Designs of Desire

by O'Riley, Tempeste

  What woke him confused him. He lay still in the chair he used to paint, wondering why he was awake, though glad as sleeping there was never comfortable or smart. Just then he heard a sound by the doors on the other side of the room. The tap, tap, tap was followed by Chase’s grumble. “Come on, Jamie. Wake up!”

  James chuckled to himself as he stretched; trying to get rid of the horrid crick in his neck, then worked his way to standing.

  “You have a key, Chase,” James called out.

  “Yeah, yeah, yeah. Now get over here, my hands are full.”

  As James finally maneuvered to the doors, he caught sight of Chase. There were shopping bags hanging off both wrists, a carrier with two coffee cups in one hand, and a small box held to his hip with the other.

  He opened the door and moved out of Chase’s way, pressing his lips together tightly as he fought to not laugh at both the picture Chase made in his doorway and at the disgruntled pout on his face.

  “Finally! If I’d had my Bluetooth in I would have called your lazy ass to let me in instead of me traipsing around the house like some kind of demented burglar,” Chase grumbled.

  James watched as Chase stomped through his studio, and moments later heard the sound of things being set down, some not so gently. He made it to the kitchen doorway just in time to duck. Coming straight for his head had been an oven mitt, though he didn’t make out what it was until he had ducked, and it landed behind him.

  “Um, Chase? You want to tell me why you’re acting like some sort of jilted harpy? What gives?”

  “‘What gives?’ he asks,” Chase muttered to himself. “You’re really going to ask me that at ten in the morning? A Saturday morning, no less. If I didn’t love you so much I’d strangle you right now,” Chase replied. He walked over to James and thrust a Starbucks cup at him. “Here.”

  “Um, thanks, Chase.” James’s nose told him he held a mocha; with luck it would be white chocolate. He tasted: it was. Mmm….

  “Now what is all this and why are you so pissed?”

  “I get a call this morning from Carl. Did I mention it’s Saturday morning?” Chase practically whined. “He says that since I act as your personal assistant at work so much, he wants me to do that more than my normal job. I don’t mind that part, actually. But, then he starts in that he and your other boss, Mrs. Holcomb, need me to pick some things up for you and drop them off. Oh, and the lady boss will be by this afternoon.”

  “Wait. Britt and Carl are working together on something and sent you over here? What’s in the bags, Chase?” James asked. He quickly moved over to the counter to start peeking through all the bags and the one box, in hopes of this conversation making sense sometime soon.

  Chase simply waved at the pile with a you figure it out glower. What he found was almost as confusing as his wakeup had been. Paperwork—contracts he figured out quickly. New paints and a new set of expensive sable brushes in various sizes and styles. He even found new sketchpads and pencils.

  While he investigated things, Chase continued, “The only reason I agreed to get up, much less come over this early, is Carl said you were going to be part of a gallery show. Is that true?” he practically squealed, finally looking something other than pissed off.

  “Um, Seth asked me to on Britt’s behalf, but I haven’t given a definite yes to either of them. Wait, why is Carl in on this?” James wondered aloud. He paused in digging through the new materials to pull out his cell. After hitting number two—Seth’s speed dial number—James waited, drumming his fingers on the countertop.

  “Good morning, pet” came Seth’s deep, melodious voice.

  “Morning, Seth. Don’t suppose you know why Chase is standing in my kitchen this morning?” James snapped. It came out a bit harsher than he had intended, but he suddenly felt like he was being forced into a commitment prematurely. They had discussed the show at dinner the night before last.

  He promised to think about it. He even stayed up all night, thanks to inspiration, to work on a piece he thought would be perfect. But he had not agreed to anything yet and did not appreciate the not-so-subtle push.

  “I would assume your best friend is there to visit you. Hang out, maybe. But, baby, why are you asking me instead of him?” Seth replied. He sounded almost as confused as James felt.

  “Seth, he says that Carl and Britt sent him because of the show they think I agreed to do. Oh, and do you know why Carl is even party to this?” James knew he was probably being an idiot, but he couldn’t rein in his irritation.

