Forgive and Forget(33)

“Well, considering he’s not mine to begin with, they wouldn’t be stealing,” Joe said haughtily, though his heart was fighting him on that one. What if Tom really was waiting for him? He was always so sweet and affectionate, always the one to initiate things. Sometimes he thought maybe Tom did it because he was grateful to Joe, but the more he thought about it, the less he believed that. From the very beginning, Tom wore his heart on his sleeve, always being open and honest with Joe.

“So you’re just going to let the lions have him? If they don’t finish him off, I guarantee there are a few more vultures circling at the moment.”

Sure enough, when Joe scanned the rooftop, there were at least six or seven more men waiting for their chance at Tom. God, it was like a feeding frenzy. It wasn’t so much the thought of them ogling Tom—because frankly it was hard not to notice the man—but the thought of someone waltzing in and taking Joe’s place in Tom’s heart, all because he was too much of a coward to take a chance. Taking a deep breath, Joe tilted his top hat back and gave it a firm pat before making straight for the lions.

“All right, beat it,” he growled, shooing the disgruntled youths away and grabbing Tom by the waist, pulling him hard against him. Tom’s eyes widened and he flushed, sending a tingle up Joe’s spine. Joe crushed his mouth to Tom’s and kissed him hard, claiming him right there in front of everyone.

For a moment Tom appeared too stunned to move. He was probably wondering if Joe had done what he thought he’d done. Joe couldn’t believe what he was doing, but all further thought fled from his mind as he kissed Tom heatedly and thoroughly. It was only when they were forced to come up for air that Joe saw the look of raw desire in Tom’s eyes, and it sent a shudder through him.

“I thought you wouldn’t come for me.”

“You thought wrong,” Joe said, sounding breathless. An “oomph!” escaped him when Tom brought Joe up hard against him, kissing him deeply. It was only when Joe felt someone give his coat a gentle tug that he realized Ken and Gordon were trying to get their attention.

“As thrilled as we are, boys,” Ken said, beaming, “you’re making the natives restless. Not to mention, very, very jealous.”

Tom laughed shyly, and Joe, who’d only just realized what he’d done in front of everyone, wrapped his arms around Tom’s waist, and buried his face against his neck.

Ken’s eyes danced with amusement. “Well, it’s better than an oven.”

Joe glared at Ken, who cackled as he walked off, and the DJ began to play a soft romantic ballad.

Tom slipped his hands around Joe’s waist and started to sway, his voice laced with amusement when he said, “Since we’re already here, how about a dance?”

Joe put on his big boy pants and pulled back to meet Tom’s eyes. The man really was handsome. “I’d like that.”

“Thank you for coming to my rescue,” Tom said, taking Joe’s hand in his and placing the other on Joe’s waist. They swayed slowly in time to the music. Joe couldn’t remember the last time he’d slow danced with someone. Had it been prom?

“Well, you are my date. I could hardly leave you to become their dinner, though you didn’t look all that alarmed.” Joe narrowed his eyes, ignoring the way his lip twitched, clearly eager to smile.

“I was trying to be polite. The experience was quite traumatizing, actually.” Tom pouted, and Joe went along with it.

“Was it now?”

“Yep. I think maybe I might need some soothing.” Tom brought Joe in a little closer and gave him a soft kiss. “Maybe some of this….” He brushed his lips over Joe’s for a feathery kiss before moving his lips to Joe’s jaw. “Maybe a little of this….” He nipped at Joe’s jawline, his voice low and husky. “Maybe a few more drinks, a little mingling, and we find ourselves a little privacy where we can… reassure each other.”

Joe all but melted against Tom. “I think that can be arranged.” He couldn’t believe his boldness, but he took Tom’s hand and led him back to the stairs leading to the apartment. Joe bit on his bottom lip, hoping Ken wouldn’t mind—not that he would, really, but still. Was he going to do this? Joe refused to give it any more thought. He hurried through the apartment to the large linen closet at the end of the hall past the guest bathroom. Making sure no one saw him, he opened it, then pushed Tom inside before following him in. He turned on the light and closed the door behind them. There was plenty of room.

“Joe, what—”

Joe cut Tom off with a kiss. He couldn’t let himself think too much or he’d get cold feet. He’d never done anything like this before. Lucky for them, Joe didn’t have to worry about Tom’s pants, considering he wasn’t wearing any. Joe got on his knees, and Tom sucked in his breath. Joe lifted the lower half of Tom’s costume.

“Hold that.”

“Okay.”

Joe couldn’t help but chuckle at Tom’s eager acceptance. As a reward, Joe pulled down Tom’s black boxer briefs, freeing his already half-hard shaft. It was as amazing as the first time he’d seen it. The man was gorgeous all over, and all Joe wanted to do was taste him.

With a smile, Joe took hold of Tom’s erection and drew it into his mouth, moaning around Tom’s length. Tom bucked his hips and threw a hand out to the side, grabbing a fistful of the shelved towels as Joe proceeded to suck, lick, and nip Tom’s erection. He started off slow, loving the taste of Tom, the scent of shower gel and his musk. Joe held the base of Tom’s cock as he pulled off him and pressed the tip of his tongue to Tom’s slit.