“Happy Birthday, my lovely.”
“Thank you.” Then I ate some toast and drank some tea.
“Is it weird without Rutledge here?”
Hmm, was she throwing me off or did he really not know that we’d be going out tonight for my birthday?
“It’s fine. I didn’t tell him about my birthday, and he had one of his ungodly-hour starts to the day, so I said I’m staying with you and getting up at a reasonable time.” I sipped the tea. “I do miss him though. Oooooh … when he wakes up and …” I trailed off. “Oops, sorry Jules.”
“No, no, far be it for me to stop you. It’s never TMI for you. And on your birthday.”
“This is special. I was going to say, when he wakes up and looks at me all sleepy head, it’s adorable.”
Dance rehearsals flew by and then I was at home getting dressed for our “dinner out.” Rutledge and I texted during the day, and he was still sticking to the story that he’d meet us at the restaurant. Adele would do the same. So I looked in the mirror and turned around about a million times. I’d put on the silver off-the-shoulder sequinned top that Rutledge liked, and my pink hair was styled perfectly. Lip gloss and a little eyeshadow finished off the ensemble.
“Is this okay?”
“You look fabulous. I’m not just saying that. But why are you so jumpy?”
“I just, I don’t know, I want to look perfect.” I let out a deep breath. And I was thinking how this could be one of our last times dressing up for a night out. Stupid, but reality. It was the beginning of July now, and Rutledge was leaving at the end of the month.
I flattened the front of my pants and made sure I had my wallet and keys. I already knew I’d left stuff at Rutledge’s as we’d probably go there after. “Let’s go!”
Jules gave the driver the address and I stared out the window. “Happy Birthday,” Jules hugged me as she said it.
We pulled up at a place I’d only heard about but never been. It was an arcade venue with a bar and drinks and food. I clapped my hands together. “How did you manage this, Jules? I heard no one could get in unless you knew someone.” It was the ultimate hot spot.
She squeezed my hand. “Okay, don’t be mad. It was Jasper. He offered. He really wants to get back in the good books with you. And this place sounds epic. Just … you’ll still have a wonderful birthday, I promise.”
I was shocked, no doubt. I took a deep breath, thinking I could do this. It was my birthday, our birthday, I realized. Jasper and I hadn’t spent one birthday together since we were children at home and forced to do so.
Everything was so good in my life, excellent actually, thanks to Rutledge, so I wouldn’t let Jasper put a damper on it. “Okay, I’ll be good. I knew it wasn’t just dinner. I’ll have to have a word with that Rutledge. He acted like he didn’t know at all.”
“Ha. Be nice to him. I know what he got you for a gift.” And she ran out with me chasing in behind her. The building was incredible. Full of old architecture with hanging lights that gave the area an industrial look. Old and new arcade games lined the walls with air hockey and pool tables in the middle.
Juliette grabbed my hand and pulled me over to a separated area that was full of velvet chairs, and then everyone I knew from dance and various acquaintances (no one-night stands, thank god) appeared, holding glasses of champagne. “To Ollie,” they said in unison, and Juliette handed me a glass.
While I was bombarded by hugs and happy birthday wishes, I scanned the group and found Marshall, Jasper, and Stuart, but no Rutledge. Where was he? Why wasn’t he at the forefront?
I was polite to everyone but made my way through to Marshall. “Where’s Rutledge?”
27
RUTLEDGE
I was getting ready to go to the Game Parlour, where Jules, bless her soul, had arranged for Ollie’s surprise party. Earlier in the day, I was sure I’d let something slip about the party but I hadn’t. Plus, I’d kept a few surprises to myself for after the party. We’d stay at the hotel next door to the arcade and bar and enjoy the night away. My phone rang, but I let it go to voicemail.
The cab I’d ordered was late. What a disaster. It was too far to walk. Ugh, they’d all be wishing him happy birthday without me. Just then, it arrived. Okay, I should only be ten minutes late.
“Drive fast,” I directed him, which was rather a joke considering the traffic we ran into. Finally we made it, and I jumped out and ran to the door.
