Billion Dollar Love: Manlove Edition

by 6 Author Anthology

  “Luke?” Anna, one of his full-time circulation specialists, knocked on the doorframe. “Your suit arrived. The dry cleaners brought it here.”

  He swiveled to face her. “Thanks. Sorry. I knew I’d be crunched for time and figured it’d make more sense to have it brought here.” He should’ve planned his time better, but oh well.

  “Then here you go.” She draped the plastic-covered suit over the plastic armchair. “Are you excited for the reunion tonight?”

  “No.” He remained in his seat. “I should stay here. Don’t we have a program tonight?”

  “You know we don’t.” She folded her arms and tipped her head. “Why don’t you want to attend? It could be a nice evening.”

  “It’s just a reunion. I saw many of those people ten years ago. I see some of them every day. Hell, going to the store is like a mini-reunion. Why do I need to attend a formal one?” He was griping and had no business being angry. He should’ve moved on.

  “You’ll regret it if you don’t go.” Anna stood tall. “I missed mine, and I’m kicking myself for it. Two of my close friends were in Atlanta and killed in an accident. If I’d have gone, I would’ve gotten to see them one more time. Instead, I stayed home. Don’t make my mistake.”

  “I doubt this will be that dramatic.” But she had a point.

  “You like the kids you went to school with. If you didn’t, you wouldn’t be so popular here at the library,” she said. She stepped into his office and closed the door. “Okay. Tell me what you’re afraid of. You’re freaked out.”

  “I’m not scared.” He sighed. “No, I’m worried I’ll run into Carson—he might not show up, but he might attend. I don’t know if I can handle seeing him.”

  “He could be there,” she said. “You really should get closure. Have a fling with him. One last huzzah to prove you’re ready to move on.”

  “He’s not the fling kind of guy.” For Luke, he’d always be a relationship man. A forever love he’d never forget.

  “Think about what I said, but go to the reunion.” She paused. “Are you bringing Duncan?”

  “I said I would, but that was months ago when I had to send in the card.” He massaged his temples. “We were still sort of speaking. Now all he cares about is Carson.”

  “Like you.” She smiled. “If Carson is a good man, he’ll see through Duncan and know you need him.” She held up her hand. “Wait. He’s goofy over a man named Carson Garett, the guy who created a runner app and sold it. Is that your Carson? The guy who endorsed all of those energy shakes and protein bars?”

  “That’s him.” Carson had millions, and his net worth increased every day.

  “He’s gay?” she asked.

  “Yes.” Who cared? She knew he was gay, and that hadn’t made a difference.

  “And you dated him? In high school? He went to our school? Carson Garett?” She narrowed her eyes. “That’s him in the photo on your desk?”

  “Yes to everything.” He folded his hands on his lap. “So?”

  “Don’t let him get away. He’s cute, has manners, and probably still likes you.” She grinned. “If he has a brain in his head he does.”

  He rolled his eyes. The odds were stacked against him. “Anna.”

  “I’d rather you be with him than Duncan.” She winked. “Speaking of Duncan, he’s here. Go to the reunion and maybe leave Duncan at another banquet room. Go without him.”

  He shook his head. He’d asked his ex and had to live with the consequences.

  The door burst open, and Duncan blew past Anna. “Oh good. I thought I saw your suit. What would you like for flowers? I bought boutonnieres, but I wasn’t sure what color your suit was and if we’d clash.”

  Anna ducked out of the office, leaving Luke alone with Duncan.

  “I’m thinking purple.” Duncan moved the plastic off Luke’s suit. “This is blue. I thought you’d be wearing black. Huh.”

  “We don’t need flowers. It’s not the prom.” He stayed in his chair. “I don’t want to stand out.”

  “I do.” Duncan blushed. “When will you be picking me up?”

  “I’m debating not even attending.” How’d Duncan like that?

  “You asked me, and we should go. You’ll regret not seeing your friends.” Duncan surged around his desk and sat on the edge. “Come on.”

  “Fine.” He hated giving in, but Duncan wouldn’t let him quit—not because he should attend, but because Duncan wanted to see Carson. He’d never let Luke forget to introduce them. “I’ll be there around seven.” He’d dress at the library and go straight over to Duncan’s apartment. “We can head up separately if you’d rather.”

