30 A.M. and wanted your phone number. Why didn’t you give him yours? You have his. Sam didn’t give it to him because he said he’d ask you first. But he told Sam you disappeared. What the hell does that mean? Did he do something? Hurt you? I don’t know him too well, but he seemed nice. But if he hurt you, so help me—”
“He didn’t hurt me, Graham. Calm down. We went for a ride on his motorcycle and then we went to his house.”
Graham stayed quiet.
“Yes, okay. Yes, we had sex. But before you judge me, isn’t that how you and Sam met? You guys fucked at a club, so don’t you dare—”
“I’m not judging you,” Graham interrupted. “Who you have sex with is your decision. Sam got the impression Aiden was really upset that you left. Said he was worried about you. Didn’t you even leave a note? Why didn’t you tell him you were leaving? Shit, Marc. This is the second time in a week you’ve run from the guy. What’s going on?”
Marc sighed. He doubted Aiden was worried. He’d probably been relieved when he woke and found the house empty. Maybe he was saving face with his friend, Sam. “Look, it was just a one-night thing, okay?”
“Mm-hmm. Doesn’t sound like it to me, but I won’t push you today. We’re heading out to pick up my dad at the home and take him for ice cream. But I need to know, can we give your number to Aiden?”
Marc thought about it. He doubted the man would ever use it—not after ignoring him for a week, then disappearing after mind-blowing sex—so why not? “Sure, you can give it to him.”
“Do you want me to pass on any messages?”
“No.” What could he say? Sorry I took off? Thanks for the greatest sex of my life?
“Okay, but you know I’m not going to drop this, right?”
Marc groaned and rubbed his temple. He knew his friend well enough to predict that Graham was going to bug the shit out of him about this. “Yes,” he sighed.
They hung up and Marc stayed in bed, not wanting to face the day just yet. Hell, it was half over, so maybe he should just stay in bed. Finding that a brilliant idea, he put on Netflix and ordered a pizza.
* * * *
By evening, he’d eaten an entire medium pepperoni pizza, downed at least four Dr. Peppers, and his bed was covered in crumbs. His body humming from all the caffeine, he opted to use it to his advantage. He tore off his sheets, tossed them in the washer, and tackled his room.
An hour later, his room was polished, vacuumed, and organized. The sheets were in the dryer and he’d started a load of darks. Still buzzing with adrenaline, he decided to attack the living room and kitchen.
A glance at his curio cabinet full of George Michael memorabilia—his friends called it his “shrine,” but whatever—told him he needed to dust there, too. He carefully took out everything on display to wash the glass shelving, then spent way too much time rearranging it all just so.
Marc had spent years collecting these things. He’d kept every ticket, brochure, handbill, and T-shirt from every concert. He even had some autographed items, including a Wham! Make It Big vinyl LP from 1984, a couple of headshots, and an Older CD from 1996. It didn’t matter that some of them came out before he was born. The first time he’d heard George Michael sing “Father Figure” when he was a kid, Marc had been hooked.
The cabinet was done and he’d cleaned the bathroom a few days before, so when he finished, he gave a satisfied smile around his place. His apartment looked great.
Now what to do? He had to make a decision about moving. It might be the right thing to do for his career, but the thought of leaving his friends and family troubled him.
Shit. If being honest, he needed to admit the thought of leaving Aiden was eating away at him. Not that he probably still had a chance with the man.
The sex had been incredible. He’d never felt a connection like that to anyone. But there was more to it. Aiden made him feel safe. Not once had Marc felt like Aiden had judged him for his “daddy kink.” Marc had never figured out why it made him so hot, but to find someone willing to share it with him, willing to accept him and not judge him, felt freeing. It made Marc want to trust Aiden with everything.
Not just sexually, either. To share his insecurities about himself, knowing he wouldn’t be judged. He wanted to give his heart to a man who would cherish it.
Something told him Aiden could be that man. He’d never felt as happy as he did in Aiden’s bed, his strong arms around Marc.
The sounds he’d heard from the lake in the middle of the night came back to him and he remembered the peaceful feeling he’d experienced as he walked to his car. He’d never felt like that about his apartment. It was a nice enough apartment. Modern, stylish, perfect for a single man. Close to downtown where the action was.
But that pull to the lake hit him again.
He put the clean sheets back on his bed and finally fell asleep around three in the morning. The next day at work would be a long one.
* * * *
It wasn’t until morning, when he looked at his phone, that he realized he’d had it on SILENT since talking with Graham. He had three texts. One from Graham and two from
an unknown number. He read Graham’s first.
