The last thing he wanted was to sit through a discussion on how to make the house look nice for a dance. A dance he wanted to bring Isaiah to.
But could he, now? Could he, without ruining whatever small amount of respect he’d earned back with his father this weekend?
Chapter Sixteen
Isaiah
“Feet?” Nico sat up with an incredulous look. “You liked his feet?”
At least Nico sounded stunned and not repulsed. “Not in the creepy sort of fetish way. They just looked so right on him.”
“Well stop the press and gather round, someone’s feet fit them just right.” Nico rolled his eyes. “’Saiah, that’s one of the most inane things you’ve ever said to me.”
“Only if you take it literally. It was meant to show how totally he pushes my buttons.”
Nico smirked. “Then what’s the problem?”
“My house could fit in his kitchen.”
“So he’s wealthy. Has he ever made you feel bad about not being so?”
“No. Though I overheard his mom wanting to pair him off to a ‘good family.’”
Nico waved his index finger in that obnoxious way he did. “Your family is awesome. The best really.”
“Right, by your definition.”
“By any definition, ’Saiah. Your mother is the most amazing person I know. And that’s saying a lot if I put her above Nonna. Besides, ’Saiah, you’re not dating his mom. As long as Darren likes you, there is no problem.”
Isaiah tossed himself onto his bed and stared at the ceiling. “Ha! We’re competing for the same prize. Darren’s trying to repair things with his dad, and his dad has made it clear we need to keep things professional. Do you really think he’ll risk worsening things with his dad for me? No. And more than that, I wouldn’t want him to.”
“Darren wouldn’t lose his dad because of you. If his dad has a problem, it will still be there no matter the boy. Don’t let that dissuade you. Also, anyone worth it would put you over stupid homophobic shit.”
Isaiah wasn’t sure it was so simple, but he admired Nico for trying to make him feel better.
“You know my philosophy,” Nico continued. “Better to have loved and lost than to never take a chance.”
“You butchered that.”
“Perhaps, but it’s true.”
Isaiah scrubbed his face and groaned. “How are you so sure this will work out?”
“I watched you at Caliber. The boy practically swooned every time you talked to him.” Isaiah felt his bed dip, and he peeked between his fingers. Nico smirked down at him. “There are no guarantees in relationships. Well, one thing I can guarantee. If you don’t try, nothing will happen.”
“This feels too complicated. And . . .”
“And?”
“Don’t laugh.”
“You say that, and I immediately want to laugh.”
Isaiah shoved Nico off the bed playfully. “I’m freaked out that I like someone this much, and so young.”
Nico didn’t laugh. He looked directly at Isaiah. “Nonna and Nonno met when they were sixteen and seventeen. Sixty years later they still look at each other and swoon.”
“Nico, this isn’t sixty years ago.”
“No, but hearts haven’t changed. People have just stopped listening.” Nico trailed off and slapped on a fake smile. “Follow yours or don’t, dear, but spare me—and yourself—the excuses for why it can’t work.”
Nico grabbed his shoulder bag and keys and left their room.
Isaiah flopped back onto his pillow. “Why?” he murmured. “Why couldn’t you have been a dickwad like the other richies?”
Darren
The Victorian house with its ground-floor café loomed before him.
Time to hoist up his big boy boxers and meet Isaiah again.
It was just a yoga session. And after, they’d go right back to being professional.
He shifted the bag with his change of clothes and pulled open the door.
Isaiah sat at a table drinking from his water bottle. When he lowered it, his smile washed over Darren like a calming scent.
Already his belly flipped indecently.
Isaiah set the bottle on the table and stood. The image stole Darren’s breath. Isaiah wore a white athletic shirt that clung to his chest, showing off every inch of his eight-pack stomach. And the yoga pants. Fuck. Light green, with a white drawstring, they had cuffs that clung to the middle of his calf. They weren’t skintight like the shirt, but they highlighted Isaiah’s great legs and amazing ass.
“Hi.” Isaiah stepped closer.
“Hey,” Darren stuttered and awkwardly held out his hand.
Isaiah looked at the hand and after a moment’s hesitation, moved closer for a hug.
Not a smooth transition, but Darren opened his arms and accepted the embrace. It didn’t last long, but the lingering squeeze left him giddy.
“Glad you could make it.” Isaiah pointed toward the stairs opposite the counter. “I have a private practice room reserved.”
Private was definitely better than public. Apart from Isaiah’s effect on him, he didn’t want to talk in a crowded room. They followed a pair of women up the stairs. They both greeted Isaiah and gave Darren a once-over. He hoped their assumptions were right.