“Me either. But Mackenzie says it’s all necessary. There’s even an ice cream maker. At first, I didn’t think it was needed. But I have fun trying out flavors with it.”
“You have an ice cream maker? I’m going to have to get a closer look at your kitchen,” Alex said.
“I thought I would have to turn the hose on you and the Berkus brothers, from the way you all were carrying on. It’s just a house.” Leslie straightened, grabbed a cloth, and wiped his hands.
Alex stood, gesturing to the car. “And this is just a car.”
“After all the hard work I did, how can you call it ‘just a car’? This is a work of art.” The outrage was plain on Leslie’s face.
“Exactly. To you it is. That’s the same way I feel about finding a house and renovating it. Aristotle loves the character of the bones inside, and furniture. His brothers appreciate it too.” Alex watched him, waiting for him to think about what he’d said.
Leslie continued to wipe his hands, but Alex could tell he was working through the idea.
Leslie put the cloth over his shoulder, then nodded. “Put that way, I can see the correlation. But there is no way a house could compare to this beauty.” Leslie ran his hand over the side of the car. “I’m going to get her ready to paint. Then she will be as pretty outside as she is inside.”
“You keep saying ‘she’. I always thought of it as a ‘he’.”
“Uh-uh. Cars have personalities, and this is definitely a ‘she’. She’s a diva, too, knowing she’s sexy and all fly.” Leslie closed the hood. “Let’s take her for a spin.”
Alex glanced around at all the items Leslie had brought to fix his car, then at the man. “I guess once the painting is done, you’ll be removing your things.”
“Nope. I’m leaving them in case I have projects I need to work on when I sleep over here.” Leslie wiped the side of the car.
Even if Leslie had taken away his things, it wouldn’t have meant the end of what they had. Still, hearing he was leaving them made Alex feel elated. He moved to him and touched the small of his back. Leslie turned and put his arms around his waist.
“When will you get it through your thick skull? I’m in your life, and I’m planning on being here for a long time.” Leslie kissed him gently.
Alex returned it, leaning on him. Then he withdrew from their kiss. “I already know you’re in my life, Mr. Snappy Puss. You’re sort of hard to miss.”
Alex smiled. Leslie didn’t return it. Alex’s smile faded, and his brows furrowed at Leslie’s somber expression.
“I’m thinking of this as us building a relationship, Alex.”
Alex hadn’t really thought about defining what they had.
“Damn stubborn man.” Leslie shook his head. “Getting you to admit anything is like pulling teeth.”
“That’s not true. I’m just cautious,” Alex defended.
“There’s caution, and then there’s avoidance.” Leslie studied him, then asked softly, “Who hurt you, Alex?”
He stiffened. “I don’t want to talk about it.”
“Eventually, you’ll need to.” Leslie cupped his cheek. “I’m here when you’re ready to tell me.”
Alex sighed, turned his head, and kissed Leslie’s palm. “I’m trying, Leslie.”
“I know. But I’m an impatient, selfish bastard, and I want to get to the rest of our lives.”
It scared Alex that Leslie was thinking that way. He’d already tried working on a future with someone, and it had ended in tragedy. Alex pushed away any thought about the past and focused on the now.
“Give me time, Leslie.”
“Get it through your thick skull. I’m not going anywhere. I’ll give you time, for now. And I’ll try not to push.” The wicked look entered his gaze. “Now, let’s get this baby started.” He held up the keys to the Hemi.
Alex took them, then kissed him before going to the driver’s side. In moments, he was in the car, Leslie seated beside him. He breathed out, then inserted the key and turned it. The car roared to life. The sound was beautiful to Alex’s ears. He laughed, then drove out of the garage.
“When you get to the road, gun it.”
Alex eased down the drive, then did as Leslie had requested. The exhilaration of the speed filled him with excitement. Alex tightened his hands on the steering wheel, making the left turn.
FIFTEEN MINUTES later, he returned to the garage. After they parked, he exited and looked over the top of the car at Leslie, who had also gotten out.
“The engine sounded fine to me.”
