Bad Boys Need Love Too: Max Page 4

  “I don’t see how that could happen.”

  “Because you’re not out?”

  “Yeah.”

  Patrick thought fast. Max wouldn’t have called him, and they wouldn’t be having this conversation if he weren't interested. “I know of a place we could go to. Not a gay bar. Just a small, out of the way spot that you have to pass every day for a year to even be aware of. We could go out, have a drink.” There was quiet again for several long seconds before Max spoke.

  “When?”

  “Tomorrow night.” Patrick didn’t want to give him too much time to change his mind.

  “Alright. Store my number in your phone and text me the address.”

  They hung up. Patrick immediately stored the number and sent Max the name and address of the wine bar he had in mind. When he was done, he sat there, staring at the phone. That was the last thing he’d expected to happen tonight. He’d given Max his number hoping that he would use it, even as he figured that he never would. A slow smile curled his lips. Max had called him. Apparently, he wasn’t able to resist the attraction between them either.

  ****

  The next night, Patrick sat at a small corner booth, waiting for Max. He was at Port Side, which as he’d said was a small and out of the way wine bar. They catered to the professionals who lived in his neighborhood, providing a quiet place to unwind after a day at the office. He couldn’t help but be a little nervous, wondering if Max would actually show up. Thankfully, he’d only been sitting there for a little over five minutes when Max came through the door. He looked good. A thin black V-neck t-shirt clung to his hard torso. He wore a light leather jacket over it, with dark denim jeans. And he looked cool and collected as he spoke to the hostess. Patrick stood to get his attention and wave him over. That standoffish air was in full effect as he approached, so he only greeted him with a smile before they sat down on opposite sides of the high-backed booth.

  “Thanks for coming.”

  “No problem.”

  Patrick signaled for their server. Normally he liked to order for his dates, but he had a feeling Max wouldn’t care for that. After they ordered drinks, they settled back in their seats to look at each other. Patrick knew how hard this had to be for Max, and he was determined that it wouldn’t be awkward. He’d been in this exact position himself, several years ago.

  “How was work? Any particularly interesting tattoos today?”

  “I inked a giant roach onto a guy’s arm.”

  Patrick raised his eyebrows. “A roach, really?”

  “Yeah. The guy owned a fumigation company. He spent the entire time talking about all the bugs he’s found in people’s houses. Made my skin crawl.”

  “Let me guess. You made an appointment to have your home sprayed?”

  Max raised his glass to take a sip of his wine, his golden brown eyes sparkling over the rim. “Yep.”

  Patrick laughed. “I would have done the same.”

  “What about you? You jab anybody with a needle today?”

  “Yes, I did. Flu season isn’t too far off, so I had a few patients coming in to get their flu shots. I also took care of some sprains and helped a guy realize if he didn’t get his cholesterol under control, he wouldn’t be hosting too many more Sunday afternoon football parties.”

  “Sounds like a busy day.”

  “It normally is.”

  They continued to talk, Max finally relaxing as they started on their second glass of wine. Neither of them said anything about being on a date. They didn’t talk about what had really brought them there. That was okay with Patrick, he was just glad for the chance to get to know Max. And he understood that Max would need to take his time to get comfortable.

  All too soon, they were both finished with their second glasses of wine. Patrick didn’t want the evening to end just yet. “Would you like to go for a walk?” Max shrugged in response. Patrick was already learning that shrug meant yes. He paid their tab, leaving a generous tip as usual. He knew the server was a struggling med student and he always gave great service.

  Outside, the night air was cool but comfortable. Traffic zipping by was light, so they were able to carry on with their conversation. The sidewalk was narrow, forcing them to walk close together. Their arms brushed together a few times. Sometimes it was an accident. Sometimes it wasn’t. Patrick rolled his shoulder a few times as they talked.

  “Tattoo bothering you?”

  “Yeah, it itches. And it’s in a spot that’s not easy to put lotion on by myself.”

  “I could help you with that.” Max looked around. “Is there a drug store where we could go buy some lotion?”

