All That You Do

“Really?” Christopher Gleason stood on the sidewalk across the street from Power and did his best not to scowl at the building, or the small cluster of men waiting to get inside. It certainly wasn’t the building’s fault it wouldn’t have been his first choice, or even his second, but tonight wasn’t about him or his preferences for a night out. Tonight was about Rev and nursing his broken heart—again—and if he chose to use a bar prone to attracting the leather crowd to try and forget about that asshole Emilio, Christopher wasn’t going to be the one to tell him no. In all fairness, he should have been better prepared for Power when he agreed to go out with Rev. After all, this was where they invariably ended up every time Rev went on the prowl. But Christopher had spent most of his day at Bonham’s, first double-checking that all the lots he was interested in were still available, then sitting through interminable bidding on more ephemera than any one septuagenarian reclusive writer should ever have owned, just to get to the larger pieces of furniture Christopher wanted. There was a Hepplewhite secretary desk in particular that he coveted, and when the bidding had gone higher than would turn him a profit at the store, he’d continued anyway, unwilling to lose his favorite piece of the estate. The final price meant keeping the desk for himself, but Christopher had walked away from the sale satisfied and pleasantly drained from a long day’s work. It would’ve been the perfect time for a quiet night in. Feet up, TV on, drink in hand. That wasn’t what Rev needed, though. Christopher wasn’t entirely sure picking up a stranger for no-strings s*x was the answer, either, but he’d made a promise. At least Power always had excellent music and decent beer. They waited for a break in the traffic and jogged across the wide street, bypassing the short line to head straight for the bouncer. Christopher didn’t know his name, but Rev had been coming here often enough to have an in, regardless of how many other eager young men might be gathered to enter. He stood aside and let both of them slide past, smiling down at Rev at the same time. “Why don’t you just hook up with him?” Christopher asked once they were inside. Rev was already craning his neck to see past the throng of men at the bar. The low throb of dance music had even those who weren’t on the main floor swaying or nodding to the beat, and the smell of beer, sweat, and sheer hunger prickled the back of Christopher’s throat. “Who?” “Him.” Christopher jerked a thumb at the front door. “The bouncer.” “Jimmy?” Rev tore his attention away from the crowd to glance back, an amused smile brightening his wide, friendly features. That was another reason Rev always came back to Power. He had a smile for everyone, even in the throes of heartache. Toss in the slender body, his long, almost delicate fingers, and the eager puppy vibe he’d probably have when he was sixty, and there wasn’t a man in the building who could resist. None except Christopher anyway. He’d known Rev too long to think of him as more than a hyperactive little brother. “I’d have to wait until he got off work.” “God forbid you should have to wait.” “Yes, God forbid.” Christopher laughed and gave Rev a small push toward the dance floor. “Go enjoy yourself. If you need me, you know where to find me.” Rev didn’t wait, melting into the crowd. Heads turned as he passed. Christopher imagined more than one hand reached out to grope. Sure in the knowledge Rev was getting exactly what he needed to forget about his bastard new ex for a few hours, Christopher’s annoyance dissipated. He’d been planning on having a nice drink at home anyway. There was no reason he couldn’t do the same here. He found an empty seat at the far end of the bar and, after ordering one of the imports Power was famous for, settled in to enjoy the music. More than one set of eyes landed on him appreciatively, but he took care not to return the favors. He wasn’t looking tonight. If Rev found someone and turned down Christopher’s taxi services, maybe then he’d consider it. Maybe. Considering how tired he was, it would have to be somebody special. Christopher was careful to nurse his drink, mindful of the fact that he was still the designated driver. A few of the men on the dance floor tried to make eye contact and lure him away from the bar, but Christopher politely shook his head. It wasn’t always easy to brush people off in Power. It attracted a certain amount of pushy and aggressive people who perceived the word no as a challenge, not a dismissal. He pushed his empty glass across the bar and wasn’t exactly surprised when a voice behind him said, “I’ll get your next one.” “Not necessary,” he said automatically. “But