Office Advances

by Carol Lynne

  Sam’s hands went to his taped nose. He could feel the swelling and imagined he had two black eyes. “I told him I ran into a door,” Sam confessed.

  Kade stopped in his tracks. “Why would you do that?” Kade shook his head vehemently. “You can’t lie to him. Jace takes that kind of thing very seriously.”

  Sam sat up. “See that’s the thing. It wasn’t just your actions. I was as much to blame if not more, and the last thing I want is for you and Jace to fight over it.”

  Kade ducked into the adjoining bathroom. When he came back into the room he handed Sam the glass of water. Sitting on the bed, Kade seemed to study Sam. “You’re a good man. But I still want you to tell Jace the truth.”

  Sam grinned. “Maybe I should dodge his calls for a few days.”

  “No. You should probably call him as soon as possible.”

  Kade stood and looked down at Sam. “I told Lark I’d take him back to BK. You want a ride?”

  Sam glanced around the room. Even though it wasn’t his, he felt comfortable right where he was. He knew Jace wouldn’t mind if he hid out there for another day, and it might be good to keep an eye on Kade. “I’m pretty comfortable right where I am. I’ll probably sleep most of the day anyway. Do you mind if I stay?”

  “Not at all. Gets pretty quiet around here with Jace gone.”

  “Then it’s settled.”

  The ringing phone on the bedside table woke him from a sound sleep. Sam reached over without opening his eyes. “Hello,” he mumbled.

  “Sam?”

  “Hey, Jace,” Sam yawned.

  “I’ve been trying to call your cell for hours.”

  Sam opened his eyes and looked around the room. “Sorry, I think I left my jeans in the bathroom. Phone’s in the pocket.” He cringed at his nasally voice.

  “I was worried. How are you?”

  “Sleepy. The pain meds seem to really knock me on my ass.” Sam thought about what Kade had said earlier.

  “Go back to sleep, baby. I’ll call you later.”

  “No. Wait. I need to tell you something,” Sam spit out.

  “Okay. What’s going on?”

  Sam decided to start at the beginning and go from there. “Remember when you asked me to check on Kade?”

  “Yeah.”

  “Well, when I got here, all the curtains were drawn and I could tell he hadn’t bathed or shaved in several days. I asked him to dinner and he turned me down saying he didn’t need a babysitter. I said a few things that weren’t very nice and he fired back a few things. Like a kitten taking on a St. Bernard, I slapped him, and Kade retaliated with a well placed punch to my nose.”

  “What! I’ll fucking kill him. After all I’ve done for him? That bastard,” Jace continued to scream.

  “Stop it, please, just stop,” Sam pleaded. “Kade was no more to blame than me. He was ready to pack up and get down the road, but Lark and I talked him out of it. He feels terrible, Jace. Just let this one go.”

  It must have finally sunk in. “You lied to me,” Jace whispered.

  “Yes. I didn’t want to come between you and Kade. Actually, Kade’s the one who told me I had to be honest with you. I’m sorry.”

  “What else have you lied to me about?” Jace growled.

  “Nothing. I promise.”

  Sam heard Jace’s exaggerated sigh. “Look, I’ll call you later. Give me some time to process what you’ve told me.”

  “I really am sorry,” Sam said. He felt tears sting his eyes and quickly blinked them away.

  “Bye, Sam.” Jace hung up without giving him a chance to say goodbye.

  Groaning, he hung up the phone. “I’ve really screwed up this time,” he whispered.

  Two days later, Jace still hadn’t called him back. Sam couldn’t remember a time when he’d felt so low. He returned to classes among stares from his classmates, and finally went back to work.

  Margaret at the front desk gasped when she saw him for the first time since his accident. Sam shrugged and kept going. He didn’t feel like explaining his injury again. Everyone he met wanted to know what had happened. Jack had even asked him the evening before if he needed some self-defence lessons.

  Sam just wanted it all to go away. Sitting at his desk, he looked at the stacked boxes. Why was it they all reminded him of Jace? He knew it was stupid, but just looking at the boxes made him want to break down.

