Designs of Desire

by O'Riley, Tempeste

  A few moments later, James felt something being placed into his hands. “Take the ends in your hands. Nothing happens that you don’t want, baby. As long as you keep a hold of the scarf, I will keep making love to your body, but if you let go, I stop. No questions, no hesitation. If you need me to stop, let go.”

  James couldn’t find his voice so he simply nodded his agreement. He wasn’t sure about being restrained by agreement, but he wanted, no needed, Seth so much he was willing to do almost anything right then to be with him.

  “Good. Now, stretch out completely and let me have a little fun,” Seth murmured against James’s lips.

  Seth’s thumb brushed James’s nipple as he dug in the drawer next to the bed, searching for the supplies he needed.

  James writhed beneath him, every touch drawing out little mewling sounds. He tried to follow Seth’s movements, but his eyes were glassy with lust and his brain only focused on pleasure and Seth.

  Seth tossed the lube and condoms beside James and straddled him again. “Calm down, baby. I promise you’ll like this.”

  James wanted to wrap his hands in Seth’s hair and his legs around his waist, but he couldn’t move his legs as he hung on for dear life to the silk that he had now wrapped around his hands, needing a better hold. He didn’t want any of it to stop!

  Seth kissed him again as he opened the lube. Whimpering, James watched Seth’s every move.

  “I want you to watch, but don’t come. Just watch me.” Seth then slicked his fingers and rose above James. He slowly slid two fingers into himself, a small smile tugging at his lips as his eyes closed briefly.

  James couldn’t help but raise his arms as if he would reach down to Seth, but the tug from the scarf reminded him that he couldn’t touch. He had never wanted to touch anyone so badly as right then.

  He was drowning in the heat as he watched Seth add another finger and stretch himself.

  Seth moaned, working his fingers deeper, in and out of his body. James knew what he planned. Why else would he prepare his own body for penetration, but James couldn’t make it fit within his experience. He didn’t top. Ever.

  Slowly, Seth withdrew his fingers with a moan. He grabbed the condom and quickly rolled it down James’s beautiful cock, taking extra care to use plenty of lube and draw out the strokes a little before he crawled forward.

  “Seth?” James whispered, barely able to force out enough breath to make himself heard.

  “Shh, baby. Just let me love you.” He positioned James’s cock at his entrance and slowly pushed down, forcing his body to open and accept his lover within. Seth paused when James felt his head pop inside. Seth seemed determined to draw it out, to make this last.

  Squirming, James gasped and wrapped the scarf around his hands, pulling his body taut beneath Seth’s assault.

  Sinking down, Seth leaned forward and braced himself on James’s chest. He didn’t move right away. Small tremors ran through James’s body as he tried to be good for Seth. James moved underneath Seth in a sudden, sharp jolt, and begged, “Seth, please. I. God. Move!”

  With a slight chuckle, Seth moved his hips so he slid up and down James, taking him all the way in and then pulling up until only the crown was still inside. He continued to move up and down, grinding when he hit bottom.

  After a few long moments, James joined in, pistoning upward as Seth thrust himself down, to increase the power and pleasure to them both. Every couple of thrusts James realized his cock tapped Seth’s prostate, as he would lose his breath or shout and after only a few hits, he was slamming down with such abandon that James was certain he would feel it for days. James would too, from the bruises caused by Seth’s fingers and body slamming into his, not that either man cared.

  Seth’s cock leaked, and he could feel his orgasm building. From the strangled cries, it was obvious that James also struggled to not climax.

  Seth sat up and grabbed his cock, only pumping twice before he cried out, coating James’s stomach and chest with his come. He wasn’t even done decorating his lover’s body with his seed when James arched up, screamed, and came inside Seth.

  As they collapsed together, Seth wrapped his body around James, and they drifted together on their orgasm high. Both utterly sated and complete—together.

  Blinking, James smiled, and a sensual yet slightly confused look crossed his face as he finally seemed to focus on Seth.

