“We can do that. I’ll arrange it for you. We’ll do that tonight,” Titus said. It wasn’t difficult to see that while Apollo wasn’t upset with him, he should’ve been. Titus had been unfair.
Claiming Apollo was the most amazing sensation he’d ever had in his life. Being able to love on that man, to caress him in all ways, to pull out the most sensuous responses Titus had ever seen in anybody, definitely made him feel like a god himself.
But he was quickly realizing that while the idea behind the truck trip had been solid, things hadn’t worked out quite the way he’d expected. Yes, being in the truck gave them a way to talk to each other without being interrupted by the likes of Artemis or Regis. But then Titus had gotten stupidly defensive, Paulie joined the chat, and…yeah. Perhaps not the best idea he’d ever had. But Titus knew he could fix things.
Apollo needed so much more than takeout food, watching him drive, and passing by the places Apollo was interested in, usually at speed.
“I’ll make arrangements with Regis to get one of the drivers to pick up this truck once it’s empty, and they can pick up the load and take it through to Austin,” he said, mentally making a to-do list.
“We’ve got drivers here in Denver, so that won’t be a problem. I’d already planned to take us out for dinner tonight, here in Denver. I heard of a great place. I’ll check and see if they have live music. If the place I was thinking of doesn’t, then wecan always get a hotel downtown and wander around. There’re always things going on in terms of food, events, and art.”
“Thank you. That does sound like fun, especially doing those things with you.”
I’m in danger of getting a big head.Titus couldn’t deny he was feeling undeniably pleased. It was time to push his luck. “I’d also thought, if you were keen on giving the truck a break for a bit, then I could get another driver to do the trip to Austin.
“We could find a place to stay here and do some hiking. Permits wouldn’t be difficult to get this time of year, as it’s getting toward the end of the season. If we pick somewhere quiet enough, you could get a chance to meet my other half.”
“That all sounds incredible, yes.” But then a look of concern crossed Apollo’s face. “Won’t your business need you? I don’t want to come between you and what you have to do. I know how important your business is to you.”
Apollo wasn’t wrong, or maybe he was. Titus picked his words carefully. “If I walked away from my businesses right now - not that I’m saying I would right this minute - but if I did, would we still be all right? Would we still have a home? Would we still have each other?”
Tilting his head, Apollo looked at him with so much compassion in his eyes. “I’m not sure I understand the questions this time,” he said, reaching out and stroking down Titus’s arm. “You and I are committed on a soul level. Anything you want in life, I can create. We can travel, or stay home, hike, or start another business in a completely different field. I know you’ve worked hard, but if there was a chance for you to take some time off, would you even want to?”
“That’s what I’ve been thinking,” Titus admitted, dropping his head to quickly kiss the hand on his shoulder. “As much as Ilove this truck, and I’m really proud of what I’ve achieved with Titus Industries, Regis has been on me for two years to take a vacation, have a decent break. From memory, it’s been about twenty years since I’ve actually sat and enjoyed live music. I find I’m liking the idea, especially doing it with you.”
“Careful.” Apollo leaned over, his lips brushing Titus’s cheek. “You’ll be telling me you love me next.”
That’s a strong possibility, too.
Chapter Fifteen
Apollo loved the downtown district in Denver. The mix of old and new buildings was fascinating from an architectural perspective - not that Apollo usually noticed such things - but he loved the eclectic mix of styles that seemed to lend the place its own identity.
The hotel Titus had picked for them was in the lower downtown area, according to the friendly receptionist who didn’t seem concerned with two men booking a suite with “the largest bed possible.” She just smirked at Apollo and winked. Yes, Titus was a big man worth winking over.
After a brief wash-up, and an intense make-out session, Titus was the one who pulled away. “I promised you people time,” he murmured in Apollo’s ear. “Let’s get moving before I ditch the whole idea and we order room service and stay in.”
Out on the streets, it seemed they were walking. Titus kept a firm hold on his hand as he sniffed out suitable food options. Apollo was more taken with the people. There were groups and couples - very few people walking alone - and they all seemed to share the same buzz of excitement that came from looking for a fun night out.
Buffalo was an energetic city too, but Denver had the elevation and mountains that added to a holiday vibe, even if it was just a regular Saturday night.
Apollo drank it all in. Titus had told him they were headed for Larimer Square. “Sometimes they have street performers,” he’d added, and he was right. There were two. Apollo stood at the back of the small crowd who’d gathered, confident Titus was watching his back.
Closing his eyes, Apollo leaned on Titus’s shoulder, shutting out the chatter and focusing on the notes.Oh, you can play, he thought fondly. Apollo couldn’t interfere in mortal affairs, but he sent a silent waft of his muse to cover the couple. He could feel their dreams and hopes of being discovered, of having people appreciate their musical passion.May all your dreams come true, he thought as he heard Titus’s stomach rumbling.
“Let’s find you a steak, my mate,” he said quietly. As Apollo straightened, the woman singer caught his eye and smiled. Her eyes were bright and clear, and her love for singing shone like a halo around her. Apollo felt the warmth of it seep into his soul. “Thank you,” he mouthed as he took Titus’s hand and let himself be tugged away.
“Were you doing godly stuff?” Titus asked in a low tone as he directed Apollo to a place that smelled of grilled meat. “I could feel a weird vibe in the air, much like when you take us to your place.”
“Our place,” Apollo corrected gently. Titus was still coming to terms with Apollo’s house. Even if he did love the mattress, he struggled with floating shelves – that actually floated – and the grand reception area. “Technically, people like me are not allowed to interfere...so let’s say I gave them more of a nudge. They already have incredible talent and such a strong passion for what they do.”
Apollo shrugged as he glanced up at his mate. “It never hurts to nudge things along, does it?”
“It depends on whether that couple were on the verge of getting a permanent music gig or standing on the edge of a cliff,” Titus said with a smirk. “Results may vary.”
Chuckling, Apollo pointed at an empty table outside of a small restaurant that was giving off a friendly vibe. “Can we sit there to eat? We can people watch.”
“It might be reserved for someone else,” Titus warned. The rest of the outside tables were full, so Apollo could see where he might think that.
