by BLMorticia
"Since we're drinking, how about we take an Uber over? I've got a parking pass for you."
Andre agreed. Not having to drive would leave his hands free to roam if he wanted. "Good idea. Then we can get to know each other better."
"Yep." Chris handed Andre the pass and whistled. "Nice ride. Is it brand new?"
"It's a 2013 actually, but it's one of those pre-certified used models. Looks like it just came off the salesfloor right?" Andre put the pass on.
"Yeah. This doesn't look like a car for a simpleton." Chris added with a grin while tapping on his phone.
Andre walked over to Chris. "Okay, when it comes to vehicles, I may not be as simple as I said. I fell in love with it the moment I saw it. And it was a steal. My note is pretty low."
"That's great. I've had my little Volkswagen since college. I haven't bothered getting a new car because I love it so much."
Just as Chris said that, the Uber pulled up. Chris verified the car was the right one and they both got in. Andre shut it the door.
"You don't want an upgrade?"
"Don't need one. I don't drive unless I absolutely have to. I walk to work. I bike other places."
"That explains the shapely legs, hmm?" Andre hoped the flirts would make things hotter sooner than later.
Chris blushed and turned away from Andre. "You know nothing about my legs. I'm wearing long pants."
Andre eyed that response and immediately his trousers tightened in the crotch. "Long pants that fit your body real nice. I'm hoping to see just how nice they are when we get a little more, intimate."
"Um..."
Chris seemed a little off put by Andre's comments.
"That's if you want to," Andre quickly added.
"Oh, I, uh, I want to, but I thought you said you were shy?"
"I am, but we're alone. Okay, somewhat, when he rememberd being in a hired vehicle." Andre took Chris's hand into his and rubbed it against his cheek. The softness and warmth of Chris's fingers sent tingles up and down his spine.
"True," Chris managed. His breaths sounded heavy. A good sign to Andre.
Andre continued to hold Chris's hand. He didn't want to let it go. He'd never experienced being so into one person so quickly.
Chris's silence bothered Andre. "Listen, I hope I'm not pushing too hard, but damn, Chris, the moment we met this morning."
"I felt it too." Chris dropped his head a minute then met Andre's gaze once again. "I usually don't rush into anything..."
"But sometimes you just know, right?" Andre placed a few kisses on his fingers before taking one in between his lips.
Chris closed his eyes a minute. He appeared to be turned on by Andre's affections. He reached over and tightly grabbed Andre's free hand. "Yeah, I ... we do."
Andre sighed inwardly, knowing his job at DD&G would be in jeopardy after meeting Chris Wettlon. How the hell would he be able to do what they'd asked when he wanted the boss of Rainbow Brew in his bed and his life?
Chapter Four
Once the romantic movie moment between them ended, Andre and Chris made their way into the Mexican Restaurant close to Belmont. Though Andre was hungry, he wouldn't have minded staying in the car with Chris to move everything along. The sparks flying between them did nothing but spur him on. He would've loved to explore those emotions further.
Andre opened the door for Chris then walked inside himself. The Spanish themed restaurant looked to be packed with people from one end to the other. A long bar, exposed brick walls, featuring Hispanic art while the televisions played soccer matches or Telenovelas. "Looks like everyone had the same idea."
"They don't take reservations but, I know the owner, so I called to reserve a table."
"Ah, thinking ahead. I like that in you." Andre squeezed Chris's shoulder and patted it.
Chris looked at Andre with lust in his eyes. Or was that Andre's imagination?
Here's to hoping.
Andre wanted any reason to believe they'd end up horizontal sooner than later.
"I thought so. They're always crowded, especially during. I used to come here a lot with my buddies in college."
"Yeah?"
Chris talked to the hostess and she led the both of them through the restaurant to the other side.
The smells of freshly cooked meats with spices filled the room, making Andre wonder what took him so long to eat there.
No one to do it with?