thanks anyway…” He turned around as he spoke, to give his would-be admirer the courtesy of eye contact during the refusal, fleeting as it might be. The words faded away, however, when he saw not the leatherman he expected, but the kind of expectant blue gaze and shy smile he might have found hanging around one of the college campuses in town. The young man wasn’t one of Power’s usual. Blond hair flopped across his forehead, the scruff framing his strong jaw and full, sensual mouth only slightly darker. Though his navy pullover highlighted broad shoulders and a defined chest, he looked too cerebral to live in a gym to get that body. Intelligence lurked in his eyes, and combined with the modest tilt of his head, gave Christopher the distinct impression of a dedicated scholar. A very hot scholar. “I’m the designated driver tonight,” he said, suddenly wanting to give him a better explanation for turning the offer down. “But I do appreciate the thought.” He nodded at his own glass. “What about some ginger ale? Or Coke?” Accepting the offer paved the way to further intentions, even if the young man wasn’t drinking alcohol himself. Christopher knew he should refuse if he wanted to discourage him, but the only good reason he could come up with to turn him down now would be to see if his ass looked as good as his front when he walked away. He could always check it out after one drink, though. “Diet Coke, then.” He stuck out his hand, too many years of practice to prevent him from doing so. “I’m Christopher.” “Gage,” he said, taking Christopher’s hand in a firm grip. “I’m actually glad you don’t want another beer. Now I won’t feel like such a freak for ordering a soft drink at a bar.” “Are you driving for someone, too?” “Oh, no. No, nothing like that. Who are you driving? A friend? A…boyfriend?” “Friend.” He looked automatically for Rev, wondering if he’d managed to find the respite he needed. When he didn’t pop up right away, Christopher turned back to Gage and slid sideways, making room for him to come closer, justifying it by telling himself Gage would have to pay for the drinks anyway. “There’s no telling where he’s gone off to, though. What about you? Are you here with friends?” “Actually, I just moved to the neighborhood. So I’m sort of scoping everything out. Trying to get the lay of the land.” “I should be the one buying you a drink, then, not the other way around. Though if some of these other guys find out you’re new to the area, they’ll probably duke it out over who gets to be on your welcoming committee.” Gage smiled a little self-consciously. “Do you think so? Nobody’s ever been willing to fight over me before.” “Clearly, you’ve been hanging around the wrong people.” He was all too aware Gage hadn’t taken a seat yet, or even moved closer to accept the invitation Christopher had already extended. Christopher might not have wanted the company when he’d first approached, but now that he’d had the chance to speak to him for a minute, he didn’t want to lose it. At least, not right away. “Come here. Let’s get you your refill.” “Oh, right. Thanks.” He slid onto the stool, his leg brushing against Christopher’s as he settled. “Ask anybody back at home, and they’ll tell you I’m definitely hanging around the wrong people.” “Well, I don’t have anybody back at home to ask, now do I?” Unable to resist giving Gage a small smile, he gestured for the bartender to come over. “I’ve just got you.” “If that’s what you want.” Gage grimaced and shook his head. “That didn’t sound as good as I thought it would.” Christopher watched Gage while he ordered their drinks. His nervousness was adorable, especially accompanying the face he pulled. The disparity between the boldness in offering to pay for Christopher’s and the lack of confidence in his own words was intriguing, even more so because Gage had absolutely no reason to be unsure of himself. Christopher hadn’t been kidding about the other men in the bar descending on him like flies to honey. If Gage even blinked in someone else’s direction, Christopher had no doubts that guy would come running. It was entirely possible he saw Christopher as safe compared to the other patrons. A lot of guys were physically imposing, in standard leather gear or ensembles meant to exude power. Christopher hadn’t had time to change after leaving Bonham’s. All he’d done was take off his tie, open the top few buttons of his white shirt, and pull it free of his waistband. He still wore his suit jacket, even. That practically screamed sedate and boring. Gage made him want to be something else entirely. He waited until the bartender was gone before leaning a little closer. “So what do you think of your neighborhood so far?” “It’s…good. Different, though. Very, very