Pony E-Book

SJD Peterson

• Herausgeber: Dreamspinner Press
• Kategorie: Gesellschafts- und Liebesromane
• Sprache: Englisch

Seitenzahl: 352

Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2013

Beschreibung

Guards of Folsom: Book Three Grant Maxwell, aka Max, wakes to find his coffeepot has died in the night. Not one who can start his day without his favorite brew, he heads to the local coffee shop. Max finds something even more appealing than caffeine in the form of twenty-six-year-old hottie Aiden James. For the first time in his life, well-established, confident and respected Dom Max finds himself sputtering and unsure in the face of Aiden's charms. Aiden lives with three roommates, works a dead-end job, and isn't sure where his life is heading. That is until he meets Max. Max introduces him to a foreign yet intriguing lifestyle, and they soon discover they have something more than mutual attraction in common. A shared kink is one thing, but Aiden's past vanilla sexual experiences as well as his fear of losing himself in Max may keep Aiden from experiencing his fantasy. Max has an obstacle of his own to overcome. He must somehow figure out how to help Aiden explore his submissive side when, for the first time in his life, he's head over heels in love.

Leseprobe

By SJD PETERSON

NOVELS

Beyond Duty

Plan B

WHISPERING PINES RANCH

Lorcan’s Desire

Quinn’s Need

Ty’s Obsession

Conner’s Courage

Jess’s Journey

GUARDSOF FOLSOM

Pup

Tag Team

Pony

Riveted (short story)

NOVELLAS

Masters & Boyd

Tuck & Cover

Published by DREAMSPINNER PRESS

http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com

Copyright

Published by

Dreamspinner Press

5032 Capital Circle SWSuite 2, PMB# 279Tallahassee, FL 32305-7886

USA

http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of author imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Pony

© 2013 SJD Peterson.

Cover Art

© 2013 Paul Richmond.

http://www.paulrichmondstudio.com

Cover content is for illustrative purposes only and any person depicted on the cover is a model.

All rights reserved. This book is licensed to the original purchaser only. Duplication or distribution via any means is illegal and a violation of international copyright law, subject to criminal prosecution and upon conviction, fines, and/or imprisonment. Any eBook format cannot be legally loaned or given to others. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without the written permission of the Publisher, except where permitted by law. To request permission and all other inquiries, contact Dreamspinner Press, 5032 Capital Circle SW, Suite 2, PMB# 279, Tallahassee, FL 32305-7886, USA, or http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/.

ISBN: 978-1-62798-478-2

Digital ISBN: 978-1-62798-479-9

Printed in the United States of America

First Edition

To Jason Bradley, for his friendship and inspiration.

Chapter 1

INTHEfive years since Grant Maxwell, known to his friends as Max, opened his practice, not once had he ditched on a client. He supposed he should feel bad for rescheduling Mrs. Taylor. But her psychopathic and narcissistic issues would just have to wait another day. Max had a brown-haired, green-eyed hottie he hoped to be counseling this morning.

A week ago Max had awoken to find that his coffeepot had passed away quietly in the night. Not one who could start his day without the magical brew—at least not without putting others at risk—he’d headed for the local coffee shop. When Max spotted the gorgeous man—Aiden, according to his nametag—behind the counter, any irritation due to the inconvenience drained away. Also gone was the normally confident, somewhat cocky man, and in his place, a timorous man was left sputtering, barely able to order a coffee, black.

And what the hell had that been about? Better question—why in the hell did his limbs tremble and his heart race like a goddamn madman as he stood in line once again?

Max rolled his neck and then straightened his tie before smoothing down the front of his charcoal-gray Armani suit. A suit he normally only wore for special occasions. This is getting ridiculous. Four days, he’d stood waiting for his coffee feeling like a school kid about to get his first kiss. The other two days he was like a kid who Santa forgot on Christmas morn when Aiden hadn’t been at work.

Well, not today.

I’m an attractive, confident man.

I’m intelligent, educated.

I have a PhD in psychology with a thriving private practice.

I’m a goddamn Dom, for fuck’s sake.

“Good morning, sir. What can I get for you?” Aiden asked politely. His smile was broad, showing off two rows of perfectly white, straight teeth behind full lips.

Sweet lips.

Lickable.

Max’s pulse sped as he imagined that sexy mouth swollen from passionate kisses.

Would look fucking amazing around my—

“Sir?”

Max ripped his gaze away from Aiden’s mouth and looked up. The beautiful pale-green eyes did little to help Max get his thoughts or his libido under control. Christ, get your shit together. You’re losing it. Max smothered a curse and squared his shoulders.

“Large black coffee, please,” he said huskily.