We gave Aiden your number.
His gut twisted as he realized those other two were probably from Aiden. He sat on his sofa to read them.
This is Aiden. If I did something to make you run, I’m sorry.
Then an hour later, the man had sent another text.
I hope you’re okay. I would like to see you again. I’m not sure what I did, but please let me make up for it.
Aiden was still interested? In Marc? He shook his head. This didn’t make sense. He knew if he saw Aiden again, he’d fall hard, but then not only would he get hurt if he moved, so would Aiden. This connection he felt with the man would only end up hurting them both if he decided to move.
He wasn’t sure what to do. The weird thing was, his first instinct was to talk to Aiden about it. Which was odd. Usually he discussed life-changing decisions with Graham.
Marc stared at his phone, re-reading the texts. Aiden was really putting his heart on the line and Marc owed him an explanation. He sighed and thought about what to say.
You didn’t do anything wrong. I panicked.
Nothing like being truthful. Before he received an answer or could lose his nerve, he texted again.
Can you meet me for dinner?
No answer, so he slipped the phone in his pocket and headed in to work. He had only a few more days to give his boss an answer. He hoped he could figure things out by then.
* * * *
The day dragged by as Marc checked his phone every few minutes. Every time he saw that Aiden still hadn’t answered, his heart fell.
He’d completely fucked everything up and he knew it.
Maybe moving would give him a fresh start. He was so fucking confused.
About an hour after lunch, his phone vibrated and he slipped it from his pocket and read the message.
Aiden: Dinner sounds good. On one condition.
Marc shivered.
Marc: Yes?
Aiden: You. Don’t. Run.
Heat spread across his face.
Marc: I won’t.
Aiden: Where?
Marc considered for a moment and remembered the restaurant right on the edge of Wesley Lake. He’d been there a few times with Sam and Graham.
Marc: Wesley Lake Bar & Grille
Aiden: Love that place. Time?
Marc: 6
Aiden: I’ll be there.
Marc’s heartbeat raced at the thought of seeing Aiden again. Of talking through his dilemma. He still wasn’t sure why he hadn’t called Graham and talked it over with him. But something told him it was an important discussion to have with Aiden.
His desk phone rang, so he answered and turned his attention back to his job, ignoring the butterflies in his stomach.
Chapter 9
Aiden
He couldn’t get the guy out of his head, and yet, Marc kept running. Maybe the attraction was more one-sided than Aiden had thought.
But looking back on the night they’d spent together, it was more than obvious Marc had enjoyed himself. It had surprised Aiden how much he’d also enjoyed being called “Daddy.” It was hotter than he’d thought it should be. But that could be because of who was saying it. Marc was everything he wanted in a man and he’d fallen pretty damn hard, but if it meant chasing him, would it ever really work?
It excited Aiden when Marc responded with an invitation to dinner. Maybe there was a chance.
The rest of the afternoon dragged by. Sam caught him standing in the hall outside an empty room as he walked a parent and child to Room Number Three. After he closed the door, he turned to Aiden. “Out with it. You’re acting weird.”
Aiden’s cheeks heated. “Sorry.”
“What’s going on?”
He leaned against the wall. “I can’t stop thinking about him, Sam. What the hell is wrong with me? He went silent after our first motorcycle ride, then ditched me after the date. I’ve never had to chase anyone in my life.”
“Is it that? Or have you never met anyone you wanted to chase?”
Was that the case? “I don’t know. All I do know is he finally texted me and we’re meeting for dinner tonight at Wesley Lake Bar & Grille.”
Sam’s eyebrows arched. “Oh, really? So, did you ask him?”
“Actually, he asked me.”
“Hmm, so maybe he’s the one doing the chasing now?”
Aiden narrowed his eyes. “You think?”
Sam shrugged. “Looks like it to me.”
“Guess I’ll see tonight.”
And thank God when 5:00 P.M. finally rolled around, because Aiden felt so jittery he’d dropped his clipboard twice and nearly deleted an entire document. He usually loved being a nurse, but the parents today had gotten on his nerves.
With barely a goodbye to Sam, he headed home. He had just enough time to shower and change.
* * * *
He entered the restaurant, letting his gaze sweep the interior. When he didn’t see Marc, his nerves calmed a bit. He’d spent too long picking out his outfit and worried he’d left Marc waiting.
Oh, he could have played games. Make the man wait as payback for ditching him, but Aiden didn’t like games. He liked honesty. Being upfront.
