Steel looked every bit as smitten with Clover as everyone did. He made a dismissive gesture. “Don’t worry. Everyone is family here, no matter how long they’ve been with me. Plus, everyone has sung your praises since you came onboard. Hell, Maya Heartland called to tell me how good you were to her in a moment of crisis. That’s exactly what we need. Compassion matters when people are at their lowest.”
Clover looked moved. “Thank you for that, but I don’t think anyone could’ve heard the terror in Maya’s voice and dismissed it. She could’ve been killed. Any number of horrible things might’ve happened to her.”
Steel never looked away from Clover. It was like Saint had vanished. “Exactly. It’s obvious you truly care. We need more of that.”
Clover nodded. “I’ll admit this position has been way more fulfilling than I expected. It feels like I’m actually helping people.”
“You are.” Steel’s fast response was filled with honesty. Another man felled by the magic that was Clover. Steel glanced around. “I suppose I should give my speech and hand out gifts before people get too drunk and restless.”
Clover laughed. “Hold on just a second.” He dipped his hand into the pocket of Saint’s dress coat. Saint knew he carried something for Clover, but he hadn’t bothered to check what it was. Clover popped open a tube normally used to carry cuff links to keep them safe. He shook out a pin. “A little birdie told me youlove all things dogs.” He clipped the golden pin on the lapel of Steel’s dress coat. “There. In my parents’ home country, dogs are considered a symbol of good luck, loyalty, and protection. In this case, that little golden puppy makes your entire outfit complete.” Clover stepped back and reclaimed Saint’s arm.
Steel seemed more moved than Saint ever would have dreamed over such a small gesture. The guy was loaded in a way most people couldn’t even fathom. Yet a tiny gold pin looked as if it was the perfect gift to Steel.
“Thank you. You have no idea how much I love it.”
Clover beamed as Steel moved to the small stage set up for the event.
Pride filled him as he stared at Clover. He was literally the best person Saint had ever met. Saint would do right by him. Clover would see.
Clover tried to keep a calm demeanor while jumping for joy inside. His bonus from Steel had more zeros than he ever expected. Plus, everyone had been so, so welcoming and nice. Jacobe, going as far as getting a job to be his boss, turned out to be the best blessing in disguise. As scared as he had been to change employers, somehow he had managed to find his dream position. He felt over the moon. Clover knew a big part of that was Saint. He chewed on the side of his nail as he waited for Saint to finish getting ready for bed. Clover had already showered and climbed into bed naked. There was no way he could fall asleep without Saint.
Saint padded from the bathroom, totally nude, making Clover nearly swallow his tongue. Saint was all man. He made Clover hot as hell.
As he looked on, Saint’s dick stirred.
Saint growled. “Don’t look at me like that. I won’t let you sleep tonight.”
“Mmm, sexy. Don’t threaten me with a good time.”
Saint’s open toiletries bag sat on the nightstand. That was where the condoms and lube were. Saint dug inside the bag.
Clover’s cock throbbed.
Saint came out with a tiny gift box. “Merry Christmas.”
A wave of something powerful washed over him. He sat up, letting the covers slide into his lap. “Wait. I have something for you too.” He leaned over to get it from his bedside table.
Saint stopped him. “Please open this first.”
Since it seemed important, Clover accepted the box. Even though it looked wrapped, it was actually in two pieces. Clover could lift the lid without unwrapping it. He could only blink when he stared into the open box. It took him a second to realize the reason he couldn’t see clearly was the tears in his eyes.
“It’s beautiful.” His voice cracked. He was much closer to crying than he cared to admit. Saint always moved him. He was perfect.
Saint climbed into bed and lifted the necklace from the gift box. He easily undid the clasp and put the gorgeous piece of jewelry around Clover’s neck.
Clover stroked the row of diamonds that fell down his chest in a straight line, twinkling against his skin. “I love it.”
Clover sniffed and grabbed Saint’s present before he actually broke down. “Here. Open yours. I’ll explain as you do.” He handed the folder to Saint. “You know how we stayed up talking all night for like three nights in a row?”
Saint laughed. “Yeah. I’m pretty sure my days and nights are flip-flopped now. After spending each morning making love to you, I’m also pretty sure I’ll get a hard-on every morning at exactly nine now.”
Clover couldn’t stop smiling. “I’ll be sure to check. But anyhow, you told me when you were a kid, you wanted to be a race car driver. I learned one of your clients is famous for just that. When we spoke on the phone, he offered to let me take a spin around the track. I told him I’m gay. Has he ever been in a Trader Joe’s parking lot? We’re a menace. Anyhow, he laughed, and I had an idea. I told him my boss was a great driver and had always wanted to get out on the track. Then I asked if you could take that spin instead of me.” He tapped on the folder Saint still hadn’t opened. “It turns out it’s a very official thing they do for rich people and sponsors. So he sent me the formal invitation along with some paperwork you have to fill out. But this spring, you have a date with a very fast car.”
Saint never looked away from him while Clover spoke. A huge smile lit his face. “This is amazing. I can’t believe you did this.” He flipped open the folder and his eyes practically bugged out of his head. “Forty-eight minutes of track time. Do you have any idea how much this costs? I know exactly which client you mean, and this is the highest package you can get. You must’ve really made an impression on him.”
Clover made a dismissive gesture. “All it took was me offering to sleep with him.”
Saint’s expression turned harder than Clover had ever seen.
