The Honeymoon Gambit (Catalina Dreams Book 2), page 14
When he was finished, Eric looked at him from across the table, fixing him with his typically straight-mouthed stare, except that this time Todd saw the affection in his dark eyes. “I told you he was brilliant,” Eric said.
Todd blushed three shades of crimson just as Alphonso clapped his hands. “This is exactly what I wanted, and I didn’t even know I wanted it. Kudos, Todd. Excellent work. Now I’m even more excited for the surprise we have lined up for you all tonight.”
“Surprise?” Todd rubbed the back of his neck. The pitch was done. He wasn’t usually so nervous about such meetings. But this one felt more significant than usual.
Jordan clapped his hands and said, “The Catalina Yacht Club has a gala tonight at the Avalon Ballroom. Put on your dancing shoes, gentlemen!”
Todd might have asked Eric to go ahead and show him how to dress before the gala, but there wasn’t time for that. There was only time for him to decompress in their suite via a blow-job courtesy of Eric and a couple of wine spritzers in the hot tub.
The gala was “California summer formal” according to Jordan. Todd had no idea what that entailed, but he hoped it meant he could get away with not wearing a tie.
“I don’t want to move,” Todd said at four o’clock. The gala started at five. They needed to get ready. Except that he was naked on top of Eric again, and much too comfortable. “Can’t we ditch?”
“No,” Eric said, running a hand through Todd’s hair. “Absolutely not.”
“But I’d rather stay here with you.” Todd kissed Eric’s shoulder and worked his way down his chest to his abs, softly kissing each little muscle. He gave Eric’s limp cock a cursory stroke. “Think of all the fun we could have?”
“This is their party,” Eric said, though he sounded regretful. “They’re in the yacht club here and they’ll introduce us around. Lots of potential connections besides the immediate needs of the client. We can’t just skip it.”
“You’re sexy when you’re pragmatic. Even if I hate what you’re saying.” He rolled off of Eric and sighed heavily. “But if I’m not careful, I might take a swing at Stackler. So don’t let me drink too much.”
“I won’t,” Eric said, and kissed him on the chin.
19
Eric
“I think you look wonderful,” Eric said firmly.
He stood in front of Todd, who seemed far too worried about his appearance given his spectacular pitch and the response it had elicited from the Gigis. Eric should have been annoyed, he thought. He’d lost the account and Todd was still a superstar. Yet all he could feel was pride in his new boyfriend.
Besides which, he’d decided on the option of a dish served cold as far as revenge went. He’d get his account back from Stackler all right, perhaps after Stackler found a shiny new account he liked more. He just had to be patient and get past the insult to his own ego.
For now, Eric straightened his own flawlessly tailored blazer and smiled softly down at Todd, who bit his lip as he tugged on his white button-down. Todd did apparently possess things like button-downs and ties and had even packed them for the trip just in case. He wore the white shirt with his dark jeans and a leather jacket that Eric thought looked hot on him.
“I guess,” Todd said. “You, on the other hand… There are no words, Eric. You could model if you wanted to.”
Eric wore a baby blue suit that made him feel like he was about to plan a casino heist with George Clooney. It fit his body flawlessly and he knew he looked fantastic. He straightened Todd’s jacket as they stood by side in front of the closet mirror of their suite.
“Thank you.” Eric said and couldn’t help preening a little. He leaned over to kiss Todd’s neck, appreciating the hum Todd sounded in response. “Let’s go then.”
They met Stackler and the Gigis in the lobby. It felt awkward as hell to pretend there were no hard feelings. Eric smiled and shook hands and pretended he was excited for the gala as they walked out to meet a car. Todd, on the other hand, kept muttering passive aggressive comments about how he hadn’t packed for a gala and didn’t love surprises. He practically growled at Alphonso and shot more than one dirty look in Stackler’s direction.
In the town car, Eric squished up next to Todd and reached up to rub the back of his neck. “Take it easy,” he whispered in Todd’s ear. “Don’t piss them off.”