Aiden cocked his head and appeared to study Max. Max forced himself not to squirm under the man’s scrutiny, but it wasn’t easy. After a long drawn-out moment, Aiden smiled, and Max had a funny feeling the man knew exactly what Max had been thinking.

Max watched Aiden as he grabbed a large cup and moved to the coffee machine. Max took a moment to appreciate the handsome man. Aiden was the same six foot height as Max, and they were similar in build. Both broad chested with thick, muscular arms; height and body style were where the similarities ended.

Where Max’s hair and eyes were dark brown, Aiden had light-brown hair with streaks of blond, and his eyes were such a pale shade of green, they looked almost translucent. Aiden also had a softness, an almost delicate look to his features, unlike Max’s square jaw and larger, crooked nose. Aiden, in a word, was beautiful, not in a feminine sense—as there was nothing female-like about Aiden—but in a truly beautiful masculine sense. It was a look that caused Max’s breath to hitch and his pulse go into overdrive whenever he looked at the man. It also didn’t hurt that Aiden had the hottest, roundest, most drool-worthy ass, the sight of which caused blood to rush to Max’s groin.

“Will that be all, sir?” Aiden asked, and from the shy smile on his face and the hint of color in his cheeks, the man had a good idea of the effect he was having on Max.

“Max,” he said, taking the cup and letting his finger slide along the back of Aiden’s hand. “Call me Max.”

Aiden’s smile grew. “Will that be all, Max?”

Spurred on by the sweet grin, Max found his courage. He pulled his wallet out and dropped a few bills on the counter and slid them toward Aiden, holding his gaze. “Have dinner with me.” He meant to ask, but his nerves mingled with his arousal made it come out as more of an order. His strained voice had just a hint of growl in it.

Aiden’s eyes went wide and then narrowed. Max quickly added, “Please?”

“Young man, do you mind playing the dating game after hours? You’re holding up the line.”

Max turned to find a portly elderly woman with a disapproving expression on her face glaring up at him. Behind her a long line had formed.

“Sorry,” Max murmured. “Guess I found my courage at the wrong time,” he told her with a wink.

Max retrieved a business card from his wallet and added it to the pile of bills. “Just think about it,” he said and turned and strolled out of the coffee shop without waiting for an answer.

Fifteen minutes later, as Max stepped into his office building, his cell vibrated. Retrieving it from the inside pocket of his suit coat, he studied the display. A huge smile broke out and he pumped his fist when he read, I’d love to.

AIDENAGREEDto meet him at a local diner a couple of blocks over from the coffee shop. Max would have preferred something fancier, wanting to impress the man by wining and dining him, but he’d take what he could get. For now.

Max spent way too much time in front of the mirror primping and fussing and an aggravatingly long time deciding what to wear. Christ, the green-eyed beauty did things to him, unsettling things, things no one had ever brought out in Max before. He found his interest piqued, not only for the chemistry he’d felt sizzling between him and Aiden, but also his need to discover where this new lack of confidence was coming from. Max hated being out of control and so damn indecisive. The new feelings were completely foreign and not at all something he was accustomed to.

Finally he chose a pair of tan chinos, a white dress shirt, and a thin purple knit pullover and stood in front of the large bathroom mirror giving himself one last once-over. Max told himself the outfit had nothing to do with the way the white brought out the olive tone of his skin, dark hair, and eyes, nor how the tight-fitting sweater showed off his muscular chest and arms. He wasn’t vain, dammit. Well, maybe a little. He smirked at his reflection and headed out.

Max arrived at the fifties-style diner a half hour early and strategically placed himself in one of the red vinyl booths in the corner. From his vantage point, he could watch Aiden arrive, giving Max a moment to control his reaction to the sexy man, but the setting would also afford them a little privacy.

Aiden stepped through the doors wearing a pair of worn jeans with holes in both knees and a gray Henley. The clothing was nothing special, shabby really, but in that instant, Max knew he’d need more than a minute to school his features. Because, holy shit, the man could wear a garbage bag and send Max’s libido into overdrive.

A large smile crossed Aiden’s face when he spotted Max, and Max couldn’t help but return it. He gave himself the few seconds it took Aiden to cross the diner to take a few deep, calming breaths, but the minute Aiden slid into the booth and the scent of his cologne hit Max, it was for naught. Max was anything but calm.

“Hi,” Aiden said shyly. “Thanks for inviting me.”

Max shifted in his seat, thankful for the table screening his crotch. The thought stopped him short. He’d never been bashful or apologetic for his reaction to an attractive man, yet for some reason Max couldn’t quite identify, his physical reaction wasn’t the first thing he wanted Aiden to notice.

