“If anything, I’m out of your league.”
Felix snorted. “Yeah, right.”
Ryder wasn’t having this defeatist attitude caused by some bitter bitch and her minions. He pulled Felix towards him and pressed their lips together, and he let the kiss linger for a while as Felix melted into it. When he pulled away, he saw some people filming them. He didn’t care, and Felix still had his eyes closed, blissed out from the kiss. Ryder loved knowing he’d done that to him.
Once they were booted up, they hit the ice. Felix was doing his best impression of Bambi, so Ryder took his hand and supported him as they slowly made their way around the rink. He knew people were watching them, and some people had their phone cameras out, but he stayed in the moment, watching the joy on Felix’s face as he got more confident on the ice. It took half a dozen laps of the rink before he felt comfortable skating without holding Ryder’s hand.
“Sorry, I’m slowing you down.”
“I’m just happy being with you.”
They skated around again a few more times before Felix came to a stop at the exit.
“Why don’t you show me what Ryder Quinn is made of? Then we can go somewhere warm.”
Ryder got goosebumps at the thought of taking him home, but he wanted their first time to be special, and not on a weeknight. Not that either of them had regular hour jobs, but he’d like to take his time and get to know Felix more. However, if Felix offered himself up on a platter, he’d be a fool to say no.
Once Felix was off the ice, Ryder let loose and spun round the rink a few times. He knew he was being filmed, but he was happy to show off a bit. He’d prefer that to be what people posted on social media, rather than pictures of him with Felix. Nothing embarrassed Ryder, but he already felt protective of Felix, which was new for him.
After a few spins, he looked over at Felix and noticed he was surrounded by those bitches from before. He made for the exit straight away and skidded to a loud stop.
“What’s going on here?” he said firmly, causing them to jump.
Felix had retreated in on himself, and it was clear he was uncomfortable with whatever had happened.
“Do you all want to disappear before I call the manager over and get you removed?”
They dispersed quickly after that, the ringleader shooting them both dirty looks. Ryder put his arm around Felix’s shoulder, and he stiffened, so he moved it away. He quickly changed out of his boots. Felix was ready to go, and not another word was spoken while they handed their skates back and left.
“Where do you want to go now?” asked Ryder. “You said some place warm.”
“I just want to go home.”
Ryder wanted to argue, but Felix looked upset, so he didn’t want to push him.
“Let me order the car to collect us.”
“I can get the subway. You’re miles away from me.”
“No, Felix. I’ll take you home, and I want my goodnight kiss.”
Felix smiled. That was better. He wasn’t sure what those girls had said to him, but the smile was enough to convince Ryder they hadn’t done any permanent damage. Before he said goodnight, they’d be arranging their next date.
CHAPTER 10
FELIX
Felix had slept terribly after going over his date with Ryder. It had been wonderful until people had recognized Ryder and started making comments. Those women had known exactly how to get to Felix—homing in on his insecurities and attacking him like a school of piranhas. The problem was, he couldn’t argue with what they were saying. Ryder Quinn was completely out of his league. He could have anyone he wanted, so why was he with Felix? Could it be some kind of a bet like those girls had said? Apparently, Ryder liked to wager with his friends, and Felix was probably some experiment to see if he could get the nerdy redhead to fall for the fitness model as quickly as possible. It was clear Ryder wanted to push things along into the bedroom, but Felix was the one holding back. And why was he doing that? Because deep down, he knew once he slept with Ryder, he’d move on. An optimistic part of Felix hoped he could turn Ryder from the fuckboy he was known as to someone who would want to have a relationship. He was kidding himself, but couldn’t help getting swept up in the fantasy. The caring, considerate man who had wiped away his tears at Epicure earlier in theweek was the man he was falling for, not the social media guy everyone wanted a piece of.
He’d been in bed catastrophizing long enough. Laura had left for work an hour ago, and all he’d done was sit in bed and run through every scenario he could think of for why dating Ryder was a bad idea. But part of him kept coming back to the passion in their kisses. There was no way to fake the intensity of the way he looked at Felix... was there? He was a social media influencer and a model; he had to act all the time. Argh! He needed to stop this! He reached for his phone and opened one of the social media apps, then closed it immediately. The last thing he should do is doomscroll. He needed to get ready for the wedding he had on today. It would be the first time using his new camera on a gig, which made him think of Ryder again. Felix got out of bed before he could spiral any more.
The shower was a quick one—no lingering today. He’d spent too long lazing in bed, and his gig started in an hour. He wore dress trousers and a smart shirt. The grooms hadn’t insisted on him being suited and booted, which was better for moving around all day, but he still wanted to be respectful of the occasion. It wasn’t like he’d be in any of the photos. Once he was happy with how he looked, he grabbed his new camera and kit, and was out the door. He’d ordered an Uber to the venue, as it was easier than schlepping on the subway with everything.
Lucas and Westley were getting married at Chelsea Piers, and the venue had a stunning view of the Hudson River. It was all lit up for Christmas, and had been decorated to the couple’s taste. They hadn’t wanted to do pictures at home, getting into the car and all that buildup that was favored by brides. He shouldn’t think this, but wedding photography was a lot easier when there was no bride. Although to be fair, he’d had to deal with a few diva queens who would put Mariah Carey to shame.
He took a few test shots of the venue, to get a feel for the place and what would work well for the ceremony and reception, which were both being held here. It was an all-day gig, but he loved doing gay weddings. To think, there was a time when this wasn’t even dreamed of being possible. The world was still a scary place, but being able to get married was possible because of the people who’d come before. He found many people his own age forgot about that. One day, this could be him getting married to the love of his life. Not in a place like this—a bit out of his price range—but it would be somewhere that would be perfect for them. Whoever this faceless man was. An image of Ryder popped into his head, looking hot as fuck in a wedding suit, but he shook it away. There was no way he was going down that fantasy path.
The wedding ceremony had been beautiful. To see two men so in love, and their friends and family cheering for them, was heartwarming. Even though he missed his family, he was pleased that wasn’t everyone’s story. The reception was now in full swing. The food was delicious, and the grooms had insisted Felix get a meal. That rarely happened at weddings, and he was grateful for it. There was some chatter going on at the top table, and Lucas was in fits of laughter with his new mother-in-law. It was a great shot, and Felix was delighted to have caught it.
