“It’s a gift.” Rhodes settled against the seat, glancing at the passing scenery.
“One that could get your mouth in trouble.”
“There are many things to do with mouths.” Rhodes focused on Taggart’s profile.
“Is this the dirty talk part of the date?” Taggart glanced at him briefly, then back at the road. “I’m good with it if it is.”
“You need to feed me first.” Rhodes winked. “Then we’ll see what kind of dirty we can get into.”
“I can do that.” Taggart met his gaze again before turning his attention back to the road. “For our food, I’ll need your expertise. I decided to take you to my house after the boxing match and make you a meal. But first, we’re going to the farmer’s market on Wayne Street to get food for us to prepare.”
“Us? I’m the date and you should be cooking for me,” Rhodes teased.
“The way I was raised, if you want to eat, you have to help cook. Unless you’re excused by your host. I’m the host, and you’re going to help me cook.”
“Fine.” Rhodes put his hand on Taggart’s thigh. “But I’d better be compensated for my time.”
“Solicitation of sexual favors is illegal.”
“There are many positions that should be deemed illegal, but that would be a shame.” Rhodes clicked his tongue. “A damn shame.”
“That’s true.” Taggart made the same sound with his tongue, before he spoke again. “There are many things that, if they were made illegal, I’d have to break the law to have.”
“Coffee. God, I couldn’t live without it.”
“Definitely can’t live without the elixir that is of heaven.”
“‘Elixir that is of heaven’?” Rhodes stared at him, eyes wide. “Now I know I should be driving, because you are obviously drunk.”
“Not driving my car.” Taggart glanced at him, smirking, before going back to the view of the road. “I’ll have you know, I’m quite a wordsmith. I don’t do crossword puzzles like you do, but I do know some really good words. Big ones too.”
“I like crosswords and they tease my mind. It gives me the same thrill when I beat the puzzle that you get when you beat everyone in Scrabble.”
“Thrill is a minor way I feel. It’s fun when I outsmart those I play with and use a word they have to challenge to look up.” Taggart chuckled.
“Well, I’m going to have to challenge you on the usage of elixir. The true meaning of the word is in reference to a sweetened liquid that usually contains alcohol. Neither of which coffee is.” Rhodes paused. “Well, one thing, it is sweet. That first cup is so good going down.”
“What are you, a dictionary? I don’t mean elixir literally, but figuratively.” Taggart made a “hmmm” sound. “And yeah, that first cup is a sweet elixir in the morning. Yes, I am repeating it because I like how it sounds.”
“But you’re wrong in the use of it. For example—” Rhodes settled in for a debate on words.
TAGGART DROVE as he debated with Rhodes on words and their usage. They continued their flirting and discussion all through the drive, as well as sporadically during the boxing match. When the match was over, they walked with the rest of the crowd toward the exit.
“Look over there.” Rhodes gestured.
Taggart glanced to where he pointed. He spotted the couple, then met Rhodes’s gaze.
“How much do you want to bet Theron doesn’t know Aristotle is stepping out on him?”
“That’s a sucker bet.” Rhodes shook his head. “I’m not stupid enough to take it.”
“Let’s go say hi.” Taggart started moving through the crowd in that direction.
“You just want to mess with them.” Rhodes spoke behind him.
“Of course.” Taggart came up behind Aristotle before shifting behind the other person and leaned over. “You know you shouldn’t be here.”
She jumped, then turned to him. “Taggart, are you trying to give me a heart attack?” Kira Longoria glared at him briefly and grinned. “You know you’ve always had a special place in my heart.” She put her hand on his chest.
Aristotle faced him too and rolled his eyes. Taggart studied the woman, who was Theron’s mother.
“Trying to sweeten me up to not tell Theron you’re at a boxing match isn’t going to work.” Taggart kissed Kira on her cheek.
“Rascal. What’s it going to take for you not to tattle on me and Aristotle?” Kira wiggled her eyebrows. “Aristotle can pay you.” She moved over to Rhodes and gave him a hug. “You’re not going to tell.”
Rhodes grinned but didn’t reply. He kissed her cheek and whispered something in her ear too low for Taggart to hear. Kira laughed and swatted at Rhodes.