“It’s my pleasure. Thank you for accepting,” Max said. He was relieved when his voice didn’t give away any of the nervousness churning in his gut. “I had hoped to impress you with a little more”—Max scanned the area—“opulent surroundings.”

“I don’t even know what that means,” Aiden laughed. “I like it here. They have great food, and the cook is my roommate.”

“Ah! So if the freaky coffee-shop stalker turns out to be a psychopath, you can call for backup?”

“Yup,” Aiden said unapologetically. “The dishwasher is another of my roommates.”

“Damn,” Max murmured and looked at Aiden pointedly. “That throws a wrench in my plans.”

Aiden laughed. “Planned on kidnapping me and having your wicked way with me?”

“No,” Max said coolly. He leaned back in his seat and raked his eyes over Aiden. “I’d hoped you’d come along peacefully.”

“Is that so?” Aiden’s laugh took on a nervous lilt and died all together when Max continued to stare at him, keeping his features neutral.

“Hey, Aiden. Get you and your friend here something to drink?” asked a young, brunette girl who was staring at Max suspiciously.

“Hi, Carina. I’ll have a Coke.”

Carina nodded but didn’t take her eyes off Max. Max had to fight the urge to chuckle at her posturing. She was five foot nothing and maybe a hundred pounds soaking wet. The way she stood, back ramrod straight and a challenging look in her hazel eyes, she reminded Max of a little Chihuahua about to fight a Rottweiler for a bone. Interesting.

“I’ll have the same,” Max replied pleasantly and gave her his best disarming smile.

Carina’s eyes narrowed, but she nodded and moved away.

“Your friend seems to be a little possessive,” Max commented, turning his attention back to Aiden. “Let me guess, another roommate?”

“Nah. Carina and I dated a couple of times. She wanted more, I didn’t.” Aiden shrugged and picked up his menu. “She’s good people though, even if a little crazy.”

“Dated?”

“Yup,” Aiden said easily without looking up from his menu. “If you like fish and chips, they have some of the best in town here.”

“Aiden?” Max said cautiously.

“Hmm?” he asked, looking up and meeting Max’s gaze.

“You do realize I invited you to dinner because I was attracted to you?”

Aiden smiled and waved a hand dismissively. “Oh yeah, the way you looked at me at the coffee shop, you made it pretty obvious. Which, I gotta say, from someone as good-looking as you? That’s a hell of a compliment. So thank you.”

“And would it be too presumptuous of me to assume the attraction was mutual?” Max’s gut fluttered. Shit! Had he read Aiden wrong? Considering how crazy Aiden had made Max lately, it wouldn’t surprise him if he’d acted rashly or considered Aiden’s acceptance to dinner incorrectly.

Aiden set his menu aside, a frown marring his brow as he said, “Hmm, I thought I too was being pretty obvious in my… appreciation of your physique.”

Max puzzled Aiden’s answer and glanced to where Carina was drawing up glasses of cola.

“Oh, I get it,” Aiden chuckled. “Yes, I dated Carina, yes, I like women, but I also like men. Gender isn’t an issue with me when it comes to attraction.”

Max’s grin grew as relief flooded him. He hadn’t totally read Aiden wrong. He’d do well to pay more attention to this beautiful, intriguing man. Max had a sneaking suspicion young Aiden would keep him on his toes.

“So have you dated many men?” Max asked.

Aiden’s cheeks colored and a shy smile pulled at his lips. “Uh, no. But I haven’t dated that many women either.”

“Interesting.”

“Uh oh, that sounds ominous.”

“What sounds ominous?” Carina asked, shooting a glare in Max’s direction as she set down their drinks.

“Nothing.” Aiden grinned. “And stop glaring at my date. Grant Maxwell, meet Carina Owens. Carina, Grant Maxwell.”

Max held out his hand. “Nice to meet you, Carina. And please call me Max.”

Carina stuck her tongue out at Aiden, who simply laughed, and then she stared at Max’s hand briefly before she shook it. “Nice to meet you too, Max,” she said with a sigh. “Are you two ready to order?”

They both ordered the fish and chips, and Carina left—this time without shooting daggers at Max with her eyes. Although, Max could tell it hadn’t been without difficulty.

Max reached across the table and laid his hand on top of Aiden’s, the urge to touch huge. “I can see why she dislikes me. I’d be quite jealous of her if she had you,” he said charmingly.

“Are you the possessive type, Max?”

Max stroked his thumb across the soft skin of Aiden’s hand, Max’s heart quickening with the simple touch. “I can be,” he replied honestly. “Do you like to be possessed? Dominated?”

