The music stopped, and Carter realized they were somewhat more exposed than before, now that the lights weren’t as dim. He withdrew his sticky hand and gave Reed, who looked ravaged yet more gorgeous than Carter had seen him before, a rueful smile.
“Guess I’d better go find the bathroom.” He gave Reed’s crotch a pat. “You need to zip up as well.” He licked his fingers, the salty-strong taste of Reed coating his tongue. “Umm, delicious. Thanks for dessert.”
Blinking and with a tired smile, Reed obeyed and followed him into the men’s room where Carter washed up. Reed took him by the arm and spun him around so they faced each other and kissed him full on the mouth.
“Thanks. You made that one of the best experiences of my life.”
There was a light in Reed’s eyes Carter hadn’t seen before, and once again he wondered at Reed’s inexperience. His own childhood had been far from normal, but even as a teenager Carter hadn’t had much of a problem finding guys who wanted to have sex.
Something about Reed spoke of innocence and vulnerability, even though Carter knew he was no virgin. But those thoughts began to tread dangerously into personal territory and by his own rules remained off limits. He refused to cross the line into learning a hook-up’s past love life and history. Even now, he knew more about Reed than any other man he’d ever slept with. More than with anyone ever before, he’d let down his guard with Reed, but it was now time to head back to reality.
“I’m happy to help.” He captured Reed’s face between his hands and enjoyed the sweet taste of his mouth. Carter could’ve spent the rest of his evening drowning in the pleasurable taste of Reed’s soft lips, but someone walked past them, causing him to stop and recall they were in a public bathroom. With a not-too-guilty shrug, he took Reed’s hand and led him back out to the dance floor.
“Do you want to go back to the hotel now?” They stood together, and Carter toyed with Reed’s fingers, surprisingly content. Reed bounced on his toes to the music. “I’m game for whatever you want.”
Reed took their entwined hands behind Carter’s back, sliding both their arms around Carter’s waist and hugging him close. His need for touch was an endearing quality.
“I guess it wasn’t so bad, then, going out for the evening?” He grinned and nudged Carter. “Although staying in the suite has its definite advantages; I’m not going to lie.”
“Now that you mention it,” said Carter, “I—”
“Carter? Is that you?”
A man, roughly thirty years old, long dirty-blond hair lying in damp strands along his forehead, stood in front of them. His powerful legs spread in a wide stance, his muscular arms, bare in his thin black tank top, gleamed with a fine patina of sweat.
Carter cocked his head, trying to place the man. “Yes? I’m sorry. Do we know each other?”
A lazy grin carved deep dimples in the man’s handsome face. “Wow. And here I always imagined that night was so memorable. It’s Trent? We, ah, hooked up about six or seven months ago.” He reached over and traced the V-line of Carter’s open-neck shirt. “I was watching you both before on the dance floor, and you two were so fucking hot together.” Trent tipped his head at Reed and turned on a smile intended to seduce the pants right off him. “I’m up for a threesome if you are.”
Carter stepped back, closer to Reed, and out of reach of Trent’s touch. The only hands he wanted on him were Reed’s, and somehow hearing this Trent guy talk about watching him and Reed together tainted a pleasurable experience. Besides, he had no desire to upset Reed with an obscure, random hook-up from before they’d met.
“I don’t remember you, and right now Reed and I are together, and I have no need for anyone else. So thanks, but no thanks.” Without waiting for a response, Carter took Reed’s hand and pulled him out of the club and toward the coat check.
“Sorry about that. I don’t remember him at all.”
Reed said nothing as they put on their coats. When they walked out into the freezing cold, Reed, his face miserable, shoved his hands inside his jacket and tipped his head back toward the club.
“If you want to be with him, it’s okay; I understand. I’m fine with stepping aside, but I’m not into threesomes.”
“We had a hook-up. One I have no intention or desire to repeat, got it?” Carter grasped Reed by his shoulder. “I’m with you, and that’s where I want to be.”
“I guess, but I don’t want you to feel obligated. I can pick up my stuff at the hotel and be out of your way. He seems more your type.”
“My type?” He breathed white puffs of cold air between them. “Right now my type is sexy, shy bartenders.”
Reed smiled slightly and shrugged.
“C’mere. Obviously I didn’t prove it to you well enough in the club.” It wasn’t until he held on to Reed that he noticed he was shaking.
“Are you all right?” He slid his arm around Reed’s shoulders and gazed into his face. Reed’s teeth chattered, his eyes staring round and dark. If Carter didn’t know better, he’d swear Reed was scared to death.
“Hey, what’s the matter?” He rubbed Reed’s cheek with his, hoping to soothe him.
“I don’t feel so well.”
And, Carter decided after staring hard at Reed, he didn’t look well either. They were only a few short blocks from the hotel, yet Carter didn’t hesitate a moment before hailing a cab, pushing Reed inside, then climbing in after him. It didn’t take more than seven minutes to traverse the five blocks, which for a Friday night was miraculous, but the traffic-light gods were on their side.
Carter paid the fare, and after wrapping a protective arm around Reed, took him upstairs and into the suite, murmuring comforting words in his ear.