  Before he could speak, Seth bent up and nipped his bottom lip. “Don’t let go yet, James. I’ll be right back.”

  Seth then carefully shifted, and James’s now spent cock slid out of his body. Seth removed the condom, then moved slowly over to the ensuite and returned with a warm, damp cloth to clean James; he had tended to his own mess already, James noticed. He tossed the cloth back toward the door, but chose to settle against James’s side instead of climbing back on top.

  “Let go, baby. I want to hold you,” Seth murmured. He pulled James’s arms down and helped him turn on his side.

  “Seth?” James began.

  “Yes.”

  James sighed and stretched before he replied. “Wow” was all he managed to say. He wanted to ask Seth why he’d done it, tell him how amazing he’d felt, or even tell him how much he loved him, but he was afraid to voice his thoughts—afraid that he wouldn’t want to hear what Seth said in reply.

  With a chuckle, Seth nuzzled into James’s neck again, simply breathing in his shy lover. “Wow, indeed. You felt… amazing, pet.” He shifted to rest his cheek against the top of James’s head and closed his eyes.

  “Rest, baby. We can talk about all the things rattling around in your head later. I’m not going anywhere.”

  James gave a satisfied sigh, snuggled into Seth’s side a little tighter, and drifted off, thinking of nothing but how much he loved the man holding him and how he never wanted him to leave.

  “WAKE up, baby. You’re going to be late if you don’t get up now,” Seth said while he gently shook James.

  “Mmm, don’t wanna get up,” James nearly whined. “Someone kept me up all night.”

  “Smart ass,” Seth said with a chuckle. “Get up and eat your breakfast. We both need to get going.”

  Once James finally sat up, the sheet pooling sensually around his bare waist, Seth moved the tray across his lap. “You need to eat,” Seth instructed. He leaned forward to place a gentle kiss on his lips before lifting a piece of melon to James’s lips.

  James pulled back slightly. “I can feed myself, Seth.”

  “I know that, now eat up, baby,” Seth countered, again placing the melon to James’s lips. With a put-upon sigh, James opened his mouth and accepted the sweet food. Seth stayed next to James and fed him until the plate was empty. Then they got up and ready for their respective days.

  “Don’t forget, I will pick you up at your office, James, and we can get lunch before the meeting at my office. Sandy is driving me crazy about getting you to possibly help with one of her other projects. I’m not sure what it is, but if you’re not careful, we may just steal you away from that design firm you work for now.”

  With one last kiss, James and Seth headed to their cars and back to their work lives.

  “JAMES, could you come here for a moment?” Carl Archer, James’s senior manager, inquired shortly before lunch. He was standing in the hall near James’s office.

  “Sure, just a moment.”

  James quickly stood and once settled on his crutches, followed Carl out into the hallway. Seth stood next to Carl, decked out in one of his dark suits. He looked good enough to eat, James was sure of it. Or maybe just worship with his body for a few hours.

  A slow smile spread across Seth’s face as he took in James’s surprise. “Hello, again.”

  “Um, hi, Mr. Burns,” James replied. He was at work and Seth was a client, after all.

  “James, Mr. Burns here was just telling me about how pleased he and Carrington Enterprises are with your work. He also mentioned that his buyer, Zach Macey, has purchased some of
your work from one of the local galleries. Hell, I didn’t even know you had any art in any of the galleries around here.

  “Anyway, the point is that Seth wanted to make sure that his business and personal relationship with you, outside what he has employed us for, will not cause you any concerns at work. We do have rules about freelancing with current customers, but he has assured me that Mr. Macey’s purchases were through the gallery and that neither he nor you realized the purchases were for Carrington until afterwards. Is this correct?” Carl asked. Though James could see he was not upset, he wondered about why they were discussing this out in the hall instead of in either of their offices.

