The Perfect Mess (10 page)

“Did you even play football?” Ben grumbled as he turned into the hall and Landon shook his head.

“I don’t know the first thing about football. That’s the one where the guys run into each other a lot and one guy throws the ball and another tries to catch it at the end of the field? Right?” He asked as he hung his robe on the hook and waited for the water to heat again. Ben snorted.

“Yes. That’s football,” he mumbled as he pushed Landon into the shower. “You got your sportsball right and at least you’re large and athletic enough to look like you actually played football,” Ben said as he poured shower gel over Landon’s back and began to knead muscles. Landon hummed happily as he pressed his hands to the tile and felt all the tension leaving his body.

“I don’t think I actually hurt my back,” he said and Ben gave him a hard look as he turned him and began rubbing Landon’s thighs.

“Your everything is probably going to hurt and I feel better doing something to make up for it. I’ll probably have to spoon feed you tomorrow,” Ben said and Landon laughed.

“I don’t think it’ll be that bad but even if it is, still worth it,” he announced as he let Ben lather his hair.

“The neighbors called the police and you fainted,” Ben said and Landon grinned as he tilted his head back and rinsed his hair.

“Yeah. You were pretty magnificent. You were perfect,” he said dreamily and Ben sighed as he pressed a kiss to Landon’s lips.

“Thank you. I don’t know if I’m over this petty masculinity thing but it means a lot to me that you think I’m so virile,” he said and Landon laughed.

“You’re a fucking sex god, Ben,” he said as he leaned against his chest. “But I don’t think it’s petty. I think that with your upbringing and where you came from, it all makes sense. I just don’t agree and I think you’re going to have to work it out,” Landon said as he rested his head on Ben’s shoulder and enjoyed the hot water falling on their bodies as Ben held him.

“I will,” Ben promised.

Chapter 15

“We should go to brunch,” Landon said as he slid off of Ben’s cock and let his face crash into the pillow. Ben was still trying to catch his breath. Mr. Not Really A Bottom had been very demanding and impatient, begging Ben until he was driving into Landon hard enough to knock two paintings above the bed off the wall. It had been a few weeks since the Sex God Incident and Landon had dialed it back to what Ben would consider a “comfortable rough”.

“Brunch? We’re going to be for real gay,” he said and Landon laughed as he rolled over.

“Do you know how long I’ve waited to have a boyfriend I could go to brunch with?” He reached for Ben and pulled him on top of him. Ben sighed happily as he wrapped Landon’s legs around his waist and cradled his face.

“I guess we have to go, then,” he murmured as he swept Landon’s hair away from his eyes. Every time they used the word boyfriend a giddy rush of joy would spill through Ben. He loved hearing Landon say it. The last month felt like a dream. They found a balance between ignoring the whole Landon leaving thing and skipping most of the early relationship stages to make the most of the little time they had. Ben was constantly pinching himself, out of nowhere and all of a sudden, he had the perfect boyfriend. He’d never been so happy. “Don’t shave though,” Ben said as his thumbs slid along Landon’s jaw. He loved the scrape of Landon’s stubble against the pads of his fingers. By evening it would be coarser and leave a slight sting and burn as Landon’s face brushed against various parts of Ben’s body. Landon grinned as he tilted his head back so he could tease Ben’s lips.

“I won’t shave until Monday but we should probably take a shower and get moving if we’re going to get out of here before lunch,” Landon said and Ben sighed as he pushed off the bed and stared down at Landon. He was so warm and everything about him looked so soft in the morning. Ben loved waking up before Landon. The sun would shine directly on him and when it was really bright, everything around him would blur and Landon would look like he was glowing, like he was filling the room with light. Landon’s phone chimed and his eyes flicked to the right before he groaned and reached for it. Ben rolled away and swung his feet over the side of the bed as Landon sat up. “Oh.” Landon’s brow furrowed as he stared at his phone. He took a deep breath before he answered. “Good morning, Cassandra,” he said cheerfully and Ben pretended not to listen as he went to turn on the shower. “10:30? That shouldn’t be a problem. I was planning to be out anyway… That would be great,” Landon said as he pulled the sheet and comforter straight. “Me too. Let me know how it goes… Thanks, Cassandra. I’ll talk to you later,” he said then tapped the screen and tossed his phone on the bed. Ben raised an eyebrow as Landon walked into the bathroom. Landon cringed as he gathered Ben in his arms and backed him into the shower. “That was my real estate agent. She wants to show the apartment. It’s a couple that came by a few weeks ago and she thinks they want to take another look before making an offer,” he explained and Ben lost his breath, it felt like he’d been hit in the stomach. He nodded and pretended to be distracted with figuring which bottle was shampoo and which was conditioner.

“We should be able to get out of here in plenty of time,” he mumbled before he turned Landon so he could wash his hair. He used the time while Landon had his back to him to gather himself.

