Rainbow Blues (9 page)

“I was scared. You scared me.”

Jimmy’s eyes widened, and his mouth opened. Luke had a feeling if he didn’t scare Jimmy off, he’d have to get used to how quickly and how often Jimmy opened his mouth to talk, but for now, he wanted Jimmy to listen. Luke slid a gentle forefinger under Jimmy’s lower lip and coaxed his mouth shut. Jimmy subsided, lips pressed together, but Luke could see in his eyes the reprieve was limited.

“You scared me. When I woke up alone this morning, I thought I’d imagined our connection last night.”

Trying to let Luke have his say, Jimmy kept his mouth closed but shook his head, and Luke smiled and continued.

“I thought I’d mistaken a one-night stand for something more. Embarrassing, yes, but mostly disappointing. Because I like you, Jimmy. I want to get to know you better, in and out of bed. I don’t want to play mind games or worry about power struggles.” God. He’d read an article about how to get and keep the “power” in your relationship, and even though his only relationship to date had been his unromantic one with his ex-wife, he’d thought it an utterly depressing way to conduct a relationship. It didn’t have to be about love, but it sure as shit shouldn’t be about power.

“I want that, too.”

“You do?” It couldn’t be that easy, could it?

“But just so you’re aware….”

Sudden tension knotted the muscles in Luke’s shoulders. Was this where the bomb dropped?

“I talk. A lot.”

Relief crashed over Luke.

“Just so long as you realize I don’t. Not usually.”

“See?” Jimmy’s voice had dropped. “We’re getting to know each other better already.”

Relief instantly gave way to lust, and Luke couldn’t resist those lips so temptingly close to his.

The kiss wasn’t a frantic explosion like their first kiss last night, but it held so much promise that it made Luke tremble and tighten his grip on Jimmy’s head. How would Jimmy feel about sex in the kitchen? Probably wasn’t sanitary, but there weren’t kids in the place, and Luke had never had dirty gotta-have-you sex in the kitchen.

A blaring alarm doused them like cold water, and Jimmy sprang out of his arms to rescue the blackened smoky mass of whatever in the fry pan. Burnt food wasn’t a first for Luke, and he snatched up a dish towel to circulate the air below the smoke alarm.

Within a few moments, the piercing noise had ceased, but a smoky pall hung in the air. Luke had to smile. He’d never been so caught up in kissing that he’d missed something burning on the stove. They could save the kitchen sex for later. Luke was quickly realizing that sex with Jimmy was more vital to him than any sex had been before, and he didn’t care where they had it.

Jimmy turned from the blackened pan, an impish expression on his face. “I knew you were hot, Luke, but no need to set off my smoke alarms.”

Luke chuckled. “It’s probably not sexy of me to say I’m glad that they at least work.” When he’d been looking for apartments he’d seen far too many that hadn’t been up to code in so many respects. His apartment might be a shithole, but it was a structurally sound, well-maintained shithole.

Jimmy swayed toward him, bringing that cotton-clad ass closer. “I dunno. It’s pretty sexy having someone worry about my safety.”

That wouldn’t be any trouble. Between having a kid and being responsible for dangerous work sites, that instinct had been hardwired in him a long time ago. Caring for Jimmy would only make it stronger.

Once Jimmy’s hips were in range, he snaked out a hand and grabbed a handful of that ass. Jimmy groaned, and the heat between them flared up again, hotter than the flames on the stove.

Luke’s stomach growled, making Jimmy laugh. “Maybe I’d better start on breakfast, so we’ve got enough energy to lie around in bed all day.”

“Good idea.” He gave Jimmy a quick kiss. After all, it had been a long time since he’d had two orgasms in a twenty-four-hour period, and now he was prepping to get his third. His balls might never recover, but he wasn’t sure he cared. “Can I help?”

Jimmy pursed his lips and looked him over from head to toe. “You can start by getting out of those clothes. We’ve got no reason to leave here until….” A faint blush colored Jimmy’s cheeks. “I guess I was sort of hoping we could laze about all weekend, but that’s not really feasible. I’ve got to be at the playhouse by five, and we’ve got a matinee and evening show tomorrow.”

Laze about all weekend with Jimmy. Mostly naked. Luke had maybe died and gone to heaven. But he certainly understood about responsibility and obligations, and he’d seen enough of Jimmy’s euphoria over the play to know that acting was more a labor of love than an obligation for him. Standing in the way of that wouldn’t be right, and if he’d given that advice to Zach or Ryan, then he needed to heed it himself.

