by Amber Kell
Where the hell did that come from?
* * * *
It was late when Jacob made it back to David's apartment. The shoot had gone long, and he was bone tired.
"I see you weren't mugged and left at the side of the road," David said from his spot on the couch. His eyes remained glued to his television as he spoke. His feet were propped up on the coffee table, and he had a beer in one hand and a bowl of popcorn in his lap.
"What are you talking about? I texted you."
"Last night. I didn't know where you were all day."
"I was working. I had a shoot. I'm exhausted."
"Dinner is in the fridge."
Jacob stared at back of his cousin's head. "You didn't have to make me dinner."
"I didn't. Some guy in a uniform brought you food."
"Did you see what it was?"
"No. I just stuffed it in the refrigerator and ate my sandwich. We don't all have wealthy boyfriends panting to take care of us."
"Not you too?"
"What do you mean?" Dave stood up and joined him in the kitchen.
"Gregor was harping on how people always like me and how I have a rich boyfriend. Just for the record, Guy isn't my boyfriend. We had a one-night stand. The sex was great, but I'm gone too much to have a steady man in my life."
"Well, I think your one-night stand wants to become a permanent fixture." David leaned against the counter to watch Jacob open his dinner.
Jacob pulled out a huge platter covered in foil. Setting it on the kitchen island, he peeled back the aluminum and let out a laugh. An array of tropical fruits and slices of cooked chicken were arranged in the shape of a heart.
David's face turned serious. "You'd better give your mother a call. Since Milo didn't have you, she suspected you were with me."
Jacob piled some food on a plate. "Did she sound sober?"
"It's hard to say. She said she's coming to New York, but the background noise sounded like she was already on her way."
"Why do you say that?"
"Well, she lives in a small town in the middle of nowhere, and when she called, the background noise was so loud I could barely hear her."
Jacob nibbled on a piece of fruit. "What kind of noise?"
"I would say train, but it sounded more muffled, maybe a subway. But why would she call and say she was coming if she was already here?"
"She told Milo she wanted to surprise me."
"Huh. Well, you know she freaks me out." David snagged a piece of fruit off Jacob's tray. "Warn me if you think she's going to show up."
Jacob nodded. "I'll call her now."
Dialing his mother's number, he was surprised when it went directly to voice mail. "Mother, it's Jacob. Call me. I hear you're coming for a visit." As he hung up, he hoped he'd hidden the dread in his voice.
"Not answering?"
"Nope. I'm hoping that's not a bad sign." Without talking to his mother, he didn't know where she might be. Although he sent money home to his mother every month, he only visited her at Christmas, and he was more than ready to leave her company after a few days.
David gave him a sympathetic look. "Let's hope she was only talking. Why don't you call your rich boyfriend and have him ease your worries?"
Smiling, Jacob pressed the speed dial button. Guy had programmed his number into Jacob's phone the night before.
"Did you finally get home, darling?" Guy purred over the speaker.
Jacob took a deep breath to calm the insane urge to track down the sexy man and have his wicked way.
"Yeah, thanks for the food. It was a long day."
"I'm glad you like it. My sister is looking forward to working with you. She was able to squeeze in some time through your agent."
"That's great. I look forward to working with her too." Jacob really did; she'd seemed like a sweet woman and a talented designer.
"Get some rest, Jacob. I'll call you tomorrow."
"'Night."
As he hung up, Jacob felt lonely, as if there were an aching whole in his chest. He missed Guy desperately, strange, since he barely knew the man.
Jacob's phone rang. Looking at the caller ID caused a big smile to cross his face. Here was someone who always made him smile.
"Hey, man."
"Jacob, it's so good to hear you," William Stamson said on the other end. Jacob had met Will when he was modeling in Paris for a charity event. Will had bought the designer's entire collection for his personal use. "I called to give you the good news."
"What news is that?"
"Cassius asked me to marry him."
Joy filled Jacob at the happiness in his friend's voice. "Congratulations."
Jacob hadn't ever met his old friend's lover. In fact, it had been a while since the two friends had a chance to connect. They hadn't seen each other since Will met his new man. From the happiness in William's voice and his constant praise, Jacob got the feeling that William and his partner were a very good match. Not everyone could take Will's approach to living. Last he'd heard, the man still hadn't learned how to wash his own clothes or cook a single thing, but Will still somehow ended up on the bestsellers list with every book he released. Will might be a trust fund baby, but he was a great guy too.
"I was hoping you could be my best man."
"What about your brothers?"
"Umm, we've had a disagreement of sorts." From his friend's tone, Jacob didn't think he wanted to know the details.
"How does that work exactly when two men get married?" Jacob had heard of two men getting married before but hadn't attended any ceremonies.
"I'm sure it works differently for everyone, but Cash and I are each going to pick someone to stand beside us on our big day. I'd like you to be by my side, but I have a bit of a problem."
"What sort of problem?"
"Cash saw pictures of you."
"And?"
"And he's worried you'll try and steal me away."
Jacob started laughing so hard he had to clutch the counter so he didn't fall down. "Is he crazy?"
