Chapter Twenty-One

Chapter Twenty-One

Was it always going to be this way? Knowing he failed to meet the standard of the man Ford should be with? For years he’d put on the face of a happy, good-time guy who didn’t care whom he was with because he’d been told the truth—he was the reflection in the mirror and nothing more. Nico listened to Ford, but though the words were pretty and he knew Ford meant them, that damn self-doubt was an evil thief, stealing his joy.

Since Payson, he’d talked himself into believing love was a lie. That it was for suckers, for fools. No reason to tie yourself down when there were so many willing guys to meet. Sex in a relationship would become boring. Routine. Why would he want to see the same face next to his on the pillow every morning?

Ford changed that. Changed him. One touch from him wasn’t enough. A single kiss had him craving more. Each morning found him lonely for strong arms holding him tight and a wake-up kiss that brightened his life more than the midday summer sun. He had no clue that falling in love was willingly handing your heart to someone else for safekeeping.

Unlike with Payson, Ford wasn’t ashamed to be seen with him. But at what personal cost?

“I don’t wanna hurt your business,” he said quietly, all the while tasting the bitterness of his thoughts.

“Explain, please.” Ford’s narrowed eyes revealed nothing but confusion. “How would you be doing that?”

Nico shrugged and hung his head. “If Lenny thinks I’m a gold digger, then other people will too.”

“And?” Ford quirked a brow, and Nico grew irritated that he didn’t understand.

“And? You don’t need people thinkin’ I’m a money-honey. That I’m just a hot piece of ass, like he told you on the phone. I heard him. ”

“You are gorgeous. And sexy.”

Nico’s heart twisted with each word. “You’re proving my point, and I don’t like it.”

“Don’t be silly,” Ford responded, maddeningly calm. “I’m stating the obvious. Anyone with eyes and a brain can look at you and see that. And let’s turn it around to me. People will think, What’s Ford trying to prove by having a hot, young lover? Is he trying to hold on to his youth? That guy can do much better.”

“They’d better not,” Nico growled, instinctively possessive. “And I know what you’re tryin’ to do. But people are always gonna think I’m with you for your money.”

“So what? Fuck them,” Ford snapped, and Nico realized how rarely he’d heard him curse. “I’m serious, Nico. When Lenny’s scandal broke, I discovered that people I thought were my friends, all of them knew he was a serial cheater, yet they never came to me. That’s when I learned that the only one I can rely on to create my happiness is me, and I don’t have to behave as others think I should. I know who you are; I know you don’t care about the money. That is the person I love.” His mouth drooped. “Meanwhile, I have a huge problem, which might have lasting complications.”

Hearing Ford’s concern, Nico put aside his personal misgivings. Ford needed him, and he was ready to help however he could, even if it was only by listening. “What’s wrong? Can I help?”

When Ford told him about Marisol’s discovery of Jose Diamond’s fraud, Nico couldn’t believe it.

“So lemme get this straight. Your ex brings in someone who lies about bein’ a doctor? What the fuck is wrong with him? Do you think he knew this guy is a fake? I mean they’re obviously together.”

“Yes but no matter what, I wouldn’t trust him to tell me the truth about anything. Whether he did or didn’t might not matter if there’s liability. Or even if there isn’t. I was foolish enough to go along with it, and failed to do my own due diligence. I stupidly trusted Lenny.”

Nico wasn’t certain he grasped the situation, but from Ford’s dour expression, he knew it wasn’t good.

“You mean, you could be blamed if this guy hurts someone?” That didn’t sound fair to him, but that was what the lawyers would figure out.

A host of expressions played on Ford’s face—fear, pain, anger—all of which made Nico see red and want to hold Ford and keep him safe. “Yes. All of us will be in trouble. I’ll have to speak to my lawyer on Monday, but as far as I’m concerned, I have to leave the practice.” Darkness shrouded his bright eyes.

Channeling his protective instincts, Nico wrapped an arm around Ford. He’d never allow anyone to hurt this man and would do whatever he could to prevent it from happening. “How does that work?” Ford leaned into him, and Nico kissed the top of his head, hoping he could offer the comfort and support Ford needed.

“Dissolution, and we split the assets and close it.” A shudder ran through Ford. “It can get ugly—and it will. Lenny’s capital was used to set up the practice, so I’m sure he’ll try to weasel the greater share of the practice’s assets, even though we set it up fifty-fifty. Besides that, he has a regular weekly spot on a morning news station, and I write a column for the newspaper. The goodwill built up is in both our names.”

“Sounds complicated, but I bet since you both want out, it might not be as bad as you think,” he said, trying to put a positive spin on the situation.

Ford’s smile was wry. “All I know is with Lenny, I foresee it getting very ugly.” He kissed Nico’s cheek. “But this isn’t why you came to see me. I don’t plan on spending the rest of your vacation talking about my business failure.”

