“I’m honored to be here with you tonight, Felix. I wouldhappily sit out there with you on my arm. Hell, you could sit on my lap if you wanted. It’s just that I get a lot of attention, which Mason was right about, and I wanted to have time for us to get to know each other better, away from all that attention. That’s my life, for better or worse, but I never wanted to upset you.”
“I’m sorry. I assumed the worst. I’ve not had the best luck with relationships.” He gasped. “Not that I think that’s what this is.”
“And why not?” asked Ryder, smiling.
“Because you’re Ryder Quinn. You don’t do relationships.”
“Don’t believe everything you read on the internet.”
“Yeah, but even if you did, you’re you, and I’m me.”
“I think we’re going to have to work on your confidence, if you’ll let me.”
Felix nodded with a smile. How was this sweet giant of a man the same as the one on social media posting thirst traps all day?
“Did you want to get a table in the main restaurant, or go somewhere else?”
“Let’s stay here.”
“You sure?”
“Yes. I like the idea of getting to know each other better. You’re not like you are online. I want to get to know the real Ryder Quinn.”
He smiled, before stealing a quick kiss. He stood up and sat back on the other side of the table. Felix felt foolish for what he’d shared tonight, but Ryder had been so kind and understanding he didn’t feel embarrassed anymore. He was determined to enjoy the evening and just see what happened.
CHAPTER 9
RYDER
It took all of Ryder’s self-restraint not to drag Felix into the car and back to his place when they met outside Saks on Fifth Avenue. Felix was looking at the window display, which was always iconic, and he had a woolly hat on with some tufts of his ginger hair sticking out. Ryder wanted to grab it while he fucked him, and he wondered if he’d be up for a bit of rough play... and now he was hard in the street. What was it about Felix? He had some kind of mystical power over Ryder’s dick.
“Evening, cutie,” said Ryder, startling Felix.
He turned round and beamed at Ryder before looking awkward, not knowing how to greet him in public. It wasn’t something they’d discussed, but Ryder wasn’t missing an opportunity to get his mouth on those lips. He yanked Felix forward and kissed him, but he kept his tongue out of it, given they were in public, because Ryder knew he wouldn’t be able to hold back once he got a full taste. He’d worn a baseball cap so it reduced the possibility of him being recognised. Ryder was proud to have him on his arm, but he knew Felix wasn’t keen on the attention, and he wanted to reducethe risk of him being put off from the attention Ryder got, which could be a lot.
After they’d cleared the air at Epicure, they’d had a wonderful evening, eating great food and getting to know each other more. Ryder loved how animated Felix got about his photography. The passion was strong. It reminded Ryder of his love of fitness, something he’d been less focused on since his social media profile had taken off. He still kept himself fit and healthy because it was his brand, but hearing Felix speak about what he loved made Ryder want that passion back in his own life.
“What’s if someone sees us?” asked Felix, looking anxious.
“We’ve had this conversation. I don’t care. Everyone will know I’m on a date with an adorable cutie.”
Felix blushed, looking at the floor at the same time. He was grateful Ryder had, but Ryder gripped his chin, not too hard, and lifted his face up. He gave him another gentle kiss and saw him relax.
“Shall we go inside?”
“Bit out of my price range,” said Felix.
“We’re only window shopping. Come on.”
They walked inside and Ryder appreciated the warmth straight away. The temperature had dropped to forty degrees for the first time, and the wind chill made it feel mid-thirties. He watched Felix get excited at all the different displays, and there was the odd thing he lingered on. Ryder made the mistake of offering to buy him something once, but he got such a glare he didn’t do it again.
They hit some of the other shops whenever they needed to get out of the cold, and stopped for a hot chocolate before they headed to Rockerfeller. Ryder wanted to go to FAO Schwarz to get something for his young cousin, because even though he wouldn’t see him this Christmas, that wouldn’t stop him from sending an extravagant gift. He’d also buy himanother when he next visited. It wasn’t a good sign for when he became an uncle. He knew his sisters would give him a hard time about spoiling their kids, but he’d do it anyway.
The store was incredible, as always, mixing history with a wide and eclectic offering, alongside traditional decorations and a blend of classic and modern holiday music. Felix looked to be in complete awe, and it was a wonderful sight to see. The place was absolutely packed, but it didn’t feel stifling. Ryder could tell some people had recognized him despite the baseball cao, but they were keeping a respectful distance. He would never be rude to a fan, but he was here with Felix and didn’t want anyone interrupting their time together.
“Have you ever been ice skating?” asked Felix.
“Yeah. Loads of times. Do you want to go?”
