Here for You (23 page)

Ian.

“Oh crap,” Cole said. He peeled himself away from Andrew and went over to the entrance. “Hey, Ian! You came by.”

“You asked me to,” Ian said stiffly, a muscle in his jaw flexing.

“Yeah, and I’m so happy to see you.”

Ian didn’t reply. He glared over at Andrew. His hands had clenched into fists.

“That’s Andrew. You know, from the café? He broke up with John tonight.” Cole wet his lips. “Ian.”

“What?”

“Don’t be a dick.”

Ian slowly looked at him. Cole looked back. He raised his eyebrows slightly. He got that Ian was a little insecure about the age difference and Cole’s past, but he also believed he’d done nothing to deserve Ian’s mistrust, so he waited, hopeful that Ian would understand that he was the person in Cole’s heart—and nobody else. Trust would be there, or it wouldn’t be. Cole prepared himself for fallout.

Ian blew out a long breath. His eyes fixed on Cole’s. “Even though we saw each other earlier, I missed you.”

A thrill rushed through Cole. “I missed you too.”

Ian gave a rueful smile. “So Andrew and John are no more?”

Cole swallowed the sudden ache in his throat. “Thank you,” he said, right before he kissed Ian with all his strength. Ian’s faith in him, his innate kindness, undid Cole. He was so proud to think of Ian as his, if only for right then.

“Hey, bartender!” A customer was at the bar, looking disgruntled.

“Be right there.” Cole took Ian’s hand. “Just kissing my boyfriend.”

There was some laughter as they passed and a few whistles.

Every time Cole thought he understood the depth of his feelings for Ian, they proved to be so much more.

After serving the irate customer and a few more, Cole needed to go into the back room for some supplies. He was sorting through the olives when he heard the supply room door open.

“Ian! You shouldn’t be in here.”

“I’m going soon. And I wanted to tell you something.” Ian strode toward him, his gait confident and elegant. He looked so damn good. His blue eyes shone with desire and… affection, maybe? Whatever it was, it made Cole’s heart race.

“What is it?” Cole surged toward him, hoping for a good-bye kiss.

To his surprise, Ian grabbed him and turned him against the door. He locked it quickly and then began to nuzzle the side of Cole’s neck, his hard cock already pressed at Cole’s asscheeks.

Ian’s tongue teased at Cole’s earlobe. With his free hand, he began to stroke Cole’s dick through his jeans. At Ian’s touch, Cole’s erection instantly demanded more.

“I’m working,” Cole protested, but it came out a low guttural sound.

Ian still had him at the door. His mouth got more insistent, taking small nips at Cole’s neck and ear, lips taunting the sensitive skin. He rocked his hips into Cole’s ass. He felt so good, so hard.

“What-what did you want to tell me?”

“This.”

Ian kissed near the hollow of his throat. His capable fingers unzipped Cole’s jeans. He began to stroke Cole more intimately, fingertips circling his slit, then up and down his shaft.

Anybody could try to come in through the locked door, and Cole needed to get back. But, oh sweet Jesus! Ian made him feel wanted.

“Enjoy it,” Ian whispered, as if sensing Cole’s struggle. “Because I’m not letting you go.”

Cole’s fingers curled against the door. He bucked his arousal into Ian’s hand, letting those fingers do their magic. He began to ride Ian’s hand. Rubbing against his palm, sliding his cock. Cole’s mouth flew open in a wordless cry as Ian moved farther down to cup his balls.

“I trust you, Cole, I do. But you’re mine. I want you to say it. Mine.” Ian’s voice was soft and low, his hand coaxing. “
Mine
.”

His voice was still soft, but it also sounded determined. Possessive. Certain.

Cole shuddered. He pushed his ass back at Ian’s erection, feeling his hard length at his crack. With a moan, Ian spun Cole around. Their eyes met. There was tension and intensity in Ian’s gaze. Then he leaned in and kissed him, right before Ian dropped to his knees.

Oh God.

Ian held Cole’s aching cock in his hand again. He looked up at Cole once, and his expression made the last of Cole’s resistance melt away.

“I’m yours,” Cole agreed, not caring about anything else. He didn’t know anything anymore but Ian. All he knew or wanted right then was Ian.

Cole’s pulse pounded as Ian lowered his mouth over Cole’s head, his tongue swirling the glans underneath, his hand keeping Cole in place.

