The Director

1. Chance Meeting-4

It was my turn to interrogate my lovely date for the night. “And may I ask what you do, Aaron?”

He blushed again when I gazed back, curious.

“I was attending the conference as a requirement and training for my residency … actually, out celebrating with my friends, before coming to the convention.”

I can’t say I remembered those days when I had been a resident.

“Ah.” I placed the glass on the table and ran a finger along the rim

“Did you know that?” he asked, a sparkle in his eyes as he smiled. Aaron was a delightful wonder.

“No,” I replied. It looked like he didn’t believe me. “I hope I wasn’t too bold but came off discreet in my approach to lure you away from friends or colleagues.”

“No, not too bold at all. This is actually proving to be the best part of my evening. Besides, all my friends and colleagues know I’m gay. Parents may not, but I guess it doesn’t matter,” Aaron whispered.

Not what I meant, but he was being honest, which was acceptable.

“It doesn’t,” I responded. “I like you, and you like me. Correct?”

Aaron smiled, blushing once more. “Yes, exactly. Although, I was shocked you gave me the time of day.”

Surprised by his response, I hid the unwelcome feeling by taking a sip. “Why is that, Aaron? Do you think very little of yourself?”

“It’s not that. You’re very handsome for one thing, and well, don’t take this the wrong way …”

“I won’t,” I promised.

Aaron hesitated. “I never suspected you would be … well, you know … interested in other men.”

“Ah. I’m interested in all beauty, Aaron, including other men, as you say.”

Aaron smiled and was speechless.

“How do I fare now, with your idea of a man who lacks the appearance of a man who favors men? Do I fare well?”

Aaron’s face changed a lovely shade of red once more. “Was that other man at the restaurant … um someone you’re seeing? Is Jonas your—"

“My friend,” I cut him off.

“Oh, I didn’t mean any offense.”

“I know. None taken, Aaron.” My lips curved upward. My intense staring was obviously making him uneasy.

Aaron stirred in his seat and quickly corrected himself. “I’m sorry. I know it’s none of my business.”

I laughed. He was surprised by my amusement. “If he was my boyfriend, or someone I was seeing, do you think I would be here with you?” I grinned. “He’s my associate. He handles all my affairs.”

His curiosity had made him ask stupid questions and he realized that. Still, he was a handsome one.

“I guess that makes sense. Sorry. Where is he this evening?”

“He’s taking care of a matter for me with my son.”

I was curious to see what questions would arise at the mention, to give me the opportunity to test the role I would most likely have to take in John’s life. Then again, wasn’t I his father in more ways than just cover?

“You have a son?” Aaron sounded shocked.

“Yes. Does that surprise you?”

“A little. You were married?” His voice sounded shaky.

“Yes,” I smiled. “For a brief period. It was a long time ago.”

Aaron looked attentive. “Did she know?”

“Know?” I repeated, glancing over, not pleased by the short response.

He seemed to notice my expression, unaware as to why I’d reacted the way I had.

“That you were … you know?” He seemed uncomfortable reintroducing the topic.

I grinned and exhaled slowly. “You have so many questions … but, yes, she did know.”

Aaron looked embarrassed, yet obviously needed an explanation. I wasn’t sure why I thought I owed him one, but it was nice talking to someone about it. Talking to someone outside of The Company.

“We had an understanding, she and I. She knew I enjoyed the company of other men, but I loved her as well.”

Aaron nodded in understanding.

Having wine by the terrace in the early night air, a dessert before the main course, made the pleasure far more rewarding. Perhaps, I was a romantic …

After dessert, I rose and loomed over the side of the rail to look at the full moon; Aaron approached slowly. Desire and eagerness grew in me as I awaited him. He drew alongside, looking at the same view.

“I’m glad you joined me this evening, Aaron. I’ve almost forgotten how lovely it is to have another’s company. I’ve been alone for far too long.” I turned to admire his youthful face.

He looked surprised by my words. “I don’t believe someone as beautiful and as kind as you could be so lonely.”

With a smile, I moved beside the railing as he slipped close.

“I assure you, Aaron, some would disagree … that is, of the kindness you seem to think I possess. I’ll admit, I’m partially to blame. I’m rather hard to get along with, or so I’ve been informed.” I chuckled; it was strange hearing my own laughter.

Aaron laughed with me. “Maybe you’re just not appreciated by the right people.”

I glanced at him. Aaron was smiling. He was doing something to me. Emotionally, he had no effect, but his kind words were a reward of something I secretly longed for and appreciated. My desire for him grew.

I stopped with the intention of kissing him; he put his hand on my cheek. My hand grabbed his and held it to my face. The warmth and feel of another’s affection could tame the monster I knew I had become.

