Desires' Guardian Page 7

  “Yeah, he was nice when I met him, and cute too,” Chase added with a grin.

  “You should see his brother. He’s even hotter.”

  Chase did a double take as he stared at Dal. Some het people were open-minded and such, but “hot” and the way his voice had dropped a little when he said it? “And you would know this how? Besides, I am not going to take advice on who’s sexy from a straight guy,” Chase taunted, waving his hand to push away such a silly thought.

  Dal’s amused laugh confused Chase even more. “Who said I was straight?”

  “But, well… aren’t you? I mean, you dated Nichelle. You had just broken up with some girl right before we met at James’s, so yeah… straight.”

  “So, you’re one of those gay guys that thinks the whole world is either gay or straight?”

  Chase thought that over carefully, considering the harsher tone in Dal’s voice. “Well, no. But I’ve never heard you mention an ex that wasn’t female, so I assumed that meant you were het.”

  “There’s this little thing between the two extremes, Chase. I’m bi. And no, that does not mean I’m confused or unsure or finding myself. I happen to be attracted to both women and men.”

  “I’m sorry, Dal. I didn’t mean it that way, honest. I didn’t know, is all. Forgive me,” he pleaded, batting his eyes as they pulled up to the garage.

  “Of course. Now, let’s get your bike so you can impress what’s his name.”

  “Adrian, Adrian Keys.” He giggled as he thought about the upcoming evening.

  “He must really be something if you’re giggling. I’m really glad what happened with you and Rhys hasn’t stopped you from looking for your Mr. Right.”

  Chase stood, frozen, as what Dal said washed over him. He was already fighting inexplicable guilt for going out with Adrian, and now Dal had to go and say something like that?

  Dal nudged him when a mechanic approached. It wasn’t Ricky, his usual guy, but some ripped, tan unknown person heading their way. Chase looked up into the bluest eyes he had ever seen. The man was about the same height as Dal, maybe an inch or so shorter, and gorgeous, even with the grease smudges on his forehead and left cheek.

  “I’m Kyler, and I’m assuming, from the way the other guys talk, you,” the big guy rumbled, gesturing to Chase, “are Manny, the owner of the sweet Sabre I worked on today.” The way he spoke was so matter-of-fact, Chase didn’t even think to correct his name error.

  “Actually, this is Chase Manning, and yes, the blue one is his,” Dal explained.

  Chase looked between the two men before his brain managed to kick in gear. “I’m Chase. How’s my baby?” He knew his lilt was in full effect, but didn’t care. The shop he used, Mickey’s, always treated him right.

  After a few minutes’ discussion, Chase thanked Kyler and paid the bill. After slipping his helmet on, he mounted the bike, revving the engine a little.

  Dal stepped up beside him, arms folded across his chest, waiting. Chase flipped his visor up and smiled.

  “That’s the grin that’s been missing lately. Glad you’ve got your bike back. Now, do you have everything you need? All set?”

  “Yes, Dad,” Chase singsonged and winked.

  “Don’t tempt me, or you’ll end up bent over my knee for the spanking you know you deserve,” Dal countered and smirked.

  Chase laughed as Dal took a good-natured swipe at him before heading back to his cruiser.

  Once Dal got into his car, Chase shot out of the driveway, back onto the street, thrilled to be riding his bike again, even if it was still freakin’ cold out. He knew he would look good tonight, and that was all that mattered.

  “Eat your heart out, Rhys. I’m going to have a great evening… without you!” Chase yelled into the roar of his bike and the wind around him.

  Chapter 8

  CHASE SAT in the waiting area at Louie’s Downtown. It was five minutes until six, and Adrian was to meet him for their first date then. He was so nervous his left leg bounced, and he caught himself, more than once, toying with his lip ring. He still wasn’t entirely certain this was his best idea. He liked Adrian, but the feeling he was doing something wrong, abandoning Rhys somehow, refused to leave him alone.

  He had taken his time getting ready after work, having laid out his clothes that morning in preparation for their date. He hoped that the low-slung black dress slacks, coupled with his favorite hunter green silk button-down and a pair of his chunky boots made him look as good as he knew Adrian would.

