Shelton in Love

by Dianne Hartsock

  "Nevil, stay and talk to me," Shelton urged as Nevil stormed back to the front door.

  Nevil stopped but kept his face averted, obviously still angry. "We've been together for what, six months? If you don't trust me by now—" He broke off and reached for the door.

  "Nevil," Shelton said, his voice raw. "Drive carefully."

  Nevil glanced at Shelton, and his expression softened, though the anger didn't completely leave his eyes. Nevil touched Shelton's hand. "I'll be back in a bit. Don't worry, I'll be careful. We'll talk later."

  He kissed Shelton's cheek and disappeared out the door. Shelton waited in the foyer, hoping Nevil would come back. When he heard the car's engine rumble then fade into the distance, Shelton went into the living room and dropped onto the couch. He buried his face in his hands. Why did he always have to fling his insecurities in Nevil's face?

  "But did you have to kiss Percy?" Shelton asked the empty room since Nevil wasn't there. He admitted reluctantly to himself that Nevil's ex was a sore spot.

  Restless, Shelton got to his feet and paced the apartment. Time dragged as he waited for Nevil to return. "Oh hell," he muttered and went to the bedroom to dress. He pulled on his boots, then grabbed his coat and scarf and set the snow cap over his ears, careful of the bandage on his forehead. Opening the front door, he drew on his gloves. Snow drifted up against the brownstone but the steps and walkway had been cleared. Shelton gingerly made his way to the sidewalk, careful of the ice. It had stopped snowing, but the sky looked gray and heavy, promising more.

  It's only two blocks to the coffee shop, and I'll be back before Nevil even knows I'm gone. Shelton tried to ignore his niggling conscience as he walked along the shoveled sidewalk. He knew it was stupid to be out in this weather, but he felt too wound up to stay indoors. Besides, the fresh air would clear his head.

  The afternoon proved colder than he'd thought it would be, slicing like a knife into his lungs. A sheet of ice covered the ground, and Shelton began to shiver long before he crossed the street to the second block of buildings. The coffee shop sat at the far end of a long row of department stores, all of which seemed to be closed. He walked faster, afraid he'd find the coffee shop closed as well.

  He let out a relived breath when he spied its welcoming light spilling onto the street. By this time, his hands and feet had grown numb and his head pounded. He pushed through the doors and stumbled to the nearest table as the wave of heat in the building made him dizzy.

  It took a minute for the light-headedness to pass. Shelton became aware of someone speaking at his elbow and raised his head and gave the impatient waiter his order, noticing there were few other customers in the shop as he shrugged out of his coat. He stared, dismayed, when he recognized the wide, smoky gray eyes watching him from across the room.

  Percy picked up his drink and joined Shelton, pulling out a chair opposite him as the waiter brought Shelton his macchiato. The young man shoved several napkins into Shelton's hands. "You're bleeding," he said, concerned, and gestured to Shelton's head.

  Shelton touched the bandage and stared at the blood on his fingers. No wonder his head hurt so fiercely.

  "Here. Let me." Percy plucked a napkin from his hand and dabbed gently at Shelton's forehead. "It's not bad. The cold probably opened up the wound." They both glanced out the windows at the falling snow, lit by the coffee shop's lights. Percy looked back at Shelton and asked with an edge in his voice, "What are you doing out here, anyway? Thought you had a concussion?"

  Shelton shrugged, seeing no need to explain himself to Percy. He braced, though, when Percy narrowed his eyes similar to the way Nevil did when he was angry. But then Percy's expression changed, and Shelton blinked several times at the rueful grin that touched his rival's face.

  "I want to hate you, Shelton," Percy confessed. "But the more I see of you, the more I understand Nevil's enchantment."

  Shelton gaped, not knowing what to say or think of that statement, delivered with sincerity.

  Percy put his hands out in a conciliatory gesture. "Don't take it the wrong way. I wouldn't dream of coming between you and Nevil. In fact, I saw Nevil earlier today and apologized for my behavior at the party. After hearing him on the phone last night… He was crying when you wouldn't wake up. God, Shelton, that man loves you."

  "I know," Shelton replied. The warmth of the room began to take a toll on him and he knuckled his eyes, suddenly feeling sleepy.

