Ryder licked against Felix’s lips, seeking permission, and Felix opened for him and melted into the kiss. Nobody could kiss like Ryder Quinn. How could someone be so perfect at everything? And why was he interested in someone like Felix? He could have anyone he wanted, of any gender. Felix had to stop thinking like that. He was here now and was going to enjoy it.
The car pulled to a stop and they broke the kiss. Looking outside the tinted windows, Felix could see they’d arrived at Epicure. How long had they been kissing? He could see how hard Ryder was; it was impossible not to. It was halfway down his thigh.
“I’m going to need a minute before we get out. I don’t want to cause an incident.”
Felix chuckled. Knowing he’d turned Ryder on that much was such an ego boost. The thought was causing him to stay hard, although he wouldn’t have the same problem as Ryder. After a couple of minutes of chatter, sitting apart from each other, Ryder got out of the car and ran round to open Felix’s door for him.
It looked for a second like Ryder wanted to hold his hand, but pulled back at the last minute. What was that about? They walked into the restaurant, Ryder slightly ahead. After the hostess greeted Ryder and smiled at Felix, she escorted them into the main restaurant, but instead of seating them with the other diners, they were taken to a private room set up just for the two of them.
Felix wasn’t sure what to make of it. Was Ryder embarrassed to be seen with him? Given what they’d done on the car ride over, he was confused, but didn’t want to make things awkward. The room was beautiful and would be romantic for an established couple to do something special, but this wasn’t a first date setting. It felt too intimate and intense, and Felix believed there was an ulterior motive.
“Are you okay, Felix?”
“Sorry?”
“I said, are you okay? You look deep in thought. Do you not like it here?”
“No, it’s lovely. Thank you.”
“What aren’t you telling me?”
“Nothing. I’m overwhelmed, is all. I never thought I’d come to a place like this.”
That wasn’t a lie. He was overwhelmed, and this was a place he could never afford. It was just that he now felt like a dirty little secret. He should have known he wouldn’t be good enough. It had been difficult not to get swept up in the fantasy of it all—the handsome prince with the charming smile and gigantic dick sweeping him off his feet. He should have just given Ryder the camera back and walked away. Now he was in an impossible situation. He wanted nothing more than to run, but he felt frozen in place.
The silence between them was becoming uncomfortable. Felix looked at the menu, and his jaw almost hit the floor when he saw the prices—small starters were a minimum of a hundred bucks. How was that justifiable? He knew Mason’s food would be amazing, but it was another sign that Felix didn’t belong in this world. He could see why Ryder had locked him away in this room.
“Evening, sir,” said Mason, walking in wearing his chef whites. “And Ryder.”
Ryder laughed, and Felix couldn’t help but smile. Masonwas known for being grumpy, but he’d been all smiles and charm on the occasions Felix had met him before.
“I hope you like the room, Felix. I suggested it for Ryder. He gets a lot of attention from the other guests when he’s out there, and you don’t need to be interrupted every five minutes by one of his stalkers.”
Felix breathed a sigh of relief and felt his eyes well up.
“Felix, what’s wrong?” asked Ryder, rushing round to his side of the table, crouching down and taking his hand.
“Nothing, I’m fine.”
“Please tell me. You haven’t been yourself since we got here. We can go somewhere else? It’s too pretentious here anyway.”
Mason chuckled. “I’ll be back in five,” he said, walking out.
“Talk to me, Felix. I want tonight to be special.”
“I’m just being silly. You can ignore me.”
“Never. What is it?”
This was so embarrassing, but Ryder was looking at him with such an earnest expression on his face.
“I thought we were in here because you didn’t want to be seen with me in public.”
He had to look away from Ryder. He was tearing up, and his stupid insecurities had ruined their evening. Why was he always like this? Was it any wonder Sam had cheated on him? He was too needy for any guy to want anything serious with him.
“Felix, look at me . . . please.”
There was a plea in his voice, forcing him to turn. Those beautiful brown eyes were full of compassion and made him feel even worse. Ryder used his thumbs to wipe away his tears, and this caring side of him made Felix unleash even more. Ryder leaned forward and kissed him gently on the lips.
