by BLMorticia
Latte flashed a wide, pearly smile. "I hoped your dad wouldn't be around so we could talk."
Brendan locked the door and walked over.
After putting down the cup, Latte removed a sandwich and a bag of chips from the bag.
"Thank you. I don't usually have lunch, but I will enjoy this."
Latte sat down. "I'm glad. It's tuna with little egg, mayonnaise and tomato, just as you like."
"When you asked me that I had no idea you'd go through the trouble of making this for me. Especially not so soon." Brendan pushed a button on his phone. "Suzette, hold all my calls and tell my dad don't even think about coming in my office right now."
"Yes, sir."
Brendan unwrapped the sandwich carefully. "Wow Latte, you are an artist. This sandwich is so well prepared, I don't even want to eat it."
"Ah, stop that. Enjoy it."
Brendan took a bite, savoring the taste tuna and fresh tomato. "Mhmm, God that's good. So." Brendan finished chewing. "I don't want to talk with my mouth full. How has your day been?"
"Good. It's actually slow downstairs so Cathy said to take an extended break. I think a lot of people decided to take today off."
Brendan finished another piece and opened his chips. "Seems like it right? I noticed the lobby was a little scarce. I wonder do they know something we don't."
Latte shrugged his muscular shoulders. "Dunno. I'm really looking forward to going out tonight, though. Have an idea of what restaurant you want to go to?"
"Since you mentioned Chinese food, there's a place in Chinatown I adore. As much as I'd like to take you somewhere down here, I can't because my father knows every freaking restauranteur in this area."
"I don't doubt it. When we get to know one another better, I'll invite you over to my place and cook for you."
Brendan's face flushed. He swallowed and looked up at Latte. "I'd love that. I can't cook at all. I'm afraid, we'll be dining on takeout when you come by my place."
"I'll cook there, too."
Brendan cocked an eyebrow, holding the coffee in his hand. "Oh, I'm sure you will. In and out of the kitchen."
Latte licked his lips and his face pinked. "Mhmm. I can't wait to show you, either." He chuckled and moved closer. "I swear it's really hard to sit here without at least touching you. After our conversation last night, I couldn't stop thinking about you."
"I barely slept, and I woke up ... um ..." Brendan grimaced. He knew what word, but he didn't usually speak this way without a couple of drinks in him first.
"Aroused?" Latte finished the sentence.
"Yes, I ... I did." Brendan got up with the coffee still in hand. He walked around to Latte's side and sat on his desk.
Latte ran his hand along Brendan's knee. "I did too. Don't be shy about telling me. We both know what's going on here so we can talk openly."
"Yes, but ..." Brendan sighed, nearly dropping his cup because of the distraction. Latte's touch caused so much disruption. The good kind that Brendan wished he could feel all the time.
Latte repeated the action. "I know. Besides, that we don't know each other yet. Believe me, I get the hesitancy."
"I ... I'm glad you do, but I assure you, tonight I won't be as shy." Brendan sipped from his cup.
"I'm really looking forward to that."
"Glad to hear. Also, I'm going to bring my driver out tonight because I'd rather concentrate on you instead of the road. You don't mind, do you?"
"Nope. That excites me even more. It's gonna be another cold night. We could keep each other warm."
Hearing that, Brendan gently ran his fingertips over Latte's shoulder. It took everything in him not to grab this man by the shoulders and crush their lips together.
"Yes, we will, Latte. So warm we might not need the heat."
Chapter Seven
Latte slapped some aftershave on his cheeks and eyed the mirror. He smoothed his goatee and mustache down, then took a deep breath. "Ready for anything." Latte winked at his reflection and walked out of his bathroom.
On the way to his living room, he glanced at his phone.
Have a good time and you better show up at the club. No excuses, unless you're bedding the hottie! And don't forget to ask about siblings and cousins!
Tig
Latte laughed and shook his head. "I wish I could, but --"
His phone disrupted his thoughts. Latte noticed Brendan's name on the screen. "Hey, Brendan. Are you here?"
"Yes. I'd come up to meet you, but its freezing."
