"I do because you make it easy. But it's one of the things I find enduring about you."
"You're telling the truth, aren't you?"
"I am."
Des smiled. "Okay, I forgive you." He leaned in and kissed Othello before returning to his meal.
Des couldn't removethe smile from his face as he walked around. This was indeed a pleasant surprise. Othello continued to impress him that night and arranged for him to view and purchase rare art, books, and other things that might catch his eye. He knew there would be an auction at the end of the year, but it was only by invitation. Des wasn't notable enough to get an invitation. So he was surprised to get this close, but who knew his new boyfriend was in charge of organizing the auction and got to see all the products before anyone else?
"If you see something you like, let Devin know, and he'll take care of it," Othello told him.
"Are you sure?" Des asked.
"Yes," Othello responded.
"What if I want the most expensive thing on the bidding block?"
"It's yours." Othello shrugged.
"You're being far too kind to me." Des smiled.
"I told you things are different now that we're together."
"I like this new phase between us." He leaned in and kissed him. "Thank you."
Othello grabbed his waist and pulled him close. Des moaned when Othello swept his tongue into his mouth, deepening their kiss and making him shiver all over. Des grasped Othello's jacket, wanting more. Slowly, their mouths separated, and Des opened his eyes as he tried calming his breathing and rapidly beating heart.
"I feel a bit ungrateful," Des said.
"Why?"
"Because you planned all of this for me, and the artist in me wants to take advantage of this wonderful moment, but right now, all I want is to go back to your place and have you make love to me."
Othello smirked devilishly. "Devin."
"Yes, sir."
Des's eyes widened when the auction curator appeared out of nowhere as if by magic or something. "Is everything prepared?"
"Yes."
"Good. Send everyone home. I'll take care of Mr. Ellington's needs."
Devin bowed like a butler he'd seen on television. "As you wish." He turned on his heel and walked off, leaving them alone.
Othello stepped back and took his hand. "Come on, let's look around."
"But," Des started but stopped when they walked toward a beautiful picture that should have captivated him, but he didn't care. He was confused about why Othello wasn't dragging him out of the place and taking him. They went from one picture to another, yet none caught his attention.
"What do you think of this one?" Othello asked, breaking into his thoughts.
"It's okay," he said softly with his head down. He knew he was pouting, but he didn't care. He wanted to go home and have Othello take his mind and body to a new place, but he seemed more interested in the artwork on the walls. Why send home the staff if they weren't leaving as well? As an artist, he should’ve been over the moon at all he got to see, but how can he?
He heard Othello chuckle, and Des wanted to smack the taller man. "I don't think you're paying attention," Othello whispered in his ear.
"Of course I'm paying atten..." Des raised his head and gasped mid-sentence when he saw the antique four-poster bed intricately designed, with a mahogany wood frame adorned with gold leaves from the canopy to the bottom. "Wow, this is gorgeous. It looks like something out of the 1600s, flashy but not as tasteless as one would imagine." Stepping away from Othello, he moved to the bed, lightly threaded his fingers through thethick red-and-gold drapes, then to the headboard with a more detailed design with what resembled a coat of arms. He brushed his fingers against the neatly made white silk sheets. He was surprised when he pressed into bed. It wasn't hard, but it was a soft plush mattress that seemed to be made for a king or queen.
"Gods, this is beautiful," he whispered, stepping back from the bed and taking in the rest of the room, which he'd just noticed was surrounded by red roses and candles of all sizes lighting the room, aided by the full moon seeping in from the window. On a gold ornate end table were two glasses and a bottle of wine chilling in a bucket of ice. It was so romantic, perfect for a night of lovemaking. Then, a thought came to Des.