  Percy looked at him closely and then shook his arm, drawing his attention. "Don't fall asleep. What was I saying? Oh yes, how adorable you are." He laughed at Shelton's expression. "You should see yourself, face all soft and dreamy. What man wouldn't want to wake up to that and kiss you into a delirium of bliss?"

  Shelton sputtered, knowing he should be offended, but his head hurt and Percy was teasing him anyway. He frowned at his next thought. "I saw Nevil kissing you today," he said and bit his lip, appalled to be discussing it with him.

  Percy shook his head. "Put it out of your mind. It was a good-bye kiss between old friends. After seeing Nevil with you at the party last night and his concern today, I realize I'm wasting my time. We never shared what the two of you have together. I won't be bothering you anymore."

  "Oh. Okay," Shelton said, wishing his head would stop pounding. He had a hard time following what Percy was saying. "What time is it?" he asked suddenly, afraid he'd stayed too long and Nevil would get home before he did. He started to climb to his feet, confused by his weakness.

  Percy leaned across the table and pushed him into the chair. "I'll give you a ride. Put your coat on first. Wait, never mind." Percy shoved back his chair and stood.

  Shelton followed his gaze to the entrance. Nevil stood poised in the doorway, dark hair standing awry as if he'd jammed his fingers through it. His eyes blazed with fury; Shelton could hardly catch his breath at their beauty.

  "I kept him awake, but you better get him home," Percy said when Nevil swept up to them.

  "That's my intention. Shelton, what the hell do you—" He broke off, his grip painful on Shelton's arm. "Get your coat on. We're leaving."

  "Nevil—"

  "Now!" Nevil growled.

  Shelton couldn't remember the last time Nevil had been so angry with him. Well, except for last night at the party, but that had been a misunderstanding. He hurried to put on his coat and gloves before winding the scarf quickly around his neck. He shot Percy a look, but Nevil's snarl sent him scurrying from the coffee shop without another word.

  Shelton climbed into the passenger seat of their car and rested his head back on the cushion. The quick change in temperature from the warm shop to the near-freezing storm had intensified his pain, his head pounding so fiercely that he hardly noticed when Nevil started the car and drove carefully home.

  Nevil wouldn't look at him as he helped him from the car into their home. Silently removing Shelton's coat and gloves, he then pushed him into the chair by the door to remove his boots.

  "Nevil…" Shelton said, shutting his mouth at Nevil's glare. Nevil disposed of his own coat and boots, took Shelton by the arm and marched him into the living room, and shoved him down on the couch. Nevil stood over him for a second and then knelt and started to rub Shelton's numb feet. Shelton watched the top of Nevil's dark head and hot tears filled his eyes.

  "I'm sorry," he said, throat so choked with tears it came out as a whisper.

  Nevil's gaze swept up to him, angry, but then his face crumpled and Nevil laid his head in Shelton's lap. Shelton had to strain to hear his mumbled words. "After the accident, when you wouldn't wake up… I had to sit in that damn car waiting for the ambulance, thinking you were dying." Nevil drew a hard breath. "Then today you go tramping through the city in a blizzard. God…"

  Shelton twined his fingers through Nevil's hair. "I'm sorry. My head hurts," he said in a small voice, bewildered as the pain became a knife behind his eyes.

  Nevil raised his head from Shelton's lap, wiping his eyes. "I'd better change the bandage. I
t might hurt," he said wretchedly and lifted the cap from Shelton's head. He fumbled with the prescription bottle on the end table. "Here, take these."

  Shelton opened his mouth when Nevil pressed two pills between his lips, then took a sip of water. Immediately, he felt warmth in his stomach, which spread to the rest of his body, slowly easing the pain to a dull, manageable throb.

  "Nice," he murmured as Nevil finished with the bandage. Shelton heard Nevil's faint chuckle, and then he sat beside Shelton and gave him a long, adoring kiss, making Shelton feel enjoyably dizzy.

  Nevil picked up something from the end table and held out the small jewelry box Shelton had been carrying around the day before. "I found this in your coat when I was gathering things for the dry cleaners."

  Shelton stared numbly at the box and then hid his face in his hands, self-conscious and embarrassed. This wasn't how he'd planned things at all. "Can you just forget about it? It was a stupid idea. I shouldn't have—"

  Nevil's lips were warm on his, stilling Shelton's protest. He caressed Shelton's cheek with his thumb, wiping away a tear. "Is it for me?"