different. Nothing like I’m used to. Not that I really knew what to expect. I mean, I’ve never seen a place like this before in my life. I didn’t even know what to make of it when I came in here the first time.” “And now that you’re actually in?” Gage played with the straw in his glass, twirling it around what remained of the ice. “I still don’t really know what to make of it. Like, I don’t really get why everybody’s in leather. Is that just a California thing?” “No, that’s a Power thing. If leather’s not your scene, there are plenty of other places around the city you can try.” Gage looked him over. “I guess it’s not your scene?” “It can be, if I’m in the mood for it. But I’m not as into the costume as I am the man inside it.” If Gage was going to take a long look, so was Christopher. He dragged his gaze downward, lingering on Gage’s chest before crawling farther down to settle for long seconds on his groin and the definite bulge in his jeans. His own c**k had been half-hard since first spotting Gage, but such close proximity had him stiffening the rest of the way, his balls heavy as he debated pulling Gage out to the dance floor the next time the music slowed down. He tore his eyes away with difficulty, smiling to defuse how obvious he’d been. “I’m not really advocating going naked all the time. No matter how that sounds.” That startled a laugh out of Gage, but he stifled it quickly. “I knew you didn’t mean that you wanted to see me naked. I mean…I knew you weren’t advocating constant…nudity.” The bartender left two glasses on the bar, and Gage quickly grabbed his and took a deep swallow. “It’s too bad, though. I think you’d look good in some leather.” “Only some?” He wasn’t interested in his drink right now, not with the way Gage’s Adam’s apple bobbed as he gulped down his drink. “Do I want to know which pieces you have in mind, or do I get to pick and choose?” “You’d have to pick and choose.” Gage leaned closer, his smile not faltering. “I don’t really know what the different pieces are.” His lips were wet, glistening in the dim light. Christopher had the irrational desire to match the tilt of Gage’s body and seal their mouths together, just to get a sample of what the younger man tasted like. Recognizing how out of character that was for him was the only reason he didn’t. He wasn’t sure why he was being so flirtatious. This wasn’t his style, even when he was in the mood for casual s*x. Christopher took things slow. He liked doing it right, whether it was for an illicit f**k in a closet, or a long-awaited quiet date. Hitting on somebody he didn’t know, who was probably still in college, and debating at the same time how long it would take to get his hands beneath the clothes that stood in his way was something Rev would pull, not him. Except here he was, unable to turn away, matching Gage’s smile with a soft one of his own. “That won’t take you long to figure out. Not in this town.” “I’ll take your word for it. How long have you been in this town?” “I grew up here. I live in Santa Monica now.” “Near the beach?” “Near enough that I can hear it when the windows are open.” Gage’s smile changed and now held a hint of regret. “That must be nice. I haven’t actually seen the ocean yet. I think I had it in my head that LA was one big beach or something.” “How long have you been here?” “It’ll be two weeks tomorrow.” He was even greener than Christopher had imagined. No wonder Power had thrown him for a loop. “I’ll bet you see it before you hit three weeks.” “I thought I’d wait until I met somebody who could show me around.” Another swallow from the glass left it empty. “I don’t know if I want to be alone the first time I see it.” “I’m sure you’ve met a lot of people who’d be willing to give you a tour. You met me, didn’t you?” Gage arched an eyebrow. “Are you saying you want to take me to the beach?” Was he? He barely knew this guy. But what was a harmless walk around the beach? It was certainly a better atmosphere than the bar. He deliberately dropped his hand to Gage’s knee and let it rest there. “I’m saying, if you want to see it, I’d love to show it to you. I’m sure we can arrange something that works for both of us.” Gage’s attention immediately dropped to Christopher’s hand. He didn’t look perturbed by the weight of the contact, but he definitely seemed a little surprised. “That’s…really generous. Thank you.” Christopher stayed there for several seconds longer, letting Gage absorb the heat, learning the strong lines of the muscles. He itched to go higher. Feel the zipper rasp as he pulled it down. Dip inside the jeans to feel abs twitching at his touch. Slide across pre-come already leaking from Gage’s hard c**k. Pulling back meant corralling his control again. He had the