“But your parents are proud of you, I’m sure.”
Adam’s eyes grew sad as he looked back up. “They don’t talk to me anymore. Not since I came out to them.”
Ben felt tears prick the backs of his eyes. “I’m sorry to hear that. The pictures upstairs … looks like you had a happy childhood.”
“I did. My parents were warm and loving until I failed to fit in with their ideal. They’ll take my money, but they refuse to see me. Given time, my mom might’ve come around, but my dad was furious. And she’ll probably never have the courage to disagree with him. My brother is the only real family connection I have.”
Anger replaced the sorrow he’d felt a moment earlier. “That’s bullshit. If she loved you, she could disagree with anyone who stood in her way. You shouldn’t give them anything if they act like that.”
Adam shook his head. “They’re my parents. I won’t stop loving them because their love is conditional.”
They sat in silence a moment before Adam stood up and took his plate to the sink, the food hardly touched. “I’m sorry. I’m not helping ease the intensity at all.”
Ben rose and went over to him, taking his plate and putting it back on the island. “It’s fine. It’s, well, real. Like you were saying. You don’t have to keep eating, but please sit with me.”
Adam stared at him for a moment before returning to the island, where he picked at his food. Ben ate quietly, his gaze moving around the kitchen. Eventually, he wiped his mouth and turned back to Adam. “How about we start over? You had no reason to recognize me last week. I was too sensitive about it. I purposely try to shed the corporate shell when I go out. I overreacted because I was disappointed.”
“You’re being too kind. I tell myself I care about my employees, but if I’d ever really looked at you, I’d have recognized those eyes.” He reached over and pushed Ben’s glasses up his nose. “They’re beautiful. Such a bright green.” He paused. “Stunning, like I said.”
“You’re pretty damn good to your employees. On paper at least. But yeah, you are kind of detached.” He turned to face Adam more. “But you can work on that. You’re, what, forty?”
“Thirty-nine.”
“Plenty of time to create your own legacy.” Ben leaned in, smiling. “I’m thirty-two, by the way, you dirty old man.”
“Seven years? That’s nothing.”
“Hmmm, sounds like rich boy wants a nurse for his declining years.”
Adam laughed. “If this is what starting over will be like, then yes, please let us do that.”
Ben rose and poured himself more coffee. “We can do anything I want today?”
“Yes. Anything.”
Ben smiled and sat back down, loving the way Adam sat there patiently while he finished his breakfast.
****
Adam reached down to ease Latte’s claws out of his flesh yet again. He sat on the couch in Ben’s apartment watching a movie while Ben’s fluffy little cat lay on his stomach purring. And occasionally sinking her claws into his chest. His shirt already had three snags in it, so he’d given up stopping her. At least, so far, she hadn’t drawn any blood. After gently detaching two little claws from his flesh, he ran his hand down her, watching a few bits of fur fly up. He’d expected the cat to either ignore him or be hostile. He definitely had not expected her to cuddle on his chest the moment he sat down on the couch.
Ben reached over to pet her every few minutes, and her purring would get a little louder each time. She would sometimes stretch a paw out toward Ben before pulling it back and tucking it against Adam.
“See, you need a pet,” Ben said, inching closer as the credits began.
Adam looked down at the sleeping cat and then over at her owner. “She seems to like me. I’ve heard you should trust animals when it comes to these things.”
Ben laughed softly. “It is a good sign.” He glanced at his phone. “Leftover pizza okay for dinner, or you wanna get something else?”
“Whatever you want. I did promise you were in charge of our day,” Adam said. After breakfast, they’d taken Ben’s car to Nocca Falls, where they’d done one of the shorter walking trails. They’d then picked up a couple of pizzas and headed back to Ben’s apartment for lunch and then movies.
It blew away every other date Adam had been on in the past five years.
“You did. And you also said I could tie you to the bedposts, so maybe we should take our leftovers back to your place.”
Adam shifted on the couch, as much as he could with the cat still on him, and looked into Ben’s eyes. “You often do that?”