"Thanks for your support," Will said in a dry tone. "I told him we had never been like that, but he saw that picture we took in Cancun, and you look amazingly gorgeous and shirtless; he's worried. I told him it was nothing, and I just know you're going to love Cash even if he's a jealous bastard. He's not the abusive jealous, just the growly jealous, so you can stop worrying."
The problem with old friends is that they know you too well. Jacob let out a laugh. "When are you getting married? I have fashion week next week so I can't get away before then."
"I know. I know. Another reason Cash is a little angry with me. I organized the wedding around fashion week. I didn't want you to be unable to come. I really want you there, Jacob. Please!"
"You can't really blame him." Jacob would be furious if his groom were considering the schedule of another guy to plan their wedding.
"I know, but I'm not budging on this. I needed more time to organize the wedding anyway. I was just unwise enough to mention our first date conflicted with Fashion Week. He hates the idea that I'm friends with a fashion model."
Jacob sighed. This wasn't the first time it had been a problem in their relationship. Will tended to attract possessive people, and most men didn't like to be measured against the standards of a model. Another reason the two of them usually had meals without Will's current significant other. Not that any of them held Will's attention for long, but they were possessive of the beautiful rich man for the short time he agreed to be on their arm.
"The wedding is in three weeks. Do you think you can fly to Seattle by then? I want to have the informal ceremony at our house and then Father can oversee the more formal version we're having in Victoria. You don't have to go to that one. I think Father is going to insist my older brother is by my side for that one. Unity for the press and all."
"I'd love to see your house and be part of your ceremony," Jacob agreed. "I'll make sure to get my calendar moved around. I think I'm supposed to be in Sp
ain, but I'll see if I can shift things."
"Thanks, Jacob. I know it's really short notice, but my family is being relentless. I'm afraid if I don't commit to Cash soon they'll come up with a reason to separate us, and I don't want Cash to have to find creative places to hide their bodies."
Jacob laughed even though Will's tone didn't indicate Will was completely kidding. "I'll be there, and I'll make sure to bring a date." He was almost positive he could convince Guy to go with him.
"Who?" Will asked. "Are you dating someone?"
"I've dated a guy a few times, but I'm pretty sure he'd go with me if I asked."
"Fabulous, but don't bring some bum to my wedding."
"I won't; I promise."
"What's his name?"
"Guy Franks."
Will gave a gasp. "I know him. He's a friend of Cash's. I had no idea he was seeing anyone, but then I only met the man once. I'm going to have to talk to Cash about holding out on me. Guy is invited to the wedding too, so I'll put you two down together."
"It's a new relationship so Cash might not have known we're together. Anyway, I'll be there. Put me down as a definite yes."
"Great! I'll email you the details. I didn't want to email you the invite; that's so tacky. I'll overnight it to you tomorrow."
Jacob laughed. Only Will would think overnighting wedding invitations was a reasonable thing to do. It would cost him a fortune, but then, that probably wasn't a concern for him. "I'll see you then."
Still smiling, he hung up the phone. He wondered if Guy knew he was going to a wedding.
Chapter Four
Jacob went bright and early to see his agent, Mandy.
"Hey, superstar, what are you doing here?"
Jacob sat down and told her what was going on with the wedding. "I really need that weekend off."
Mandy stared at him for quite a while before letting out a sigh. "You know I'd give anyone else crap for trying to change their schedule."
"I know." Jacob ran his fingers through his hair as he waited for the verdict.
"I'll see if they'll change their dates, but if not, I'll have to give the account to another model. Maybe Gregor." He could see by the evil glint in her eyes she was trying to push his buttons.
"Give it to whoever you want to, Mandy. I'd like to do the shoot, but I understand if I have to be replaced. Not missing the best day of my friend's life is more important to me than a modeling contract."
Mandy pulled a sheaf of papers out of her desk and looked them over. "We're in luck. This one doesn't have your name specifically listed. We can give them the option."
"Thanks, Mandy. I really appreciate it."
Mandy stood up to shake his hand. "You've been a good trooper all these years Jacob, the least I can do is cover for you once in a while."
Jacob left the agency with a lighter step. Things were falling into place; he just had to make one more phone call.
* * * *
Guy was in the middle of a meeting, looking over the photos of another dead model, when his phone rang. Looking at the caller ID, he saw it was Jacob and excused himself. Jacob might need him. Everyone else could wait.
"Hello, gorgeous. How are you doing this morning?"
"I was wondering if you'd like to go to Seattle with me."
"Sure, when do you want the plane ready?"
Jacob laughed. "Perhaps I should give you more details."
Minutes later, Guy was roaring with laughter. "So let me see if I get this straight. You, the international gorgeous fashion model, need me for arm candy? You know Cash will never let me live this down. We've known each other for years."
"Does that mean you will or won't go as my date?"
"Do I get to pull out all the stops of an adoring boyfriend? Take you in my private jet, arrive in a limo?"
"Now don't get carried away," Jacob warned.
"Oh no. If I'm going to be your boyfriend, I'm going to enjoy myself."
