Marry Me Page 13

  the rest of his salad and left.

  “Holy shit.” Fabian stared at him as he went. “Maybe you are

  too fucked up to deal with.”

  ~

  Braxton tried to avoid Brianna’s gaze as he headed down the

  hall. He nearly made it to his office when she said, “I feel like

  crap for pushing Fabian at you.”

  “We’re fine. Don’t worry. He’s not quitting.”

  “Quitting? Braxton, he’s crazy about you!”

  Afraid to hear that, Braxton closed himself into his office and

  rested his forehead on the back of the door, trying to calm down.

  His phone rang and he forced himself to sit at his desk and

  function, but he hadn’t been this close to the edge of a nervous

  breakdown for a very long time.

  “Braxton Todd,” he said, tapping his earpiece as he looked at

  the computer screen.

  “Mr Todd?”

  “Yes.” He detected a slight British accent.

  “This is Mark Richfield, sorry to bother you.”

  Braxton sat upright in his chair in shock. “Did Drew Persely

  get you to call me?”

  “Yes. Actually he did. He was quite rude to me and asked me

  to speak to you about accepting his account. I’m so sorry.”

  “No. I’m sorry, Mark. He’s a real piece of work.” Braxton

  rubbed his face and felt terrible that Mark was placed in this

  position.

  “You have no idea. He’s a brute.”

  “I’m afraid I do have an idea. I had to sit through dinner with

  him. He’s disgusting.”

  “Oh, well, no need for me to even go anywhere with this

  conversation.”

  “Look, did he threaten you? Did he say he would do

  something if you couldn’t convince me to take on his PR work?”

  “Oh, love, no. You don’t think I would allow him to do that. I

  just figured one phone call, no harm no foul. I had no intention

  of allowing him to coerce either you or me.”

  “Good. Because I’d kick his ass.”

  “You sound like my Steven. I’m surprised our paths haven’t

  crossed. We seem to travel in close to the same circles.”

  “I hate to admit, I’ve been a huge fan of yours for a long

  time, and wondered the same thing.”

  “Hmm. The infamous Braxton Todd. Whatever shall I do?”

  He laughed softly.

  “Infamous? Do I have that reputation? Does everyone think

  I’m a slut?”

  “I meant it as a joke. Sorry, Braxton. Forgive me. I never

  would have thought you’d have taken me seriously.”

  “Never mind. It’s me. My head is in a bad place right now.”

  Braxton stared at his computer. “I have no idea why I just told

  you that.”

  “Look, love, valium and a good shrink. That’s my tonic. That

  and I need three minders. You think you’re in a bad place? I just

  made a call for Drew Persely. Sorry, mate, but you can’t get

  lower than that. I’ve become his bloody prostitute.”

  Braxton smiled. What had he expected from Mark? Conceit?

  The man was so famous, so pretty… “Hardly. You’re amazing.

  And Drew is lucky you’re so nice.”

  “Steven says I’m too nice. He thinks I should develop a

  harder edge. He’s the ex-cop not me.”

  “So, you work with your husband? And? It works out okay?

  You guys don’t get into fist fights?”

  “Heavens no. I love him to death. I can’t imagine him not

  being in the office when I’m here. I suppose we’re one of those

  couples that can do it. You know? Not get bloody sick of each

  other. I adore him. Don’t tell him, but I worship the ground he

  walks on.”

  “He’s a lucky man.” Braxton smiled.

  “You tell him and I shall deny it.”

  He could hear the smile in Mark’s voice. “Your secret is safe

  with me.”

  “Alright. Well, I’ve fulfilled my obligation, and you said no

  thank you, rather politely, I may add.”

  Braxton chuckled. “If Drew acts up, sic your cop on him.”

  “I will. Believe me, after the last ad campaign with the

  bloody dildo in my trousers, I don’t think I can keep my Steven

  away from the shoots.”

  “Dildo? Are you kidding me? That wasn’t you?”

  “Why would I get an erection on my own in an automobile?”

  Mark sounded furious. “Don’t go there, Braxton. I shall explode.

  I really went off my head about that shoot.”

  Braxton thought about it. “I’m sorry, Mark. I guess things are

  fucked up no matter how nice you are or how much you try.”

  “Yes. Unfortunately. It’s about control, my pet. We simply

  cannot control everything. And for the things we can’t control,

  there’s valium.”

  Braxton laughed. “True. Thanks, Mark. You have my

  number, call me for anything. I owe you a favor.”

  “Be bloody careful about those kinds of promises, Braxton.

  I’m notorious for calling in those favors.”

  “It would be my pleasure.”

  “Ta, love.”

  “Bye.” Braxton hung up and thought about it. “Drew, you are

  a piece of fucking work, all right. Jesus.” Then he wondered

  about something else. Giving up control. Maybe that was what

  was driving Braxton insane about everyone he dated. He put his

  own expectations of behavior onto them. “I’m a fucking control

  freak. That’s exactly what I am.”

  Chapter 11

  By five, Fabian was exhausted. He rubbed the back of his neck

  and imagined how hard the run and workout was going to be.

