“Oh, I love that place. I used to go there with my friends. It was easier to dance and cut loose because most of the guys were gay and wouldn’t get handsy and start dry humping you.”
“Thanks for that image,” Ben said, laughing as two children dashed by them.
“Hey, it’s the truth.” She laughed, too.
“Oh, I know.”
“You guys getting serious? He seems pretty intense.” She paused. “Hmmm. Or maybe I mean focused. He tries not to at work, I can tell, but he is always looking at you if you guys are in the same room. Very honed in.”
“All those words work. He’s an all-in person. No nonsense, straightforward.” Ben smiled as Adam came their way. “Which is a breath of fresh air. He’s wonderful.”
“He certainly is wonderful,” Chloe said loudly, smiling as Adam joined them. “Great boss and good party planner.” She gestured to the food tents. “I can’t believe you got all of this together in just a few weeks.”
“Eric knows all the right people to call, and I let him make his own budget. All the credit goes to him,” Adam said.
Chloe nodded slowly, grinning at them. “I think I’ll go let him know what a great job he did.” She gave a little wave as she walked off.
“Talking about me with other employees? We’ll have to have a private meeting about that,” Adam said.
“Will you write it up in my personnel file?”
“Oh no. It’ll be confidential.”
Ben smiled and leaned closer, kissing Adam on the cheek. “You’re doing a great job.”
“Am I?”
“Yeah. Everyone’s having fun. The food’s great. And the park is perfect for the kids.”
Adam smiled as he looked around. “I think a lot of people are a little surprised. Probably all speculating about how you’re changing me.”
“You’re changing you. I just had some ideas.”
Adam turned to the left and eyed the buildings across from the park. “What do you think of brownstones?”
“They’re fine, I guess. You mean the ones over there specifically, or in general?”
“Those. Particularly the one on the end.”
“It’s nice,” Ben said, suspicion filling him.
Adam turned to him. “I have an appointment to look at it tomorrow afternoon. I’m going to give my house to the community theater. The space they have downtown is much too cramped. Limits them sometimes. They’ll use it as lodging when needed and as a rehearsal and audition space. And they may even start dinner theater and murder mystery parties.”
“That’s great.” Ben eyed the building more critically. “So you want my opinion as someone who may live there one day?”
“Yes. I’d love for you to come with me.”
“I’ll come and give opinions.” He crossed his arms over his chest, trying to look stern. “But don’t go getting your hopes up.”
To his surprise, Adam didn’t argue. He grinned and said, “Yes, sir.”
“Isn’t that my line?”
Adam leaned over and whispered, “Not until later.” He winked and walked away, leaving Ben to contemplate his next move.
****
Four Days Later
Adam smiled as Ben came into his office, but the concern on Ben’s face gave him pause. “Everything okay?”
“That reporter doing the write up on you donating your house to the community theater must’ve followed us when we went back to the brownstone that second time,” Ben said.
“Why does that matter? I don’t care if people know where I live.”
Ben handed his phone over. “She wrote a piece about us. And she certainly didn’t contact me.”
Adam looked at the short piece, which bore the headline “Local Billionaire in Love.” He scanned the article and looked more closely at the picture of them standing outside the brownstone looking into each other’s eyes. “It’s pretty basic info. Is anything in it incorrect? I don’t see anything that isn’t true.”
Ben stared at him. “No, nothing is inaccurate. But it’s not about what she wrote.” He bit his lip, fidgeting with his tie.
“I guess I’m not really happy to have a picture of us put online without permission, but it’s happened before. All the time in fact right after my uncle died. I’m not a celebrity, but people are always intrigued by those with power and money.” He handed the phone back. “I’ll make a call if you want me to. They can pull it, I’m sure.”
“You aren’t angry?”
“Why would I be angry?”
“The headline and all,” Ben said as a blush crept up his face.
