Declan was right—there was no use in hiding from himself. Gray knew what he was good at, and he knew how to take care of his people. And maybe, just maybe, he’d be able to offer Jameson more than just a taste after all.
He picked up his phone, then pulled up his recent contacts. “Raiden?” Jameson said once his friend picked up. “Sorry to call you so early, but I think I need your help with something.”
Jameson
By the timeit was dusk outside, Jameson had to admit the crowd of paparazzi at his gate wasn’t going anywhere. People had started live-tweeting the whole thing and speculating wildly about when Jameson would make another appearance.
Standing in the sitting room by the front door, he pressed his hand against the front window, grateful for all the old trees and the budding hillside. He might be able to forget the world was barking at his door, but soon, the hottest cable gossip show was going to air their exclusive interview with the photographer Gray had slapped the night before. All the previews showed him complaining about a burly tattooed man, and Jameson knew the media storm would kick up to the next level the second it broadcast.
He turned away from the window. He retrieved his wine, sipping it and considering whether it was possible to lock Gray in his bedroom for the rest of the spring, keeping the guy all to himself. With how desperately he craved Gray’s company and touch, Jameson thought they might be able to last long enough that the media would move on to some new scandal.
“Jameson,” Gray said, stepping into the doorway.
Jameson turned. Gray had the hood of his sweatshirt thrown up, and black leather gloves were pulled tight on his hands. “Hi, Gray,” he said. “How does it look out there?”
Gray stepped forward, then took Jameson’s elbow. “You said earlier that you wished you could just disappear, right?”
Jameson narrowed his eyes. “It’s not that easy. You saw what happened at the movie theater.” He didn’t know what Gray had in mind, but his mansion was the only place he’d ever been able to safely hide away. Even luxury hotels known for providing privacy were only able to offer a star like Jameson two or three days of quiet before a crowd would start to gather in the lobby.
Gray brushed his lips across Jameson’s with a quick kiss. “That’s the thing, though. I’ve got a better disguise this time.”
“A better disguise?”
“Do you trust me?”
Jameson hesitated. He did trust Gray. It was just everyone else he had a problem with.
“Come on, beautiful,” Gray said, mischief glinting in his eyes. “Let’s have an adventure.”
Jameson draped his hands over Gray’s shoulders. “An adventure?”
Gray grabbed Jameson by the side, then ground their hips together. “Find someplace we can really be alone.”
Gray’s breath was on Jameson’s neck, and Jameson moaned softly as his head swirled. “Someplace we can be alone,” he finally said. He didn’t think that kind of place existed, but then again, he’d never spent time with a man like Gray. He seemed to know a whole different world than the one Jameson was used to. “If you’re confident...”
Gray shot alive with a smile, like he was getting away with something, and Jameson laughed warmly. “Grab your things,” Gray said. “I’ll meet you downstairs in five.”
Jameson hurried before he could doubt himself, only pausing to send Dee a selfie with a freaked-out message. He shoved some clothes in his backpack, enough for a night or two, and rummaged around in the bathroom for his travel pouch of toiletries. He stopped at the makeup counter long enough to grab some of his favorite colors, then caught his reflection in the mirror.
He looked alive. There was no dull smile on his lips, no steady strength in his eyes. He just looked bright and excited, like there was a light flicked on inside of him. Like he might burst apart at any minute, breaking free.
A text from Dee pulled Jameson back to reality, and he laughed as GIF after GIF rolled in, all of animals doing happy dances. He tossed his bag over his shoulder, glanced around the room one more time, and then hurried down the stairs. At the entrance, he stopped long enough to refill Pickles’s food and water dishes, then give her some quick love and attention.
“I won’t be gone long,” he whispered, petting her shaggy head while she licked his pantleg. Pickles turned her face up suddenly, then whined. “Okay, I don’t know how long, exactly.” He pulled out his phone, then sent a quick message. “Sandy will come by to feed and walk you and to play twice a day, and I promise, I won’t forget about you.” Pickles stood up, licked Jameson’s hand for a minute, and then yawned.
“Good dog,” Jameson said, then tore himself away.
Out in the dusk, Gray was already waiting with his own bag and a dark hat shadowing his face. Jameson zipped up his jacket as he walked down the steps. “You said something about a different disguise. Do I need the hat you lent me?”
Gray shook his head quickly. “No, that’s all taken care of. Are you ready?”
Jameson turned his eyes to the front of the house. He imagined the crowd waiting there, from the paparazzi he knew by name to the few obsessive fans who took any opportunity to creep across his boundaries. “I can’t believe I’m doing this, but yeah, I’m ready.”
“Great,” Gray answered, grinning widely. “This way.”
Gray took Jameson’s hand, but instead of heading toward the garage, he led them into the trees and toward the back of the property. They stomped up the hill together, pushing through bushes and then weaving around trees. Jameson tightened his grip, wanting to feel the warmth of Gray’s hand even through the soft leather of the gloves. “You know there’s no gate back here,” he said.
“Who needs a gate?”
