Chapter Eight
Is it too soon to call it a relationship?
Jason found himself hoping that his feelings weren’t a reaction to David being the first man to pay him any attention.
Never mind that—David was the first man to whom Jason had felt definite attraction.
And the more time he spent with David, the more Jason hoped the feeling was mutual.
I’ve had enough of being alone. I work hard at the shop, I volunteer at the shelter.
Is it so bad that I want someone in my life?
He couldn’t deny that meeting David had wrought a change in him.
He enjoyed their conversations but with those first few tentative kisses, David had introduced Jason to a whole new world of sensation, and Jason wanted more.
“We can still discuss gift ideas here,” David said with a shrug.
Starbucks was already looking pretty full as they got closer to mid morning.
People sat around in groups, chatting animatedly, some on their phones or laptops, while holiday music played in the background, thankfully not loud enough to become intrusive.
“But why here?” Jason pushed. David’s innocent expression was setting off alarms. “What are you up to?”
“Nothing. You’re imagining things.” David leaned back. “Now, I’ve had a think and I do have a few ideas for Travis.” He peered at him. “If you still want my ideas, that is.”
Jason gave up. Whatever David was planning, Jason supposed he’d find out eventually. “Fine. Tell me.”
David got out his phone and scrolled. “A men’s grooming kit.”
Jason stared. “Did you take a close look at him? That boy has a chin as bare as a baby’s bottom. He definitely does not take after me. I had to start shaving when I was barely out of my teens.”
“Okay, strike one.” David perused his screen. “How about a backpack? There are some great ones out there right now, very stylish, leather even. Every man needs a bag, after all.”
Jason stroked his chin. “Okay, that one makes more sense. Let’s make that a possibility.”
“Speakers? Maybe some wireless speakers that he could use anywhere?”
Jason nodded. “Another good idea. Any more?”
“My last one was a watch. Maybe engraved on the back.”
Jason liked that idea. “Yeah, he might like that.” He found it touching that David had actually taken the time to think about gifts. “So, where do we start?”
“Oh, we have plenty of time,” David said, before taking a long drink of his caramel brulée latte.
Yes, now Jason was certain of it—David was definitely up to something.
He finished his own latte and glanced at his watch.
It felt strange not to be in the shop, but he knew Melina was more than capable of taking care of the business.
It wasn’t as if this was the first time she’d done it, after all.
She was used to her boss leaving her to shut up the shop while he went to Helping Hands. Melina was a godsend.
“Ready?” David’s voice broke through his musings.
“For what, exactly?” Jason asked with a wry smile. He didn’t believe for one minute that Christmas shopping was the first thing on David’s secret To Do list.
“Well, first off, we’re going to walk along 5th Avenue for a while, to take a look at all the window displays. It’s such a beautiful morning.”
Jason had to agree. It was a chill mid-December morning, but the sun was shining and the sky was an eye-hurting blue.
David perused him for a moment, before reaching into the bag he’d set over the back of his chair and taking out something soft looking and white.
He unfurled a long, knitted scarf and matching beanie.
“These are for you. I think I need to keep you warm today.” He looped the scarf around Jason’s neck, crossing it over at the back and adjusting it until it was under his chin, silky against his neck.
“There.” With that, he placed the beanie on Jason’s head, rolling the edge to frame his forehead.
David smiled. “The color looks good against the beard.” His palm rested against Jason’s cheek.
He was so close that Jason could feel his breath, warm against his cheek.
God, all he wanted to do in that one fragile moment was lean in and kiss David, take the initiative, but hell, they were in the middle of Starbucks.
David’s eyes shone and he smiled, and Jason could have sworn he knew exactly what Jason was thinking.
“Now you look like you’re ready to brave a cold, New York morning,” David said, his hand lingering on Jason’s cheek.
Jason lost himself in the intimate bubble in time, shutting out the music, the voices, everything but the man seated next to him, the man whose blue eyes pierced him to the heart.
I could look into those eyes all day.
Then he gave himself a mental slap upside the head. Don’t get carried away. What have you done so far, huh? A couple of kisses? Okay, so that last kiss had shaken him with its unexpected sensuality, but that didn’t mean the two of them were about to ride off into the sunset together, right?
As much as Jason might really, really want that.
Never mind about what might never be. Right now I have a whole day with him. Jason didn’t want to waste a second.