In truth, Andre hadn't spent much time in Lakeview. Born and raised on the south side of Chicago, he hadn't traveled much further than Lincoln Park. Other than that, Andre didn't normally dine at places like this. Being a personal executive, he was used to places in the downtown area with higher priced small portions.
After the hostess seated them, Andre picked up the menu, perusing all the choices. Everything sounded delightful and because he'd skipped lunch, he wanted something with a variety of helpings.
"The burritos are really good. I usually do the veggie, but I believe I'll actually have steak tonight."
"Hmm, that could be taken a variety of ways, Chris. Could that mean you're in the mood for something meaty?"
Chris appeared flushed from that comment. He dropped his gaze again. "Oh, you're really laying it on thick, aren't you?"
"Why wouldn't I? There's no secret what's going on here." Andre reached across the table and held out his hand.
Chris placed his hand on top and nodded, "I know, I just worry..."
"If we're going too fast? Do you want me to slow down?"
"No, I don't it's just ... God." Chris lowered his gaze.
Andre gripped his palm a little tighter to let Chris know he understood. His shyness was so damn intriguing and arousing. Andre almost wished they would've skipped dinner and went straight for the bedroom.
Chris sighed and looked up at Andre again. His hazel eyes brightened. Lips pursed. He looked so delectable right now, Andre wished he could kiss him. He moved his hand away from Andre's. "You know how you needlessly worry about stuff and make things more difficult? That's me in a nutshell. I always overthink things instead of just going with the flow."
"I do, and it's okay. We're in the feeling out stage and that's fine. Contrary to my pushiness I'm a very patient man. It's just ... when I see someone, I really want to have a connection with, I jump at it."
"Like sleeping with someone you barely know?" Chris jumped in, then looked away. "I'm sorry, that was kind of harsh."
"No, no, not at all. You have every right to question it."
Thank goodness Chris didn't know the primary reason why Andre stopped into Rainbow Brew earlier. Until Chris, his motives were skewed, but now he could give a damn if DD&G got this shop.
Chris looked sheepishly at him and squeezed his hand back. "Um, yeah, I... I'm sorry, it's been so dang long since I was involved with someone."
"I don't know why. You're hot."
"Well thanks, but I don't open the door to just anyone. Contrary to what people think about gay men, I'm not easy."
That last part stung because Andre could've sworn Chris could see the facade Andre was desperately trying to hide.
Shit. Shit. Shit. Why the fuck was this happening?
Andre cleared his throat, determined to keep this going despite his desire to confess. That would be a deal breaker for sure. "Look, no one thinks that. I certainly don't, but sometimes you just feel something, you know? I'm attracted to you. I'm not just saying that so I can get on those tight pants of yours."
"Oh, so you want to wear them?" Chris laughed and tapped his hand on top of Andre's. "Sorry, I couldn't resist. I haven't had any drinks and already I'm making lame jokes."
Andre took Chris's hand. "So, the margaritas don't give you a sharp tongue?"
"Oh, I don't know. When I've had a large one, I'm usually pretty mellowed out. If I have more than one, I might be ready for bed."
"Bed as in sleeping, or..."
"You really are a character. And you said you're shy."
Thank goo
dness Chris's joke made them relax. Andre almost felt as if something was choking him after that conversation.
"Just in front of other people, but when I'm all alone with friends or a special someone, I open up a little more."
"Same for me." Chris eyed him and batted his eye at Andre.
"Good. So, what kind of things do you like to do?"
Chris smiled sweetly. "I love live music."
"Oh yeah, what kind?"
"Rock and jazz. Love some old Miles Davis especially."
"Whoa, I never would've pegged you to be a jazz person."
"Oh? What kind of music did you think I listened to?"
Andre thought a second. "Rock, maybe a good pop band thrown in."
"Actually, I do like some of it from time to time because I love dancing. Outside of the club, give me some Miles, Kenny G, or even classic rock like Led Zeppelin."
"Now, I love Led Zeppelin. Kashmir is one of my faves. You can hear the jazz and blues in their music."
