Unexpected, p.20
Unexpected, page 20
“That’s because you are,” Alan said conclusively. “It just took you longer than it should’ve to figure it out.”
“I’m learning. Trust doesn’t come easily to me, you know that. That and believing in myself.”
“I’m aware. But sometimes you have to let your guard down and let people in.”
“And,” Dustin broke in, “something tells me our Colin has already let a certain gorgeous someone in. So to speak?” He snickered, and Colin rolled his eyes.
“Can’t you do something about that?” he appealed to Alan but laughed when Dustin flung his arms around his neck and planted a big kiss on his cheek.
“You love it. And me.”
He huffed out a pretend sigh but was too happy to fake outrage. “I do love you both, and I know I made it hard for you.”
“It was painful watching you in a relationship with a man who didn’t value you. Especially having him work here.” Uncharacteristically somber, Dustin twirled his wedding band. “I never told you this, but I believe he used you simply to get his foot in the industry door.”
Wincing at Dustin’s brutal honesty, Colin had no trouble believing him and rushed to alleviate Dustin’s obvious discomfort at his revelation. “You’re right. I should’ve seen it from the start. It’s not your fault. It’s mine for allowing myself to be so head over heels, I was unable—and more than likely, unwilling—to see the truth in front of me. Even if you’d said something, I wouldn’t have believed you. That’s how stupidly in love I was. No,” he corrected himself, “not in love. In lust. All I felt for Brad was lust.”
Because now he knew the difference. He wasn’t giddy and thinking only about sex with Walker, although it was pretty damn fabulous. He wanted to learn about Walker and share parts of himself he’d forgotten existed. Most of all, he wanted to help Walker to a place where he no longer hurt from his parents’ betrayal. Behind the easy smile and good nature was a heap of hurt and heartbreak he’d yet to come to terms with.
Dustin’s smile broadened. “Lust can be good. It has its place, especially in the beginning of a relationship when you can’t wait to go home and rip each other’s clothes off. But when there’s little else besides the physical, it can start to feel hollow.”
He stared at Dustin, who cocked his head. “What?”
“That was very insightful.”
Dustin sniffed. “I can be deep.”
Laughing, Alan pulled Dustin close and kissed his curls. “Yes, you can, babe. You’re a man of many talents. Some are just more…well-hidden than others.”
Watching his two friends, Colin longed for what they had. Could he and Walker, two people with such long-standing trust issues, ever find their way to each other?
It was a question he contemplated all day, in between meetings and consultations. Moira Shapiro and her daughter, Dawn, came in to meet with him about their vision for Dawn’s wedding, and the daughter proved as likable as her mother.
“I promise not to be a bridezilla, Colin. All Oliver and I want is to have fun. I’m not the type to care about the froufrou things. Simple and elegant is what we want.”
“You will definitely have fun. Alan and Dustin have already given me your color choices, and they have the vendors lined up to make your wedding sophisticated yet with your own sense of style.”
“I knew you’d be the perfect person to help us.” Moira was sleekly dressed in a typical New York black ensemble and a handbag that was probably equal to his monthly mortgage payment. Diamonds glittered discreetly in her ears and on her neck and wrists. Old money, Colin had learned, didn’t need to scream and shout to be heard.
“I’m glad you called us. Give me a few weeks, and I’ll have setups to show you, starting with save-the-date cards.”
They gathered their shopping bags, and he was walking them out when the door opened and Walker sauntered in. Moira’s eyes lit up, and he could imagine her calling Sarah as soon as she was alone to spill the beans: Guess who I saw today? Funny how the thought of that didn’t bother him at all.
“Moira, how are you? Good to see you again.” Walker kissed her cheek.
“I was thinking the same thing. What a nice surprise. Are you planning another benefit?”
Walker grinned. “You might say so, although the benefit will be purely mine. Is this your daughter? Hello, I’m Walker Scanlon.”
“I’m Dawn. Wait until I tell my fiancé, Oliver, that I met you. He’s going to be so mad he bailed on this meeting. Said it was women’s stuff and he didn’t need to be here.”
