Out in Time Read online

  Wade angled his arm upward and toward his body so that Heath’s feet came to rest between his, putting him right in Wade’s space. This was too close. Wade’s masculine, clean scent hit him once again, like in the elevator, but stronger now that they were closer. Talking. Talking would distract him.

  “These are nice cufflinks,” he offered lamely.

  “Yeah, they were my grandfather’s. They’re the old-fashioned kind that aren’t easy to take off. ‘Course I’m way bigger than he was, so he probably just left them on until he got the shirt off.”

  So, talking was not helping. Because all Heath could picture now was how much bigger Wade was than him and how much of turn-on that was. Wade could just wrap him up in those huge arms and toss him on the bed. Then, he could lie down over Heath, covering his whole body. His wide thumbs could graze all of his cheeks in one swoop. He’d bet anything this man was a gentle giant.

  Heath double-timed it, even though he was careful not to mess up the heirlooms, and pushed one end of the chain through the hole. He repeated the action on the other sleeve and dropped them both into Wade’s upturned palm.

  “Anyway, I don’t wear them often, but when I do I’m afraid I’ll mess them up, so thanks.”

  “No problem,” Heath mumbled and turned back to his desk. He could feel his resolve tumbling down and turning into dust at his feet. He needed to take his mind off of that walking, talking distraction.

  Heath settled in at the computer and popped his earbuds in, cranking the volume way up. After uploading the pics, he began browsing through them and organizing them into the ones that caught his eye immediately from the ones that didn’t stand out. Once he was in the zone and had pushed his hopeless crush to the back of his mind, he removed one earbud, not wanting to be rude.

  Heath was happy with what he had here. The setting was so pristine and landscaped, yet real and homey, that Heath wouldn’t need to do a lot of touching up. It had also been a gorgeous day, so the natural light had been perfect. He hadn’t needed to do much more than point and shoot. Boyd was an extremely attractive man, and his dogs were adorable. He found himself laughing at one where the dogs broke position and their tongues were lapping at Boyd’s chin.

  “I like that one,” Wade stated, standing just over Heath’s shoulder. “It’s real. Boyd’s face is all wrinkled up, and his cheeks are puffed up like he’s trying not to laugh.”

  “Yeah, it’s a good one. You have a good eye.”

  “Nah, you’re just a good photographer,” Wade complimented, patting him on the shoulder. “Anyway, I’ve done about all I can do for now. How about you?”

  “Pretty much. Ready to hit the gym?”

  “Yep, let me go change.”

  “‘K. I’ll just change out here then.”

  Heath made quick work of kicking his Vans off and shedding his jeans before he slid on a pair of black running shorts. He then reached an arm over his head and pulled off his t-shirt in one move to exchange it for a dark gray tank top. He looked in the mirror and liked what he saw he looking back at him. He was trim and fit. His arms and shoulders were slightly defined. Nothing to sneeze at, but he knew when Wade walked out of that bathroom it would be game over. Wade made a living at being the fittest and the best, and he did it well.

  Sure enough, after he’d slipped his socks and running shoes on, Wade reappeared and nearly took his breath away with very little effort. He’d traded his slacks and white undershirt for red jogging shorts that had Giants stamped across one leg and a white fitted t-shirt. Wade sat down and worked his running shoes on over his socks. Heath nearly collapsed back on the bed with a moan of pure unadulterated joy as he watched Wade’s taut muscles work under his clothes.

  Wade stood back up and glanced over at him, fitting a red hat over his shaggy blonde hair before asking if he was ready. Heath, completely caught up in his study of this gorgeous man before him, reached out distractedly and grabbed his own black hat, mumbling a yes.

  They grabbed their iPods, pulled the door to, and took the elevator to the third floor where the exercise room was located.

  “I always do cardio before lifting. Sound good?”

  “Yeah, that’s good.” Before Heath could extract his keycard, Wade had his inserted into the door, swinging it wide and holding it open for him. Of course, he was a gentleman to boot.

