by Ally Blue
She is definitely laughing. Adrian stared at the intercom in bemusement. Before he had more than a few seconds to puzzle over it, however, the door flew open and Greg bounded out.
“Hi, Adrian.” Greg walked over and stood beaming at Adrian. “Wow, you look amazing.”
Adrian’s cheeks flushed. He smiled at the appreciative gleam in Greg’s eyes. “Thanks. So do you. Carolina blue’s a perfect color on you.”
“Thanks.” Greg gave Adrian’s jacket sleeve a tug. They descended the steps together and headed toward Raleigh Street. “Thank Christ for the gay fashion gene, huh?”
Adrian laughed, his nervousness evaporating. “I’m afraid I missed out on that one.”
“What? No fashion gene?” Greg clutched at his chest in feigned shock. “How the hell do you dress yourself?”
“Maybe you haven’t noticed, but normally I don’t bother.”
Greg shot him a fierce frown. “You’ve been running around naked and I didn’t notice? Shit, I need to get my eyes checked.”
Snickering, Adrian pushed the button for the “walk” signal at the intersection. “You know what I mean. I’m hardly fashionable most days.”
“Point. Not that it matters. You could wear a trash bag and still be the hottest guy in the room.” Greg plowed on before Adrian could let that process enough to embarrass him. “So how’d you put this smokin’ outfit together? Luck?”
“This old thing?” Adrian ran a hand down the front of his deep burgundy silk shirt and snug black pants. “My brother picked out the shirt. Said it brought out my coloring.”
“Is your brother gay?”
“No.”
“What? A straight boy with good fashion sense?”
“He says he picked it up from shopping with girls. Which kind of makes sense, since he’s been a serial monogamist since eighth grade.” Adrian grinned at Greg as they crossed to the other side of the road. “Who knew you had all these preconceived notions about straights and gays?”
“Hey, everyone needs a flaw. This is mine.” Greg stuck his hands in his jacket pockets and heaved a long-suffering sigh. “It’s tough being almost perfect.”
Adrian snuck a sidelong glance at Greg’s ass, which looked far more than almost perfect in his form-fitting dark gray pants. “Almost.”
The smoldering look Adrian got in return made it uncomfortable to walk, but he didn’t care. It was worth it to be able to stroll through the cool fall evening with Greg by his side and know that, for tonight at least, he could have Greg all to himself.
They reached Top of the Hill with five minutes to spare. The place was packed, with people waiting at the bar and in the line of chairs beside the door. The hostess led them to the small table they’d reserved next to the window. Through it, Adrian saw the balcony—empty in the October chill—and beyond that, the lights of Franklin Street.
“Good thing you made us a reservation,” Adrian observed as he settled into his seat. “Looks like the whole town’s here tonight.”
“It’s always like this. Most popular date restaurant in town.” Greg arched one fair brow over the top of the wine menu. “It’s the romantic atmosphere.”
Adrian didn’t blush, for a wonder. Must be getting used to his flirting. “It certainly is romantic.” He pinned Greg with his very best seductive look. “But I think that has more to do with the company than anything else.”
To Adrian’s delight, desire flared in Greg’s eyes. He leaned forward, head tilting sideways just slightly. “Adrian, I do believe you’re right.”
Mesmerized, Adrian stared at the soft curve of Greg’s mouth. God, those lips looked so enticing in the low light. The urge to lean over and kiss them pulsed through Adrian’s blood.
Not here. Not now. Later, maybe.
The arrival of their waiter kept Adrian from dwelling on the possibilities of later, for which he was profoundly grateful. It wouldn’t do to daydream about kissing Greg while sitting across the table from the man. Especially if he wanted a chance at kissing Greg for real. And God, he did, even though the thought made him sick with mingled anticipation and fear.
Greg ordered a bottle of Pinot Grigio. The two of them sipped the wine and talked while waiting for their dinner order to arrive. The anxiety Adrian had suffered earlier had vanished, and he felt completely at ease with Greg. Which amazed him, considering his usual difficulties when it came to connecting romantically with men.
Of course, they hadn’t yet touched on any topic more difficult than classes, Chapel Hill and the haunted house.
