by DJ Jamison
“I think… No, I know. I need to see this through. All of it.”
Not just because of the legislation—though that was important—but because he’d made a deal with Rory. Rory was upholding his end of the bargain. Sure, there was a potential benefit to him, or at least to his agency, but Rory was the most genuine guy Avery had ever known. While Avery was cowering in the closet, Rory was true to himself in a school full of rich little assholes.
No, Rory was doing this for the greater good; Senator Kinkaid’s favorite words were fitting in this case. Avery couldn’t back out now, even if the potential fallout terrified him.
Even if he wished Rory were doing it for him, that the potential still existed for them. It was a naive fantasy that belonged to a regretful schoolboy. What they were doing was bigger than Avery, bigger than either of them.
“Good.” Rory grinned. “Because we’re here and I really want to taunt Caleb with my own fake groom.”
“Wait, you told him?” Avery asked, aghast. He’d told Gil out of necessity, because he’d witnessed Avery’s joke of a proposal, but he knew Gil. He trusted Gil. Caleb was just a fuzzy memory of a too-charming preppy guy from high school.
“Caleb won’t tell anyone,” Rory said. “He’s my closest friend, and he’s kept this kind of secret before.”
“The same kind of secret?”
“Where do you think I got the idea?”
They disembarked and Caleb was waiting at the pier, looking handsome and polished. Avery had only glimpsed him from a distance at the gala he’d attended. Up close, he could see that Caleb had acquired a layer of stubble since their high school days and was dressed in designer jeans and a fitted jacket that hugged his torso. Avery could tell he’d put on some muscle since his scrawny teenage years.
“Rory, what the hell, man?” Caleb tugged Rory into a quick hug. “I take it this is the guy that you—” He stopped short as his eyes darted to Avery. “Oh, Christ. Avery Kinkaid?”
“Hi, Caleb,” he said dryly. “Nice to see you too.”
Caleb narrowed his eyes at him before snagging Rory’s arm. “A word?”
Avery watched Caleb pull Rory to the side, presumably to ask him if he’d lost his damn mind. “Don’t mind me,” Avery called. “I’ll just admire the view.”
Turning, he looked out at the ocean. It was deep blue and churning with choppy water. It looked exactly how he felt.
Rory allowed Caleb to tug him a few feet down the pier. Behind them, Avery called out a sarcastic reply about the view and Rory glanced back to mouth an apology, but he’d already turned toward the ocean. Rory got an eyeful of his ass, looking fantastic in wool pants, instead.
“What are you thinking?” Caleb said, drawing his attention—probably for the best. He shouldn’t be appreciating Avery’s finer features. Not if he wanted to keep this professional.
“You’re asking me this,” Rory said, eyebrows rising, “the guy who drew up a marriage contract?”
“Okay, but that was different.”
Rory crossed his arms. “I’m listening.”
“Well...” Caleb paused. “Julien was my friend.”
“Who you hadn’t seen in twelve years. Next.”
“My whole livelihood was at stake! My home, my business. My mother’s home.”
Rory nodded. All fair points.
“You had a lot at stake, but I didn’t do this for the heck of it, either. Avery came to me because of legislation moving through the state Senate. Legislation that’s not great for people like you and Julien.”
Caleb tensed. “What do you mean?”
“I don’t know if you want children, but it could significantly affect your ability to adopt.”
Red swept into Caleb’s cheeks. “What? That’s bullshit!”
“It’s politics, and so is this.”
Caleb glanced toward Avery, who was now pacing the pier and running his hands through his hair. He looked nervous. Almost like a groom on his wedding day.
One with cold feet, Rory thought, and nearly laughed out loud. Fuck. Maybe this was all for naught. Avery might back out at any moment.
“But Avery?” Caleb said again, dubiously. “He totally jerked you around in high school. And how does faking an engagement do anything about legislation?”
Rory had to bite down on the urge to defend Avery’s actions. Meeting the senator had put things in perspective. What Avery did wasn’t right, but he had been under immense pressure.
