Chapter 6
Six
L eslie
“I’m sorry.” And he was. So sorry . Sorry he wasn’t like most men who let their dicks happily lead them into temptation. Sorry he couldn’t go there with Joe when he knew it would be spectacular. Sorry he was too afraid to live in the now and take what Joe was offering him.
“Don’t be sorry,” Joe said with a sigh. He slid his arms around Leslie’s waist and rested his head on Les’s chest, tempting Les with the scent of his cologne.
Cologne Les had sent to Joe years ago because he’d discovered it at a commercial shoot he was doing and thought it would smell great on Joe.
Yeah, he was a sap like that. Joe had sent him back a video demonstration of just how he’d applied it and Les had wished he could climb through the phone and smell it for himself.
“You know it’s one of the things I like most about you. Your honorable nature.”
Leslie barked out a laugh and rested his chin on Joe’s head, a move that made Joe squirm in his arms. His squirming, though, brought their bodies into contact in a way that made Leslie’s senses hyperaware.
Joe was here. In his arms. And wasn’t saying no to the job, which meant they’d have time to explore this thing between them. Leslie would do whatever it took to convince Joe to stay. He knew getting Joe to agree to the job was just the first step, and then he’d be able to work his magic.
“I’m not sorry about that kiss, though,” Leslie said, pressing his lips to Joe’s hair, inhaling his berry-scented shampoo. “It was worth the wait.”
Joe looked up at him. “I’m glad. There’s plenty more where that came from.”
And it would be so easy, Leslie. Joe’s lips were swollen and shiny, his pupils wide and his eyelids heavy.
Leslie had a pic of Joe saved on his phone from his second season on Dance Machine where he looked similar, his white T-shirt torn and his hair mussed in a bedhead sort of way.
He was showing a lot of skin in that picture.
Leslie had fallen asleep staring at it more than a few times while on the road.
“Good. I’ll be looking forward to it.”
Joe sighed and stepped back. “Did you want some…” He looked around and peeked in the kitchen. “Water? Coffee?”
“There’s tea in there, too,” Leslie said. “I didn’t know which you prefer in the morning. I wanted to make sure you had options.”
Joe stepped back and wrinkled his nose. “Oh, you’re good. But if you want to know what I do in the morning, you’re going to have to find out for yourself. Right now, I’m going to go to bed, so if you want to know what I do before bed you’re welcome to watch. Join in if you want.”
Les shook his head. “And you’re dangerous. I’ll let you get some rest. How about I take you to breakfast?”
Joe tried to hide his disappointment, but Les noticed the quiver in his chin. “It would have to be early. It’s a two-hour drive to the airport.”
“Then I’ll be here early,” Les said. He moved closer and took Joe’s hand in his.
“I’ll take you to breakfast and then we can talk about you coming in the fall.
You know, the dates and everything. I can answer any questions you might have, and then I can say goodbye and know it’ll only be a short time until I see you again. ”
“Are you really making me do this?” Joe said, curling his lip. “Becoming a resident of Ayre Valley once more? ”
“I’d love it if you would,” Leslie said solemnly.
“I think it would be a good experience for you, and it would be a phenomenal win for Greenvale.” Please say yes.
He squeezed Joe’s hand before reaching for the door.
“Sleep on it.” He leaned in and kissed Joe’s cheek, his lips lingering as if he was losing the battle between willpower and temptation and was going to scoop Joe up in his arms and take him where they both wanted to be…
“Are you taking me to the Tasty Grill for breakfast?” Joe whispered.
Leslie laughed. “There is a new place, an actual chain restaurant even. But if it’s Tasty Grill you want—”
“ Yesss ,” Joe breathed. “That’s the only place that can tempt me from my clean eating regimen.”
Leslie bowed. “Your wish is my command. I’ll see you…”
“Oh, uh, seven? That too early?”
“Nope. See you at seven.” Leslie opened the door and then paused to take a long, long look at Joe. He needed one more dose of Joe’s incredible presence before leaving. “I’m so glad you came.”
Joe raised his arm over his head and leaned against the door. “I mean, I’m here. And I’m considering this terrible plan you and your brother have concocted. That’s something, right?”
Leslie looked around to be sure all was quiet on First Street.
The moon illuminated Jackets Pond and the water danced softly with the chilly breeze brushing over its surface.
During the day, the fountain would provide a lovely sight and a relaxing sound for those in the area.
Leslie remembered looking out the window of the third floor of the McCann Building during class and watching the fountain.
He’d dream of his future playing in the NFL, and a special person in his life cheering him on.
Then it had come true. Well, the NFL part.
The special person needed to agree to the cheering on part.
Maybe Jackets Pond had magical wish-granting powers.
He’d send a little wish up tonight in hopes the rest of his dream came true.
“It’s more than something. Good night.” He leaned in and hesitated inches from Joe’s face. If Joe closed the distance, it meant he really was considering the plan.
Joe chuckled. “Good night, Leslie.”
Then Joe leaned the rest of the way in and made light contact, tentative contact, teasing contact. It was enough. Enough to make Les’s lips tingle. He stepped back and laughed as Joe rolled his eyes and shut the door with a huff.
It was a start.
Or at least he’d thought so.
When Leslie pulled up at 6:58 a.m. he growled and slammed his hand on the steering wheel.
Joe’s rental car was gone, which had to mean Joe was gone.
“Dammit, Joe.” That familiar twinge pulled at his heart as he turned off the ignition on his Lincoln Town Car.
He didn’t want Joe to have to scale the mountain that was his F-250, so he’d brought his sensible classy car that he used to drive his mom around in.
He climbed the steps to the front porch and noticed a rolled-up piece of paper tied with a string.
A note.
My Dearest Leslie,
I texted you, but I figured you might not check before coming.
I needed to think. I’m sorry about breakfast. You’ve been so patient with me, and I’m going to ask you for a little more of that patented Payton patience.
I’ve got to make some calls when I get home, first to my agent to see what my schedule is like before I commit to the job. I’d likely have to take you up on the airplane offer a few times to fly out for Dance Machine filming, but I can probably make it work, even from the middle of nowhere.
I’m more concerned about you and what me potentially taking this job means. To be honest, I don’t know what it means. What I do know is that I’m ready to be in the same place with you for an extended period of time and to see what happens.
You and I have been doing this dance for so long. I think we owe it to ourselves to take the next step, even if it means reaching our finale. I’ll be going into this with no expectations other than we continue being honest.
I hope I see you in August.
I hope you’re ready.
Twinkle Toe s
“He didn’t say ‘no.’” Leslie beamed. He didn’t even care that Joe stood him up for breakfast. He knew Joe was terrible at saying goodbye. Les hadn’t exactly counted on Joe being here when he arrived.
God, what would it be like? Them working together? Playing together? Making something of all this after all these years? Was Les setting himself up for heartache?
“I have to know. Either way.” He put the car in drive and pulled away from the curb, the fountain in Jackets Pond catching his eye. He made another wish as he drove out of town and toward his family’s property.
Fifteen years had been a long time to wait. He could wait three more months.