  “No.” Duncan held up his hand. “We should arrive together.” He grinned. “I’ll see you around seven, then. Don’t be late.”

  “You don’t have to go.”

  “I’ll sacrifice my afternoon for you,” Duncan said. “It’ll be fun, and you’ll have lots of memories for later. You won’t want to miss it.”

  “Sure.” Liar.

  “Seven. I’ll be waiting.” Duncan blew a kiss, then walked out of the office.

  Luke sighed. He never should’ve gotten involved with Duncan or asked him to come along to the reunion. Too much drama. Duncan embodied needy.

  He opened the side drawer on his desk and withdrew a photograph of himself with Carson. He missed what they’d had. He’d loved Carson. He’d given Carson his heart, soul, and virginity. He’d also never gotten over his first love. They’d taken different paths in life. He didn’t hate Carson for going his own way. He wished they hadn’t separated because he missed the friendship they’d shared. He missed the blowjobs, too.

  Would it hurt to see Carson again?

  He didn’t know.

  He wanted to kiss Carson one more time, to have another snuggle, another night together, another morning waking up to Carson beside him. Damn. He still cared about Carson Garett.

  Luke needed closure, but seeing Carson would tear the scars wide open. He’d get his heart broken again.

  Was the heartbreak worth the trouble?

  Chapter Two

  That evening, Carson strolled into the Litchfield Supper Club. The building was a throwback to the 1950s, but it had housed a speakeasy in the twenties, a brothel and a ballroom in the thirties, then was abandoned until it ended up as a supper club. The owners had kept some of the features from each era. The privacy booths from the brothel, the nondescript entrance from its time as a speakeasy, and the thick brocades and velvets from the ballroom era.

  Carson loved the building, and if he had his druthers, he’d buy it. Did he want to own a supper club? Maybe. He marched into the foyer and stopped at the table full of balloons.

  Nikki Bigelow, the class president, sat with Marlon Nolan, the vice president. “Welcome to the reunion,” Nikki said. Her eyes lit up. “Oh my God. Carson. We didn’t think you’d attend.” She left her seat, hurried around the table and hugged him. “This is a treat.”

  “It’s our class reunion. I’m part of the class.” He waved to Marlon. “How are you? Still throwing around the pigskin?” He’d never been friends with Marlon, but that didn’t mean he couldn’t make small talk.

  “I quit playing after college,” Marlon said. “Busted up my knees and took one too many hits to the head.” He grinned. “That and Nikki said if I didn’t stop, she’d make me.”

  “We got married right after high school.” Nikki swept her gaze over Carson. “It’s been rocky, but we made it. Weren’t you with Luke Benjamin? I saw you’d RSVPed separately.”

  “We’re not together.” He wrote his name on one of the tags. “Is he arriving soon?”

  “Luke?” She swatted Carson. “Honey, you won’t need a tag. Everyone knows who you are.”

  “Everyone else is wearing one.” He attached the sticker to the lapel of his jacket.

  “Luke isn’t here yet,” Marlon said. “I doubt he shows. He only leaves the library to go to the high school and run their library. He�
��s just as quiet as he was in school.”

  “He loves his books.” Luke’s nature was what he loved the most about the man. “He’s a happy, but quiet guy. That’s not bad.”

  “I guess not.” Nikki resumed her spot behind the table. “He’s bringing Duncan White, his boyfriend. I heard they’re getting married. He might pop the question tonight or tomorrow at the football game.”

  Carson hoped not. He didn’t want to be too late.

  “We have a table for you. You’re at table eight. It’s really a booth, but they’ve taken out the privacy curtains for us,” Marlon said. “The cost was prohibitive, but the owners decked the place out in orange and blue.”

  “Very nice.” He nodded to them, then ventured into the main room. The privacy curtains were indeed down. A few other couples milled about. He located table eight, then debated where he wanted to sit at the table. He needed to keep an eye out for Luke. Music played—tunes from the year they’d graduated. A thought occurred to him when he spotted the empty bandstand. No live music? Only a stereo? Blah. Live music would’ve given better ambiance. Maybe he’d donate the cash to hire a real band for the twentieth reunion.

