Forgive and Forget (13 page)

“So you’re just going to let the lions have him? If they don’t finish him off, I guarantee there are a few more vultures circling at the moment.”

Sure enough, when Joe scanned the rooftop, there were at least six or seven more men waiting for their chance at Tom. God, it was like a feeding frenzy. It wasn’t so much the thought of them ogling Tom—because frankly it was hard not to notice the man—but the thought of someone waltzing in and taking Joe’s place in Tom’s heart, all because he was too much of a coward to take a chance. Taking a deep breath, Joe tilted his top hat back and gave it a firm pat before making straight for the lions.

“All right, beat it,” he growled, shooing the disgruntled youths away and grabbing Tom by the waist, pulling him hard against him. Tom’s eyes widened and he flushed, sending a tingle up Joe’s spine. Joe crushed his mouth to Tom’s and kissed him hard, claiming him right there in front of everyone.

For a moment Tom appeared too stunned to move. He was probably wondering if Joe had done what he thought he’d done. Joe couldn’t believe what he was doing, but all further thought fled from his mind as he kissed Tom heatedly and thoroughly. It was only when they were forced to come up for air that Joe saw the look of raw desire in Tom’s eyes, and it sent a shudder through him.

“I thought you wouldn’t come for me.”

“You thought wrong,” Joe said, sounding breathless. An “oomph!” escaped him when Tom brought Joe up hard against him, kissing him deeply. It was only when Joe felt someone give his coat a gentle tug that he realized Ken and Gordon were trying to get their attention.

“As thrilled as we are, boys,” Ken said, beaming, “you’re making the natives restless. Not to mention, very, very jealous.”

Tom laughed shyly, and Joe, who’d only just realized what he’d done in front of everyone, wrapped his arms around Tom’s waist, and buried his face against his neck.

Ken’s eyes danced with amusement. “Well, it’s better than an oven.”

Joe glared at Ken, who cackled as he walked off, and the DJ began to play a soft romantic ballad.

Tom slipped his hands around Joe’s waist and started to sway, his voice laced with amusement when he said, “Since we’re already here, how about a dance?”

Joe put on his big boy pants and pulled back to meet Tom’s eyes. The man really was handsome. “I’d like that.”

“Thank you for coming to my rescue,” Tom said, taking Joe’s hand in his and placing the other on Joe’s waist. They swayed slowly in time to the music. Joe couldn’t remember the last time he’d slow danced with someone. Had it been prom?

“Well, you
are
my date. I could hardly leave you to become their dinner, though you didn’t look all that alarmed.” Joe narrowed his eyes, ignoring the way his lip twitched, clearly eager to smile.

“I was trying to be polite. The experience was quite traumatizing, actually.” Tom pouted, and Joe went along with it.

“Was it now?”

“Yep. I think maybe I might need some soothing.” Tom brought Joe in a little closer and gave him a soft kiss. “Maybe some of this….” He brushed his lips over Joe’s for a feathery kiss before moving his lips to Joe’s jaw. “Maybe a little of this….” He nipped at Joe’s jawline, his voice low and husky. “Maybe a few more drinks, a little mingling, and we find ourselves a little privacy where we can… reassure each other.”

Joe all but melted against Tom. “I think that can be arranged.” He couldn’t believe his boldness, but he took Tom’s hand and led him back to the stairs leading to the apartment. Joe bit on his bottom lip, hoping Ken wouldn’t mind—not that he would, really, but still. Was he going to do this? Joe refused to give it any more thought. He hurried through the apartment to the large linen closet at the end of the hall past the guest bathroom. Making sure no one saw him, he opened it, then pushed Tom inside before following him in. He turned on the light and closed the door behind them. There was plenty of room.

“Joe, what—”

Joe cut Tom off with a kiss. He couldn’t let himself think too much or he’d get cold feet. He’d never done anything like this before. Lucky for them, Joe didn’t have to worry about Tom’s pants, considering he wasn’t wearing any. Joe got on his knees, and Tom sucked in his breath. Joe lifted the lower half of Tom’s costume.

“Hold that.”

“Okay.”

Joe couldn’t help but chuckle at Tom’s eager acceptance. As a reward, Joe pulled down Tom’s black boxer briefs, freeing his already half-hard shaft. It was as amazing as the first time he’d seen it. The man was gorgeous all over, and all Joe wanted to do was taste him.