  “Yes. But my apartment is closer. Besides it might look a little awkward pulling my shirt off in the middle of Walgreens for you to rub lotion on my back.”

  “True.” He slowed to a stop. “Where’s your building?”

  Patrick pointed across and down the street to a well-lit high rise. “Just over there.”

  Max stared down the street at the building.

  “Would you like to come up?”

  Their eyes met. If Patrick were standing there with any other man he was on a date with, he would have pulled him into his arms and kissed him right then. The fact that he couldn’t, even though he wanted to kiss Max more than he had any man for a long time, made him incredibly tense. Every muscle in his body was tight as he held himself back from reaching for Max, his jaw clenched hard with anticipation as he waited for his answer.

  “Yeah.”

  He had his answer, but he didn’t relax. Now he was tense for an entirely different reason.

  After a short walk, Max followed Patrick into the lobby of the luxury condo building where he lived. Patrick said hello to the blue jacketed lady working the desk, who gave him a smile and a welcome in return. Max nodded at her, getting a polite smile back. They were quiet on the ride up in the elevator. Max could feel the tension spiking between them, but he didn’t say anything. He still wasn’t sure where this was going to go. When they reached his floor, Patrick led them out of the elevator and down the hall to his door. Once inside, Max looked around.

  “Nice.”

  Dark hardwood floors stretched across the entire apartment, broken up by thick, creamy white throw rugs. The coffee table and entertainment center were made of thick glass, braced by chrome posts. The walls were a warm red brick, the couches and chairs cream to match the area rugs. The many paintings on the wall provided bright splashes of color in the room. Max didn’t pretend to recognize the style or artists of any of the work, but he did offer compliments for the ones he liked. He noticed how clean the apartment was, nothing was out of place. “You don’t have kids here often, do you?”

  Patrick laughed. “Only if you count Whitney.” He gestured to the sofa. “Have a seat. I’ll be right back with the lotion.”

  Max took off his light jacket and sat down. He took in more of the apartment while he waited. Across the way was the kitchen, separated from the living room by a long bar set with high backed stools. A low light was on in the kitchen and he could see that the counters were white granite, the cabinets dark like the floor. He couldn’t see anything past the hallway Patrick had disappeared down, but he assumed the bedrooms and bathroom were that way. Maybe an office since the doc had said he worked at home sometimes. The sound of footsteps on hardwood floors preceded Patrick’s reappearance in the living room.

  “Scent-free lotion as prescribed.”

  He held the bottle out and Max stood up to take it. “Take your shirt off.”

  “That’s the second time you’ve said that to me.”

  Max smirked. “Are you afraid this time?”

  Patrick shook his head. “Not at all.”

  He pulled his V-neck sweater over his head, tossing it over the arm of the couch. When he turned back to face him, Max took a good long look, instead of the sneaking glance he’d had when he’d tattooed him. Patrick’s skin was pale and creamy, his arms firm. His chest looked hard, dusted wi
th that gorgeous silver hair, with a few darker strands mixed in. His stomach was flat, the trail of hair narrowing and becoming darker as it arrowed down to his waistband.

  Max swallowed hard. The doc had said he thought about his lips and what it would be like to kiss him. But he’d been thinking about that chest and what that dark and silver hair would feel like under his fingertips. He looked back up into those deep blue eyes and cleared his throat.

  “Turn around so I can get your back.” He caught a small smile on Patrick’s lips before he turned around. Max took a moment to check out his work. The colors were bright and the black of the outline was very dark. He knew that the colors would fade a bit once it was past the healing stage, but the work was good. Max was confident that there wasn’t another caduceus tattoo like the one he’d created. He gave the bottle a few quick shakes, then squirted the lotion into his palm. Dipping his fingers into the lotion, he gently smoothed it over the healing art in Patrick’s skin. “You’re healing up well.”

  “It didn’t itch nearly as much as I thought it would, but it still gets dry.”

  “I can tell you’re taking good care of it.”

