Teasing Jonathan Read online

  A few women were crying from shock and several others stood on the sidewalk looking around as if waiting for the vehicle to return.

  With his nerves surprisingly steady, Jonathan reached into his pocket to call the police. Once he reached an operator, he reported the incident in cool, even tones while he checked on the injured. Only one person’s wounds looked serious enough to probably require stitches, though several others had scrapes from falling on the rough road or sidewalk. Jonathan hung up after he’d given his location. They didn’t need him to stay on the phone tying up the line. Surveying the damage, Jonathan knew it could’ve been much worse. He hoped this day didn’t end with another string of nightmares.

  “You saved my life,” a now-familiar, deep voice said.

  Distracted by the wounded, Jonathan hadn’t seen anyone walk up behind him. He turned. The beautiful man he’d noticed before was standing on the sidewalk regarding him with an awed expression. Jonathan’s heart raced, no doubt still on edge from the jolt of adrenaline he’d received while escaping the path of the SUV.

  Although he knew he’d pulled the man to safety, an odd compulsion gripped Jonathan to verify that the stranger had completely escaped injury. Stepping closer, he carefully examined the man from head to toe.

  A wide smile crossed the stranger’s face. “I’m unhurt, thanks to you.”

  “I’m glad I was there.” Jonathan didn’t want to even imagine the amount of damage the SUV would’ve caused if it had hit the other man going at full speed.

  “You saved my life,” he repeated.

  Jonathan clenched his fists to hide the trembling in his hands. To imagine this beautiful man’s life snuffed out made him queasy. He took a slow breath to balance out his churning stomach.

  “It was probably a drunk driver,” Jonathan said dismissively. He didn’t know that for sure, but he didn’t want to cause panic among people already stressed from the incident. He didn’t know if anyone else was listening to their conversation and hearing that a psycho in a SUV had tried to end their lives probably wouldn’t go over very well.

  The vehicle had appeared to be aiming at the man beside him, but barring a confession from the driver, Jonathan couldn’t prove anything. So far this hadn’t turned out to be a very good day.

  “I’m Kai Stromwell.” The gorgeous guy held out his hand to Jonathan.

  Well, there was one good part of his morning—the man standing in front of him. If Jonathan had ever collected any good karma in his life, he considered it completely paid back at that very moment.

  “Jonathan Stevens, nice to meet you.” He shook hands with Kai and bit his lip to hold back a gasp as a jolt of sizzling attraction surged through him. The burst of electricity danced through his body and settled down below. Hell, he’d had full orgasms with less satisfaction than that one gentle touch.

  “You feel it too, don’t you?” Kai asked, his eyes lit with excitement. Kai stepped closer and Jonathan barely resisted the urge to rub his body all over a guy he’d just met.

  Jonathan nodded. He’d be an idiot if he didn’t admit it and at least pursue a date. That much attraction deserved exploration. They didn’t have to commit to a lifelong relationship. Right now Jonathan would settle for getting laid. Kai’s expression indicated that he might be open to that sort of proposition.

  Before he could make any sort of arrangement, they were interrupted.

  “Excuse me, but did either of you witness the hit and run?” a uniformed cop asked.

  They both nodded.

  The cops separated Jonathan and Kai to get their statements. Afterwards, Jonathan lost track of his new friend. Disappointment hit him as he realised he’d probably lost his one chance to get Kai’s phone number. Usually he’d think a man like that was out of his league, but the sexual magnetism zipping between them had told a different story.

  With his current run of bad luck, Jonathan should’ve known better than to hope he’d found an interesting new guy to date. He could barely remember the last time he’d liked someone enough to take him on a date. His latest encounters had been rushed events in dark back rooms where both parties had got off then walked away. The handshake he’d exchanged with Kai contained more sexual punch then his last two jerk-off sessions.

  Biting back a curse, Jonathan continued his walk to the coffee shop. He hadn’t got to finish his breakfast, so maybe he could at least get that cup of coffee he’d been wanting. He’d better call Patrick soon before his boss decided Jonathan preferred being unemployed.

  “Hello again, handsome,” Kai’s voice reached him as he stepped into the café. After a brief search, he spotted Kai by the window with his suit jacket unbuttoned and looking better than anyone who just escaped death had a right to.

  “Hello.” Jonathan changed directions to head towards Kai. “Are you going to be here a while?”

  “A few more minutes.” Kai waved towards the counter. “Why don’t you grab your coffee and join me for a bit?”

  Thoughts of his employer vanished beneath Kai’s warm gaze. Jonathan nodded and rushed off before he said something completely idiotic. Kai’s green eyes made him want foolish things and to whisper promises he’d never given anyone else.

  Shaking his head at his thoughts, Jonathan put in his coffee order and waited impatiently for his drink. How long did it take to pour a damn cup of coffee anyway? He hadn’t asked for the skinny latte with syrup deal he’d heard a lot of people order—he’d only asked for a straight drip to go.

  The barista returned to the counter. She gave him a polished smile that made him dread her next words. “Sorry, we just ran out. I’ve got to brew some more. If you want to just take a seat for a minute, I can let you know when it’s done.”