“A friend of mine opened his gallery this weekend and I promised I’d check it out. Do you mind if we stop by after we eat?” Landon asked and Ben jumped on the change of topic and the fact that Landon wanted Ben to meet one of his friends.

“Sure, I’d love that,” he said as he angled Landon’s head under the shower spray. Landon hummed softly as the warm water spilled through his hair and Ben shook his head inwardly as his body tightened and grew warm. They
just
had sex. And they didn’t have time.

Ben sighed happily as he stepped through the restaurant’s doors and onto the sidewalk. He shut his eyes for a moment, letting the sun warm his face and enjoying the euphoria of a full stomach and a light buzz from the two cocktails he’d had. The restaurant was a delightful little gem that Landon had heard about through friends. The farm to table menu had a small but well thought out selection of traditional breakfast and lunch standards. Ben was in heaven with his crab cake Benedict and was almost jealous of Landon’s blueberry pancakes with homemade sausage. They both ordered mimosas and bloody Mary’s which were served in mason jars.

“I could use a walk, how about you?” Landon asked as he stepped out and Ben grinned as he reached for Landon’s hand and twined their fingers.

“That or a really long nap,” Ben said as he smiled at a bulldog as it waddled by then stopped when he realized Landon stumbled. “What?” He asked as he turned. Landon was staring at their hands and Ben’s eyes widened. He hadn’t realized that he’d done it. “I’m sorry, is this weird?” He tried to let go of Landon’s hand but it squeezed his as Landon shook his head.

“No!” He said loudly as he stepped close and pressed his hand to Ben’s chest and smiled. “It’s perfect, I was just surprised,” Landon explained and Ben nodded in agreement. Landon’s eyes sparkled when they met Ben’s. “I’ve never done this before,” he said as his lips hovered closer to Ben’s. Ben licked his lips as he stared at Landon’s.

“Done what?”

“Held hands or engaged in PDA,” Landon said and Ben’s brows pulled together as he tried to remember if he ever had and who it would have been with. No one came to mind. It had just been so natural to grab Landon’s hand and pull him closer.

“If you’re not comfortable with it…” Ben stopped when Landon’s lips pressed to his. The kiss was brief yet warmth lingered when Landon leaned back.

“I’ve never done this because there was never anyone to do it with. I’ve never really had a boyfriend. This feels incredible,” Landon whispered and Ben laughed softly as he fisted his hand in the lapel of Landon’s cardigan.

“Neither have I, it just happened,” he explained. “You were talking and I needed to touch you,” Ben said before he smiled sheepishly. Landon nodded then pecked at Ben’s lips.

“I know what you mean,” he whispered and goosebumps rushed down Ben’s neck. Landon squeezed Ben’s hand again. “Sometimes, I have to touch you to make sure you’re real. This feels like a dream,” Landon said and Ben wouldn’t have been surprised if his feet left the ground as Landon raised their hands to his lips and kissed Ben’s. The restaurant door opened and a large group spilled onto the sidewalk. Ben sighed as their perfect moment faded away.

“I guess we’d better go,” he said as he glared at the boy and girl that started to chase each other around them. Landon laughed as he danced out of the way and tugged on Ben’s hand.

“Come on, it’s just a few blocks. We can walk off breakfast,” Landon said and Ben put his arm around Landon’s neck. Landon’s arm wrapped around Ben’s waist and he decided that brunch with his boyfriend was the perfect way to spend a Saturday morning.

They flirted and laughed as they walked and Ben was a little disappointed when Landon led him into a small gallery. He wasn’t ready to let him go or stop being the center of Landon’s attention. But the art was impressive and it didn’t take long for something to catch Landon’s eye. Ben was enjoying how animated Landon became as he pointed out the use of color and broad strokes the artist had used to create what Ben would have described as a pale and minimal landscape when a tall, long-haired, olive skinned man called Landon’s name and rushed from the back of the gallery.

“You came!” He said as he threw his arms around Landon. Ben pushed his hands in his pockets and did his best to hang onto a relaxed smile as a gorgeous stranger with a beguiling Italian accent kissed Landon on each cheek before pulling him into another hug. “I’m so happy to see you!” He said as he leaned back and squeezed Landon’s shoulders. Landon grinned as he looked around the room.

“This place is amazing! I love the light and the way you went with soft whites to keep the focus on the work. Which is phenomenal,” Landon insisted as he turned toward Ben. “Paolo, this is Ben,” he said as he waved toward Ben. Ben offered a bright smile and his hand then gasped when he was pulled into a hug and Landon laughed. “Ben, this is Paolo.”

“It’s great to meet you,” Ben said as he was released. Paolo shook Ben’s hand as his eyes rushed over Ben from head to toe.

“Landon told me he had a new boyfriend and I told him he must bring you when he came to see me. I’m so happy to get to meet you, Ben!” He gushed and Ben hoped the heat that was flooding his face wasn’t obvious. Knowing that Landon was telling people about his new boyfriend had Ben’s feet floating off the floor again. Landon punched Paolo in the shoulder.