  Patrick laughed. “I’d have to be crazy not to. It wouldn’t make sense to go through the experience if I wasn’t going to make sure it healed correctly.”

  Max continued rubbing the silky lotion onto the back of Patrick’s shoulder. “You’d be surprised at how many people don’t. Then they come back and complain when their tattoo looks like shit.”

  “That’s ridiculous.”

  “Yeah.” Max was losing interest in the conversation. Instead, his mind was on the warm skin under his fingers. He switched to rubbing the lotion in with his palm instead of his fingertips, his touch becoming more of a caress. Patrick didn’t say anything at the change, but his shoulders subtly relaxed. “Have you told anyone you have a tattoo?”

  “Not yet. I like having it as my little secret. It sort of makes me feel like I’m in an insider’s club that not everyone knows about.”

  “Lots of people feel the same.”

  “I should be able to keep it hidden as long as I want.” Patrick looked over his shoulder at him. I’m good at keeping secrets.”

  Max raised an eyebrow. The subtext there was clear. “Is that right?”

  A nod was his only answer. Max glanced down at what he was doing. The lotion was gone, but he continued to rub Patrick’s back. He smoothed his palm along to Patrick’s other shoulder. Rubbing there simply because he wanted to. He heard a low moan come for Patrick as he massaged him. Max moved closer until barely any room separated their bodies. He trailed his fingers down Patrick’s spine, watching as a shiver ran through him.

  “Finished.” His voice was hoarse and low, desire obvious in his tone.

  Patrick turned back around to face him. “Thank you for your help.”

  “No problem.” He passed the bottle back and went to take a step back. A hand on his arm stopped him.

  “Are you going to help me with my other problem?”

  “What problem is that?”

  “My curiosity.” Patrick set the bottle of lotion on the end table. “You came up here. And I know it wasn’t just to put lotion on my tattoo, although I appreciate it.” Patrick’s hand came up, his thumb brushing over Max’s mouth. His lids lowered, his gaze becoming heavy and sensual. “Do I get to find out what these lips taste like tonight?”

  Max’s heart pounded so hard, the doc wouldn’t need his stethoscope to hear it. And he was right, he hadn’t come up here just to rub lotion on his back. He’d come this far, he might as well keep going. “Fuck it. Go ahead.”

  Patrick leaned in and kissed him. When their lips met it wasn’t gentle. They’d both been waiting too long for this to play around with anything soft and sweet. Their lips parted, tongues immediately coming into play. They licked and curled against each other, both of them moaning into the deep kiss. Max’s body was strung tight with arousal. The doc’s amazing scent was in his nose, and his skin was warm beneath his palms as he stroked his back. Max was hard and as close as they were wrapped together, it was obvious that Patrick was too. They kissed, deep and with passion, their bodies pressed together, the sounds of their breathing loud in the quiet apartment. Patrick’s hands roamed up and down his back, while Max slid his into the doc’s hair. It felt cool and silky between his fingers. In contrast he was hot, but in the best way.

  They stumbled back until they fell on the couch. Max sat with his legs open, trying to give his erection some room. He groaned into their kiss as Patrick’s hand grazed over his shaft, throbbing behind his jeans. Patrick pulled back to look at him. His hand moved over him again, this time squeezing his cock through the denim.

  “Lay back.”

  Max started to. He wanted to. But this was a dangerous game he was playing. Having sex with someone who knew people he associated with was a fucking bad idea. His secret would come out sooner or later if went through with this. He knew it. And he couldn’t let that happen. Max pushed the doc’s hand away from him.

  “I need to go.”

  “Now?” The doc’s eyebrows shot up, his voice incredulous.

  “Yeah. Sorry.” Max stood and looked down at him. The doc was clearly aroused. He sat there on the couch, face flushed, his silver hair rumpled. His legs were spread wide, a thick erection pressing against his pants. Fuck, he looked good. Max didn’t want to walk away, but he had to. “I made a mistake. I shouldn’t have come up here.” He shrugged into his jacket. “Hell, I shouldn’t have met you for a drink. I fucking knew better.”

