Rutledge (Mayfair Model Series Book 3)

by Claire Castle

  Just then, as I stared at him across the bubbles, he looked directly into my eyes, and it was as though he could sense my thoughts. I had no doubt Ollie could read the expression on my face.

  And just like that, he jumped up, making the water splash out. “I’m getting all pruny. Look at my skin.” Then he walked over to the shelf of folded towels and helped himself to one. And then another. “Come on. You too.” He held it open for me, so I got out of the tub and into the towel, which he wrapped around me like a cocoon, and then brought me in for a kiss. I could feel the passion and everything else he poured into it without actually speaking.

  “Wrap yourself up too.” I said, trying not to let my voice wobble too much. It was hard to contain all the emotions I was feeling. “You must be freezing cold.”

  “You’ve kept me warm.” He moved in to kiss me again. “I want to stay all day, but I’ve really got to get to practice.”

  I let out a sigh of relief. Okay, maybe I’d totally misread what I thought I saw. I didn’t want him to back away or want us to slow down even if there was heartbreak to come. “I could come and watch.”

  His eyes went wide and I could have sworn a look of excitement passed across his face. Or was that nervousness. “You’d be bored, don’t you think? It won’t be like Saturday, a full production.”

  My shoulders dropped, but I covered it quickly. “Oh, okay. I’ll just sit here. Naked. Clean. I’ll find something to do.” I bit my lip and let the towel drop. Slowly, I took a few steps back and bent over the tub to let the water go, my ass facing his direction. I wiggled my butt for extra effect.

  I could sense him coming up behind me. The heat of his body sent an electric pulse through mine. His hard cock was against my crease, and I slowly got up so my back was to his chest. I lifted my hand to place it on his neck and turned round. “What’ll it be then?”

  “I never saw you as the teasing type, but I love it. You sit there quiet and sweet, but now I know the real you.” He brushed my hair back and kissed my forehead. “Okay, you can come, but if I fall or get distracted, I’m blaming you.”

  I entwined my hands with his. “Thank you for saying I’m quiet and not that I’m shy. So many people think I’m shy and that I should change to something more brash. But when I’m with someone I trust, someone who gets me, I’m my real self. So thank you for taking me at face value and for not trying to change me.”

  Ollie’s eyes welled up and then he brought me in for a hug, more, I think, to cover his own emotions. “You are too perfect. Don’t ever change.”

  We walked into the dance studio and I grabbed Ollie’s wrist. “Hey, what am I here? Your friend? Boyfriend? I’ll be whatever you want.”

  He grabbed my hand and kissed my knuckles. “Come on, boyfriend.”

  I couldn’t help the smile that crossed my face.

  He put his arm around my waist, emphasizing the point. “I’ve never brought someone to watch.” I wasn’t sure if he was talking to me or himself.

  He walked in, all smiles, and showed me to a seat at the side of a large room. One wall was floor to ceiling mirrors and a barre running the length of it. Various dancers were stretching or doing jumps around the large room.

  A large football-built sort of guy came over. “Oh yeah, Abbott, not like you to bring in your conquest from the night before.

  The way he studied me from head to toe was unnerving. I glanced at Ollie and saw his already pale skin had become paler.

  I didn’t plan to let this asshole have the upper hand, so I put my hand on Ollie’s shoulder and stood up. “I’m his boyfriend, actually, and he was the hottest ‘conquest’ in this damn city last night.” I was irate and trying to get a point across. “And we plan to fuck all night long tonight as well.” I let out a puff of air and sat down. Clenching my fists, I tried to even out my ragged breathing.

  I didn’t look at him again but heard his retreating footsteps, then I leaned over to Ollie. “What an ass. Are you okay?”

  He nodded.

  Then I embraced him. “Now, go practice.” I wanted to take his mind off of that.

  “No one’s stood up for me before, I ...”

  A lone tear threatened to escape. “Go, go. We’ll discuss it later.” I wiped at my eye.