Todd growled slightly and glanced at him, annoyed, even as Eric rubbed his neck, attempting to calm him. He tried to follow the flow of conversation between Jordan and Alphonso, who were chatting about real estate in Catalina. But he was too distracted by the tension he felt coming off Todd in waves.
Boyfriends had always seemed to read him as quite able to take care of himself, so why should they take any trouble to protect him? He’d never realized before how good it felt to know your lover was also on your side.
He leaned over again and whispered in Todd’s ear, “Thanks for looking out for me.” He didn’t miss the quiet smile on Todd’s face or the way he squeezed Eric’s hand.
It was dusk as they pulled up to the Avalon Ballroom. The iconic cream-colored building and its distinct circular architecture surrounded by water was grand up close. Eric felt like a movie star headed to a premier as he exited the car with Todd’s hand in his and followed the others to a sprawling front entrance where yacht club patrons mingled, waiting to have their pictures taken before heading inside. There was even an actual red carpet to lead the way.
The Gigis wanted photos too, and Eric summed up every bit of willpower he possessed to withstand a social situation. They waited off to the side in front of the ballroom for the photographer to take shots of them backed by the glittering ocean and the glow of the sunset.
He was still holding Todd’s hand, absently stroking Todd’s knuckles with his thumb, and considering the prospect of shrimp and high-end cocktails, when Todd leaned into him and kissed his cheek before speaking quietly in his ear.
“You haven’t let go of my hand all this time,” Todd said with a note of surprise.
“Oh… Um, sorry.” Eric’s heart sank a little, and he pulled away, but Todd only tightened his grip.
“No, no!” Todd said. “I like it. I just figured you really didn’t like PDA.”
“I told you,” Eric said, ducking his head shyly. “It just has to be the right person.”
He earned himself a heated kiss for that.
“Jesus, get a room,” Stackler cracked behind him. He came around and glared, looking far too agitated for someone who’d just stolen Eric’s account from under him. He was wearing a dark grey suit, his hair slicked back.
Eric hadn’t noticed it in the car, but Stackler already seemed a little drunk, swaying on his feet as he stood on the red carpet. He sneered at them and rubbed his chin.
“What’re you two so happy about?” Stackler drawled. He pointed at Todd. “Well, him I can see. Mr. Toad did well for himself, as always. But you…” He curled his lip at Eric. “Told ya I’d take your account and I did.” He cackled and wagged his fingers. “Stackler always wins, you cucks!”
“Why don’t you go walk into the ocean,” Todd said, rolling his eyes.
Stackler sputtered, summing up a retort, but then the photographer waved them over for photographs and Eric rallied, shaking off Stackler being Stackler. This was supposed to be a party, and it was his first night out together with Todd. He was determined to enjoy himself. It wasn’t as if he was used to allowing himself to do just that. Though he had a feeling, Todd would be a superb teacher.
“C’mon, baby,” Todd said softly, leading him away. “Let’s take this picture. I’m going to have it framed.”
There were several photos. They took some with the Gigis and with Stackler, standing stiffly beside him and smiling awkwardly. Then it was just Todd and Eric. They stood beneath the moonlight and the searchlights set up beside the ballroom shot triumphant beams around them into the starry sky, the ocean glittering behind them. Eric wrapped an arm around Todd’s waist and Todd rested a hand on Eric’s back as they smiled into the bright light of the camera.
The ballroom was an ivory deco glory of decor and it all felt like traveling back in time as they took their seats at shiny black tables set with delicate china plates and napkins folded like swans. A swing band played Gershwin on the stage and tuxedo-clad waiters bearing trays on gloved hands glided by to hand out slender flutes of champagne.
Eric was in heaven, though he felt underdressed, even in his designer suit with Todd in jeans next to him.
“You look so giddy,” Todd said, laughing. He squeezed Eric’s shoulder.
“I didn’t expect it to be this nice,” Eric said. He took a sip of champagne and happily shivered as the tiny bubbles danced down his throat.