fleeting thought that if Rev could see him now, he’d probably yell at him for not jumping Gage on the spot. “You moved to LA without knowing anybody here?” Christopher finally reached for his drink, his throat too dry to handle much conversation without some kind of wet reprieve. “You’re a braver man than I am.” “Yeah, well, I don’t really know anybody anywhere. But I had enough in my checking account for gas, and I had enough in my savings to get a little apartment. I figured that meant it was fate or destiny or something to go to LA. Plus the music scene here is almost as good as Austin.” “Music?” His ears pricked up. “You play?” Gage’s smile turned shy. “Yeah, a little. I mean, mostly my gigs have been school dances and talent shows, so I’m not sure if I’m really prepared to play any actual clubs. But that’s what I’m here to do anyway.” “What kind of music?” “Rock and roll with a bit of a country sound. I like to play loud and fast, but with some fiddles, too. Well, I would like to play with a fiddle. I’m on my own now. Nobody else in the band thought it was our destiny to go to LA.” “Which only makes you braver, if you ask me.” The music had finally slowed into something more seductive, though the driving beat still underscored every note. It called to one and all, men from every end of the club trickling onto the dance floor to appreciate it. Christopher couldn’t resist. He downed the rest of his drink, then slid off his stool, put his hand on Gage’s shoulder, and leaned down to hover at the young man’s ear. “Let me pay you back for the drink. Come out and dance with me.” Gage caught his breath. “Dance? I don’t…I don’t really know how to dance like everybody else here.” “You don’t have to know how. You just have to let me hold you.” Gage opened his mouth, but didn’t speak. For a horrible moment, Christopher was convinced he was about to get down. He couldn’t remember the last time anybody had declined an invitation from him, but he supposed if anybody would do it, it would be this peculiar young man. “I…wow, yeah. Let’s dance.” Not bothering to hide his smile, Christopher caught Gage’s hand before he could change his mind, and pulled him from the chair. The fingers that curled reflexively around his were callused and strong, proof of the time Gage must spend with his music. Christopher tightened his grip just to feel the hardened skin scrape over his. His c**k throbbed in time with the current song. There was no way Gage wouldn’t feel it once they hit the floor. For once, the prospect of so blatantly announcing his desire only made him harder. The crowd didn’t make it easy to get through, but he kept a firm hold on Gage until he found a spot large enough for the two of them. Wide eyes looked up into his when Christopher tugged him close. The flashing lights made it harder to see their true color, but there was no missing the way his f**k-me lips parted in surprise as Christopher molded their lower halves together. They didn’t do anything more than sway to the slow rhythm of the song, though the way Gage moved his body made Christopher wonder if he was a better dancer than he let on. The smell of Gage’s skin wafted around him, an undercurrent of Old Spice and peppermint in the crush of bodies on the floor. The inexplicable urge to touch Gage’s hair made his fingers itch, but he kept them in place on Gage’s hips. His thumb slid underneath the hem of Gage’s shirt, and he gently brushed the tip along the warm skin. “I really like this song,” Gage said, his words a little rushed. “Do you?” Truth be told, he’d been paying more attention to the man in his arms than the music around him. Still, Christopher bent his head toward Gage’s ear to answer, rather than have to raise his voice to be heard. “I like the way you move to it more.” This close, he caved to at least one of his temptations. His tongue darted out and licked away the bead of sweat from the soft hollow beneath Gage’s ear. Gage jerked back like he had been shocked, pulling away from Christopher’s grip, his hand going up to cover the skin Christopher had just tasted. His face almost immediately clouded over with embarrassment and he smiled apologetically. “I’m…I’m sorry. You just startled me.” Doubt crept past his desire, and he took a half-step away, lengthening the distance between them, distance it seemed they both needed. “Why don’t we go sit back down, then?” “No, please. I want to dance. I’m sorry I’m so lame. It has nothing to do with you, I promise.” It felt like it had everything to do with him, and the fact that he couldn’t seem to keep his hands or mouth to himself when it came to this particular young man. But more than one person was looking at them now, and the prospect of leaving Gage alone in the middle