“Yes, from a tactical viewpoint. From a relationship viewpoint, I’m probably digging my grave.”
“If he can’t understand your reasoning, he’s not worth it.”
“But the sex is so great!” Curtis winked.
“Great sex is not everything, believe me.” Patty winked right back before she gathered the unwanted gifts from Jasper. Once she was out the door, Curtis picked up the phone to call Martin and Andrew. He wasn’t looking forward to the second call.
Chapter 18
ANDREW HADjust finished restocking the macarons when his phone rang. He smiled when he saw it was Curtis. Their amazing first night together had given him enough energy to get through work despite the lack of sleep. Commuting was definitely off the table, no matter how great Curtis’s bed and bathroom were.
“Hello, my sweet boy. How are you this fine late morning almost noon?”
Curtis chuckled through the line. “Somebody’s in a great mood.”
“You bet. I am, in fact, in such a wonderful mental state, nothing can get to me today. Not even the afternoon rush.”
“Hold on to that thought.” Curtis sounded very serious all of a sudden, which Andrew didn’t like one bit.
“What’s the matter, Curtis? Are you all right?”
The deep sigh coming from Curtis did nothing to ease Andrew’s worries. “I’m fine. More or less. I got flowers and chocolate today. From Jasper.”
Andrew had to grab the counter to keep from falling over in surprise. “I thought you told him to back off?” He knew he sounded accusing but couldn’t help it. Curtis was his.
“I did. Unfortunately, he seems intent on meeting me to talk about his financial situation and how I can help him restore it to its former glory, or rather vastness.”
“He still wants to borrow money from you?” Andrew almost choked on the words. “After everything he did?”
“I’m not sure if he wants to borrow the money. Knowing Jasper, he wants me to give it to him for old times’ sake.”
“Is he insane?”
“I wondered that myself, but I can assure you, he’s not. Just very entitled and secure in his sense of self-importance.”
Andrew grinned when he heard the diplomatic phrase. “In other words, an asshole.”
“Yes.” Curtis hesitated a moment. “The thing is, he has invited me to dinner tomorrow, and as much as it repulses me, my lawyer thinks it’s a good idea to go and hear him out before I tell him to back off. According to her, sending flowers is not a punishable crime, whereas stalking me after I tell him in front of witnesses I want nothing to do with him will give her the leverage to take care of him.”
Andrew wasn’t an idiot. He could deduce from Curtis’s tone that he wasn’t about to ask him to be his witness. “You won’t take me with you, am I right?”
Again a deep sigh. “I’m sorry, Andrew. My first instinct was to ask you, since you’re my Dom and partner, but first of all, we don’t know each other that well yet, certainly not well enough to expose you to the madness that is Jasper. Secondly, and no offense meant, I need somebody with me who Jasper knows and who scares the crap out of him. Martin makes a living being intimidating, and he doesn’t like Jasper. More importantly, with him around, Jasper won’t dare try anything funny—not that I think he would. His bark has always been a lot worse than his bite—if he ever bit. I’m fully aware how this all might look to you, and I swear, my life is usually very boring. What I want to say is, I’m notnottaking you with me because I think you’re incapable of handling the situation. Or because I don’t see you as my Dom. To be honest, I’m afraid you’re going to dump me because of all the drama that’s following me around.”
Andrew inhaled deeply. He was hurt by Curtis’s decision; there was no denying it. Mostly because he already saw himself in a committed relationship with Curtis, where they supported each other. That didn’t mean he couldn’t understand Curtis’s reasoning, and if he was completely honest, he didn’t know if he would be able to control himself around Jasper. Assaulting the man wouldn’t help Curtis in the least.
“I can’t say I’m thrilled, Curtis. Though it does ease my mind that you’re going with Martin. Things between us are moving along pretty fast, and after our fantastic scene last night, I’m determined to do everything to make our relationship permanent. You don’t have to be afraid of me dumping you. Little bumps in the road are part of the journey, aren’t they? Just promise to call me immediately when you’re back home. I don’t care about the hour.”
“Thank you, Andrew.” Curtis sounded so relieved, Andrew wanted to close his shop to race over to his boy and hold him in his arms until all his worries were gone.
“It’s fine, Curtis. Everything is going to be fine. Do you want to come over tonight so you don’t have to sleep alone?”
“I would love to, Andrew. But I have to work late tonight. I don’t know when I’ll be done. First, I have a conference call with my other galleries, and after that, Patty and I have an exhibition to plan. Are you free on Wednesday? I’m sure going to need you then.”
“Of course I’m free for you, Curtis. Always. And call me tomorrow, when you’re done dealing with Jasper. Or before, when you need to hear how incredible you are. And Curtis, I know it’s early and everything, but I think I love you. In fact, I’m pretty sure I love you. With all my heart.”
Now Curtis was giggling almost hysterically. “You’re telling me this now, when I have no way of showing my appreciation.”
“You can show me on Wednesday.”