  They hit the treadmills that were side by side and positioned between mirrored walls. Heath focused on keeping his eyes glued to his own reflection as they gained speed. The thump thump of his feet on the rubber and the dissonant sound of the Black Veil Brides filled his ears. After he figured it was safe, he let his eyes wander to Wade in the mirror. He lost his stride for a second when he realized he could see Wade’s backside reflected from the other mirror. His gaze moved up those tight calve muscles and lingered over his sculpted ass. He stared so long at the twin globes bouncing so sweetly that his prick swelled to full-mast, making him seriously uncomfortable.

  Trying for nonchalance, he moved his eyes around the room, trying to get his racing thoughts and raging hormones under control. Heath thought he had a healthy, normal sex drive, but now he felt like one of those guys who only thought with his dick. He kept trying to figure out ways to scope out the gorgeous man without getting caught. He really did admire and respect Wade and didn’t want to run the risk of making him uncomfortable. But, damn! What was a poor, smitten gay boy to do?

  Finally, he looked back to Wade’s reflection but this time his eyes caught Wade’s knowing ones. Heath tried to keep a look of polite indifference on his face, but knew he failed when Wade smirked at him. So, Heath just laughed at being caught ogling that fine, hot ass, refocused on his run, and finally hit his stride at two miles. He and Wade chatted on and off for a while, which distracted Heath from the fact that he didn’t usually run more than two miles.

  When he hit three miles, he was done. After his slip up in the beginning and all the resistance thereafter, he needed a shower and a drink. He walked a short cool down and hopped off his machine, doing some light stretching. Wade dislodged his own earbuds, and Heath could swear he heard the strains of country music pouring out of them. They were certainly night and day.

  “You heading up?”

  “Yeah, you?”

  “Not just yet. Gonna do one more mile. Then I’ll do a quick burn out.”

  The guy wasn’t even winded. “A burn out?”

  “Oh, yeah. That’s where we do more reps with less weight. Less strenuous but gets the job done of tearing the muscle.”

  Heath nodded. Block the sexy thoughts. Block the sexy thoughts. “All right. So you don’t need a spotter?”

  “Nope,” he grinned, wiping his brow of sweat. “I got this.” Mmm … even his sweat was sexy.

  Heath reached around to one of the cubby holes and grabbed a hand towel, tossing it Wade’s way. Wade grinned his thanks and mopped his brow some more.

  He had to get out of here now. “‘K. I’m gonna shower and hit the market. Want anything? My treat.”

  “Sure. You don’t mind?” Heath shook his head. “Beef jerky, pork skins, yogurt, and if they have them, a boiled egg, and um … water and a Gatorade.” Wade grinned a shy smile while Heath’s eyes widened at the interesting array of requested items.

  “Okay,” he agreed before tilting his head back in a goodbye.

  He made his way to their room and tried to make quick work of showering and changing. He knew if he lingered too long he would end up stroking his hard dick with Wade’s butt on the brain and his name on his lips, so he didn’t even think when he stepped under the hot water to complete the chore. Nope, not for one second did he wonder how smooth that high, tight ass of Wade’s would feel under his palm. He didn’t wonder if Wade had blonde hair framing his dick. He didn’t wonder if the big man would tremble when Heath ran his hands over his meaty thighs. Nuh, uh. No, sir. Sure didn’t think any of that. After he pulled on his chill pants, his semi-hard cock basically called him a liar.

&nb
sp; The fifth of tequila he’d seen in the market earlier was definitely calling his name now. He needed something to dull the senses a little, take the edge off. Whatever euphemisms you wanted to use for ridding himself of all the Wade thoughts that seemed to morph into all the Wade porn.

  Once he had the counter at the market piled high with snacks and drinks, Heath figured he had full control over both his mental and physical faculties. Maybe the more time he spent with Wade, he could think of him more like a bro, although he could never see himself being relaxed enough to, like, chest bump and shit like that. That had to be it, though. He just wasn’t used to being around him in this close of proximity without the distractions of other people and whatever they were working on. Yeah, it was like he was getting a highly concentrated dose of Wade this weekend, and Heath’s body and mind were in danger of overload.

