Over and Back, page 21
“I’m not a dish,” Grant protested, and Hank stepped back, considering him.
“You most certainly are a dish, to use the old-fashioned term. And I was referring to the menu of things in life that I want with me….”
Grant rolled his eyes. “Why don’t you just come out and say what you want to say?” He tapped his foot a little impatiently.
“What I’m asking is, after this trip is over, if you might want to continue what’s been happening between us? I hate my place, and from what you’ve said, you don’t like yours. So maybe we could find one we both like, set up housekeeping, maybe find a nice big bed that the two of us can share?” Why in the hell was he so damned nervous? He’d done this before. But then maybe that was the issue—Hank had done this before, and it had turned out really badly.
“Are you sure?” Grant asked.
Hank hesitated for a second before nodding. Grant was worth taking a chance on. Most of the time, his gambles hadn’t paid off. But this time he had the feeling deep in his soul that he was going to come out a winner. “Yes.” He smiled and straightened his shoulders. “I’m sure.” He gently cradled Grant’s head in his hands and guided their lips together. “I want to wake up next to this stunning face every morning and make love to you each night. You make my heart….” He couldn’t quite find a word, then went for simple. “Happy. You make me happy.”
Grant grinned. “I do? That’s good, because you make me happy too.”
Okay, maybe they were a little sappy, but Hank didn’t care. He was a pretty simple guy, and that was how he felt.
They jumped apart at Zach’s “Sheldon” knock on the door. Hank pulled it open before he could finish that danged pattern.
“We’re getting ready to eat. Just going to the restaurant down the street. You guys want to join us?”
“Are Spook and Angus back?” Hank asked.
“Yup. They’re in the rooms, changing. So meet us in ten minutes downstairs?” Zach smiled and bounded away.
Hank closed the door, but Grant just stood there, wide-eyed.
“It just hit me—that damn bastard tried to kill me again!” Grant shouted, then broke into nervous laughter. “I’m not going to break down again, if that’s what you’re worried about, but it just struck me as strange after being held at knifepoint and being asked if I wanted to go to dinner…. It’s as though nothing had happened.” He laughed again, this time harder but with more tension. “I mean, I could have put a contract out on Jarrod, and here we are, getting ready to eat.”
“I doubt Bull and Spook expected you to agree. That isn’t who you are. Jarrod’s life was safe in your hands because you’re a kind person.”
“You mean a pushover.” The smile was gone.
“No. You’re strong, a lot stronger than you ever give yourself credit for, and I think it’s hot. Really hot.” Hank pulled Grant into a hug, holding him tightly. “I want to do this, and I want it to be for a very long time.” He closed his eyes, inhaling deeply, getting a full dose of Grant’s intensely heady scent.
“You really want to give this—us—a try?” Grant lifted his head, meeting Hank’s gaze with a wide grin. “I do too.”
“Then how about you and I meet the guys for dinner and then come back here to celebrate?”
That was the best idea Hank had had in a very long time.
“I DON’T think I can eat any more pasta for quite a while,” Grant moaned after they returned to the hotel. “I love it, but I feel like that’s all I’ve eaten for the last two weeks.”
“Yeah. But I think after a few days, I’m going to crave it. Some of the sauces are amazing, and you can’t get them at home. Not the same, anyway.” Hank unlocked the hotel room door and sat on the edge of the bed. Grant stepped right between his legs, and Hank held him around the waist, resting his head on his belly.
“Tomorrow is our last day in Italy,” Grant whispered as he ran his hands through Hank’s hair. “So this is our last night.”
“It’s okay.” He guided his lips to Grant’s. “You and I will have lots of time together, and if we save up, you and I can come back again, on our own, and have a holiday, just the two of us. Maybe we’ll explore another part of Europe.”
“Maybe….” Grant gripped the tail of Hank’s shirt and peeled it upward until it was off and the gray fabric fluttered to the floor. “Or maybe I could spend the next twenty or thirty years exploring you.” Grant pushed him back on the bed, his eyes as deep and intense as the sky just before a storm.