“Devil. Trying to get me into more trouble.” She peeked at Taggart, whispering, “Call me when you order the match.”
Rhodes winked. Kira chuckled again and moved back closer to Aristotle.
“I’m not paying him. He’s welcome to tell anyone he wants to.” Aristotle smiled. “Kira and I are enjoying a boxing match; that is all.”
“At least you don’t look like you brought any vacuum cleaners, so maybe it wasn’t so bad.” Taggart exchanged a look with Rhodes.
“Christ, is Theron telling everyone about my unfortunate incident with the vacuum?” Kira spread her arms. “I’m just a passionate woman when it comes to sports. The vacuum cleaner incident was years ago. I haven’t broken one with my exuberance in years.”
They all laughed at the explanation of her wrecking a vacuum cleaner because she got enthusiastic about a sports program. Although he’d never witnessed it firsthand, Taggart imagined it had to be a very interesting sight to watch the delicate looking woman get destructive. From what Theron had said, it was epic, what she did to wreck the vacuum. His family only wished they had a picture of Kira breaking the vacuum on tape.
“True, but the TV one was a few days ago. From what I heard it was even more entertaining than the vacuum one.” Taggart chuckled, remembering Aristotle describing his experience watching a wrestling match with Kira on the day after Thanksgiving.
Kira winced and looked guilty. “I didn’t break it. Dented it a little.” She gazed at Aristotle. “You don’t blame me, do you?”
“Of course not, Kira.” Aristotle grinned. “I got it on tape, and I’m planning to debut it for our Christmas late-night meal.” Aristotle looked between Taggart and Rhodes. “Are you two coming together?”
“Yeah. What’s up? Are you two involved now?” Kira smiled, clearly wanting to change the subject off her.
“Nosy people. It’s none of your business,” Rhodes said firmly.
Taggart met his gaze, then returned his attention to Kira and Aristotle. “I thought you agreed with Theron to not feed Kira’s sports addiction.”
“I agreed not to let her watch in the house anymore. In public like this she can’t do too much damage.” Aristotle smiled. “The seats were bolted to the floor, and she can’t get them loose.”
“I’m not that bad.” Kira grinned sheepishly. “Besides, I know how to behave in public.” She paused, then she added, “Sometimes.”
They all laughed. They chatted a little more and eventually parted ways. The crowd had thinned by the time they made it to Taggart’s car.
“Farmers market, then my house.” Taggart looked over the top of his car at Rhodes, who was standing on the passenger side. “You do realize telling Aristotle something is none of his business won’t work on him. If he wants to find out what’s going on, he’ll find a way.”
“Yeah, but I figured that if Aristotle really wants to know, he’ll ask you about it. He’s known me long enough to know he wouldn’t get anything from me if I don’t want to talk about it.” Rhodes grimaced. “Lawrence, on the other hand, won’t ask but will use it to aggravate me.”
“I’d say I feel sympathy, but I don’t.” Taggart tapped the roof. “Let’s get going. I need to have you home before nine o’clock.”
They got into the car and on their way
to the market. The easy conversation between them continued on their shopping trip, and later at Taggart’s place through preparing their meal and eating. At twenty minutes to nine, Taggart pulled up in front of Rhodes’s house.
“Back home and before your Skyping with your parents.” Taggart unbuckled his seat belt.
“Yes.” Rhodes opened his door and got out.
Taggart exited his car and waited for Rhodes by the open door. Rhodes stopped in front of him, a small smile on his face.
“What?”
“It wasn’t such a bad date after all.” Rhodes leaned closer.
“I would say something, but my momma taught me to behave.” Taggart leaned toward him. “It stuck some of the time.”
“And others?”
“I forget all I was taught.” Taggart chuckled. “It comes and goes.”
“Losing your mind, huh? That comes with old age.”
“We’re the same age.”
“You’re a few months older.” Rhodes clicked his tongue. “Older men are so sexy.”
“Smart-assing even at the end of the date. The correct way to end a date is to be kind, gentle, and sweet.” Taggart’s lips twitched.