  He got an IM from Braxton and read it.

  ‘ Did the estimate on Dmitri’s book signing include booze? ’

  ‘ Beer and wine,’ Fabian typed.

  ‘ That’s unreal. How did you do that? ’

  Fabian smiled proudly. ‘ It’s my boyish charm.’

  Nothing was sent back. Fabian’s smile vanished and he

  wondered just where the hell the social mores lines were drawn

  between them. His head about to explode from frustration,

  Fabian couldn’t take the drama anymore today. He was about to

  log off when Braxton wrote, ‘ u free for a drink 2nite? ’

  Fabian read it a couple of times. He wanted to write back,

  ‘boss to employee or?’ But instead, just wrote, ‘ Yes. ’

  ‘ Good. Log the fuck off and let’s go.’

  Fabian did just that and felt his heart beating like mad in his

  chest. He checked his watch and made sure his door was closed,

  calling Naomi quickly.

  “What’s up, Fabe?”

  “He just asked me out to drinks.”

  “Finally!”

  “What should I do?”

  “Kiss and tell. You’d better!”

  “Gotta go.”

  “Call or text me after!”

  “I’m so nervous!” Fabian ran his hand over his hair.

  “Fabian?”

  “Yeah?”

  “He’s just a man. That’s all. I mean, really, deep down, all we

  want is love, trust and a little understanding.”

  Fabian melted at her words. “I love you.”

  “No. You love your boss!” She laughed. “Now go get him!”

  “Bye.” He disconnected the phone and tried to straighten his

 
jacket and tuck in his shirt, even sticking a breath mint on his

  tongue. Clearing his throat, he opened the door and noticed

  Brianna also finishing up. Five o’clock was early for the three of

  them, but they were getting caught up, and it felt nice.

  “Do you want to leave your car?” Braxton asked as he exited

  his office.

  Brianna spun around and looked back at him in shock. “You

  two have a date?”

  “A drink.” Braxton closed his office door. “You’re welcome

  to join us.”

  “Nope. Gotta get home to my family.” She smiled

  mischievously. “You know. That wonderful partner who awaits

  you when you come home?”

  “Don’t push it.” Braxton poked her shoulder.

  They walked together to the elevator. Fabian was as amused

  as Brianna was by Braxton’s change of heart. But, of course it

  may just be one drink to unwind and talk, that’s it. Either way,

  Fabian would be good with it.

  “You can drive or I’ll drive. I don’t mind either way.” Fabian

  put his hands into his pockets as the three waited for the elevator.

  When Brianna cracked up Fabian wondered why. He glanced at

  Braxton and asked, “What did I say?”

  “She’s being perverted. Ignore her.” Braxton raised his

  eyebrow at the young woman.

  It only took Fabian a second to realize what he had implied

  sexually about being a top or bottom. “Well, it is true.”

  Brianna exploded into a full belly laugh as the elevator doors

  opened. “Good!” she said. “Because Mr Todd is dominant in

  every way. Or so he’s said.”

  “Ms Cambridge,” Braxton warned as he pushed the parking

  level button, “Control yourself.”

  Chills raced over Fabian’s skin as he imagined Braxton

  ‘driving’ him, face down into his pillows. “Oh, God.” He bit his

  lower lip at the thought.

  A hand on each of their upper arms, Brianna deliberately

  shifted them both to one side of the elevator so Fabian was

  standing in front of Braxton as the elevator stopped and loaded

  with people on every floor.

  This time Fabian was where he wanted to be, spooned by

  Braxton as he was forced to move backwards, into him.

  Braxton touched Fabian at the elbow, assuring him it was

  okay they were in contact. It appeared Brianna tried to restrain

  her comments and laughter at seeing the two of them in a sexual

  position. Not to mention, the more strangers that surrounded

  them, the more it amused the young woman. Fabian closed his

  eyes and felt Braxton’s cock throbbing against his ass. He put his

  hand into his own trouser pocket and touched himself through

  the lining. He was so hard he was beginning to dampen his briefs

  with pre-cum. It’d been too long since he’d been with a man, and

  the sexual tension was killing him.

  ~

  Once Fabian’s body slightly relaxed and rested against him,

  Braxton inhaled Fabian’s hair. He was a few inches taller than

  Fabian but their bodies fit together perfectly. As the small

  crowded box stopped and started for ten floors, Braxton, ever so

  gently, rubbed his cock over Fabian’s tight ass cheeks, feeling it

  roll over the crack between. He was about to combust it was so

  hot.

  He caught Brianna take a peek at the contact between them.

  She shot Braxton a smile and mouthed, ‘ Just do it.’

  He narrowed his gaze at her and shook his head.

  ‘ He’s in love with you, ya jerk! ’ she said in silence.

  As if Fabian sensed communication going on behind his

  back, he peeked over his shoulder. “Am I doing something

  wrong?”

  A few people standing in the tight space, glanced at them

  curiously, then the crowd dispersed when the elevator arrived at

  the parking level. Braxton didn’t want Fabian to move but of

  course, they couldn’t ride the elevator up and down all night.