  Right at six o’clock the door opened and Adrian walked in, looking just as delicious as expected. Chase took a moment to peruse the lovely view. Adrian was decked out in a pair of dress jeans that showed off his form beautifully, along with a teal cashmere turtleneck and long frock coat. It made him want to throw off Adrian’s coat and run his hands over the sweater and feel the muscles underneath.

  Chase beamed at Adrian. “Hi.” Chase signed. “You look wonderful.”

  “Thank you, Chase,” Adrian signed and said. Chase was entranced for a moment by the light flush that spread across Adrian’s face.

  After letting the hostess know they were both there and ready, she led them to a small table. She handed them menus and left after telling them their server would be Carrie.

  “This is nice,” Adrian said, gesturing around the restaurant. “You come here a lot?”

  “No. I had never been here until my best friend, Jamie, got engaged. They’re going to cater his reception,” Chase explained, his mouth already watering so much at the thought of scallops he didn’t need to look at the menu.

  A moment later, their server, Carrie, filled their water glasses, set a basket of bread down between them, and took their order. Chase was fascinated with how Adrian used his hands while talking, even with people that didn’t understand sign.

  “Wonderful.” Adrian looked down for a moment before raising his eyes to meet Chase’s again. “I was surprised you asked me to dinner.”

  “Why?” Chase asked. He had noticed Adrian’s shock when he asked but had assumed it was a matter of him not being hit on by students often, ex or otherwise. Now he wasn’t so sure. “You’re handsome and smart and funny.”

  “I don’t get too many invites from cute men, not after the grades have gone out.” Adrian laughed, but his eyes retained a sense of sadness that made Chase wonder if maybe he had been used before, a concept he knew all too well from when he was younger. Not that twenty-six was exactly old, but some days it certainly felt it.

  Chase started to comment, but two things distracted him. One event was welcome. The other inexplicable one was not! Carrie arrived and placed their salads in front of them. After refilling their drinks, she quietly stepped away.

  Chase smiled at Adrian, then tasted his first bite of salad just as Rhys walked by, escorting some young guy to a table across from theirs. He nearly choked as he tried to force the bite down his throat.

  Adrian put his fork down and reached for Chase’s hand once he seemed to be breathing properly again. “You okay?”

  “Yeah,” he rasped, nodding to make sure Adrian understood him. “Just went down wrong.”

  After taking another drink, Chase glanced over to Rhys’s table, grinding his teeth when he noticed they were holding hands. Turning back to his dinner date, Chase stabbed his salad a little more viciously than he intended, furious at himself for even caring about Rhys being there.

  They didn’t talk much during the meal, Chase finding it difficult to sign and eat at the same time. The other problem was that his gaze kept sliding to Rhys and his date, much against his wishes.

  “So, tell me what you do when you’re not flirting with teachers?” Adrian asked as they sat after finishing their meals.

  “I run my own IT consulting firm, plus I help out at the Coiled Dragon.”

  “And when not doing that?” Adrian asked, a small smile making his handsome face enchanting.

  Chase grinned back at him. “You have the sexiest voice,”
he commented and winked. Chase loved how Adrian both spoke and signed. It was sexy and helped him follow the conversation better. “Hanging out with friends, dancing, reading… you know, normal things. I—” He was distracted when the man with Rhys giggled. When he looked over, he saw the little tramp touching Rhys again. God! He wanted to rip the damn twink’s hands off his. No, I don’t care what he does. He doesn’t matter to me and he’s not mine. The little voice that asked why he kept looking then was not appreciated.

  A gentle hand touching his startled Chase out of his irritated and irrational thoughts. “What is it?”

  “Nothing. I’m sorry, Adrian.”

  “No, something about that couple over there bothers you. Do you know them?” The softly spoken question startled Chase. He hadn’t realized he had been so noticeable in his distraction.

  “I—Yes, but it doesn’t matter.”

  Adrian continued to stare at him, as if waiting for something.

