Our Little Nest: Book 4 of The Two Timer Series
Page 7
"You didn't. I'm overprotective of Jamie. If that's all? I have work to do."
"Yes, thank you."
A servant cleared Adam’s untouched cup when Yuri entered the room.
“So, what do you think of Jamie, Detective Potter?”
“Well, he speaks his mind.”
“That he does. Jamie tells me you’re taking him shopping.”
“Yes.”
“Very well.” Yuri took out his wallet, removing a black credit card and passing it to Adam. “Use this card for his purchases. You won’t need to show ID. It’s like a blank check. He can buy whatever he wants.”
Adam took the credit card, which felt heavier than most plastic cards he’d held. He noticed it had no name.
“I’ve never seen a card like this.”
“Never?”
“No.”
“I see.” Yuri knew Patrick had the exact same card, yet his new lover hadn’t seen it. “Well, if the clerk gives you trouble, just call for the manager.”
“Okay.” Adam placed the card in his wallet. “Should I drive him?”
“Why not? He would enjoy the change. Now please excuse me, I have an appointment elsewhere. I’ll return in a few hours. Chen will show you out.”
“All right.” Adam rose as Yuri left the room. He heard voices in the hallway. Jamie came back into the room wearing a different top, jeans, and sneakers.
“Ready, Detective?”
“Let’s go.”
Chen directed Adam toward the exit by using Adam's gun handle out to point the way. Adam took the hint—and his weapon.
“When you use your key card, press the silver button and it will take you to the garage,” said Chen.
Jamie stepped into the elevator first. Adam followed him, using the key card, then pressing the button on the panel.
CHAPTER 9
KIss
Patrick boarded a cab to his parents’ estate. While waiting in traffic, he received a call from his mother.
“Hello.”
“Patrick, are you on your way?”
“Yes, but there’s traffic and I might be late.”
“Are you still in the city?”
“Yes.”
“Wonderful. I don’t want to worry you, but I’m a bit tired and decided to rest.”
“You’re not well? Is Father with you? Did he call the doctor?”
“Calm yourself, Patrick, I’m fine. I overdid myself preparing for the party. Shilo is with me.”
“Well, I’ll be there soon.”
“No, that’s just it. I need you to run a few errands for me in the city.”
“Anything.”
“I need you to see the caterer and sample a few desserts for me and pick your favorites.”
“Are you sure you’re fine?”
“I’m sure. You doing these things for me will help me rest better.”
“Well, my day is wide open.”
“Wonderful. Oh, and before I forget. If you need a suit, Michael Robins is in town and is staying at the Duet.”
“Michael is in town? Yes, Adam and I are getting new suits, thank you.”
“You’re welcome.”
“This weekend is going to be amazing. I know once you and Father get to know Adam, you’ll see how perfect he is for me.”
“So long as you’re happy, Patrick.”
“I am.”
“Then enjoy your outing. And charge everything to us.”
“Thank you, Mother. I love you.”
“I love you too.”
Their call ended as Patrick instructed the driver to stop. He received the text from Shilo, his mother’s woman. He saw his appointment with the caterer wasn’t until late afternoon. He checked his GPS and saw the Duet was nearby and made it his first stop.
****
Patrick walked into the hotel his parents owned. Many people greeted him like an arriving prince.
“Good morning, Mr. Valdez,” said the doorman, holding the door open.
“Welcome back, young sir,” said a greeter.
“So nice to see you, Mr. Valdez,” said a passing bellhop, who flashed Patrick a flirtatious smile.
Patrick smiled back and nodded. He shook a few of the staff’s hands as he approached the front desk, where he saw someone he wasn’t expecting.
Yuri stood at the desk watching him. Patrick’s heart hummed in his chest as his body heat ignited inside him. It was like the first time they met. Yuri noticed Patrick’s hesitance with his hands at his side and his thumb closed in his fist.
“Patrick,” he said, smiling. “So wonderful to see you again. You haven’t changed a bit.” Patrick had to force the knot in his throat that wanted to make him cry as he remembered Yuri’s words of goodbye.
“Yuri,” Patrick said in a formal tone. Yuri tilted his head and reached out to touch the face he once covered in kisses. But Patrick took a step back. Yuri expected the sting of rejection as he took a step toward Patrick but kept his hands to himself.
“How are you?”
“I’m wonderful,” Patrick blurted out, closing his eyes for a second, as he wished he weren’t so overzealous.
“You look happy.”
“Shouldn’t I be?” Then Patrick noticed people were staring. “Excuse me, but I’m here to see someone.”