  What a turn his life had undergone. Now, instead of him trying to cheer up Kade, it had been the other way around.

  He was finishing his second stack of files, when a knock sounded at the door. “Just a minute,” he called. Walking over, he opened the door.

  “Oh, shit, Margaret wasn’t joking,” Tony chuckled.

  Sam rolled his eyes and turned back to his chair. “Can I help you with something?” he politely asked his boss.

  “Yeah,” Tony replied. He shut the door and leaned against a tower of boxes. “You can start by telling me what happened. Then I would very much like to know if this is the reason my new Vice-President asked for an extended vacation?”

  Sam felt like he’d been punched in the gut. “How long of a vacation?”

  “He’ll be gone until mid-May. He said he wants to tour Spain, Italy and Greece while he’s over there.”

  Quickly wiping away a tear that escaped, Sam looked down at the floor. “Just long enough for me to finish the semester and head home. You’re right. It’s all my fault.” He went on to tell Tony about the disagreement with Kade that led to his broken nose as well as the lie he’d told Jace.

  When he was finished, he wiped away a few more tears. “If this is what love feels like, you can keep it.”

  Tony walked over and squatted in front of Sam’s chair. “So you do love him.” It wasn’t a question, more of a confirmation.

  “Yeah, stupid me. I’ve tried calling him several times, but he won’t answer.”

  Placing his hands on Sam’s knees, Tony leaned forward until Sam finally looked up. “Unfortunately you’ve done almost the worst thing possible in Jace’s eyes. When he was with Kade, he heard lies day in and day out. I honestly think in his mind, Kade was trying to save Jace the heartache. But the fact remained, he still lied. About stupid shit, too. He was afraid to tell Jace he was into the rougher stuff as far as sex was concerned, so he cheated. When he’d get home with bruises, he’d tell Jace he got into a fight, or fell off his motorcycle…”

  “Or ran into a door,” Sam interrupted. He looked Tony in the eyes. “I haven’t cheated. I would never do that to him.”

  “I know. The problem is, he doesn’t, and he’s the one who’ll have to figure that out.”

  “Maybe I should quit? That could be one of the reasons Jace asked for the time off.”

  Tony stood. “I’d really prefer you stayed. I was planning to ask you to work full-time over the summer. If Jace has a problem with you working here, he’ll need to get over it.”

  “I’ll think about it.”

  “Please, do.” Tony gave Sam a quick hug and left.

  For another two days, Sam waited for a call. He’d finally promised Tony he’d work until the end of classes and then make his decision. Tony said he understood. They both knew everything depended on Jace.

  He’d come to the realisation that if what he thought was happening really was, there would be no way he could continue to work for Bianchi Bytes.

  It was past quitting time and Tony and Daniel had asked Sam to join them for dinner. He rode up the empty elevator and knocked on Tony’s door.

  “Come in,” Tony called.

  Sam opened the door and was surprised to see Tony was alone. “I thought Daniel was meeting us here?”

  Tony started laughing. “Yeah, well he tends to lose track of time. I hope you don’t mind if we run by the college and drag him from the studio?”

  “No, not at all.” Sam found his eyes wandering to Tony’s phone. “Um…do you mind if I try to call Jace from your phone? He won’t take my calls, but I really need
to talk to him.”

  “Sorry, Sam, but I can’t give you that kind of permission. That would feel like betraying a friend.” Tony ran his hand through his hair and stood. Slipping on his suit jacket he turned to Sam. “I’m going to check out the building before we leave. Feel free to sit at my desk while I’m wandering. I should be back in about fifteen minutes.”

  Sam heard the message loud and clear. “Okay, I’m sure I’ll find something to occupy my time.”

  He saw Tony grin as he exited the room. With the door closed, Sam picked up the office phone and punched in Jace’s number. He knew it was late in London. Shit, it had to be around midnight.

  Sam crossed his fingers.

  Jace was in mid-laugh when he picked up the phone. He finished his conversation before he greeted his caller. “…save my place, Dave. I’ll be right back. Hello?”

  Sam froze, as his throat went dry. Feeling like ten kinds of fool, he quickly hung up.

