Unexpected, p.16
Unexpected, page 16
Sean and Tim wandered over with several bags filled with items they’d purchased. “Great party. You must’ve raised a ton of money.” Tim held up a stuffed tote. “I added to my collection of signed jerseys.”
Walker gave him a thumbs-up, knowing Tim had a whole display of MLB, NFL, and NBA jerseys in his and Sean’s spare bedroom.
“I’m proud of you, Walker.” Sean gave him a hug. “You’re so much more than just a pretty face. You put your money where your mouth is.”
“His mouth was pretty happy earlier. Don’t think we didn’t see you putting the moves on Colin.” Evan laughed into his beer, and much as Walker loved his friend, he wished he’d shut up.
“Is that so?” Sean’s pointed look had him squirming. Dammit. He was a grown man, and he didn’t need to explain himself.
“We’re friends. That’s all I have to say.”
“Good. So now you can shut up and listen to me.”
The snappy comeback he’d readied died on his lips. Walker knew Sean had his best interests at heart. Even so, he became defensive and scowled. “Go ahead.” He spread his arms wide. “Have at me.”
“It’s not meant to be a gotcha moment. Colin is different from any of the guys you’ve been with.”
“I haven’t been with him as you so delicately put it.” He shoved his hands into his pockets. “It’s not like that.”
Sean jabbed him in the chest, then pulled him aside. “Exactly my point. You don’t date. You have flings, one-night stands, hookups, but I’ve never seen you make a concerted effort to get to know someone. With their clothes on.”
“Okay, stop.” Irritated because Sean had called him out, he wanted to lash out but couldn’t. Sean was right. “I’m trying to do the right thing.”
“I know. And I love seeing it. Just a word of advice? If you don’t mind.”
“If anyone’s qualified, it’s you.” His attempt at a smile failed when he saw Sean remained serious. “I’m all ears.”
“Not many people would remain as close as we have after breaking up. Sometimes I wonder why, but then I realize you value truth as well as discretion. And you know that’s something I’ll always give you.”
“And I appreciate it. Your friendship is important to me. You’re one of the few people who know why.”
“I do.” Sean took a step closer so their words wouldn’t be overheard. “That’s why I watched both you and Colin tonight. As busy as you were at this event, your eyes were always on him.”
Walker ducked his head. “Damn, I thought I was so discreet.”
“You were. I’m just nosy when it comes to you. Because I care about you, and I want you to find someone who can appreciate what a great person you are.” Sean slung an arm around his neck. “I think it’s wonderful you’ve found someone like Colin who isn’t impressed by your fame and money. I bet he barely knows anything about you as a ball player. Am I right?”
“You’d win that bet. He doesn’t know much of anything about the game. It’s kind of refreshing spending time with someone who doesn’t want to talk baseball or sports in general.” He hated asking but had to know. “So…you said you watched both of us tonight?”
“I did.” Sean winked. “And the answer is yes. He couldn’t stop looking at you either.”
A ridiculously happy spark zinged through him and must’ve shown on his face, as Sean reached out and squeezed his arm, whispering in his ear, “Do you understand now? He might be just who you need. He’s not like the others. Take that step. It’s scary as hell, but you don’t want to let him slip away.”
They walked back to their group of friends, and Sean and Tim each gave him a hug and left.
As it was past eleven, the crowd had begun to wane, and scanning the tables, Walker saw with satisfaction that they were mostly picked clean of merchandise. He finished his drink, warm with the knowledge that the benefit had been a success.
What he wasn’t pleased about was Colin’s disappearance. He hadn’t seen him the past several hours, since the run-in with his ex. When he’d noticed Colin’s pale, sweating face and the defeated slump to his shoulders, he’d reacted from pure instinct to protect the person he cared about. The taste of their kisses rested on Walker’s lips, and he decided to listen to Sean and stop questioning why this man above all others intrigued him, and trust his instincts, which were leading him down an unknown path.
Evan and Shelly were about to leave too, so Walker said, “Thanks for everything. I couldn’t have done it without your help.” He glanced around. “Shel, where’s your mother? I hardly had a chance to say hello.”