“Let’s send him a picture right now to make him jealous.”
Dawn giggled and handed him her phone, and as they took a selfie, Colin marveled how deftly Walker had steered the conversation away from the two of them.
Moira was no fool, however. As Dawn answered her phone and handed it to Walker so he could speak to her fiancé, who’d called her the moment he received the photo, Moira said softly, “As soon as I met you, Colin, I thought you and Walker would make a wonderful couple.”
“Did you? Why was that?” He was proud of himself for remaining noncommittal.
“You’re so steady and calm. Walker needs someone out of the public eye to ground him. It can get tiring to always have to be ‘on’ for people. I sense—and forgive me if I’m being a pushy old lady—that you give him the opportunity to be the real Walker.” Her eyes twinkled. “While not letting him get away with his shenanigans.”
“And here I thought I was the only one who thought that way.”
* * *
“Shenanigans?” Walker pretended outrage. “I’ll have you know I’m a very serious person.” His lips twitched, and then he broke out in laughter. “Okay, maybe not very serious.”
Colin nudged him. “Maybe not serious at all. But it’s okay. I guess I can learn to deal with it.”
They were still in his office, as he had a few items left on his to-do list. Walker lounged in a chair and had chatted with Alan and Dustin, who kept popping in with things they claimed needed immediate attention. After the fourth time, Colin got up, took each of them by the shoulder, and pushed.
“Go away.” He closed the door behind them. “They’re impossible,” he grumbled and shook his head.
Walker’s arms slid around his waist, his warm lips settling on his neck, and Colin sighed. “They’re your friends, and they want to know what’s going on between us.”
Taking a chance, Colin took Walker’s hand in his. “I still can’t believe it myself. I keep thinking I’ll wake up and be alone again.”
“So what you’re saying is, I’m a dream come true?” Walker’s lips brushed his ear. “All kidding aside, you are happy, right?”
Before he lost his nerve, Colin turned in the circle of Walker’s arms. “How could I not be? All I want is you, and here you are.”
“In the flesh.” Those blue eyes lit up. “All I want is you too.”
Colin found himself kissed until he swooned from the desire pulsing through his veins.
* * *
“Who could’ve predicted this? Us, together…” Colin mused later that afternoon as they walked out of the office building and into the car Walker had waiting. “I still don’t believe it myself.”
“Well, I’ve been told I’m pretty incredible.” Walker brushed an imaginary piece of lint off his T-shirt. “Just saying.”
“Oh brother,” Colin muttered, but his words didn’t fool Walker.
“Don’t frown.” Walker kissed him on the forehead. “It’ll give you wrinkles.”
“Where are we going, by the way? You never told me.” He craned his neck to peer over Walker’s shoulder and out the car window, but all he saw was traffic.
“Yes, I did. We’re going to the game.”
Colin blinked, silently freaking out. “Oh. I wasn’t sure you meant it. That’ll be fun.”
Walker knocked his shoulder. “From the way you look, you’d rather have a root canal.”
“I wouldn’t know. I’ve never had one or been to a ball game.”
“It’ll be a blast. It’s always a good time.” Walker squeezed his hand. “I want you to see what my world is like, now that I’ve seen yours.”
Mulling over his words, Colin understood and vowed to keep an open mind. Just because he’d never been into sports before didn’t mean he couldn’t learn. The jocks at school had never been deliberately unkind to him. They’d ignored him, as if he didn’t exist at all.
Walker had seats behind first base, and Colin spotted a few celebrities. The reception Walker had received was akin to a returning king—he was put up on the big screen, and several local sports reporters Colin recognized from the evening news stopped him for interviews or simply to chat. Always warm and friendly with people, Walker remained patient throughout, taking photos with the kids and their parents.
“Baseball calls for hot dogs, fries, peanuts, and popcorn. And beer. Try one at least.”
Throughout the game, Colin munched on caramel corn and took the beer from Walker. They could’ve had more sophisticated food—sushi, filet, and oysters were among some of the choices Colin had spied—but Walker scorned it all for the old-time favorites. In between innings he watched Walker sign more autographs.