  Running out the door, he headed straight to the restroom where he proceeded to throw up. By the time he’d composed himself, he heard Tony calling for him. Sam wiped his face with a wet paper towel and looked at himself in the mirror. “You idiot. You’ve been mooning over someone you never really had.”

  Tony stuck his head in. “You ready?”

  As Sam studied his reflection he knew he had two choices. He could sink into the pit of despair along side of Kade, or he could pull himself up and go on, even if it would be a charade.

  “Yeah, I’m ready.”

  Chapter Ten

  “So you really did it, huh?” Tony asked.

  “Did what?” Jace zipped his suitcase and transferred the phone to his other ear.

  “Broke up with Sam.”

  Jace released the suitcase and stood. “Not officially. I just need some time away. I told you that when I asked for the vacation. I’m headed to Athens this afternoon as a matter of fact.”

  “Is that what you told Sam last Friday? That you just needed a little time?”

  Looking around the room for anything he’d forgotten, Jace shook his head. “Stop talking in circles. I haven’t spoken to Sam in almost two weeks.”

  “Really? Because I know he called you last Friday night.”

  Jace suddenly remembered the phone call he’d received. If that was Sam, and he heard… “Shit.”

  “Jace?”

  “It’s nothing. I got a call on the hotel phone, but the person hung up.” Jace sat on the bed.

  “Well, whether you broke it off or not, the vultures are circling. And I’d suggest you either get your ass back here and claim what’s obviously yours, or let him go.”

  “Are you telling me he’s already seeing other people?” The thought turned him cold.

  “I don’t think so, but he’s changed in the past week. I can’t really put my finger on it, but he seems kind of…hollow. It’s like he’s going through the motions but that’s it. And there are definitely a few guys who’re showing interest.”

  “Thanks for calling, Tony. If I don’t get moving I’m gonna miss my flight.”

  Tony sighed into the phone. “You’re making the mistake of a lifetime. See you when you get back.” Tony hung up and Jace felt like throwing the phone across the room.

  The thought of Sam kissing someone made him feel sick. On the other hand, the fact that Sam could kiss someone so soon after what they’d shared made him feel sick.

  Even though the urge to fly back to the states was strong, Jace pushed it away. He decided he’d call Sam when he arrived in Athens. “Damn it!” he shouted to the empty room.

  “Come on, Lark, don’t look at me that way,” Sam whined as he put on his tightest pair of jeans. “It’ll just be for a little while, I promise. I need to get out and forget about Jace, at least for one night.”

  Lark ran a brush through his hair. “I think it’s a bad idea. You’re too on edge lately. I never know if I should duck or give you a hug when you walk into the room.”

  Sam caught a glimpse of himself in the mirror. Yeah, he’d definitely changed. A broken heart tended to do that to a person. He thought about the call he’d received from Jace earlier in the day. When Jace’s name flashed on his display, Sam had automatically hit the off button. He hadn’t the heart to talk to him. He knew Jace left a message, but he hadn’t been up to listening to it yet.

  What could his ex-lover have to say? Sorry, but I’ve found someone else? No, Sam knew he couldn’t live through hearing that. Sitting on the bed, he pulled his cowboy boots on. He planned to do plenty of dancing and drinking in the next few hours.

  “Ready?” he asked Lark.

  Lark rolled his eyes. “I’ve never been to a place like this. What if they laugh at me? I mean, look at me. I don’t belong in a place like Lucky’s.”

  Sam studied his friend and roommate. “Mind if I help?”

  “Help what?” Lark asked, taking a step back.

  Reaching out, Sam took off Lark’s glasses. “Wow. Your eyes are amazing without these covering them. Do you have to wear them to see everyday stuff?”

  Lark shook his head. “They’re more like reading glasses, but I’ve worn them so long I feel naked without them.”

  “Let’s leave them at home for one night. Now, about your hair…”

  As soon as they walked into the bar, Sam grinned. Yep, this was just what he needed. He and Lark were already gathering interest, and they hadn’t even sat down. He looked over his shoulder at his friend. “Come on. I see an empty table.”

