Hank doubted that was going to happen, simply because he wasn’t that lucky. Nothing happened that easily. Still, it was good that he hadn’t followed them onto the train.

  “What’s the plan for Florence?” Grant asked Zach, who sat next to him.

  “I put together a spreadsheet.” He pulled out his small laptop, booted it up, and brought up the file. “We’ll get there at noon, and after lunch we have a few things to see this afternoon. The cool thing is that Florence is really compact, so everything is within walking distance. The highlight is going to be David. And since it’s a weekend, the book says that the area around the Duomo tonight will be like a party.”

  Hank nodded as the attendant came through with drinks and snacks. Apparently that was part of the first-class treatment.

  “I just want to walk around and see everything,” Jeremy said as he leaned over to talk across the aisle.

  “I want to see the bridge with the shops on it,” Tristan said. “Though I’m not going to buy anything,” he promised, glancing at Harry. It was so cute.

  “The Ponte Vecchio. It’s crowded and very expensive. The book says that everything—the shops and the restaurants—gets more expensive the closer you get to the bridge. We can take pictures and stuff, but the book suggests better places to buy things.” Zach passed it over to Tristan. “This is going to be a great time.”

  “Are there places that we can party?” Kevin asked, popping his head over the row of seats. “Rome was great, but I want to be able to shake things up.”

  “I don’t think Florence is that kind of city. At least, not the sections of it that we’ll be in,” Angus soothed.

  “Maybe we can have a hotel dance party,” Grant suggested. “We all have music and stuff, and we can hook it up to Zach’s computer. It may not be the best speakers, but we can have some drinks, snacks, and shake our moneymakers for the guys.”

  Hank thought he was going to swallow his teeth, thinking about Grant shaking that tight little backside. He certainly wanted to see that. “We can ask if it’s okay when we get there. As long as it’s not too late or too loud, we can probably manage that.” He turned to the other guys and received a number of raised eyebrows.

  The conversation turned to other things, and soon the guys chattered about the scenery, the things they wanted to try to buy, the stuff they wanted to see, then returned to the scenery as soon as the next town appeared in the distance. Even the train ride was pretty exciting. Eventually the talking fell off, and Grant settled back in his seat, closing his eyes. Hank was well aware that Grant hadn’t slept particularly well last night, and that was his fault. All that drama around Danny had him acting completely stupid.

  Hank was coming to realize just how much his breakup with Danny was affecting him. He had changed the way he behaved, staying away from other guys because Danny might get upset. Hank had basically shut himself away because he didn’t want to make Danny mad. And the guy was no longer even in his life. Screw that. He had a right to do as he pleased, just as much as Danny had to bring barely legal guys to the club, trying to rub them in Hank’s face. He and Grant had a lot in common, with their controlling exes and the way they’d changed their lives—and even parts of who they were—to accommodate them.

  Hank stood and opened his travel bag, pulled out a pillow, and helped Grant get comfortable before he sat back down. He found himself watching Grant sleep and soon realized the others were watching him.

  “Angus, I just want to have a little fun.” Kevin’s voice barely reached his ears.

  “We will,” Angus promised.

  Jeremy passed the guidebook in Kevin’s direction, and the grousing stopped. Hank didn’t see any use in complaining. The trip was going well, and he was looking forward to a great visit in Florence.

  The train slowed as they approached the city. Once it pulled into the station, they grabbed their luggage. Hank was glad to see that Kevin was smiling when they got off. Maybe Angus had whispered something in his ear, because there was definitely a spring in his step.

  They followed the directions out of the station, trooping into the intense sun. Hank put on his sunglasses, and then they crossed the street with Zach leading the way, using his phone as a guide.

  “It’s not too far.”

  Hank dragged his bag behind him, and when Grant started to wilt in the heat, he slung his carry-on across his shoulders as they turned down a quiet side street.

  “It’s just down here,” Zach said, and they all perked up, glad the trek through the city was nearly over. “Here it is.”