“You’re amazing, and I’d love to go exploring with you.” Hank fumbled at first, but managed to tug Grant’s shirt off, making them skin to skin, heat building between them. “Maybe we can see where this goes….” He grinned as he trailed his fingers down Grant’s belly, slipping them under his jeans, cupping him through the cotton.
“Hank, you’re damned naughty…,” Grant groaned, and pressed them together. Hank was forced to withdraw his hand just as Grant pushed him back farther, straddling his hips. “I love you, Hank. I’m not sure when it started, but it just took root and grew.” He cupped Hank’s cheeks in his hot hands. “I want to be clear. I want you to be the one I wake up with, and the one who cushions my fall into bed after a long shift at the club. I want to look at you across a crowded dance floor and know that I’m the one you’re looking back at.”
“Always,” Hank whispered. “Even before we left on this trip, I always knew where you were in the club.”
“You did?”
Hank tugged Grant even closer. “Yeah. I couldn’t take my eyes off you then, and I certainly won’t now.” He sighed softly. “You make me happy.”
“What about this stuff with Danny?” Grant asked.
Hank chuckled. “Sometimes you have the most interesting timing.” He slipped his hands lower, sliding them inside Grant’s pants to cup his pert little butt. “But we’ll figure it out, together. I promise you that.”
“I like that, figuring things out together.” Grant shifted on top of him, and Hank pretty much forgot what he wanted to say. After all, his arms were full, and at that moment, there was no place else he’d rather be.
Hank sighed deeply, contented and happy. It had been a long road, but the way ahead of them stretched to the horizon.
“Damn, I love you,” Hank whispered, and captured Grant’s lips with his.
Epilogue—Home Will Never Be the Same
EXCITEMENT HUNG in the air as Grant bustled through the quiet club. He checked that each of the tables was where it was supposed to be, wiped off any last spots, and looked over all the chairs.
“Bull, there’s a problem with this one.” He lifted the chair and carried it toward the back room. The first order of high wooden chairs had been flawed, with incomplete glue joints, and Grant was making a final check that all the ones in use were from the corrected order that had just arrived an hour ago. He grabbed a chair still in its shrink-wrap, pulled the plastic off, and wiped it down before carrying it back out to replace the broken one. “What are we going to do with all the bad ones?” he asked Bull after placing the sturdy chair where it belonged.
“They’re sending a truck tomorrow to pick them all up,” Bull answered. “For the moment I rented a truck, and Harry has some of the guys loading them into it. That will clear the back hallway and storage areas so we can find what we need. Is everything all set out there?”
“Yes. I’ve checked everything off the list that Harry and I reviewed this afternoon, and all the servers have been put through their paces.” Grant had been determined that the cocktail waiters they’d hired for the reopening would be efficient and understand how to do their jobs well.
“Very good. We open in less than half an hour, and we already have a line out front.”
The buzz about the club was fantastic. Grant had been typing his fingers to the bone, stoking interest on every social media platform he could get his hands on. Because it was reopening night, he’d convinced Bull to sell advance entrance passes to past customers, and the first hundred had easily sold out.
“It’s going to go great,” Grant told Bull as he caught Hank’s eye across the bar. He smiled and received one in return. He and Bull exchanged a fist bump.
“Have you told Hank yet?” Bull asked conspiratorially.
Grant shook his head. “I’m going to tell him after work.” He and Hank had found the perfect apartment, but the landlord had been reluctant to rent to them because of their credit histories. Bull had made a few calls that afternoon to vouch for them, and Grant had received word that they had gotten the apartment. Bull seemed to know everyone.
“Good. I’m glad it worked out for both of you.” Bull grinned and then hurried out toward the main doors.
“Are you ready?” Hank asked as Grant approached the bar.
“Yes. Are you?” He took Hank’s offered hand as he nodded and squeezed it from across the bar. He was so excited about the opening and the apartment that he could barely keep from jumping out of his skin. “The place looks incredible, and the new lighting is awesome. I also like how they lightened up the walls so it doesn’t look quite as dark in here.” The old black walls often made the place feel like a cave. This look was more sophisticated and grown-up, less stuck in the past.
