“Everything okay back there?” Ridley asked after a minute, his voice filled with humor. Yeah, he knew what Cole was doing.
“Yep,” Cole said briskly. “A nice fit. You should probably try on one or two more to be sure of what you like—”
Ridley turned to face him. “No, I’m sold.”
“Are you sure?”
“With the way you looked at me when I stepped out of the dressing room?” Ridley grinned. “Yeah, I’m sure.”
To Cole’s surprise, he felt his cheeks heat and had to look away. He’d never been shy, but something about Ridley’s acknowledgment of his reaction got to him. Maybe because Ridley wasn’t ignoring his flirtation or batting it aside, but looking Cole in the eye and responding. He wasn’t sure what to make of the change.
He only knew that his pulse had started to race again.
“Okay, good,” he murmured. “Let’s move on to, um …”
“Accessories?” Ridley offered.
Cole ordered his brain to get back online. “Right, ties and belts,” he said crisply. He turned to march across the store when Ridley’s voice stopped him.
“Uh, Cole?”
He paused, turning back in question.
“How about I take off the suit first?” Ridley said.
Cole exhaled slowly and quietly. “Good idea. You do that. I’ll just … wait here.”
By the time they left the menswear store, Ridley was more than ready to be done shopping. But he realized when they were in the car, that if he didn’t say something, Cole would drop him off and drive away. There was really no reason for them to continue hanging out, but he always enjoyed Cole’s company. It probably didn’t hurt that Cole had a knack for making him feel good about himself.
“So, I was thinking—” he started.
At the same time, Cole said, “Hungry?”
They laughed, and Ridley nodded. “Yeah, I could eat. You want to grab something?”
Cole flipped the blinker, his eyes on the road. “Yeah, but let’s get that suit home and hung up, so it doesn’t wrinkle.”
When they arrived, Ridley carried the suit and sports coats in zippered plastic bags, while Cole grabbed the small shopping bag containing three ties and two belts. As Cole followed Ridley into the living room, they were still tossing around dinner ideas.
“Of course, if you wanted to dress up, we could go somewhere nice.”
Ronnie emerged from the hallway. “More shopping?” Her eyes zeroed in on the garment bag swinging from his fingers. “Oh, nice clothes! You have to model them for me!”
“We were just going to grab some dinner,” Ridley said.
“Then it’s the perfect time to dress up,” she said doggedly. “Right, Cole?”
Ridley glanced at Cole. He shrugged and said, “Whatever you want is fine, Ridley.”
Cole had worn nicely tailored gray slacks, heeled boots, and a pale pink button-down in a crinkly material that molded to his frame. He looked casually dressy, and Ridley’s Ninja Turtles shirt didn’t really compare.
“Okay, I’ll change,” he said. “But I’m not going to wear a suit to dinner.”
“Want me to help pick something?” Cole asked, eyes brightening.
As helpful as that might be, Ridley didn’t think he could handle Cole watching him undress again. Especially after all those embarrassing fantasies he’d been having. “That’s okay. I got it.”
Ronnie plopped onto the sofa and patted the cushion next to her. “Sit, Cole.”
“He’s not a dog,” Ridley groused before succumbing to her shooing motions — he also was not a dog, but that didn’t stop her — and retreating to his bedroom.
He kept his jeans but changed into a light button-down and sports coat, then checked the mirror. He looked okay, but not entirely like himself. The light blue of the shirt and the dark blue of the sports coat contrasted nicely, and the jeans kept him from looking too formal. But he still felt a little self-conscious about the different style as he returned to the living room.
“Ooh, nice,” Ronnie said, standing up to study him. “There’s something very casual male model going on here. He’s got sexy eligible bachelor written all over him.”
Ridley flushed. “Don’t be ridiculous.”
“You look good,” Cole said simply. His praise made Ridley’s stomach flutter.
“Do I look too different?” he asked nervously.
“No,” Cole said. “You’ve always been a sexy bachelor.”
Ronnie snickered. “But you’ve made it easier for us mere mortals to see.” She tapped her lips. “You know, you should join the charity auction I’m organizing.”
