Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Eighteen

James arrived at the address Mike had provided and, as he expected, it was nothing like his own modest walk-up. The apartment was on the Upper West Side in a swanky mid-rise overlooking Central Park. He was surprised when, upon entering the lobby, the doorman recognized him.

“Mr. Vicksburg. Welcome, and congratulations on your Tony Award last evening,” he greeted James with a charming accent.

Between the news story about his father and now the award, more strangers were glancing James’ way, sometimes following the look with a smile. He was thankful that the selfie requests seemed to be limited to the fans who stood outside the theater at the end of each show.

“Thank you,” James replied. “That’s very kind of you. I’m here to visit Mike Cooper.”

“Yes, sir, he’s expecting you. You can take the elevator to the twelfth floor.”

“What’s his apartment number?” James asked, realizing he had never received the information from Mike.

The doorman grinned. “It’s just the twelfth floor, sir.”

James blushed, then nodded a thanks and made his way to the elevator. He could smell the food he had brought for Mike, certain that the calorie-filled, heart-stopping contents of the bag would bring a rumble to his boyfriend’s stomach. James had picked up a smoothie for himself.

He wasn’t sure what would happen when the elevator reached the twelfth floor. When the doors opened, James was welcomed to a foyer, and on the far wall was the front door of the apartment. He rang the bell, hoping he wasn’t too early.

Mike opened the door wearing pajama bottoms and no top, making James’ heart race. “Come in, gorgeous.”

When James entered, he was in awe at the sun-filled space, architectural details and top-of-the-line kitchen. “Oh my God. Is that a balcony?” James wondered, unable to stop himself from exploring the space. He looked through the French doors and was greeted with a view of Central Park.

“Stunning,” Mike muttered behind him.

“Sure is,” James agreed.

Mike reached out to encircle James from behind and rubbed his nose against James’ neck. “I meant you.”

James’ face heated. “I’m just wearing jeans and a long-sleeved T-shirt.”

“I wasn’t talking about your clothes,” Mike whispered, kissing James’ ear. “God, I missed this. I love the way you smell and taste.”

James laughed. “I think you’re smelling your breakfast. I picked up your favorite.”

Mike pulled away long enough to show his curiosity. “My favorite? I don’t believe I ever told you what my favorite is. What is it?”

“Grease,” James snarked, pushing the bag to Mike’s chest.

Mike frowned, then chuckled. “Smart aleck. It would be my favorite if it’s grease to prepare your ass.”

James gulped. “Jesus.”

Mike chuckled and pulled the Styrofoam container of pastries, breakfast potatoes, sausage and fried eggs from the bag. “Mm. That does smell wonderful.”

“If you say so,” James said. “Half the dogs in the city followed me here.”

Mike ignored the barb, retrieving the clear plastic cup that contained James’ smoothie. “Yuck. Some green, slimy thing made its way into the bag.”

“That’s my kale smoothie,” James clarified, grabbing the cup from him.

Mike rolled his eyes. “I hope I won’t be tasting kale when I swallow your semen later.”

James was taken aback, then huffed. “Presumptuous, aren’t we?”

Mike shrugged. “Not especially.”

The two sat at the massive island in Mike’s kitchen, laughing as they each watched the other consume a perceived horrible breakfast. Mike teased with a sausage link, licking the end and moaning. “Nothing like a good piece of meat.”

James snickered. “If you’re comparing that miniscule sausage to mine, I didn’t put enough in your mouth last time.”

Mike’s eyes darkened. “You’ll have to train me to swallow more.”

James could sense that he was flushed. “God. Finish your breakfast already.”

“Then the bedroom,” Mike commanded.

James shot him a side-eye. “Is that your plan for the day? Spending all of it in bed?”

“Mmhmm.” Mike nodded, popping the sausage link into his mouth.

James cleared his throat nervously. “Mike, when I said you loved me, you never confirmed it. I know you like me, and you like the sex…”

Mike pushed the uneaten food aside and leaned into James. “Baby, I’ve had it bad for you since I met you. And no, not just for the sex.” He tipped James’ chin and planted on him the kiss he’d been wanting to bestow since they had greeted each other.

“I love you, James. When I’m eager to have sex with you, it’s because of that—it makes the sex more wonderful than anything I’ve ever experienced. Does that make sense?”

“Yes. Same,” James confirmed, pulling Mike back into a lip-lock.

When James tried to make the kiss open-mouthed, Mike pulled back and grinned. “Okay, now you’re the one signaling you want to go to the bedroom.”

James rolled his eyes. “Come on, I’m going to show you what a meaty sausage tastes like. And best of all, it’s calorie-free.”

“Mm,” Mike replied, licking his lips. “Gives literal meaning to the phrase ‘pork me.’”

James chuckled and grabbed Mike’s hand, leading him into what he assumed was Mike’s bedroom. “Christ, it’s massive.”

Mike nodded. “I remember. Oh, you mean the bedroom? I guess. But this is one of the guest rooms.”

“What?”

Mike laughed and pulled James back out the doorway and down the long corridor to the master suite. When he opened it, James gasped. “You like?”

James was still surveying the room, shocked at the size, elaborate fireplace and the same incredible view of the park courtesy of floor-to-ceiling windows. “This room is twice the size of my apartment.”

Mike shrugged. “I had to have something bigger than you.”

“Besides your ego?” James teased, turning back to face Mike.

“Fresh,” Mike replied. “Get naked. This time, I’m controlling what we do. I’m going to lick you from head to toe before beginning my gag-control lesson. We’ll finish with you rewarding my efforts with your delicious cum.”

“Oh,” James murmured.

“That is, if it doesn’t taste like kale today,” Mike joked.

That elicited a snort from James, who gave a light smack to the side of Mike’s head. “Is this how it’s always going to be?”

“Yes. Always.”