of the dance floor made him feel like a s**t. Carefully, he reached for Gage again, though this time, he kept his hands in more respectable, fully clothed places, and his mouth far away from any further seduction. “I’m sorry I’m so jumpy,” Gage muttered. Christopher almost didn’t catch it under the music. “It’s something I’m trying to work on.” He tried to make light of it, though he still felt like they should take it back to the bar. “You’re not expecting an old boyfriend from your hometown to come in and make a scene, are you?” Gage snorted. “No. That’s pretty much the one thing I don’t have to worry about.” Maybe it was a bad break-up, then, that had him so skittish. Someone who hadn’t appreciated Gage and what he had to offer and perhaps abused his trust. It would explain, too, why he’d pick up and just leave town on a whim, leaving his band behind. Trying to escape memories and start over. Though he knew his theories were romantic drivel at best, Christopher relaxed enough considering them to pull Gage flush with his body again. He kept his hold looser this time, everyplace still respectable, and let the music control how they moved. “This is nice,” Gage murmured after Christopher relaxed. “For two years, the only human contact I had was shaking hands.” That sense of innocence clinging to Gage like a second skin returned, evoking more of Christopher’s protective instincts than before. Without tightening the embrace, he ducked his head, letting his nose and lips nuzzle Gage’s temple, and breathed him in. No other contact. Just a deep inhalation. Then letting it out. Allowing the scent of Gage’s cologne and light sweat to fill his head and focus him on giving Gage a few moments of the contact he might not necessarily know how to process but so obviously craved. Christopher caught his breath when he felt Gage’s tentative lips brush across his throat. It was the softest of caresses. Barely a kiss at all. His lips were smooth, but the scruff of his beard scraped across Christopher’s skin. He instantly tried to imagine what the hair would feel like across his chest, along his hips, and sliding up and down his shaft. Christopher tried to snap his thoughts back to the present, but they still lingered on how Gage’s mouth would look wrapped around his c**k. Someone jostled into Christopher’s arm, forcing him to tense in reflex. If Gage felt it, he didn’t react, but the swarm of bodies only heightened Christopher’s desire to shield Gage from the worst of them. He let his hand stray to the small of Gage’s back, slowly so he didn’t startle him again, letting his fingers gradually disappear beneath the hem of the shirt. The heat he found sent his pulse thundering. When his other hand lifted to the back of Gage’s head, he told himself it was to better secure Gage from getting bumped again, but he knew it was only partially true. He wanted to keep their bodies aligned, maybe encourage Gage to try kissing him again. His own mouth watered for another taste, but until he was sure Gage wasn’t going to run, he had to hold firm and wait. His hopes weren’t in vain. He felt Gage’s lips on the hollow of his throat, and then a hint of his tongue. Just the very tip. Like Gage wanted to steal a taste of his skin without getting caught. Christopher wondered what it would take to prompt Gage to be bolder, but at the same time, he found Gage’s timidity charming. “It sounds like the song’s ending,” Gage murmured, his mouth close enough Christopher felt the shape and breath of the words. “Yeah.” Which was a shame. He continued to hold Gage, his fingertips now massaging lightly at the edge of Gage’s nape. “Do you want to dance more? Or I could look for a table where we could have some more privacy than at the bar.” Christopher felt a slight shiver move through Gage’s body. “Dance more. Definitely.” He smiled, though Gage wouldn’t see it. “It probably won’t be a slow one. They only play those every once in a while to let people catch their breath.” “Maybe we could find music somewhere else.” “We could find privacy somewhere else, too.” “Do you have anywhere in mind?” He would have loved suggesting his place, but he had the distinct feeling a blatant invitation like that would startle Gage into backing off for good. The progress they had made during the dance would be lost, and Christopher didn’t want that. He wanted the time to coax Gage into trusting his instincts, to indulge in what he wanted without having to fear the repercussions. Under that innocent exterior, there was a sensual man just waiting to be discovered. Probably begging for it. Christopher wanted to be the one to find him. The music finally finished, and as the driving pulse of the next song took over, Christopher caught Gage’s hand and