  When Fabian exited the elevator, Braxton missed the heat and

  contact, pushing at his cock to calm it down so he didn’t tent his

  trousers.

  “Have fun. See ya in the morning.” Brianna waved and

  climbed into her car.

  The two men stood between the Porsche and Lexus to discuss

  logistics.

  “If I leave my car, I suppose you can just drop me off at the

  parking garage entrance when we’re done.” Fabian rested against

  his car door, crossing his arms.

  “Where do you want to go?” Braxton looked down at

  Fabian’s crotch and could see an outline of an erection. Oh fuck.

  Look at that.

  Once he had a quick scan at the surroundings, Braxton traced

  the line of Fabian’s zipper flap with his index finger. He couldn’t help it.

  “Jesus.” Fabian sank against his car and parted his legs.

  “Braxton, this is inevitable. Whether we’re out for a drink or

  standing here in the parking lot, we—”

  Braxton put his finger to Fabian’s lips to quiet him. “We can

  walk down Seventh Avenue. There are a few restaurants right

  here near the office that we can get a quick drink and appetizer.”

  “And then?” Fabian looked around the area and tugged on

  Braxton’s belt loop.

  “Why don’t we see how we feel in a non-work environment?

  We may find we clash on something big and there’s no place to

  go. You know what I mean?”

  “I do. Okay.”

  “How about the restaurant on South San Pedro Street? It’s not

  that far of a walk.”

  “Don’t know it, but I trust you.” Fabian smiled sweetly.

  “Good.” Braxton tilted his head towards the exit and they

  walked to the street. It was still light out and the vehicle and

  pedestrian traffic was heavy as the p.m. commute was underway.

  Yellow cabs and transit buses mixed with the ubiquitous

  automobile, and Braxton was glad he wasn’t hitting the road

  while the congestion was in full swing. They walked together

  quietly, and Braxton enjoyed the fact that they didn’t need

  incessant small talk to be content. Or at least he didn’t. Five

  blocks away, Braxton opened the door to a restaurant and

  instantly was hit with the exotic spices of Asian food.

  Although Braxton was sick of dining out, he didn’t cook well

  and ended up buying takeout food or just eating salad in the

  evening. Leading the way, Braxton told the hostess, “We want to

  sit at the bar.”

  She gestured to the direction and the two men walked into a

  poorly lit area which held a few tables and a small illuminated

  bar. They occupied side by side stools at the bar and both men

  loosened their ties and collars as they unwound. Behind the bar

  was a television, airing pre-season baseball and the room was

  noisy with chatting and laughing.

  “What can I get you guys?” The bartender placed coasters in

  front of them.

  “I’ll have a vodka and cran.” Braxton picked up the narrow

  bar menu which was on the counter in a stand.

  “Same.”

  Braxton glanced at Fabian, wondering if he would have

  ordered tha
t drink if Braxton hadn’t first. He shook off the

  suspicion that Fabian was aiming to please him out of boss-

  employee duty and read the light fare.

  They were on time for happy hour so Braxton pointed out

  several dishes to share. “Everything is good here.”

  “I like it all.” Fabian leaned his elbows on the counter and

  met Braxton’s gaze in the mirrored glass beyond the row of

  bottles.

  “Good. So do I.”

  Two drinks were placed before them and Braxton ordered a

  selection of meat, seafood and chicken appetizers.

  “Let me just hit the men’s room to wash my hands.” Fabian

  held his up, as if indicating they needed it.

  “Okay.” Braxton raised his drink and sipped it, staring at

  Fabian’s ass as he walked off. I want you. But do I just want you once or…?

  ~

  I’m a nervous wreck!

  Fabian relieved himself at the urinal and washed his hands at

  the sink, making sure he looked decent. He removed his tie and

  opened a few of the buttons of his shirt, then folded his necktie

  and stuffed it into his pocket. He ran his hand over his hair,

  wondering if the attraction between them was going to be their

  downfall or their paradise.

  He took out his phone and thought of calling Naomi for a pep

  talk, then shut it off completely and met his eyes in the mirror.

  “It’s a drink. Calm down.” Yeah, but he ran his fucking finger

  over my stiff dick!

  Fabian shook his head. If I let him screw me tonight, he’ll

  never go out with me again. It’s the hunt! The stalking of prey he gets off on. No. No way.

  When Fabian returned, Braxton appeared relaxed, elbows on

  the counter, sipping his drink, staring at the big screen television.

  The urge to dig into that shaggy dark hair affectionately was

  powerful. He resisted the temptation and sat down, picking up

  his drink, seeing an assortment of Asian influenced tapas-style

  dishes.

  “I thought you deserted me.” Braxton gave him a sad smile.

  “That maybe you had some thoughts about who you were about

  to share food with and escaped before it was too late.”

  “You’re joking, right?” Fabian hoped so.

  Braxton didn’t answer, his drink nearly finished and his gaze

  back on the television. Dodgers pre-season baseball. Fabian

  enjoyed some sports but wasn’t a rabid fan. He used chopsticks

  to taste the fried pork gyozas after dipping it in the accompanied