Aiden swallowed hard. Max’s eyes were drawn to the way Aiden’s Adam’s apple bobbed, and his pulse quickened further. Aiden held Max’s gaze, both unease and desire swirling in the pale-green pools. Even if there was some excitement, the last thing Max wanted was to upset Aiden or make him feel uncomfortable in any way. He’d sort those two conflicting emotions he’d seen in the timid man later.

Max leaned back and picked up his cola, taking a small sip before changing the subject. “Tell me about yourself. Your accent suggests Midwest?”

Aiden seemed to relax with the new direction the conversation was taking, and he smiled. He played with his straw, staring down at the bubbling soda as he spoke. “Yeah, I’m from Indiana, born and raised. I always hate being asked about myself. I never know where to start or what someone would deem interesting.” He shrugged as he looked up. “I’m sure you don’t want to hear about growing up on a dairy farm.”

“Actually I’d love to hear about it,” Max assured him. “Growing up in the city, it was one of my dreams as a small child, to live on a farm.”

“Isn’t that always the way of it? Always wanting what we don’t have. I always wanted to live in the city. I hated shoveling cow shit and the never-ending chores.”

“And what do you think of our fair city now?”

Aiden continued to play with his straw, stabbing at the ice cubes in his glass. He really was the most adorable man Max had ever laid eyes on, and that increased significantly when Aiden appeared timid or shy. It called to his more dominant nature. Aiden tripped all Max’s attraction triggers, both physically and mentally.

“Well,” Aiden said softly. “To be quite honest, it’s a bit overwhelming. I mean, don’t get me wrong, I’m enjoying the hell out of living here, but…. It’s just different, is all.”

“Yes, it can be a little overwhelming,” Max chuckled. “How long have you been here?”

“About four months. Ah, thanks Carina. This looks great!” Aiden said sweetly when she set his fish and chips down in front of him.

“You’re welcome. Anything else I can get you two?” she asked as she set Max’s plate in front of him.

They both thanked her and told her they needed nothing else at the moment. A comfortable silence fell over them as they added lemon to their meals and dug in. Aiden was right, the fish was excellent, but watching Aiden eat was even better. He was a sensualist, enjoying his meal with relish, licking his fingers, humming his delight as he chewed. Christ, what would it be like to have a man like Aiden in his bed?

Max had shared the company of many men, but a true sensualist was a rarity. So many men he’d been with were always rushing to the finish line, the orgasmic prize their goal. They often forgot to enjoy the journey. Yes, he could force subs to go slow, but he couldn’t force them to truly take pleasure from the journey itself. It seemed even sex mimicked the rat race of the city. Everyone always in a hurry. Rush, rush, rush.

“Tell me about your family. How do they feel about you moving here?”

Aiden wiped his mouth and swallowed the mouthful of food before answering. And manners too, Max sighed to himself.

“It’s my mom and dad, two older brothers and one younger. We all did dairy farming, as does most of my extended family.” Aiden shrugged. “I think they’re okay with me moving here. They want me to be happy. My two older brothers love the farm so they’ll be taking it over when Mom and Dad can’t run it anymore. It will be in good hands.”

“And your younger brother?”

“He’s like me, in more ways than one,” Aiden chuckled. “He wasn’t into dairy farming either. He lives with his husband in Oklahoma now.”

“Interesting.”

“Uh oh! There is that ominous word again,” Aiden said with a scowl.

“Hard habit to break.” Max pushed his empty plate aside and reached out and once again placed his hand over Aiden’s. “Forgive me?”

Aiden studied their hands for a moment, a thoughtful expression on his handsome face. After a few more long beats of silence, he turned his hand over and entwined their fingers. “I’ll forgive you if you’ll take me for ice cream,” he said with a broad grin.

“Let me guess, another roommate works at the ice cream parlor?”

“No, but I do have one that hands out popsicles in a clown suit,” Aiden laughed.

“Wow! Seriously? How many roommates do you have?” Max asked incredulously.

“Just the three. I never realized how expensive living in New York City would be.”

“Ridiculously so,” Max agreed.

“So about that ice cream?”

“It—”

“And we talk about you instead,” Aiden interrupted.

Max frowned and pretended to consider Aiden’s offer. In reality Max would agree to just about any damn thing for the chance to spend more time with Aiden. With his free hand Max tapped his fingers on the tabletop. He finally relented when Aiden began to shift in his seat.

“It would be my absolute pleasure.”

Chapter 2

AIDENWOULDhave sworn there was nothing better than a double scoop of chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream. But, crap, he was wrong. Being fed vanilla bean ice cream by someone as hot as Grant Maxwell? Pure decadence.

As he accepted another spoonful from Max, Aiden’s eyes threatened to close as he savored the sweet cream, but he fought the urge. He wouldn’t dream of denying himself the pleasure of seeing the man in front of him. The way Max watched him intently only heightened Aiden’s joy, and he couldn’t hold back the moan the two treats produced.