The lights lowered and lasers cut through the darkness, tracing patterns on the floors, while projections lit the walls with an ever-changing montage of dancing men, shaking it like it was hot. It was a gay club, after all.
“I was worried that the guys might be too much.”
Grant had wondered the same thing. “Bull said that as it gets later, the projections will switch off and additional lasers and strobes will make the walls dance. The guys are to get everyone in the mood.” He turned away from the visual buffet to Hank, leaning over the bar, and received a quick kiss. “In some ways I’m going to miss the old look.”
“Change is good. It shakes things up a little.” Hank squeezed his hand and then pulled his back. “I need to check on things.”
“Me too.” Grant reluctantly turned away and motioned all the servers over. His guys wore tight black pants and white polo shirts, simple and classic. Grant had thought about logos, but discounted it, going for simplicity. “We open in twenty minutes. Do you all remember the special of the evening?”
“A pink mojito,” William answered.
“Yes. Good. And remember, no wasted trips. If you’re heading to the bar, take orders and clear glasses. If you’re waiting for drinks, watch around you, know who needs something before you get back to your tables. Be prepared. And I’m going to say this once more: I don’t care how cute the guy is, if he pinches or touches, you tell me and he’s out of here. We are professionals, and we will all act like it.” Grant stood straighter.
“But not all of us have a hot bartender to go home to,” William groused.
Grant shrugged. “The patrons that touch or pinch are only looking for one thing. Is that really the kind of guy you want to take home? Yeah, call me a prude, but the drinks are on the menu, not us. Let me or Bull know, and we can take care of it.” He smiled, and the six guys gathered around him all nodded.
The music started and the lights dimmed further, which was the signal that the club was getting ready to open. The servers fanned throughout the room, and the doors opened, with guys and couples streaming inside, filling the bar and tables within minutes. Grant stood next to the bar, watching the guys for a second before picking up his own tray and heading out into the rapidly filling club.
Time seemed to fly by as he grew busier. At one point he could barely see the bar through the guys, but still he turned, looking across the room. The crush of bodies parted, and Hank stood there, filling a drink order. He looked up, caught Grant’s gaze, and held it, winking at him and smiling until the men filled the gap once more.
Hours passed in the blink of an eye, and then last call sounded. Grant took his final drink orders to the bar, looking out over the club as he waited. The crowd had thinned considerably, and Hank was just finishing filling his orders when a man walked into the club. Grant stiffened.
“Is that…? No… I thought our friend from Italy had returned.”
Grant stood there for a moment, a little shocked. Then he shook his head. “No. That’s Timothy.”
The man made his way over alone, a slight slump in his shoulders.
“He looks awful.” Okay, Grant tried to keep the delight out of his voice, because that was mean.
“If you need anything, I’m right here, you know that.” Hank came closer, and Grant turned to him, leaning over the bar. Professional or not, he slid his hand around Hank’s neck and brought their lips together in a kiss that generated enough electricity to light the club for an hour.
When he pulled away, half the patrons at the bar were watching both of them, one guy fanning himself. “If I’d known there was going to be a floor show…,” the fanning guy teased.
Now it was Hank’s turn to blush, and Grant liked that. He took his tray of drinks, and when he turned toward his tables, Timothy was nowhere to be seen. But Grant felt Hank’s gaze on him the entire way. And that was the kind of attention he’d never get tired of.
More from Andrew Grey
Bronco’s Boys: Book One
Former mercenary Bull Krebbs now heads up security at his nightclub in Harrisburg, PA. Working the door night after night, he’s seen it all. Though tough on the outside, he’s a little hurt that people find him unapproachable. Then he pulls a cute twink out of line to perform a random search, and he’s surprised when the guy giggles and squirms.
Zach Spencer, graphic artist, twink, and seriously ticklish, isn’t intimidated by Bull. He’s in awe, and when Bull saves Zach from being trampled on the dance floor, Zach finds his inspiration for the superhero in his graphic novel.