  Getting to know the way the skin crinkled around his eyes when Heath said something arrogant. Or the way he always held doors open for Heath. Or allowed him to order first. Or the way he smiled when he talked about his family, or football, or his hero, Boyd. Or asked questions about him like he truly cared about the answers.

  “Fuck,” he muttered.

  “Excuse me?” the cashier asked, pausing between ringing up items to raise both brows at him.

  “Oh, sorry,” Heath apologized before blushing.

  She didn’t say anything, but the beep of the scanner started up again, so he guessed he was forgiven.

  Struggling with the two bags chocked full of protein for Wade, Heath ascended the elevators to their room once again. He’d just set down one bag to dig for his keycard when the door opened to reveal a shirtless, slightly damp Wade. Of-fucking-course.

  There were all kinds of things that Heath became instantly and painstakingly aware of … Wade’s tan was natural as he had no tan lines on his arms or his waist. He had an enticing blonde treasure trail that basically screamed, Just follow me, Heath. And make sure to use your tongue! He had that elusive V-shaped torso that most guys would kill for. And the most regretful of all truths … Heath was destined to spend the entire weekend with a painful erection that would probably result in his worse case of blue balls to date.

  “Motherfucker,” Heath mumbled.

  “What was that?”

  Heath reached into the bag he still held and brandished his greatest find. “I said, ‘I got tequila!’”

  Chapter 5

  Wade bent over to retrieve the brown paper bag filled to the brim. He glanced in the bag and saw several of each of the things he’d requested. He let out a low whistle. This would hold him over for sure.

  “I don’t really drink.”

  “Don’t really drink? Or don’t drink at all?” Heath questioned. Wade could hear the sliver of annoyance in his tone. He’d been acting funny ever since they’d gotten to the room. He retraced his actions but didn’t think he’d done anything to offend him. Wade had caught Heath checking him out at the gym. Maybe that was it. He felt uncomfortable. Although if anyone should have felt strange, it should have been Wade. After all, he was the “straight” one. Well, he hoped to rid Heath of that notion soon. The more time they spent together, the more he felt like he could trust Heath, and he really hoped down the line they might grow to be more than just friends.

  “Well, I’ve, uh, had a few beers,” he finally answered. “I think I finished one of them.”

  Heath placed his bag on the bureau before spinning around and bracing his hands on his slim hips. Wade slid his bag next to the other, ready to be ridiculed for not being the party type. He’d heard it all before.

  “I don’t know if I’ve ever met anyone who didn’t drink at all. Well, unless they were recovering alcoholics,” he added. “Mind if I ask why?”

  “No, I just don’t like the taste all that much, and it just made me sleepy anyway, so I figure what’s the point?” He shrugged.

  “What’s the point, indeed?” Heath muttered under his breath.

  Wade decided to take one for the team and put his aversion on hold. One drink wouldn’t hurt. He could just sip it, so Heath wouldn’t have to drink alone. The thought of letting Heath down didn’t sit right with him. “I’ll have a drink though since you went all out,” he offered with a grin.

  Heath smiled that half smile that showed some of his brilliantly white teeth. “Yeah?”

  “Sure. I don’t have anything against drinking. I just don’t normally partake.”

  Heath’s eyes shone a little brighter. “If you don’t like it, don’t finish it off. I don’t want you to do anything you don’t want to.”

  “It’s all good.” He turned back to the bags. “Man, you bought the place out, huh?”

  “Well, you said earlier you were still full from lunch, but you just burned a bunch of calories. Wouldn’t want you to go hungry.”

  “Thanks, Heath.”

  “No problem.”

  They set about unpacking their makeshift dinner. Wade grinned at the extra items that boasted they were high in protein. It’s like Heath had read his mind again. He popped open a bag of pork rinds and tossed one in his mouth. “I’m surprised they actually had these,” he said once he’d chewed the deliciously salty treat.

  Heath wrinkled his cute little nose up, and Wade just wanted to lean in, brush it with his, and then plant a kiss on it. “Ugh, how can you can eat those?”