“Fuck,” Max murmured lowly. “That has got to be the sexiest sound I’ve ever heard.”

Why the curse caused Aiden to shudder, he wasn’t sure. He had heard plenty of cursing—hell, he’d dropped the F-bomb plenty of times himself. However, the word coming from Max, this sexy, educated professional, just seemed…. Out of odds with his appearance? Naughty? Whatever the reason, it caused Aiden’s skin to tingle and warmth to spread through him.

“What sound is that?” Aiden teased. He licked the ice cream from his lips and looked up at Max from under his lashes.

A noise suspiciously like a growl emitted from Max, the sound going straight to Aiden’s groin. He hadn’t been lying when he told Max he hadn’t been with that many people. He had experimented with women, but it just hadn’t been… fulfilling. Then again, the few hookups he’d had with men hadn’t been all that great either. In his experience, the men he’d been with were happy to get a blow job and roll over or a quick fuck and disappear. The last couple of years, it hadn’t even seemed worth the trouble and he had a more than capable hand.

But, Max? Christ, the man already had him flirting. Aiden didn’t flirt.

Ever.

“Maybe you should give me another bite, so I can see what noise you’re referring to.” Yup, he was definitely flirting.

Max narrowed his eyes, and Aiden could swear he saw a sliver of wickedness pass over those dark eyes, but it was gone quickly before Aiden could be sure. The smirk that curled Max’s lip as he brought the spoon to Aiden’s mouth told him his initial impression of wicked was correct. Tentatively Aiden opened his mouth and accepted the dessert. As soon as the spoon was pulled away, Max pressed his lips against Aiden’s, Max’s tongue demanding entrance.

Aiden gasped and Max took advantage of the parting of Aiden’s lips to deepen the kiss. The hot and cold sensation as Max explored his mouth caused Aiden to moan wantonly and his toes to curl.

Max sat back and smacked his lips. “That sound,” Max said with a satisfied grin.

“Whew!” Aiden shook his head. “Illegal use of the tongue,” he said accusingly.

“And completely unapologetic,” Max said wryly. He held up a heaping spoonful. “Want some more?”

Aiden scanned the area around them. Thankfully there were no young children in the small parlor at this time of night, and the few people who were there weren’t paying them any attention. He’d had a few hot fantasies about public places. Having strangers watch him as he chased his orgasm. Being dominated, controlled, vulnerable, fucked while others watched and cheered. What would it be like to be at Max’s mercy? Played with and used for an audience? Aiden’s pulse quickened as his semihard cock swelled further as images of Max fucking him flashed through his mind.

Focus, Aiden.

He shifted in his seat, his jeans suddenly a little too tight, and he felt his cheeks heat as he realized Max had been staring at him as his mind wandered into the gutter. He quickly grabbed his own bowl of ice cream and took a big bite. “Um no, I’m good,” he said, voice cracking slightly with the tension that had settled into him, and he suddenly found the black Formica tabletop very interesting.

“Mmm, I think I like the effect my kiss has on you,” Max murmured, stretching out his right arm along the booth behind Aiden’s head and moving a fraction closer. “No, I know I like it,” he whispered close to Aiden’s ear.

Aiden closed his eyes briefly as Max’s warm breath tickled against the sensitive skin below his ear and Max’s appealing scent surrounded him. Aiden blew out a huffed breath and opened his eyes. “We’re supposed to be talking about you,” Aiden reminded him.

“Ask me anything. But if I answer all your questions you have to have dinner with me again tomorrow night.” He gave Aiden a challenging look. “And I get to pick the restaurant this time.”

“Deal.” Aiden met that challenging look squarely. “Guess I better be careful not to ask you anything too difficult.”

Max’s smile was brilliant. “Shall we seal the deal with a kiss?”

Aiden leaned over intending to press a chaste kiss to Max’s mouth, and return the tease. However just as his lips brushed against Max’s, Max cupped the back of Aiden’s head, holding him close. Max smiled as he licked and nipped at Aiden’s bottom lip. The sparks of heat arcing between them was as heady as the happiness that radiated out of Max.

The parlor fell away, as did everything and everyone else, as Max’s kisses demanded Aiden’s complete focus. Max never deepened the kiss, just continued to tease and suck at Aiden’s bottom lip, but it was enough to set off a chain reaction along his nerve endings until his entire body tingled with it, and Aiden found himself pressing closer to Max wanting more.

Abruptly, Max released his hold on Aiden and sat back, leaving Aiden dizzy and breathless. The broad satisfied grin returned once again as Max watched Aiden struggle to catch his breath and keep up.

