Promises Part 1 (Bounty Hunters #1)(10)

He always thought he’d be married by his age. Maybe even with a child, who knew. He thought it’d be Judge, for sure. Although they never actually dated, went out in public or whatever, he was fine with that. He thought it simply wasn’t Judge’s way. Even though he wanted those things: date night, sharing a tub of popcorn at the movies, making out together in a dark booth at a jazz club, holding hands on the beach as the sun set. Duke had thought that as long as he had Judge at home, it’d work out. He’d since realized how wrong he was. Judge knew what Duke really wanted, and instead of stringing him along, he dropped him. It had hurt more than he cared to let on, but he was a big boy. Life went on.

Looking around in Macy’s gave him a tension headache. There weren’t a lot of people in the men’s department, but he was never good at picking clothes. A nice lady in a startling white ruffled blouse and a black pleated skirt came up to him. “Can I help you?”

Duke fingered through the shirts on the rack. “Actually, I’m just looking.”

“I can help him if he needs it, Cindy. Thank you.” A strong voice cut over the young lady. Duke looked up and saw a man in a nice suit standing on the other side of the rack. His Macy’s name tag said Mark R. Duke smiled and told him the same thing as Cindy scurried off, doing little to hide her annoyance.

“Really, I’m good. Don’t let me waste your time.” He kept looking through the shirts and chose a blue and white striped one along with a dark blue blazer.

“That looks pretty good. I can do some measurements if you want.” Mark R. looked up and down Duke’s body, making him feel exposed.

“I’ll just try them on.” Duke hoped his fake smile was convincing. He pointed towards the back of the department and asked, “Fitting rooms over there?”

The guy gave him a suggestive smile and tilted his head in the same direction. “I’ll be right here if you need anything.”

Duke didn’t acknowledge that. He kept walking, thinking he might need to try a different store. What was with everyone lately? Was his dick size advertised on his forehead? Was he wearing a sign that said, “I’ll bottom so hard for you”? What the fuck?

Duke hung the new shirt and jacket on the hook and began to take off his shirt. He laid it carefully on the bench before removing his undershirt. There was a light tap on his dressing room door.

“Are you fuckin’ kiddin’ me?” Duke grumbled quietly. “I said I’m good, sir.”

A second later the door opened and Duke was about to curse until he saw it was Vaughan. “What the hell?”

“I told your little admirer out there that I’d take it from here,” Vaughan said sensually, closing the door behind him.

“What are you doing here?” Duke said breathily.

“I’m stalking you,” Vaughan said in an evil cartoon villain voice that made Duke laugh nervously.

“Cute,” Duke said, noticing that Vaughan’s eyes were roaming all over his chest. “Eyes up here.”

Vaughan let loose his own sexy chuckle and looked up to Duke’s eyes. With his back against one side of the dressing room, Vaughan brought one hand up and placed it against the wall next to Duke’s head. Duke felt like his heart was going to beat out of his chest when Vaughan leaned in to him and ran his nose down his neck. “Does it bother you when I look at you like that, Duke?”

Duke cleared his throat. He wasn’t sure he could speak English just then.

“Because I know no other way to look. Especially at you. I haven’t seen you with your shirt off since you went to my dad’s beach party when I was twenty-two.”

“W-what? You remember that?” Duke looked confused.

Vaughan nudged Duke’s cheek, speaking against his rough beard. “I remember that and so much more. I also remember you asking me why I wasn’t playing volleyball or swimming.”

Duke closed his eyes. Vaughan was so close. That alluring fresh scent dominating the small room. He wanted to put his arms around him, but refrained. “I think I remember that.”

Vaughan ran his other hand up Duke’s chest. “I’ll tell you now. I couldn’t get up because my dick was hard as fuck. I watched you the whole time, so close to coming I thought I would die. Couldn’t take my eyes off you then.” Vaughan breathed a puff of air against Duke’s mouth. “Still can’t take my eyes off you.”

“I’ve got to be dreaming,” Duke whispered.

Vaughan smiled, his forehead pressed against Duke’s. “Open your eyes.”

“I don’t want to wake up,” Duke replied, completely lost in the feeling.

Duke heard the sound of a belt clicking and the rustling of fabric. He still didn’t open his eyes. He felt his hand grabbed and he didn’t fight it as Vaughan pushed Duke’s hand down the front of his jeans, inside his boxers.

“Oh, fuck,” Duke hissed. His eyes rolled behind his closed lids. Vaughan groaned and pressed into his palm. Keeping his own hand over top of his, pressing Duke’s hand down. His cock was hot and hard. Duke closed his hand around it, marveling at the length. Fuckin’ perfect. Vaughan bit him lightly on his neck.

“You feel that, Duke? I’m not a goddamn kid. I’m not playing games. I’m not trying to tease you. I want you. I wanted you then. I want you even more now.”