“No, thanks.”
“What’s the charity auction?”
“It’s a fundraiser. The hospital CEO wants to highlight the lesser-sung heroes of health care: paramedics, lab techs, orderlies. Ridley would fit right in.”
“No way am I standing on a stage and letting people bid on a date with me. My self-esteem can’t handle being compared to a bunch of hot guys.”
“You mean guys like Jace?” Ronnie teased.
“Jace is in this auction?” Cole asked in surprise.
Ronnie shrugged. “I’m working on him. He’s a teeny bit reluctant, but he owes me. I’m pretty sure he’ll come around.”
“I can’t compare to guys like Jace,” Ridley said. “What if no one bid on me?”
“Don’t be an idiot,” Ronnie said. “It’s for charity. Everyone will get bids.”
Well, that made him feel so much better.
“Besides, you’re a whole new Ridley,” she added. “What better way to make Jace see how much you’ve changed?”
“If he’s in the auction, he can’t bid on me. So that doesn’t make any sense. Besides, the auction isn’t for, like, three months. If Jace and I haven’t gotten together by then, I’m not going to hold my breath.”
Her eyebrows went up. “You’ve waited ten years. What’s a few more months?”
Ridley shrugged uneasily. “Things are different now. This isn’t just about getting Jace to be with me. It’s about finding a way to move on if he doesn’t ever come around.”
Ronnie pressed a hand over her heart. “That’s great to hear. I’m proud of you.” She glanced at Cole. “And you never know. Maybe there’s someone else who will bid on you, and you’ll fall madly in love...”
“Give it up,” Ridley said. “I don’t want to do the auction.”
“I agree,” Cole said. “It’s a bad idea.”
“You do?” Ridley asked, his stomach sinking. He’d come to expect Cole’s compliments on his looks. But maybe when push came to shove, it was empty flattery.
“Not because you don’t compare to other guys. I’m sure you’d get plenty of bids.” His eyes ran down Ridley and back up. “But if you’re not comfortable up there, you’d hate it. I wouldn’t want that.”
“Oh.”
“The clothes are nice, Ridley, but I hope what you really get out of the makeover is more confidence. How other people see you is partly based on how you see yourself. Right now, you fly under the radar a lot because you want to. But I hope that changes because you’re worth seeing.”
“He’s right,” Ronnie added. “You’ve always sold yourself short.”
Ridley shrugged uncomfortably. He’d felt good about himself at the shop with Cole, but when he thought about being compared next to other men on a stage like that, it brought all his insecurities to the surface.
“That’s nice of you to say, but please don’t lie to make me feel better. I know I’m not ever going to be the hottest guy in the room.”
“Oh, sweetie,” Cole said. “I’m not lying. You are absolutely gorgeous. Totally kissable. Lickable. Fuckable.”
Ronnie cackled at Cole’s lecherous descriptions.
“Yeah, right,” Ridley mumbled, feeling embarrassed. He hated that he was so insecure that Cole felt the need to talk him up.
“Come here,” Cole ordered, pointing to the floor
directly in front of him.
Ridley hesitantly approached, coming to a stop before Cole. “Fine. Now, what?” he said a little defensively, sure he was about to get another lecture on self-confidence.
“Close your eyes.”
What?
“Cole—”
“Do it,” he ordered.
Ridley obeyed, immediately sensing Cole move toward him. Heat bathed his face, and Ridley instinctively parted his lips. Warmth brushed his mouth, featherlight, and his breath caught.
He’s kissing me.
Ridley’s heart sped up as Cole’s chest pressed against his, and fingers stroked through his hair, sending tingles across his scalp.
Cole’s tongue touched his bottom lip, and Ridley met him halfway, tentatively touching Cole’s tongue with his own. Heat rushed through his body, and his heart pounded harder. Cole’s lips grew firmer, more demanding on his as the kiss went on.
Cole’s tongue drove into his mouth, hot and silky, and he forgot he was standing in his living room. Forgot his sister was watching. Forgot he was supposed to be saving his kisses for Jace.