“Why not? Isn’t that what people should do? Talk about their shit? I know that Anthony and Sergio talk about their jobs and future. And Tre and Joey have a plan for after they get married and she starts havin’ kids. You helped me see that I shouldn’t pigeonhole myself by only applying to my company. I’ve got my résumé out to a buncha places.”

Ford nodded with satisfaction. “I’m glad. And anyone who hires you will be lucky to get someone with your drive and ambition.”

But Nico wasn’t in the mood to be placated. “Don’t brush me off. I wanna help you, like you helped me. Maybe I don’t have a fancy graduate degree—yet—but I have street sense about people.” He nudged Ford. “After all, I knew enough to lock you in when I met you.”

“Thank you.” Shiny-eyed, Ford leaned on his shoulder. “I’ve never had anyone on my side. I’ve always been alone, hiding where I came from, putting up walls so I couldn’t be seen. Loving you allows me to break down those walls because I know you’ll always be there to pick me up.”

“Hold you up, I think is what you mean. ’Cause I promise, I’ll never let you fall.”

They kissed to seal their bargain, and as Ford snuggled into Nico’s arms, Nico yawned. “Don’t fall asleep,” Ford warned and turned on the bedside lamp.

“Yeah?” Nico rolled over and flung his leg over Ford’s hip. “Why’s that?”

“Because…I have a patient who just happens to own one of the big clubs in South Beach, and I may have texted him when you were in the shower earlier to ask if he could put us on the VIP list for tonight.”

Nico cocked a brow. “VIP, huh? That’s what you are to me. Very Important Penis.” Ford’s face burned. “You’re so fucking adorable, I could eat you up.”

Ford tugged him close, lips barely touching. “That’s later tonight.”

**

As promised, they didn’t have to wait, and after they were seated at a prime table, Nico made sure to take pictures and send them to Anthony and Joey. Immediately, his phone blew up with texts. He laughed and showed them to Ford.

Joey: No way. Me and Tre waited two fucking hours and never got in. You bum.

Anthony: Damn. Looks sick. Have fun. Sergio says hi and to make sure you dance.

With Ford’s hand around his nape, fingers playing in his hair, he snuggled in close and held up his phone.

“Let’s take a selfie, and I’ll send it to the guys.”

Ford indulged him, and when Nico held the camera up, kissed him. Nico sent it and set his phone on the table, ready to pay attention to his man.

“I’m having the best time. Thank you.” Nico angled Ford’s mouth to his and sucked hungrily on his tongue. They were surrounded by hundreds of people, yet no one existed outside the two of them at their table. Ford filled every black corner of his mind with the sunlight of his smile. Pleasure crackled like Fourth of July fireworks exploding in the sky, and he shifted closer to deepen their kiss.

“How did I get so lucky?” Ford nibbled on his ear, and under the table, hidden from sight by the darkness and strobe lights, Nico teased along Ford’s thigh. “What’re you doing?” he hissed, and Nico’s grin grew wicked.

“Something wild and fucking hot.” With a napkin in one hand, Nico unzipped Ford’s jeans and slipped his hand into Ford’s briefs. Heat radiated from him. “You’re ready to explode, aren’t you, baby?” he murmured and squeezed Ford’s thick, hot dick.

“Mmph.” Ford couldn’t respond, a strangled moan the best he could manage. His eyes fell half-shut, and his breathing turned labored. Nico was enthralled and turned-on by his passion.

“Fuck me, baby, you should see yourself. So hot for it. You like getting off in public? Like how your big cock feels in my hand?”

Nico leaned forward to touch their mouths, and Ford shivered, his gaze traveling down to where Nico slowly pulled him out of the confines of his briefs.

“Jesus. Wh-what if someone sees?” But Nico watched him, riveted to the sight of the cockhead sliding through his fist. “Fuck,” Ford whispered. “Oh God, feels so good. So fucking good.”

The lights played off Ford’s wild, lost face, and his hips rolled as he found his rhythm. Nico shifted closer to keep their privacy intact, though Ford had put up no resistance to Nico bringing him off in public. Ford thrust up again and again, his head flung back, eyes squeezed shut. Nico knew he’d passed the point of no return, and he closed the space between them to catch the harsh cry of Ford’s orgasm in his mouth. The sticky release spread over his hand and the napkin he had ready.

God, he was beautiful in this untamed state of pleasure, and Nico reveled in knowing he’d been the first to give Ford this experience. There’d never been a sweeter man, yet his eyes glowed with a feral light. Nico’s heart banged.

“Goddamn, you’re so hot, I wanna flip you over and fuck you right now.”

Ford buried his face in Nico’s neck, but his soft cock, still in Nico’s hand, jerked.

