Kindle Alexander - Up In Arms (7 page)

The steaks were close to done. Reed flipped the knob to lower the flame, and then closed the lid to let the steaks sit for a few more minutes. He’d secretly hoped they would have been long in his bed by now, but instead Trevor continued to act anxious, apologetic, and uninterested. Reed lifted his wine glass and took a long drink, watching Trevor explore the back yard. Each attempt Reed made to establish contact had the shy redhead flinching away.

Reed’s hands itched to pull Trevor close and never to let him go. With each testing touch, Reed prayed Trevor would take him in his arms and kiss him like he had the night before. He longed to rekindle some of the magic they shared, and despite how torturous this little game was, he knew Trevor was worth the wait. He also knew slow and steady were the best way to capture this gorgeous man.

If it weren’t for the huge and very noticeable bulge in Trevor’s pants, Reed would be convinced Trevor wasn’t interested in him at all. Now, he just needed to figure out why Trevor’s actions said one thing while his body showed another.

Taking another sip of wine, Reed decided to give Trevor space and stay as far away from him as possible. He went back into the house to gather the rest of their food, and brought it all outside, setting the table. As he worked, he kept one eye on Trevor, who still completely avoided him. On a whim, he scooted Trevor’s seat closer to his at the large, round patio table. Trevor was stunningly handsome and fit his home perfectly, suiting its sophisticated beauty. None of Reed’s strong feelings for Trevor faded. They were only increasing with each passing minute.

While waiting for the steaks to finish, Reed casually went to stand behind Trevor as he stood at the edge of the deck, once again focused on the back yard. Reed made sure to keep a considerate distance from him, but after a moment Trevor’s body tensed. He looked down, and stepped to one side.

“I’m sorry, I’m in your way again,” Trevor said, staying close to the railing, looking confused and trapped. All Reed could do was to watch him, keeping his hands in his pants pocket, willing himself not to reach out and touch Trevor again.