Rhodes snorted and they both started to laugh. They leaned against each other, chuckling. Taggart thought of their date. They had laughed a lot. He found he enjoyed hearing Rhodes laugh.
“You like my laugh, huh.” Rhodes smirked.
Taggart blinked, not realizing he had said the words out loud. He shifted, sliding his arms around Rhodes’s waist and pulling him closer. Rhodes moved, Taggart knew, just like himself. If Rhodes didn’t want to, he’d have never gotten him to. His giving in made Taggart’s cock harden. Taggart sensed the strength within Rhodes and knew it would be a formidable match to his own. His mind filled with images of Rhodes pinned below him as they sparred. Taggart moaned, pressing his lips against Rhodes’s. He opened and Taggart licked inside his mouth. The taste of the coffee they’d had before he brought Rhodes home filled his mouth. Pulling him flush against his body, Taggart slid his hands down to cup Rhodes’s ass. Rhodes released a harsh exhalation, his breath filling Taggart’s mouth. Taking the sound in, Taggart lifted his head, leaving a miniscule gap of space between their lips.
“I like your sounds too. Even when you snort.”
“I like your snotty know-it-all tone. Like you’re using now,” Rhodes whispered against his lips. “But there is a time for kissing and talking. Shut the hell up.” Rhodes gripped his hair and closed the space between them.
He pushed in his tongue, moving it aggressively against Taggart’s. Not one to back down, Taggart met him lick for lick and suck for suck. He didn’t give in and neither did Rhodes. The hard hold Rhodes had on his head made Taggart want to strip him bare and fuck him. He clenched his hands on Rhodes’s butt, yanking Rhodes against him. Taggart rocked against the bulging erection pressing against him. Rhodes widened his legs, rubbing his erection against Taggart’s. Suddenly Rhodes stopped their kiss, lifted his head, and pressed his forehead against Taggart’s shoulder. Harsh breaths came from him. Confused, Taggart rubbed his hands along his back. Soon Rhodes lifted his head again and met Taggart’s gaze. Taggart licked his lips at the stark desire in Rhodes’s eyes.
“I really want to fuck you. But not yet.” Rhodes kissed him gently, pulling back a few moments later.
Taggart held him and leaned forward to kiss him. Rhodes opened up and Taggart kissed him thoroughly before he lifted his head.
“Why not yet?”
Rhodes shrugged but didn’t respond. Taggart wanted to know and opened his mouth. His watch beeped. Knowing what that meant, Taggart sighed and released him.
“Ten minutes to your call to your parents.”
Rhodes lifted his hand and looked at his watch, then at Taggart. “You set a reminder on your watch.”
Rhodes’s disbelief made Taggart shift and start pulling his hand away. Rhodes caught his wrist again and held it.
“I didn’t want you to be late. I know it’s anal, but I don’t like to miss something if I promise to do it.” Taggart growled, then spoke again. “Let me go.”
“Don’t get all growly when we can’t do anything about it.” Rhodes kissed him hard, then spoke again. “Thanks for setting the reminder.” He lifted his hand and kissed Taggart’s wrist, then squeezed it gently before releasing him.
Taggart looked down between their hardened flesh, then at him. “I don’t see why we can’t do anything about them.”
Rhodes laughed and shook his head. Taggart debated for a moment about overpowering Rhodes and kissing him senseless. It would be fun and hot, but from what he knew of Rhodes, once he had his mind made up it was useless to try to change it. Rhodes stepped back, placed his fingers in the loops of his jeans and arranged his hands to frame his package. He walked backward, that small smile of his on his lips.
“Smart-ass and now a tease.” Taggart made a tsking sound. “The list of your faults keeps growing.”
“One man’s faults are another man’s accomplishments.” Rhodes winked. “I’m good at both, by the way.” He stopped. “I’d take my time and taste each and every part of you.” He deepened his voice. “Make you squirm. Lic—”
“Shut the hell up.” Taggart bared his teeth. “You’re trying to get me riled up.”
“Trying?” Rhodes lifted an eyebrow.
“It’s obvious you succeeded.” Taggart rubbed against the wet spot on his jeans.
Rhodes partially lowered his eyelids. “I should take you inside.”
“But you won’t. I don’t know why.” Taggart took a step toward him.