Soon Zach wants more and makes his move by asking Bull on a date. Though small, he has a backbone of steel. He’ll need it—their happily ever after is thwarted at every turn, including by Bull’s interloping mother showing up unannounced and enemies from Bull’s past threatening to pull him to the other side of the world.
Sequel to Inside Out
Bronco’s Boys: Book Two
Lowell Cartwright’s life as a mercenary problem solver has taken its toll, and after one more difficult job, he wants out. For help, he turns to Bull, a soldier of fortune turned club owner—not exactly a friend, but the best chance Lowell has. He visits Bull’s club to scope it out and meets Jeremy Hodgson. The twink captures his attention in a big way. Bull tells Lowell to stay away from the club until he decides whether he can help, so Lowell stays in town. When he spots Jeremy passed out on the floor of a convenience store, he goes to Jeremy’s aid.
Lowell piques Jeremy’s interest immediately, pushing all the right buttons. Then, when Jeremy needs help, Lowell’s kindness turns interest into something more.
But trouble comes knocking when Jeremy’s place is bugged. Maybe Lowell’s past is catching up to him, or maybe the danger centers on Jeremy’s roommate Tristan’s mysterious boyfriend. Whatever the source of the problem, the future Lowell and Jeremy hope for doesn’t stand a chance unless they can find a way to protect themselves.
Sequel to Upside Down
Bronco’s Boys: Book Three
Club owner Harry Klinger has had his eye on Tristan Martin for months, but never had the nerve to approach him. He’s watched as Tristan dated Eddie and then reluctantly sat on the sidelines during the emotional breakup when Tristan discovered Eddie was dealing drugs. Now that Tristan seems to be healing, Harry hopes to get his chance.
When Eddie sends his men into Harry’s club to harass Tristan, Harry steps in to help. Tristan is reluctant at first since he admittedly has terrible taste in men, but Harry seems genuine, and Tristan can’t help but think Harry’s sexy as well and begins to hope for happiness for both of them.
Unfortunately, Eddie isn’t behaving rationally, sampling too much of his own product. With his determination to take Tristan back, it’ll take more than Harry’s help to keep Tristan safe as Eddie ratchets up his attempts to get what he wants.
Sequel to Backward
Bronco’s Boys: Book Four
When it comes to love, Kevin Foster can’t seem to win. Some consider him a hero, but dousing an arsonist’s attempt to burn Bronco’s to the ground puts Kevin on the vengeful criminal’s radar. Afterward, the arsonist fixates on Kevin, determined to burn away every part of Kevin’s life.
Coming to Kevin’s rescue more than once, and in more ways than one, is “MacDreamy Hotness”—firefighter Angus MacTavish. Not only is Angus smitten at first sight, he learns Kevin’s nickname for him, intriguing him further.
When Angus discovers Kevin is the arsonist’s target, he takes it upon himself to protect him at any cost. Soon Kevin works his way into a heart Angus thought he’d closed off for good. Things heat up between them, but the arsonist has no intention of letting Kevin finally find happiness. Hopefully Angus and Kevin can stop him before he reduces everything Kevin values to ash—including the love igniting between him and Angus.
Robin, the recipient of a brand-new heart, knows he can’t give it to just anyone….
Robin’s been through his share of upsets recently, from heart transplant surgery to a brutal breakup. But his experiences have taught him life is short, and he’s ready to seize the day and start anew. A job at Euro Pride Tours is just the kind of adventure he’s looking for. He gets to see the world and live a little, but love isn’t on his radar screen. He isn’t sure his heart can endure that again.
Johan might’ve disappointed his family by striking out on his own, but when he meets Robin, he has no intention of letting him down. Each man is just what the other needs to feel whole again, and while Johan might not be the man Robin originally thought he was, he’s exactly what the doctor ordered to make Robin’s borrowed heart beat faster. As the tour through Germany progresses, they grow closer, but when Robin’s ex joins the tour, he could bring their blossoming love to a dramatic halt.