Stop borrowing trouble. You usually don’t get this far, you know. Just relax and enjoy yourself for once. Nodding to himself, Adrian drained his wineglass.
Greg gave him an amused look. “Okay there?”
“Yes. Fine.” With a bright smile, Adrian planted his elbow on the table and plopped his chin into his hand. “So, you were gonna tell me about that weird play you were in last spring?”
Grinning, Greg picked up the wine bottle and refilled both their glasses. “Yeah. It was written by a student who graduated year before last. It’s called—”
“Oh my God. Greg?”
Frowning, Adrian straightened up and turned just in time to see a blur of blond hair and black clothes rush at Greg and throw a pair of long arms around him. Adrian tamped down the instant surge of anger and jealousy. It wasn’t like he had any right to feel it. He raised his eyebrows in silent question.
With an apologetic look at Adrian, Greg pushed the boy gently but firmly away. “Hi, Trey. This is my date, Adrian Broussard. Adrian, this is Trey Grover.”
Trey turned an ice-cold turquoise gaze on Adrian. “Oh. You’re dating?”
Do not rise to the bait. Adrian forced himself to smile and hold out his hand instead of growling. “Hello, Trey. Nice to meet you.”
“Hm, yes.” Trey gave Adrian a brief, limp shake before swiveling around to beam at Greg like a lighthouse beacon. “So, where’ve you been hiding? I haven’t seen you in a while.”
“I’ve been pretty busy. Classes, the haunted house.” Greg’s gaze caught Adrian’s, and the heat there was unmistakable. “Other things.”
Trey glanced between the two of them. His lips thinned, and Adrian knew he’d caught Greg’s meaning. Adrian found himself absurdly grateful for that.
“Yes. Well.” Leaning far too close to Greg, Trey ran a fingertip up and down his forearm. “Call me, huh? I miss you.”
Adrian watched Trey sashay off, narrow hips swaying, and shook his head. He was still angry, but mostly because the other man had obviously made Greg uncomfortable. “He’s kind of clueless, huh?”
“You could say that. We went out once, and that was once too many for me.” Greg touched Adrian’s hand. “I’m sorry he interrupted us. He’s a total self-centered prick.”
“It’s okay.” Adrian stared into Greg’s eyes, struck by a thought he’d had more than once in the past two days. “Why did you ask me out?”
Greg’s eyebrows shot up. “This isn’t about Trey, is it? Because trust me, he can’t hold a candle to you in any way whatsoever.”
“No, it’s got nothing to do with him.” Adrian glanced at the man in question, who was leaning against the bar flirting with a handsome man in a dark blue suit. “I’ve been wondering that ever since you asked me.”
“I thought we cleared that up the other night.” Greg took a sip of wine. “I asked you out because I like you.”
Adrian smiled at the warmth in Greg’s voice. “I believe you. But you’re talented, good-looking and popular. And obviously there are dozens of guys who’d fall all over themselves at the chance to go out with you. Not all of them are like Trey, I’m sure. So why do you want me, in particular?”
Greg studied Adrian’s face. “Truth?”
“Yes.” Adrian’s pulse sped up, but he held Greg’s gaze without flinching. Always best to know the truth, however ugly it might be.
Setting his wineglass down, Greg leaned on his elbows. “At first, I just w
anted you because you’re ungodly hot. But when I told you I wanted you to fuck me, and you pushed me away? That did it. I couldn’t stop thinking about you.”
Adrian let that digest for a moment. It still didn’t make any sense. He frowned. “What?”
“You wanted me as much as I wanted you. Any other guy would’ve had us both in bed with his cock up my ass inside five minutes. But not you.” Greg flashed a grin that made Adrian’s insides turn somersaults. “What can I say? You’re different. It intrigues the hell out of me. Makes me want to know more about you.” Reaching across the table, Greg took Adrian’s hand and wove their fingers together. “And here we are, out on a date. I’d say this is the perfect opportunity to learn all about each other, wouldn’t you?”
Adrian made himself hold Greg’s gaze and not stare at their intertwined hands. God, he was holding hands with Greg, in a crowded restaurant, where everyone could see. Everyone around them would know instantly that they were more than just friends. The knowledge excited and terrified him.