“Hey you.” Ollie smiled and then nibbled at my lip. “Now, it’s the best birthday ever. So, which game do you want me to kick your arse at? Oh, come here, this is our area and you can leave your jacket and”—he looked expectantly behind my back—“my gift.”
I shook the bag in front of him. While I’d left the sketch that Stuart did back at my flat, I had the shirt beautifully wrapped. He practically pulled it out of my hand, giddy.”
Laughing, I hugged Ollie, feeling extremely hot for him. “Let’s get a drink.” I grabbed his hand, swinging it. “This place is amazing. Back to your question from before. Challenge accepted for a game of air hockey.”
He ordered us both some fancy drink with Baileys and something else in it. “I insist we have these first. My favourite birthday concoction, like an alcoholic milkshake thing. I’ve had them since I was like ten. Okay, the first ten years they were more chocolate milkshake and no Baileys, but you get the idea.”
“Cheers to Ollie—” I raised the fancy glass but then stopped mid-sentence as his double—except for the hair colour and maybe clothes ensemble—came to stand beside us.
“Cheers. Happy birthday, Oliver.” I noticed his ever-present bodyguard to our left.
He cleared his throat and downed the drink in one gulp. “Ah yes, happy birthday, Jasper. Thanks for getting the place.”
“Happy to. It was nothing. When Juliette invited me, it was the least I could do.” He took a deep breath. “I’m glad you’re both here. He reached his hand out to me, and I shook it. “Good to see you again, Rutledge.”
I merely nodded, wondering if I’d have to get Marshall to break up a fight. I knew I’d support Ollie, whatever the outcome. Moving closer, I rubbed his back to let him know I was there. He looked at me, wrapped his arm round me, and gave me a kiss. Then he looked back to Jasper. “How can we help you?”
He glanced to his bodyguard, and I couldn’t help but notice the look between them. It was something more than simply employee and employer.
“I know we’ve had a rift for a while. And I know I was a terrible person when we were younger. I wasn’t there for you like I should have been. Subconsciously, I think I was in denial.” He paused in his speech and glanced at the bodyguard again. “I’m also gay. But, ah, it’s not common knowledge. So please, I’m trusting you. Plus, you deserved to know. Maybe I don’t deserve your acceptance of my apology, but I wanted to try.” He sounded so sincere and let a breath out. “So, can we start again? Maybe even be friends? I know I’m away a lot, and I still will be, but I’d really like to … if you are willing.”
Ollie hugged me and I knew he was crying a little. “You have to do what’s right for you, I’m here for you,” I murmured into his shoulder.
Ollie squeezed both his hands in mine and hugged me tightly before letting go. “To the future, then.”
And I had tears as he and Jasper hugged. Jules came over, then she and I both hugged around them.
“Happy birthday,” Jasper said, and cleared his throat, “brother.”
“Can we have a moment? Just over there.” Ollie looked from the bodyguard and then over to a table in the corner.
“I’ll wait here,” I told him.
“No way, you and I are a package deal now.”
“Don’t you want privacy with your brother.”
He hugged me tight. “And how would that be right? No, you come too.”
So we went and sat at the table and I squeezed Ollie’s leg, letting him know I was there for him.
Typical Ollie. “So is there anyone exciting in t
he picture? Do tell.”
I slapped him, feigning horror, although I really wanted to know too. We both leaned forward.
He glanced over at the bodyguard and back. “No, well … maybe, it’s complicated. The most important thing right now was that I spoke to you and got your blessing, maybe even forgiveness for how I acted.”
Ollie nodded, more serious now. And when I noticed a tear roll down his cheek, I wiped it away. “That’s so special and means so much.”
Jasper had identical tears, yet no one to wipe them away for him. “I really want to make it up to you. I’m sorry. Let’s look to the future, okay?”
They both got up and moved to the side of the table, hugging, and it was a really special moment. “Thank you. And happy birthday. We’ll keep in touch.”
The bodyguard whisked him away, and they left in a black car with tinted windows.
“Now”—Ollie brushed his ass against mine—“it’s my turn to kick your ass.” He smiled and pulled me to the table.