“No, Trevor, you aren’t in—”
“Why am I here? I honestly don’t remember last night. Is this a pity thing? Did your mom want you to be nice to me? I’m sorry, I’m not trying to ruin the night, I just can’t figure out why I’m here.” Reed watched the anguish cross Trevor’s brow seconds before he schooled his features.
The question caught him momentarily off guard, Reed blinked and blinked again. Then everything slipped into place and made a hell of a lot more sense. He smiled, letting it reach his eyes as he stepped in a little closer. “You’re here because you agreed to go on a date with me. You honestly don’t remember?”
“No, Reed, I don’t at all. I can’t figure any of this out,” Trevor said, a quiet desperation filling his voice.
“That explains everything.” Reed took another step closer, his chest almost touching Trevor’s. “I assure you this has nothing to do with pity. In fact, I can’t seem to get you out of my head. You’re all I’ve thought about since I ran into you at Rylie’s rehearsal dinner. And after last night,” Reed’s gaze dropped to Trevor’s mouth, “I crave the taste of your sweet lips against mine again.”
Placing his hand on Trevor’s arm, Reed leaned in closer, inclining his head so his lips hovered slightly above Trevor’s. “Will you let me kiss you again?”
Trevor said nothing, but his breathing quickened for several breaths. His eyes went wide and that sexy blush colored his cheeks. All at once everything came together perfectly in Reed’s world. Trevor inched closer. His hard arousal brushed against Reed’s own aching cock, causing it to jerk. Trevor lifted his lips in a silent invitation.
Oh dear god, yes...he wants me too!
The slight tilt of Trevor’s head was all the agreement Reed needed. Taking Trevor’s face in between his palms, Reed pressed his body close, desperately needing to feel the hardness of this gorgeous man’s body pressed against his own. Reed slowly slid his tongue across Trevor’s full bottom lip. He was rewarded when Trevor’s eyes slid closed and his lips parted, opening for him.
Ah, that’s right...kiss me, baby.
Reed’s tongue surged forward, meeting Trevor’s. A groan vibrated deep inside his chest. His senses flooded with desire. Trevor’s kiss tasted so much sweeter than Reed remembered. God, he loved the way Trevor responded to him.
He feasted on Trevor’s mouth, his tongue tasting, swirling and eagerly probing. He wrapped Trevor in his arms, pressing himself head to toe against his body. He wanted this man so badly it hurt.
Oh, you are magnificent, Mr. Trevor West.
Reed burned to take Trevor to his bedroom, slowly undress him, and take time exploring every part of that rock hard body. He wanted to hear Trevor gasp his name as he pleasured him. Reed groaned. His cock twitched. Yes, he wanted to pleasure him, over and over, hour after hour, and lose himself until he didn’t know where Trevor ended and he began.
What the hell was wrong with him? Reed never thought about having a long term relationship, ever. Now, with one kiss, he wanted to pick out curtains with this very man. Lord, he had it bad, and all he could hope was Trevor shared his same feelings. Small doubts crossed his mind. What if Trevor didn’t feel the same? What if he were alone in all this? These new insecurities panicked Reed, so he forced them from his mind.
With effort, he sucked Trevor’s tongue into his mouth one last time and eased from the kiss, keeping Trevor tucked in his arms. He didn’t know if Trevor could sense his urgency or his desperation, but he didn’t want to scare him. For his own sanity, as well as Trevor’s comfort, Trevor would have to set the pace of their relationship.
“Mmmm, you sexy man, I love kissing you,” Reed whispered huskily. “I could kiss you forever. Thank you for allowing me the pleasure.”
It took a moment for Trevor to open his eyes. Confusion clouded his gaze, and Reed’s heart kicked up a beat. He prayed Trevor wouldn’t bolt.
But then Trevor asked, “I’m sorry, what did you say?”
Lifting Trevor’s face to his, Reed smiled. The tip of his thumb traced the outline of Trevor’s full lips one last time. “I said your kiss is intoxicating, thank you for allowing me the pleasure.” He laughed as the smell of cooking meat grabbed his attention. “See what you do to me? I almost forgot about the steaks!” Reluctantly, Reed moved from Trevor’s arms and raced to the grill, yanking everything from the hot coals. “Come on. Let’s eat.”
They sat together at the patio dinner table well into the night. Their empty plates pushed out of the way, wine glasses filled for the third or fourth time this evening. Reed kept their fingers entwined, using his thumb to trace small circles into Trevor’s palm.
Since the kiss, Trevor seemed more at ease. He was very comfortable to be with, not to mention amazing to look at. They never went more than a moment without something to say. They happily discovered they shared many things in common, from movies, to books, and almost all their music choices. They both loved art and museums. Reed realized, with more than a little fear, he was falling, hard, for this wonderful man.
But all too soon Trevor glanced at his watch, and Reed knew the magic of the evening had come to an end. It was late and Rylie’s wedding was the following day.
“I should go,” Trevor said, while rising. He picked up several of the plates from the table. “Tomorrow’s a big day for you. I can take a taxi home.”
“I’ll get these, you’re my guest. Please sit and enjoy the evening. It’ll only take a few seconds for me to clear the dishes.” Trevor started to protest, but Reed quickly shushed him. “No, I insist. And
I
will be taking you home. It’s only proper. So sit while I take these dishes to the sink. I’ll be right back, and then I’ll take you home.”
Reed drew out the cleaning process just to keep Trevor there a little longer. He knew it was time for the date to end, but he just couldn’t bear to have him go. Shutting the screen door, Reed strolled over to where Trevor stood, leaning against the railing. “Beautiful night, isn’t it?”
“I think it’s you that makes it truly beautiful,” Trevor said, smiling shyly. “I’m happy to be here. Your house is perfect. You can tell you took the time to make it your home. My mom always wanted a backyard like this. She would have loved it.”