  A couple approached. Beth and Chris. He remembered them from Biology II. Neither spoke to him in school because he, like Luke, had come out. Back then, being gay had been a social faux pas.

  “Hi.” Beth sat beside him. “How are you?”

  “Hi.” He could be cordial. Maybe. Were they tablemates? Most likely. “I’m good. You?”

  “Good.” She smiled. “I just can’t believe you’re here.”

  “You’re famous,” Chris said. “And you come back to piddly little Litchfield.”

  “I did graduate from LHS.” He shifted in his seat. Beth blocked his view of the door. “How have you been?” He hated talking about himself. Everyone wanted to know about his money. There was more to him than his bank account.

  “You don’t even need a name tag,” Beth said. “Everyone knows you.”

  “That’s what Nikki said.” He wondered if Luke had arrived yet.

  Chris clapped his hands together. “Would you be interested in donating to the alumni fund and a scholarship? We’re so thrilled to call you our classmate.”

  They’d be even more thrilled if he forked over cash. Everything made sense. “I’ll consider it.” He’d planned on donating, but hated such blatant requests. Chris hadn’t even smoothed his request into the conversation. Just bluntly asked.

  “Have you seen Luke?” Beth asked. “I heard he won’t be attending. You’d think he would. He practically lives at the library and the school.”

  “He’s dedicated to his job.” Come on, Luke. You have to be here. I need you.

  “Well, he’s with Duncan.” Chris rolled his eyes. “They’re joined at the hip.”

  “Duncan.” According to Nikki, Duncan and Luke were getting married. Now they were joined at the hip. If Luke wanted Duncan, then fine, but he deserved a choice.

  “They’re getting married.” Chris rolled his eyes again and sighed. “Luke needs to just set a date already.”

  “Do you know Duncan?” Carson asked. “Maybe it’s not as tight as everyone thinks.”

  Beth shrugged. “We’d prefer the librarian be married—to a woman.”

  Sindy arrived and slid into the other side of the booth. She scooted around next to Carson. “I’m so glad I found you.”

  Beth smiled and offered her hand. “Is this your girl?”

  “My assistant,” Carson said. “Sindy McCallum.”

  “You know, I’ve read so many romances where the boss and assistant fall in love. Maybe that’s in the future for you.” Beth’s smile increased in wattage. “You should couple up. You’re cute together.”

  “Yeah, no.” Sindy laughed and narrowed her eyes. “I’m not interested in Carson. I’m more partial to Eric, my husband.”

  “Oh.” Beth left the booth. “Well, enjoy the evening. We’ve got awards to distribute tonight. We’d love to announce a donation.”

  Lovely. “I’ll let you know what I decide.” He waited for Chris and Beth to leave, then turned to Sindy. “I appreciated your save. Everything okay?”

  “Nothing’s wrong. You looked trapped. How much did they want you to donate?” she asked. “A pretty penny?”

  “They didn’t give a figure, but I’m sure the more I donate, the more they’ll appreciate it.” He shifted in his seat again. He hated crowds and being the center of attention. The commercials were different. He could film those and be one of the few people in the room.

  Sindy toyed with a place card. “Looks like they’ve decided where everyone is sitting.” She pointed to the card next to him. “They’ve got me next to you, then an empty spot. I wonder who is on the other side of the booth. No one?”

  “Who knows.” He groaned. “If they gave me a table alone, I’ll leave.”

  “You’re right here,” Beth said. She gestured to the table. “Right at this one.”

  Carson met the gaze of the person about to share his booth. “Luke.”

  Luke stood with a date. Duncan. Carson tamped down his excitement. Seeing Luke with someone saddened him. He didn’t want Luke to be with another man. “Hi.” He stood. “Welcome to our table.”

  Luke’s eyes widened. “Hi.”

  Carson focused. Damn. Life had been good to his ex-boyfriend. Still so tall and thin, but handsome. He’d cut his black hair shorter than when they were in college and lines had been etched at the corners of his brown eyes, but he still exuded sexiness. The stubble on his strong jaw added to his attractiveness. What would it feel like to kiss him now? To have him smile and hold his hand again? Would the sparks be as intense? More?