pulled him through the hot, sweaty bodies to the edge of the dance floor. He spotted an empty section of the wall and guided Gage to it, pushing him gently ahead until his back hit the brick. Bracing his hands on either side of Gage’s shoulders, he leaned in with a soft smile. “If you could be anywhere right now, where would you be?” he asked. Gage licked his lips. Just the sight of his tongue intensified all of Christopher’s fantasies. “Someplace private. My…” He swallowed. “My apartment is just one block over.” Every single one of his nerves leapt in excited triumph. That was exactly what he’d wanted to hear. Somehow, however, he managed to keep from grabbing Gage and dragging him out of the club, then and there. “I’d like that.” He bent closer and turned his head to skim his mouth along Gage’s jaw. His taste buds watered for more, but he had to settle for the slight contact he got, at least for now. “You’ll have to lead the way, though. Otherwise, I’ll forget we’re in public, and show you how crazy you make me right here.” Gage’s smile was an endearing combination of shyness and pleasure. He turned his head and let his mouth brush against Christopher’s. When he felt Gage try to pull away, he cupped the back of his head to hold him in place and deepened the kiss. Gage followed his lead, parting his lips, allowing the tips of their tongues to touch. He could tell Gage was holding himself back—he was welcoming but reserved. Christopher didn’t mind. He had all night to push past Gage’s shields. When Christopher lifted his head, Gage’s eyes were bright and his mouth needed to be kissed again. “Come on,” Gage rasped. He took Christopher’s other hand and tugged him toward the door. As they skirted the edge of the crowd, Christopher saw Rev gyrating against a bear who seemed more interested in trying to catch Rev’s hips than dancing. Rev glanced over in time to catch his eye, but when he saw Gage leading Christopher away, his brows shot up, and a broad grin split his features. Christopher rolled his eyes, but did it with a smile, especially when Rev threw a thumbs-up at him. He wasn’t worried about abandoning Rev. They’d long ago worked out their system. If Rev couldn’t find Christopher when he wanted to leave, he’d call. The night was cooler when they stepped outside, the perfect excuse to edge closer to Gage. Darkness prevented him from seeing more than a profile and shadows, but the memory of that pretty mouth was more than enough to tide Christopher over until he got the real deal again. “So do you have any recordings of your own music?” he asked. “I’d love to hear something.” “A few mp3s. But they don’t really sound that good. They weren’t done in a studio or anything.” Gage hadn’t been lying when he said he was just a block away. They were standing outside his building within a few minutes. The apartment was a third floor walk-up, but Christopher didn’t mind taking the stairs. It gave him the perfect opportunity to study Gage’s backside. Which was quite nice. He couldn’t wait to get those pants off. “Okay, I just want to warn you that it’s not much, but it’s mostly clean,” Gage said, as he unlocked the door. Christopher waited until he’d flicked a switch just inside before tugging Gage back into his arms and nudging the door shut with his heel. “I did warn you, you drive me crazy,” he murmured. He caught a glimpse of Gage’s eyes widening, but then all he saw was his soft mouth, and the way his lips parted the moment before Christopher sealed them with his own. He had expected Gage to relax once they were out of the club and in his own home, but Christopher still sensed that he was holding back. Gage fisted Christopher’s shirt, holding him close as Christopher deepened the kiss. His enthusiasm was clear, which made Christopher wonder why the kiss almost seemed clumsy. Gage’s other hand wandered over Christopher’s body, lightly touching his shoulder and then his chest, finally settling on his hip. Gage’s erection pressed against his thigh, and his own c**k pressed against uncomfortably against his zipper. Christopher dismissed his concerns. The important thing was they both wanted this. Gage had said himself he hadn’t been close to anybody in some time. He just needed to get warmed up. Though it was the hardest thing he’d done all night, Christopher slowed the caress. The kiss remained deep and open, but instead of letting Gage try and discern their tempo, he teased the tip of his tongue with delicate, almost fleeting, glances, coaxing it forward until Christopher could suck it into his mouth. He groaned when Gage trembled, and loosened the embrace to slide his hand down the center of Gage’s chest. He stopped when he reached the hard ridge of denim, molding his fingers over the