“He wanted to call his father out, and he wanted to stop hiding in the closet. We think his engagement will be of news interest, which will give us a platform to raise awareness about this shitty bill.”
Caleb squinted into the sunshine. It was a bright but freezing cold day. “Well, it’s a heck of a coming out.”
“It is,” Rory said. “Now, can we move this chat inside, somewhere well-heated?”
Grinning, Caleb clapped his hands. “Sure thing. I brought the van, so we can ride back to the house in warmth.” Raising his voice, he called out, “Avery! Get over here!”
While Avery made his way toward them, with both their bags in hand, Caleb smirked. “At least he’s making himself useful.”
Rory shoved his shoulder, biting down on a smile. “Stop it.”
Caleb turned serious. “Be careful, Ror. He’s hurt you before.”
And this was why Caleb was such a good friend. He might be incredibly privileged—owning a whole freaking island will do that to you—but he had a good heart. His dislike of Avery had always been about Rory’s well-being.
“I will,” Rory said. “This isn’t about any of that. It’s for the greater good.”
Caleb made a noncommittal sound as Avery reached them. “Let’s hit the road. We can show you to your rooms and let you get settled before dinner.”
Avery watched the scenery while Caleb and Rory made small talk on the way up to the massive beach house on the small island. He’d been here before, for the political gala where he’d flirted unsuccessfully with Rory. That felt like years ago now, but in reality, it had only been a matter of weeks.
Crazy how quickly life could change.
“Where’s Julien?” Rory asked as the van followed the curving road, bypassing the horse stables on the way to the house. It was a large two-story home with a wraparound porch and balcony set against the backdrop of the sea behind it. Avery hadn’t had much chance to explore the last time he was here, so he only knew that the living room—which served as a lobby since the home operated as a hotel—was light and airy, with tons of windows and an impressive fireplace. The banquet room had been tasteful and classy.
Avery’s behavior, not so much. He still winced when he remembered that comment he’d made about the buffet and Rory’s scathing remark. He placed a hand to his stomach, wondering if Rory really thought he had a gut. He didn’t have washboard abs, that was true. It’d been a long time since he’d seen the inside of a gym. Avery was soft, despite his more athletic build.
“He’s teaching a dance class.” Caleb chuckled. “He teaches several traditional ballroom dance classes, but just now he’s teaching pole dancing.”
Rory laughed. “You’re kidding?”
“Nope.” Caleb sounded amused and proud as he said, “Julien has been great for Bliss Island. He’s breathing new life into this place.”
“Don’t sell yourself short. You’re the heart of Bliss Island Resort. The one planning all those perfect ceremonies and making brides happy on their big day.”
Caleb shrugged. “I do my best.”
“You are the best.”
You are the best, Avery mouthed from the backseat, annoyed at Rory’s fawning. What was so damn special about Caleb Taylor? So what if he owned an island and ran a wedding resort and looked ridiculously handsome and comfortable in his own skin?
As they drew up in front of the house, Avery tried to shake off his bout of jealousy. If Rory had feelings for Caleb, that was not Avery’s problem. They were fake fiancés, fake. He cou
ld feel nothing for Rory but admiration and friendship. Certainly not jealousy. Jesus.
“You okay?” Rory asked as they unloaded their bags and followed Caleb toward the house.
“Great,” Avery muttered.
Rory searched his face for a moment, seemingly puzzled, but he didn’t push for answers. “Come on. The rooms here are amazing. So is the food. I can’t wait for dinner.”
Avery attempted a smile. “Sounds good.”
Caleb led them up a spiral staircase to a hall of bedrooms and stopped before a doorway. “This one is yours, Avery.” He produced a large brass key and unlocked it, swinging the door open to reveal a four-poster bed covered in a thick, downy comforter and silky throw pillows. “And this one is Rory’s.” He stepped across the hall, producing a second key, and opened Rory’s door. From what Avery could see, the rooms were very alike, though Rory’s room was painted a sky blue while Avery’s was a cream color.
“There are en suite bathrooms. Go ahead and get settled and freshened up. Dinner is at seven,” he said. “Julien and I will be in the bar if you want to come down early. There’s a great view of the ocean from in there.”