  The air-conditioning inside hit Hank like a wall of cooling relief. He set down the bags and half collapsed onto one of the sofas in the lounge area, letting the others go through the check-in process first. He felt a little like a pack mule that hadn’t had any water in a while.

  “Here you go,” Grant said, handing him a plastic cup of water before sitting down next to him. “Thanks for helping me. I didn’t know how far it was, and the bags were heavier than I remembered.” He leaned against him, and Hank’s fatigue slipped away. He put an arm around Grant and closed his eyes for a few seconds, letting the relative quiet around them settle in.

  “Umm, guys,” Kevin said quietly. “It’s your turn to check in. You can probably nap better up in your room.” He chuckled.

  Hank hoisted himself to his feet and got them checked in. Once he had their keys, he and Grant trundled into the tiny elevator and rode to the second floor. Thankfully, their room was right next door, and Hank unlocked it, hefting in the bags.

  Grant inhaled sharply from behind him. “There’s only one bed,” he whispered. “This has to be a mistake.”

  Hank set down the bags with a slight groan. “Okay. What probably happened is that our room got mixed up with someone else’s in the group.” He pulled out his phone to call Zach for help while Grant sat on the edge of the bed, chewing his nails nervously. “Hey, we have a problem. Our room has one bed. Did anyone else get the double room instead of the queen-size bed?”

  “Oh, crap. Let me check. I know I changed all the reservations, but…. Give me a minute?” Zach ended the call, and Hank put his phone aside.

  “He’s checking. Don’t worry about it.” He should have thought about something like this. He and Danny had made their hotel reservations for just one bed, exactly what they had here. Zach had told him that all of the reservations had been changed. As organized and careful as Zach had been, he doubted he’d missed one.

  There was a soft knock on the door. Hank opened it and Zach bustled in.

  “I checked with the guys, and they all got the same type of bed that you did, so I went downstairs to check. They said that they did get my change, but that this was the only room they had left. They weren’t able to make the update.” Zach closed the door. “They’re really nice here, but it would have been helpful if they’d have warned me.” He looked at the bed. “I can try to find you another hotel.” He bit his lower lip. “They were really sorry for the confusion….”

  “Don’t,” Grant said. “There isn’t going to be anything at this late date, and we’d end up on the other side of town, and….” He sounded so defeated. “Hank and I can make the best of it.” He talked the same way he might have said that his meal wasn’t great, but he’d eat it anyway. Hank wasn’t sure how he felt about that.

  “Are you both sure?” Zach asked, alternately looking at both of them.

  “Yes. Grant and I can make the best of it,” Hank agreed. “It’s just for a few days.”

  Zach didn’t seem convinced and kept looking to each of them before reaching for the door and pulling it open. “If you’re sure.” He paused in the open doorway. “We’re meeting in the lobby in half an hour to get some lunch and then start sightseeing.” He slowly closed the door, and Grant sighed before walking around to the far side of the bed.

  “I’ll take this side,” he said, and set out his bag to start unpacking.

  “Aren’t you upset?” Hank asked.

  Grant actually snickered. “What am I going to be upset about? There’s nothing we can do about it, and what’s the worst that could happen?” He put his kit in the bathroom, still talking. “You want to try something?” Grant stuck his head out of the bathroom. “I’ve had very interesting dreams about what it would be like in bed with you.” He peered around the corner to the large bed. “Maybe we’ll see if some of what I imagined comes close to reality.” He winked and returned to the bathroom, closing the door.

  Hank sat on the edge of the bed in a state of emotional turmoil and shock. He was being stupid. He and Grant had had an amazing time in Rome, and he liked him. There was nothing wrong with him seeing if things could work out between them.

  “Did you get unpacked or sit on the edge of the bed stewing over your ex?” Grant asked as he came out of the bathroom.

  Hank stood and took a step closer. “Actually, I was thinking about doing this….” He tugged Grant to him and leaned down to kiss him hard and long. Grant got a little heavier in his arms as he returned the kiss, winding his hands around Hank’s neck. Grant tasted like cinnamon at first, and then the flavor dissipated until the warm musk of Grant came through, driving Hank crazy. He reluctantly pulled back, blinking and inhaling deeply.

