Jace switched off the water in the kitchen sink and focused all his attention on the TV. Like everyone, he’d been following the story of the missing girl. Her poor parents. He couldn’t imagine. Jace listened as they recapped the story of her disappearance as well as the search party’s efforts afterward. Tyler’s image appeared on the screen. Jace’s heart fell. He turned the volume up and moved closer.
“We caught up with the detective in charge of Olivia’s case a few minutes ago. Here’s what he had to say.” The images shifted and the blonde reporter held her microphone under Tyler’s nose. “Thank you for taking a few minutes to talk to us, Detective. Is there anything more you can tell us about the circumstances surrounding Olivia’s death?”
Tyler didn’t look like himself. His eyes were dead. Jace felt sick. “We’re still processing the evidence. It’s too early to release any information. The chief of police has a press conference scheduled for later tonight. Hopefully, we’ll have more information for you then.”
Jace barely stopped himself from calling Tyler right then. Only the knowledge Tyler had his hands full stopped him. He wanted to offer what comfort he could. Jace spent fifteen minutes debating before finally texting him.
Jace: Saw the news. I’m SO sorry. Tell me what I can do?
Tyler: Seeing your name on my phone helped. I don’t think I’ll make it by tonight.
Jace: It’s fine. Do what you need to do. You know where I am when you’re free. I knew your job was unpredictable from the start. Don’t worry over me.
Tyler: I’ll make it up to you.
Jace: You have bigger things to deal with right now. {{HUGS}} I’ll be here when you’re done.
Tyler: Okay. **hugs back**
Jace felt a little better after reading Tyler’s texts. Still, there was a nagging feeling way down in his gut—one he couldn’t place. He couldn’t imagine how anyone could see the things Tyler did and stay sane. Jace was almost scared of what he’d see in the man’s eyes when he saw him next. Jace’s phone buzzed again, startling him. He glanced down, expecting Tyler. A spurt of disappointment hit when it wasn’t him.
Paige: I saw Tyler on the news. That’s awful.
Jace: Yeah. My heart is breaking for him.
Paige: I’m sure he’s already using this an excuse not to see you for a while.
Jace: I knew his job would keep him away sometimes when I chose to date him. It’s fine.
Paige: If you say so.
* * *
As Tyler predicted, he didn’t make it to see Jace after Jace saw him on the news. Since Jace had known the man was busy, he didn’t let it bother him until day three of not hearing a word had come and gone. He knew there was something more to Tyler’s no-show status. By the end of the fourth day with no word from Tyler, Jace broke. He’d already been on edge, imagining what Tyler must be going through while working that little girl’s case. The not speaking was driving him insane. He finally texted him.
Jace: Are you still kicking?
Thankfully, for his sanity’s sake, he heard back almost immediately.
Tyler: Yes. Sorry. I’m about ten minutes from my house. I plan to grab a shower and snack before heading back in to work.
Jace: Okay. Just wanted to check.
Tyler: I really am sorry. Guess I should’ve warned you my job can be like this. Miss you.
For Jace, Tyler admitting he missed him was everything. As long as he had that, and the knowledge Tyler’s job was an important one, he could deal.
Jace: Stop apologizing. I miss you too.
Tyler: First chance I get, I’m making this up to you. You won’t regret keeping me.
Jace: Although I’m already tingling with the need to see what you’ll do, I also have to say being with you is no burden. Just text me once in a while so I know you’re still breathing.
Tyler: I like it when you tingle.
Jace chewed his bottom lip. The more he heard from Tyler, the more Jace wanted. He said he didn’t mind, and he didn’t, but the desire to set eyes on the man ate at Jace’s gut. Before he could change his mind, Jace grabbed his keys and headed for the door. Tyler only lived a few minutes’ drive away and there was a coffee shop between here and there. He could stop and grab the man some caffeine to keep him going, steal a few precious moments with him, and then Jace could be on his way. Surely that wasn’t too pushy.
Despite all his internal pep talks, doubt set in as Jace pulled into the driveway of Tyler’s single-family brick home. The place was dark, and the grass needed mowing. Jace focused on the mundane, hoping to keep his nervousness at bay. Tyler’s police-issue Buick sat in the driveway. The way it popped and hissed said Tyler hadn’t been home long. Jace hoped this wasn’t a mistake. Tyler’s mood could be anything, considering the stress of the last few days. Even after he knocked on the front door, Jace questioned his decision to come here. The door swung open. Jace’s heart squeezed in his chest. Tyler’s hair stood in every direction. He had dark circles under his eyes and looked as if he wore the same clothes as he had the last time Jace had seen him, making Jace wonder if this was the first time the man had been home in days.