Rhodes lifted his hand and he stopped.
“Bastard.”
“I’m not going to tell my ma or pa you said that.” Rhodes smiled. “On our movie date that I’m taking you on, I won’t make you cook. I’ll take you out to dinner.” Rhodes turned and walked toward the steps.
“You didn’t ask. A true gentleman would ask.”
“He would. But I already told you I’m not one.” Rhodes stopped at the steps and looked back at him. “Let me know your schedule and we’ll pick a date to go.”
“I’ll call you later.”
“Good. I was going to tell you to text me to let me know you got home safe. Call me at eleven. I’ll make sure to be off the phone.” Rhodes stared, wetting his lips. “Drive safely, Taggart.”
“Night.” Taggart paused, then said, “I go home all the time from here. This is the first time you wanted me to text you.”
“I wasn’t dating you before. I am now. So when we part, and if I’m not taking you home, I want a call or text when you arrive.” Rhodes gestured to his watch. “It’s like you setting a reminder. I’m anal about knowing someone who has been with me on a date got home safely.”
“You are a gentleman,” Taggart teased.
“Humph. You keep believing such a thing.” The look Rhodes gave him wasn’t at all gentlemanly.
Taggart leaned against his car and waited. Rhodes looked at him questioningly.
“I’m also anal about my date getting home safely. I want a call or text too. But this time, since I’m here, I’ll wait here until I see that you’re inside.” Taggart gestured. “I’d walk you to the door, but my control isn’t great right now, and I don’t know if I’d be able to leave.”
“You do know I can take care of myself.” Rhodes smiled. “Just as I know you can do the same for yourself.”
Rhodes inclined his head and went up the stairs. When he was at his front door, he turned his body slightly and lifted his hand before opening his door and going in. Taggart straightened off his car, opened the door, and got in. His cell beeped the tone for an incoming text. Taggart frowned, picked up his cell, and hoped he wasn’t being called in. He was looking forward to speaking with Rhodes at eleven. He read the screen.
Be good. Speak with you at eleven. ~ RW
Taggart typed his reply. Even if I said I would be, you wouldn’t believe me. So I’ll try to
be good. I’ll call you at eleven. ~ TM
He put his cell down and started his car. It would take him about an hour to get home, and that would give him enough time to relax before calling Rhodes. Taggart glanced at his still-hard cock under his jeans.
“No phone sex. That’ll only make me more frustrated. We’ll take care of you before we talk.” Taggart shook his head and looked through the windshield. “God, he has me talking to my dick. I really am losing it.” He gripped the steering wheel and headed for home.
Chapter Three
TAGGART WHISTLED as he headed to work, striding across the garage toward the elevator. He stopped walking and whistling when he realized what he was doing. The time he’d spent with Rhodes these last few weeks had been fun and at the most inopportune times—especially at work where he was known as a hard ass—he would find himself smiling or whistling. He composed his face and continued. The vibration of his cell made him pull it out and look at the screen as he walked. He fought a smile when he saw the text was from Rhodes. Taggart glanced up, and seeing the elevator was open and being held, he jogged forward and nodded his thanks to the uniformed officer holding the door. The man returned the gesture. Taggart moved toward the back of the partially full elevator before reading the message.
If something comes up and you have to cancel on me again for our movie, I’m going to make you make me dinner. And this time I’m not helping cook. ~ RW
From their conversations since their first date and texts, Taggart knew he was teasing. Rhodes understood that work sometimes interfered. Even though it had been only five days since their last date, Taggart was looking forward to seeing Rhodes. Even more so than he had been two days earlier when he’d had to cancel their date. This time he hoped nothing came up.
Taggart typed his reply. I don’t have a problem cooking for you but we both know you’ll banish me from the kitchen. You’re a little intense when you cook. ~ TM
Taggart recalled when they had attempted to prepare a meal together at his house. Rhodes had taken over and he’d been told to sit and drink a beer, which he did because he enjoyed watching Rhodes in the kitchen. He moved and looked as if he knew what he was doing. Taggart’s phone vibrated, bringing his attention back to the present.
Something in Common (Dreamspinner Press Bundles) Page 89