  “Was that so bad?”

  Bad? Hank shook his head. “It was amazing.” Kissing Grant was nothing like kissing anyone else. Hank was hot and cold at the same time, his head spun, and he had enough energy to run a marathon. He turned to the bed and then back to Grant, heart thumping…. And he was hard enough to pound nails.

  “We should unpack and then meet the guys.” Grant quivered and stepped back, inhaling deeply. He swallowed, but regardless of what he said, he didn’t move away any farther.

  Attraction pulled at Hank, and he had to take a step back before he pushed Grant onto the bed. To hell with lunch and everything else, because the only sight he really wanted to see was Grant under him, mouth open, eyes wide in the throes of passion so intense, it made them forget their own names.

  “Yes.” Hank turned away, put his suitcase on the stand near the door, and pulled out his kit, finding things to do. He was hyperaware of Grant the entire time, his heart still pounding faster than normal. “Are you hungry?” he asked, and Grant nodded. “Then we should get going.”

  He pulled his key card out of the switch that turned on the lights, holding the door for Grant, then pulled the door closed and followed him down the stairs. The others had already gathered, so they headed out almost as soon as Hank and Grant arrived. Everyone must have been hungry.

  Zach followed a map toward the city center and checked restaurants along the way. “This looks good,” he pronounced, and Hank couldn’t argue. The number of people seated out front, some speaking Italian, said that this was a smart choice. Zach explained that they were a large party, and they stepped off to the side until the staff could prepare a table and get them seated.

  “I know I’m going to get fat,” Grant said as he glanced at the menu. “All I’ve eaten this week is pasta.”

  “Well, one of the things they are known for here is Florentine steak,” Hank told him. “Maybe tonight we can find a place and share one. From what I understand, they are pretty big but delicious.”

  “Maybe we’ll all get steak,” Zach offered. “Hey.” He groused and leaned down to rub his leg. “What was that for?” He frowned at Bull, who flashed him a “duh” look. “Okay… no steak, sheesh.”

  “Don’t be such a drama queen. Why don’t you see what you want for lunch, because that waiter is only going to come back once. This place is so busy, we need to be ready.” Bull winked at Zach, and it seemed he finally got it.

  “Oh… yes. I’ll have the pesto,” Zach said, and put down his menu.

  “What was that all about?” Grant asked as he leaned over the table.

  Hank smirked. “I think a certain boss to us all is playing matchmaker in his own way.”

  Grant rolled his eyes.

  “Hey, Zach, how did the signing go yesterday?” Tristan asked. “I missed Bull in his getup.”

  “It was amazing. Bull, as usual, is almost a bigger hit than me.”

  Bull humphed and took Zach’s hand. “I was dressed as your character. They don’t see me, just your hero.” It was clear from the sparkle in his eyes and the tender smile on his lips that Bull was so proud of Zach, he could burst. “Your comic is awesome, and that’s what they love.” Bull turned to the entire table. “The fans were lined up twenty deep at one point. It was so awesome, and Zach was amazing, talking with each person. Most guys wanted a hug and a picture, and he was so patient. I’d have gone crazy, but he gave each one his full attention for as long as they were there. It was impressive.”

  “I’m glad. Did you save copies for us?” Jeremy asked.

  “You all have the English ones. I was signing the Italian translations. I kept a few so I’d have some at home.”

  Angus, who sat next to Zach, lightly patted him on the back. “You’ve done amazingly well. When does the next installment come out?”

  “In English? Next month. It’s the fifth installment, and I’m adding some new supporting characters, broadening the world even more, making Bull a bigger hero.” He grinned and took Bull’s hand. “You’ve always been my hero, even when you kick me under the table to try to shut me up. And just for the record, you should know that isn’t going to work very well.”

  The server came to the table, and they all placed their orders and got drinks.

  “I wish I could have seen Bull in his getup,” Grant said. “I bet he looked scary.”

  Zach howled with laughter. “Bull is never scary.”