Yuri stepped aside as Patrick tried to walk with composure to the desk. He took a deep breath, then spoke.
“I’d like the suite number to Michael Robins.”
The head desk clerk checked his books and gave Patrick a nervous smile. “My apologies, Mr. Valdez—but Mr. Robins asked us to call before sending anyone up.”
“Fine,” said Patrick, annoyed; but not with the clerk. He could feel Yuri’s eyes on him.
“It’s fine,” said Yuri, stepping up to stand next to Patrick. “I know the room number.” Before Patrick or the desk clerk could respond, Yuri grabbed Patrick’s hand and pulled him toward the elevator. Patrick wanted to protest, but not in front of whispering onlookers. Yuri walked him over to an elevator that a bellhop opened for them. Once they boarded and the door closed, Yuri pressed the button they needed, still holding Patrick’s hand.
“What do you think you’re doing?” said Patrick, who tugged his hand free from Yuri’s and moved to the opposite wall.
“Taking you to see Michael.”
“I don’t need your help.”
“I’m not helping you. I have an appointment with Michael myself.”
“Why?”
“Well, the same reason as you, unless—you two are having an affair.”
“What? No, he’s as old as my father.”
“Then I guess it’s for his talent in making suits.”
“Oh. What’s the occasion?” Patrick demanded, believing Yuri was lying.
“Do I need one?”
Patrick realized his mistake as he remember all of Yuri’s suits were handcrafted. “Never mind. It’s none of my business.” Patrick ran his fingers through his hair and faced forward, hoping the ride would continue in silence. Their mirror reflections made it hard for Patrick not to see Yuri, who was smiling at him.
“I miss these curls,” Yuri stated, staring at Patrick’s reflection. “You shouldn’t straighten your hair.”
Patrick gave no response.
Yuri noticed Patrick was upset. “Patrick?”
“What?”
“You’re not still mad about our break up, are you?”
“Why? Keeping score?”
“No. It’s just. . .you never answered my emails or texts.”
“That should have tipped you off that I moved on.”
“I’m glad.”
Patrick glanced at him. “You are?”
“Why wouldn’t I be? I’ve only ever wanted your happiness.”
“I am happy. I’m very happy.”
“So you say. Twice.”
The elevator dinged and the doors opened. Yuri led the way as Patrick followed from behind. When they arrived at the door, P
atrick grabbed Yuri’s arm, causing him to look at him with concern.
“Yuri.”
“Yes?”
“Did you move on?”
Yuri gazed at Patrick, wanting so much to kiss him. But he had to pick his moments and not scare his fire off.
“Yes, I have.”
“Okay,” Patrick said trying to keep an even tone in his voice.
Yuri knew his words cut him. “Come, Michael’s waiting.” They walked in silence down a long hallway. Yuri knocked on the door. When it opened, Yuri stepped aside to let Patrick enter first.
****
They picked the fabric they wanted, and Michael took their measurements. As for the style, they left it up to Michael to choose. Yuri and Patrick left the Duet together. The valet hurried to retrieve Yuri’s car.
“Where are you headed?” asked Yuri.
“I have to go to a caterer for my mother.”
“Would you like company?”
“I’m not sure—”
“Don’t you trust me?”
Patrick realized how silly he was being. Yuri moved on, like I did with Adam. He’s not a threat. Patrick thought. “Why not? I could use a second opinion.”
****
The afternoon went well. Patrick lost himself in desserts. He racked his brain over which to choose.
“How many did your mother need?” asked Yuri, drinking a cup of tea while Patrick tasted plate after plate of the sweet delights.
“I forget,” Patrick lied. “I think I should choose the best three from each category.”
“Only three?” Yuri teased.
“You’re right.”
Just when Patrick changed his mind, the caterer returned.
“Well, Young Valdez, have you made a decision?” asked the female.
“Yes, I’ll take five from each group,” Patrick announced, smiling.
“Five?” Yuri said.
When Patrick selected his choices, they left and took a walk in the local park.
“I can’t believe how many kinds of desserts there were,” said Patrick, rubbing his stomach.
“I can’t believe how much you ate,” said Yuri.
Patrick frowned at his comment.
Yuri reached over and flicked Patrick’s pouty lips, causing him to laugh.
“Stop it, I had to try them out. You weren’t tasting any,” said Patrick.
“Taste them, not finish the whole plate.”
“They were so delicious.”
“You still enjoy sweets.”
“They’re my weakness.”
“I thought I was your weakness?” Yuri reached and grabbed Patrick’s hand, bringing it to his lips, kissing the inside of his palm.
