Page 43 of Sin Deep
“Maybe Ollie. The guys from work have families and kids and all, but Ollie and his guy would be cool.”
“That sounds nice. A sort of double-date? We could go out if you prefer, but I thought perhaps I’d cook.” Ollie, but not the guys from work. It didn’t take a genius to read between those lines. But that was fine. It was Harley’s birthday, and he should feel comfortable.
“Oh, I’d love for you to cook, if you have time. That makes it more special.”
As if he wouldn’t make all the time in the world for Harley. “I have the time, and if I didn’t I would find it. You are special and important to me, petit. And it’s your birthday.”
“No, sir. Today it’syourbirthday!” Harley chuckled, eating the last piece of his steak. “Oh. That was worth it.”
“It was. I’m almost too full for cake.” He winked at Harley. “Almost, but not quite.”
“Give yourself a few hours and you’ll want some.” Harley pinked and leaned close, whispering, “I can help you work some off.”
He didn’t blush. Harley lying under him was going to be the best part of the evening. “I look forward to this strenuous, calorie-burning, and most satisfying workout.”
“Good deal.” Harley’s gaze was fastened to his, the hunger written there clear.
“My good boy. So sweet. I’m going to treat you like gold. Like you’re beautiful and precious. Like you should be treated.” As if Harley were truly his own.
“I want you to treat me like we’re going to be celebrating your birthday thirty years from now, at this restaurant, and laughing about how fun it’s been.”
“Oh, petit.” That was a lovely thing to say, very kind. Harley was so dear. “Then that is how I will treat you.” As if that could possibly come true. Thirty years. He could barely imagine thirty days.
“Excellent.” Harley finished his glass of wine. “I’m all warm inside.”
“Wine will do that.” He was glad dessert wasn’t part of the restaurant outing, because he wanted to get Harley home and feed him cake. He raised a finger, and the server was there in a second to take his plate away and get him a doggy bag.
Harley paid without a wince, and then they stood. “Birthday part one, accomplished.”
“I’m looking forward to the rest, but this would have been enough by itself, petit.” He looped his arm through Harley’s as they left.
“I’m so glad you enjoyed it. That steak was amazing. I’ve never had better.”
“I can’t say that I have either.” He kept Harley close as they waited for their ride, Harley’s talk of the future still swimming in his mind. “And the potato, mm. Delicious.”
“With extra sour cream for both of us.” Harley squeezed his arm. “You want to know a secret? This was my first reservation, and my first glass of wine at a restaurant.”
“Was it? I would never have known.” It was true, Harley had worked out this elaborate plan like a professional. “Reservations are a skill you need in New York for sure. You’ve gone so out of your way for me, and I want you to know how much I appreciate it.”
“I just—you deserve a birthday. You deserve to be celebrated.”
Harley was so earnest, and it warmed him all over in a manner he wasn’t accustomed to. Winter felt so emotional. He was…so touched. “It’s already the best birthday I’ve ever had. I’m not exaggerating.”
“And you haven’t opened your presents yet!” Harley looked totally excited, as if the gifts were for him.
“I haven’t. I can’t wait.” He wasn’t used to receiving birthday gifts, he hadn’t had one from anybody in years. Their car arrived, and he pulled Harley in with him. “You know I’m usually at the club tonight. This is so much better.”
“Do you want to head over for a drink? I’ll buy you one. I’m all yours until Monday morning.” Now that was a present.
“I don’t know. Do you think we should? One drink at the bar, maybe. I want to open my gifts and I… I want you, petit.”
“Whatever you’d like. I’m here to make your wishes come true.”
He thought about that. His wishes had nothing to do with the club tonight. He could ask Harley to go tomorrow. “No, petit. Let’s go home.”
“Sounds perfect.” Harley’s hand was warm and solid on his thigh.
He nodded. “It does.” He put an arm over Harley’s shoulders and watched the dark city go by out the window. Forty was outstanding so far.