“That’s okay. I understand. I’m meeting my son for brunch tomorrow anyway, so as much as I’d love to spend the entire weekend with you, we both have commitments.” At least he’d had the good sense to park in one of the long-term parking structures near the playhouse. He didn’t have to worry about digging his car out. “But maybe I could see if there’s a ticket available for tonight. I could watch the play again.”

“You… you’d see it again? Why?”

“Well, first of all, you were great.” Luke had begun to suspect that the reviews might have been what drove Jimmy from bed before Luke had woken up. For someone so incredibly talented, he had absolutely zero arrogance about his ability. “And secondly, I might have lost track of the story a bit as soon as you came on stage.”

If Jimmy had to be at the playhouse at five, that would give Luke time to buy another expensive sweater. He could wear the same pants, and if need be, go commando, although that might not make it any easier to concentrate on the play.

Jimmy laughed and kissed him. “If you’re sure, I can get you a ticket. I’ll just have to make a quick call. You don’t have to buy one. And maybe… afterward….”

“I could come back here?” Luke wanted to cheer. It seemed they both wanted to spend as much time as they could with each other, and given their schedules, this was the best way to accomplish that.

“Exactly. Now, let me get you fed. If you pass out from hunger, I’ll never be able to drag your carcass into the bedroom.”

Luke left enough room between him and the counter that Jimmy had to slide against him on his way to the fridge. Teasing like this he could quickly get used to.

J
IMMY
COULDN
’
T
let Luke go without giving him one more kiss. That reddish brown hair, still rumpled from Jimmy using it as an anchor while he’d thrust into Luke’s enthusiastic mouth, turned him the fuck on. He didn’t know if it was the color, the texture, or simply that the “style” had Jimmy’s stamp all over it.

Threading his fingers through the soft strands, Jimmy tugged Luke back to his mouth and dove in. They’d kissed so much Jimmy was going to have to buy some lip balm or he’d be chapped and hideous.

He couldn’t quite lose himself in Luke’s mouth this time. Not when he was already going to be late. Last night’s play had gone just as well as Friday’s, as had sex with Luke. But he had a matinee to perform, and he was going to be performing on a sex high because he sure as shit hadn’t slept enough.

“I wish….” Jimmy had so many things he wished. The weekend had been weird but wonderful. There was something about Luke. Something that made him feel comfortable and safe, but at the same time sexy as all hell. It was like they’d known each other forever.

“I know. Me too. I wish this weekend didn’t have to end.”

A shiver of pleasure raced up Jimmy’s neck. Luke already knew what he was thinking. If Jimmy believed in a divine being, he’d consider that a sign. What he did believe in was love at first sight. He’d never expected it to happen to him, but could this be anything else? He’d never had a one-night stand extend the whole weekend. Other men sneaking out after sex wouldn’t have bothered him a bit, but when he’d thought Luke was doing it, it was like he’d lost his best friend. Unfortunately, the theater was calling, and when it came to new—dare he hope—boyfriends, she was a cruel, cold mistress.

“I’d love it if you could come back tonight, but I’ll probably be too exhausted to do anything but sleep.”

“You get your sleep. We’ve both got early days tomorrow, and I haven’t managed to get my laundry done for the week.” Luke grinned, clearly not upset at Jimmy for wrecking his weekend schedule.

“What about tomorrow? I don’t have a performance again until Thursday. Did you want to meet for dinner? Maybe catch a movie at the second-run theater?” Oh God, he was pathetic. Surely he could go one day without seeing this man. The last thing he wanted was for Luke to think he was some clingy barnacle who didn’t know when he’d worn out his welcome.

But he didn’t have to find out, because Luke nodded. “Sure. I’d love to. Um… this is where I’m supposed to say break a leg, right?”

“You are so adorable.” Jimmy pressed his lips together. Really, he did talk just a bit too much. At least Luke didn’t get that panicked look like a cat backing away from an unwanted cuddle. Instead, Luke tilted his head to the side.

“I’m forty-three.”

“So?”

“Forty-three-year-olds aren’t adorable.”

Jimmy snorted. “You’re fucking adorable if I say you’re fucking adorable.”

The corners of Luke’s mouth twitched.