Reed was touched at the way Trevor’s eyes lit up as he spoke of his mother. Stepping closer, a smile gently tugged at the corners of his lips as he placed his arm around Trevor’s waist. “She was lucky to have you as a son.” Reed brushed his lips softly across Trevor’s. “I’m sure you made her very proud.”
Reed kissed him tenderly, gently. He wanted to ask him to stay the night, but he needed to tread carefully. He spent dinner dodging every question Trevor asked about the night before because he didn’t want things to return to the awkwardness of before. Trevor needed to set their pace and Reed didn’t want to push him. After all, this was only their first date. Rylie said Trevor was a classic gentleman. Did gentleman have sex on the first date? Chuckling to himself, Reed admitted he always had sex on the first date, but there were never really any second dates. With Trevor, Reed wanted a second, third, fourth, a fifth, a thousandth.
“I should go,” Trevor said, as they parted for air. “You have a big day tomorrow, I’m sure. Rylie will need you early. It sounds like the wedding will take all day and the reception all night. Are you sure you don’t want me to call a cab?”
“No, I’ll take you. Tomorrow’s the big day, but I don’t have to meet Rylie until after lunch, so I’m fine.” Taking Trevor’s hand in his, Reed entwined their fingers together. He spoke softly as he gazed into Trevor’s blue eyes. “Before we go, I need you to know I’ve enjoyed tonight. I hope you have too. I really like you. In fact, I’m so taken with you, I can’t think straight.” Insecurity stopped the flow of Reed’s words. He glanced down at their joined fingers, and then back up again. He was nervous, and rambling because of it. His stomach fluttered. He actually felt like a silly school boy trying to be cool in order to impress his first crush. Taking a deep breath, he focused his eyes back on Trevor. “Would you think it too forward of me to ask you to be my date to Rylie’s wedding? I know we’re both going anyway, but I would really love for us to go together.”
Trevor lifted his eyebrows, only to drop and narrow them as he answered, “Sure, I mean, would your family be okay with it all? I don’t want to intrude on your family time. And...well...I don’t know if I can...be with you...with my team being there. I should probably tell them before I just come out.” Through his reply, Trevor tightened his hold on Reed’s hand and his eyes focused on Reed’s lips, his head lowering to them. “I didn’t want this to be the last time I see you,” he whispered before capturing their lips together.
Reed melted into Trevor’s kiss, his arms sliding around his waist. He pulled Trevor’s hips into his and deepened the kiss; his tongue probed and teased Trevor’s. His fingers gripped Reed’s head, tangling in his hair. Reed was surprised by Trevor’s bold intensity, but was too caught up in the moment to think too much of it. Stepping forward, Reed forced Trevor against the rail. He groaned when Trevor’s hips rolled and his arousal ground forward. His hands smoothed down the curve of Trevor’s tight ass, gripping him, pulling him tightly against him. He needed Trevor to feel how badly he was wanted. Slowly, he pulled from the kiss.
“Thank you for saying yes. I’m sure my family will be very pleased. Handsome, you’re not intruding, you could never intrude...I want you with me. We can keep our dating quiet, no one has to know. It’s enough for now that I know you want to be by my side.”
Reed began to trace the outline of his full lips with his tongue. Trevor’s lips parted and his tongue came forward to brush against Reed’s, and Reed was quick to respond, sucking and licking. Trevor’s grip grew tighter as the kiss grew hotter. Delicious friction sent Reed’s body soaring, more aroused than ever before in his life. His breathing faltered, his heart echoed in his ears. Everything about Trevor overwhelmed him, completely. Gasping, Reed broke from the heated kiss, his eyes locking with Trevor’s. Never before had Reed felt this intensely about anyone. Laying his forehead against Trevor’s, Reed closed his eyes, and softly whispered, “Stay...please stay with me tonight, Trevor.”
Trevor’s hips involuntarily rolled forward, but the deep lust Reed saw in Trevor’s eyes slowly changed to logic. Trevor reached forward, lightly capturing Reed’s lips for a small kiss before answering.
“I have a fierce battle going on between my heart, my legs, and my head. I’ve never been the guy for one night stands. I want to stay with a desperation I’ve never experienced before, but, Reed, I’m not that guy. I’m sorry. I’m very, very, very sorry.” Frustration crossed Trevor’s brow, and he lowered his head to Reed’s shoulder, hiding his face. “I don’t make a very good gay man, do I?”
Tenderly, Reed brought a hand to Trevor’s neck, placing his index finger under his chin to lift his face. “I believe you have misunderstood my intentions. Your virtue’s safe with me. I respect your decision. Let’s just be very clear here. I want more from you, much more, than a one night stand. I would never rush you or us, because I know you aren’t that kind of guy. I want to take it slow for you. I’ve never felt what I’m feeling at this moment, Trevor. If I’m to be completely honest, the reason I want you to stay is...I’m afraid.” Inclining his head, Reed focused on Trevor’s face, pausing briefly, trying to memorize every curve and line. He smiled when he realized there were no freckles on Trevor’s face.
“I’m afraid if you walk out that door, it’ll be the last time I see you.” Bringing their joined hands to his lips, Reed kissed Trevor’s knuckles. “I want to give us a chance. You’ve promised me the date tomorrow. We will see what tomorrow night holds for us.”

Arriving early to Rylie’s apartment, Reed found the door unlocked and let himself in. Reed wound his way first to Rylie’s room, checking in on the groom, then down the hall to Trevor’s room. Rapping his knuckles quietly on the door, Reed saw the door was slightly open. He pushed it a little further with his foot. From this angle, he could see Trevor’s reflection in the bathroom mirror. Trevor wore no clothing, just a towel draped loosely around his waist. Trevor’s sculpted, muscular chest and big broad shoulders all tapered into a narrow waist. He stood fixing his hair. Every movement caused the muscles in his arms and back to ripple and flex. Reed’s own body responded to the sight, hardening slightly with the need he couldn’t quite get rid of since meeting Trevor. Clearing his throat, he took a step back.