Ben shook his head. “No. The way I’m always teasing people and making jokes, well, the few guys I’ve suggested it to said they didn’t trust me.”
Adam chuckled. “I could imagine you leaving a guy tied up for a little while, I’ll admit.”
“But you’d trust me? That I wouldn’t leave you or take pictures of something?”
Sobering, Adam said, “Yes. After last night, I’d trust you a pretty long way.”
“What do you mean?”
“Last night was different. In lots of ways. I can’t explain it, but it felt so right. I think we have a connection that goes beyond attraction.”
Ben held his gaze but didn’t say anything.
Feeling nervous, Adam licked his lips and said, “Come on. Latte likes me.” When Ben still didn’t say anything, he went on. “We’ve had a good time today. Right?”
Ben reached over and picked Latte up, nuzzling her head before putting her down on the floor. “It’s been great.” He looked Adam over, brushing a hand over his chest a couple of times. “You’re covered in cat hair.”
“That’s fine,” Adam said, reaching up to pull Ben into a kiss.
Ben drew back after a while, but he stayed close, his fingers brushing over Adam’s arm. “What’ll happen Monday?”
“That’s up to you. If you don’t want people to know, I can behave. But if we’re involved, as you said, and not hiding it, I will have to go to HR and tell people there.”
“Will I have to change positions? Go back to Steven’s team?”
Adam thought about that. “I don’t think so, though they may suggest it. The fact you aren’t team leader and don’t take any orders directly from me will be in our favor.”
“Will people watch us? Say we can’t be alone together?”
“They may advise that, but they can’t tell me what to do.” Adam reached over and ran his hand up Ben’s thigh. “I want to fuck you on my desk. And I’m going to.”
“Right in front of that big window?” Ben asked with a smile.
“It’s tinted enough no one can see. Not clearly anyway.”
“Used to daydream about that. Being called into your office and told to bend over your desk. Or get on my knees.”
“You are a kinky boy,” Adam said softly. “Is it the power dynamic? What made you think those things?”
“You. And your broad shoulders. The way your ass looks in those expensive suits. The idea of you wanting me so much.” He sighed as he slumped against the couch. “Honestly, when I got to work on Monday, I stared at your door for half a minute, imagining what you might do if I barged in there and demanded you finish what you’d started.”
“Why didn’t you?”
Ben smiled. “Well, I got there so early you weren’t in yet. And I was still angry. Telling myself I was going to freeze you out.”
“Because you were hurt.”
Ben nodded.
“I wouldn’t blame you if it still bothers you.”
“I can tell you feel bad about it. I didn’t mean to bring it up again.”
“It’s part of our story. No forgetting it.”
“Our story? Heh, it’s been interesting so far.”
Adam reached over and cupped Ben’s cheek. “I understand what you were saying this morning. About not being my boyfriend and all. But until you say you want to end this, you’re it for me. I won’t be involved with anyon
e else. I’d like it if you didn’t see anyone else either.”
Ben started laughing, which confused Adam and had him withdrawing his hand.
“What?” Adam asked.
Ben laughed even harder. “I’ve spent the last twenty-four hours talking about my crush on you and all the fantasies I’ve had, and you think I’m just gonna pop out on a date with some other guy?”
“Well, I wanted to be sure. You said you weren’t going to be my boyfriend.”
“No, I said I wasn’t automatically your boyfriend simply because we fucked.” Ben brushed more cat hair off Adam. “But if you want to be my billionaire boy-toy, I’m all for it.”
“That’s a very specific label,” Adam said.
“It is. You interested in the job?”
“The job?” Adam said, smiling.
“Yeah. Because I’m going to be the boss.”
“Are you?”
“Oh yes.” Ben stood up and went into the kitchen. “Grab the pizza. I’m gonna put more food out for Latte and then we can head back for your interview.”
Adam did as instructed, stopping to watch Ben feed the cat, who ran over and rubbed against his leg. “Shouldn’t the interview happen before you offer the job?”
“How about you don’t overanalyze my verbal foreplay?” Ben said, walking behind him and slapping his ass. “Or I will leave you tied to that bed.”