Jace held up the coffee and bag of donuts. “I’m doing my part to keep you moving.”
Tyler’s mouth lifted in one corner. “Damn,” he breathed, making Jace’s stomach cramp with desire. “You’re amazing.” Tyler stepped back, inviting Jace inside.
Jace’s steps faltered as he crossed the threshold. Crime scene photos were scattered around the room as if Tyler had created a mirror image of the actual scene in his house to study.
“Shit,” Tyler cursed, rushing to gather the photos. “I wasn’t thinking.”
Jace wanted to tell Tyler it was okay. The words wouldn’t come. Even with Tyler snatching up the worst of the pictures, Jace had seen more than he cared to ever see again. His heart was breaking.
“She was someone’s child,” Jace said without thought. “I mean, everyone is, but she was so young. What you do is really horrific.” He was making things worse. Jace could feel it, but he wasn’t expressing himself the way he wanted.
“Thanks for the coffee,” Tyler said, sounding disappointed as he reached for the cup.
Jace refused to release it, forcing Tyler to meet his gaze. “I’ve never been prouder of anyone in my life than I am of you right now.”
They stood, both holding the cup as if suspended in time as they stared at each other. Tyler looked as if he held his breath. “The world needs more people like you. People willing to help little humans who need justice. You’re amazing.” Jace didn’t know if he was getting his point across, but the words needed saying. Tyler did something no one should have to do because someone needed to do it. His job was too important for everyone to be too chicken-shit to handle it.
Tyler relieved Jace of the cup and bag. He set them aside. Without a word, he dragged Jace into his arms and captured his lips. Jace swore he could feel Tyler’s heart in their kiss — the man’s pain. He wouldn’t talk to Jace about the past few days. Jace already knew it, but Jace could bring him comfort in other ways.
“Goddamn, take this off,” Tyler begged, tugging at Jace’s shirt.
Jace didn’t hesitate. After tugging the shirt over his head, he tossed it aside. Tyler came back for more. “Swear I’m not taking advantage,” he said between kisses. “Just want to feel your skin.” Jace didn’t care what Tyler’s reasons were. He wished the man would take advantage. If he needed comfort, Jace was willing. The desperation in Tyler’s kiss made Jace want to fix it. The first button on Tyler’s shirt came loose between Jace’s fingers without any argument from Tyler. Jace moved to the second. He trailed his lips down Tyler’s neck to his chest, enjoying the skin he’d bared.
“Damn, Jace. I can’t even remember the last time I showered.”
Still, Tyler wasn’t stopping him, so Jace continued to undress him. With the man’s shirt unbuttoned. Jace left it hanging open and went for the pants. This wasn’t about sex, even though Jac
e’s erection had other thoughts on the matter. The instant he had Tyler’s pants open, he shoved his hand inside and palmed Tyler’s cock.
“When do you need to be back at work?”
A pant escaped Tyler. “Um. Not until tomorrow really. I was just headed back tonight because… damn. I’m not sure,” he said, moving against Jace’s palm. Tyler forced Jace’s chin up and claimed his mouth. The man’s chest heaved with every indrawn breath as Jace stroked. He handled Tyler’s cock as he would his, intent on quick results. Tyler bit Jace’s bottom lip, making him gasp at the sharp pain. He sucked on it as if apologizing. Jace’s dick beat against the inside of his zipper, as if jealous of Jace’s bottom lip. Jace pressed his thumb against Tyler’s slit, enjoying the pre-cum wetting his fingers as he pumped. The way Tyler openly fucked Jace’s fist had Jace ready to come in his jeans. The man was so damn sexual, and the way he owned it made Jace horny as hell.
Tyler’s body tensed. Jace tightened his hold and quickened his pace. Hot semen hit Jace’s stomach and chest in streams. The pressure tightening Jace’s balls threatened to blow at the way Tyler moaned against Jace’s mouth. This man, he made Jace feel so goddamn powerful.
