Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Eighteen

After checking his messages, Ford decided to venture out and buy Marisol and Adriana presents from the city. He headed onto Broadway, and the first thing he spotted was a tour bus. He couldn’t be sure it was Nico’s tour, as the company had routes going uptown and downtown, but simply knowing he was there put a smile on his face.

After a little time at MM’s New York, where he bought them cute but overpriced gifts, he wandered the streets uptown, stopping to take pictures of Rockefeller Center and Radio City Music Hall. Farther uptown, he passed by Carnegie Hall, and spotting Central Park, walked the perimeter, gazing at all the famous hotels—the Waldorf, the Plaza—and taking tons of pictures, knowing Marisol and Adriana would love to see everything.

His phone buzzed with a text, and seeing it was Nico, his heart gave a little swoop. Ford laughed at himself for acting like a schoolkid with a crush, but that was how Nico made him feel—he was a teenager again, dreamy-eyed and unable to control his emotions.

What’re you doing?

Ford took a selfie.

Guess.

You went to the park? Be careful of pickpockets.

Ford snorted.

Yes, Dad. I’m just going to have lunch.

Don’t eat those dirty water dogs.

What’s that?

Nico sent a rolling-eyes emoji. Hot dog carts. If you have one, you might be in the bathroom all night. And that’ll fuck up my plans for you.

Ford tingled all over in anticipation.

I promise. What do you feel like eating tonight? I want to take you someplace special.

Your ass is pretty special. I plan to eat that. I know you like it.

Ford’s breath hitched, and he darted a glance around, as if anyone could see the deliciously filthy words from Nico. He never thought he’d get turned-on by dirty talk, but after the incredible sex they’d had, Nico was opening his eyes to the kind of passion he’d been missing.

Another text popped up.

Did I shock you?

Ford hesitated for a second.

Yes, but I like it.

Yeah? You like the dirty talk? You like when I fuck you and make you scream? Shove my cock in your hole? Fill you up and split you in two?

Ford had to press his lips together to keep from panting.

Yes. Do it. All of it. Tonight.

Nico sent a devil’s-horns emoji, and Ford blew out a breath of pure frustration that he was sitting in the middle of New York City with a raging hard-on and couldn’t move.

He’d worried at first that he wouldn’t be sexually experienced enough for a man like Nico. He’d always thought his sex life with Lenny had been satisfying—Lenny would come to his room, kiss him, give him a blowjob and push inside him. Then Lenny would fall asleep, and after he woke up, Ford would give him a blowjob before he’d leave.

They’d started sleeping separately because Lenny had claimed he was too light a sleeper and Ford’s tossing and turning woke him up. Later on, Ford figured it had all been a ruse so Lenny could come and go as he pleased without Ford noticing.

Twice-a-week sex with Nico would never be enough. Even now, after Nico had wrung out the most intense pleasure from him, Ford craved more. But, as he’d told Nico, it wasn’t only the sex. He missed being with Nico, soaking in his bright spirit and joyful presence.

Finally able to leave the bench, he walked around until he found a cute place, Sarabeth’s, where he ordered a salad and a club soda. While he was there, he made a reservation at Gallaghers, hoping that Nico would want a nice steak dinner. Ford had eaten at the one in Boca Raton, and it had been delicious. He wanted to make this last night with Nico special.

He ordered a cappuccino and stared into space as he sipped. Could he, somehow, make it work with Nico? He didn’t mind flying up every other weekend or so, but he wanted more than stolen weekends in hotel rooms.

No use trying to figure it out on my own.

He called for the check. He needed to return to his suite and make a phone call.

By the time he entered the Knickerbocker, he was sweaty, so he showered and changed clothes. From his wallet, he took out the card Dr. Sandler had given him at the conference and placed the call.

The service picked up, and he told them it wasn’t an emergency and to please connect him with the voice mail so he could leave a message. He could’ve used his personal cell number but didn’t feel comfortable disturbing the man on a holiday weekend.

“Dr. Sandler, this is Dr. Ford St. Claire. We met at the conference in New York last month. I have something I’d like to discuss with you. Please call me at your earliest convenience.”

With that done, he decided to lie down and take a nap. “I have a feeling it’s going to be a very late night.”

**

They waited at the hostess station of Gallaghers Steakhouse to be seated. Nico craned his head.

“I’ve heard about this restaurant. It’s supposed to be one of the best steakhouses. Never thought I’d be eating here.”

Ford’s hand rested on Nico’s nape. “You deserve the best.”

Nico’s eyes blazed turquoise heat. “Yeah? I got that. You.”