Adam came forward and took Ben by the chin. “I don’t have any problems with that headline. I am in love, and if I’d said it sooner, I could’ve saved you all this worry.”
“You love me? Really?”
“Yes. Why is that hard to believe?”
“It hasn’t been that long. And why would you love me?”
“Why? Because you’re amazing. There are so many wonderful things about you, and they’ve all made me fall very much in love with you.”
Ben tilted his head down.
“I’m not expecting anything from you. It’s your choice if you move in with me. Your choice when you say you love me, if ever.” He made Ben look back up. “But I do love you.”
Ben’s eyes searched his face, and Adam wondered if he was pressuring him too much. He started to say something else, but Ben stopped him with a kiss. When the embrace ended, Ben whispered, “I love you, too.” He backed away, tilting his head and smiling up at Adam. “But moving in … I’ll have to talk to Latte about that.”
“Oh. Well, be sure to emphasize the spacious rooms and abundance of kitty friendly window seats. And trees on the southside. Lots of birds and squirrels to watch, I imagine.”
Ben chuckled. “I’ll be sure to make a list. The three of us can discuss it over dinner.”
Adam reached out and took Ben’s hand. “I’d like that.”
A knock came at the door, and Adam looked up at Eric. “Yes?”
“Bill Raymond is down in the lobby, sir. Wants to see you.”
“Of course. Let him come up and send him right in.”
Eric nodded and went back to his desk, and Ben moved to the door. “Your father?”
“Yes.”
“Then I should get back to my desk,” Ben said.
“Stay. Meet him. The fact he’s here seems like a good sign,” Adam said, willing it to be true.
Ben looked at his phone. “It’s almost lunch. If it’s good, you two should go out. You can say hello to me on the way out. See how it goes.”
****
Ben watched Adam mulling those words over. “Don’t hurt yourself or make steam come out of your ears. It’s not that big of a deal.” When Adam raised one eyebrow, Ben said, “Well, I’m sure whatever is about to happen is a big deal, but me going back to my desk isn’t a big deal. I won’t go anywhere. If he’s here to apologize, I’d love to meet him.”
Adam nodded. “You’re right. He might not want an audience.”
Ben kissed him on the cheek. “Whatever it is, I’m here.”
“And I’m glad.”
“Seriously? He works for you?” a voice said.
Ben turned and saw a man who looked a lot like Adam standing in the doorway. He could also see Eric a little ways behind the man, his eyes wide with surprise. Ben didn’t have time to look or feel surprised. He was far too busy not punching the man for the tone of his voice.
“Yes, Dad. I told Mom all about him,” Adam said.
“All my friends are calling about this thing in the paper. It’s embarrassing,” Bill said.
“It’s not in the paper. It’s a tiny piece down at the bottom of the paper’s homepage online,” Adam said.
“He’s just after your money,” Bill said.
“He is standing right here, you know,” Ben said.
Bill didn’t even look at him. He remained focused on Adam. “I don’t want
to see anything like this in the public eye ever again.”
Adam’s jaw clenched. “That’s your problem. I can’t do anything about that. We’ll be seen together at events, and I’m sure there’ll always be someone taking pictures.”
“Pay them off. You have more than enough money for that,” Bill said.
“Why would I do that? It’s not something I want to cover up.”
Bill straightened. “Fine. Make a fool of yourself.”
“I’m finally happy. I’m in love with a wonderful man, and he’s in love with me.”
Bill looked back at Ben before he turned to Adam and said, “It’s not love. It’s just sex.”
“You can’t talk to him this way,” Ben said.
Bill rounded on him. “I can talk to my son however I want to.”
“I’m not your son. Haven’t been for years,” Adam said. “What I have with Ben is love. Real love. It can’t be bought. It’s unconditional and accepting. And forgiving. That’s what I want in my life now. Not toxic guilt and all this other bullshit.”