  “I told Britt that you said ‘maybe.’ I never told her yes and I have no clue about your boss. I’ll call Britt and ask her what’s going on. I will stop by in a bit. Okay?” Seth’s take charge attitude and soothing voice, as always, calmed James, leaving him wanting Seth yet comforted at the same time.

  “Yes, sir. And Seth? Sorry for yelling at you.”

  “It’s okay, baby. I will be over in a little bit. For now, why don’t you go have some fun with Chase?”

  LATER that day James, Chase, and Seth sat on the back patio, discussing the show and Britt and Carl’s behavior.

  Chase said with a laugh, “I can’t believe that Mrs. Holcomb got Carl’s wife to make him help her corner you into doing the show.” He was slightly tipsy, thanks to the Long Island Iced Teas he consumed, and continued to consume.

  Seth countered with a chuckle, “Chase, never underestimate a smart woman with conviction and more than three-inch high heels. I learned that the hard way when I was a teenager.”

  “Ha-ha. Seth, dear, I never underestimate anyone wearing heels of three or more inches,” Chase countered, giggling by the end.

  “Hmm, true. But, in Britt’s case, she’s deadly whether in heels or her fuzzy bunny slippers. Trust me.”

  “Seth, I’m still worried about all this. This is a huge project, not as much time as I would like beforehand, and no matter that you technically asked, they’re trying to not give me a choice in the matter.”

  “Jamie,” Chase interrupted, “you want to do art. You want to do the show. We all know that’s your real love, so why are you being so prissy, hun? I mean, you’re not going to turn down the show just to piss them off for pressuring you, are you?”

  “Well, um, no. I mean, yes I want to do the show. That was never the question, Chase. I don’t know that I have the talent to compete with her other artists or the time to do the work right. You know how time-consuming my art can be and she’s asking for at least ten new paintings. That’s ten beyond the ones that Seth’s buyer, Zach, has already commissioned. Plus, I have work still with Carl at Skye Designs.” He knew he was rambling again, but James didn’t have the restraint or the faith in his abilities that the other two seemed to have.

  “James, do you think I would suggest you do something that was honestly beyond your abilities? That I would ask you to do something that I didn’t firmly believe you could do?” Seth asked, his voice soft but earnest.

  “No, sir. You wouldn’t do that to me. I know that, but I don’t see how I can dream and be responsible at the same time.”

  “I only want to encourage your dreams and support you however I may. You have to decide if you want this or not. I won’t push, or I will try not to at least, but I will encourage you to take back your life completely and be who you are meant to be.”

  James nodded. He tilted his head to the side as he looked Seth over. “I still don’t understand why she always goes to you instead of speaking directly to me about all these things. She’s treating you like you’re my agent or something.”

  “I believe that is how she sees it as well. I will ask her to go to you instead if you prefer, baby,” Seth explained.

  “No, I don’t mind. I was a little confused but”—James’s voice dropped to a whisper—“I kinda like you being so involved.”

  Chapter 11

  STEAMING water poured over his tight shoulders as James groaned softly, soaking in the heat to soothe the tense muscles in his back and shoulders.
The driving pressure from the high-powered showerhead was a pleasure, an indulgent one, that he was thankful Chase talked him into.

  James relaxed as his eyes fluttered closed, and he released a deep sigh. He let the water wash away the tension and stress from his physical therapy session. He loved his shower, preferred it to the one at the therapy center he had just come from.

  Shifting his attention from the luscious heat, he opened his eyes and swiped the water from his face when he heard the bathroom door open. Straightening, James leaned forward so he could open the edge of his shower and peer into the main part of the room. His attention was immediately caught by the sight of his handsome lover leaning casually against the doorway a few feet away.

  Seth was breathtaking as he braced one shoulder against the doorjamb, his arms folded across his broad, powerful chest and his right leg bent so his ankles crossed. He was the picture of laid-back ease in nothing but slightly distressed jeans and a well-worn, soft T-shirt.