Ford leaned in close. “You are so going to get lucky when I get you back to the hotel.”

“I already am.”

“Uh, gentlemen?” The sound of a throat clearing snapped him out of his lust-filled fog. The hostess waited with a knowing expression. “I have your table ready.”

Holding hands, they followed her through the dining hall to a table for two in the corner. “Here you go. Enjoy your dinners.”

They sat opposite each other, and Ford feasted on Nico’s gorgeous face. He would never get tired of looking at him.

“You need to stop staring at me like that,” Nico murmured with a slight smile tipping up the corner of his delicious mouth.

“Like what?”

A busboy stopped by to fill their water glasses and set a basket of bread and butter between them. Nico waited for him to leave before continuing.

“Like you want to eat my face.”

“Not your face.” The words tumbled from Ford’s lips, shocking him, and from his raised eyebrows, Nico as well.

“Yeah? You’re gonna play that game with me here?”

“I’m not playing.” He took a sip of water. “And what I feel is no game.”

Nico flushed and lowered his gaze. Those thick, dark lashes fanned out over his cheeks.

The server appeared. “What can I get you gentlemen to drink?”

“I’ll have an extra-dry martini. Nico?”

“Uh, Macallan, neat.”

“Very good. Have you had a chance to look at the menu?”

“I’ve eaten at Gallaghers in Boca. The chilled seafood appetizer for two was delicious.” He checked with Nico. “Would you like to try that?”

Nico swallowed. “Are you sure?”

“Absolutely.” He nodded to the server. “Let’s go with that. Is there still prime rib available? I know you run out.”

“I’ll check with the kitchen and put your order in now for this.”

“Thanks.”

Nico fidgeted until the man was out of earshot, then whispered loudly, “That appetizer is almost a hundred dollars on its own.”

“I know.”

Nico huffed. “I don’t belong here.”

“Stop that,” Ford said, his voice sharp. “You belong any damn place you want to go. Understand?”

“Yeah, but—”

“No buts. We’re going to eat our appetizer, and if they have the prime rib, we’re going to get that with sides, and if you want dessert, we’re going to get that too.”

A wicked smile curved Nico’s lips. “I like it when you get bossy. Turns me on.”

Ford tipped his head. “I’ll remember that.”

Their drinks were served, and he was informed that they did have the prime rib.

“Two orders, please. Medium rare?” he asked Nico, who nodded. “With french fries and creamed spinach.”

They drank and talked, Nico agreeing that it made sense to look beyond his company for opportunities.

“I did some lookin’ when I was on break, and there are other jobs. What I’d really like is to go back to business school, but I can’t afford it right now.”

It was painful to sit and listen, knowing he had more than enough to pay for Nico’s school, but that Nico would never take his money.

“I think you’d be great in marketing or advertising. You have a feel for people and understand what they like and want.”

Nico thought as he ate his shrimp. “Yeah. That was gonna be what I studied, but things got knocked off course—I had to drop my plans when my mother got sick. Someday, though, I’ll get that degree. My mom was so proud of me graduating from college, she’d go nuts if I got a master’s.”

“I know you can do it.”

Their meals came, and Nico dug in with such gusto, it made Ford’s heart swell. He would love to take him to Florida and walk with him on the beach, or Las Olas, window-shopping.

“What’s the matter?” Nico’s brows knitted. They’d demolished almost all the food, leaving only scraps behind. “You look like you thought of somethin’ you forgot to do.”

“No. Just something I wish I could do but can’t.”

Nico leaned forward. “I know you’re not thinkin’ of me. ’Cause you can do me any way you want.”

Ford choked on his water. “Dessert?” he managed to ask.

That dangerous smile of Nico’s returned, and Ford felt a corresponding tug in his belly. He called over the server.

“Check, please.”

Without even glancing at the bill, he gave over the credit card and scribbled a hefty tip. Nico had his phone out.

“Car will be here in a minute.”

Nerves buzzing, he took Nico’s hand, and they left the restaurant. The return ride was quick, and when they entered the dimly lit suite, Nico was all over him, his lips and hands everywhere.

“What do you want me to do?”

Ford wanted to hold him tight and whisper, Love me, but instead he swiftly undressed and helped Nico off with his clothes. “Lie on the bed, facedown.”

Nico did, and Ford followed, aching and ready to burst out of his skin. He hovered over Nico and parted his legs. His mouth watered, and he ran his hands over the sweet curve of Nico’s ass. Sighing, Nico spread himself open wider, and Ford’s dick swelled as he took in the shadowed cleft. He ran his nose down it and spread him apart. With the point of his tongue, he licked across the hole, and hearing Nico grunt only spurred him on. He licked and lapped, circling the tiny opening, then sucked it again.