"Sure can. So, we have that in common, what about--"
"I'm sorry gentlemen for the wait, are you ready to order? Can I start you off with drinks?" The waitress walked up interrupting the moment.
"No problem, Carlita. Can I have a large margarita, frozen with a slice of lime?"
"Sure, and for you, sir?"
Andre nodded, "I'll have the same, but on the rocks."
"Good. Would you like double shots?"
"Sure, why not. Let's be adventurous, huh Dre?" Chris's hazel eyes met his again.
"All right, I'm in," Andre managed, trying not to show how excited he was about the rest of the night and it didn't include the meal. Really, despite how hungry he was, Andre was looking forward to the time after dinner and drinks.
Once the waitress walked away, Andre grabbed Chris's hand again. "So, you were about to ask me something?"
"Hmm? Oh yeah," Chris's face turned a bright shade of pink. "Sorry, I was thinking about something else."
"How much you wanna get out of here?"
"Maybe." Chris swiped is lips and winked at Andre.
Damn.
"You're a tease, you know that?"
"What? I'm not a tease."
"Yeah, you are. How the heck do you expect me to focus licking your lips like that?"
Chris leaned in, flashing a wicked smile. He repeated the action and gripped Andre's hand tighter. "I'm guessing you'll just be fighting with that all night then, because I do that a lot."
"Ooh boy." Andre returned the smile and inched closer. "Then don't be surprised if I pull you close and kiss you."
Chris laughed, "I won't. In fact, I'll be eagerly waiting for you to do just that."
Once the two of them completed dinner, they walked out of the restaurant arm in arm. Andre hadn't kissed Chris as he promised, but the night was still young and he hoped moving further was more than a possibility.
"You're hilarious, Dre! I swear I was about to pee on myself while you told me that story about your cousin and the horse."
"Yeah, he's still afraid of the things to this day. He won't go near one. I guess he has flashbacks about riding for about a mile without being able to stop."
"I think I would too, but then again, I love hor ... horses," Chris laughed, stumbling to the left.
Andre wrapped his arms around Chris. "Oh boy, that double did a little more than what we first thought, huh?"
Chris bit back a moan. He was making a fool of himself, but he was having fun anyway. "Maybe." Chris shook his head and hugged Andre around the neck. "So, what now? Wanna go dancing?"
"I dunno, if that's such a good idea. You're more than a little tipsy--"
"But I don't wanna go home. It's way too early. We could go to one of the small bars closer to Halsted. I'm sure there's one hopping right now."
"Oh, I am too, but, you've gotta be at the shop in the morning." Andre wrapped his arms around Chris's waist and pulled him close. "Someone's gotta make the donuts."
"I can ask, Jess to do it. She usually comes in aft ... after me."
Chris slurred his words and leaned on Andre's shoulder. He slinked both arms around Andre's body to hold himself up. Who was he kidding? He could barely walk, less alone dance.
"Yeah, she might have to do that, but not because you went dancing. Listen, let me take you home so you can sleep off these double shots you had."
"You had it too, but ... you're not..."
"No, I'm not because I didn't have two margaritas. We were only supposed to have one, but I couldn't tell a grown person how to spend their money."
Chris's face flushed and he grabbed Andre tighter. He placed one single peck on his cheek. "Okay, I... I suppose you're right. I need my bed, but I want ... y ... ou to join me."
Andre pecked his forehead and stroked his curls. "Believe me, I'd love to take advantage of you, but I can't. Not like this. I want you to be sober when we make love the first time."
Chris slowly lifted his head. "Dammit, am I th ... that drunk," he hiccupped then followed it up with a giggle.
"I think that answers your question. Let's get you home." Andre leaned down.
"Oh wait, wha--"
Chris shifted his hands to Andre's neck when he lifted him up in his arms, cradling him close to his chest. Instead of balking, he figured he'd enjoy being carried by his Prince Charming. He rested his head on Andre's shoulder and nuzzled the spot under his chin, enjoying the smells of lime mixed with Andre's cologne.