  Music played from somewhere at the side of the room, and I watched, mesmerized, as Ollie floated across the floor. His grace and beauty were impeccable. Just as I wondered how he could be so graceful and delicate, he jumped into a leap that defied gravity. I wanted to get up and cheer like spectators did at hockey games. The beautiful arch of his body reminded me of waves as they moved across the ocean. The fact that this man was mine took my breath away.

  The music became a quicker tempo and Ollie took it in stride. I watched as his feet moved together and then apart. While I didn’t know the names of the positions, I commended his talent and realized that he was at the top. In some abstract way, I knew he was a dancer, but now witnessing him in all his glory, I clasped my hands together and let out a sigh as I admired his beautiful calves.

  He’d stripped down to only a pair of very short shorts and a tight t-shirt that fit his skin perfectly. I couldn’t take my eyes off the long length of his legs and torso. Ollie’s skin glowed while he moved as if one with the music.

  A tap on my shoulder made me jump, and I looked up to see Juliette.

  “Hey, he’s incredible, isn’t he?” she asked and sat down next to me, cross-legged.

  “So incredible. I’m in awe.” I rubbed my hands together. “I could watch him all day.”

  “If you aren’t careful, you will be. He spends all his daytime hours here. Well, usually.”

  Juliette elbowed me in a friendly way. “But maybe you’ll change that. I’ve been here for hours already.”

  My cheeks heated and I folded my hands in my lap. “Uh, I don’t know, is that a good thing?”

  “Yes, of course it is. I’ve never seen him this happy. He needs—” Her mouth quickly shut as if she’d said too much or was going to let a secret spill.

  I let it be as I didn’t want to pry and was quite content with her saying how happy he was. “Hey, who’s that over there?” I pointed to the and he won’ting guy in the corner from earlier. “He was giving Ollie, well, us, a hard time.”

  “Oh, ignore him. He’s a total jerk most of the time. They only keep him around because he’s always been a superb dancer. He’s mainly like the class clown but doesn’t know when to shut his mouth. I’m not standing up for him or anything, but one thing I can say is don’t rise to him.”

  “Thanks. I’ll keep it in mind.” Then I turned my gaze back to Ollie, just as he did a spin that made him raise both legs in the air in perfect symmetry. He soared through the air and as I witnessed his muscles flex and the contour of his body, I had to rearrange how I sat.

  I wasn’t sure how much time had passed when Ollie came over to see me. He sat down and took huge gulps from a water bottle. “Ah, did you like it?” His voice sounded unsure, and I noticed his leg bouncing as if he was nervous.

  I moved to face him and took one of his hands in my own; then, I looked into his eyes and tried to convey how much he meant to me. “No, not like. I loved it! You are mesmerizing, and I could watch you all day. I knew … I know you’re a dancer, but to witness it is so much more. You are special, Ollie Abbott, and don’t you forget it.”

  He closed his eyes, and when he opened them, they held a sheen. “No one’s ever said anything like that to me. Thank you.” He leaned in to kiss my ear. And then in typical Ollie fashion, he swayed back in an over-exaggerated motion, and threw his hand across his brow in a swooning motion.

  A giggle erupted from me and then he joined me. I sensed eyes from across the room but ignored him. Ollie went back to dancing, and I enjoyed every moment of watching him. It was a treat and I never thought I’d tire of it. I hadn’t brought my e-reader or any other distraction, and I didn’t need it.

  The way he moved was intoxicating. I licked my l
ips and then had to remember where I was. Maybe later I could get my own private show.

  Juliette came over at one of her breaks.

  “I’ll go get us all lunch. Anyplace good around here? I asked. And what’s Ollie’s favourite?”

  She put her hand on her hip. “There’s a sandwich shop nearby. I can come with you.” She hooked her arm in mine.

  “Oh, should we let Ollie know?” I looked back to where he was slowly perfecting a move.

  Then she hollered his name, and I guess that was that. “Ollie, we’ll be right back.”

  Laughing, we walked down the street. “So, do I need to give you the ‘I’m his sister, do not hurt him’ lecture? I mean, we aren’t blood-related, but he’s like a brother to me.”

  “What about Jasper though.” I wasn’t fishing for information, but it seemed sad.