“Thanks, Caleb,” Rory said warmly, and Avery summoned his manners.
“This is very generous, thank you.”
Caleb patted Rory’s arm before heading back down the hallway. Avery hovered in the hall across from Rory, feeling unsettled by conflicting emotions. He didn’t like Caleb, he didn’t like that he didn’t like Caleb, and he was almost sure he didn’t like what he was feeling for Rory.
Because he couldn’t have him.
“Meet back here in twenty?” Rory suggested.
Avery nodded because his throat felt too tight to answer. Only Rory’s door closing between them freed him from his paralysis, and he retreated into his room to take a long shower and try to purge the dangerous thoughts from his head. Thoughts of kissing Rory again, of tasting his skin, of showing him how much better Avery could be than Caleb fucking Taylor.
9
Legs.
Incredible, toned, muscular legs. Leading from bare feet to…holy shit. The tightest ass Avery had ever seen, encased in short—really fucking short—shorts. A broad, bare, sweaty back and sandy blond hair topped the man across the room, who sizzled with sex appeal. Hell, they were twenty feet away and Avery could feel his sensuality.
He stared, both befuddled and bedazzled, until an elbow to the ribs snapped him out of it.
“That’s Julien,” Rory said beside him. “He must have just gotten out of his class.”
Pole dancing. Well, that made a lot more sense now. He looked like he belonged on a pole. Avery would happily give him tips.
“Stop staring,” Rory added. “He’s happily married.”
His daze darted to Caleb, who’d glanced up. Julien turned toward them, a tank top in his hand that he was swiping over his front. His hair was dark along his temples, damp with sweat. His face lit up with a smile when he saw them.
Instantly, Avery realized how very silly he’d been to feel jealous about Rory and Caleb. Not because Julien outshone Rory—in a lot of ways, Avery preferred Rory’s sophisticated appeal over this in-your-face sensuality—but because Caleb only had eyes for his husband, and Rory was just as comfortably friendly with Julien.
Avery watched, a little stunned, as Rory and Julien embraced, with Julien half naked.
“This is Avery,” Rory said, reaching for his arm and pulling him forward.
“Hi, sorry, I look like…well—” Julien laughed a little “—like a go-go dancer.”
Caleb snorted, and Rory grinned.
“You can take the boy out of the go-go club, but you can’t take the go-go out of the boy?” Rory asked jokingly.
“Something like that,” Julien said. “It was fun to dance again, but oh my fuck, I am sore everywhere. We just started up these classes a week ago, and I’m still adjusting.”
“I would pay to see that,” Rory said, and Avery couldn’t help but agree. He’d only been to a few gay clubs, always worried about being recognized, and certainly never one with go-go dancers.
“You should sign up for a class!” Julien said. Then glanced to Avery. “Both of you.”
“Uh…”
Caleb barked out a laugh. “Hard enough to see Rory doing that, much less Avery.”
Avery narrowed his eyes. “That sounds like a challenge.”
“Ooh, I like him,” Julien said, eyes twinkling. “Speaking of my class, Caleb, can you make sure they all make it out to the water ferry? I have to get in the shower. I’m probably stinking up the place.”
“I already got Matthew to drive them down the docks. Go freshen up, we’ll be in the bar.”
“Thanks.” Julien leaned in, brushing a quick kiss to Caleb’s lips before hustling down a back hall that must lead to their living quarters.
Once he was gone, Avery halfway expected to be scolded for eyeing up Caleb’s husband. But Caleb didn’t seem bothered. “Come on. I bet you two could stand to have a drink or two before we start talking business.”
Avery glanced sidelong at Rory, who looked abashed. As they followed Caleb to the in-house bar, he muttered, “Business?”
Rory winced. “We’re just talking, remember? Caleb and Julien will be a good sounding board.”
Avery frowned. So much for getting away and finding some peace of mind. Rory had orchestrated this venture to hash out a plan, clearly. That was the second time he’d suggested that Caleb had experience with faking a groom. But he’d just seen how smitten Caleb was with his husband. Nothing about that was fake.