“There’s something off with the sound. I’ll jus—”
“No. We’re having an early night. You can do whatever another day.”
Leslie opened his mouth. Alex stared and he closed it, stepping from the doorway and shutting it. They straightened the garage, secured it, and headed inside. Since they were both tired, after they heated up their dinner, they ate quickly, then got ready for bed. Alex went into the bathroom, got into the shower, and Leslie joined him moments later. He kissed Alex between his shoulders, then turned him, meeting his lips. Alex opened for him, pulling him close. He cupped Leslie’s ass, flexing his fingers into the soft flesh. Leslie moaned in his mouth. Alex slid his forefinger along the line of his ass, then between the cheeks. Leslie moved into his touch, pulling his lips from Alex’s.
“Now, Alex.”
Alex reached for the lube and the condom, quickly donned the latex, then coated it with slick. He turned Leslie around, and Leslie braced his hands against the tiles. Alex moved behind him, spreading his cheeks, then pushed in before he covered Leslie’s hands on the wall. He gripped Leslie’s hands as he thrust deep and fast. Leslie clenched, making Alex’s breath hitch at the delicious friction on his erection. The water flowed over them, filling the area with mist. Alex lowered his face and rested his chin in the juncture between Leslie’s neck and shoulder. He pressed kisses along the underside of Leslie’s jaw.
“Alex,” Leslie breathed.
With a smooth glide, Alex continued to take him, alternating between slow and fast. The sounds Leslie made rose with every motion. He turned his head, seeking, and Alex met his lips with his own, swallowing the groans. The sweet pressure on his cock tightened, causing him to shake. Leslie bit Alex’s tongue, making him withdraw and hiss before going back to kissing him. In the same rhythm as Alex moved, Leslie sucked on his tongue, driving Alex to a fever pitch. He pulled Leslie tight back against his chest, rocking into his crease. Leslie shuddered as his hole clenched around Alex. Alex grunted as he came. Spent, Leslie slumped in his arms.
Alex withdrew, holding him while disposing of the condom. Then he washed them off and got out of the shower. Leslie went along, blinking and yawning. With a towel from the shelf, Alex toweled him off, then swiped at his own body before throwing the towel over the hamper and leading Leslie out of the bathroom. At the bed, Leslie pushed at Cuda until the dog jumped off the bed. Leslie climbed in, exhaling with a groan as he settled. Alex slid behind him, placing his hand on Leslie’s stomach and moving him into his body. In seconds, Leslie’s breathing slowed as he went to sleep. The bed dipped as Cuda settled at the foot.
Alex’s head was too full of thoughts for him to settle down enough to rest. In the last two months, Leslie had worked his way into his life without Alex realizing it. They spent so much time together that he knew many of Leslie’s moods and idiosyncrasies. Alex glanced down at where Cuda was resting. Even his dog had come to mean a lot to Alex. Placing his head back on the pillow, Alex wondered about how life changed in such a short time. He closed his eyes and tightened his hold on the man in his arms.
“ARE YOU rea—” Alex stopped speaking.
Leslie turned to face him as he fixed his tie. The expression on Alex’s face was a mixture of shock, lust, and awe.
“When you find your train of thought, let me know.” Leslie smirked, then returned his attention to the mirror.
He knew he looked good. The dark smoky-gray, thin-li
ned pinstripe suit with the burgundy shirt was offset by a gray tie the same color as his suit and complemented by his shining loafers. He smoothed his hair, then flicked the red tips before pulling on the ear with his piercing. Alex came into view in the mirror. In the glass, Leslie enjoyed the way Alex looked in his own dark-gray with thin pale-gray pinstripe suit, under which he wore a light-purple shirt with a rich purple tie.
“You’re sexy in this, but I think it’d look better on the floor.” Alex turned him, smoothing his hands over the shoulders of his jacket. “If only we had time for me to take you out of this suit.”
“Now you know how I feel whenever you’re in one of your suits for work.” Leslie chuckled.
“That’s why you have me naked moments after we get inside.” Alex kissed him briefly.
