“She was a horrible person, wasn’t she?” Nana whispered to Ash, who surprisingly, nodded his head.
“She was indeed. Not nearly good enough for Drew in my opinion.”
A speculative gleam appeared in Nana’s eyes. “Do you have any nice girls for him to date, Mr. Davis? Maybe your girlfriend knows someone.”
Oh brother. The last think he wanted to do was talk about Ash’s sexuality with his grandmother, for God’s sake. He took a big gulp of his drink. Ash, however, came to his rescue.
“Mrs. Klein, I don’t have a girlfriend. I’m gay. That’s why I was so anxious to help Drew with this project, so that no one would ever have to suffer for being different.”
Nana sat for a moment, her gaze shifting from Ash to him. An unreadable look crossed her face. “I see. Well, I could never understand the fuss people make about it. I mean, why is it anyone’s business who you love? Look at those husbands and wives who kill their children. That’s who society should shame, not someone like you.”
To his surprise, she leaned over and kissed Ash’s cheek, then his. “If one of my grandchildren came and told me they were gay, I could never love them any less. Let that be a lesson to you both. Never settle for anything less than true love.” She stood, brushing off their helping hands. “Now I’m going to get a snack. Drew, don’t hover over me. Mr. Davis, I hope you won’t be a stranger.”
Ash took her hand and kissed it again. “You must call me Ash, then.”
She squeezed his arm and walked away. Drew finished his drink, realizing he was a little light-headed. “She’s a firecracker. And she took a real shine to you. That says a lot. My grandmother is the best judge of character.” He tracked her progress across the room as she stopped to socialize with people. Too bad he didn’t pay attention to her opinion about Jackie, but he’d stubbornly insisted on doing what he wanted.
Jordan and Keith came over then, pulling him away. He looked over his shoulder and mouthedthanksto Ash, who stayed where he was, a drink in his hand.
* * * *
Ash loved Lisa, he really did, but before this party was over, he’d have to tell Peter he was not interested in his wife’s gay hairdresser or decorator. There was only one man he wanted, and that hadn’t changed since they’d first met two months ago. He wanted Drew Klein in his bed and under his body. He wanted to slide into the man and bury himself, balls to the wall, so to speak. Instead he was stuck listening to her extol the virtue of her decorator’s blond hair and perfect tan, when all he wanted to touch was pale skin and soft, dark curls.
“Lisa, sweetheart. I know you mean well, but I’m not interested. I’m not into dating or having a relationship.” He smiled down at the pretty redhead. Her green eyes narrowed, and he braced himself for her lecture.
“Ash, come on. You can’t go through life having one-night stands. I’m afraid for your health. Besides, you need someone to love. Everyone does.”
He barked out a laugh. “Oh please. Look at Peter’s friends. These men aren’t tied down. Well, except for Peterson. But you know what I mean.”
She scowled at him. “You’re laughing at me, but one day you’ll understand what I’m talking about, and you’ll want to stop this drifting through life with no meaning.”
He kissed her cheek. “I’ve been told I’m very meaningful, sweetheart—where it counts. If you want, I’ll get you references. Now I’m getting another drink; catch you later.” Ignoring her gasp of outrage, he walked away. Conversations ebbed and flowed around him, and he listened with only half an ear as he poured another vodka. Drew, he noticed, looked to be flying high and in a silly, playful mood with his friends. His lips curved in a smile. Perhaps he could end this celebration with a bang after all. Casually, he walked over to a small table by the window and slid his sunglasses behind a grouping of pots holding cacti.
By the end of the evening, there were only a few people left. Rachel had taken her grandmother home. That lady was truly a sweetheart, and when she’d kissed him good-bye, she’d surprised him.“Don’t be a stranger, young man. My grandchildren and their friends stop by every Sunday to see me. I expect to see you one day.”She’d pierced him with a pointed look, and he’d nodded before he knew what he was doing.
Peter and Lisa had left an hour before, as they needed to relieve their sitter, and Mike had a date. Right now it was Drew, who was drunk, Jordan, and Keith. Ash knew Jordan still didn’t trust him fully, and if the good doctor knew what Ash planned for his friend, he’d be right. For a moment a shot of guilt speared through him, but he ignored it. All he wanted was one taste of Drew Klein, and then he’d be satisfied.
“Well, Drew, looks like you need to sleep it off, so we’re gonna go, right, Davis?” Peterson jerked his head toward he door. “Drew needs to take some aspirin and go to bed.”
He’d make sure Drew would go to bed, but if Ash had anything to say about it, the man wouldn’t be alone. “Sure. Drink lots of water, Drew, and we’ll see you Monday for the grand opening.”
Drew threw his arm around Ash’s shoulder. “Yeah. Thanks for all your help. And boy does my grandmother love you, Ash. Couldn’t stop talking about you.” He pushed back the dark curls that fell over his forehead, a crooked smile transforming his face into someone young and vulnerable. Sweet. Ash swallowed hard. An unaccustomed wave of both protectiveness and lust coursed through him. He clapped Drew on the back.
“She’s very cute. Well, everyone, I’ll see you at the center. Have a great night.” He left and, after exiting the building, hung around the little grocery store buying gum and a few granola bars, until he saw Jordan and Keith leave the building, get into their car, and drive away.
He paid for his items, slipped them in his pocket, then left the store and hurried back across the street. He buzzed Drew’s apartment.
“Yeah?”
“Hey, it’s Ash. I think I left my sunglasses there. Can I come up and look for them?”
“Sure.” A second later the buzzer rang, and he opened the security door and took to the stairs, two at a time. Within a minute he was at Drew’s door. It was partially open and Ash pushed it wider, catching sight of Drew standing in the hallway.
“Come on in.” Drew extended his hand. “Look around, wherever. I’m a little wasted, so I wouldn’t be that much help in looking.”
That sweet crooked smile sent the blood racing straight to Ash’s cock. He needed to touch this man. Soon. Ash entered the apartment and closed the door behind them both. “Why don’t I get you some cold water; then I’ll look for my glasses?”
“Sure.” Drew wandered off into the apartment, yawning and scratching his head. After getting some ice from the freezer, Ash poured Drew a glass of water. His pulse raced in anticipation.