bulge. Gage jerked away from the touch, but didn’t pull away from Christopher’s hold. He broke the kiss and looked at Christopher with wide eyes, like he couldn’t quite believe Christopher had touched him there. “Sorry,” he said before Christopher could speak. “I didn’t…I wasn’t expecting that.” Christopher ran his tongue over his lower lip, already missing the way Gage tasted. “What were you expecting then?” “I don’t know. This is all a first for me.” The simple words startled Christopher into straightening. His hands fell away, and he stared at Gage like he was seeing him all over again. A first. Of course. That would explain the timidity, the awkwardness. Hesitation he’d considered charming but in fact stemmed from inexperience. What was he doing, picking up a kid who had no idea what he was doing? It didn’t matter that Gage had offered to buy him a drink. Everything that had happened after that point was all Christopher. “And you invited a stranger back to your place? Anything could have happened to you.” “I can handle myself,” Gage said defensively. “Besides, I like you and you don’t seem like a psychopath.” “I’m not.” His brain returned to the conclusion he’d drawn earlier, that Gage had picked him because he was a safe choice. He’d been all right with the assumption before, but now, it kind of annoyed him. “So what’s this all about? Did you know Power is a gay bar?” “Yes. The fact that there were no women there was a big tip-off. As for what this is all about…what do you think it’s all about?” “I thought it was about s*x, but that was before.” Gage frowned, confusion pulling his brows together. “What do you think it’s about now?” “I think it’s about me leaving.” He ran a hand through his hair, pushing it off his face. His body still wanted Gage in a bad way, but his head no longer believed it was anywhere close to a good idea to continue. Somehow, he had to find a way to get the two in agreement before his feet would agree to walk him out the door. “Look. You are…hot. Really hot. And I meant everything I said back at the bar about how crazy you make me. But I can’t take advantage of the fact that you’ve never done this before.” “How are you taking advantage of anything? I want you, Christopher. I really, really want you. If you just want this to be a one-night thing, that’s fine with me. You never have to see me again.” In the pale light of the living room, Gage’s eyes seemed far bluer than they’d been back at the bar. They were now dark with longing, sparkling from the adrenaline of their kisses even now with their bodies separated. He was still hard, too, and made no attempt to hide his arousal. He was everything Christopher could have asked for, for a night of pleasure and escape. Except for the fact that Christopher would feel like s**t in the morning for doing the one thing Gage didn’t understand. “You’re new to town.” He kept his voice smooth and low, hoping it would help relay his seriousness on the matter. “And you said it yourself, this is all new to you. You don’t even know what options you have out there. I would be an asshole if I got in your way of finding it out.” Gage regarded him for another beat, and then his face hardened into a stony mask. “f**k it.” He pushed past Christopher and yanked the door open. “Just go.” With the order hanging between them, his feet could finally comply. He took two steps, then stopped. “Will you answer me one thing first?” “What?” “Was this just going to be a onetime thing to try, or is this who you are? Honestly.” Gage snorted. “You sound like my family. I moved to a strange city with no friends because I was tired of acting like something I wasn’t. Does that answer your question?” It did, actually. He was sorry Gage would likely lump him in with the rest of the people in his life to give him a hard time, but at least now he knew. “I know you don’t get it now, but hopefully you will at some point.” Reaching inside his jacket, he pulled out his wallet, extracted one of his business cards, and held it out. “When you do, and if you feel like seeing a friendly face in this strange city, call me.” He smiled, soft and a little sad for the opportunity he’d almost had. “Because I liked you before I even considered coming home with you.” Gage took the card but didn’t bother looking at it before sliding it in his back pocket. “Yeah, right. I get it.” Christopher didn’t think he did, but standing around to try and explain it wouldn’t do either of them any good. With a nod, he stepped into the hall and turned away. The door slammed shut behind him. As he headed for the stairs, Christopher adjusted his erection, still present in spite of his better sense. He was doing the right thing. He knew that. He just hoped Gage did, too, some day.