  “What he said is correct, sir. Mr. Burns seemed surprised that the buyer was his own decorator when we arrived at Britt’s gallery. Not all the paintings he bought and commissioned are for Carrington, though,” James explained. He was unsure of the comment about their personal relationship. Carl knew he was gay and didn’t have an issue with him, but as Seth was a client, he worried that Carl would think it inappropriate.

  “Yes, he explained that as well. Relax, son. I don’t have a problem with all this. We don’t produce the kind of artwork he explained was purchased so there’s no argument about propriety.”

  As Carl spoke, Seth moved to stand beside James. He gently placed his hand on the small of James’s back to show support and to help calm him a bit.

  “James,” Seth added when Carl paused. “I wanted Carl to know about us before someone else told him. I did not want there to be any issues or confusion. I hired Skye Designs, but our relationship is completely separate from your work here.”

  Before Seth or Carl could speak again, James heard Brian’s nasty voice intrude. “How dare you bring one of your sick boy-toys up here, James? No one wants to see what kind of pervert you are or hang out with,” Brian ranted. He didn’t seem to realize who James was with, not that it lessened James’s sheer mortification to have his supervisor talk to him like that in front of others. Especially Seth!

  James stiffened, as did Seth and Carl. “Bri—Mr. West,” James squeaked.

  Seth turned to face the man who would dare to speak to James like that. “And just exactly who are you?” he snapped.

  James noticed Carl had stepped back enough that Brian would not be able to see him right away.

  “I am Brian West,” he said, puffing up like the idiot bully he was. “This sick perv’s soon-to-be ex-boss. We don’t tolerate his or your kind around here. Now, get out before I call security. Both of you!”

  “Ex-boss? What an appropriate title, Brian,” Carl said as he rounded the corner again. James nearly burst from trying not to laugh at the look of sheer horror that flew across Brian’s face when he realized who had overheard him attack James. “In fact, I would suggest that you head down to human resources right now. I’ll have them cut you your final check and arrange for security to meet you in your old office.

  “Now listen to me very carefully…. We do not tolerate hateful, narrow-minded, self-righteous, abusive people like you here. Oh, and the guy you just called his perverted boy-toy is Seth Burns. You know, the CEO of Carrington Enterprises. Good luck finding a new job.”

  Chapter 10

  ENTERING the restaurant, James blinked to allow his eyes to adjust to the dimmer lights. A slim, dimple-cheeked African American man with creamy light brown skin in a crisp white dress shirt and dark low-rise slacks met him at the hostess station.

  “Hello, sir. Do you have a reservation?”

  His eyes darted around the restaurant, then focused on the cute waiter in front of him. “I’m supposed to meet with Seth Burns. My name is James Bryant,” James said, a slight tinge of nervousness leaking into his otherwise composed tone.

  “Ah yes, Mr. Burns is awaiting you, I believe. Follow me, please.”

  James followed, as requested, admiring the way the server’s slacks draped and slid against his form. There were candles on every table, each dressed with fine linen, spread out with ample space for James to maneuver and for each table to feel private. Light jazz music wafted softly around him as they approached a secluded alcove.

  As they turned the corner, James got his first view of his date for the evening. He had seen Seth many times, in various stages of dress and undress, but there was nothing like that first glimpse of him in one of his tailored suits. The dark gray with a soft lavender dress shirt did amazing things for his changeable hazel eyes.

  “James,” Seth cooed, and a wicked smile spread across his handsome face. The look alone left James trembling inside and mute for a moment.

  “Seth,” he barely managed to force out. With a slightly stronger voice he continued, “Sorry I’m late.”

  With a gentle wave of his hand, Seth pushed away the apology as unnecessary. “You worry too much, sweetheart,” Seth murmured. He stood, lightly brushed his lips across James’s, and pulled the chair out for him.

  Seth focused on James as he sat across from him at their small candlelit table at Terra’s. “Before we settle into dinner too much, Britt asked me to speak to you. Let’s get the business out of the way so we can enjoy the rest of our evening, baby.”

  James caught himself twisting his cloth napkin as he wondered what Seth and Britt wanted. “Yes, sir. Is something wrong?”