Adam followed Ben out the door, unable to stop grinning as they made their way back to Ben’s car.
Chapter Four
Ben stood on the balcony outside Adam’s bedroom and watched the sun sink below the trees. A smiled curved his lips as he heard a creak from inside. He turned and went to the doorway, leaning there a moment. “Fidgety already? It’s only been a couple of minutes.”
Adam lay on his bed, his hands secured to the bedposts with a couple of ties. He arched a little as he turned to look at Ben. “It’s been nearly seven minutes,” he said, nodding to the clock on the nightstand.
“Has it?” Ben walked over, sweeping his gaze up Adam’s muscular, naked body. “I’ll have to do something to make it up to you.” He sat on the bed and ran his hand up Adam’s thigh, then over his hip and up his stomach. Adam’s heart pounded in his chest, and Ben moved his fingers lower to trace the contours of his abs. “Tell me what you want.”
“You.”
Ben smiled. “You seem to have me already.” He stood and slowly began to undress.
“You touching me. Watching me. Teasing me. Anything.”
“Watching you?” Ben asked as he shed the last of his clothing. “You think you’d enjoy it if I just stood here looking at you?”
Adam’s gaze roamed over him. “Okay, I’d be squirming before long, probably begging, but I do like the way you look at me.”
“Do you?” Ben stroked his cock, ready to climb on the bed but wanting to hear more. “Those other men didn’t look at you the way I do?”
“No one ever has. I can’t even describe it. I’m not being vain.”
“You’re allowed a little vanity. You are a handsome man.”
Adam’s lids lowered a moment. “Feel self-conscious with you.” He looked up. “A bit.”
“Can’t blame you for feeling that way now.” Ben chuckled and climbed on the bed finally, kneeling between Adam’s legs and caressing one of his thighs. “I’m scrutinizing you. That’s how I look at you. Still trying to figure what to make of you.”
“No progress yet?” Adam asked, his breathing becoming more erratic.
“Some progress.” Ben brushed his lips over the insides of Adam’s thighs. “I know you liked my tongue in your ass this morning.”
Adam’s cock jerked, two drops of pre-cum slipping from the head and sliding down the underside. Ben licked them away and then lifted Adam’s legs, pushing them to his chest to expose and lift his ass. Adam cried out as Ben slid his tongue over that ring of muscle, and Ben widened his stance, settling in to eat his boss out until he came.
The cries that filled the room soon had him so excited he suspected he might be joining Adam in that orgasm.
****
Adam gripped the ties binding his wrists, amazed he hadn’t ripped them or torn them free yet. Ben had him pinned down, and the other man’s tongue was deep inside him. His entire body felt hot, and not just from the pleasure. Ben was eating him out so thoroughly he couldn’t help feeling a little embarrassed at the deep intimacy.
Adam tried to hold on, but it soon became clear that Ben wasn’t going to let up. Adam arched up and tried to say he was coming, but the words came out garbled. But Ben still seemed to understand. He repositioned just enough to replace his tongue with two fingers and take Adam’s cock into his mouth. Adam shuddered through his orgasm, spilling into Ben’s mouth and enjoying the feeling of those two fingers probing his clenching ass.
Adam blinked in confusion when Ben left the bed, but he soon saw him returning, wiping his mouth with a tissue before climbing on top of Adam again. Ben tangled his fingers in Adam’s hair and kissed him hungrily. Against Adam’s swollen lips, Ben said, “That was the sexiest thing I’ve ever seen.”
“You should’ve had my view,” Adam said. “Not sure how I kept from coming for so long.”
Ben straightened up, straddling Adam’s hips. He stroked himself and sighed. “Almost came with you.” He quickened his pace. “Fuck, I’m close.”
Adam shuddered at the sight. “Can’t wait to feel your cum on my skin.”
Ben held his gaze as he worked his cock, a cry breaking from his lips as he came. He threw his head back and rested one hand on Adam’s chest as he pumped the cum onto Adam’s stomach. Ben leaned over and kissed him long and hard before trailing his lips down and actually licking his cum off Adam’s chest.