  Shelton bobbed his head once, his gaze intent on Nevil's face as he opened the box. Nevil's hand froze, and Shelton grew anxious at his continued silence. At last, Nevil turned his head to meet Shelton's stare. Shelton saw the tears clinging to his dark lashes and the happiness swimming in his eyes. Nevil asked him earnestly, "Are you sure?"

  Shelton nodded, his throat too constricted to speak. Nevil made a pleased sound as he took the white gold band from its cushion. He traced the Celtic knot with a finger. Watching him, Shelton took a breath for courage. "I love you, Nevil. It's my promise to stay faithful to you."

  "It's lovely, and I'll wear it because I love you too." Nevil slipped the ring on his left hand, next to the small ruby Nevil's mother had given him years ago before she and his father had been killed in a car accident. He brought the ring to his lips then took Shelton's hands in his and squeezed them gently. "Thank you. And Shelton, after last night, when I thought I might lose you… I can't imagine ever wanting to be with anyone but you for the rest of my life."

  Shelton mumbled words of love, wanting to respond to the flash in Nevil's eyes, but the pain medication was making him wonderfully drowsy. Nevil laughed and carefully pulled Shelton to his feet. "Come to bed, love. This time I'll make sure you stay there."

  Nevil took his hand and led Shelton into the bedroom. Tingling as Nevil undressed him, Shelton felt safe but faintly detached from his body as they slid between the sheets. He didn't know what the doctor had prescribed for him, but he liked it. The pain in his head was a thing of the past. Nevil's sleek body against him and the intoxicating kisses became everything.

  Shelton made a vague protest when Nevil rained little kisses over his face. "I'm very sleepy, Nevil. I can't—"

  Nevil's lips covered his again, tasting him, and Shelton lost his train of thought.

  "Don't do anything," Nevil murmured in Shelton's ear before sucking on his earlobe. "I swear to God, I thought you were dying last night. I need to be with you, hold you safe in my arms, and make love to you. Ignore me if you want to. Fall asleep. I'll try not to disturb you."

  Shelton felt his bones dissolve at Nevil's words, and he sank into the mattress, teetering blissfully on the border between wakefulness and sleep. Nevil kissed him repeatedly—sensuous kisses that sent a wave of heat through him. Shelton tried to lift his hand, but the effort was beyond him.

  Nevil took his time, licking Shelton's chest, kissing his nipples. The mobile lips brushed across Shelton's body, down one leg and up the other. Shelton felt sure Nevil had tasted every inch of him before stopping to nuzzle Shelton's balls. Fire had followed Nevil's tongue, and Shelton lost his air when Nevil took Shelton's dick into his mouth.

  He choked on a whimper. Nevil sucked him with exquisite slowness, lips sliding up his shaft, nursing on the end of him, drawing out Shelton's pleasure. Skilled torture. Shelton's orgasm started in his toes—a wonderful tingle that flowed up his legs, swarmed in his cock, and spilled into Nevil's mouth in one glorious wave.

  When he came down gently from his orgasm, he found Nevil lying beside him, watching him.

  "I love you," Nevil whispered against Shelton's ear, a tremor in his voice. The heat from his body wrapped Shelton in a safe cocoon. Nevil met Shelton's gaze. "So… who's this fascinating man you promised not to have an affair with?"

  "What?" Shelton sputtered. He hadn't meant… He let out an exasperated sigh at the amusement in Nevil's face. "You know there's no one but you, Nevil."

  "I know." Nevil kissed his cheek. "And you're everything I desire. You have my heart. Go to sleep, love. I'll keep you safe." He pulled Shelton close.

  Shelton drew a deep, contented breath. "Good night, Nevil," he murmured, his heart overflowing with joy as he took Nevil's goodnight kiss with him into his dreams.

  Shelton's Choice

  Chapter One

  "Have you told him yet?"

  "Hmm?" Shelton murmured, reluctant to put down the book he was reading. Only a few pages remained to the thriller, and he still hadn't a clue as to who the killer would turn out to be.

  "Have you told your tall, dark, and wickedly handsome boyfriend that you're leaving?"

  Shelton shot the man at his elbow an irritated glance. "What do you want, Ted?" He noticed the coffee shop was filling up and hoped his coworker wouldn't take the vacant chair at his table. Ted Pringle was personable enough, even attractive in a light blond, pale blue-eyed way. He was also a gossip, though, and lived to stir up trouble, in and out of the office.