“They really love you.”
Walker winked at him and took a big, happy bite of his hot dog. “What’s not to love?” His cheeks bulged as he chewed.
“Your table manners, for a start.”
The sound of a bat cracking against a ball drew huge cheers from the crowd, and Walker jumped to his feet, pumping his fist. “Yes, watch that.” Walker pointed at the ball the batter from the Mets just hit. “Home run. That’s it, baby. That’s the way to do it.” Everyone stood whistling and clapping, and Colin found himself grabbed around the waist by Walker.
“Having fun?” Walker whispered in his ear, and Colin’s heart surged. He could almost picture it—spending warm summer evenings going to ball games, then home to hot nights filled with passion and love.
God, he was in love with this man. This crazy, wild, funny, fun-loving man had changed his outlook on life, and Colin knew he’d never be the same.
“I am now.” They sank into their seats, Walker’s arm firmly over his shoulders.
“Good. Because it’s the seventh-inning stretch and time to do this.”
With the crowd cheering them on, Walker kissed him.
Chapter Twenty-Two
Maybe he should’ve asked Colin if he wanted to be featured on the jumbotron for the kiss cam, but when the camera swung their way, all he could see was Colin laughing, adorably flushed, eyes golden-bright and shining. How could he resist? He intended it to be only a brief kiss, but like all good intentions, they went to hell and straight out the proverbial window, because the moment Walker tasted Colin’s lips, he put a hand on his nape and fucking went there.
The cheers buzzed dimly in his brain as his tongue plunged into Colin’s mouth and was sucked until he lost his breath.
Colin’s smile curved against his jaw. “Guess we gave them a show.”
“Are you sorry?” He could hear the snickering around him but didn’t give a damn. All he cared about was having Colin.
“No.”
A grin teased his lips. “Me neither. I’m glad it’s out there.”
Colin pushed the hair out of his eyes. “What is?”
“That we’re together. Trust me, the press will love you.” At Colin’s slightly freaked-out expression, Walker took his hand and squeezed it. “Don’t worry. It’ll be big news for a hot second until they move on to someone else. You can handle it.”
He was correct, because after the game ended and they made their way out of Citi Field, they were stopped at every turn by reporters asking him and Colin a million questions, mainly about how they met. He stayed back, letting Colin gain his footing in this new world, but after a few hesitant answers, Walker took his hand, hoping his presence would give Colin more confidence. Of course, the press snatched the opportunity and jumped.
“Walk-Off, come on. Tell us how you two met? How long have you been together?”
“Colin and I met a few months ago when I took his suitcase by accident after a flight and we had to meet to switch them. I didn’t realize that his event-planning business, Pinnacle, was already hired for the charity event at Bases Loaded.”
“That’s such a meet-cute story. Almost like a book,” one female reporter gushed.
“I doubt anyone would believe it.” Colin smiled faintly, and Walker recognized he was a little overwhelmed. He hadn’t signed up for this, and Walker knew Colin disliked the spotlight on him.
“And now you’re in love,” the same reporter stated, searching first Colin’s face, then his, for affirmation. “That’s so romantic.”
Ignoring her remark, he said, “Okay, folks, we’re leaving, but it was great talking to you as usual. Have a good one.”
Cameras clicked like mad and several of them called out:
“Are you living together?”
“When’s the wedding, Walk-Off?”
Tugging on Colin’s hand, he muttered, “Let’s go. The car is outside.”
Once they were in the car and traveling home to Brooklyn, Colin remained quiet, and Walker, disliking silence, grew edgier as the minutes ticked by.
“Okay, I’m sorry, did I do something wrong? I’ll apologize for you getting caught up in the publicity, but I won’t apologize for the kiss.”
“I’m glad to hear that,” Colin responded mildly.
“So what is it?”
“I’d rather not talk in the back of a car service.”
About to answer that it didn’t matter to him, Walker shut his mouth because while that might be true, it obviously mattered to Colin. And what mattered to Colin mattered to him.