With a smile, Joe took hold of Tom’s erection and drew it into his mouth, moaning around Tom’s length. Tom bucked his hips and threw a hand out to the side, grabbing a fistful of the shelved towels as Joe proceeded to suck, lick, and nip Tom’s erection. He started off slow, loving the taste of Tom, the scent of shower gel and his musk. Joe held the base of Tom’s cock as he pulled off him and pressed the tip of his tongue to Tom’s slit.

“Oh God, Joe….”

Tom’s plea resulted in Joe doubling his efforts. He picked up his pace, keeping his lips pressed tight around Tom as he moved up to the tip, where he worked his tongue around the head before he moved back down, making a meal out of Tom. He popped off Tom long enough to wet his finger before sucking Tom down again. With his wet digit, he carefully pushed it against Tom’s hole, moaning when Tom gasped and thrust his hips up. Joe swallowed Tom almost down to the root and allowed Tom to take hold of his head and thrust his hips, sliding himself in and out.

“Joe, I’m going to come.”

Joe responded to Tom’s breathless declaration by pushing his finger further into Tom and crooking his finger.

Tom gritted his teeth as he cried out, spilling himself inside Joe’s mouth. Joe swallowed down every drop, moving his hand to Tom’s leg as Tom doubled over and held on to Joe’s head until he was spent. Joe stood and cupped the back of Tom’s head. Tom gazed dreamily, his silver eyes sparkling with need, want, and something that made Joe’s heart skip a beat. He leaned in and kissed Tom, slipping his tongue inside Tom’s mouth so he could taste himself. Tom groaned and his knees wobbled. Joe pulled back and nipped at Tom’s bottom lip.

“How’s that for soothing?”

ANOTHER
great day.

The café had been busy as usual, and everyone worked hard. Of course there may have been a little play in between. Ever since Ken and Gordon’s party, it was difficult for Joe and Tom to keep their hands off each other. With a sigh, Joe finished turning the chairs over and placing them on the tables. Just his luck. After all these years, he’d finally found a guy who he could possibly have a future with, and the man had amnesia. Then again, what were the chances of a man like Tom even noticing Joe if he hadn’t ended up unconscious in his garden?

Squeals, giggling, and laughter filtered in through the kitchen doors. What on earth? Joe finished up and pushed through the swinging doors just as Donnie whizzed by and a handful of flour smacked Joe in the face. Eyes shut, he stood serenely.

“Joe, I’m so sorry. Keep your eyes closed.” Tom gently blew on Joe’s face then dabbed at his skin with a wet paper towel. When it was safe, Joe opened his eyes. He arched an eyebrow at Tom, who was doing his best not to laugh. He was failing quite spectacularly. “I’m sorry. I really am.”

“And here I thought Bea and Donnie were the ones needing supervision.”

Donnie and Bea both protested simultaneously. “Hey.”

Joe shook his head at Bea in shame. “Aren’t you a little mature for this?”

Bea lifted her chin in defiance. “Even I know when to have a little fun.”

What was this now? “You’re saying I don’t know how to have fun?” He knew how to have fun. He couldn’t think of any examples at the moment, but he could have fun.

“Prove it.” Bea took his hand and poured a load of flour onto it. Joe was less than inspired.

“I don’t have to prove it. And these are my ingredients you’re tossing about willy-nilly.”

Bea pursed her lips and chucked another handful of flour at his face. “That’s for saying willy-nilly. No grown man says that.”

“I say it, and I’m a grown man,” Joe protested, wiping the flour from his face.

“That’s debatable,” Donnie replied with a giggle.

Joe gasped. “Et tu?” He pointed behind Donnie. “Is that a spider?”

“Where?” Donnie turned around. “I don’t see it.” He turned back to Joe and got floured.

Joe grinned smugly. “Debate
that
.”

He should have known better. Everyone peered at each other before they launched into an attack. More flour floated through the air than, well, air. It was snowing down, covering them from head to toe, except for Tom. Tom was a little too clean, so Joe decided to enlist the help of his enemies. He caught Donnie’s attention and motioned toward Tom. Donnie enlisted Elsie, who then recruited Bea. The four of them grabbed a handful of four and set their sights on Tom.

“Oh, I see how it is.” Tom narrowed his eyes as he backed away. “Gang up on the new guy.”

“Someone has to take the fall, Tom, and you’re too darn good.” Joe had prepared to launch his attack when Tom pulled some super spy move and ended up with his arms around Joe before he knew what hit him. He let out a yelp as Tom lifted him off his feet, the flour in his hand falling away as he was thrown over Tom’s shoulder. Joe couldn’t stop himself from laughing. “Put me down!”