Across from them, Alphonso clinked his spoon against his champagne flute. “I’d like to propose a toast, please!” He held up his glass and everyone at the table joined him, raising their flutes in the air. Eric couldn’t help noticing that Stackler held his arm up with his other hand, his eyes heavy lidded. “To our new venture together into the great blue yonder! To Gigi and Jackson and Larrabee! New entertainment for a new life!”
“Heh.” Todd chuckled wryly when Alphonso quoted his pitch and Eric raised an eyebrow, elbowing his side.
“To Gigi and me,” Stackler said under his breath beside them.
They all drank and ate their crudites and shrimp cocktail before the main course. Eric smiled and pretended the Gigis hadn’t fired him.
It was Todd who stood and offered his hand as couples started stepping out onto the dance floor. “May I have this dance, sir?” He smiled at Eric, hand held out. Todd had slightly stubby fingers and his hands were all dotted with freckles. He remembered once noticing them long ago and thinking they were cute.
Eric pursed his lips and ignored the swelling of his heart. “I’m not a dancer.”
“I think you’re lying,” Todd said. He took Eric’s hand when he didn’t offer it back and tugged until Eric finally caved and got to his feet. “I’ve seen you do yoga. You’re all grace. I have two left feet myself, but I think you’ve got serious moves.”
There were a few other gay couples already out on the dance floor and that made Eric relax a little at least. He had promised himself back in college that he wouldn’t be inhibited about his sexuality. But it was always nicer when you were among friends. Still, he felt shy and dizzy with affection as Todd held him close and the band struck up “La Vie en Rose.”
They weren’t dancing so much as embracing and swaying to the music, yet Eric’s heart thudded in his chest and threatened to jump up into his throat. He felt like a teenager with a lovesick crush and he nuzzled Todd’s cheek, helpless. “I’ve never felt like this before. I don’t know what I was waiting for.”
Todd kissed his cheek and said, “You were waiting for me to tell ya what you were missing.”
That made him chuckle and giddiness turned the chuckle to warm laughter. He shut his eyes and hung onto the moment. They stayed that way through song after song, revelling in each other.
“When’re you guys gonna drop the act?”
Stackler was glaring at them as the band played “Moonlight Serenade.” He stood in the middle of the dance floor, a bottle of champagne in his hand, and scowled at Eric and Todd as if they’d offended him somehow. Eric’s stomach flipped, and he broke away, startled.
Todd only looked irritated. He stepped in front of Eric as if to protect him from Stackler, though he was about an inch shorter and far less muscular. “What exactly is your problem? You got the account, man. What more do you want?”
“I want to know how it’s remotely possible…” Stackler waved his arms around and tripped on his own foot before righting himself. He pointed at Eric. “That a guy like you would be with a guy like him and vice versa! I mean…” He threw his head back and bust out laughing. “It just does not compute!” Out of the corner of his eye, Eric saw Jordan and Alphonso crossing the dance floor, having noticed the ruckus. They did not look happy.
“Stackler,” Eric said gravely. “You won. All right? Quit while you’re still ahead. Don’t embarrass the firm, okay?”
“Embarrass the firm!” Stackler clutched his heart and dropped the bottle of champagne on the dance floor with a loud, glassy thud. Booze spilled out, but Stackler didn’t seem to notice as he laughed and waved a hand at them. “Yeah, that sounds like ole Eric Yoo. Yuuuu! Gotta save face! That’s what I don’t get, you know? I mean okay, Todd here is a total troll—”
“Hey!” Eric stepped forward, clenching his fists. He wondered how much trouble he’d get into if he punched Stackler in the face. Todd pulled on his arm and said something about keeping his head, but he felt heat on his neck and rage in his blood.
“But you!” Stackler laughed again, spraying spit everywhere. People had stopped dancing. Now they were just watching the show. “Get it? Yoo?”
“Jesus Christ, Paul,” Todd said. “Go get some coffee and sober up.”
“Hey, Paul,” Jordan said. He had his hands raised as if approaching a rabid dog. “No big deal, but let’s go get some coffee, yeah? This is…” He glanced around, clearly unhappy with how much attention they’d attracted. “This is not ideal.”