  “Maybe not to you,” Grant countered. “When Harry initially hired me at the club, I nearly wet myself the first time Bull asked me to do something.” He smiled. “Now I know it’s all show and he’s really a great big pussycat.” Grant flashed Bull a smile and got a growl in return.

  “It just goes to show that looks can be deceiving,” Hank said, winking at Grant, who was so different from what Hank had originally expected. Grant was gentle and kind, but there was backbone there, and it was pretty hot, especially now that he seemed to be coming out of his shell.

  “I am not a pussycat,” Bull said, crossing his arms over his chest.

  “Give it up, sweetheart,” Zach said, patting Bull’s hand. “The word is out that you’re a special man. You can’t put the genie back in the bottle.”

  “I can agree with that.” Jarrod suddenly appeared at the end of the table, standing right next to Bull. “You all go on having a good time.” His lips curled upward, as if he’d smelled something bad.

  “What do you want?” Bull snapped. “Whatever it is, I suggest you say your piece and get on with it. Say, out in front of the Baptistery in an hour?”

  Jarrod nodded. “I’ll agree to that. And bring the little one with you. He and I have some unfinished business as well.” He turned his gaze to Grant, who ground his teeth together.

  Bull stood, staring at Jarrod, his expression surprisingly blank. “Don’t push me. All I have to do is make a call, and I can have the police here in minutes. I still have plenty of contacts and people who owe me favors.” He scowled. “Now I suggest you leave us in peace.” Bull sat down, waving his hand to dismiss Jarrod, actually turning away from him as though he were of no consequence. Hank never took his gaze off the man, in case he tried something, but he simply turned and left, strolling down the street as though nothing at all had happened.

  “Man, I thought I was going to need to get out a ruler,” Kevin quipped, and even Bull cracked a smile.

  The server brought their food, and everyone grew quiet as they ate.

  Hank watched Grant, who picked at his food more than actually eating anything. “It’s okay. Whatever he wants, no one is going to let anything happen to you. Just eat, and then we can talk to Bull. Okay?”

  Grant nodded and slowly ate his pasta, still looking a little paler than he’d been a few minutes earlier.

  Once lunch was over and the bills paid, everyone gathered off to the side of the road. “What are we going to do?” Zach asked, arms over his chest, imitating Bull perfectly.

  “Everyone is going to head to the ticket office at the Palazzo Vecchio. Spook—” Hank suddenly realized he was missing from the group. “—is already looking things over. I will handle this, and everyone else—including you, Grant—will go get their tickets. Stay together in a group and don’t get separated. I’ll meet you at the Duomo Museum afterward, and we can get on with our trip.” Bull met each gaze.

  “But he said…,” Grant argued, and Hank stood right beside him, holding his arm to let Grant know he wasn’t alone.

  “I’m not in the habit of conceding to the wishes of sociopaths. That was always his problem. Jarrod thought that everything should be done his way and that he had to be in charge. I won’t give in to him, and that’s part of the problem. You didn’t either.” Bull spoke almost gently. “Anyway, I intend to have some backup. Just stay with the guys and don’t get separated, no matter what.”

  “Okay.” Grant was still nervous, but Hank felt better that he was going to be with him.

  “Go now, and stick to the plan.” Once Grant agreed, Bull spoke with Zach, who clearly wasn’t happy about being left behind. But once Zach’s shoulders slumped and they all started toward the Palazzo, Bull strode off in the other direction toward his meeting.

  Zach walked as though he were on a forced march, pissed and unhappy… until they approached the piazza, with the Neptune fountain and its replica of David. They all slowed down at the splendor in front of them.

  Hank put an arm around Grant’s shoulders and stood next to him. “I’m glad I get to see all this with you.”

  Grant smiled and blinked.

  “Remember, we need to stay together,” Harry cautioned, with Angus adding his opinion as a forceful nod.

  “I want to get a picture of all of us with the square in the background,” Kevin said, and everyone lined up, Grant standing next to Hank, smiling as Kevin clicked a few pictures. “Thanks!” He grinned, promising to send them to everyone when they got back in range of the hotel Wi-Fi.

 

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