"Oh, no worries. Give me a sec to get bundled up."
"All right. See you in a bit, then."
"Yeah you will, sexy man. Bye."
Brendan chuckled. "Bye."
Latte pressed the button and grabbed his coat. He wrapped the scarf around his neck a couple of times then grabbed his keys, wallet, and the fresh roses. When he figured he'd gotten everything, he headed out the door.
Once he made it downstairs, Latte eyed the black limo and the well-dressed driver standing outside. He'd only seen cars like this on the Magnificent Mile.
"Good evening, sir." The chauffeur opened the door for him and smiled.
"Hello." Latte nodded and hopped inside, pulling the flowers from his side. "These are for you."
Brendan appeared surprised. "These are lovely. Thank you."
"You're welcome. I wanted to give them to you earlier, but I thought better of it."
"Good." Brendan set the flowers aside and took one of Latte's hands. "Cold enough for you?"
"I'd say it is. We picked a doozy of a night to go out, didn't we?"
"We did. If I didn't want to see you so bad, I would've called it off."
"Same here, but we could warm each other up. Oh wait ..." He stopped quickly, forgetting the two of them weren't exactly alone.
Brendan ran his index finger across Latte's chin. "Yes, we can. No worries, Sidney knows all about me."
Latte sighed in relief and melded into Brendan's touch. The electricity from Brendan's fingers caused discomfort in his groin. "Then, maybe ..."
"No, maybe. Come here."
Latte moved close, feeling Brendan's hot breath tickle his nostrils. He ran his hand along Brendan's face.
"You want--"
Latte was cut off by Brendan bringing him in and crushing their lips together. The embrace was rough, bruising, with Brendan nipping Latte's bottom lip with his teeth.
Brendan's lips tasted of minty mouthwash, not overpowering, but enough to taste and smell nice.
With the kiss, Latte's body instantly warmed and he found himself completely lost in him. "Mmph." Latte sighed into the kiss, wrapping both arms around Brendan's waist. He thanked his lucky stars Brendan had the frame of mind to let someone else drive them on their first official date. "Jesus."
"Hmm?" Brendan spoke against his mouth, then dragged his lips down to his cheek, then placed light pecks on his skin until he reached Latte's earlobe.
Latte closed his eyes and inhaled deeply, willing himself to calm down. Knowing, it had been awhile since he'd had sex with anyone, Latte had the worst case of blue balls. While thinking of Brendan reliving himself hadn't been enough.
"God. I don't think I'll make it without putting my hands on you."
Brendan pulled back, breathing hard. His face flushed pink, lips swollen from their kiss. "It's fine. Like I said, we're going someplace out of the area. I promise you we won't be doing much longer. I just need to get things in place."
Latte patted his hand. "I know. Your dad would seriously cut you out the will or fire you?"
Brendan shrugged, "Yep. And ruin my reputation, which means getting large businesses on my side would be damn near impossible." His mood turned sullen.
"That's terrible, but I'm telling you now I'm here for you. I know this is our first date and all, but ..."
"Yes, but it doesn't matter, right? We both feel it. That's what's most important." Brendan pulled Latte's scarf from around his neck and dropped it in his lap.
Latte closed the space between them. "We do." He kissed Brendan's lips quick.
Brendan grinned and yanked Latte back in for another, this time with tongue.
Latte's breath caught in his chest. His skin heated from head to toe. "Brendan ... I swear, if we don't stop this now--" Latte spoke between kisses.
Brendan pulled away slightly. "We'll end up doing something in the car?" He inched in, nuzzling the spot under Latte's ear.
Latte gulped hard and sucked in a breath. "Baby." He whispered, eyes fluttering as he gripped Brendan's kneecap with one hand while the other clutched Brendan's side.
"We might be having drinks back at my place afterwards?"
Latte sighed inwardly and leaned back, enjoying Brendan's teeth on his neck and ear. Latte couldn't form any complete thoughts with Brendan nibbling and licking his skin.
"Ye ... yeah." He managed to answer, knowing Tig would be pissed off if he didn't show up. However, once Tig found out what happened, he'd forgive him in a heartbeat.