  “Really, it doesn’t matter. The big one over there,” he explained, gesturing with one hand. “His name is Rhys. We were an almost, once upon a time.” It was more complicated than that, of course, but he didn’t really think Adrian needed or wanted the full history.

  Adrian nodded. “Would you like to go for a little walk?”

  Chase thought it over for a moment but agreed. Once he paid for their meal—he insisted even though Adrian attempted to swipe the bill—Adrian led him outside.

  Chase slipped his coat on, then held Adrian’s out for him, smoothing the lapels down before stepping back. Adrian took his hand and tugged him down the sidewalk. It was cold out, but he was happy to walk with Adrian. Well, until he started talking again.

  “You are not truly over him, are you?” The way Adrian looked at Chase made him want to squirm, and not in a good way. His father gave him the same look when he knew Chase was going to lie.

  “I—”

  “It’s okay, Chase. I’ve seen that look before. Hell, I’ve worn it myself.” Adrian reached out and gently slid his fingers down Chase’s cheek. “You were nervous and jittery before they arrived. Since then, it has gotten worse.”

  “Maybe, but I asked you out because I like you for who you are, not for who you’re not, if that makes sense.”

  Adrian nodded. “I trust you, Chase.”

  Adrian moved slowly closer to him, tilted his head ever so slightly, and gently pressed his lips against Chase’s. He froze for a moment, and then pushed into the kiss. Adrian kept it light, and after a few moments, Chase realized he felt nothing about the kiss. When Adrian pulled away, he was disappointed, but only with himself.

  A small sigh escaped Adrian’s lips and a sad smile spread across his face. “But I think you need a friend right now, more than a boyfriend.”

  Chase gaped at him. “Seriously?” He could feel his face heat, hating himself for being so easy to read.

  “Very.” Adrian’s face suddenly split into a broad grin. “Do I still get that ride on your bike?”

  Chase started laughing. “Come on! Friends get bike rides too,” he signed and said. He took Adrian’s hand again and tugged him back to his parked Sabre.

  BY THE time Chase returned to his empty apartment, he was cold and couldn’t seem to shake the feeling Adrian might be right about waiting longer before trying to date, or perhaps even trying to ask Rhys out, not that he thought the latter would help.

  Chase dumped his bag, jacket, and helmet on the couch and headed to his bedroom, deciding a shower to thaw his freezing bones might be a good idea. Stripping quickly, he stepped into the bathroom and turned on the water to warm it up.

  After stepping into the hot shower, Chase braced himself against the wall with his hands and let the water pound on his back, warming him as it loosened his tense muscles. His mind drifted to how Rhys had looked earlier that evening. How his powerful body had stretched the fine material of his chocolate button-down, his rich auburn hair tied back in the little ponytail Chase’s fingers always itched to pull free. And, God, how he moved set Chase off. He almost prowled, with such power and grace he was certain there were large cats jealous of his sensuous movements and innate power.

  He grabbed the body wash and lathered up his chest and abs, trying to ignore the fact his cock had taken an interest in his musings. As he continued to wash, his mind again focused on Rhys, but this time on their one night together. To how delicious Rhys’s skin had tasted and felt beneath his teeth and tongue. The sounds the man had made as he filled him again and again.

  Before he realized what he was doing, he’d wrapped his right hand tightly around his erection. Giving up on doing otherwise, Chase poured a little conditioner into his hand and took long strokes from base to crown, giving a slight squeeze and twist to the head. Continuing to pleasure himself, Chase let his desires free.

  Picking up speed with each stroke, Chase leaned against the wall, widening his stance. He tweaked one nipple, then the other, pinching and rolling, dragging more groans out of himself. Eventually he cupped his sac, tugging and squeezing the way he liked, both adding to the pleasure and keeping him on the edge of bliss.

  Pulling harder and faster, Chase pictured Rhys’s lips wrapped around his throbbing cock—the heat and wetness of the shower became the inside of Rhys’s mouth. At the last moment, Chase dropped his hand to massage and tease his opening, pressing in just as his orgasm hit, the pleasure overwhelming him as wave after wave of thick cream spurted into the running water. Chase didn’t stop stroking himself until every drop was out and his skin felt too sensitive to continue.