  He had to find out.

  Carson had Luke there and close. He knew what he wanted, and he wouldn’t stop until he got his man. He wouldn’t lose or walk away this time.

  ****

  Luke wished he hadn’t shown up at the reunion and hadn’t brought Duncan. He hadn’t wanted to arrive alone. He’d gone to the prom alone and more than one homecoming dance on his own. Then he’d started seeing Carson, and he hadn’t been a solo act. With Duncan, he wasn’t alone, but he wasn’t happy. He’d have to introduce Carson to Duncan. Damn it.

  Carson extended his hand to Luke. “It’s been a long time.” Warmth shone in his eyes and he smiled. He held the handshake for a pregnant moment.

  “It has,” Luke managed. Carson had that effect on him—tongue-tied. He wanted to say more, but the words weren’t there. He swept his gaze over Carson. His hair was a little thinner, but still perfect in its style. He’d grown thinner, but the slender look worked for him. His blue eyes sparkled. He smelled good, too.

  Duncan shot around Luke and shoved him out of the way. He clasped Carson’s hand. “I’m beyond thrilled to meet you.” He beamed. “It’s really you. I have your app and buy your shakes. You’ve really helped with my workout.”

  Luke sank onto the other side of the booth bench. He bit back nausea. Jesus. He should’ve made a bet with himself as to how fast Duncan would make a pass at Carson. Why shouldn’t Duncan make a play for Carson? The man was still sexy. Granted he was only twenty-eight, but he’d aged well. He stole a glance at Carson, who smiled, then winked.

  The same old feelings swarmed within Luke. He still cared about Carson, and he wished he could quit his ex-boyfriend. After all, Carson had moved on. Hadn’t he?

  Duncan continued to flirt, annoying Luke. “How long will you be in town?” Duncan asked. “A few days? I know you can’t want to be here. I mean, blah. Classmates. I’ll bet you’re ready to go back to the noise and glamor of New York. Or are you in LA now?”

  “I’m happy to be in Litchfield,” Carson said. “It’s nice to have a change of pace.” He tipped his head. “You’re cute, though.”

  Luke groaned and left the table. He didn’t want to hear anything else. Let them flirt. He wouldn’t be a witness. He strode out to the foyer, then the patio area off to the north
end of the building. The chilly air burned in his lungs.

  Coming to the reunion had been a mistake. He couldn’t deny who his heart wanted, but he wasn’t wanted by Carson.

  “Luke.” Carson caught up to him. “Hey. I wanted to talk to you.”

  “It’s cool. You’re busy. Give them another few minutes and you’ll be swarmed.” He stuffed his hands into his pockets to keep from reaching for Carson. “Duncan’s been crazy to meet you.”

  “I can tell.” Carson directed Luke away from the doors and closer to the railing. “How are you?”

  “Good.” He nodded. He hated being stilted, but whatever. “I’m at the library. Nerd in charge.” He fidgeted with the change in his pocket. “And I’m at the school.”

  “You got your dream jobs.”

  “I did.” He hated small talk. “You?”

  “I’m all over the papers. Everyone knows what I’m doing.” Carson chuckled. “And if I didn’t know my own story, Duncan just filled me in.”

  “He’s a fan.” He wished Duncan had been that invested in the relationship when they’d been together.

  “Sounds like,” Carson said.

  Three classmates joined them on the porch. The women hurried over to Carson. “Can we have a picture?” Erin asked. “Phil? Will you take it?”

  Nicole joined Erin, flanking Carson. All three grinned. Phil nudged Luke out of the way, then snapped the photo. “My turn,” Phil said. He shoved the phone into Luke’s hands. “You take it.”

  “What if Luke wants to be in the photo?” Carson asked. He took the phone. “Here.” He held out the device, then nodded to Luke. “Come here. Join in.”

  “I didn’t want him in it,” Erin said. “Just us.”

  “Ah.” Luke stayed away. Ever since he’d argued with Erin over missing library materials her daughter had checked out, Erin hadn’t liked him. She treated him like dirt every time she saw him. He stayed to the side as the photos were taken.