Chapter Six #2
He snuggled under the warmed bedding and turned out the light.
Through the drapes filtered the soft glow of a street light.
He closed his eyes, knowing exactly where his thoughts would take him—that kiss.
He could still feel David’s lips on his, still recall the gentle touch of his fingers on Jason’s skin, the way his fingertips stroked Jason’s hair.
That kiss. Oh God, that kiss. It had lit a fire in him, a yearning for more. More kissing, touching, caressing… But underpinning his desires was the certainty that he’d felt so aroused because it had been David’s lips on his, David’s tongue exploring him.
He drifted off to sleep, comforted that David had made the first move. That surely had to mean something.
* * * * * *
“So will it be the usual cream cheese and bacon on your bagel this morning?” Jason asked with a smile as he filled David’s insulated travel mug with coffee.
David arched his eyebrows, grinning. “Oh, so I’m predictable, is that what you’re saying?”
Jason laughed. “Now, did I say that? I’m just pointing out that you happen to be very fond of cream cheese and bacon bagels, that’s all.”
David nodded slowly. “Right. Okay then, I’ll have cream cheese with smoked salmon, red onions, black olives, lemon juice and capers.” He locked gazes with Jason. “Think you can cope with that?”
Jason’s eyes gleamed. “Oh, I think so.” He peered into the chiller cabinet.
“Except we’ve just run out of smoked salmon, so you’ll have to wait a minute while I fetch more from out back.
” He pierced David with a steady gaze. “You have got time to wait, I take it? I mean, it’s not like you’re in a hurry, or anything, right?
” He smirked and disappeared from sight.
David shook his head, unable to stop smiling. This feels… good.
A muffled giggle caught his attention and he turned to find Melina covering her mouth, her shoulders shaking.
“So glad I’m amusing you this morning,” he commented dryly. He’d gotten to like Melina during the past weeks.
Melina peered over her shoulder toward the door where Jason had gone, then looked back at David. “So, are you the one I have to thank?”
David stared at her, slightly perplexed. “Excuse me?”
She flicked her head toward the door. “For putting a spring in his step this morning. He’s been in a great mood ever since he showed up.” She cocked her head. “Mind you, he’s always in a good mood after you’ve been in.” She froze, her eyes widening. “Say, are you and Jason… you know?”
David didn’t know what to say to that.
“Not that there’s anything wrong if you are,” Melina added hastily. “To be honest, it’s about time he found someone who makes him happy.” Her face tightened. “Jason’s a sweet, sweet guy, but he’s always seemed kinda… lonely.”
Jason chose that moment to reenter the shop, and she clammed up, speaking instead to the lady behind David who was making impatient little huffing sounds.
David watched Jason assemble his bagel, his mind turning over Melina’s words.
I make Jason happy? The thought was enough to fill him with warmth, a slow wave that spread throughout his body.
The realization that followed took him almost by surprise. He makes me happy too.
“I hope your meeting goes well,” Jason said quietly as he handed David his bagged bagel and mug.
He remembered. David smiled. “I’m sure it will.” This was ridiculous. He was already late, and yet he didn’t want to move. “I was thinking of going to the shelter tonight after work,” he said quickly.
Jason’s face lit up. “Then I will see you there. I was intending to go too.” He gave David his change, their hands staying connected for a moment. “Have a good day.”
“You too.” David pulled away and headed for the door, stopping to wave at him before exiting the shop. He dashed along the street, not giving a rat’s ass that he was later than usual.
I’ll see him tonight.
Damn, it was going to be a long day.
* * * * * *
“David! Come on in.” Donald Stretton pointed to one of three chairs facing his desk, two of the others already occupied by Philip Miles and Valerie Kingston, the senior partners.
Both of them gave him relaxed smiles as he took his seat.
Donald sat and leaned back. “So, I’ve been looking over the file you sent us with the photos taken so far at the shelter. They look great.”
“Didn’t I see you in some of those?” Valerie asked.
David nodded. “I’ve been working a few shifts there when I thought they needed an extra pair of hands.”
“What’s the reaction of the staff been like?” Philip asked. “Have they been positive? I ask because I’ve heard nothing on the grapevine.”
David tried to be diplomatic. “Mostly the staff have been positive. There will always be a few people who aren’t giving the campaign their wholehearted support, but I think everyone has signed up for one shift. There are some who’ve signed up for more.”
“Excellent.” Valerie beamed. “And how is the commercial coming along?”
“I’ve seen some of the footage from Thanksgiving,” David told them. “It has a great feel to it. I think when they’re finished, it will be awesome.”
“That’s what I wanted to hear,” Donald said, a triumphant note in his voice.
“You’re going to make us look good, David.
And just so you know, there’s going to be a nice little bonus in it for you.
We’re really pleased with the way things are going.
The billboard ads look amazing, as do the posters on the subway. ”
David bit his lip. “I’m pleased that you’re happy with the progress, but I’d be very happy if you would do something for me?”
Donald frowned. “Such as?”
“That bonus you just mentioned. Perhaps you could give it to the shelter? That’s how they survive, after all, on donations.” Not to mention that it felt wrong for him to be earning more out of this campaign, when those folks had so little.
The partners regarded him in silence for a moment. Then Valerie gave him a warm smile. “I think that can definitely be arranged. I look forward to seeing the commercial when it’s finished.”
“That’s all, David. Keep us informed on how the campaign is going. I’d be particularly interested to see what effect it has on the public perception of the company.” Donald stared at him. “How are you going to gauge that, by the way?”
“I’ve got someone else in the department to deal with that, Terri Canning, who specializes in data collection and analysis. She’s putting together a survey and tracking its results,” David informed him.
“Is there anything else you want to share?” Donald asked. When David shook his head. Donald picked up the folder and moved it to one side. “Okay, then that’s it for now. Keep doing what you’re doing.”
Meeting over.
David stood, his notes tucked under his arm.
“Well, if that’s everything, I’ll get back to work.
” David nodded to them. “Good day.” He left the office, breathing more easily.
It wasn’t that he’d been super nervous—this was his field of expertise after all—but it was by far the biggest campaign he’d undertaken.
He stopped at the water fountain to fill a paper cup. His mouth was dry. As he gulped down the cool water, he caught a snatch of a conversation from a nearby office.
“Well, I for one can’t wait for my stint to be over. Honestly, whose idea was it that we all have to take part?”
David didn’t recognize the whining male voice, but he wasn’t surprised by the attitude.
“Oh, come on, it’s not so bad,” a woman said. “I certainly don’t mind giving up the time. My paycheck may not be a fortune, but I’ve got a damn sight more than those poor people have. And besides, it makes me feel good.”
Her words gave David hope. See, not everyone is an asshole.
He’d make sure he passed on what he’d heard to Jason later on. He could already see Jason’s face in his mind, the way his eyes lit up, how he got those fine line around them when he smiled…
God, I’ve got it bad, haven’t I?