Chapter 25

The party creptup on us faster than I expected. I’d been looking forward to this event from the moment Gerald told me he’d go. For the first time ever, I was excited about an event for work.

Usually, these spaces offered little reprieve. Work Wes wasn’t the same man as Everyday Wes. I had a persona to keep up.

Though really, that wasn’t the case as much anymore. Not since Gerald had come into my life. Where previously I never took lunch and rarely smiled, I now had a designated time on my calendar to block off my lunches, and I smiled every time I got to spend time with the man I’d fallen for.

“I need a haircut,” Gerald said as he came into the kitchen. His hair was still damp from his shower and as he rubbed his eyes, I smiled into my cup of coffee. He didn’t need to see how deep my feelings for him ran just yet.

We were still teetering on the edge of the relationship bridge. For the most part, we were a couple. At least in all the ways that counted. It was the more intimate connection that we hadn’t yet crossed over into. That, and openly being linked together. Our safe haven was still my apartment, my job, and the few restaurants we occasionally ate out at.

“Then we should go get your hair cut. I could probably use a trim too.” I leaned over to kiss his temple. “I could call my guy to see if he’s got space for us.”

Gerald leaned on the counter beside me, close enough to be pressed into my side. His hand went up to my beard, fingers rubbing and tugging in the way I loved. He did the move almost absently, like it was more for his enjoyment than to make me happy.

I fucking adored that something about me could bring him peace.

He bit his lip. “Actually, I kind of have a person I want to see. He’s the one who cut my hair in rehab. I promised him I’d go see him once I was out, and I haven’t yet.”

I ran my hand over his long strands. Seeing him every day meant I didn’t notice the difference as much, but when I stopped to think, I could tell a definite difference in his hair length since we met several months ago.

“Call your guy. Let’s get in before he’s all booked up. Then we’ll swing by to grab our suits from the tailor for tonight.”

He smiled, then pulled out his phone. “This is going to be interesting,” he mumbled.

“Come in!Come in! I’m so happy to see you, Gerald!” A petite man wearing a bedazzled jumpsuit opened the door to a small bungalow. “And you brought us eye candy?! Gerald, you shouldn”t have. You really did good. Come in handsome man. Tell me how you know our lovely Gerald.”

I couldn’t push back the smile that came at his exuberance. “I was fortunate enough to meet him several months ago. It didn’t take me long to realize he was a keeper.”

Gerald blushed at the praise, then tried to get his friend’s attention. “Enough about me. We’re here to see if you can save me. I need a haircut. This guy,” he pointed at me, “is taking me as his plus one to a fancy dinner thing.”

“I’m so glad you called then. We can’t let you go out looking like this. Really, honey, you look like some washed up rockstar or something. Don’t worry though, I’ll make you good as new. Welcome to my small abode. I’d have taken you to the studio for this, but that bitch Bart stole my Snickers, so I took the weekend off, so I don’t commit murder.”

“Murder over a candy bar?” I asked.

“Makyn doesn’t play about his snacks,” Gerald gave in way of answering.

“Well, shit. I completely forgot to introduce myself. I’m Makyn, hair magician and friend of your boo. Who are you? And do you have a brother or two?”

I took his offered hand and shook gently. “I do have a brother; however, he’s a bit far away. No siblings close by for your entertainment. I’m Weston, though my friends call me Wes.”

“Mhmmm,” he hummed. “I like him already, Gerald. Keep this one around. I have a sixth sense about this stuff. Now then, let’s get you taken care of. It looks wet. Did you already wash it?”

The two of them shuffled through the living room to an area that was clearly sectioned off to be a small home hair salon. An empty chair, a sink basin, and a dresser covered in hair tools made it rather obvious.

“You just grab a chair and scoot right over here, Handsome Wes. Listen to us gab for a bit while I make your man look good.”

Gerald didn’t immediately jump to correct the ‘my man’ statement, which sent a bolt of pride through me. If for no other reason than he didn’t outright deny it.

For the next forty-five minutes, I listened to Makyn get Gerald talking about everything and anything. He carefully avoided talk of me directly, though he included me when appropriate. It was magical to see how he could open up with the right person.

My Gerald was like a delicate flower. He needed all the right things — safety, comfort, love — in order to bloom. I vowed to give him all of that and more as long as he allowed me to.