  “Max-.”

  He shook his head, ignoring his need and denying Patrick the chance to say anything. “I’ll let myself out.”

  Patrick sat there on the couch after Max left. He should have known something like this would happen. It was his own fault for trying to be with someone who was in the damn closet.

  With a frustrated groan, Patrick shifted, trying to make room in his pants for the erection that wasn’t going to be getting any attention tonight. He hadn’t been with someone who was in the closet for a long time, knowing how big of a strain it was, on both parties. He’d been on both sides of that situation so he definitely understood.

  He was a fool to try anything with Max. He was an even bigger fool for still wanting to try something with him, after the way he’d just left. But he had a feeling that he could have something good with Max. And he wanted to know why he wasn’t out. Patrick knew coming out was a decision every person had to make for themselves, but he wanted to know Max’s story. He was willing to give it a chance if Max would do the same for him.

  CHAPTER 7

  Max was in his office. It was late, most everyone was gone home. Sabrina hadn’t come back to say goodnight yet, so he figured she was still there. And of course Jimbo, one of their apprentices was still there. He wouldn’t leave until Max did, taking care of anything Max might need.

  The words blurred on the page as he made a half-assed attempt to go over his quarterly tax info. He hated dealing with it and it was always tough to get through. Tonight it was even more of a struggle. He couldn’t get Patrick Bishop off his goddamn mind. He shouldn’t have gone on that date with him. And he damn sure shouldn’t have gone up to his apartment.

  Max liked to keep his life simple. He didn’t believe that drama found people, people went looking for drama. He tried hard to keep that out of his life. He had enough stress being in the closet, he didn’t need any more. Yet, here he was, screwing around with someone that could cause a shit storm of drama in his life. Knuckles rapped on his door. Max looked up, expecting to see Sabrina or Jimbo. It was neither.

  “What are you doing here?”

  Patrick came into the office and closed the door behind him. “Probably banging my head against a brick wall.”

  Max leaned back in his chair. “What?”

  “Look. We both know you’re gay. And that you’re in the closet. You seem pretty damn sure of yourself, so I don’t know
why you’re choosing to live like that. And I’m not here to convince you to come out. Every person has to make that decision on their own and for their own reasons. I’m here because I want to see you again. I want to get to know you. I can’t believe I’m about to say this.” He paused, running a hand through that thick silver hair. “But if you want to spend time with me, I’d be willing to keep things secret. At least until we find out if there’s anything there. We can see each other only in the privacy of my home if that will make you feel better. So give me a call. Or come by and see me.” He put his hand on the door knob but didn’t turn it. “I thought I’d try one last time. But if I don’t hear from you, I won’t bother you again.”

  He opened the door and left without giving Max a chance to say anything. Not that he would have. He didn’t know what the fuck to say.

  ****

  Two forty-five in the fucking morning. He should be asleep. Instead, he lay there wide awake, thinking of the doc. Patrick had blown in there out of the blue, dropped a hell of a bomb, and left before Max knew what was happening. He understood what had happened now. The doc had given him a way for them to see each other while keeping his secret. He still hesitated to make that move.

  Three days had passed since that unexpected visit. How long would he wait before he assumed that Max wasn’t going to deal with him? He thought of how warm and firm the doc’s skin had been under his hands, the way their mouths had come together in such deep, desperate kisses. Max started to harden, thinking of those kisses again. But he also thought of the way Patrick had looked when he’d said he wanted to get to know him.

  An ached settled in Max’s chest. He was fucking lonely. It would be nice to have someone he could connect with, instead of nothing more than quick hook ups in clubs and hotels. And he wanted someone to know him. He picked up the phone. Things in his life were about to get murky.

  He thumbed through his phone until he got to the call log screen. Once he hit dial, he wasn’t surprised that it took several rings for Patrick to answer. It was three o’clock in the morning. When his voice came through the line, a rush of desire pooled low in Max’s belly.