He had to admit, the notion had its appeal.
But Rob had come all this way. And he was waiting for Jasper’s call at some hotel in downtown Chicago, most likely somewhere along the rarified part of North Michigan Avenue referred to as the Magnificent Mile. Jasper pictured him standing with room service coffee at floor-to-ceiling windows, a fluffy white robe covering him as he looked out at the shimmering blue-green expanse of Lake Michigan.
It wasn’t only that Jasper felt obligated to call, even if he did. The main thing was that he really wanted to see Rob. They’d yet to connect as he somehow knew they could, and he ached for that to happen, especially now, sitting here with the residue of pain clinging so heavily to his heart.
So he picked up his phone.
Rob answered on the first ring. “You called.”
“I said I would.”
“I know you did, but what we have here is a bit of an odd situation in many ways. I was just sitting here with my Earl Grey trying to convince myself that you weren’t going to call and that I should just accept it and move on.”
“That’s defeatist.”
“It’s realistic.” Jasper heard him take a sip, noting that he’d been wrong about the coffee. He was still imagining the fluffy white robe, though. It hung loosely open, revealing a lean and tanned body dusted with dark hair.
“Well, we’re just talkin’ here, supposin’,” Jasper said. “I’m still off. It’s a gorgeous day out there, and you told me you didn’t know Chicago very well.”
“I’m lookin’ for a guide. A cute one.”
“At your service, sir.”
“I can send a car up to you.”
Jasper let that sink in. He shook his head. The idea was tooPretty Womanfor him. “Or I could just hop on the L and come to you. I just had my shower, so all I need to do is throw on some clothes and be on my way. Depending on exactly where you are, I could be to you, with any luck, within the hour.”
“That would be lucky, wouldn’t it?”
“You bet it would.” Jasper smiled and felt a little unburdened. “So? Are you gonna tell me where you are, or do I have to wander around the Near North Side, asking hotel concierges if you’re staying with them?”
“You’re a smartass.”
“And proud of it. Come on, don’t be shy. The Heart O’ Chicago?” Jasper laughed at imagining Rob staying at what could only be called a discount motel near the far-north thoroughfares of Clark and Ridge.
“I don’t know that one, but I have a feeling you’re making fun of me.” Rob paused. “I’m at the Four Seasons, downtown.”
“Figures. Although you’re not technically downtown. You’re too far north for that.” Jasper wasn’t in the mood for a geography lesson and figured Rob really wouldn’t care. Feeling like a trick on Grindr, he said, “I’m on my way.”
“Okay, cool. See you soon.”
Jasper hung up. And it was on.
ON DELAWAREPlace, Jasper paused outside the entrance to the Four Seasons. He’d actually been inside the luxury hotel once before, but he didn’t think he’d share that experience with Rob.
It had been one of the sleazier moments in his adult life, a hookup with three other guys who’d all, one after the other, had their way with him.
The odd thing he remembered most vividly about that encounter was how the host—a guy named Miles—had ordered room service for him after the other two left. They’d eaten cold poached salmon with sour cream and dill, roasted fingerling potatoes, and an arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette.
Jasper couldn’t remember even one of their faces, let alone any other parts of their anatomy, although he supposed hedidhave a good time. Didn’t he?
The salmon had been delicious.
He shrugged and moved toward the doorman stationed outside the Four Seasons’ revolving doors.
Inside, he moved quickly through the lobby and headed for the bank of elevators, hoping this second experience within the walls of the deluxe hotel would prove more memorable.
Maybe he’d changed.