“Suits do look better on the floor.” Leslie stroked his finger down Alex’s tie. “We could be a little late.”
“God, I wish. But I need to be there early to make sure we are all ready for when the press arrives.” Alex stepped back. “But later, these suits will be on the floor.”
“Definitely,” Leslie agreed.
They turned and left Alex’s bedroom for the hall.
Leslie stopped. “Do you have your bag?”
“For the millionth time, yes, I do. It’s downstairs.” Alex grabbed his hand and pulled him behind him.
“Just want to make sure you have all you need.”
It was only partially true. Leslie was looking forward to having Alex spend the night at his home again. After that one time at his house, they’d been spending all their time at Alex’s place. Leslie felt this was a step toward what he wanted with Alex—a relationship. Downstairs, Alex retrieved his bag, and they went outside to Alex’s dark-blue Toyota Matrix.
Leslie stopped Alex by the car. “Wanna take the Hemi?”
“It’s finished?” Alex demanded.
“You’ve been very patient at not peeking while I did the paint job. Although I know it ’bout killed you to not look.” Leslie laughed. “Come for the big reveal.”
He led the way to the garage and punched in the code. The door slid up, revealing the shiny dark-blue car. He’d gone with another color than Alex wanted, but figured since it was in Alex’s favorite color, it would be okay. Leslie waited by the opening as Alex circled the car, running his hands along the vehicle. He traced the red decals Leslie had hand-painted on the car.
Alex returned to his side, a broad smile on his face. Leslie pulled out the papers from his inside pocket and held them out to him.
“The finished product is—” Alex accepted it as he spoke, then choked when he flipped to the last page of the bill. “Oh my fucking….” He lifted his head, then looked at the papers again, then at him. “Jesus, Leslie, this is—”
“A lot. Good tools are expensive.”
Alex was back reviewing the bill, then met his gaze again, shaking his head. “Expensive isn’t the word for it. This is—”
Leslie turned him around to face the ’70 Hemi Clone. Alex stopped speaking and stared at the vehicle. Leslie crossed his arms over his chest, waiting. He’d already seen the glazed look in Alex’s eyes. It was one he recognized well from all the clients he did restorations for. He’d learned the trick long ago to show them what they were getting before giving them the bill. The visual softened the blow of the reality of the price.
“It’s worth it.” Alex moved back to the car and ran his hand over the hood.
“And you got everything at a huge discount.” Leslie strolled to stand next to him.
Alex focused on him. “I noticed you didn’t put down all the hours you worked.”
“I offset it with the time you spent helping me out.” Leslie paused, then added, “Although without your hindrance—”
“I was helping.”
“—hindrance, I would have been finished sooner.” Leslie reached for the bill. “Wait… I’m going to amend the bill to include the aggravation of your supposed help.”
“The bill is big enough.” Alex held it away, laughing. “No matter what you claim, I was helping.”
“Hmph. So you say.” Leslie gestured to the car. “Now she’s all decked out. Let’s take her on her first official ride.” He pulled out the keys and held them out.
Alex accepted them and went to the driver’s side. Leslie got in the passenger seat. The car started with the wonderful sound of a well-made engine. Leslie smiled, not hearing anything off. They were silent as Alex pulled out and drove to the street. Alex glanced briefly at Leslie with a smile, then back to the road.
“The opening went well today.” Alex ran his finger along the steering wheel.
“Yes. Bernie was running around trying to make sure everything was working well. Bur was in his element, schmoozing with everyone who came in.” Leslie thought about the brothers, then chuckled. “Today was the first time I actually was leery of Del. In his business mode, he’s formidable.”
Triumvirate Deuce, the public center, had officially opened its doors for business that morning, and the first day had brought in lots of people—press, city officials, and those who came just to see the opening, as well as people who would be using the services the center offered. Treble Duo, the private sanctuary for those who needed help, had also opened and already had residents. Tonight was the party at Triumvirate Deuce for the press, public officials, donors to the project, and invited guests. From Del, he’d also learned they would be trying to get more money from attendees. Later, there would be a smaller, private celebration at Treble Duo where only close family and friends would be in attendance.
