Page 48 of Learning to Trust

I handed the band to David, and he shoved it into a pocket of his jacket.

“Good evening, Sir,” David smiled.

"Evening, handsome. We'll take the Camaro so you can experience the powerful rumble of a real car."

“I’ve heard it when you have taken her out, but it will be good to experience it as a passenger.”

I waited while David set the alarm and locked his door before taking his hand and leading him to where my car sat parked in the driveway. I’d left her out after washing her cherry red paintwork earlier.

Using the key, I unlocked the passenger door and David slid into the seat. The thought I was treating this as a date crossed my mind, but I pushed it aside to analyze later. Rounding the car, I climbed behind the wheel and the engine started with a roar. The car vibrated beneath the power.

We arrived at Romani ten minutes later. I parked, we exited the car, and I locked the doors which set the alarm.

“Nice ride,” David commented as I took his hand, gave him a quick peck on the lips, and we walked into the restaurant.

Peter Romani greeted me just inside the door and we hugged. I’d known Peter for almost eight years and through him, his brother Gary and father Ronaldo.

We'd met at the club. Peter and I had clicked, and for a short while, he'd been my sub. It hadn't worked because Peter had wanted more than I was willing to give. We'd remained casual friends after going our separate ways.

When Peter released his hold, I turned to introduce David and was shocked to see the anger swirling in his eyes. Maybe he was the possessive type which disappointed me as we'd agreed not to allow feelings to become involved in our arrangement. It was something that needed to be discussed further.

Peter, as you know, I have moved into my Aunt Heather’s place, and this is my neighbor—David.

Peter extended his hand, and I didn't miss David's initial reluctance to shake.

"Nice to meet you, David. Hope you have better luck with this one than I did."

I raised my eyebrows at Peter’s comment which had an undertone of malice.

"I don't need luck. Andrew is a good man. Maybe you weren't the best person for him."

Fuck, the claws were sharp on this one. I’d misjudged David, he was not afraid of speaking up for himself.

“David,” I growled in warning before the situation escalated.

He turned his eyes to mine and gave me a subtle nod, acknowledging the warning.

Peter’s eyes ping-ponged between me and David before he changed the subject.

“Did you hear Angus asked me to marry him?”

“Leon mentioned it last week—congratulations.”

“We are marrying at the Chapel Von Winsome in Calder and the reception will be at our vineyard. I’d love for you to come. I’ll send an invitation.”

It was highly unlikely I would attend the wedding. I had no interest in being present at nuptials I doubted would last very long. Angus was not a commitment type of person. He was easily distracted, and I suspected Peter was headed for heartbreak but that was their problem.

David's face resembled thunder and I wondered why he had taken an instant dislike to Peter. It appeared the man on my arm didn't trust my former sub and wasn't convinced his declaration that he was committed to Angus was true.

It concerned me that David was giving the impression that I was his and he wasn't about to share me with anyone. I found his attitude intriguing since we had only known each other for a short time, and I'd made it clear from the beginning that I had no intention of allowing my feelings to become involved in our arrangement. David was free to find someone else at any time, as I was, but I had to wonder if it was really what I wanted. Somehow I believed I had let down my guard and my feelings had slipped past.

“Let me show you to your table.” Peter led us to a table in a back corner where the lighting was dim and romantic. It was the table Peter and I had sat at when we’d been together. I wondered what his motivation was in seating us there.

I held out David’s chair and after he sat, seated myself opposite. Peter handed me the menu and drinks list.

"Your server tonight is Gail." He turned a smile on me and set one hand on my arm. "I'll call you, Andrew, and we'll catch up for a drink. Enjoy your evening." Peter left us to attend to other patrons.

David growled under his breath. "Not if I have any fucking say in the matter."