Tom turned to Bea, Donnie, and Elsie. “All right. Lower your flour or the cute guy gets it.”

“Hm.” Bea seemed to be considering this.

Joe peered at her from over his shoulder. “You’re taking awfully long saving me, Bea.”

“I’m considering my options.”

“What options? You’re supposed to drop the flour and come to my rescue!”

“What’ll it cost him if we don’t surrender?” Bea asked.

Tom smacked Joe’s butt, and Joe let out another yelp. “You scoundrel!” Joe wriggled and pushed against Tom’s back, coming up against nothing but muscle. Damn the man and his finely sculpted figure. Nice view, though. Very nice indeed. Tom had a perky round butt, and Joe had the strongest urge to squeeze it, but he restrained himself. He really shouldn’t molest Tom in front of everyone.

Tom thought about his reply. “It’ll cost him… a kiss.”

“Extortion!” Joe declared. “What kind of kiss?”

“I’ll decide once you accept,” Tom replied cheerfully.

Joe pretended to think about it. “Well, I suppose I can afford one kiss, and of course, I’m hardly in the position to refuse. You drive a hard bargain.”

Tom chuckled and put Joe on his feet, a wicked gleam coming into his eyes. “I get to claim the kiss.” He took hold of Joe and bent him backward, kissing him within an inch of his life, while their friends cheered and made catcalls behind them. Joe wrapped his arms around Tom’s neck and returned his kiss. He never wanted this moment to end. Being in Tom’s arms—feeling his lips against Tom’s, the taste of him, experiencing the need coming from Tom—was heavenly. Unfortunately it did end, interrupted by a knock on the glass door out front. Tom pulled Joe up and let out a breathy laugh. “It’s probably a good thing they interrupted us, or we might have ended up giving everyone quite the show.” Tom wriggled his eyebrows, and Joe put a hand to Tom’s chest.

“Restrain yourself, sir. We are in the presence of gentlefolk. And Bea.”

Bea huffed and took a step toward Joe. “Why you—”

With a laugh, Joe darted from the kitchen. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d had so much fun. Joe wiped his hands on his apron and headed out into the café. With the blinds closed on all the windows and the front door shade pulled down, he couldn’t get a good look at who was on the other side. Joe opened the door and his smile fell from his face. His heart dropped to his stomach.

“Hey, Joe. Long time no see.”

Joe swallowed hard, unable to believe it. “Blake? What are you doing here?”

“Is that any way to greet a customer? Where’s the warm and friendly service I hear so much about?” Blake gave him a wide toothy grin. At one point that smile and those chocolate brown eyes had sent tingles up Joe’s spine. Now they made him feel sick. To think he’d fallen for that soulless gaze. How could he have been so naïve, to ever believe the man loved him? The only man Blake ever loved was himself.

“What do you want, Blake?”

Blake straightened to his full height as he had a habit of doing around those he believed himself better than. His smile didn’t reach his eyes, and he turned his nose up slightly. “I’ll cut to the chase. You’re catering Alecia Rotherford’s party, and I can’t be outdone by that new money trash. I’m having a party next weekend, and I want you to cater it.”

Joe stared at him. Well, didn’t that just beat all? The man was out of his mind. He leaned out the door and looked up at the sky.

“What are you looking at?” Blake asked with a frown.

“Flying pigs. Nope. Don’t see any.” Joe turned his attention back to Blake. “You’re kidding, right?”

“Oh come on, Joe. That was years ago. Surely you can’t still be upset.” Blake leaned in and brushed some flour out of Joe’s hair. He took the opportunity to whisper in Joe’s ear. “You still look good, Joe.”

Joe’s blood boiled. The absolute nerve of the guy! “Are you serious?” The painful memories flooded back, washing over Joe and leaving him nearly shaking with anger. “I was in a coma for days! I was almost killed. Then to add insult to injury, you told your father I tried to sexually assault you! How could you do that to me? You took everything from me! My shop, my savings, my apartment, my reputation….”

“Hey, that wasn’t my fault. My father was the one who did all that.”

“And what did
you
do?” Joe demanded. “You did nothing! You said you loved me but you let him destroy me, destroy everything I’d worked so hard for.”

Blake shrugged. “In my defense, it wasn’t really all that much, Joe. Besides, if I’d told him the truth, he would have cut me off, and then we would have both been on the street. I had far more to lose than you.” His expression softened, and he put his hand to Joe’s cheek. “We had some good times, didn’t we? Remember our first Valentine’s Day at the Hilton?”