"And, we're here, sir. I could either wait or go back to the condo." Sidney called from the front.
Reluctant to stop, Brendan pulled away from Latte, touching his bottom lip. Contrary to the temperature outside, he felt nothing but warmth. If only they could skip dinner and head back to his place. "Yes, okay ... um. I have a feeling we'll be having a quick meal."
Latte nodded, flashing a wry smile.
"So, what do you prefer me to do, sir?"
"I'm hungry. Even more so for my present company. I want to do the right thing though. I've got to get used to being out. Go home and keep your phone nearby."
"Yes, sir."
Latte appeared pleased with Brendan's decision. He gripped his thigh and kissed Brendan. "Whatever you're comfortable doing, all right? There's no rush."
"I know, but this is our first date. I wanna show you how serious I am."
"Okay. Let's enjoy dinner then." Latte looked away from him and slid over towards the door.
Brendan did the same and got out, pulling the lapels of his coat close. "Damn, I should've been smart like you and worn a scarf."
"You can have mine." Latte wrapped it around Brendan's neck and tied it in the middle.
"You don't have to freeze because of me."
"No, I'm good. I'm more than warm enough." Latte leaned in and pressed his lips atop Brendan's.
"Mmm, I was warm until I stepped outside," Brendan laughed and patted Latte on the back to move. Before walking to the door, he nodded at Sidney, then turned around.
Latte held the door open. "After you."
"Thanks." Brendan stepped in and the minute he went to open the second door, Brina Harrisford stepped through.
"Brendan, oh um, hi." Her blue eyes bulged, mouth agape.
Fuck.
Immediately, Brendan's high disappeared, thinking of what Brina would say. Undoubtedly, she'd tell Mr. Harrisford about running into him.
"Hello, Brina. Good to see you again."
"Same here, um ..." She looked away and waved to the man with her. "This is my friend, Joseph. Joseph, this is Brendan Walsh."
"Hey man, good to meet you."
Brendan shook hands with him and looked hack at Latte, noticing the confused look on his face. How in the hell would he introduce Latte to Brina and her male friend?
"Same here. Brina, this is my friend, Latte Jenkins. Latte, Brina Harrisford."
"Good to meet you, ma'am, sir."
"That's a cool name." She chuckled. "A nick name, or ..."
"You could say that." Latte answered dry, but with a smile.
"Well, um, I'll let you get back to your night, then. It was nice seeing you." She walked out, taking her friend with her.
"You too. Wish your father well for me."
"I will."
She left out, with the man close on her heels.
When they made it in the restaurant, Brendan leaned against the door a minute to catch his breath.
"You okay, babe?"
Brendan shook his head and laughed aloud. "The first time I want to go out with my date, and I run into my father's friend's daughter. What are the odds?"
"Crappy," Latte laughed in response and squeezed his hand. "It'll be okay though."
"I'm not sure it will. I can just guess what she'll tell her dad. I don't know how her father feels about gay men, but I'm assuming the same way my father feels. Ugh." Brendan dropped his head. If only they'd stayed in the car a little longer, they might've missed them.
"Listen. You can't be worried about this all the time, okay? You're gonna make yourself sick."
"I know. I feel a migraine coming on right now." Brendan pinched the bridge of his nose and closed his eyes a second. "I'm sorry, Latte and the way I introduced you ..."
"It was fine. I am just a friend ... for now," he winked.
Hearing Latte's soothing tone, Brendan shrugged, and his heart rate slowed down. He took Latte's hand in his and kissed the back of it. "You're right and you know what? I'm going to forget about it."
"There you go."
Brendan waltzed up to the hostess' desk. "A private table for two, please."
Though running into Brina bothered him, Brendan wouldn't allow that to ruin the evening. As long as Latte said he was okay, that was all that mattered to Brendan.
Chapter Eight
After a longer dinner than expected, Latte suggested they take a cab over to Eclectic instead of having Sidney come back out. Brendan agreed and they left Chinatown, headed for the bar.