Cole reared slightly back, banged his head at the door and then pitched forward, thrusting his cock deeper into Ian’s mouth. He was losing all control, surrendering to the need inside of him, even as Ian commanded it to be this way. Cole felt greedy for every pull of Ian’s mouth, his cock being caressed with Ian’s tongue. And Jesus, what a mouth Ian had, devouring his cock as if he craved its taste, pulling Cole’s arousal deeper. Ian’s other hand dug into his ass, urging him forward, letting Cole fuck his beautiful mouth in aggressive moves.

It felt like an erotic dream, his senses spinning, and Cole could only hold on to Ian’s strong shoulders as he gave himself over to it. Ian hollowed his cheeks, and Cole gasped as his stiff cock was massaged in the most intimate way by Ian’s tongue and throat muscles. He couldn’t—

“Ian!” Cole shouted in warning.

But Ian only held him closer. Cole couldn’t speak anymore. He could barely breathe. Pressure shot through him and his balls tingled. Need curled inside him. Ian licked Cole’s length and then sucked harder, working him to the back of his throat with a slow wet suction. Cole was going to come hard, and he no longer fought it. Making a small keening noise, he emptied his load into Ian’s mouth. A shudder coursed through him as Ian milked the very last drops of his release.

Neither of them said a word. They were breathing hard. Then Ian wrapped his arms around Cole in a tight hug. He rested his cheek at Cole’s stomach. Cole trembled, but this time it was with all the emotions he could barely endure.

Fumbling, Cole stroked his short hair, rubbing a hand over the top of Ian’s head.

“I should go.”

Ian stood up. He faced Cole, calm as could be. He kissed him gently, nibbling at his mouth. Cole could taste his cum on Ian’s lips.

“You—you’re going?” Cole’s fingers awkwardly zipped his jeans.

Ian’s smile was gorgeous and bright. “Yes. I just wanted to tell you good-bye properly.”

Cole laughed. “Feel free to say good-bye to me every night.”

Ian’s smile deepened. “I’d rather keep saying hello.”

His eyes held that expression that made Cole’s breath hitch. It made Cole feel deliriously excited and sweetly cared for all at the same moment.

“Wait. What about you?” Cole nodded toward the obvious bulge in Ian’s pants.

Ian cupped the side of his face. “I’m headed home.”

“But….” If Ian gave the word, Cole would drop to his knees right there.

I’m already on my knees for him in my heart.

His emotions began to reel. What was happening? He’d never, ever felt this close to somebody he dated. Casual was always how Cole liked his relationships, and Ian—Ian tangled it all up with simply a look, a touch. Cole swallowed hard. He really did feel as if he belonged to Ian. He grasped Ian’s hand a second, holding it to his face. Cole realized he wanted Ian to belong to him as much. This man would be his and only his. A wild hope that it could come true started inside of Cole, but he was still too frightened to say it.

“You’re going home,” he repeated.

“Yes, you need to get back to the bar, and I’m going—” Ian broke off. He bent near Cole’s ear and whispered, “I’m going to get into my bed, jack off, and miss you like crazy.” Ian gave Cole’s earlobe a tiny pinch with his teeth. “Hurry to me. After work, I don’t care how late it is, you come to me.”

W
HEN
HE
arrived at Ian’s place, Ian was waiting. He’d lit some candles in his bedroom and had soft music playing, but it was Ian’s expression, the way he didn’t take his eyes off Cole, that truly lit Cole up inside. At first they were hurried, overcome with the hours since they’d last seen each other, and every touch was urgent.

The second time, they talked between the touches, and Cole lay facedown in Ian’s cool sheets, letting him straddle his body, caress him from his shoulders to his hips, and glide into him slowly, dragging out each sweet groan and shiver.

Before the third time, they rested, with the music playing in a repeated loop, the candles burned down to stubs. Ian fetched some water. They slept some. When he woke, Cole found Ian’s gaze on his face, his fingers running down his body in a light touch. Cole grasped Ian’s hips and fucked him, watching Ian with equal intensity. Watching Ian’s body open for his, Cole letting his body say everything he couldn’t yet.

In the early morning, Cole was aware of Ian’s movements, the kiss on the side of his neck and on his shoulder. But Cole’s eyes were so heavy, his body so sated, he could only mumble something incoherent.

Hours later, when Cole woke fully, he saw a note from Ian, telling him to stay as long as he liked, but he had to meet a client. He also saw a pen and a blank notepad laid out on the nightstand. Cole picked up the gold-colored pen, feeling its weight in his hand. He thought it was the most beautiful pen he’d ever seen. A lump in his throat, he sat back against Ian’s headboard, pen in hand.