Aaron came close, showing me fondness I’d very much been lacking all my life. Passionate kissing ensued … until I led him down the corridor, hand in hand. Like a curious lover, he followed, glancing about the beautiful art and expensive rugs. It was all included in the rental. None of it was mine. In truth, I owned little.

The long hallways were dim and dark; the only light came from windows that weren’t covered by curtains. The clacking of our steps against the dark hardwood floor echoed in the quiet space. Heavy breathing emanated from both of us, adding to passionate intoxication.

We stopped outside the large doorway of the bedroom I had taken. His body fell against mine, the strain of his arousal pushing against my waist. I forced open the door in haste and pulled him with me.

Immediately, he moved into the bedroom and gazed in awe at the furnishings. The bed was wide with a large mahogany frame and huge bed posts in each corner. The wood was skillfully carved with a leaf pattern, elegant but masculine. There were two expensive Safavieh Vintage Persian saffron rugs on each side of the bed. It was a sight worthy of his awe, but the only thing of interest to me was standing in my bedroom: tall, dark, and handsome.

Aaron removed his shirt. He tossed it onto the bed and turned back toward me. The golden-brown tone of his smooth skin outlined the firm shape of his features, darkening his well-built frame.

Removing the suit jacket, I pushed closed the door, pulling off the tie and setting both on a sofa near the doorway. Closing the distance that separated us, I pulled him into a kiss and lost myself in the feel of his precious lips.

He unbuttoned my silk shirt as our breathing became heavier and more connected with our bodies. He ripped the shirt from my body. Without warning, he tossed me onto the bed, launching himself on top of me. For a young man, he was strong and fearless.

His bold movements excited me as I watched him hovering over me, taking control. He could see the anticipation and desire in my eyes. I allowed him this because I hadn’t realized how much it thrilled me to be dominated by another. Had I secretly longed for it? Yes!

“Tonight, it’s just us,” Aaron whispered.

He unbuttoned my pants. I dropped back my head, gasping at the long-awaited moment I had been dreaming of. His firm hand pressed my hardness as he dealt with my zipper and sent sensations throughout my body.

His lips were pressed to the side of my face when he whispered, “What do you desire most, Dr. Nicholson?”

No one had ever asked me that.

Aaron gazed into my eyes, a tiny grin pulling at those puffy lips. I stared blankly up at him, unable to speak. I was numb, overwhelmed by my own desire and his passionate, tender hands. I felt him take a full grip of me.

Exhaling deeply, my eyes rolled back … the pleasure radiating from every inch of my body, my skin tingling. “Take me! Take me!” I cried.

Our bodies came together, moving upon one another, our lips touched and we kissed deeply. I was on fire as Aaron held me to him and I felt more than his hands upon my skin. His touched sent chills of desire throughout my soul, making me moan deeply in ecstasy, until we lay still, our heavy breathing finally released.

With his head on my chest, his fingertips stroked my skin. My hand found the locks of his hair and playfully caressed it.

“I think I love you,” he admitted, in a passionate haze.

I kissed his head. “You’re delirious, Aaron.”

He laughed lightly. “Perhaps. Can I see you again?”

Amused by the question, I replied, “I haven’t decided, yet.”

My answer didn’t surprise him. “So, you have considered it?” he asked, delighted. Was he figuring me out, dissecting me?

“Possibly,” I answered.

“That’s good enough for me.”

A slight smile played upon my lips as I pressed him close. Aaron reached up and kissed me fervently; once more, our bodies lay skin against skin.

After we settled in for the night together, our one night of passion felt shortened by the realities of life. In the morning, I rose and sat upon the edge of the bed where he still lay beside me, nude. My heart lit up when I glanced over and regarded his beautiful body. Desire and pleasure filled me with guilt.

Ravishing golden-brown skin welcomed the tips of my fingers as I stroked him tenderly. He was too gorgeous for me; I was wicked inside, a rotten mess of a man. I couldn’t take him with me into the confusion I called a life. He had his whole career ahead of him while I had only bitter memories and a void in my soul filled with thoughts of vengeance.

Grabbing the robe by the bed, I walked to the study.

Jonas joined me moments later. “Will you be having breakfast with your companion on the terrace, sir?”

“No.”

He disapproved, of course; I had no doubt. It was obvious when he didn’t move to leave right away.

Wordless for a moment, I couldn’t look at him. Finally, I managed to say, “Deliver his breakfast. And escort him out. Take him anywhere he wants to go.”

Jonas waited.

I turned.

He wanted to say something, I could see it upon his face, but he refrained from asking that “something”. “Is that all, sir?”

“Yes.”

Jonas nodded and left.