“You and Del have become friends.” Alex made a left turn, onto the stretch of road that would lead them to the Westlake area of town.
“Once he got past his initial peevish attitude about me taking his cars.” Leslie glanced at Alex. “Similar to you, he realized I’m—”
Alex cut him off. “A pain in the ass.”
“Ha-ha. So funny,” Leslie replied dryly, then glanced back out the window. “Del looked more at ease than he has been.”
“Yeah. Harper too. They seem to be handling whatever happened.”
“Uh-huh. Oh, the boys asked me to help them dismantle Harper’s car.” Leslie laughed.
“Why not the Escalade?”
“Rey mentioned Del was going to get him a new laptop. So I believe Del bribed them not to mess with his car.”
“Those boys.” Alex chuckled, shaking his head.
They chatted as they drove toward their destination. When they arrived, Alex immediately went to find Dustin and his team working the event. Leslie spotted the Berkus brothers and headed over to join them.
“What are you all doing here so early?” Leslie sat next to Aristotle.
“We’re here to keep Aristotle from bolting too early. He came by to show his support before he disappears when the crowd shows up.” Dante lifted his beer and took a drink.
“I’m leaving in five minutes,” Aristotle warned.
“You’re not going anywhere until Del, Bur, and Bernie make their speeches.” Lawrence glared at Aristotle.
“Like you all can keep me here.” Aristotle snorted.
“Behave, Aristotle.” Robert pushed his shoulder.
“Don’t push me, Robert. I’m here, and that’s as good as you all are going to get. I hate crowds,” Aristotle growled.
“And the Jenkins brothers appreciate it.” Robert turned his beer bottle on the table.
“Hmph. Del sending Harper for some rope to tie me to a chair so I wouldn’t leave didn’t sound very grateful. The damn man was laughing at me.”
“Because he knows the only reason you’re here is due to your warm feeling for them.” Dante tapped his finger on the table as he spoke. “The sentimentality of your kind nature—”
“Being here is bad enough. I don’t want to listen to your teasing, Dante. Shut up.”
The men around the table snickered.
Aristotle glared at Leslie. “I can’t
believe you let Alex drag you to this thing and convince you to wear a suit.”
“I came willingly and chose my clothing.” Leslie leaned his forearms on the table.
“I don’t know how you all can wear a tie.” Aristotle gestured to one of the servers, then made a round motion of his hand signaling for drinks.
“They’re not too bad. I don’t wear them often.” Leslie flicked the top of Aristotle’s open-neck shirt. “You look nice, too, in this dark-green shirt.”
“Teasing me. You must have a death wish.” Aristotle pushed Leslie’s hand away.
“Stop your whining. Man up.” Leslie laughed.
“Yes. A definite wish to be pummeled to death.” Aristotle lifted his fist.
“Are you threatening my man, Aristotle?” Alex placed his hands on Leslie’s shoulders.
Leslie glanced up at him. Alex leaned over and kissed him before pulling up a chair to sit, then turned his head to Aristotle.
“Have you thought about what I asked?”
“The answer is no. As it has been all the other times you asked.” Aristotle pushed Alex’s head out of his way. “Leslie, you better keep your boyfriend from bugging me. I’m a patient man, b—”
“You’re what?” Leslie stared at him in shock. Patient was one word he would not have equated with Aristotle.
“He really is. But his grumpy, antisocial attitude blinds you to that fact.” Alex tugged the end of Leslie’s hair. “Just like how your arrogance when you’re in Maestro mode makes someone want to deck you.”
“His patience makes him a great teacher, and that’s why he let them rope him into teaching a class.”
“They got you too?” Leslie asked.
“All of us. It’s that damn Bernie. He turns that certain look on you, and you’re agreeing.” Dante scowled, then grinned. “I want him to teach it to me so I can use it in court.”
“Like you need any more help to win,” Lawrence retorted.
Dante threw the balled-up label of his beer at Lawrence, who caught it and put it by his own bottle.
Something in Common (Dreamspinner Press Bundles) Page 70