Bill put his hands on his hips. “I see there’s no reasoning with you.” He lowered his hands and said, “I hope you’re buying that fancy house in the picture. Your mother’s left me. Not sure where she is now, but I’m sure she’ll be in touch. You probably put the idea in her head, so you get to take care of her now.”
Ben blinked at that news, but then he smiled. “Good for her. I like her even more now.”
“You’ve destroyed my family,” Bill said as he advanced toward Ben.
Adam grabbed him by the arm and began marching him to the elevator. “No, you did that years ago. And I don’t have to put up with it anymore. I had no idea Mom was thinking of leaving you, but I’ll be more than happy to help her in any way I can, as I have been for years. Stay in touch with Jeremy so we know you’re still alive, but otherwise, I don’t want to hear from you ever again.”
Ben followed a few steps back, and Eric stood up at his desk, his hand on the phone.
Bill looked back at them as Adam punched the elevator button. “You don’t mean that.”
“I do.” Adam strode back to his office. “Eric, please tell security this man is no longer allowed inside the building.” He grabbed Ben’s hand and clasped it before turning around. “I’m done, Dad. Unless you can cut the hate out of your heart, I never want to see you again.”
Bill glared at all of them, and then the elevator doors opened. He hesitated a moment before he got on, and he kept his back to them as the doors closed again.
Adam pulled Ben into his office and closed the door. He took his cell phone out right away. “She’s probably at a friend’s house. I’ll find out.” He put the phone to his ear and waited. “Mom? Dad was just here.” He listened to her reply as he walked over to the window.
Ben sat as Adam spoke with his mom, and he pulled up the article again. As worried as he’d been it might upset Adam, Ben couldn’t believe the negative reaction Adam’s father had just had. Adam ended his call and came to sit beside Ben.
“She okay?” Ben asked.
“Yeah. She sounds great, actually. She said she’s heading to a cabin for a weekend away with two ladies from her book club.”
“Wow. Do you … well, do you think…” He wasn’t sure what he meant.
“That this was a long time coming?”
Ben nodded.
“Yeah, it’s possible.” He sat back and slid his phone into his pocket. “We’ll sort things out when she gets back. She already has a lawyer. Has found a little place to rent near one of her friends.”
Ben reached over and took Adam’s hand. “You all right?”
“Not exactly, but I will be. Especially with you by my side.” He stood and drew Ben to his feet. “Come on. I want to eat lunch in a crowded restaurant with my amazing boyfriend.”
“Are you sure?”
Adam nodded. “I’m tired of hiding and being unhappy and all the other things that wasted my time over the years. Tired of worrying about what others think and feel.” He drew Ben closer and nipped at his ear. “Just be glad I haven’t bought a ring yet. I’d be down on one knee about thirty minutes from now.” He grinned and went to the door, holding it open for Ben.
Yet? Hasn’t bought a ring yet? “You better watch the surprises. You may have to catch me one day when I faint.”
“It’ll be my pleasure,” Adam said as he pulled Ben into the elevator and then into his arms.
Epilogue
Three Months Later
Adam broke down the last box and put it on the table. He walked back over to the bookshelf and straightened the books he’d just put on the shelf.
“You know, it’s beautiful in here. No one would’ve cared about those shelves being empty,” Ben said. He set down the trays of cookies and chocolate-covered pretzels.
“I’ve been lazy about unpacking. And now you’ve finally moved in with me, I need to get all my stuff out of your way. Plus, I want it to look homey,” Adam said. He walked over to Ben and drew him close. “Want this Christmas to be special.”
“It will be. Trust me.” Ben went back to the kitchen and brought out a tin of popcorn and a stack of little plates. “Jeremy is bringing his new girlfriend. Your mom is making this orange rum cake I keep hearing about from the two of you.” He nodded to the tree. “And Latte hasn’t knocked down a single Christmas ornament.”
They both looked to where she lay curled up asleep between two presents.
“True. And I do have some plans for later that will make it extra special.” Adam ran his hands up and down Ben’s back.