When Makyn eventually declared Gerald finished, I had a permanent grin etched on my face. I couldn’t take my eyes off him either.

It was amazing what a haircut could do for a person. Without the hindrance of his long locks, I saw every expression, every nuance of his features.

I pulled out a couple of bills for Makyn. “This should cover your time for today. Thank you for fitting us in.”

His eyes widened when he saw how much there was. “Um, sure. But there’s no need to give —”

“Yes, there is. You welcomed us into your home on a weekend when you might have had other plans. You got Gerald to talk more than I usually do. And you were kind to him well before I ever had the chance to. If I thought you’d accept, I’d pay even more.”

Makyn backed away with wide eyes. “Calm down, Mr. Rockefeller. I’m good. It’s as much fun for me to spend time with Gerald with or without a payday. He’s going to call me sooner next time though, right? Right??!”

Gerald laughed as stood from the chair. “I promise to text and call more. Even when I don’t need a haircut.”

Unable to hold back any longer, I stepped right into Gerald’s space. He went shy as he looked up at me. I gripped his waist to hold him steady, then I pressed my lips to his in a soft, tantalizing kiss. He sank into me, body languid and lips yielding as I had my way with him.

When we pulled apart, Gerald wore a lazy smile. I tucked him into my side as I shuffled him past a dramatically amused Makyn.

“Don’t be strangers! Have fun tonight!” he called as we left his place.

I had no doubt we’d do just as he said. I’d make sure of it.

“You got us a car?”Gerald said when I ushered him out the front door towards the sleek black town car.

“I did. We deserve a night to relax.” I climbed in behind him, then motioned for the driver to take us to the venue. “Remember that tonight is about enjoying ourselves. There are no rules to follow. No guidelines we’re required to stick to. I’ll make small talk with a few people and introduce you around.”

He bit his lip as he smoothed his hands over his pants. “I’ll admit I’m a bit nervous. You’ll stay with me, right?”

“Absolutely. You won’t be able to shake me.”

That seemed to settle him a bit. He turned his gaze to the window. I watched him as he watched the city pass us by. With him distracted, I went back to staring my fill. Back in the apartment, I’d nearly swallowed my tongue when I’d come out of the bathroom to see him in his suit.

My date was so damn sexy. He looked good every day, but I could admit the suit did him all kinds of favors. The tailor had earned every penny and then some. I would need to find more reasons for us to get this fancy if it meant I got him looking like he did.

The venue was packed when we arrived. People milled about outside, along with a host of photographers. I ushered Gerald around the side and away from the cameras. He didn’t have to tell me he wouldn’t want the experience for me to know it wasn’t his preference.

My man wasn’t one for the pompous.

“This place is gorgeous. I don’t think I’ve ever attended an event quite to this scale,” he admitted once I got us past the entry.

Not wanting to slow the progress we’d made; I walked him directly to one of the servers. He held a tray of champagne. I put myself between Gerald and the tray itself.

“Sir, can you get us some non-alcoholic drinks? I’ll take care of you if you can help take care of us.” I pulled out two hundred-dollar bills and slipped them in his hand.

He nodded quickly. “Yes, sir. I’ll be right back.”

As he left, Gerald tugged on my hand. “You didn’t have to do that. I’ll be fine.”

I looked over at him, my gaze firm. “It’s not about you being fine. I want you to enjoy yourself. If you have a drink in hand, then no one will offer you another. It lessens the chance of exposure best. I read up on it.”

“You read up on it? On what would help me?” His voice softened.

“I did. You should never be forced into a situation you’re uncomfortable with. I asked you here as my date. I wanted to have the best plan of attack to help keep you happy, sober, and mine.”

His hands found their way to my beard again. Instead of stroking the hair, he tugged until I came forward.

“Thank you, Sir,” he whispered against my lips. I couldn’t resist kissing him. He was so close, so tempting. And to use my title here after we’d been tiptoeing around it at home, well, he simply wasn’t playing fair. Neither would I for that matter.

Our waiter returned right as I pulled away from the kiss. I thanked him as I took the glasses from his tray. He drifted back into the crowd with ease. Not wanting to risk anything, I sipped from both glasses to ensure there was no mix up in the back. Both proved to be what I’d requested.