“In your dreams, boy, in your dreams.” I bumped my hip to his. “Are you okay after that?”
He grinned. “I really am.”
Seeing his smile was like an aphrodisiac. “Game on!”
We hit the puck back and forth and it was so much fun. Ollie cheered when he scored on the game-winning tiebreaker, and I couldn’t help but be happy too.
We walked back over to the seating area. “Want to order some food?” My stomach growled as if it knew what my brain was thinking.
He poked me and I bent over in laughter. “No, no … I’m ticklish there.” As I fell back in the seat, he also toppled with me, and as he looked into my eyes, my own gaze got all gooey, and I gave him a much-too-sloppy kiss. “I love you, Ollie Bollie, and don’t you forget it.” I poked and pressed in his nose.
He got off me and laughed. “Food, definitely. Someone’s feeling the effect of alcohol.” He tapped his cheek, thoughtfully. “Or maybe it would be fun to see a drunk Rutledge.”
I slapped my hands on either side of his face and stuck my tongue out. Then I sat back and grabbed a menu. A huge burp erupted out of me. “Okay, maybe you’re right. Food.”
“Okay, I’ll order us something.”
“Just like old times.”
“What are you even talking about?” He waved to a server.
Suddenly, I felt nostalgic. “Oh, just like after the record fair. Remember the restaurant we went to for lunch and how I teased you about ordering for me?”
Leaning over, he kissed me deeply. “I think that’s when I knew I loved you, you know.”
I sat there in a daze while he ordered for us and then winked at me. How could I tease him again when he said romantic things like that?
“Here we go. Do you want to open my present now?” I’d missed when he opened the other gifts earlier. I handed it to him.
He rubbed his hands together. “Yes, please.” Opening the bag, he pulled the shirt out. “Oh, my god. Is this the one I saw in the window?”
I nodded and bit my lip.
“Thank you, thank you.” He hugged me and then our food arrived.
“This smells fantastic.”
Ollie placed his hand on my back and then took a slice of pizza. A few of his friends came over to give him birthday greetings as we ate.
Somehow I felt completely at ease with him by my side, even among a bit of a crowd.
Marshall and Stuart ambled over and sat across from us. “Fantastic place, and party,” Stuart told him.
“Thanks. It was Jasper who hooked us up.” For the first time, Ollie’s voice sounded positive and happy while talking of his brother.
We finished eating and then I went to play Skee Ball with Stuart, leaving Marshall with Ollie.
28
OLLIE
I watched my man in the distance. “I hope I can be all he needs,” I blurted. For some reason I felt at ease with Marshall, though we didn’t totally know each other.
Marshall took a sip of water. “I have a good feeling that you will be.” He patted my leg, and I took a deep breath.
“Can I tell you something, well, ask you something?” I looked over at him, trying not to sound scared.
“Of course. Anything. Well, mostly.” He chuckled and then took a swig of beer.
“How do I know I won’t screw it up?”
Marshall smiled at me with sincerity. “Ollie, if you guys are anything like me and Stuart, just you being there will be enough. The way he looks at you, anyone can tell you guys have something special. Just say what’s in your heart, and the most important thing is to listen. Be there for him. And most importantly, be yourself. He’ll surprise you in the best way if you trust in that. There’s no guidebook. Believe me, I know.”
“You are a man of wisdom,” I said, just as Stuart and Ollie returned.
“Wisdom?” Stuart joked. “Are you sure you have the right guy?”
“Very sure. Now Rutledge, come over here and cuddle me. It’s my birthday, after all.”
“Oh, the hardship, but okay.”
“Here.” Rutledge’s flushed cheeks were adorable as he handed me a large wrapped rectangle.
“Oh my goodness, another gift. Wow.” I couldn’t contain my excitement and ripped the paper off as if I was a five year old enjoying a princess party. A tear threatened to fall from my eye and I wiped at it.
It was a large canvas of the two of us. A candid shot the photographer must have got when he took our photos that day at the warehouse. The way Rutledge was looking at me with such uninhibited adoration brought joy to my heart.
