T
he zamboni had been on the ice multiple times today because of the hockey team's practice. That meant I was able to watch Jack as he concentrated on driving around the strange machine. A few times, I’d even caught him looking at my store’s direction.
There had to be a story there. He’d been cruel when our bond had formed and that night had been even worse when he’d come over for our first dinner. Yet, when Titus had chastised him, he’d snapped out of whatever funk he’d been. Those two had history, I remembered that Titus had mentioned that, but there had to be more.
Because of the practice, I was busy throughout the day. Fans liked to come watch the Silver Springs team whenever they were on the ice. Even if it wasn’t an actual game. By the time closing came around, most patrons of the rink were heading out.
I had just been about to head out when the door opened to admit Jack inside. His hair was windblown and there were snowflakes on his eyelashes.
My breath caught as he shook out his hair with his hand. He looked up at me and froze.
“Hi.” A giggle slipped out at the simple greeting.
His lips curled in a smile that took the rest of the air out of my lungs. “Hi.”
We both laughed for several long moments. It helped ease the tension.
“Cider.” Jack sombered first. “What are you doing tomorrow night?”
Out of the scenarios that ran through my head, that question had not been part of any of them. I’d even had one where I threw a cup at his face.
“Tomorrow night? Nothing. I think? Should I?” I stepped around the counter, closer to him.
He met me halfway, surprising me. He looked down at me with his hooded eyes that sent my blood boiling and my nipples betrayed me again.
“I owe you an explanation for the way I’ve treated you. Can I take you on a date?” He held his hands together, the only thing showing that he was nervous.
“Yes.” I didn’t even have to think about it. “Only if you’ll let me make you a drink sometime.”
There was that devastating smile again.
“Deal. Make sure you wear warm clothing, okay?” Jack placed a hand on my shoulder, squeezed it, and walked out. “See you tomorrow!”
My heart warm, I didn’t pay much attention as I locked the door and headed to my car. I didn’t see the note that was under my wipers until I’d actually gotten into my car and started it.
“Damnit,” I got back out of the car, grabbed it, and got back inside. I locked the doors before opening the note.
My mouth dropped. It was a single word, but that word was my secret ingredient to my hot cider drink.
“Son of a bitch!” Slapping my hands on the steering wheel, I started cursing up a storm again.
It had to be Samuel. He was the only one who had any interest in it. But how did he figure it out? I didn’t have it written down. It was all in my head. Plus, I used the secret ingredient in several other drinks, so it’s not like anyone could figure it out.
Feeling a sense of dread, I backed out of the parking space and headed home. I was a little scared at that moment and needed to get back to Billy since he’d be home.
Thankfully, all the lights on the outside were on as I hurriedly went in.
Billy was sitting at the island sipping a drink. From the smell, it was whiskey. His hair was slicked back, still wet from a shower.
“Hey, Cid.” He turned as I locked the door. “What’s wrong?” His eyes narrowed.
I hadn’t even needed to say anything and he figured out I was upset. Years of friendship at work.
I handed him the two notes from Samuel and the offer that he’d given me. As he read them, his free hand that held the drink clenched, cracking the top of the glass. He placed it back on the island.
“What is this, Cid?” Billy placed the papers next to the broken glass before pulling me between his legs with his arms around my back.
“Samuel, the guy from Darcorp, stopped by the store today. That note with the secret ingredient was on my car when I left work.” I took a deep breath as I lay my head on his chest. His steady heartbeat was comforting with the smell of
fresh cut grass that was Billy. “This guy is serious. He’s actually trying to kick me out.” The tears were threatening to fall, but I refused to let them. I wouldn’t let a parasite like Samuel win.
One of Billy’s hands stroked my hair down my back as the other tightened around my waist. Just being near him helped my stress melt away.
“He can’t do this.” His voice held a note of anger in it. Billy didn’t usually get angry. “We’ll figure this out.” His lips pressed to my forehead. “You’ve worked too hard to get where you are now.”
“Thanks, Billbill.” His childhood nickname just slipped out as he held me. “Billy,” I looked up into his eyes. “Are you alright? With everything that’s happened?”
His lips tugged up. “You mean the part where, I, as a straight man, let another man suck my dick and make out with me the other night?”
Snorting, I nodded. “Yeah, that.”
His shrug was nonchalant. “It happened. Am I surprised about it? Hell, yes. Do I regret it? No way. That man has a tongue of sin. Will I do more than that with him? I’m not sure. I don’t want a dick inside of me anytime soon, that’s for sure.” He pushed some hair behind my ear that had fallen forward as he teased me. “You obviously enjoyed it.”
“It was probably the hottest thing that I’ve ever seen.” My confession got another grin from him. “But, I don’t want you to do anything that you’re not comfortable with. I know that Titus will respect your boundaries.”
I actually didn’t, but Titus was a gentleman that I doubted who would over step boundaries that were laid down.
Billy’s chest moved again, but this time he laughed. “You know, you’re right. For some reason, without knowing
the guy, I was instantly attracted to him, and trusted him.” He pulled back, standing from the stool. “Come on. Let’s go cuddle on the couch and watch some cheesy romantic comedies. That always cheers you up when we can make fun of the unrealistic acts.” His hand held mine gently as we moved to the living room.
“Did you know that Titus is the owner of Sanguis Vinum?” I settled into the oversized couch cushions that practically ate a person.
Billy pulled me so that I was laying half on him. This was new and I loved it.
“No shit?” He turned on the television and started surfing through the channels. “Looks like we need to take advantage of his sexy ass. Maybe he’ll let us come visit in exchange for blowjobs?”
My burst of laughter was muffled as I buried my head in his neck. “Oh my God. How bad is it that I thought that at first, too?”
Billy winked as he settled on a movie about a bartender who could see and speak with ghosts. It wasn’t a romantic comedy, but it was one of my all time favorites.
“Maybe Titus will have an idea about this Samuel guy.” Billy’s hand rubbing my back was putting me to sleep.
“That’s a good idea.” My yawn interrupted me.
“Take a nap, Cid. I’m not going anywhere. We can figure it out once you wake up.” Billy’s gentle voice lulled me to sleep.