Adam sighed as his body responded, but a sound from outside grabbed his attention. “Ben. Someone’s here.”
Ben blinked at him and then cocked his head. A car door slammed below. “Shit.” He moved to the side and began untying Adam.
Once he was free, Adam moved to the balcony and looked down. He went back inside and wiped his chest down with the blanket and then reached for his jeans. “My brother. He has a key, so he’ll let himself in.” He zipped up and then opened a drawer to grab a fresh t-shirt. As soon as he was dressed, he pulled Ben to him. “Once he’s gone, we’re going again.” He kissed Ben’s neck and headed for the door.
“You want me to stay up here?” Ben asked, still naked and looking uncertain suddenly.
“That’s up to you. I’d love for you to meet Jeremy. But I know meeting family is a big thing.”
“Adam? You here?” came a voice in the hallway.
Ben’s eyes widened, and he grabbed his clothes and went into the bathroom.
A knock came at the door. “Adam?”
Adam glanced to the bathroom door and then said, “Yeah, come on in.”
Jeremy entered, looking exhausted. “I was told not to come, but I had to.”
“What?” Adam asked with concern. He could see now that Jeremy’s eyes were red. “What’s happened?”
Jeremy started to speak, but his gaze fell on the bed. “Uh … I’m sorry. Looks like I’ve interrupted.”
Adam looked over and felt his face flame at the sight of the ties still attached to the bedposts. “It’s fine. Tell me what’s wrong.”
Jeremy blushed a little as well, but then a sob broke from him. “Mom and Dad had an accident. A very bad one. They could’ve both died. I said I was going to call you, and Dad told me not to. I got so angry at him. I couldn’t even speak I was so floored. I just left the room, not trusting myself to be civil. I know things are shit between you, but I thought maybe this could be the wake-up call he needed.”
Adam opened his arms, and Jeremy came over and hugged him, crying even harder for a few moments. “I’m so sorry you’re in this position.”
Jeremy drew away and wiped at his eyes. “You have nothing to be sorry about.”
“Mom say anything?
”
Jeremy closed his eyes and took a deep breath. A few more tears fell as he opened them. “She’s in a coma. I just stood in the doorway of her room, unable to move. She’s in ICU so I only had a little window. The nurse was very nice. Said it would get easier. That at least the coma might help the healing.”
“What do you need me to do to help?”
Jeremy shrugged then wiped at his eyes again. He crossed to the nightstand and grabbed a tissue. “I don’t know. I’m staying at their place to take care of the dogs.”
“They’ll need help with bills and everything. Just let me know.”
“Why should you pay their bills if they won’t even see you?” Jeremy asked, frowning.
Adam sighed. “Because they’re my parents.”
“Dad told the head nurse you aren’t allowed to visit them. She was very apologetic to me but said she had to follow his wishes. I almost broke down right there.”
“Do you want to stay here? We can board the dogs or bring them here. What kind are they?”
“Little yappy ones. Chihuahua and Boston Terrier. Ellie and Bowser. They’d destroy this place. Keep us both up. At least in their own house they sleep at night.”
“You can’t do all of this alone.”
Jeremy reached for his hand. “I’m not alone. I’ll call if I think of something.” His gaze went to the bathroom door. In a low voice, he asked, “Someone in there?”
Adam nodded. “Boyfriend,” he said softly. “Well, it’s early days.”
“I’ll get going. I don’t mean to keep you,” Jeremy said.
The bathroom door opened, and Ben came out. “Please stay. I should’ve gone downstairs to give you some privacy, but I wasn’t, uh, exactly dressed.”
Jeremy gave him a half-hearted smile. “You had no way of knowing what I was here for. I shouldn’t have barged up here with an unfamiliar car out there. My brain is running a bit slow.”
Ben came over and extended his hand. “I’m Ben.”
“Jeremy.” They shook, and then the three of them stood there a moment, not looking at each other.
When Adam looked up, he noticed Ben’s eyes widening as he glanced at the bed. Adam cleared his throat. “Why don’t we head downstairs?”
Billion Dollar Love: Manlove Edition Page 21