“Uh… yeah…. Um….” Aiden coughed to clear his voice and then pointed an accusing finger at Max. “Stop that! You keep distracting me and scattering my brain, or there will be no date for you tomorrow.”

Max held up his hand in surrender. “My apologies, but damn is your mouth irresistible.” Max ran the tip of his middle finger across his bottom lip, then sucked it into his mouth. “I shall do my best to control my urges.”

Aiden was left with his mouth hanging open as he stared at Max’s mouth as he sucked on his finger. Max had the sexiest mouth, and the cleft in his chin was just begging for Aiden’s tongue. Max had thick dark hair, just the perfect length for Aiden to run his fingers through and grasp in his fists. Beneath a dark brow, dark-brown eyes held just a hint of mischief in them. And if Max’s face wasn’t gorgeous enough, his muscular frame made him nearly godlike. At least in Aiden’s opinion, the sexy bastard sure as hell could have him on his knees in worship.

Max’s deep chuckle pulled Aiden from his musings.

“Hey! You did that on purpose. Stop that,” Aiden chastised again. “Hands on the table, and…. Stop licking your lips, stop grinning….” He huffed out a frustrated breath. “Stop looking so damn sexy!”

“You find me sexy?”

“Max,” Aiden said warningly.

Max pursed his lips and set both hands on the table as Aiden had instructed, but he failed miserably at trying not to look sexy. Aiden sighed and looked away. “So I know you like black coffee, you’re a great dresser, kisser, and you’re a psychiatrist. What about family?” Aiden figured that subject would at least give him a moment to get himself back under control.

“I’m the oldest of three. I have a brother, Grady, who is two years younger and a sister, Grace, who is five years younger.”

“And you are how old?”

“Thirty-five.”

“Wow!” Aiden said, shocked. “I never would have pegged you for that old.”

“It’s not that old, Aiden.”

“No, no, I just meant I would have put you closer to my age is all,” Aiden said with a shrug.

“Which is?”

“Twenty-six.”

“Too old for you?” Max asked.

“Not at all.” Aiden waved off. “And it’s my turn to ask the questions. So Grant, Grady, and Grace? Your mom and dad had a thing for G names, huh?”

“You could say that,” Max chuckled. “Their names are Gladys and Gerald.”

Aiden laughed at that. “Are you close to your parents?”

“I’m still very close with my mom, although I don’t see her nearly as much as I’d like to. She’s enjoying the fun in the sun in southern Florida these days. We lost Dad six years ago.”

“I’m sorry to hear that,” Aiden said honestly. “I couldn’t imagine what it would be like to lose either of my parents.”

“Thank you, it was tough. My dad was an incredible man, and we all still feel his loss greatly. I take it your family is close?”

Aiden nodded. “My mom and dad are awesome, and I get along great with my brothers as long as we don’t have to fight over whose turn it is to shovel out the stalls.”

“Accepting?” Max questioned.

“Well, I haven’t really discussed my sex life with any of them, if that’s what you’re referring to, but they all seem to like my brother’s husband a lot.”

“Interesting.”

“Ugh!” Aiden threw up his hands. “You are so frustrating!”

“Dammit,” Max grumbled. “I’m usually the one asking the questions, and I don’t date a lot. I will try harder. Please continue.”

“You don’t date a lot?” Aiden asked, incredulous. He’d have thought someone who looked like Max would have men and women beating down his door for the chance. Or maybe—“Oh! Just got out of a relationship?”

“No. It’s been quite some time since I’ve had anything long-term.”

Aiden finished the last of his ice cream and set his bowl and spoon aside. “So does that mean you spend a lot of time alone, or do you have a lot of casual encounters?” Aiden fished. He doubted he’d say no if Max was seeking a one-night stand, but he’d be disappointed.

“Technically my hookups are anything but casual,” Max demurred.

Aiden stared at him, waiting for him to elaborate, but when Max only continued to stare back, Aiden took the bait. “Okay, you’ve piqued my interest. What do you mean they are anything but casual?”

“There is usually plenty of conversation, negotiations, sometimes contracts to be signed. It’s….” Max tapped his finger against the tabletop. “It’s always well-thought-out and safe.”

What the hell? Negotiations? Contracts? Aiden’s stomach rolled as a sickening realization settled over him. “I don’t get it. Why would someone who looks like you hire prostitutes? I mean I’m not judging you,” he added quickly and sincerely. “But it seems so foreign that you’d need to pay for sex.”

A confused expression crossed Max’s face and then his eyes went wide and he burst out laughing. “I’m not sure the subs would appreciate being called prostitutes.”

It was Aiden’s turn to stare with a dumbfounded look on his face. “Subs?”