I put it to the side, enveloping him in a tight hug. “Oh Rutledge, Rutledge, Rutledge. You are the best man in the world. Thank you for that.” Then I kissed him deeply.
Now we were tucked up in bed after my amazing party. Rutledge had booked us a hotel room right by the venue. “That was such a wonderful night. I seriously can’t remember a better birthday. And cuddling up here with you is even better. But I know one more thing I’d like,” I said.
“Oh, really now.” I couldn’t help but tease. “The gifts, the party, the games, and the kisses just weren’t enough.” I pushed the covers back and shivered in the cold and then kneeled, my naked body on display. Then I stroked my cock.
“Fucking hell, Rutledge. That’s hot.” I moved in to kiss him, and what started slow became more urgent. Then I pulled back. “Before I lose my mind with your kisses, which are a major distraction, I thought we could try you topping. You fuck me.”
His lips curled into a smile and he crawled closer, putting his hands on either side of my face. “Yes, a million times, yes. I want to be inside you. You are my everything.”
He jumped up and went to his bag and came back with supplies. I took a deep breath and kissed him on his return.
“If I’m terrible, let me know.” He blushed profusely. It was absolutely adorable.
“Well, I wouldn’t know, would I? Because this’ll be the first time.” I tried not to look nervous. I’d partaken in all sorts of sexual shenanigans. Why did this seem more daunting than anything I’d experienced before? I shook my hands out and clenched and unclenched them. Seeing his jaw drop in shock was something else. Then he put his arms over my shoulders.
“We got this. I want to feel you, to be inside you just like you’ve had me.”
He was trying to put me at ease and I couldn’t be happier. “Yes. Now prepare me.”
“Okay, good, my Ollie is back.”
I got on all fours and stuck my ass in the air. Letting out shallow breaths, I looked back at gorgeous Rutledge and all my nervousness left me.
As if reading my mind, he spoke, “If anything doesn’t feel right, you tell me.” Then he rubbed my back.
I heard the click of the lube bottle. “I’ll smother lots on here.”
“A romantic after my own heart,” I said, to bring some levity to the situation. And then it felt like he was all around me as he leaned in with his hot skin on my ass and lower back
, and his fingers inside me. Of course I’d had my own in there, and some toys as well, but this was different. I pushed back into his touch. “Ahhh,” was all I got out and could feel my cock get harder.
He scissored his fingers inside of me, then grabbed the condom and sheathed and lubed his cock. I turned a bit and blew him a kiss. “Just take it slow this first time, and then we’ll see how it goes.”
He spanked my ass. “Yes, oh birthday boy.” Then I felt the tip of his cock press in. My legs moved apart ever so slightly, and I pushed against him.
“Oh, you feel so good.” Rutledge grabbed my hips, enough that it might leave a little bruise. “I’m going in.” And then he eased inside me.
I cried out and gripped the cover. Feeling this, feeling him was special, and I was overcome with so much emotion.
“Like that? I’m going to keep moving.” His hands were on my nipples, and the intensity of it was surreal.
“Go with what feels right.”
His moves were jerky at first, but I couldn’t bring myself to care. Having him inside me was all that mattered. I’d never felt anything like that in my life. I stretched a little, giving us a new position.
“I can’t believe I’m inside you.” He sped up his pace and seemed to relax because his hands went to my legs and then my abs.
Closing my eyes, I enjoyed the feeling of him and moved with him. Eventually we got a rhythm going, and he did some sort of hip rotation that made me groan in a tone I’d never heard come out of my mouth before. “That’s it.” He hit my prostate and I grabbed my cock, shuddering and moaning as he held me up. “Fuck. Happy birthday to me.” I collapsed then, my breathing ragged.
My brain seemed muddled as I felt him pull out of me.
“Yes, yes,” I could hear him behind me. “Oh god.” He pulled off the condom and came all over my back and ass. And then, making it erotic as hell, I felt him brush some off, put his thumb to my lips, and I lapped it up. “Hot damn, Rutledge. That … I can’t even talk. Phenomenal.”
Rutledge (Mayfair Model Series Book 3) Page 16