Mason crossed his arms. “What are you doing here at seven thirty at night?”
Jude shrugged. “It’s a free country. I was taking a walk.”
Could I sound any more lame?
Mason’s lips twitched. “Yeah? Way over here?”
“It’s not so far from my apartment. And now I’m on my way home. I have work to do.”
Heart hammering, Jude shouldered his way past Mason, his long stride carrying him down the street and across Sixth Avenue. Only a few blocks more to safety.
“Jude.”
If it weren’t summer, when the city was practically dead, he could’ve hoped to lose himself in the crowds usually milling around SoHo. No such luck today. He could hear Mason calling his name, but he didn’t stop. Not until a hand landed on his shoulder and gripped him. Hard.
“Jude.”
His steps faltered. The sounds of the cars faded, replaced by the pounding of his heart.
Mason turned him to meet his gaze. “I never thought you the type of man who runs away.”
“I’m not.” He cleared his throat, which had suddenly closed up on him. “I’m going home.”
“You knew I was going to be on Charlton Street, and you came by.”
The undercurrent of laughter in Mason’s voice angered him. “Don’t flatter yourself. I often go for a walk in the neighborhood.”
“Do you?” Mason stepped closer. “Even in this hot weather?”
Jude hit the brick wall of the apartment building behind him. “Maybe I wanted some ice cream.”
Mason licked his lips, and Jude’s cock stiffened. “I wouldn’t mind something sweet to lick.”
Jude blinked. “Okay, enough of this. I—”
“Shut up already,” Mason said before settling his mouth over Jude’s.
He meant to push Mason away. Really. His hands found their way around Mason’s shoulders, but instead of shoving him off, he clung to Mason, lips softening, allowing Mason’s tongue to part them and slide through to touch, then rub against him.
Hot, hungry, and demanding was the best way to describe Mason’s mouth on his. Head spinning, Jude tangled his fingers in Mason’s silky hair and sucked on Mason’s slick tongue, soaking in all the man’s heat. Mason’s thigh pressed his erection, and he moaned, his aching body throbbing.
“Your place?” Mason panted. “Jude, please.”
So fucking wrong, and yet Jude was helpless to resist. Mason Reiner tasted like every bad decision, and Jude was about to make another one. Wildly, he grabbed Mason’s hand, and they sprinted the two blocks to his co-op, where they ran past the startled concierge and practically fell into the elevator, their hands roaming over each other’s bodies with abandon.
“Fuck, you’re so gorgeous. I can’t wait.” Mason tugged at his belt, and Jude groaned.
“You can’t…I won’t fuck you in the elevator.”
“I just need to touch you. Prove it’s really you here with me.” Mason slid his palm into Jude’s pants and cupped him, sending shockwaves of desire pulsing through him. His briefs grew tight and damp.
He’d never been so turned-on in all his life, and it was with his best friend’s younger brother. His assistant.
How fucking wrong was this?
How fucking wrong was it that he didn’t give a damn?
The elevator reached his floor, and they tumbled out. Jude fumbled with his keys for a moment, his shaking hands making it impossible to open the lock. Finally they entered, and Mason shut the door and slammed him against it.