Too curious to protest, even if he felt vaguely unsettled that he was about to be outnumbered, Avery entered the small bar. Caleb stood behind a U-shaped, dark wood bar. He’d set a few liquor bottles out. “What’ll it be?”
“Cosmo,” Rory said promptly.
Avery wrinkled his nose. “Jack and Coke, if you’ve got it.”
“Coming right up,” Caleb said. “Go take in the view.”
Avery followed Rory to sliding glass doors. Cliffs led down to a small beach, and the waves were rolling in, leaving froth in their wake. Even though they were on the wrong side of the island to see the sun set, it was gorgeous. Something about watching those waves crash against the shore again and again spoke to Avery. He felt something inside himself responding to the view.
“Avery?”
He blinked, realizing Rory must have said something. Avery gestured to the view below.
“I feel like that wave,” he mused, “and my father is the rock I beat myself against over and over, hoping for a different result. At best, I might wear him down over years, but what will be left of me when I do?”
“Avery…” Rory’s voice so sounded soft, choked with emotion. When Avery looked to him, his dark eyes were shining. “You’re breaking my heart.”
Avery blinked, and as if someone else were speaking, words tumbled out without his permission. “My heart breaks every time I see you and know that I lost something incredibly precious.”
Rory looked stunned. He was shocked silent, his lips parting but no sound coming out. Avery’s heart thundered, unsure what to expect. He wanted Rory to kiss him and say he felt the same, as unlikely as that might be. He didn’t, of course. But Rory didn’t throw his words in his face and walk away, either. He just stood, silently, his eyes searching Avery’s face.
Caleb walked up, breaking the moment, and Avery turned away, clearing his throat. That had been a little too much honesty between fake fiancés.
“Here,” Caleb said, handing them each a drink.
Avery took the glass offered and downed half of it in one swallow. He caught Rory and Caleb exchanging a look. He imagined they were sharing some unspoken message about him.
“Rory said you guys had experience with this, uh…fake stuff.”
“Yes,” Caleb said simply.
“But you’re clearly in love with Julien. Anyone could see that.”
“Well
, it’s far from fake now. It only started that way.” He looked between Avery and Rory. “But our situation is different from yours.”
Avery could almost hear the unspoken words. Don’t expect to have a husband who loves you at the end of this.
Well, he didn’t need to tell Avery twice. He knew all too well.
Not everyone was destined for a happy-ever-after.
Julien returned, dressed in a metallic teal T-shirt with a low-cut neckline that revealed his smooth chest and tight black pants. He was pushing a cart laden with dishes.
“Dinner’s served,” he said brightly.
Rory, still reeling from Avery’s words, barely noticed his arrival. Avery had spoken as if he still cared for Rory, but surely he didn’t feel so strongly after all this time. It was more likely that Avery was clinging to the only lifeline he had after detonating a bomb on his life. Of course Rory looked appealing when Avery was lonely and off-balance.
Caleb stood up from the table, giving Julien a thorough once-over. “You’re dressed to impress. Should I be worried?”
Julien grinned. “It’s not every night we have guests.”
Rory recovered enough to shoot back, “This is a hotel. You literally have guests all the time.”
Julien narrowed his eyes in a playful glare. “Not guests I like.”
“Oh, well then, carry on,” Rory said playfully.
“You look great,” Avery said, an odd tone of wonder in his voice. Rory glanced at him, not sure what to think of his reaction to Julien. On the stairs, he had thought that Avery was attracted to him, which had bothered Rory more than it should have. Just about everyone found Julien attractive, so he’d expected it. But just now, he seemed more…awestruck?
Maybe he was just amazed by Julien’s boldness. Caleb tended to be more straight-laced, but he’d always encouraged Julien to be himself. Even during their engagement party when it stirred up all the rich, stuffy folks in attendance.
Caleb stole a quick kiss and pulled out a chair. “Sit, Jules. I don’t want you to spill on your fabulous attire.” He lowered his voice to Julien’s ear, but Rory heard him anyway. “I’m going to have fun peeling you out of this later.”