“Holy fuck,” Nico groaned, his hips rutting into the bed. “Fuck, come on. I need it.”

“Shh. Let me.” Ford stuck his tongue inside Nico as far as he could. Hearing him sob, feeling his full-body tremors, Ford plunged in and out, his tongue flickering. Nico cried out and tore at the bedcovers.

“Fuck. Oh, God. Oh, Christ.” His hips worked frantically.

But Ford didn’t want Nico to come. He wanted Nico’s cock, so he pulled out.

“No, what the hell? Ford!” Nico rolled over, and wild-eyed, pulled him close. “Why’d you stop? I was fucking close.”

“Do it in me. Fill me up with your come,” Ford groaned, and a feral smile broke across Nico’s face. Ford lay trembling, loving how Nico’s wet fingers speared him, stretching him wide.

“You hold me like a second skin. Like I’m part of you.”

“You are,” Ford breathed. “The best part.”

Nico moved his fingers, rubbing his prostate, sending him into a frenzy. When Nico reached for the condom, he got on all fours. Nico returned and rubbed his rough cheek against his ass.

“You want it like this, baby? Want me all up in that gorgeous ass?” Nico blew a cool stream of air over the cleft, and Ford trembled.

“Yes,” he choked. “Please.”

Nico circled his dick on the rim, the wide head catching the nerve-rich opening, and Ford gasped and raised his hips higher.

“You like that?” Nico growled, continuing to tease him, now delving his fingers in again and again, spreading him open, hitting that spot so Ford saw stars. “Want it?”

“Fucking hell, yes,” Ford cried out, uncaring how he pushed his ass into Nico’s hand, greedy to be filled. “I need you, Nico. Please.” He burned for this man.

Nico thrust deep, fingers digging into his hips. “Fuck, it’s even better this way.” Holding him by his waist, Nico hammered into him, withdrawing almost completely, then driving in, over and over. “You’re fucking amazing.”

Ford sighed and bit the edge of the pillow as Nico continued to pump him hard and fast.

“Oh, God. You’re fucking huge. I love it.” Sweat poured from his face, and he felt wild and primitive. Like they were two creatures rutting against each other. He let go and came, his unsteady legs no longer able to hold him up. He fell flat, drained yet whole. “I’m so in love with you.”

Nico lay over Ford, and he thrust into his willing, boneless body and came. The pulse of Nico’s dick inside his passage as it filled the condom with heat sent tremors through him. Nico kissed his neck, his cheek, his hair, and Ford turned his head to catch his mouth.

“Did you mean it?” Nico breathed, continuing to press his lips to Ford’s. “What you said just before? Tell me.”

“I know it’s fast, but I’ve spent every day since we’ve met thinking of you. And I didn’t want to leave—I couldn’t—without telling you.”

Nico pulled out, got rid of the condom, and faced him with an uncertain expression. “You meant it? You don’t gotta say it to make me feel good.”

It was painful to see the doubt in those beautiful eyes and hear the waver in his voice. Nico didn’t only doubt Ford’s feelings, he doubted himself, and that broke Ford’s heart.

“Tell me why you don’t believe me.”

Nico picked at a stray thread on the bedcover and cast his eyes downward. “I dunno, Doc. Let’s see. It’s way too fast. You’re successful, a doctor, have tons of money, and…” His expression darkened. “You wanna make me say all this?”

Ford scooted over to his side. “I’m still not seeing a reason. Nothing you’ve said is about who you are as a person. Because the Nico I’ve come to know is the most kind and giving person I’ve ever met. Someone who takes care of his family and friends and watches out for them. A man who works hard without complaining. A fantastic lover.”

Nico’s eyes softened. “I know the sex is incredible, but—”

Ford smoothly cut him off. “Yeah, it is. The best I’ve ever had, and I don’t lie.” Nico’s eyes glowed, and Ford took his hands, lacing their fingers together. “Sex and lust, no matter how exciting or intense, aren’t love. Eventually the fire will burn itself out, and all you’re left with are the memories of what used to be.”

“Like you with your ex?”

Ford’s heart lurched, but the searing pain he’d learned to live with after Lenny left him had faded, leaving him scarred and bruised but not broken.

“Yeah. He hurt me. Badly. And at the time I thought I’d never want to show my face again.”