Content, Chris smiled and closed his eyes. Being this close to Andre did funny things to his body, stirring up emotions he hadn't felt in a long time.
He really wished he wasn't so intoxicated that he couldn't show him exactly how he felt.
Way to go idiot!
Chris cursed himself silently while Andre placed him onto the passenger car seat.
So much for the first romantic night.
After riding with Chris, Andre took the car back to his condo on Chicago's scenic lake shore. He'd grab his car in the morning after he slept of the alcoholic buzz in his system as well as the arousal that almost made him do something that wouldn't endear him to Chris.
Thanks to Latasha and his brother, Rick giving him the personal assistant position at DD&G, Andre enjoyed the finer things in life without much education. He'd dropped out of college after sophomore year due to boredom and spent the next three or so years working odd jobs in hopes of catching a break.
That happened when Rick took over his father-in-law's business once he completed his MBA. Immediately, Rick asked his younger sibling to be a liaison for his company. When he continued to wow clients with his charm and intelligence, Rick promoted him. With the promotions came perks like the condominium, the fancy car, as well as money too, but Andre's lusty feelings for Chris might put it all in jeopardy.
Why didn't I stay?
Andre closed his eyes a moment and bit on his bottom lip. His mind traveled back to a couple of hours earlier when Chris's body was pressed against his after they left the restaurant. Soft hair, hard chest, his firm buttocks fitting snug in his jeans.
MMph.
Andre shook his head out of the fog and ambled to the side entrance of his building. After nodding at the overnight doorman, he headed to the elevator. He pressed button five and leaned back against the panels, wondering how he would get out of this job to make Chris sell his restaurant.
Despite what he'd told Latasha, he just couldn't do this to a man he had more than a simple interest in. If it were anyone else, Andre might've pulled it off with no issues, but this wasn't just anyone. It was Chris Wettlon. Jayson Wettlon's heir, owner of the trendy spot Rainbow Brew. Chris was someone he wanted more than just hot sex with. He desired something a lot more special and he wouldn't achieve that unless he could get out from under the clutches of DD&G.
After a couple of minutes, both doors slid open and he walked off the lift to get to his luxury apartment. As he turned the corner, he loosened his tie and twirled his key ring around his fingers. Li
ke Chris said, the night was really young, and Andre wasn't used to being home so early. Still, he couldn't see himself taking advantage of Chris no matter how much his erection was telling him how long it had been.
Unlike the last guy he dated, Andre could see a possible future with Chris. He knew he'd have to take the time to get to know him better before they could proceed. Though this was no good for his libido, Andre was prepared to stick it out because he had positive thoughts about a happy ending.
When he arrived at his door, he unlocked it and the light in the foyer automatically flicked on. Andre slipped out of his shoes and kicked them to the side before ambling down the hallway, stripping off his suit coat as he went. He hung it in the closet then continued on to his living room.
So much for the romantic night.
Andre plopped on the couch and kicked up his feet on top of the coffee table. The lights outside his panoramic window caught his eye. He always appreciated having the great view of the city during the day and night. It helped him think and relax, two things he wished he'd done more of before he took this position.
This was more than a job, yes, and opportunity to make something out of himself after the dead end companies he'd worked for. But with emotions getting in the way, it made this job harder than any other.
Although it was early in the game, Andre could see himself getting too emotionally attached to DD&G's potential takeover victim. He'd already begun to feel the guilt eating away at him and making him miserable.
When he started, it wasn't supposed to be difficult or draining to get ahead. He was paid to convince and mislead which wouldn't be hard with someone he had no attraction to. Now there was no way he could do the damn job without jeopardizing a possible relationship with Chris. This assignment would most definitely be the toughest one yet.
Chapter Five
Chris sighed heavily and placed the last tray of donuts in the oven. He pinched the bridge nose and closed his eyes, wishing his hangover headache would take a hike.
"God, I'll never drink like that again." He groaned to himself and leaned against the counter. "I should've taken the day off."