“She went home a couple of hours ago.” She slanted a look at him from beneath her lashes. “But she did talk to Colin.”
God, he hoped Colin was okay. First that dick of an ex, then seeing his teacher…it was a lot to handle.
“Oh, yeah? That’s good. I’m sure it was nice for her to see a former student.” He scanned the room, eager to search every inch of the bar until he found Colin. He hoped he hadn’t slipped out and run away again, but he put that thought out of his mind—the man was too much of a professional to leave a job before it was over. Colin would stay even if it tore his heart out.
“Walker Scanlon, you are the worst faker.” Shelly elbowed him. “Admit it. You really like the guy. There’s nothing wrong with saying it.”
Ignoring her obvious dig for information, he kissed her cheek. “Good night, sweetheart. Evan, you need me to call you a ride?” Without waiting for an answer, he got out his phone and ordered them a car service. “They’ll be here in less than five. Come on, I’ll walk you out.”
Shelly’s jaw was set in a stubborn tilt, and Walker braced himself for an argument, but she simply sighed and shook her head. “Fine. But we’re not finished with this conversation.”
He chuckled. She might not be, but he was. With them firmly deposited in the Uber, he reentered the bar and began to search for Colin.
Jimmy was busy cleaning up. “Great night, Walk-Off.”
He leaned against a table and watched as Jimmy scraped the grill. “Yeah, it went great.”
“Your friend did a good job. I wasn’t sure he could pull it off, but it was smooth sailing. People bought a ton of stuff and ate the food like it was their last meal. You were right. I couldn’ta made all that fancy stuff those catering folks did, and everyone loved it.”
“Got that right.” He picked up a container of popcorn and tossed some into his mouth as he peered around.
“If you’re lookin’ for Colin, he’s in the back, talking to the catering guys.”
“I didn’t say I was looking for him.” He crunched on more popcorn, and he could feel the heat rise in his cheeks.
“Mmhm.” Jimmy’s innocent smile didn’t fool him, but he didn’t want to hang out and argue with him while Colin slipped through his grasp.
“I’ll talk to you later.” He left Jimmy to finish cleaning.
Upon pushing open the kitchen door, he spied Colin in quiet conversation with the caterer, a tall, gorgeous man with thick dark waves to his shoulders, and burning eyes. Anger swirling in his gut at the way the guy gazed into Colin’s eyes, Walker marched over.
“Hi. Great food tonight. Thanks for all your hard work.” He draped an arm around Colin’s shoulders. “We really appreciate it, right?”
Colin grew stiff and moved away from him, his eyes shooting daggers. “Emilio and I were just finishing up the final numbers before he leaves. Can I help you with something?”
Maybe Colin wanted to treat him as a stranger, but Walker was making damn sure Colin knew when he’d be leaving that night, he’d be coming home with him.
Chapter Seventeen
The fucking nerve of Walker to treat him like a plaything while he was working. Colin’s heart hammered as he struggled to remain calm. Years of building up a reputation could be shattered if people believed he was sleeping with clients. He knew it was wrong to have crossed the line and given in to his desire, and this proved it.
“I just wanted—” Walker began, but Colin was too angry to listen.
“I’m busy. I’ll talk to you later when I have all the information for you.”
Walker’s jaw worked, but he left them alone. Colin ran his hands through his hair and forced out a smile. “Sorry about that. I don’t know what the hell he’s talking about.”
“Really?” Emilio snickered, and Colin’s heart sank. Was it that obvious? “I do. That man is interested in you.” Emilio removed his apron and folded it carefully. “He’s very good-looking.”
“And he knows it too,” Colin answered dryly. “He’s used to people following him around. I’m too busy for that.”
“Maybe you shouldn’t be?”
At Emilio’s questioning eyes, Colin raised his brows, about to snap out an answer, but waited out of respect. When Emilio didn’t add anything more, Colin huffed out a sigh. “What are you talking about?”
“Come on, Colin. We’ve known each other almost nine years. I’ve never seen you react to any man like that. Not even that piece of shit husband of yours.”
