“Okay. Ye…” He didn’t wait for Kellus to finish his answer before he captured Kellus’s lips with his. Kellus’s lips were fleshy, firm, and oh so sweet, parting for him as he licked and nibbled his way into Kellus’s mouth. The artist’s skilled hands clutched at Arik’s clothing as he pressed him against the wall and explored Kellus’s sweet mouth with his tongue. Their mouths worked together, their tongues probing, tasting, memorizing. He could kiss this man all day, every day, forever. Kellus abruptly withdrew from the kiss, and it took him a second in his overly excited state to register the voices coming from around the corner.
“I’m sorry. I completely lost myself in you.” Arik gave Kellus a quick peck then took a step back, discreetly adjusting himself the best he could. “Let’s grab the goodies and get out of here.”
~?~
Intimidated might be the best way to describe what Kellus felt as he followed a step or two behind Arik, his fingers clutched tightly in Arik’s hand. They were in a private entrance to the nicest building in Uptown. His nerves were working overtime.
“I have a man from the resort coming for these keys.” Arik slid Kellus’s van keys across the security desk as he passed by. “Message me when the van’s brought back.”
“Yes, sir.” A guard sitting behind what looked like an airplane’s control panel nodded as he took the keys from the desk.
Arik stayed in the lead, dragging him toward a bank of elevators. One opened as he got closer. Somehow that didn’t surprise him. The whole place seemed prepared for Arik’s arrival. They stepped into the spacious elevator, the doors shut, and Arik winked at him as they started their ascent.
The sports car, this building, the expensive clothes Arik wore… Comparing his life to Arik’s was making him even more apprehensive about his growing attraction for this man. The extreme wealth alone took his insecurities to a whole new level.
“I’m glad you decided to come,” Arik said, his golden eyes holding a hint of a smile.
“All of this is a lot to take in,” he replied honestly.
Under this lighting and as close as Arik stood, he couldn’t help but notice the deep amber hue of Arik’s eyes, all the golden flecks he hadn’t noticed before and the dark whisky-colored ring circling them. They were unusual to say the least, striking in their color and shape. And if he wasn’t careful, he’d lose himself in their depths.
“I imagine it is, but I hope you’ll let me help,” Arik purred, backing him against the elevator wall. Kellus’s hand came out to stop Arik from stepping all the way into him. Arik looked down and then back up at Kellus, confusion playing across his face.
“It’s been a long time for me.” He wasn’t sure exactly why he’d said that, except sex with him had to be treated as a serious matter. Nothing to play around with. The fact he’d let himself even consider the idea showed how much Arik unbalanced him. Made him want things he thought he’d never have again.
Arik grinned and pushed against his hand, stepping into him, aligning their bodies head to toe. He could feel the heat of Arik’s body against his, sweet breath ghosted across his skin when Arik leaned closer to speak.
“You control what happens tonight. If we spend all night talking, I don’t care. I just want to spend time with you, be with you.” Arik’s head bent to his neck and warm lips pressed against his skin, then moved against his neck as his eyelids slid closed. “I’m not going to lie. I do want you, but we’ll only go as far as you’re comfortable with.”
God, yes. He began panting uncontrollably. Kellus wanted this, wanted this man. When Arik’s rigid erection rubbed against his, he knew Arik’s words couldn’t be entirely true. It sure seemed Arik wanted to have sex with him, and dear God, was that a turn on all in itself. He just wasn’t sure he had it in him to be a one-night stand, no matter how much he’d like to think he could.
He accepted the light kiss Arik offered and pulled back, accidently bumping his head against the wall. “I’m not sure you mean that.”
“But I’m trying to. That should count for something.” When the bell chimed and the door opened, Arik reluctantly stepped away, extending an arm for him to move out first. “Honestly, Kellus, I’m comfortable with whatever you want. And just so you know, I’ve got close friends who have been in a committed relationship for seven years. Heath is positive and Nyle’s negative. So if you’re worried about that part of it, don’t. I’m not.”
Kellus stepped off the elevator into an open foyer. Even after hearing Arik’s words, his body hummed with nervous energy. Basically, his biggest concern about being with Arik rested on the lagging doubt of his ability to keep Arik safe. He had disclosed everything. Arik knew it all and still wanted him. That realization had the butterflies in his stomach going crazy as he approached a huge mahogany door. He heard the distinct release of the lock as soon as Arik stepped off the elevator. Panic hit him and his steps faltered. The only person he’d ever been with was John. He’d never even kissed another man, until tonight. He pushed his fingers through his hair, anything to help expel some of the anxiety that thought spurred.