“Yes,” Max said, still laughing. “Sorry,” he snorted and ran a hand over his head until he was better under control of his amusement. “I should have been more specific. Are you familiar with the D/s relationship?”

“You mean like slave-and master, tie me up and hit me kind of things?”

“Well, I’ve never had a slave,” Max said easily, “But yes, those are some of the aspects I enjoy about the lifestyle.”

A Dominant? Aiden looked at, really looked at, the man next to him. Handsome, intelligent, charming, confident. Yeah, he could see Max as a dominant man, a man who took charge of things, both in his personal and professional life. He raked his eyes down Max’s broad chest, lean waist, and well-built thighs. Oh hell yeah, he could see Max in tight leather, a bound man at his feet or on his bed. Did Max only dominate men in the privacy of his own home? A moan worked its way up and out of Aiden. In public?

“Aiden?”

Aiden continued to take in Max’s impressive body, imagining being dominated by this man. “Hmm?”

“Does that bother you?”

Aiden reluctantly pulled his gaze from Max’s body and pushed through the erotic fantasies that were running rampant through his mind. “What? No, no.” He shook his head vigorously. “I can see you as a Dom. It fits you.”

“Have you ever experienced being dominated?” Max asked, his gaze intent, voice low and husky.

Aiden’s mouth went dry and the reply stuck in this throat. He could only shake his head.

Max leaned in, his lips close to Aiden’s ear, and whispered, “Would you like to be?”

“I’m sorry, sirs, we’re closing now.”

Aiden jerked back and looked up at the young blonde who had served them. “I umm… okay,” he stuttered, his face heating.

“We’ll finish this conversation later,” Max murmured to Aiden and then turned his attention to the waitress. “Our apologies, we lost track of the time,” he said charmingly.

“No problem,” she giggled. “Hope you two have a nice night.”

“So do I,” Max said under his breath, just loud enough for Aiden to hear, as she walked away.

“Actually,” Aiden said, glancing at his watch. “It’s past my bedtime. I have to be up at four.”

“Any chance I can get you to call off work?” Max asked as he went to his feet.

“Not unless you want to pay my bills,” Aiden laughed and grabbed their empty bowls and tossed them in the garbage.

“Okay.”

“Excuse me?”

“I said okay, I’ll pay your bills if you’ll call off and spend the night with me,” Max said seriously and held open the door for Aiden.

Aiden waited until Max joined him on the sidewalk before he responded. “I was kidding, and now I’m not sure if I should be flattered or insulted.”

“Please, take it as the compliment it was intended. I’d love to spend the evening with you,” Max said, taking Aiden’s hand. “Even if we do nothing more than eat ice cream and chat all night.”

Aiden raised his eyebrows.

“Well, I never said where I wanted to eat the ice cream from,” Max clarified.

“Mmm, I think I might like that. Can I take a rain check?” Aiden asked hopefully.

Max stopped at the corner and pulled Aiden against him and slid an arm around Aiden’s waist. They were the perfect height, meeting eye to eye and chest to chest. “Absolutely, but don’t make me wait too long before you redeem it. I’m not a very patient man when I want something badly.”

Aiden laid his hand on Max’s hip. “How about tomorrow night?”

“Do you have to work Saturday?”

“No.”

Max cupped Aiden’s face in his hand and laid a gentle kiss against Aiden’s lips. “Then it’s a date,” he murmured and proceeded to kiss Aiden breathless.

“Wow! Yeah, it’s a date,” he agreed, a little dazed. Damn, he’d never had anyone rattle his brain like Max did, and heaven help him, but he liked it and wanted a whole lot more of it.

A cab pulled to the curb next to them, and Max released Aiden and opened the door. “Until tomorrow night, then,” he said with a sly smile.

Aiden slid into the back of the cab, already regretting not taking Max up on his offer to spend the evening together. He’d really, really like to follow Max home, enjoy more of those addicting kisses. Damn just…. More. “Until tomorrow night, then,” he echoed.

“Oh and Aiden?” Max asked as he poked his head in the cab.

“Yeah?”

“Would you like to be?”

Aiden didn’t even need to ask Max what he was talking about. The question the waitress had interrupted wasn’t far from his thoughts. Nor did he have to hesitate with his answer. “Yes.”

Max winked and shut the door without another word. Aiden doubted he truly understood what he’d just said yes to, he only knew he couldn’t wait till tomorrow and that the glint in Max’s eyes both exhilarated him and scared the hell out of him.

Chapter 3

FORTHEsecond time in as many days, Max found himself rummaging through his closet, selecting and quickly discarding clothes. Since closing the door on the cab the night before, Max couldn’t get Aiden out of his thoughts. He’d been watching the clock, trying to wish time away so he could see the man who had so captured his attention, so completely, again. And now….