“Who showed up here tonight.” Colin couldn’t keep the bitterness out of his voice. “Looking better than ever, and with his boyfriend. The divorce was the best thing to ever happen to him.”
“Fucker. But it was the best thing to ever happen to you too. Juan and I hated how he treated you like a sugar daddy. We tried to be delicate about letting you know how we felt, but you were so happy and into him and being married, we didn’t want to burst your bubble.”
God, was he the only one who hadn’t seen it? “I thought he cared. Guess I was stupid.”
Emilio gave him a hug. “It happens. Love makes us stupid sometimes. And I’m sorry he hurt you. I know I’ve said it before, but it’s better that you found out.”
“I’m over it. It was a surprise seeing him here, that’s all.”
“So. Walker Scanlon, huh?” Emilio gave a low whistle. “Hot stuff. He’s a player, though.”
“I’m aware. There’s nothing going on.” At Emilio’s skeptical look, he pretended nonchalance. “I’m serious.”
“Uh-huh. And I’m Britney Spears. Just ’cause I say it doesn’t mean it’s so. Have you hooked up?”
“Hooked up. What am I, a teenager?” Colin grimaced and pursed his lips. “That’s such an awful expression.”
“And you’re an awful liar. Walker Scanlon is a party guy, but if he’s interested in you, you know what I say?”
Abandoning all pretense, Colin wanted to hear Emilio’s thoughts. They’d met when he worked Emilio and Juan’s wedding, and like Alan and Dustin, the two men loved each other fiercely and weren’t afraid to show it.
“What? I mean, you’re going to tell me even if I don’t want to hear it.” His grumbling brought Emilio’s laughter.
“Go for it, Colin. Have crazy, wild, hot sex. I have a feeling Walker Scanlon is a handful. So to speak.”
“You’re terrible.” He straightened out his suit jacket. “But you’re right.” A grin he couldn’t hold back escaped, and Emilio crowed with triumph.
“I knew it!”
“Know what?” He smirked. “I didn’t say which part of that sentence.”
“You’re awful, keeping your friend in the dark. Come on. Just one little juicy detail.”
Colin grew somber. “I really don’t know what to do. He wants more, but…I’m afraid,” he ended on a whisper. “I don’t want to be another notch on his bedpost. I’ve never believed in random sex.”
“And I respect you for it. But you have to feel good, knowing someone like Walker is into you. Because you can deny it from here till tomorrow, the man wants you. Lemme ask you something. Just how close have you gotten? And please don’t lie to me. Friends don’t do that.”
Colin hung his head. “I’m sorry. We’ve…gotten close a few times. And shared some personal stuff, so I know he’s more than a pretty face and his baseball stats, but I’m still afraid.”
“Of?”
He didn’t answer, but he didn’t have to. Emilio filled in the blanks.
“Ahh. You’re developing feelings for him, and it’s scaring you.” Emilio hugged him. “That’s good. It means you’re still alive and ready for love again. And you know what?”
“What?” he whispered into Emilio’s chest.
“I think maybe he feels the same.”
* * *
Those words were running through his mind when he found Walker sitting at the empty bar, a glass of Scotch in front of him. When he met those big blue eyes and they lit up, his heart thumped. Hard. Was Emilio right? Should he take a chance? He’d always believed he’d be better off alone, where he couldn’t be hurt, but it had felt so damn good to be held and touched. Before, there had always been a time and place for desire, but no longer. Not with Walker. The time was now. And the place was right there in the air between them that held a startling potential of what could be.
He slid into the seat beside Walker, who gave him a tentative smile, as if he knew he’d fucked up.
“Are you finished?” Walker asked quietly, his strong hands curved around the glass.
“Yeah. About earlier in the kitchen. I got annoyed because I don’t mix my personal life and my professional career. What goes on after hours has no bearing on my job.”
“I understand.”
“The numbers are great. I have a breakdown for you—”
“Yeah. I’m sure it’s all terrific. Look. I’m sorry. I was thinking about that kiss earlier and how we might get closer tonight, so when I walked in and saw the caterer flirting with you…”
Colin burst out laughing. “Emilio? Flirting? You’re being ridiculous.”