  Lark took a seat across from him and Sam shook his head. “I still can’t believe the transformation. You’re hot,” he chuckled.

  Lark scowled and adjusted his shirt. “I can’t believe you destroyed my clothes.”

  Sam grinned. He’d taken an old pair of Lark’s jeans and cut strategic holes in them to show off his best feature, his ass. The shirt had been easy to modify. Sam had simply cut off the arms and some of the length, leaving enough to tempt men with the site of Lark’s pierced belly button. Who on earth would think a nerd like Lark would have piercings?

  When Sam had questioned him, Lark told him he was raised in a very open and free environment. He didn’t go into details and Sam didn’t ask. Obviously it was a sensitive subject.

  After downing his first shot of whiskey, Sam started to feel more comfortable. Whiskey did it to him every time. He had two more shot glasses in front of him and reached for his second of the night.

  “Don’t you think you should slow down?” Lark asked, sipping his hard cider.

  “No, not really. I’m here to forget. What better way?” Sam tipped the tiny glass and let the light brown liquor slide down his throat. He hated the taste and it burned like hell, but it seemed to be doing its job.

  A good-looking man walked up to their table and seemed to study them both. “Either of you care to dance?”

  “Sure,” he replied and slid out of the booth. “I’m Sam,” he said as he led the way to the dance floor.

  “I’m Christian,” the blond Adonis whispered in his ear.

  Sam turned and was immediately enveloped in the much bigger man’s arms. “Nice to meet you, Christian.”

  As they moved to the music, Sam could feel the alcohol quickly moving through his system. He closed his eyes and pretended his dance partner had dark brown hair and deep brown eyes.

  Sam didn’t know how many songs they’d danced to, but they’d taken a break to drink a few more shots. Lark had tried to get him to leave after his fifth drink, but Sam was feeling no pain and had refused.

  So far, Christian had been fairly harmless. His hands had roamed Sam’s body, but when the big man tried to kiss him, all it took was a no, for Christian to retreat.

  He needed this, to be held, touched, even if by a stranger. At least he felt something other than heartache.

  “I think it’s time to get you home,” a deep voice said from over his shoulder.

  Sam tried to look behind him and started to fall. Damn, he guessed he was a
little drunker than he’d thought.

  Kade’s strong arms caught him before he fell on his face. For a moment there seemed to be a sort of power struggle between the two men. When Sam heard another voice enter the foray, he struggled to concentrate. He knew that voice.

  Tony was chest to chest with Christian, as Kade easily swung Sam into his arms. “So sleepy,” he mumbled against Kade’s chest.

  “I’ll get you home, Sammy.”

  As Kade started weaving through the crowd, Sam felt the room begin to spin. “I think I’m gonna be sick,” he panted, drawing in deep breaths.

  “Lark!” He heard Kade yell. “Bathroom, now.”

  He felt his stomach tighten as the bile rose. “Gonna,” he managed as Kade pushed through the bathroom door.

  “Get lost,” Kade said to a couple in one of the stalls. Kade set him in front of the stool as Sam began to throw up.

  Kade held Sam’s hair back with one hand, as he kept him from falling over with the other.

  He felt a cold paper towel land on his forehead as the last of the undigested alcohol left his stomach. “God I’m never drinking again,” he whined.

  “That’s what they all say,” Kade chuckled.

  Sam looked up into Lark’s concerned face. “Something to wipe my mouth.”

  Kade took over holding the paper towel to his forehead as Lark retrieved another one for Sam’s mouth. “Thanks.”

  “I hope you’re not mad I called Kade. I knew you didn’t know what you were doing and I wasn’t big enough to get you to leave.”

  All Sam could manage was a grunt, but he patted Lark’s foot.

  “Are you sure you’re finished?” Kade asked.

  “Mmm hmm.” He was quickly picked back up into Kade’s arms. Closing his eyes, Sam drifted as Kade carried him out of the bar.

  They stopped moving and Sam heard other voices join them. He managed to open his eyes. Tony and Daniel were looking at Sam with worried expressions. “I thought I saw you,” Sam mumbled.

  Tony opened the back door of his sedan. “We were having dinner with Kade when he got the call.”