“Booth or table?” the hostess asked as she pushed her large glasses up her nose.
“Uh, booth, probably, but I’m waiting for someone,” he replied as the door opened.
“Not anymore. I’m here,” Marc said, nodding at the hostess.
Aiden drank him in, hands fisting at the side to keep from touching Marc. He needed to let Marc lead for now. This was his show.
“Booth okay?”
Marc gave him a smile. “Perfect.” He gestured for Aiden to go ahead.
Becca, as her nametag stated, led them to a booth in the far corner with a window overlooking the lake. They slid in and accepted the menus from her. She took their drink order and promised someone would be by soon for their dinner orders.
“Glad you chose this place. I love it,” Aiden told him.
“I’ve been here with Sam and Graham a few times and it’s always good.” He stared across the table, pinning Aiden with those baby blue eyes. “I like the idea of being able to see the lake, too. It’s just beautiful. Peaceful here.”
Aiden couldn’t agree more. “I’ve definitely grown accustomed to living at the lake. It’s so different from the city.”
Marc nodded and finally looked at his menu.
“I’m going to get their bacon and blue cheese burger with fries.”
Marc’s nose wrinkled. “I don’t like blue cheese.”
“Well, then I’ll make sure not to kiss you,” Aiden said teasingly before realizing what he was saying. Shit. Everything was so off-kilter. He wasn’t sure what to say or not to say. Hopefully, Marc didn’t take that to mean he didn’t want to kiss him, because if he had his way, he’d already be doing that very thing.
But Marc laughed, his eyes dancing. “I guess I can put up with a little blue cheese,” he said with more than a little sass. “If you can put up with onions, since I’m ordering my burger with lots of those.”
The tightness in Aiden’s chest evaporated and he smiled. Things were evening out and he felt himself on surer ground.
After the waitress brought their sodas and took their orders, they sat staring at each other until they chuckled.
“Hey, did I imagine it or did I see a box of crayons in your living room? On a bookcase?”
“Oh, yeah. I just bought those the other day.”
Marc’s eyebrows rose. “You into coloring?”
Aiden laughed. “No. To be honest, I wanted to…figure out the color of your eyes.”
“My eyes?”
“Shit, this is embarrassing,” he said with a low chuckle. “Remember the first day we met? You mentioned your favorite crayon colors?”
Marc nodded.
“Ever since then, it’s been driving me crazy trying to figure out the name of the blue crayon that matched y
our eyes.” He knew he sounded like an idiot.
“So what color are they?”
“Cornflower blue.”
“That’s…kind of awesome, actually,” Marc said and sighed. “Look, I owe you an explanation.”
Aiden held out his hand. “I’ve been thinking about everything and I believe in honesty, so let me say something first.” Marc nodded, so Aiden continued. “As for not contacting me after the night we met, you don’t owe me any explanation. We weren’t dating, and we never said anything about getting together again. I mean, I wanted to, and hoped you would contact me when Graham gave you my number, but I realize maybe I was too pushy.”
Marc shook his head and started to speak, but Aiden held up his hand again.
“Hang on, let me get this out. Like I said, as for that week, you don’t owe me anything. But I would like to know why you left in the middle of the night the second time we met. Did I hurt you? Say something wrong?” It had killed him to wake up and find Marc gone.
“Shit, no!” Marc exclaimed. “You thought…you did something wrong?”
Aiden nodded as he leaned forward. “I was afraid after our night…maybe I shouldn’t have called you a ‘good boy’? Did that bother you? The words had just come out.” His dick twitched in his jeans as he saw Marc shudder.
His eyes appeared dark as he looked at Aiden. “No, I loved that.” His cheeks stained crimson. “In fact, I loved the whole night. I’ve never felt able to admit…my preferences…” His voice dwindled and Aiden barely heard him.
His eyebrows rose. “Then what? Was it just a hook-up? If that’s all you’re looking for—”
“It’s not,” Marc hurried to assure him. “I swear. And to be honest, I like you. A lot.”
Aiden didn’t understand. If Marc wasn’t just looking for a hook-up and he liked Aiden, then what was the problem?
Marc sighed from across the table, slumping into his seat. “The day after I met you, I found out my great new promotion now meant I had to move to Chicago. Soon.”
Aiden felt like he’d been kicked in the chest as the air left his lungs. Marc was moving to Chicago? Of course he was. Because the first time Aiden was ready to hand over his heart, the universe laughed in his face.
Everything He Wants Page 6