  James quickly ducked back in to shut off the water. He opened the shower door, dried off, and wrapped one of his oversized bath sheets around his waist, before he carefully maneuvered himself over to where Seth stood.

  “You’re early, Seth,” James murmured, not quite meeting Seth’s devouring gaze.

  “I think I am right on time, personally,” Seth replied as he threaded his fingers through James’s damp hair.

  “How did you get in?”

  “You gave me a key last night, or did you forget already?” Seth asked as his eyes continued to roam James’s glistening body.

  As he brushed his lips against Seth’s, James sighed, “Right.” Seth flicked his tongue out to wet James’s parted lips before he could pull back. He moved his hands over James’s body as he pulled James closer.

  James took the moment in and then slowly slipped his hands up Seth’s chest before he wrapped his arms loosely around Seth’s neck. He met Seth’s heated eyes for a second, then leaned in again and kissed him, lingering yet with only the barest of pressure.

  Seth slid his arms around James. He could feel Seth’s cock filling even more as their bodies moved together.

  James whimpered when Seth shifted to grind their hips together and arched his back to help increase the pressure. Seth’s hands slid down to cup James’s ass through the towel that sat precariously low on his hips. As he deepened the kiss, Seth kneaded the fleshy globes that he gently gripped in his large hands.

  James carded his fingers through Seth’s soft hair and drank in the ever-deepening kiss, waiting for Seth to decide how to progress. It wasn’t that he didn’t care or have ideas of what he would like to do with Seth, but he had found he truly enjoyed giving more and more control to Seth—not that he was about to tell Seth. When Seth tilted his head back, breaking the kiss for a moment, James moved his lips down across Seth’s jaw to lick and tease along his throat. Emboldened by Seth’s responses, James nipped at his pulse and tugged on his hair playfully.

  “Oh, has my pet decided he wants to play a little rougher?” Seth’s voice rumbled deep in his chest as he bent to drag his lips across James’s throat, and nip a bit harder than James had nipped him—enough to stimulate with a small sting, not to actually hurt. James could only manage another whimper.

  Seth groaned; it sounded almost painful and drew out more little noises from James. He moved to capture James’s lips and deepen the kiss as he rocked against James more.

  “Hold on tight, baby,” Seth ordered as he lifted James and demanded he wrap his legs around his hips. He turned from the doorway and worked his way to the edge of the bed. Once he stood James up, he kissed him again, enticing more whimpers and mewls from James. He stopped long enough to kiss and suck down James’s neck and across his shoulders, marking his pale skin. James tilted his head to allow more room for Seth’s sensual assault, moaning wantonly as he slid his fingers down Seth’s chest to pull up the T-shirt.

  James wasn’t having much luck with the shirt, not with how hard his fingers were trembling. His need for Seth eclipsed every other thought in his mind. He was so aroused his soul ached and his mind swam with thoughts and memories of what he wanted Seth to do and what he had done before.

  Seth finally took mercy on James and quickly pulled his shirt off and wrapped his arms back around James, pressing their naked skin together. He kissed across his jaw, then moved to trace the shell of James’s ear before lightly flicking his tongue against the point behind it that made James tremble every time.

  “Seth,” James nearly whined as he pushed at Seth’s jeans, desperate to feel all of Seth against him. With only a little fumbling, Seth unbuttoned his jeans and pushed them down his hips, then pulled off the towel that had somehow managed to still cling to James’s slim hips.

  James looked down at Seth’s body and noted with pleasure that Seth had nothing on underneath his jeans and was fully hard. He knew what he felt, but seeing Seth’s enticing body made his mouth water. His knees bent of their own accord as his hand captured Seth’s erection.

  Seth’s hands shot out to grasp James’s arms, halting his descent. “No, baby. Middle of the bed, on your back. I want to admire your body right now.”

  James quickly moved into the center of his large bed, stretched out to allow Seth complete access to his body. He looked up from under his lashes to gaze at his pleasantly demanding lover. He was a little nervous about how much he wanted to please Seth and about how attached he was becoming to Seth. But right then, he couldn’t care about anything except how much he wanted Seth inside him.