“No no, Jordan, it’s no big deal. We’re just having a conversation, right? I’m just wondering what a fun guy like Todd is doing with this... this frigid bitchy queen over here—”
Stackler barely got the words out before Todd barrelled forward and socked him in the nose. Stackler’s head snapped back, and he groaned. Todd yelped in pain, yanking his hand back and shaking it as he hopped up and down.
“Todd!” Eric pulled him back and a bit of chaos followed during which Stackler—blood dribbling from his nose—slipped and fell on his own champagne. He ended up sprawled on the dance floor and scowling up at Todd.
“It was fake!” Stackler said. “I know it was! I know they weren’t dating before! They can’t stand each other! They faked it all! Tell em’! I know it!”
“Paul, what are you talking about? Christ, your nose...” Alphonso said. He threw up his hands as he came up beside Jordan and then knelt beside Stackler, helping him staunch the bleeding with a cloth napkin taken from the table. “You are drunk and spouting bullshit. God knows I’ve had my moments myself as Jordan can attest—”
“Has he ever,” Jordan said under his breath.
“But this is absurd,” Alphonso said darkly. He helped Stackler to his feet. Eric stepped in front of Todd who hissed in pain, rubbing his sore knuckles. “Don’t make us regret taking you on, Paul.”
“I’m right though,” Stackler grumbled.
“Paul.” Jordan shook his head. “I really don’t know what’s got into you—”
“He’s right,” Todd said. “It was all fake.”
“Todd!” Eric hissed. He whispered in his ear, “What are you doing? They’ll fire you!”
Around them the Avalon Yacht Club gasped and murmured, watching the dramatic scene play out as they sipped their cocktails. They seemed exceptionally entertained by the whole thing. Even the band watched them with interest from the stage.
“I’m coming clean because this is too stupid to lie about,” Todd said, rolling his eyes. “And because... I want Stackler to know the truth if nothing else. We did fake it! We faked being together! We were never dating! We got our stories straight, and we sent each other emails about things we should know about each other to make it look good. Except I already knew practically everything there was to know about Eric because I was already falling in love with him and if I’m honest, maybe I did all this just to see what it would feel like and get a good kiss out of it. Because oh my God, he is a fantastic kisser. We did fake it, Stackler. But it’s not fake anymore. Because I’m in love with him.”
The hall was struck silent. Todd pointed at Eric and his eyes were watery. Eric swallowed and clutched his heart, in some attempt to keep it locked inside his chest. It felt about ready to jump right out and skip its way over to Todd who walked away from him, barreling toward Stackler again. Stackler backed up a step. He was a much bigger guy than Todd, but the punch had cowed him. “I love Eric Yoo! And the fact that you can’t see how warm and passionate and kind and brilliant and special he is just makes you an even dumber douchebag than I thought you were!”
“I love you,” Eric said, and breathed in sharply. All at once he felt like a weight dropped from his shoulders.
“I love you too,” Todd said, beaming at him. “Sorry, I just really like saying it.”
Jordan and Alphonso only stared at them, mouths agape.
“But…” Jordan pointed back and forth between Eric and Todd. “I’m confused. Todd, you just said you two faked the entire thing before? But why?”
“We did,” he said, sighing. “Because we know you guys make a big deal out of your partnership, and you have a lot of couples working for Gigi. So we posed as a couple.”
“But we fell in love,” Eric said. He was unused to the white hot spotlight of attention as everyone stared at them. “Or we’ve been falling in love all along is probably more accurate.”
“I want to be mad?” Alphonso said. “But... I kinda love it? Jordan—”
“I totally love it,” Jordan said. “I thought you two were romantic before, but this!”
“But…” Stackler’s face, already pink with drunkenness and anger, was now crimson, even as he held a napkin to his nose. “They lied! They committed a fraud!”
“Oh please,” Alphonso said, and snorted derisively. “We’re businessmen. I once pretended to be straight for six months just to woo a Republican into a merger and then I cannibalized his entire distribution. It was intensely satisfying. But that you too actually fell in love, well…”