Latte was grateful Brendan forgot about Brina. He hoped Brendan would enjoy the evening without worrying about his father.
"All right. Here you go." Latte pulled money out to pay the driver.
"No, no, I'll get it." Brendan playfully smacked Latte's hand away and paid him. "Keep the change."
"Thank you, sirs. Both of you have a good evening." The driver saluted them.
Latte got out and held the door open. "You must've tipped him well."
"I always do. Being out in the cold deserves a little more don't you think?" Brendan rubbed the scruff on Latte's chin.
"Yeah." Latte smiled at him and closed the door.
The car pulled off the curb, buzzing into traffic.
"Well, I guess you made his night. He's going home I suppose."
"As he should. It's cold as hell out here. Let's get inside."
"Okay." Latte took Brendan's hand and led him to the door.
Brendan accepted and smiled in response. He followed him, gripping onto his hand tight.
"We'll have a couple of drinks, do a little dancing ..." Latte led him through the doors.
"Oh, you like to dance, hmm? I do too." Brendan said, already moving his head to the low beat.
"Yeah? I'd love to see that." Latte nodded at the doorman and slapped hands with him. "Hey man, Tig around?"
"Yeah, La La, he's inside."
"La La? How many nicknames do you have?"
"Plenty. Believe you me. Brendan, this is Gene. Gene, Brendan Walsh."
"Good to meet you." They shook hands.
"You too."
"Hey, any friend of La' La's is a friend of mine. Latte's good people." He offered in a southern accent.
"Oh, I know." Brendan said, removing his coat.
"Let me take that for you. Looks like the place is hopping, too. I hope you're up for some partying, then?"
"Of course. It's Friday."
Pleased by that comment, Latte saluted Gene and dropped their coats off in the coatroom before heading towards the bar.
"It's not a gay bar, but gay friendly. Tig doesn't tolerate homophobes. The minute someone starts acting up, he throws em out."
"Well, that's good. What are we drinking?" Brendan wrapped an arm around his waist.
"Uh uh, I'm buying or knowing Tig, he'll comp us. Either way, you're not spending another dime. Now, what would you like to drink?"
"Anything with liquor in it." Brendan laughed and moved his body to the pulsating r
hythms overhead.
Latte eyed him, enjoying the sight of Brendan loosening up. "Mhm, I'd really like to see those moves up close."
"Then follow me," Brendan took him by the hand and led him into the crowd.
Once they stepped down, a few people greeted Latte. He loved Eclectic because it reminded him of the house parties he'd throw in his friend's basement. A lot of the music was dance tracks with a jazz and hip-hop influence. And just like those gatherings, everyone clapped their hands and moved in unison.
Latte watched Brendan's motions, loving the way he kept up with the rest. He moved in closer, just enough for their bodies to touch.
Brendan took notice and curled both arms around Latte's waist. He grinded his body against him in rhythm while looking into his eyes.
Still dancing, their cocks brushed against each another repeatedly, making both men gasp for air.
Brendan's heated stare along with their bodies meeting, caused even more of a disruption down below.
Due to the extreme heat in the club, moisture collected on Brendan's forehead underneath his hairline.
Latte wished he could lick it off him.
"Damn, Brendan." Latte rested both arms on his shoulders and moved in the same rhythm. He sensed the perspiration building under his clothing, making him sticky in more ways than one.
"I should stop, or we'll be heading for the nearest dark corner." Brendan said, sounding breathless.
"Not a lot of those here." Latte managed. Anymore and he'd be pulling Brendan into the bathroom.
"I'm thinking we should find Tig before I end up tearing your clothes off in front of everyone."
Brendan smiled and kissed him. "Probably. I need a drink anyway. Whew." He fanned himself and raked his red spikey hair with his fingers.
"It is hot. I'm gonna need a cold shower."
"You're welcome to take one at my place, or a hot one, whichever suits your fancy."
"I think I'll take you up on that offer." Latte teased and grabbed Brendan's hand again. He hoped the night would end up with the two of them needing that shower for more than just sweat. "Come on. Time to get some refreshments."