  “No, James. Britt wants you to put in some extra work for her. She is planning an art show at the gallery and wants you to be one of her featured artists. However, she has sold all but one of your paintings, so she has a problem.”

  James nodded for Seth to continue.

  “The theme is ‘touch.’ She feels that your art, with its ‘visceral sensuality and erotic tones,’ would be perfect, but that means you would have to focus on that for a bit. A gallery show means at least ten paintings, or so she stated.”

  “No, Seth,” James contradicted. “It means at least twice that would need to be created so she could have the choice of which ones to place in the show. I may not have shown in recent times, but I do know how it works. You should always do more than what is requested because the gallery owner may not always like everything or, depending on the theme, may feel some work better fits than others.” His art was one area that he knew what was what.

  “So, that means you will do it?” Seth asked with an eager joy that surprised James.

  “Depends on how long I have, Seth. It’s not like business, you know. I have to not just do the work but I have to create. That takes time and inspiration, not just interest or desire. I work full time already on top of all the work Mr. Macey has commissioned.”

  They continued to discuss the show until the waiter returned with two glasses and the wine Seth ordered. Before the waiter could do more than set down the glasses and uncork the wine, Seth interrupted.

  “I will pour for us. Thank you.” His voice was soft but firm.

  The waiter smiled, handed the linen-wrapped wine bottle to Seth, and quietly stepped away.

  Seth poured a small amount into his glass. Cupping the crystal glass, he brought it to his lips and sipped. With a slow smile, he nodded to himself, then poured James a glass and topped off his.

  James felt giddy as he watched Seth take such pride in caring for him. He knew what Seth said before about the ordering and such, but watching him gave James a strange sense of peace. He was certain he would never tire of Seth’s attentions.

  After a few silent moments, James looked up, meeting Seth’s eyes. “Don’t we need to order?” he asked. He wasn’t ready to continue their talk, but his stomach was grumbling a little.

  “I ordered before you arrived, James. They will bring out our appetizer and bread shortly.” Seth smiled. His lips quirked up in a sensual yet slightly unnerving manner. “Now, tell me what you’re thinking. Please.”

  James paused as he mulled over everything Seth had said. Do a special set of paintings for a gallery show with Britt? Turning a few ideas over, he frowned as he thought about the amount of work, of time, he would have to commit to make such a l
arge project feasible.

  “I don’t know, Seth. I agree that the show would be a great opportunity, but I can’t just quit my job at Skye Designs, nor is Carl going to allow me to go to part time. I’ve worked so hard to get what little I have there, and with Brian now gone, I might be able to get more stability and work. Maybe even move up some.”

  Even as he spoke, James knew he was only being partly honest with Seth and himself. He had never wanted to work in the business world like he did. He had always dreamt of having a little studio and living his life as an artist, where he only truly had to bend to the demands of an agent and the deadlines from various galleries that would sell his work. But until recently he had shut those desires down. Well, Victor had beaten his dreams out of him years ago, but now he wondered if he could break free and fully return to his art.

  Seth stared back at him, piercing his thoughts and sending a shiver of desire curling through James’s gut as those hazel eyes heated to encompass his very soul. Seth leaned forward enough to run his fingers up James’s cheek and tenderly cup his face.

  “Just think on the show and about speaking to Carl. You do not have to make a decision right now, but you need to live your life for you, not be boxed in by the fears and jealousy of those from your past,” Seth said gently.

  James tried to keep his fears hidden from Seth as much as possible, but now Seth suggested not only participating in the show but to possibly cut his hours at Skye Designs so he could focus more on his real art. On top of that, his heart ached, and his gut churned at the thought of actually having his dreams come true.

  AFTER another dinner with Seth, this time with Seth cooking, James found himself too worked up to sleep. Giving up on that idea, he worked straight through the night. Inspiration hit and kept him sketching and painting until sometime earlier that morning, when he fell asleep in his work chair in the studio.