  “Oh, that’s a tough one. I think Ollie wants to forgive him or reconcile, but now they’ve left it too long. This is just my opinion. You know Ollie by now, he does what he wants. Anyway, if Jasper makes a dig at him, he can’t help but snap back or say some sarcastic or borderline mean in retaliation, and so conversation or whatever just never becomes friendly. Plus, they don’t see each other all the time.”

  “Yeah, he kinda told me about the past and Jasper never sticking up for him.”

  “True. I’m not giving him a free pass on that, but I think he is trying. Ollie isn’t trying. And he won’t until he wants to. So it is what it is.” She pointed to a sandwich shop with a red awning. “Here we are.”

  I stopped her before we went inside. “I will not break his heart.” Even though I meant it, because I wouldn’t on purpose, I had no idea what would happen when I went back to California. I rolled my shoulders and pushed that thought to the side. “My treat.” We placed our orders and waited for a few minutes. I paid, then picked up the bag.

  We walked back to the dance studio, and Juliette told me about how she’d grown up in not a great area and how her parents didn’t have much money, but that she received a scholarship, which made it possible to study at the dance academy. After that, they asked her to stay and she’d been doing it ever since.

  Ollie ran over to us when we got back. “Uh oh, I’m in trouble, aren’t I? My ears are burning.”

  “Yes, I heard tons of secrets from Jules. I can’t wait to tease you about them later.” She hadn’t really told me anything, but it was fun to mess with him.

  Jules played along, over-exaggerating. “Remember, Rutledge, that story is a secret.”

  “Okay, guys, give me my food.” He let out a puff of air.

  We sat at a small table just across the hall from the large dance area. Juliette told me it was the break room they all used.

  “Here is your food, dear Ollie. Don’t be in a huff. You should be happy your best friend and your boyfriend get along so well.”

  “Oooh … boyfriend. I like that,” Jules piped up.

  We ate our sandwiches and laughed and joked. They fed off each other and it was really funny.

  “No Jules, you are the one that slept in for that audition,” Ollie said.

  “It was you. Remember you tried to get a cab and then ended up running for twelve blocks.”

  “Oh, that’s right. I almost died.” He continued to munch on his sandwich.

  When he went back to dancing, I let him know I was going to go. I stood up at the table and kissed him. “If you want to come over later, you can. Bye, Jules.”

  22

  OLLIE

  It was opening night of the play La Siesta and I stood backstage. I’d done many performances, but this one had me on edge. My nerves were rattled. Rutledge was out there. I just wanted to impress him most of all. These past few days with him had been pure heaven. Spending time and learning about him took my breath away. And the kissing—oh, the kissing—I could get lost in him. Moving foot to foot, I let out deep breaths. I wanted to scan the audience, just to find Rutledge and see his face there.

  For the opening act, we all went out and I didn’t really think of the dance. It was routine and my legs basically knew exactly what to do. I ran off the stage and it was the usual whirlwind of pressure, excitement, and pandemonium.

  Then I went to the edge of the curtain with Sonja, the girl I would perform with on our own. As the music built up, we both stepped out from opposite sides of the stage. She ran towards me and I lifted her up, focusing on keeping her still above my head as I spun her.

  Applause erupted and I placed her down. The dance continued as if my body was working of its own accord. Moving across the stage, I began to get excited when I nailed every move and Sonja did as well. Bowing after our set, which was right before the intermission, I looked up, and there he was.

  Rutledge—smiling and standing and clapping for us.

  I winked at him before leaving the stage.

  “You were phenomenal.” I was in Rutledge’s bed after a wonderful day. We’d gone for a meal after the performance and then we got to come home and be alone. I could say I wanted him to stop with all the accolades, but I really didn’t.

  “Ego. Gigantic!” I joked. “No really, it means everything to me. I was most anxious about what you thought. Not the critics, not anyone.”

  He stroked his finger down my abs and I let out a sigh. “I never imagined you getting anxious about anything, you know.”

  “When it comes to you, it means everything. It’s important.” Rutledge moved down the bed and massaged my calves. “Oh, that’s good.” Then he kissed my abs and crawled up my body so he was the full length of me. Kissing me long and deep, I took his face in my hand. “You’re so exquisite.”