Surprised by Yuri’s action, Patrick wavered before pulling his hand away. “Yuri you shouldn’t do such things.”
Yuri didn’t seem to care as he grabbed Patrick around the waist and pulled him in, kissing his mouth without delay.
Patrick remembered the kiss, remembered the heat that owned his body. Remembered the man who swore he would never leave him. He struggled to push out of Yuri’s strong arms as their kiss grew deeper. Patrick almost fell victim to the man who broke his heart. He pushed harder and escaped Yuri’s hold. Furious that Yuri thought he had a right to kiss him, Patrick slapped the man’s face.
“What are you doing?” Patrick snapped. “You said you moved on!” Patrick tried to control his temper.
Yuri touched his jaw, feeling the sting on his cheek. “I thought I had,” said Yuri.
“You thought you had?”
Yuri took a step toward him. “Patrick—”
Patrick moved back. “No, you can’t touch me. Not like that. I don’t—belong to you anymore.”
“Don’t you mean you don’t love me?”
“I love Adam. Adam Potter is my lover now—and always.”
“Are you sure about that?” Yuri took another step toward him.
“Yes,” Patrick said, keeping out of reach, not trusting himself. “Yes, I am.” Patrick turned and hurried off.
Yuri watched Patrick leave, but knew the door to his feelings wasn’t closed.
****
Patrick didn’t know where he was going, but he wanted to be far from Yuri. He decided to walk off his full stomach and frustration.
What the fuck! he snapped at himself. I should have never—Patrick stopped in the middle of his thought when he saw a familiar face. “Adam,” he said, watching from across the street. He saw Adam standing outside a high-end fashion store. Patrick’s spirits lifted.
He must have gotten a tremendous bonus to shop at that store, Patrick thought. Is he buying me a gift?
Forgetting all about Yuri’s kiss, Patrick was about to call Adam when a blonde came out of the store holding several bags. He walked up to Adam, talking to him. Patrick didn’t recognize the blonde. But Adam seemed to know him as he took the bags and held open his jeep’s passenger door for him.
“What the fuck! Adam never went shopping with me.” Patrick uttered.
Patrick saw a cab and waved it down. He climbed into the back seat and asked the driver to wait. Adam drove past them and Patrick told the driver to follow the jeep. They arrived at a diner. The same diner that Adam took him to. Down the street from their home.
Patrick waited in the cab as Adam held the glass door open for the blonde and followed him inside. Patrick asked the driver to drop him off down the street, where he paid and exited the cab.
Does Adam take all his clients to that diner? Patrick pondered. He sighed, running his fingers through his hair, wondering if he should go home. He considered going to the diner, demanding that Adam explain himself. But then what? he mused. Adam will think I don’t trust him. He received a text from Michael. He told him if he still wanted a suit for his boyfriend, he needed his measurements. He texted back, telling him he’d send them that evening. He started walking back home when a corner grocery store caught his eye, giving him an idea.
CHAPTER 10
dinEr
Adam was dragged into over ten stores, where Jamie tried on clothes. He sat in one salon where he was subjected to listening to gossip while Jamie got his tips frosted. Several times, Adam dealt with flirting and was mistaken for Jamie's significant other. Fifteen bags later, Adam and the energetic youth exited an overpriced store. Jamie had most of his packages delivered to the penthouse.
Jamie flashed his blue eyes at Adam, triumphant. “I'm starving, let's eat, Detective."
"Can we talk while we eat?"
"Fine, you pick the restaurant."
Adam chose a diner near his office. He selected a booth in the back, so they could have privacy. A waiter Adam knew came over to take their orders.
“Hey, Adam,” said the younger man, holding a pad and pen. His two-tone hair was tied up into a ponytail that bounced when he walked.
“Hi, Nemo,” Adam responded, seeing him glancing at Jamie, who stared at his menu.
“Is Patrick joining you?”
“No, not today.”
Nemo smirked as he tilted his head. “How about Justin?”
“I’m sorry, no.”
“Oh,” he said, disappointed. “Well, what can I get you?”
“I’ll have the special, with a cola.”
“And your friend?”
Jamie looked up and smiled. “I’ll have the same, with an Oreo milkshake.”
Nemo left to place their order.
“You’re a regular here?” Jamie asked.
“It’s near my building. The food reminds me of home.”
Jamie’s eyes drifted to the window when Nemo returned with their drinks. “I’ll bring your orders once they’re ready.”
“Thanks, Nemo,” Adam said.
Jamie gave Adam his full attention when they were alone. “You seem familiar with him. Do you also fuck him?”