I handed Gerald his. “Here you go. When you need more, let me know. I’ll take care of it.”

He shook his head. “This is too much. You’re not the one who…”

I knew what he meant. I wasn’t the submissive. I wasn’t the one who should be waiting on him.

“Didn’t we discuss this before? I’m getting déjà vu,” I teased.

He smiled demurely. “We did. I just feel like it might be a touch uneven. I don’t want to confuse things.”

“There is no confusion here for me. I know who you are and who I am. I know what you mean to me, which hopefully one day I’ll mean as much to you. Sometimes we have to change things up a bit given the situations we find ourselves in. Let me be the guide you need tonight. We are still who we are beneath anything that happens.”

Gerald didn’t respond right away. His eyes drank me in, going over my words over and over. I could see him working through them in his head.

I didn’t dare rush him. There was no need. We had the entire night together. And if I played my cards right, I’d have the rest of my life to prove to him just how serious I was about everything.

“Ok. I’ll let up again tonight. But I really wish you’d have mentioned this before we arrived. I was prepared for battle, and you’ve put me in the reserves.”

His description felt so fitting. To him, everywhere like this was a battleground. An unknown place, with people he might or might not agree with. He’d be surrounded by temptation as well.

It hit me then how monumental it was he’d come with me. I pulled our linked hands between us, bringing his to meet my lips.

“I want to make a promise to you, Gerald Grimes, here and now. I will forever be your safe place. The person you can trust to take care of things when you can’t. The person who walks by your side proudly. The person who will bribe any and everyone to get you the things you need, whether it be non-alcoholic drinks, a place to nap quietly, or a haircut at the last minute.”

He laughed as I referenced everything we’d done earlier, including the nap he snuck between his haircut and our evening plans.

“Thank you,” he sighed. “Now, let’s get started. I’m sure you have a lot of people to greet. I want to get through them all.”

“What’s the rush? You’ve got plans later?” I teased him.

“Not really. I might have an idea or two of how we could spend the evening after this though. Only if you’re up for it. I’ve been sort of planning something.”

Before I could pry, I heard my name being called. Patrick and Tucker made their way through a gap in the crowd over to us.

“Look who it is!” Tucker squealed, then wrapped Gerald in a tight hug. “You look amazing!”

They pulled apart after a long hug. “You didn’t tell me you would be here.”

Tucker grinned and cut his eyes to Patrick. “I might have convinced him to get us tickets. I wanted to give you more backup if you needed it or in case Wes got called away. Plus, that thing we talked about is still on the table. I can totally help if you want.”

Gerald glanced at me briefly, then pulled the other man closer. I wanted to sneak over to listen, but Pat clapped me on the back for one of those guy handshakes. There was no pretense here, no posturing. We were truly friends, and I had a feeling he knew more about what Gerald and Tucker were talking about than I did.

I motioned towards them. “You know?”

He motioned zipping his lips. “I’m sworn to secrecy, I’m afraid. Though, I will say, I was rather shocked. Can’t wait to see how it goes.”

My mind fought to decipher the cryptic words my friend tossed out. He knew I’d overthink it, and the smirk he wore said he was enjoying himself.

Tucker moved back over to Pat with a gleam in his eye that hadn”t been there before. “This is going to be the best night! Wes, can you lead our party around? I doubt I know most of these people and Daddy couldn”t care less.”

“That’s a true statement,” Pat added.

I checked on Gerald to see how the Daddy slip hit him. He was smiling over at me, his face the picture of calm. It was like he didn’t care at all.

Inside, I could feel my heart speed up at the implication. While it had been months since we talked about Clancy and the rough last few months of his life, there hadn’t been any obvious proof that Gerald was strong in the ‘moved on’ column with his past.

Now, I wasn’t an idiot. He’d battle with insecurity and loss for the rest of his life. I didn’t need a psychology degree to know that. It was more that I needed to know I could bring him around others like us, that I could take him to Club Deny and know he wouldn’t be triggered.

His smile gave me hope. It made me curious.

Would he want to go sometime soon? And what would he be most curious about?

I used the surge of adrenaline to direct our group around the room for the next few hours. We drank our non-alcoholic beverages, which Tucker and Pat were quick to join in on. We ate the too small dinner portion. We laughed and kissed and had a perfect night.

If only I’d known it was going to get even better.