“Then let’s get out there, shall we?” He gave David a hopefully bright smile, one that hid the ache so deep inside him, a yearning that he’d never encountered before.
David rose, picked up his bag and slung it over his shoulder. “Good idea.”
Jason stopped him with a hand to his arm. “And thank you for the scarf and the beanie. That was a really sweet thought.”
David’s face glowed. “You’re welcome,” he said softly.
Jason followed him out of the coffee shop, his stomach churning. He had no clue as to what was in store for him, but he couldn’t wait to find out.
* * * * * *
Jason stared across 5th Avenue to the entrance to Central Park, where the carriages came to a stop as people alighted and disembarked. One glance at David’s grin told him everything.
“You’re kidding.”
David arched his eyebrows. “You mean, you’ve never gone riding in a horse-drawn carriage around the park?”
Jason snorted. “Er, no.” Then his heart pounded when David held out his hand.
“Then come on. Our carriage awaits.”
Jason stared at the outstretched hand and slowly laced his fingers through David’s. That earned him a gorgeous smile. They strolled across the avenue, David looking up and down the line of waiting carriages.
“Our driver is called Declan.”
Jason blinked. “You… booked this?”
Another grin. “Of course.” He pointed to a carriage about two back in the line. “And there’s ours.”
The driver stood beside the chestnut horse, smiling at them. “David and Jason, I’m guessing.” He had a broad Irish accent. Declan patted the horse’s neck. “And this is Kevin.”
Jason had to smile. “Kevin?”
Declan widened his eyes. “Hey, don’t be upsetting me horse.
He’s a sensitive creature.” He grinned. “And if you two fine gentlemen will climb aboard, you’ll find a warm blanket waiting for ya.
So wrap yourselves up nice and snug, and then we’ll be off.
” He winked at David. “I’ll be taking things nice and slow, so you’ll have plenty of time to take in the…
scenery.” His gaze flickered in Jason’s direction.
Jason blinked again. Does he mean what I think he means?
David climbed into the carriage and helped Jason into it. He unfolded the red blanket and placed it over their knees, tucking it down.
Jason leaned closer. “Tell me you didn’t specifically request a gay-friendly carriage driver,” he whispered.
David chuckled. “Personal recommendations are a wonderful thing. I read a review from a gay couple that told me Declan was our man.”
Declan chose that moment to glance over his shoulder at them. “All set? Then off we go.” The carriage lurched forward and Jason leaned back against the padded seat, David’s hand still wrapped around his.
“Okay. This is… lovely.” It was undoubtedly the most romantic thing Jason had ever participated in, and he loved that David had thought of it.
“I’m glad you approve,” David whispered back. He shifted closer, sharing his body warmth, and Jason sighed happily.
This was perfect.
The carriage moved at a slow, gentle pace as Kevin pulled them past the Pond, Sheep Meadow, the Zoo, and the rink where skaters twirled and darted over the ice, amateurs and the more experienced enjoying the air.
Not that Jason was really taking in the sights.
His mind was fixed firmly on the man at his side.
“Having fun?”
Jason inclined his head to rest it against David’s shoulder. “This is magical.”
Then his heartbeat sped up as David cupped his cheek, gently turning Jason’s face toward his to claim his lips in a soft kiss.
Jason closed his eyes, fully invested in the intimacy of the embrace, reaching across to place his hand on David’s cheek.
There was no urgency, no anxiety, just their lips meeting over and over again, their hands joining in to connect them with a sensual accompaniment of fingers tracing over skin.
“I could kiss you all day,” David murmured against his lips.
Jason could live with that.
Eventually their carriage came to a halt and Jason realized with a shock that they were back where they’d started. Declan turned to regard them both, smiling.
“I’m not sure how much of the park you two actually saw, but I’m thinking you had a good time.” His eyes twinkled.
David chuckled. “Funny. I was thinking the same thing.” His gaze met Jason’s and he smiled.
That smile made all the muscles in Jason’s belly jump and twitch.
David removed the blanket and folded it, before getting down from the carriage and holding out his hand to Jason. They thanked Declan, and Jason noted the folded bills that David pressed into his hand. As they walked away, Jason made a point of stroking Kevin’s mane. Declan nodded in approval.
“Gotta like a man who appreciates my horse,” he said warmly.
Jason smiled. “Kevin did a great job. That was such a smooth ride.”
David opened his eyes wide. “We went on a ride?”