Tyler’s kiss moved from Jace’s lips to his chin before licking a path down Jace’s neck. “See? I knew you needed to lose the shirt for a reason,” he said against Jace’s collarbone. Jace chuckled as he tilted his head back, giving Tyler better access to anything he wanted. When Tyler’s tongue curled around Jace’s nipple, Jace’s fingers found the man’s hair and held on. As his lips moved lower, Jace’s dick danced with joy. Tyler made a humming noise against Jace’s skin as he licked away the mess he’d made.
Jace’s chin hit his chest. He had to see it happen. This man hadn’t been lying. He was kinky as fuck and Jace loved it. Never had anyone made him want to come just by watching them in action. Seeing Tyler licking away his own cum from Jace’s stomach was the hottest thing Jace had ever witnessed. Jace’s stomach caved as Tyler reached the edge of Jace’s jeans. It was as if his body hinted Tyler should dip inside the material. Tyler didn’t hesitate before ripping open Jace’s zipper. He fell to his knees, met Jace’s stare, and slowly opened his mouth around Jace’s hard dick.
Jace’s breath caught in his throat. He locked his knees to keep from going down. This man owned him. Tyler never broke eye contact as he took Jace down his throat. Jace brushed his fingers through Tyler’s hair and rubbed his palm over Tyler’s beard. He touched Tyler every place he could reach, silently praising the man’s efforts.
Tyler dragged Jace’s jeans lower until he could play with Jace’s balls. Jace knew he wouldn’t last long. Tyler liked it too much. This wasn’t a blowjob. This was Tyler, feasting on Jace’s body. No man could withstand that type of treatment.
“You’re so fucking sexy,” Jace praised when he realized he’d been staring intently for way too long. “You make me wonder where I went right in life.” Jace blew out a breath, trying not to come too fast. He enjoyed seeing Tyler on his knees, but he’d gotten too worked up while handling Tyler’s cock. While grinding his back teeth, Jace drew several slow breaths through his nose. It wasn’t helping. Pressure beat at his crown. He wanted the explosion. The blinding ecstasy at Tyler’s hands. A gasp left him as the first wave hit. Tyler hollowed his cheeks and sucked harder. His eyes fell closed. His look of pure delight had Jace forcing his eyes to remain open even as his body shook from the pleasure. Tyler’s fingers dug into Jace’s ass cheeks, as if doing his part to keep Jace upright as he drained Jace.
Tyler buried his face against Jace’s stomach and sucked air, as if he’d ran for miles. “Thank you,” he whispered against Jace’s skin. Jace ran his hands through Tyler’s hair, unsure of what he’d done to earn Tyler’s gratitude. Tyler pushed to his feet and snagged Jace’s hand. “Come on.” He headed for the hall.
“Where are we going?”
Tyler glanced over his shoulder. “First, we’re taking a long, hot shower together and then we’re going to bed. I’m not finished with you yet.”
Jace smiled so hard his face hurt as he allowed Tyler to lead him down the hall. He’d been to Tyler’s house once before, but only long enough for Tyler to change clothes before they went to dinner. He’d never ventured into Tyler’s bedroom. Jace was ridiculously curious. Tyler’s house was sparse, as if he barely spent any time there. It gave no insight to the man.
Tyler didn’t bother with the lights when they reached his bedroom. Jace barely caught a glimpse of the room before Tyler led him inside the bathroom. When the lights flared to life, Jace winced against the sudden assault on his vision. As Tyler fired up the shower, Jace caught a glimpse of himself in the mirror. His lips were swollen from Tyler’s kisses, a flush rode high on his cheeks, and there was beard burn on his neck. He looked happy. Jace couldn’t tear his gaze away from the sight. When was the last time he’d felt anything other than disdain for life? He couldn’t remember.
Jace’s eyes fell closed as Tyler’s arms encircled his waist, drawing Jace back against his chest. Tyler’s hand slid up Jace’s chest until he reached Jace’s jaw. He urged Jace’s head back onto his shoulder and captured his mouth. It was an awkward position for a kiss, but Jace didn’t care. Any time Tyler’s tongue entwined with his, Jace forgot everything—where they were… his name. The air thickened with steam. Tyler’s teeth sank into Jace’s bottom lip, drawing it between his lips for the man to suck. His hold tightened on Jace.
“You have no idea how much I needed this tonight.”