“You’re absolutely right,” he heard himself say, and the calmness in his voice surprised him. “What would you like to know?”
The sudden mischievous sparkle in Greg’s eyes made the butterflies in Adrian’s stomach—which had settled down during the walk to the restaurant—flutter to life. “What’s your favorite sex toy?”
“Greg!”
“Sorry, sorry, I couldn’t resist.” Greg squeezed Adrian’s hand, then let go and leaned back in his chair. “There’s one thing I’ve been wondering, for real.”
Adrian eyed Greg with caution. “What’s that?”
“Well, don’t take this the wrong way, but why’re you here instead of State? Isn’t that the place to go for physics?”
“I’m here on the Voltner Scholarship.”
Greg’s brows drew together. “The what now?”
“Dr. Voltner’s a theoretical physicist working for NASA. He got his degree here, and decided to offer a full four-year physics scholarship each year in order to encourage other physics students to study here. I had to promise to go on to get my doctorate, but that fit right in with my plans so it wasn’t any big deal.” Picking up his wineglass, Adrian took a sip. He held the tart wine on his tongue for a moment before swallowing. “What about you? What’re your plans for after graduation?”
“Broadway, what else? The roar of the greasepaint, the smell of the crowd.” One shoulder hitched up in a careless shrug. “I think my parents are still hoping I’ll change my mind.”
“Why?” The second he said it, Adrian wished he could take it back. Sometimes he forgot that not everyone appreciated his bluntness. “Sorry. That’s none of my business.”
Greg looked surprised. “No, that’s fine.” He lifted his glass and swirled the wine around, watching the light glint in the pale liquid. “The theater’s not an easy business to break into, and it’s not an easy life. They worry, that’s all.”
“Oh.” Adrian studied the angle of Greg’s jaw, the curve of his mouth, the way his long lashes cast shadows on his cheeks. “I can see that.”
Greg’s gaze caught and held Adrian’s. He smiled, gray eyes shining with something Adrian couldn’t name but which started a warm glow deep in his belly. “Well, my dad worries. My mom thinks I’m subconsciously picking a career that’s stereotypically gay because I’m unsure of my sexuality.”
“Wow.”
“You said it.” Greg took a long swallow of wine. “Oh well, she’s a psychiatrist. A banana’s never, ever just a banana, you know?”
Adrian laughed. “What about your dad? What does he do?”
“He’s a writer.”
“Really? What does he write?” Adrian lifted his glass to his lips.
Greg waited until Adrian had a good mouthful before answering. “Romance.”
Adrian just managed to swallow instead of spraying Greg with Pinot Grigio. He coughed into his napkin while Greg chortled.
“Very funny,” Adrian wheezed once he got his breath back.
Greg flashed an unrepentant grin at him. “Hey, you’re the one who thought it was so surprising for a man to write romance novels.”
“Touché.” Adrian drew a deep breath, which prompted another, albeit shorter, coughing fit. He rubbed at the center of his chest. “It was a surprise, but it’s also pretty cool.”
“I think so.” Tilting his head sideways, Greg leaned forward in his seat. “So, tell me about your family.”
Adrian smirked. “Well, I believe you already know about Sean.”
Clasping his hands in front of him, Greg affected a high, feminine voice. “Oh my God, Sean Broussard is soooo hot!” Greg rolled his eyes. “No offense, but if Sandy doesn’t shut up about your brother I might have to hurt her.”
Sandy Ward wasn’t part of the haunted house group, but she was a good friend of Greg’s and a huge fan of Auburn football. Apparently she’d fallen head over heels for Sean and felt the need to tell Greg all about her feelings. Constantly. At great length. Greg was not best pleased by this and had already told Adrian so more than once. Adrian laughed out loud.
Greg leveled what was probably supposed to be a stern glare at Adrian. “All right, that’s enough of that. Tell me about the rest of your family.”
Adrian took a drink of wine to give himself a moment to think. Although really, what was there to think about? He had nothing to hide when it came to his family. And there was no reason he would be obligated to tell Greg about his psychokinesis tonight.
He tried not to think of the fact that he and Greg were unlikely to be together long enough for the subject to ever come up. That was a negative thought, and he’d promised himself he’d remain positive tonight.