  Ted threw his hands up. "Hey, I was only asking. We'll be going in a few months, and—"

  "Leave me alone." Shelton turned back to his book and skimmed the page to find his place. Ted touched his arm and Shelton spun on him but swallowed his angry words. Ted's attention wasn't on him. He was looking across the room, a smile of triumph on his lips.

  Shelton followed Ted's gaze and his heart jumped, then settled into a delighted patter. Nevil stood in the doorway of the coffee shop, scanning the tables with his beautiful turquoise eyes. Wickedly handsome? Damn right he was. Even after a year together, Nevil's smile still had the power to melt his bones and leave him weak with want.

  Nevil spotted him and Shelton waved the book. A curious expression passed over Nevil's face as he approached his table, and Shelton remembered Ted's hand on his arm. He pulled free, and Ted chuckled, his breath warm in Shelton's ear when he bent down and whispered, "Don't forget to tell him."

  Shelton grumbled and then forgot all about Ted when Nevil stopped at the table, his eyes dancing with mischief.

  "What are you doing here? Sit down," Shelton babbled, feeling the warmth of a blush on his cheeks as Nevil watched Ted's retreating back as he headed for the coffee bar.

  "Okay, but only for a minute. I have a surprise for you, and I've already wasted enough time looking for you. Off work early?" Nevil took the empty chair Shelton had motioned to and leaned across the table. A teasing smile covered his face. "I may have to blindfold you."

  Heat swept through Shelton at the ardent look in Nevil's eyes. God, he wanted Nevil to take him right there at the table. He agonized under the constraint of public opinion that kept him from kissing Nevil's smiling lips.

  Nevil settled back into his chair. "Who was that?" he asked, nodding toward the crowd at the coffee bar.

  "Just that annoying prick from Accounts I told you about."

  "Gossiping Ted? What did he say? I wanted to smack his pretty face for standing so close to you."

  "I'm sure he wanted to make you jealous, as if he ever could. So, about this blindfold..."

  Nevil smiled and licked his lips, his look provocative. "You'll see," he teased and rose to his feet. "Come on, love, before I change my mind."

  Shelton kept at Nevil's heels as he wove his way through the boisterous lunch crowd to the front entrance and on to the car parked at the curb. Nevil kissed his cheek when Shelt
on climbed into the passenger seat of the Prius and Shelton's heart fluttered. Nevil rarely displayed his affection in public, a sure sign he felt as aroused as Shelton did. Shelton didn't speak while Nevil slid behind the wheel and drove through the afternoon traffic, his body tingling in anticipation of their lovemaking.

  "What about this blindfold?" he asked, becoming slightly breathless at the thought. Nevil could be so creative.

  "That's for later, my dear, when I have you alone and enthralled."

  Shelton snorted and enjoyed Nevil's easy laughter. Grateful to be Nevil's friend as well as his lover, Shelton's spirits soared. His days were filled with laughter and comradeship. He thrust Ted's stinging reminder from his mind. He'd keep that discussion for another day and take this precious time with Nevil.

  Nevil skirted the city and Shelton sat up when he took one of the smaller highways toward the mountains. "Where are we going?"

  "You'll see. We put the last nail in Bill Stanton's place this morning, two weeks ahead of schedule, and Barker has given us the weekend off with a bonus." Nevil patted his pocket.

  "It's only Thursday," Shelton commented.

  Nevil waved it off. "I'm sure you'll come down with a cold or something by morning. Live a little, Shelton! The bank won't fall apart without you tomorrow. I want to celebrate."

  Shelton leaned back in his seat. Who was he to argue? Especially when Nevil's gaze raked over him with the promise of passion in his beautiful eyes. The highway ascended steadily into the mountains, and in time, Nevil turned off along a narrow road and then onto a private driveway. Shelton whistled appreciatively when they pulled up to a modern glass-and-redwood-sided bungalow snug against the lake.

  "It's beautiful," he said in admiration, recalling the blueprints for the house on Nevil's desk last winter.

  "The Gordans haven't moved in yet and lent it to me for the weekend."

  "But why?"

  Nevil turned off the engine and moved closer to Shelton. "I told them it was my first-year anniversary with the man I love."