I love Ian.

Cole waited a beat for the words to freak him out, for his heart to crumble under his doubts. He waited to be scared shitless.

He felt none of those things.

With a wide smile on his face, Cole began to write.

A
FEW
days later, Ian contemplated Cole as he slept. It was getting to be a habit, one Ian did not want to break. He loved watching Cole sleep. Cole’s breathing even and sweet. He was on his side, his knees tucked up. His dark hair looked even darker against Ian’s pillowcase. His lips were parted, mouth soft. He looked like a slice of pure heaven.

Gently Ian brought the cover up to Cole’s waist. He lowered down and kissed the top of his head, smiling at the small sound Cole made.

Ian took a long hot shower. He’d never been like this before Cole. Work had always come first for Ian. His relationships, Sam included, were comfortable and settled. It had never been that the more he was with somebody, the more he longed to stay with them.

“Get a grip.” Ian vigorously washed his hair before he turned off the water. He’d made a silent pledge to support Cole no matter what. He intended to keep his promise.

His possessiveness and need to claim Cole had stunned him. Never in his life had his emotions been so fierce, so primal. Starks didn’t do
primal
, but apparently he did. Not only did he want Cole for his own, but he wanted to protect him and care for him. Oh, he knew Cole was an adult and had been taking care of himself a long time, but Ian nevertheless wanted to be right there with him.

He toweled off and dressed, slipping past a still sleeping Cole. He’d make them both a big breakfast. He’d have to show Cole day by day all that life could hold for them. Cole would see that Ian was a good investment. Maybe down the road, he’d be able to return some of Ian’s affection, once the groundwork had been laid. Oh dear God, could he stop being a lawyer? Was he going to draw up formal papers for Cole to sign next? Yes, that would go over well.

“And stop talking to yourself too. Idiot.”

Ian opened the refrigerator and took out some eggs, butter, and cream. He smelled the coffee, a nice hazelnut brand, and made a pot of it, strong like Cole liked it. When the eggs were done, Ian scooped them up and placed them on a plate with a slice of orange. He found a tray and carried the entire thing upstairs. He was determined to wake Cole and feed him but keep the conversation light.

“Hi.” Cole smiled as Ian opened his bedroom door. He was still tangled in the blankets with his hair mussed, but his gray eyes sparkled. He gestured to the tray. “Is that breakfast? Thank you!”

A sense of rightness unfurled inside of Ian. He took in the joy on Cole’s face. He was so easy to please. It made Ian want to do things for him all the time.

“Yes, and coffee. I know what a caffeine freak you are.” Ian smiled slowly and brought the tray of food over to him.

“I confess, Counselor, I’m a total super freak for it.” Cole laughed, the sound husky. His grin was confident, almost carefree, the way he used to laugh before Brendan died.

“Well, then.” Ian handed him the mug of coffee.

“Hmm.” Cole sipped once more. “Good.”

“I’m glad,” Ian kept his tone light. “Oh, and the things you brought are in the bathroom. I took a shower already, but feel free to relax after breakfast.”

“Thanks, I um….” Cole chewed some eggs. “I appreciate that. You really don’t mind me keeping my stuff here?”

“Why would I? I suggested it.”

“I know, but—all of this is new for me.”

“It’s new for me, too.”

“You don’t have to say that.” Cole bit the corner of his lip. “You’ve been in a real relationship before with Sam and all. I know you might still have the past on your mind, especially in this house.”

Ian frowned. “I don’t look at the house and think of Sam. And… I haven’t been so lucky with love.” At Cole’s wide eyes, Ian confessed, “Sam always found my attentions rather lacking. Maybe I wasn’t there enough for him, so he wandered away.”

“Wait? He cheated on you? And you still talk to the bastard?”

“No, not exactly cheated. He told me, quite calmly and maturely, that he wanted to see other people before he actually did it. No deception. It was all very civilized. And Roger came into the picture later on when he moved away.”

“Still, that’s cold.”

“It wasn’t great,” Ian admitted. He looked away, unable to meet Cole’s eyes. “But I understood why he left. My mind was always elsewhere, my feelings rather unfocused about him. That’s why—hell, Cole, I don’t want you to feel that way. I’m paying attention to you. That’s what I’m trying to say here.”