“My mom and dad got divorced when I was eleven,” Adrian began. “Wasn’t pretty, but it turned out to be a good thing. My mom’s remarried to a very nice man. My dad’s also remarried to a very nice man, finally.”
Greg’s eyes went wide. “Your dad’s gay?”
Adrian grinned, pleased that he could surprise Greg so thoroughly. “Yes.”
“And he’s married to his partner?”
“Yeah. He and Sam have been together for ten years but Alabama only passed the law allowing gays to marry last year, so they’ve only been married a few months.” Adrian saw Greg doing the math in his head and coming to the correct conclusion about what had prompted Adrian’s parents’ divorce. Adrian hoped Greg was too polite to bring it up, but decided to try and steer the conversation away from that topic just in case. “I know my dad and Sam didn’t always have an easy time of it, but I’m lucky because they were always there to support me when I came out. I don’t think I ever would’ve survived high school without them.”
The sweet, open expression that made Adrian’s stomach flutter softened Greg’s face. Setting down his glass, Greg took Adrian’s free hand in both of his. “I’m glad they were there for you, Adrian. And I’m glad you’re here now, with me.”
The feel of Greg’s skin against his nearly overwhelmed Adrian’s senses. The room blurred until he couldn’t see anything except Greg’s face.
And he’s only holding my hand. God, what would sex with him be like?
Adrian intended to find out. Not tonight. Not tomorrow night. Hell, probably not this week, or next week. He wanted to get to know Greg first. He had no intention of collecting notches on his bedpost, and he certainly did not want to be a notch on anyone else’s. But if they kept seeing each other, if they continued to enjoy each other’s company as much as they did now…
Oh yes. Adrian had every intention of learning what Greg sounded like when he came.
Twisting his hand in Greg’s grip, he wound their fingers together. “So am I.”
By the time they left the restaurant the temperature outside had dropped at least ten degrees, the predicted cold front slinking in on a stiff breeze. Remembering how good it had felt to hold Greg close before, Adrian used Greg’s shivers as a reason to wind an arm around his shoulders as the
y walked. Greg pressed against him, left arm sliding around his waist. They both knew the cold was only an excuse, but for once Adrian didn’t care. He liked the warmth of Greg’s body at his side, the way Greg’s hip bumped and swayed against his as they walked.
Turning his head, Adrian dared to nuzzle Greg’s silky curls. They smelled fresh and clean, like he’d just washed his hair. Greg hummed and rubbed his head against Adrian’s face like a cat. Adrian laughed. He had no idea whether to blame the wine, Greg or his resolve to let go of his own reins for a change, but he felt freer than he had in years. Possibly his whole life.
When Greg’s dorm came into view, Adrian slowed his pace. He didn’t want the evening to end. There would be other dates. He had no doubt about that. But Greg fit perfectly beneath his arm, and he didn’t want to let go yet.
Greg pulled him aside into the shadows just before they reached the steps to the dorm door. His arms slipped around Adrian’s waist, pulling their bodies flush against one another. “Adrian. I know I promised not to try anything, and I won’t, but…” He brushed Adrian’s cheek with his. “I want you so much right now. I don’t want you to go.”
Adrian swallowed against his hammering heart. “I…I want you too.”
Greg’s breath huffed against Adrian’s ear. “Come inside with me. My roommate’s staying with his girlfriend tonight.” His palms splayed open on Adrian’s back, fingers digging in. “God, I really want to be alone with you.”
The naked desire in Greg’s whispered words made Adrian’s knees weak. He rested one shaking hand on Greg’s hip and cupped his cheek in the other, forcing him back until they could look each other in the eye. Even in the near-dark, the fire in Greg’s eyes came close to destroying Adrian’s resolve.
“Not tonight.” He traced the line of Greg’s jaw with his fingers. “I’m sorry.”
Greg let out a breathless laugh. “Can’t blame a guy for trying, huh?”
Adrian ran his thumb across Greg’s lips. They felt incredibly soft. Heart fluttering like a hummingbird’s wings, Adrian leaned closer. Greg’s gaze caught his, eyes heavy-lidded and full of heat. Sliding his hand upward, Adrian tangled his fingers into Greg’s hair and brought their mouths together.