  Not wanting reality to invade his perfect high, Chase quickly rinsed and dried off with his eyes closed, attempting to keep the image of Rhys, blissed out and covered in his own come, clear in his mind. Chase climbed into bed, wrapped himself around one of the large pillows, and settled on the thought of how warm and content Rhys had looked as he drifted off to sleep.

  THE NEXT morning, Chase got up early, knowing James, Dale, and Vaughn would arrive soon for breakfast. He was both glad and disappointed Simon wouldn’t be there, but he figured he would not have to listen to any “told you sos” about picking his own date from the others. But then, his choice of dates had bombed too, but for a very different reason than Si’s choices always did.

  His mind flashed back to the night before, when Adrian had kissed him. The man had soft, gentle lips. Lips that under normal conditions he would have loved to nibble and kiss until they were swollen and red, but the only lips his mind seemed to conjure when he thought of passion and heat were Rhys’s. Of course, that brought to mind his shower from the night before.

  Annoyed at the warmth spreading throughout his body, Chase willed his rapidly hardening cock to lie down and behave. When that didn’t work too well, he reminded himself of the guy on Rhys’s arm at the restaurant, hoping to squash the longing he still felt.

  Trying, again, to push such thoughts away, Chase started pulling out the ingredients for his cinnamon vanilla french toast, as per the text requests he’d awakened to find that morning. He was just pulling out the bacon and juice when he heard the first set of rat-a-tat-tats on his front door. He realized he was wearing only a pair of threadbare jeans as he opened his door.

  “Oh, man candy and breakfast? My fave,” Vaughn teased. “Still think you need to get one of these pierced,” he continued with a smirk and reached out to quickly pinch one of Chase’s nipples before ducking past him and fleeing into the apartment.

  Chase hissed at the touch—they were both still a little sensitive from how rough he’d been on them the night before. “Hey, those are not for you to play with,” Chase growled back, playfully chasing Vaughn through the apartment.

  “Now, now, boys. Play nice.” Dale followed them inside and looked around, then quirked a brow at Chase. “Where’s James? We are never here first.”

  “Seems you are today. Jamie texted me earlier, so I know he will be here soon. Now, why don’t one of you go set the table while I get the bacon cooking
and finish the toast,” Chase instructed. He said the same thing every time they came over to eat.

  After a moment, Chase heard the stereo go on in the living room. Before long, the sounds of “Madness” by Muse surrounded him, and he found he was dancing while cooking.

  By the time he was plating their food, James arrived. They all sat down and started eating immediately.

  “So, how was the date last night?” Dale asked.

  Chase frowned, not sure he wanted to discuss his problem with them, even if they were his best friends.

  “Oh no, that bad?” Vaughn leaned over, giving him a half hug. “Was the guy not nice to you or something?”

  “No, nothing like that. Adrian is really very sweet. He’s smart, funny, and patient. He didn’t even tease when I messed up some of my signs,” Chase added with a tiny smile. “He’s great, but… not for me?”

  James set his fork down before speaking. “What went wrong, then, Chase? You were so excited about this one. It’s not still Rhys, is it?”

  He winced at the sound of Rhys’s name. Chase could tell they all caught it too. “The damn man had the audacity to show up at Louie’s with anoth—with some boy.”

  The three other men looked at each other, and if he didn’t know better, he would swear Dale smirked.

  “Thought you said you were over what happened and he hadn’t hurt you. You want to add anything to your story?” Jamie added, picking his fork back up and taking another bite of french toast.

  Chase’s gaze snapped up to meet James’s. “I told you before he didn’t hurt me, but even now that I know he lied about what he thinks of me and my appearance, it wouldn’t work. And don’t any of you,” he added quickly, pointedly staring at each man in turn, “think you know better than me on this one.”

  “We would never presume such a thing,” Dale said, his tone so serious Chase knew he was being mocked. Dale was never that serious, ever!

  “Humph! I’m not playing these games with you three. Now, eat up. We need to get to the shop for our final fitting,” Chase crooned, grinning at James.