Max picked up a blue silk dress shirt, studied it briefly, and threw it to the floor with the other discarded items with a groan. Now he was as nervous as a virgin at a prison rodeo, and he couldn’t find a fucking thing to wear!

“Max, my boy, you seriously need to get your shit together.” He picked a black dress shirt, considered it, and started to add it to the growing pile on the floor. “It’s fucking dinner,” he growled, disgusted with himself, and slipped the shirt on.

Without checking his reflection—for the one hundred and first time—Max finished dressing, grabbed his wallet, and slid it into his back pocket. He snatched his keys from the small entry table and headed out the door. Damn, if Bobby could only see him now, no doubt his old friend and mentor would laugh his ass off. Max couldn’t help it, however. Aiden and his admission that he had never been dominated—but would like to be—was foremost in Max’s thoughts and added to the unusual giddiness he felt. Max had been here before, feeling the allure experienced when playing with someone for the first time. However, it was the strange feelings Max had yet to identify that Aiden brought out in him that seemed to amplify his excitement.

There was just something about the thrill of introducing a man to the pleasure that could be found in pain, the freedom in submission, and the pride in pleasing a master. Max had been gifted with the opportunity many times over the years. His own introduction into the lifestyle was one that had left a lasting and profound effect on his psyche. Although he’d always leaned heavily toward a dominant role when it came to pleasures of the flesh, he’d also been able to submit, learn, grow, and yes, find enjoyment in handing over the reins of control.

At the age of twenty-five, he had stepped into Folsom with a chip on his shoulder, ready to bind, beat, and fuck his way through the club. Bobby Alcott, the club owner, had other ideas.

Max’s friend Tackett Austin had joined the club right around the same time Max had. For Bobby it hadn’t mattered that Tackett had been in the scene for a while and was quite obviously a total Dom. Bobby truly believed all Doms should experience what it felt like to submit. He’d said, “In order to wield the power, one has to experience the power.”

Max and Tackett had been paired up under Bobby’s watchful eye. Max had a sneaking suspicion the pairing hadn’t been just about learning. The son of a bitch got off on watching two cocky men try to outtop the other. Max could easily admit Bobby wasn’t the only one who had gotten off on it. In fact, there had been times when Max had found himself questioning which role he felt most comfortable in. While he’d loved having Tackett bound and at his mercy, he’d also enjoyed giving the reins over to Tackett. Max’s true nature, however, demanded he be the one in control, the one calling the shots and making the decisions.

And now, after ten years of controlling other men, their movements, their pleasure, at times their very breath, he couldn’t even pick out a goddamn shirt to wear. “Oh, Aiden, what have you done to me?”

“Excuse me, sir?” Ronaldo asked as he held the door open for Max.

Max shook his head and smiled happily at the doorman. “Just talking to myself.”

“From the expression on your face, I’d say it was a very good conversation, sir.”

“That it was, Ronaldo. That it was,” Max chuckled. “Have a great night,” he told him with a wave of a hand.

“Thank you, sir. Same to you.”

Oh, his night was going to be better than great. If Max had his way, it was going to be beyond amazing. Dinner, good company, maybe a little kissing and teasing, and then he planned on showing Aiden his playground at the club. And why stop there? Ending the night with Aiden in his bed would make it perfect.

As Max made his way to Aiden’s apartment, nothing could put a damper on his good feelings, not the heavy New York traffic, the rude pedestrian who flipped him the bird as he ran out in front of Max’s BMW, not even the rain. His smile grew and that tingly feeling went nuts when he spotted Aiden standing on the curb beneath an umbrella, dressed in holey jeans and a green shirt the same color as his eyes.

Max pulled up in front of Aiden and leaned across the car and opened the passenger-side door. “Good evening, Aiden.”

“Hi, Max. Thanks for the door-to-door service,” he said and slid into the seat, shaking the water from his umbrella before shutting the door.

“Totally my pleasure.” Max took in Aiden from head to toe appreciatively. “It’s good to see you.”

“Thanks, you too,” Aiden said, his tone almost shy. “So you going to tell me where we’re having dinner?”

“Nope,” Max said smugly and pulled back out into traffic.

“Not even a hint?”

“They have amazing food.”

“Hey,” Aiden said in an affronted tone. “The place I picked had amazing food.”

“You’re right,” he conceded. “How about the one I picked has amazing food served on china rather than in a plastic basket?”

“Well if you like that fancy kind of stuff,” Aiden said with a smug grin. “You’re just full of surprises, aren’t you?”

“You’re surprised I like to eat on plates?” Max chuckled.