“Knock it off!” He said and Paolo rolled his eyes as Landon turned him toward a landscape. “He’ll figure out I’ve got a crush on him,” Landon teased as he winked back at Ben. Which did things to Ben’s stomach. Landon waved at the painting. “I want this. How soon can you deliver it?” He asked and Paolo was hugging Landon again. Ben decided to study a smaller landscape to his left. Or it could have been the ocean. When Paolo rushed off to write up the sale Landon slid his arms around Ben’s waist and Ben sighed happily as he leaned back against Landon’s chest.

“He seems nice,” Ben said under his breath and Landon laughed softly into Ben’s ear before he kissed his earlobe.

“Paolo is the sweetest person you will ever meet and he’s going to be huge soon. His work will be worth a fortune,” Landon said and Ben nodded.

“Maybe I should buy a few pieces,” he mused. “Did you two…” Ben gestured vaguely and Landon chuckled.

“We did not,” Landon said firmly and Ben immediately relaxed. “We met when I was studying in Italy during my freshman year. He’s one of those guys that you love because they make you laugh the moment they walk into a room but could never be attracted to,” he explained and Ben’s brows fell in confusion. If he was single and not infatuated with Landon, he wouldn’t have a hard time being attracted to Paolo. Landon nipped Ben’s ear. “He also happens to be married to one of my favorite people in the world, a lovely woman named Roshni,” he whispered and Ben pulled his lips in. He felt a little like an ass.

“Not that I was jealous or anything,” he mumbled and Landon snorted.

“You’d have to be out of your mind, if you were. Paolo’s a good looking guy but he’s not you,” Landon said and Ben rolled his eyes as he turned in Landon’s arms.

“I should have guessed he was straight, he wasn’t drooling over you and his hands didn’t wander when he hugged you,” Ben said then cleared his throat when Paolo walked back into the showroom.

An hour later, Ben wanted to kick himself for being jealous of Paolo. He was one of the most genuine and hysterical people Ben had ever met. He was looking forward to meeting Roshni and a couples’ date night.

“I never thought that I’d get excited about having couple friends,” Ben said as he put an arm around Landon.

“It’s going to be a lot of fun,” Landon said as they walked. “What about Michelle and Jason?” He asked and Ben waved dismissively.
“It can only be so much fun when you’re hanging out with the man that’s sleeping with your sister. And he feels more like family now,” Ben said and Landon nodded in understanding before he stopped in his tracks.

“What is that?” He asked loudly as he turned and pointed into an overcrowded…something shop. Ben wasn’t sure if it was antiques or a thrift shop or a high end landfill.

“I’m not sure,” he mumbled as he squinted at the poorly lit shop. “A death trap?” He offered and Landon didn’t seem to hear as he went to the window and pressed his face to the glass.

“I have to have that!” He said and Ben frowned.

“What? Tetanus? I can’t imagine anything in there that would be appealing,” he murmured and Landon offered him a bland look before he pushed the door open. “You’re not going in there, are you?” Ben whispered loudly and Landon shrugged as he plunged into the dark, dusty chaos. Ben shook his head before following. His face fell when Landon squatted to inspect an end table. A gnome end table. As in, the base of the table was a large rusty and faded gnome with an old wooden table top perched on its pointy hat. “You can’t be serious,” Ben said and Landon ignored him as he jumped to his feet.

“Hello?” He called as he looked around piles of detritus and Ben scrubbed a hand over his face. If anyone worked there, they were probably buried alive and decomposing. Ben wanted to get out as soon as possible, after he set the place on fire. As a kindness.

“I’m coming!” An angry voice rasped. “No one comes in here for days and you decide you’re ready to shop when I’m emptying my bowels. Do you appreciate how rare it is for me to do that on purpose or make it to the bathroom first?” A bent, elderly man asked and Ben’s face twisted in horror. Landon was un-phased.

“I haven’t reached that point yet but I can see how that might be a pivotal moment for you. My apologies,” he said as he followed an even more haggard version of Walter Matthau to his desk. “I want to buy the gnome table,” Landon announced and the old man’s eyes narrowed as he studied Landon.

“Two hundred,” he barked and Landon crossed his arms over his chest.

“Sixty,” he countered and there was a lot of facial and ear hair shaking in response.

“One fifty.”

“Eighty.”

“One forty.”

“One twenty, including delivery. Take it, or leave it,” Landon announced as he pulled out his wallet. Ben would have grudgingly admitted he was on the edge of his seat as his head bounced back and forth. The old man threw his hands up.

“Fine. You’re taking money out of my pocket but I’ve got better things to do than haggle with you all day,” he grumbled and Landon laughed as he dropped cash and his card on the table.

“Deliver it there, in the next three days, please,” he said as he gave the man a stern look. “And you had it marked at a hundred even,” Landon said and the old man laughed.

“Did I? An oversight I’m sure. It’s worth twice that,” he said and Landon rolled his eyes as he waited for a receipt. Once it was tossed at him, he saluted as he backed away.