“No. I’m not,” Walker snapped. “I know when someone is flirting. He was leaning close and staring into your eyes. He wants you.”
Amusement bubbled up inside him. “Oh my God, you’re so off the mark, you’re delusional.”
“Yeah? I’ll show you delusional.”
Walker pulled him close, covering his mouth with a kiss that took his breath away. Colin almost swooned at the intensity of the pressure of Walker’s tongue against his lips, and he sucked on it hungrily, no longer afraid to give in to the pleasure crashing over him.
“I want you so bad,” Walker breathed in his ear. “Say you want me too. Please.”
“I-I do,” he panted out. “I do.”
Walker tapped on his phone screen, then grabbed his hand. “Come on. Let’s go.”
Colin didn’t even bother to ask where. He knew, and the thought of being naked with Walker made him stumble. Walker only held him tighter as they climbed into the car, and his heart pounded madly as it sped through the darkened streets. Once inside the apartment, Walker kept the lights off and led him into the bedroom, where they hurriedly stripped out of their clothes and tumbled onto the bed. Colin clung to Walker, who wrapped an arm around him and nuzzled his neck.
“I’m crazy about you. I’ve never felt like this about anyone, but I can’t get you out of my mind. And I don’t want to.”
For the second time that night, Colin almost swooned from Walker’s words but grappled with the crushing insecurity that had plagued him all his life. “I want to believe you, but—”
“No buts. Trust me. I won’t hurt you.”
“No one can promise that.” Colin gazed into his eyes. “Even if you don’t mean to, it can happen.”
“That’s not the same.” Continuing to hold him, Walker rolled on his side, bringing Colin flush against him, and there was no denying his desire. And Colin was hard and aching for him as well. Their erections pressed together, and the rasp of Walker’s hair on his naked body lit him up like an electric current running beneath his skin. “Look at me, please.” Those strong fingers trailed along his jaw, and cupped his chin. “Coli—has anyone ever called you that?”
“No.”
“Good. Then it’s special to me. To us. When I said I’d never hurt you, I meant deliberately. No one is perfect, Coli. Especially me. Maybe at first you were a little bit of a challenge. I thought it would be fun—light and easy. But when I met you? The more I learned, the more I wanted to know. It’s never been like that with anyone. No one has made me feel the way you have. No, I’m wrong. No one has ever made me feel. Period.” He brushed their lips together. “So please. Tell me who you are. Better yet, show me. Show me it’s not only me who feels like this.” As Walker feathered another gentle kiss over his mouth, Colin’s misgivings melted away, and he responded eagerly, wanting more, surprising himself. “That’s it,” Walker encouraged, touching him all over.
A wildness he’d never known rose up inside him, and Colin threw his leg over Walker’s hip, his cock rubbing Walker’s. Tingles rippled through him, and he pushed Walker to his back, gazing into his smiling eyes. “I-I want you too. So bad. More than anything. I’ve been fooling myself into thinking I didn’t, but the truth is…I haven’t been able to stop thinking about what it would be like with you.”
“Time to find out.”
He covered Walker’s mouth with his and slid his tongue inside. Waves of pleasure coursed through him. Their kisses grew heated, and their teeth clashed. “I want everything with you. I want it all.”
“Take it. Come on.”
His lips trailed down Walker’s strong neck, and he licked Walker’s collarbone, then flicked each nipple. Emboldened by the sound of Walker’s pants and groans, Colin traveled farther south, and Walker raised his hips, pleading with him.
“Come on. Coli, please.”
“Hasn’t anyone told you patience is a virtue?” Colin murmured, and with a smile, swirled his tongue over the head of Walker’s cock before taking the entire length in his mouth. It had been three years since he’d lost himself in the scent and sounds of another man, and hearing Walker’s cries and feeling him writhe beneath him made him feel all-powerful and alive.
“Oh God, yeah. Please. Come on.”
He rose up and down on Walker’s rapidly swelling shaft, and pulled off, wanting to prolong what was happening between them. He grasped the base of Walker’s cock and licked the liquid off the crown. “I said all, and I meant it. Do you have condoms?”