He smirked when Jacob groaned over the phone. "You're going to be out of control, aren't you?"
"Yep."
"Will you do it?"
"Definitely. I'll clear my calendar."
"Thanks." He could hear the relief in Jacob's voice. He felt almost guilty for not telling his mate he planned on going anyway. It was more fun to be asked.
"This really means a lot to you, doesn't it?"
"Yeah, Will's been a good friend. I'd like to be there for him, and if his future spouse is unhappy because a model is attending, then he's not going to enjoy his own wedding. Hopefully, you can help squash any speculation."
"Don't worry; once Cash sees us together, he won't be upset any more." When Cash saw the bond between them, he would let his jealousy go.
Guy was still smiling when he entered the conference room. He was going to a wedding with his hot new boyfriend.
The investigation unit he'd pulled together looked at him when he re-entered the room. Guy's fortune had come from investing for hundreds of years, and he used a great deal of that money to run a private investigation and security firm on contract to the Wizard Council. Guy directed hundreds of operatives, and the only reason he was even here to do this particular investigation was because he was the only supervisor currently available. With an outbreak of magical crises lately, all hands had to pitch in. Guy had never been so glad of anything in his life. If he hadn't been investigating the murders, he'd never have met his mate. Fate was playing a heavy hand, and Guy couldn't be happier.
He looked over at his staff. "We need to backtrack and check up on who the models met with in the last few weeks. See if there is a definite pattern. Mandy emailed me the schedule of her models, but nothing popped up. Maybe they were all conned into doing a job on the side. Look through their emails and comb their apartments. We need to find out what happened before there are any more fatalities. Also, put out the word that we're looking for rogue magic users. Has anyone seen anything suspicious lately, any odd spikes of magic or unexpected sightings?" Despite the severity of the case, Guy couldn't stop smiling. "Niles, I want you to check out fashion shows and photo shoots. Talk to any other models they've worked with."
"Will do." Niles looked at Guy in surprise but didn't say anything. Niles was still feeling out his position. Niles actually worked for Cash but under Guy's direction. Guy's secretary wasn't as discreet.
"How is Jacob this morning?" Sheryl asked, smirking.
"He invited me to a wedding. He said I can be his arm candy."
The open-mouthed surprise of Niles and Sheryl was worth the unprecedented sharing of his love life.
"What kind of guy calls you arm candy and you let him get away with it?" Niles asked.
"Have you seen that new billboard on Fifth?" Sheryl asked.
Niles blushed. "Uh, yeah. It's hard to miss. All the guy is wearing is that tiny, tiny bathing suit."
"That's the boss's new boyfriend."
"No shit!" Niles smiled Guy. "Nice going."
Guy felt the blush rise on his own cheeks. For a moment, he completely understood why Jacob might want to move behind the camera. The constant staring must be a special kind of hell.
"Anyway, let's get back to business."
Guy was still thinking of his lover later that day as he wrapped up his final meeting. He had his personal assistant send Jacob flowers to David's apartment. He wanted to make sure his lover didn't forget him. It wasn't until after they were sent that Guy realized he didn't know if Jacob was allergic to flowers.
His phone rang as he was leaving the building. "Hello."
"The flowers are beautiful," Jacob said.
"Not as beautiful as the recipient." Relief swept him as Jacob didn't mention any allergies.
Jacob laughed. "Did you practice that line?"
"Maybe a little. Are you available for dinner?"
"Sure, when are you coming?"
"I'll swing by on the way home. You can eat at my apartment."
Jacob's laugh was low and sexy. "I can think of all kind
s of things I would like to eat at your apartment."
"Tease. I'm on my way. Don't forget to look pretty for me."
He hung up as Jacob was telling him in colorful terms what he could do with his look pretty comment.
Laughing, he told Joel to go by Jacob's apartment.
Minutes later, he was holding his beautiful man. At least he thought of Jacob as his man. He didn't know how Jacob viewed their relationship, but at least he knew the model was looking at them being together for at least three more weeks.
After all, they had a wedding to go to.
Chapter Five
Guy hoped Jacob didn't see him skulking around the runway. He'd used his magic to convince the person checking invitations that he was authorized to enter. It was a surprisingly easy magical push, which made him suspicious the murderer might be using the same technique.
With a few muttered words, Guy changed his appearance so anyone looking at him wouldn't recognize him. His dark hair lightened to a distinguished gray, his blue eyes deepened to a dark brown, and his height shrank approximately two inches. Although he knew Jacob would be pleased to see him in the crowd, this was one time it was better not to stand out. If the killer was around, he didn't want him to recognize Guy. He needed to keep a low profile.
Hiding by the back wall of the tent, Guy waited in the shadows as the models came out. He watched the crowds. Most of them had their eyes glued on the stage watching the female models strut their stuff on the catwalk, but a few were watching the audience checking out who was attending. Focusing on the crowd, Guy sent out tendrils of his magic to brush against the audience, seeking out any negative energy. After twenty minutes and way too many models with bouncing boobs coming down the runway, Guy decided the killer wasn't in this tent.