Page 55 of Saved By the Pitcher

James looked offended. “Thanks.”

Mike shrugged. “Just saying. Although you were very cute at the ceremony tonight, even with the flood on your cheeks. I was wishing I could kiss and lick you dry.”

James smirked. “Oh yeah? That might have boosted the ratings.”

“Mm,” Mike agreed. “Good thing there was a podium. It would have helped to hide what I would be doing next when I got down on my knees in front of you.”

“Jesus,” James murmured.

“You look so sexy in a tux,” Mike continued. “Can I tell you about one of my fantasies?” James nodded. “I’ve thought about you in black tie, just like tonight. But no jacket, shirt unbuttoned and chest exposed, the loose tie still around the collar. Then you unzip those tailored trousers and slide them and your underwear down those incredible legs. I get to feast upon your body wearing nothing but the opened dress shirt and tie and a pair of black socks.”

James swallowed. “Oh. So, you have a thing for black socks?”

“No,” Mike replied. “I have a thing for you, undressed in different ways to tease the hell out of me.”

James nodded, undid his tie and began unbuttoning his shirt. He watched Mike’s eyes light up with surprise and lust. Once he reached the last button, he pushed open the shirt and exposed his chest. “Like this?”

Mike moaned. “I didn’t think you would…”

James pushed farther back from the camera and removed his shoes, then stood, undid his pants and used his fingers to hook them and his underwear before gliding them down his legs. James heard Mike make a guttural noise of appreciation. Once the trousers were off his legs, James stood to give Mike a full view. “See, Mike? I’m willing to push past my fears and insecurities for you. I want to make you happy. I need you to believe that things will be different for us now.”

Mike inhaled a sharp breath. “Wow. How I feel about you sure hasn’t changed.”

James sat back down on the chair and rolled it closer to the camera lens so that all Mike could see was James’ shoulders, neck and face. “How I feel about you never changed either. I’m sorry I led you to believe otherwise. Hey, tomorrow is Monday. Broadway is dark. Do you think maybe you could come over?”

Mike raised an eyebrow. “I could. But maybe you should come over here instead. You’ve never been. And unlike your place, your brother and Nadia don’t have a key to mine.”

James smiled. “Perfect. I’ll bring breakfast.” Then he took one more look at Mike’s happy face and sighed. “And condoms.” When Mike gasped, James chuckled. “Goodnight, Mike.”

Chapter Eighteen

James arrived at the address Mike had provided and, as he expected, it was nothing like his own modest walk-up. The apartment was on the Upper West Side in a swanky mid-rise overlooking Central Park. He was surprised when, upon entering the lobby, the doorman recognized him.

“Mr. Vicksburg. Welcome, and congratulations on your Tony Award last evening,” he greeted James with a charming accent.

Between the news story about his father and now the award, more strangers were glancing James’ way, sometimes following the look with a smile. He was thankful that the selfie requests seemed to be limited to the fans who stood outside the theater at the end of each show.

“Thank you,” James replied. “That’s very kind of you. I’m here to visit Mike Cooper.”

“Yes, sir, he’s expecting you. You can take the elevator to the twelfth floor.”

“What’s his apartment number?” James asked, realizing he had never received the information from Mike.

The doorman grinned. “It’s just the twelfth floor, sir.”

James blushed, then nodded a thanks and made his way to the elevator. He could smell the food he had brought for Mike, certain that the calorie-filled, heart-stopping contents of the bag would bring a rumble to his boyfriend’s stomach. James had picked up a smoothie for himself.

He wasn’t sure what would happen when the elevator reached the twelfth floor. When the doors opened, James was welcomed to a foyer, and on the far wall was the front door of the apartment. He rang the bell, hoping he wasn’t too early.

Mike opened the door wearing pajama bottoms and no top, making James’ heart race. “Come in, gorgeous.”

When James entered, he was in awe at the sun-filled space, architectural details and top-of-the-line kitchen. “Oh my God. Is that a balcony?” James wondered, unable to stop himself from exploring the space. He looked through the French doors and was greeted with a view of Central Park.

“Stunning,” Mike muttered behind him.

“Sure is,” James agreed.

Mike reached out to encircle James from behind and rubbed his nose against James’ neck. “I meant you.”