  “You too.” He moved back down and licked my balls and then my cock. His thumb brushed my hole and I clenched. “Make love to me.”

  I was frozen and then I rolled him over, lifting his arms above his head. I clasped his hands and kissed him deeply, pouring all my emotions into it. “I’ll try,” I murmured.

  I peppered kisses down Rutledge’s neck and reached over for the supplies from the nightstand. Kneeling above him, I stroked my cock, then I leaned in to kiss him. He kissed me back and I trembled in his arms. “I just want it to be good enough.”

  “It is … it will be. Better even because it’s you. Because it’s us.” He rubbed my back and then grabbed the lube and condom.

  Rutledge moved to kneel in front of me and wrapped his arms round me and then put on the condom. “Ready me.”

  When he turned, he obviously was giving me some time, even an option to wait. But as I looked at this gorgeous man in front of me, I knew how lucky I was, and how much he meant to me. I snapped open the lube and dipped my fingers in, then I got my cock ready and gently turned him over. He lay down and I pushed more pillows under his head.

  I was feeling so vulnerable, I thought he must feel the same. Spreading himself out in front of me, I treasured it. I licked his nipples and then gave him an open-mouthed kiss. Rutledge’s cock was now hard against his stomach, and as I brushed a finger across it, his eyes closed. I pushed into him and swiveled my hips slowly. Rocking inside him felt so right. It was where I belonged.

  His hands moved along my sides and he pulled me down to kiss him. “You feel so good. So perfect.”

  I could feel his cock between us. While I was deep inside, I could sense every movement and feel his skin from head to toe. He squeezed and I let out a moan like I’d never had in my life. Rutledge’s hands were all over me and my skin felt as if it was on fire. Holding my hips, he moved us and the slow motions were so intense.

  “Ah, ah,” My moans and words became incoherent.

  When he bent his legs, I thrust in at a deeper angle. He nipped my ear, then grabbed my back. It wasn’t painful, but the feeling of him holding on to me was making my emotions flare. This man needed me just like I needed him. I covered him in kisses and then leaned in close on my elbows.

  His legs were wrapped around my lower back and rocked us ever so softly. “I’m going to
come. Come with me.”

  Looking into his eyes, I saw so many emotions there. I nodded in reply and wrapped my hand around his cock. Our moans intermingled as we came. Pouring into him after such a build up was almost too much. “You make me come alive. I can’t help myself.” I came and came and came like I never had before.

  Rutledge’s hips snapped up and he was repeating my name, and although his come was between us, I didn’t want to leave his body. Dropping his legs, I stayed on top of him, admiring his face. I brushed my thumb across his cheek and eventually removed myself. I pulled off the condom and tied it, then reached over him to put it in the wastebasket. I lay facing him and rubbed the side of his hip, and when I pulled him in closer, he turned over so he could cuddle into me like the little spoon.

  “I don’t even know how to put into words how amazing that was with you.” I kissed his neck and wrapped my arm over him to pull him in even closer.

  “It was pretty incredible. I … Ollie, I think I’m falling in love with you.”

  I stayed completely still. “Me too.”

  “Will you stay over? We can shower and stuff. Or …” he trailed off.

  “Yes, please.” I jumped over him and ran to the shower first.

  He followed behind and when he got there, I pulled him urgently under the water. “I should wash you. Here.” He touched my abs. “And here.” He brushed his finger across my lip as the water cascaded down. Then his hand moved lower, across my pubic hair and my cock.

  I leaned in to kiss him. “Can’t get enough of you.”

  “Same here.” He picked up the body wash and it was heavenly having him touch me all over. “Uh, how do you get your legs shaved so smooth?”

  I burst out laughing. “So romantic.”

  He moved his hand up to grab my groin area. “Think that’s funny, do you?” He was nose to nose with me.

  I pulled him in for a rough kiss. Then I leaned back to look at him and we both started laughing at the idiocy of it. “They’re waxed. Better for dancing. If you must know.”