Cole’s mouth was heaven, and Ridley clutched his arms and brought him in closer, kissing him harder. His head emptied of thoughts except just one: more.
More, more, more.
“Whoo! I better leave,” Ronnie said, breaking the spell. “I don’t think I can handle watching my brother get it on.”
Ridley and Cole broke apart, both of them breathing hard.
“I’m not getting it on,” he said, though admittedly, that argument would be stronger if his dick wasn’t straining the crotch of his jeans. He was thankful now for the sports coat, which helped hide his reaction.
“Just proving a point,” Cole said. “You’re kissable. You can’t argue with me now.”
“Um. Thank you?” Ridley said, unable to keep the question out his voice even as his lips buzzed with the proof of Cole’s words.
With a strained smile, Cole nodded toward the door. “Let’s go get that dinner. How do you feel about Italian? Zio’s is nice.”
Ridley nodded, ready to go anywhere to escape his sister’s calculating gaze. “Okay, fine. Guess it’s time I gave the clothes a test run.”
“Have fun,” Ronnie said. “Maybe not as much fun as you just had in this living room, unless you want to give the older crowd a heart attack.”
“Funny,” Ridley said, turning to follow Cole out.
He had to resist the urge to rub his fingers over his lips. He could still feel Cole’s mouth against his. When he focused on the memory, his heart skipped a beat and his breath caught in his throat. Had Cole really done it only to make a point? It had felt like more. It was the best kiss he’d ever experienced. Crazy sexy. Insanely hot.
“Sorry I got carried away,” Cole murmured when they were in the car. “I don’t think you need to worry about turning off Jace by kissing badly.”
Ridley glanced over. “No?”
Cole fanned himself with a hand, grinning. “Freaking hot!”
Ridley laughed, relieved that Cole was breaking the tension. He didn’t really know what to believe, but Cole had seemed to be into the kissing too. Maybe it wasn’t a pity kiss or empty flattery. Maybe Cole really did find him attractive. But he didn’t know what do with what. There was still Jace …
Oblivious Jace. Jace, who would probably never see Ridley the way Cole did, much less kiss him like he was a starving man and Ridley was the dessert he’d been denied all his life.
17
The Italian restaurant was nice, which Cole had remembered. It was also romantic, which he hadn’t. White table clothes draped the round tables, many of which were tucked into alcoves for the illusion of privacy. A small candle flickered at the center of each table, reflecting off the wineglasses.
“Sorry,” Cole said. “Didn’t realize this would be so ... date-like.”
The kiss that got Cole hot under the collar — and other places — made the intimate atmosphere take on more significance than it otherwise might have.
Ridley accepted it with good grace. “I suppose a date is the least I can do to thank you for all your help. I’ll buy dinner tonight.”
“Ridley, it was a favor. Between friends. You don’t owe me anything.”
“Which is why I’m offering, as a token of gratitude,” he replied.
Cole looked at the menu, eyeing the twenty- and thirty-plus-dollar entrees. “You’re sure?”
“I’m sure, Cole. Let me do this.”
Cole nodded, accepting defeat. He also let Ridley coerce him into ordering a glass of Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley, which he gladly let Ridley sample, laughing when Ridley pulled a face after tasting it. The dry wine was a bit advanced for a new wine drinker, but when he suggested a Moscato or white wine for a sweeter flavor, Ridley declined.
“I’ll just stick with water. My dinner will be heavy enough as it is.”
They’d both ordered decadent, creamy pasta. Cole’s included bits of bacon, and he was sure it’d all go straight to his ass and thighs, but he’d happily work it off in the pool at the gym near his apartment. He’d never been one for pounding weights, but he was a swimmer in high school, and it had always been his favorite form of exercise. Well, that and dancing. But he hadn’t gotten out much since he met Travis.
Their “date” was going well. The food was delicious, the mood was intimate, and the company couldn’t be better. Then Cole had to ruin it by mentioning the J word. To his horror, he heard himself ask, “You’ve got the hair and the clothes now. When are you going to make your move with Jace?”
Ridley paused, fork hovering midair before lowering it.