Looking confused, Nico asked, “Why? What happened? I mean, you said he cheated, which sucks, but why would you wanna hide? You didn’t do nothin’ wrong.”

It had been so long since he’d relived the events that brought his life crashing down. But he wanted no secrets between him and Nico.

“When I met Lenny in our first year of med school, I was twenty-two and a virgin. He was charming and persuasive, and I fell for him. For lack of a better phrase, he swept me off my feet. What Lenny Nova wanted, he got.”

“Like you.”

Ford nodded. “I won’t deny I allowed myself to be blinded by all that money, and it wasn’t too hard, believe me. The fancy restaurants, the beautiful clothes, the parties I was able to attend. Because I was only too eager to forget where I came from, I shed my trailer-park life and embraced his life of luxury—the best of everything.”

“Sounds like you were livin’ the dream.”

Ford fixed his eyes on the carpeting. “Until it turned into a nightmare.” He chewed the inside of his cheek. “I’d sit with him at events and at country clubs, never speaking and feeling hugely out of place. If they discovered where I came from, I knew they’d slam the door in my face. His parents never accepted me, and I figured he probably kept me around to give them the middle finger.”

“I get it. You were the wrong-side-of-the-tracks guy. Like me. We’re always better, you know. The bad boys are always more fun.” Nico winked at him, and a surge of love rushed over him in warm waves.

“Except I wasn’t the bad boy. I molded myself into the man Lenny wanted me to be.”

Nico trailed a finger down his cheek. “You don’t gotta change who you are. You look pretty damn perfect to me.”

Ford’s smile was wry. “I’ve learned no one’s perfect. All that glitter hid a lot of ugliness. And it’s not like I wasn’t satisfied with our sex life—I mean, what did I know? Sometimes Lenny wanted to do things I was uncomfortable with, but if I said no, he stopped. Turns out, he didn’t drop it, just found someone else to scratch his itch.” He swallowed. “Lots of somebodies. The big scandal hit when he was caught with the senator’s son in the senator’s town car, having sex. The kid was only nineteen.”

Nico winced. “Damn.”

Ford forced his numb lips to stop trembling. “Of course it made the news—prominent local doctor caught in compromising position with a senator’s teenaged son? Nice and juicy, and the local news couldn’t get enough of it. And because a senator’s son was involved, it made national news. That’s when all these people came out of the woodwork to say they too had sex with Lenny, and they were only too happy to give the blow-by-blow of their stories. So to speak.”

“Jesus. Sounds like your ex was a walking erection.”

“Basically. And I was portrayed as the foolish, suffering, duped fiancé.”

Nico’s brows flew high. “You were engaged?”

Ford sought to reassure Nico. “We talked about getting married, but I never pushed, and neither did Lenny. But being together for so long, and running our practice together, people assumed.”

“Yeah, I don’t get that either. Why are you still in business with him? Someone fucks me over like that, I’m out and I don’t ever wanna see them again.”

Ford sighed. “It’s complicated. We own the practice together and have a joint business account. It’s only been a year since we broke up, and I haven’t had the time or energy to start dissolution proceedings.”

“You should,” Nico declared with a stubborn set to his jaw.

“Why? I don’t love Lenny anymore. We’re merely business partners. As I told you, we don’t even see each other at the practice; we set our schedules for different days, worked it out, all very efficient.”

“He’s a sex fiend. Trust me, he still wants you. Why would he give up someone like you?”

“He had no trouble sticking it in anyone who breathed his way. I don’t care anymore.” Ford kissed him. “He doesn’t want me, and I sure as hell don’t want him. He can screw half of Florida for all I care, and he probably has.” He slid his fingers through Nico’s dark waves. “I have everything I want right here. With you.”

“Yeah,” he said softly. “And you gotta know”—he ducked his head, so adorably cute, Ford wanted to hug him and never let go—“I…I love you too. You’re so different from anyone I’ve ever met, I still don’t think it’s real.”

“How come?” Ford asked.

“Because.” Nico shrugged. “Guys like you don’t fall for guys like me.”

“You know what I’m thinking?” Ford tipped up his chin to meet those beautiful eyes. He needed to chase away any doubts Nico had about his heart. “What do I have that would keep someone like you interested in me? You’re young and beautiful, with tons of friends and a family who loves you. I’m older. Alone. And all I have is my work.”

“Not true. You got me and the entire crew you’ve already met—who think you’re the best, by the way.” Ford grinned, and Nico bit his lip. “Not gonna lie, though. It’ll take me some time to get used to this.”

Ford pulled him close and buried his lips in Nico’s hair. “We have all the time in the world.”