Maybe that was another indication that this relationship was a whole lot different and deeper than what he’d thought himself capable of having. Or wanting. Instead of running away, like he had with Sean, Walker wanted to be there with Colin.
They ended up at Colin’s apartment since he had work the next day and Walker wanted to spend the night together. He kicked off his shoes upon entering and headed to the refrigerator.
Colin tossed his keys on the table by the front door. “Make yourself at home.”
Walker pulled out ice cream from the freezer. “I’m sensing a hint of sarcasm.” Spoons from the cutlery drawer in hand, he waved at Colin. “Sit with me.” He stretched out on the couch.
“Only a hint?” Colin stood over him, and he scooted over.
“You’re cute when you’re snarky.”
“I thought I was always cute.” With a smile, Colin sank next to him. “Isn’t that what you told me?”
Walker slid a spoonful of chocolate-mint-chip between Colin’s lips, then kissed the sticky sweetness from his lips and tongue. “You are cute. Sexy. Hot. And mine.”
Colin’s expression softened. “Yeah…I’m not complaining, but…I guess I wasn’t expecting such a public display.”
He propped himself up. “Was it too much for you? I wasn’t sure. That’s why I let you answer the first few questions.”
“Not only that. I wasn’t prepared for the reporters or the kiss.” Colin’s brow furrowed, and Walker could see him struggling.
“Is that going to be a problem for you? The publicity?”
“I’m not sure. I’ve never been someone who likes public displays of affection. Is it always like this when you go out?” Colin played with his spoon, and Walker could’ve lied, but he wanted Colin to know what he was signing up for.
“I’ll be perfectly honest. Some people have no idea who I am, and I’m fine with that. But I can’t shut down the people who do come up to me in restaurants or on the street, and especially at the ballpark. And I do love going to ball games. The fans expect me to be accessible to them, and I can’t change that. It’s the first thing Jimmy taught me. The fans are the reason I pushed myself while I was active.”
“I understand.”
“But,” he interjected, afraid Colin was ready to pull the plug, “on the other hand, I’m willing to hold off on kissing you for the jumbotron and in public altogether. Especially if I can kiss you later. Is that okay with you?”
“I think you’re the one who should be answering that. I’m sure we can reach a middle ground. I don’t want to change who you are—”
“You already have.” This conversation called for him to be upright because Colin needed to see the truth in his eyes, not only hear the words from his lips. “Don’t you see? I can spend all day with you, and it’s still not enough, so I need the night as well. I watch the door shut behind you, and immediately check my watch to count how many hours until I see you again. Just having a conversation about being in a real relationship is a change for me. Telling you how much I want you…” He cupped Colin’s jaw. “That I think I love you.”
Colin trembled beneath his fingertips. “Really?”
“Yeah. Really. Imagine that.” His smile grew broader as the realization of his words sank in, and even though his heart beat at an impossibly fast rate, he knew it was the right time and place. He’d never been one to hold off on saying what he felt. “I knew you were different the first time I saw you, all huffy and uptight about your bag. I thought, ‘That guy needs to lighten up, and I’d like to be the one to show him how.’ ” He leaned forward and kissed Colin, his addiction to those soft lips one he willingly gave himself over to. “Even with your bad-temper and pissy attitude, you turned me on. Everything about you does. It has to be love because no matter how much time I spend with you, I want more.”
Dreamy-eyed, Colin gazed back at him. “I never would’ve imagined the man I watched doing the limbo and shaking his ass would become so important to me. And yet here you are, and I don’t want to let you go.”
As confident as he was on and off the field, here, alone with Colin and nothing between them but the truth, Walker found himself stumbling in the dark, concerned he wasn’t able to say the right thing. So he decided to speak from the heart.
“Then don’t. Be with me. Stay with me. We’ll figure it all out together. If you want to keep things more private, that’s fine. I won’t let my fame get between us—I won’t let anything get between us. I’ve never felt like this about anyone else. Instead of walking you toward the door, I want to hold you tighter and never let you go.”