  “Easy. They’re delicious. Taste like extra crispy bacon.”

  “No way.”

  “Promise. Try one.”

  He waved one under Heath’s nose, which was a mistake. They smelled a little like old socks and rotten cheese. Heath actually gagged a little before scooting away from the offensive object.

  “That’s disgusting.”

  Wade just laughed and turned back to the food. “So what did you get for yourself?”

  Heath tapped a few items, naming them as he went. “Hummus with pretzel chips, a fruit and yogurt parfait, and a bag of Jolly Ranchers.”

  “Hope you’re gonna share those.”

  “Of course.”

  They lined a tray they’d found with their snacks while Heath made a show of placing the tequila and two glasses in the middle, like they were the star attraction.

  Wade picked up the tray and moved toward the only comfy place in the room. “You’re bed or mine?” he asked before he thought about how that sounded.

  Heath just raised an eyebrow, kicked his shoes off, and propped a hip on Wade’s bed before swinging his legs up and stretching out on his side. “Here’s fine.”

  Swallowing the large lump of lust in his throat, Wade placed the tray in the middle and settled at the head of the bed, sinking into the fluffy down comforter. Just as they were getting situated, his cell rang. He reached over to the nightstand and removed it from the charger when he saw that it was his mom. Smiling, he swiped the talk icon. “Hey, Momma!”

  He glanced at Heath to gauge his reaction. He wasn’t kidding when he said he was a momma’s boy, but Heath just grinned.

  “Hi, honey,” she chirped in his ear. “How’s New York?”

  “Fine. Just fine. We’re only on the outskirts and haven’t seen much other than Mr. Savage’s house and the hotel.”

  “Oh! How was the interview?”

  “Really good. I think we’ll have a bit of a different take on him for our spread. I’ll send it to you when it’s ready.”

  “I’ll be happy to proofread,” she offered. He laughed. His mom could never pass up utilizing her inner grammar nerd. “I meant to tell you. I saw Boyd’s mother the other day. We had the nicest conversation. She actually offered to pass on your information to her son because she said he loves mentoring. Isn’t that just the sweetest? I didn’t mention that you were interviewing him, just in case it didn’t work out or something. But, anyway, I was happy to see that folks seemed to be treating her with respect, like always. I really wondered how that would work out with his news. You just never know about people. I think the fact that he announced it l
ike he did helped. Don’t you? There was no hint of scandal, other than him saying how antiquated the NFL is, but that’s no darn secret. Wade, you there?”

  “Uh … yes, ma’am. Just waiting my turn.” Heath snickered at that, so Wade threw the pen cap he’d been fiddling with at him. Wade laughed when it ricocheted off his forehead and landed in the shot he’d just poured.

  “Well, anyway, I think the way he handled it was admirable. You know? There was nothing to gossip over. He said it. People heard it. Let’s move on.”

  A warm feeling roiled through Wade’s entire being. Could it really be that simple for him? As long as he kept his nose clean, he could make his announcement and that would be that for the most part? He knew deep down that his family would accept him. They might be a little shocked at first, but they loved him and each other like crazy. Wade suddenly couldn’t wait until Christmas. His whole family was coming up to spend Christmas in New York with him. They were the reason he’d bought that monstrosity of a house. He wanted them to feel welcome anytime.

  “I’m glad to hear that people are handling it well. You really haven’t seen a lot of negative over it?”

  “No, not really,” she sighed. “Some surprise, sure. A few less than humorous jokes. Other than folks saying, ‘Did you hear about Boyd Savage?’ and the retelling in case they hadn’t heard, that’s been it.”

  “Well, I’m glad to hear that because he’s even more impressive in person. He’s one of the good’uns.”

  He couldn’t help tossing Heath a grin as his Southern accent came out heavier than usual with that last tidbit. Instead of the look of laughter Wade expected to find on Heath’s face, he found Heath staring at him so intensely that Wade shot him a questioning look. Then Heath seemed to shudder. The look slid from his face as he grinned at Wade and promptly did a shot of tequila, which made him shudder for a second time.