“But maybe we can compromise? Because I think we both need to change. You need to lighten up and try taking risks, knowing you won’t be alone if you fail, that you’ll have the support of myself, Doug, Ilana, and others at The Company.”
Jude had always handled life—the personal aspects—on his own. Over the years, he and Doug had forged an unbreakable bond of trust and loyalty. They worked in sync, neither questioning the other, knowing their ultimate goal was mutual success. Leaning on someone else for strength and comfort wasn’t a luxury he allowed himself.
“And you?” Jude asked. Mason’s wavy hair hung over his brow, obscuring his eyes from view, and Jude pushed it aside to see their soft glow shining through, even in the dusky light of the room. Mason carried that brightness around with him. “What do you need to do?” This mature Mason intrigued him.
“You need to ask? You’re slipping, old man.” The generous curve of Mason’s lips tipped upward in an evil smile. “I figured you’d be ready with a list, like a Jewish Santa.”
“I’m already familiar with how naughty you can be.” Jude tried to kiss his outraged mouth, but Mason twisted away. “In case you were wondering, I like that side.”
“Hey. I’m pretty damn nice too. And I know what I need to work on. I make snap judgments about people and tend to jump first and ask questions later. I should gather facts first.”
Serious now, Jude swept his thumb over Mason’s jaw. “That takes a lot of introspection.”
“You sound surprised. I had quite a bit of time to think while I was living across the world. It wasn’t all swimming, sun, and sex.” He frowned, sounding annoyed. “It’s the main reason I didn’t tell anyone about my relationship with Warren, you included. If I’d let it be known we’d been lovers, no one would’ve taken me seriously.” He raised a brow. “Don’t bother denying it. You know I’m right. You said yourself, it crossed your mind.”
For Jude, back in the day, the initial attraction had everything to do with Mason’s physical beauty, and he’d assumed there was little else to his best friend’s brother, the self-proclaimed bad boy. He’d allowed his prejudice to rule him, not bothering to look beyond the facade of flirty smiles and shiny hair, believing Mason was all about partying and having fun.
But now, once past the physical thrill of their affair, as they began to explore their escalating feelings, Mason constantly surprised Jude with his quick mind and thoughtful, well-reasoned ideas. Mason forced him to look deeper and work through his internal conflicts, to discover that there was more to Jude Staubman than being Ilana’s older brother.
Jude’s problem was that he’d never believed he deserved it, least of all with a man like Mason. Because of Mason, Jude had learned he deserved more.
“You’re right. I’ll admit I had reservations when you came to work at The Company. I thought you were there to slide by as Doug’s brother, and instead you jumped in feet-first, throwing out ideas and running with them. Your concepts for accounts were innovative and not as if coming from someone who planned on doing the bare minimum.”
“When I’m involved in something, I give it my all—professionally and personally. With Warren, I made my choices and worked my ass off because it was my job.”
“And yet you seemed so happy whenever you came home.”
Mason’s smile was wistful. “You’re not the only one who’s learned to hide from the truth. I let people see what they want.” Jude winced, but Mason brushed his cheek, forcing him to meet his gaze. “I’m never going to be anything but truthful with you. You know the full extent of my relationship with Warren now. Are you going to let an affair that never was anything more than a mutual friendship with benefits come between us?” Solemn-faced, Mason took him by the shoulders. “I’ve never left my future in anyone’s hands before because that would’ve required a level of trust I was never willing to give anyone. Not until you.”
“I haven’t been in a position to ever have a choice.”
A wide-open smile filled Mason’s face. “Would you believe me if I said I’ve never had a real relationship either?”
“What?” Jude sputtered. “But…but you…”
“Have been with guys, sure. But here today and gone tomorrow. A couple of months and we grew bored. That’s how it always was. They weren’t real relationships. Maybe…” He stopped and chewed his lip, looking sweetly vulnerable. “Maybe because I was always comparing them to you.”
“Me?” he repeated. “What’re you saying?”
Mason, who hadn’t removed his hands from Jude’s shoulders, now slid them around his neck. “I’ve already told you I had a crush on you. From the first time I saw you at my parents’ apartment, standing a step or two behind Doug, looking all nervous and out of place yet so damn sexy, I couldn’t stop thinking about you.”
“And now here we are.” Jude framed Mason’s face with his hands. “All these years later and I’m not much smarter than I was back then.”
“You didn’t need to be. I was the one who had growing up to do. And I know what I want and who. You.”
“I’m right here.”
“So am I. I’ve never been more content than with the little slice of life we’ve carved out for ourselves these past weeks. I love you and want to be with you. As you are. I’m not asking you to change.”
Mason always had the courage of a lion. Jude threaded his fingers through the silky hair curling at his neck and pulled him close so their lips met.
“But I want to. I’ve stagnated and lived my life for others, keeping my own in the shadows. If I’m going to learn how to break free, I need the one person who brings the sunlight with him wherever he goes to guide me. Warm me.” He brushed their lips together, the yearning to take Mason right there rising strong inside him. “I need you. I love you.”
“You have me. You always did, even if it took us both some time to figure it out.”
Mason unbuttoned his shirt, and Jude helped him with his pants and briefs, until Mason lay spread out before him, a feast to indulge in. As hungry as Jude was for Mason, he planned on savoring every inch of his skin. His cock rose up, but Jude ignored it, favoring instead the soft underside of Mason’s knees and the strong muscles of his thighs.
“Ahh, come on.” Mason sighed, wrapping his hand around his length.