Jace’s heart skipped a beat at Tyler’s confession. Tyler made him sound important. He was scared to hope. “I needed it too. For the past few days, I’ve been pacing the floor, worrying about you.”
“You should’ve called.”
“I didn’t want to bother you,” Jace said, admitting something he hadn’t wanted to confess.
Tyler held Jace’s chin, forcing Jace to meet his gaze. “I am never too busy to hear from you. This is a real relationship, Jace. I’m not killing time until someone better comes along. There’s no one better. You’re it. Call next time.”
Jace nodded because his tongue wouldn’t work. Tyler’s “you’re it” sounded a lot like “you’re the one” and Jace was scared shitless by how badly he wanted that to be true.
* * *
Tyler: How about I pick you up from work when you get off, and we’ll go out to dinner?
Jace: Sounds great. I’m ready to see you.
“What’s got you smiling?”
Jace blushed at Paige’s question. He flashed his phone Paige’s way. “Nothing really. Tyler’s coming to get me so we can go out to eat.”
“Awww, that’s sweet. I wonder why he never wants you to pick him up?”
Jace’s face screwed up in confusion. He felt it happen. “What do you mean? He gets off before me.”
Paige shrugged as if she hadn’t meant anything at all. “I was just thinking out loud. You know how these alpha male types are. They don’t always want anyone knowing they’re gay, and he’s a cop. I just wonder if he doesn’t want you showing up at his work.”
It was obvious Paige wasn’t trying to hurt his feelings, but she had. He shrugged, trying not to show it. “Like I said, he gets off before me. Besides, even if he doesn’t want anyone he works with to know about me, I don’t care. All I care about is how he treats me, and he’s damn good to me.”
Paige’s smile grew. “I’m so glad to hear that. Well, I’m out of here. That was your last patient for the day. If I leave now, I can get my nails done.” She waved her already perfectly manicured nails Jace’s way. He laughed because he knew that was what Paige expected. With a final wave of her fingers, Paige disappeared. Jace made it ten minutes before deciding that since he was done for the day, he’d pick Tyler up at work.
Jace cursed himself all through the fifteen-minute drive. Every time he thought he felt secure in their relationship, something happened to make him question another aspect. The thing was, now that he was h
eaded to Tyler’s work, he couldn’t understand why. Of course, even knowing he was being an idiot didn’t stop Jace from walking inside the building. The nondescript red brick building was every bit as unassuming on the inside. There was nothing more than a medium-sized room with a man behind bulletproof glass. He stepped up to the glass.
“I’m here to see Detective Tyler Phillips.”
The man nodded. “Take a seat. I’ll let him know you’re here.”
Jace glanced behind him. Sure enough, there was one small metal chair against the wall. Jace sat. The chair was cold. In fact, the whole damn experience was uncomfortable. Tyler worked here every day. How depressing. After several minutes, Tyler finally appeared through a door Jace hadn’t even noticed, it blended so well with the off-white walls. His expression went from questioning to ecstatic in an instant. Jace’s insides shook as he came to his feet. He hadn’t realized until that moment how important Tyler’s reaction was to him.
“I thought I was picking you up,” Tyler said as he crossed the room.
Jace wiped his hands on his thighs. “My last appointment of the day was thirty minutes ago, so I thought I’d pick you up for a change.” To his surprise, Tyler captured his lips in a hot kiss. The shaking in Jace’s stomach increased. He never expected to meet this amazing man. Now, he’d never been more terrified to lose anyone.
Chapter 5
“You have a visitor out front.”
Tyler glanced up from the reports he was finishing and focused on the cop hovering over his desk. Dan had twenty years on Tyler. Unfortunately, that age gap brought with it some old-school beliefs. Judging by his disapproving stare, Tyler could guess who was here. A smile he couldn’t control pulled at the corners of his mouth. Tyler stood and pushed his chair in.
“Thanks for letting me know, Dan,” Tyler said, refusing to let the man’s hate bring him down. A little of Jace was exactly what Tyler needed right now. He moved faster than necessary toward the front lobby. His steps faltered when he caught sight of Jimmy. His brows drew together in his confusion. Tyler wasn’t disappointed, per se, even though he would’ve loved to have seen Jace, it was more that Jimmy was the last person in the world Tyler expected.
Unarm (Hooked Book 5) Page 6