“You’d like that, hmm?” Nico chuckled low and licked his lips. “Look at you, coming all over my hand. I’m gonna suck your come off my fingers like fucking maple syrup, but I know you’ll taste sweeter.”

Nico released him, and as promised, licked his fingers clean. Ford zipped up, then gulped a glass of water.

“I can’t believe…I mean, I’ve never…” He ducked his head, and Nico grew afraid he regretted what they’d done and was upset, until he saw the edge of a shy yet blissful smile. “It was so sexy, forbidden,” he murmured. He rubbed his cheek to Nico’s. “I loved every single second.” His gaze dropped to Nico’s crotch. “But you—”

“I’m fine. I get off on making you happy.”

And it was true, he realized. Giving Ford pleasure, seeing him in the throes of his climax, was so fucking beautiful, it left him warm and sated, as if he’d come himself.

“Let’s dance,” Ford said abruptly and stood, holding out his hand. Surprised, Nico assessed the dance floor, full of writhing bodies.

“It’s packed. There’s hardly any room.”

A devilish grin curved his lips. “That’s what I’m counting on.”

The pounding beat rattled through his body. Nico had been to a few clubs in the city, but this scene was wild. Half-naked women and men rubbed up against each other, hands and lips roaming over any and all exposed body parts.

“Damn. Gives new meaning to the term dirty dancing,” Nico muttered.

Ford pulled Nico closer. “Hold me.”

They moved in synchronicity, chest to chest, their groins aligned, and Ford wrapped an arm around his waist and captured his mouth for a hot, wet kiss. Tongues teasing and playful, Nico sighed and looped his arms around Ford’s neck. The music thumped in a sensual beat, and the dance floor swelled with the surging crowd. Ford cupped his ass, and Nico ground against him, his cock still full and aching for release. It didn’t matter that they were on the dance floor with a thousand people surrounding them. He was desperate for that friction, and Ford’s smile was nothing but pure wickedness as he bit Nico’s neck.

“Do it. Come for me. Right here.” He stuck his tongue in Nico’s ear. “Give it to me.”

Oh God, he hadn’t come in his pants since he was a horny teenager, but when Ford’s hands groped his ass, then moved lower, between his legs, Nico hissed. “Fuck me, oh God, fuck me.”

Still on fire from watching Ford, Nico groaned. Warmth flooded his briefs, and he swayed. Ford held him tighter as his climax rushed over him, and he rode Ford’s leg like a dog in heat. He sighed and rested his head on Ford’s shoulder.

“I love you,” Ford whispered, holding him by the waist as they left the dance floor. “Let’s go home.”

“I wish it were my home,” he replied, his voice lost in the music.

The valet brought the car around, and he slid into the passenger seat. Ford drove away into the night, and they were on 95 North, traveling for about ten minutes, when Ford asked, “Did you mean it?”

Half-asleep, Nico opened an eye. “What?” He was woozy from the sex and drinks—they had to order bottle service, and being the driver, Ford had barely touched his. Never one to waste anything, especially the stupidly expensive liquor, Nico had drunk over half the vodka himself.

“About how you wish my apartment was your home.”

That chased away all desire to sleep. He hadn’t meant for Ford to hear, but the drowsy haze of the liquor and sex had short-circuited the connection between what should remain in his brain and not spill from his lips.

“Well, uh, yeah, sure, but that’s impossible. Between the restaurant and my mom, I can’t leave New York.”

“They have good doctors down here too, you know. And stellar dermatologists.”

Ignoring Ford’s attempt to lighten this life-changing discussion, Nico sat up straight. “I know, but I can’t ask her to leave her life because I wanna move in with you. That would be as crazy as me asking you to leave Florida and come to New York to be with me.”

There. He’d said it. The challenge lay in the air between them and remained unanswered as they drove through the night. When they arrived at Ford’s apartment, he immediately shed his sticky pants and underwear and got into the shower. Part of him hoped Ford would join him, but he was left solo, and when he’d dried off, found Ford waiting for him, sitting on the bed.

Ford remained silent but held out his arms, and Nico slid into them as if they were all he needed. They clung to each other, chests rising and falling, each breath counting off the seconds until they’d be apart again.

“I’m sorry,” Ford whispered. “That was unfair of me, asking you to give up your whole life for me.”

Nico latched on to his neck, lips nipping and sucking at Ford’s collarbone. It left a mark, a tingle of red against a sea of light skin. A mark he’d think about a thousand miles away in his lonely bed.

“If it were only me, I’d chuck it all to be with you. I hope you understand why I can’t.”

“I do.” Ford kissed him. “And that dedication to your family and your selflessness are both reasons why I fell in love with you. It’ll work out, don’t worry.”

Nico kissed him, desperate and hungry, and as they made love, he held on to Ford as if by letting him go, he’d lose a piece of himself in the process.