  Seth smiled and watched James obey. James licked his lips as he watched Seth smile and spread his now bent legs, giving Seth a wonderful view of his hungry, throbbing entrance.

  Seth slowly crawled up the bed until he could stretch out and completely cover James.

  James groaned in frustration as Seth pressed his body into his and devoured his mouth. James shivered and mewled against Seth as his desperation reached a breaking point. He pushed up into Seth and wrapped his hands around Seth’s hips, forcing their cocks together. “Please, Seth. Fill me, use me. Fuck me, damn it! Please,” he begged.

  Seth gripped his hair and pulled hard, arching his head back to look into his eyes. “You are not something to use, baby. You are someone to cherish.”

  James was so startled by both the rough handling and what Seth had said that he merely nodded and rocked up into Seth, using his body to beg for more.

  James swallowed hard as Seth began making his way down his body instead of commenting more, kissing and nipping at sensitive parts. James stiffened when Seth flicked his tongue out to catch the pearl drop at the tip of his slit. His hips snapped toward the unbelievable wet heat of Seth’s mouth as he suddenly engulfed James’s throbbing cock. James nearly came with the first hard suck he was so desperate for his lover.

  A blast of pure joy threatened to drown James when he felt the first touch of Seth’s nimble fingers at his entrance. He rocked helplessly between Seth’s hot mouth and his ever more penetrating digits, crying out continually as Seth pummeled his sweet spot and seemed determined to devour him whole.

  James fought against his body’s desire to release, determined to have Seth fill him before he came. He rocked helplessly but managed to pull enough at Seth to get him to release his hold. James couldn’t help how his body trembled and writhed shamelessly as he gasped and begged. “Please, Seth. Fuck… in me, please. I can’t….”

  “You sure, baby?” Seth asked. His voice was low, barely more than a growl.

  “Please, yes!” he keened as Seth dug in his fingers and flipped James over, pulled him up on his knees. As James braced himself, arms under his upper body, Seth placed a hand on his lower back, effectively holding him in place.

  Seth quickly rolled on a condom and slicked himself before he aligned his cock. Pushing carefully, Seth rocked against James’s fluttering hole, slowly driving his way inside. Seth curled his body over James, and bent to kiss his nape as he reached around and wrappe
d his fingers around James’s bobbing cock. He began to snap his hips to the same rhythm as he stroked James, providing a double assault of friction and pleasure that quickly sent James over the edge.

  The pleasure was so sharp as James’s tight body rippled and spasmed around Seth that it ripped his own orgasm from him before he wanted to give in. With a strangled cry, he drove into James, pumping his hips through the aftershocks of James’s release as well as his own.

  James exhaled and shook, unable to move. The mind-devouring orgasm left James whimpering and panting against his arms.

  As the world again settled around Seth, he trailed wet, open-mouthed kisses across James’s shoulders and back before he shifted to pull out. James clenched his fingers and squeezed convulsively around Seth, drawing a whimpered gasp from him. It was both pain and pleasure as Seth finally slid out, leaving them both aching yet blissful.

  Seth shifted to tend to the condom before he slowly rolled them over to their sides. Sweaty and replete, he spooned his body around James, lightly stroking his arm, chest, shoulder, and hair as James continued to tremble sporadically.

  After an indeterminate time, James shifted back to press himself tighter against Seth. “That….”

  “I didn’t hurt you, did I?” Seth asked.

  “Hurt?” James asked, confused. “No, you were perfect, Seth.” He smiled, though Seth couldn’t see it, and lifted Seth’s hand, pressing a soft kiss to his knuckles before he curled his arm around Seth’s hand and tucked it under his cheek. With a sigh he let his body settle against Seth’s broad chest, content to stay like that as long as Seth would allow.

  “Love you, baby,” Seth mumbled as sleep embraced them.

  JAMES barely managed to find his way to wakefulness when Seth’s phone trilled demandingly in the other room. He jerked slightly when Seth suddenly hopped out of bed and hurried out of the bedroom.