“Do you?” Ben asked, wrapping his arms even tighter around Adam.
“Yeah. Have a special present for you.”
Ben eyed him and drew back. “Let’s get one thing straight right now. You are not proposing to me.”
Adam crossed his arms. “I’m not? Hmmm. I’m pretty sure I’m still your boss. Even if you did abandon me and run off to HR.”
“It was a ten percent raise. I may have a rich boyfriend, but I like my independence. Plus, there was something I wanted to buy.” Ben went over to the tree and reached behind Latte, his fingers rifling under the Christmas tree skirt. She opened her eyes and made a little noise at him, and he petted her as she stretched.
Adam stared at the tiny box in Ben’s hands, and he shifted his stance as a wave of dizziness came over him. Ben got down on one knee and opened the box, revealing a stunning brushed silver band. Ben reached for Adam’s hand and said, “I wanted you the very first time I saw you. I was overcome with lust the first time we touched. I spent an entire weekend in bed, angry at you and debating whether or not I could show my face at work ever again. And then, after all that, I actually met you. Properly. You were kind and gracious and forgiving, no matter how difficult I was. You saw past it. No matter how snarky and resentful the things I said were. I’m not entirely sure, but I think I fell in love with you the day you found out about your parents’ accident. I told you I’d help, and you looked into my eyes and kissed my hand. Said I was already helping you.” He took the ring out of the box and held it up. “Will you marry me, Adam Raymond?”
Adam went down on his knees as well. He ran his finger over the band and then extended his fingers. “Took me all this time to get you to move in here and you’ve probably been planning this the entire time.”
“I was sleeping here plenty.” Ben slid the ring onto his finger.
“Latte moved in before you did. Two whole days.”
“The moving men were coming. She’d have been miserable all caged up.” Ben lifted Adam’s hand and rubbed it against his cheek. “Is this a yes?”
Adam smiled. “Yes. Of course it is.” He pulled Ben into a deep, hungry kiss.
Ben sighed when they parted. “Didn’t mean to do it before our guests arrived, but I couldn’t have you stealing my thunder.”
Adam laughed. “I wouldn’t have. Been telling myself all week I should just be happy you’re finally he
re permanently.”
“So, it’s okay I asked you?”
Blinking, Adam said, “Is it okay? It’s so much more than okay. It’s amazing, just like you.”
They kissed again, Adam wishing they had time to go upstairs. The doorbell rang just then.
“Guess we better get that,” Ben said.
Adam stood up and drew Ben to his feet. “We should. We have something wonderful to share with them.”
The End
Find more books from author Victoria Vallo:
www.evernightpublishing.com/victoria-vallo
POSSESSION
Pelaam
Copyright © 2020
Chapter One
Already sitting at a small table in the shadows, his laptop open and fired up, Zeno watched as the chief execs filed in. Expensive designer-label suits, on the women as well as the men, not a hair out of place on any of them. Most looked grim, but a couple of the women looked as if they were anticipating the upcoming meeting.
It was hardly surprising, as Liam Williams was a man of repute, in many ways: self-made billionaire, powerful, ruthless, and sexy as fuck. But he was also a fair man. He valued his employees, even those with humble roles, and even more humble origins.
Liam was regarded as an ultimate catch, so Zeno could well imagine any of the unattached women present would hope to catch his eye, and not a few unattached men. Liam had been known to attend parties, galas, movie premiers, you name it, with attractive men as his companion. But any questions regarding his sexuality were met with his infamous freeze the blood in your veins ice-blue glare.
For a moment Zeno closed his eyes, bringing an image of Liam to mind; the man’s Norse ancestry was evidenced by hair that was just this side of white, pale blue eyes, and a close-cropped beard. With broad chest and shoulders, and a tapered waist, Liam looked like a man who worked hard to maintain his physique. And Zeno wished his fingers could explore the topography of that sculptured body.
Billion Dollar Love: Manlove Edition Page 23