“I don’t know. I don’t feel ready.”
Cole lifted an eyebrow. It was an involuntary reaction, and one Ridley didn’t miss.
He grimaced. “I know. I’ve been waiting my whole life for this, and now I’m just sitting here.”
“Why do you think that is?” Cole asked, not daring to hope that it had anything to do with him.
Ridley took the bite he’d neglected and chewed as he thought. Swallowing, he said, “The thing is, I’ve always been waiting. I was waiting for Jace to notice me, and I guess I always figured he was outgoing enough that if he was interested, he’d let me know.”
Cole bit the inside of his cheek, fighting down the disappointment. He’d known all along that Ridley loved Jace. It was silly to expect his feelings to change just because they’d spent a little time getting to know each other. Cole couldn’t compete with a decade of friendship. Not even a sizzling hot kiss could undo all that history.
“Life doesn’t always spoon-feed us what we want.”
Ridley looked down at his plate, his shoulders hunching. “Yeah, I know.”
Cole reached across the table, touching the back of Ridley’s hand. “I didn’t mean that to sound so harsh.” He waited for Ridley to meet his gaze. “I was trying to say that you have to go after the things you want.”
“Like you do,” Ridley said.
Did he? Maybe some things. He wasn’t exactly running over hot coals to go after Ridley, was he? He was sitting back, the same as Ridley, hoping for Ridley’s interest to shift to him. Maybe he should take his own advice. He couldn’t ask Ridley out, not without endangering their blossoming friendship, but he could spend time with him. He could make sure Ridley knew that Jace wasn’t the only choice for him. And if — more likely when — he chose Jace, he’d at least know what he was missing.
“Yes, like I do,” he said with a grin. “Speaking of which, when are you going dancing with me?”
“Umm.”
Cole made a buzzer sound. “Wrong answer.”
Ridley laughed.
“Tomorrow,” Cole decided.
“I don’t want to go all the way to Wichita on a worknight.”
“You won’t have to,” Cole said. “We can go to Q! It’s this new LGBTQ-friendly club that opened on the north end of Main Street. Cherry is doing a drag show the
re next month. You should come to that too!”
“Wow. Drag shows in Ashe. Really?”
“I know,” Cole said effusively, wiggling in his seat. “Can you believe it?”
He was getting a little campy in his excitement, but Ridley didn’t seem to mind. He smiled across the table at Cole, his stress and disappointment over Jace forgotten.
“I guess I’ll have to see it to believe it.”
Cole leaned forward, grabbing both of Ridley’s hands and squeezing them. “Yes! Dancing tomorrow night.”
“I’m really not a good dancer,” Ridley said reluctantly. “And I was supposed to meet up with some friends.”
Cole deflated. “Well, if you can’t go …”
“No, no. I can still grab dinner with them before we go out. I might get a few tagalongs, though. If that’s okay?”
“Sure,” Cole said. Adding, reluctantly, “You could ask Jace too.”
It’d be a damper on Cole’s plans to dance with Ridley — and hopefully get a fix for the burning craving he had to touch the man — but if he was going to be a good friend, he had to help Ridley, even with Jace.
“I’d rather not,” Ridley said. “I need some time to adapt before I tackle this new life philosophy of going after what I want.”
Cole felt hope flutter. “Take all the time you need. It’s your life.”
Ridley didn’t see Ronnie when Cole dropped him off after dinner. There’d been an awkward moment in the car when Ridley had paused before getting out, the absence of a kiss like a physical presence between them.
Then Cole had cracked a joke to lighten the mood, and Ridley had walked inside, still fizzing with happiness. Cole was always so easy to be around. He never judged you, and unlike so many people, he didn’t look for openings to criticize. Even when he’d given Ridley the hard truth about going after what he wanted, he meant it kindly.
That kindness was a rare quality, in Ridley’s experience. As much as he loved Ronnie and Jace, they sometimes had a biting sense of humor that could sting when directed at you. Ridley himself had been known to be sarcastic, rather than genuine. But Cole made him want to be sincere.
Operation Makeover Page 13