“You sure you’re a teacher? Because you swear like you’re on a construction site.” There wasn’t any censure in Luke’s tone, or Jimmy would be pissed off.

“It’s a release valve. I have to keep it bottled in all day at school, so it just kind of….” Jimmy waved his hands around. “Explodes everywhere when I’m not.”

He narrowed his eyes at Luke.

“You sure you’re a construction worker? Because your lack of swearing makes me think you’re a teacher.”

Luke laughed. “Habit from having two young kids around the house.”

One single unexpected pluralization kicked Jimmy in the teeth, knocking the breath from his chest.

“Two kids? I thought you only had the one son. Grown.”

The unconcerned shrug should have made Jimmy feel better, but it didn’t. Had Luke been lying to him? It wasn’t like they were boyfriends—yet—but lying would definitely start them out on the wrong foot.

“Oh, only Zach is mine. But his best friend, Ryan, didn’t have it so good at home. Spent tons of time at our place over the years. I got used to watching my mouth, and my temper, because Ryan was super sensitive to raised voices, but I understand the release valve. Mine’s at work and yours is at home.”

“Fucking adorable,” Jimmy said again, mostly for effect. And he got what he wanted, with Luke’s blinding smile.

“Seriously, though, let me know how the performance goes, okay? Not that I have any doubts.”

Jimmy bit his lip to avoid asking Luke to watch the play again. He didn’t want to hang the anvil of “good luck charm” around Luke’s neck. Nothing good came of that superstition, as he’d seen more than once after a fellow actor had broken up with their good luck charm.

“I will. And I’m looking forward to tomorrow.”

After one last quick peck on the lips, Luke pulled his rainbow scarf around his neck and walked down the hallway. Before getting on the elevator, Luke waved. The man was so gorgeous and sweet. Jimmy had lucked the fuck out, as long as he didn’t screw things up.

With a little sigh as Luke disappeared, Jimmy pulled back into the apartment and shut the door. Last night had been just as good as the first night, although they hadn’t talked much. When Jimmy had found Luke after the performance and Luke had confessed to having lost track of the story again because of Jimmy, well, he should have probably been offended on the part of the playwright and his fellow actors, but he’d found it unbearably adorable and dragged Luke back to his place. They’d fucked, then talked a bit over pizza, but as much energy as Jimmy had, he put a lot of it into his roles and the euphoria of a good night only lasted so long, especially combined with the unexpected and enthusiastic sex.

He was exhausted. He needed his sleep. But that didn’t stop him from wishing Luke would be back tonight, even if all they did was sleep together.

Jimmy sped through the apartment to finish getting ready. Tomorrow he had an early staff meeting, and it was just as well Luke wasn’t staying. It was a smart decision, if not a very welcome one. Besides, maybe they both needed some distance to put things in perspective. Maybe they were drunk on pheromones or something.

One last look in the mirror had Jimmy groaning. A hickey. Nearly fucking a stranger in the dressing room and leaving with him—twice—so hastily he’d never said good-bye to anyone was one thing. A hickey was going to get him teased by just about everyone. He’d also have to make sure he dug out a turtleneck for school tomorrow.

He shook himself as he realized he’d been stroking the bruised skin on his neck while smiling like an idiot. If he was the only one feeling this connection, he might lose his mind.

But there was no time left to worry about it. If he didn’t leave now, Damian would be too busy chewing him out for being late to even notice a hickey. When his friend wore his director hat, he was a stickler for punctuality, and no one was exempt. Jimmy had no interest in being read the riot act like he was one of his own unruly high school students.

One last tap at the spot on his neck for luck, and Jimmy headed for the playhouse.

L
UKE
HAD
lingered way too long at Jimmy’s, but just as he sensed Jimmy didn’t want him to leave, neither had Luke wanted to go. The pull between them was magnetic and impossible to fight, even if Luke had any inclination to do so. He’d had enough time to stop at home, change his clothes, and wash his face before getting back in the car to meet Zach.

He was fucking exhausted—Jimmy was right about that—but his narrow bed was going to feel very empty tonight.

Narrow bed.

Shit.

The laundry could wait a couple more days. After brunch, he was going to go bed shopping. There was enough room in his apartment for a bigger bed and although his apartment was dull and dreary, Jimmy would liven it up. No way could he have a relationship with someone and never invite him over. Although he was sort of new to the whole dating scene and being openly gay, he was 100 percent sure that a relationship should be entered into on equal footing.