  Oh, hell yeah, he wanted to take a seat. “Sure, just call me when it’s ready.”

  She nodded. “Will do.”

  The relief on her face told him she’d expected a more negative reaction. After all, what kind of idiot forgot to brew coffee at a coffee shop? He resisted the urge to tell her to take her fucking time as he’d be more than happy to wait with Kai.

  Spotting Kai still sitting in the same chair and drinking his coffee sent a rush of relief through Jonathan so strong that he had to take a deep breath to regain his equilibrium. He quickly walked over and sat in the chair Kai waved an elegant hand towards. Jonathan resisted the urge to hide his own scarred and scraped hands, damaged from years of combat. Everything about Kai had a touch of elegance, as if the guy had been dipped in an ocean of class. Jonathan would’ve been intimidated if he didn’t know they were mutually attracted.

  “No drink?”

  Jonathan shrugged. “They have to brew more.”

  “Figures. It’s always when you desperately need a cup.” Kai’s open, friendly smile soothed Jonathan’s frayed nerves. He hadn’t realised how shaken he was until he’d sat down.

  “That seems to be true,” Jonathan agreed.

  “I guess you’ll just have to stay and keep me company for a while.” Kai’s easy tone indicated he wouldn’t mind.

  Jonathan soaked up the attention like a flower to sunshine as he leant back in his chair. His gaze swept Kai’s well-tailored suit, which had probably cost more than Jonathan’s monthly rent and car payment together. Kai definitely wasn’t hurting for cash.

  “What do you do for a living, Kai?” Jonathan asked. He truly wanted to know what Kai did all day in his fancy suit. He should at least learn a little bit about the man he planned to strip naked and lick all over.

  Kai’s gaze heated as if he could read Jonathan’s intentions. He cleared his throat before he answered. “I run a company that handles angel investments. Providing funds for people who need an infusion of cash for their businesses, pretty boring stuff to talk about. What do you do?”

  “I’m a bodyguard for a security company.” Jonathan almost held his breath while he waited for Kai’s response.

  “Ever guard anyone famous?” Kai asked.

  “Yes.” Jonathan w
asn’t about to give names or details of any of his jobs.

  Kai smiled as if delighted with Jonathan’s non-answer. “I bet you do a great job.”

  Jonathan cleared his throat to speak.

  “Coffee!” the barista shouted.

  He let out a breath. Saved from making a fool of himself.

  “Don’t leave!” Jonathan ordered. He stood up quickly and rushed to get his drink. He returned in record time, narrowly missing spilling the drink when the lid popped off unexpectedly. He set it down and refastened the top before anything could tip out.

  When he’d finally finished, he found Kai watching him with an amused expression. A smile teased the corners of his lush mouth.

  “I believe I owe you breakfast,” Kai said out of the blue.

  “Why would you owe me breakfast?” he asked, trying to pull his attention back to the conversation and not wander off to bedroom gymnastics with a total stranger. Random pick-ups weren’t really his thing—hell, men weren’t even always his thing—but this particular man had him more hot and bothered than a string of strippers.

  “You saved my life when you yanked me out of the way. The least I can do is buy you a meal.” He nodded his head towards the restaurant across the street. “If you’d prefer dinner, I can get us reservations there if you’d like.”

  Jonathan’s gaze followed where Kai indicated. Callum’s restaurant, Trio, had a waiting list a mile long and Jonathan knew he should at least pretend to be impressed. Instead, he laughed.

  “I can! I’ve got a standing reservation,” Kai protested. The flash of temper in his eyes only fuelled Jonathan’s attraction. He liked his men with a little fire in them. Sometimes he even enjoyed it a lot.

  Jonathan shook his head. “How much did Callum charge you for that honour?”

  He knew Callum’s restaurant had a level of prestige to uphold and some people paid quite a bit to make sure they could always get in. Callum called them his gold circle members. They paid a yearly membership and received exclusive invitations when Callum held private chef dinners. Jonathan admired the marketing strategy and he knew it was one of the reasons, according to Sin, that Callum had absolutely no debt, a minor miracle when running a business.

  “You know the owner?” Kai asked.

  Jonathan could listen to him talk forever. He took a sip of his coffee to hide his infatuation. Clearing his throat, he confessed. “He made me the breakfast I had to drop in the street.”

  He still kind of mourned the loss of his food. As an omelette it had been good, but as a breakfast sandwich it had been amazing. He’d mention that to Callum when he saw him next. Callum would probably make it even better.

  Kai frowned and sat up straight. Irritation crossed his features. “When did they start making breakfast? Why wasn’t I informed?”

  “Because he only makes it for me when my boss drags me out of bed early. I work for Callum’s husband Sinclair,” Jonathan explained.

  “Wow. I thought to impress you and now I’m the one impressed. Not many people get a private meal without having to pay for it.” Kai smiled.

  Jonathan flushed as he remembered how poorly he’d treated Callum when they’d first met. He hadn’t thought his job assignment of watching Callum was important enough until he’d learned how much the chef meant to his boss. A year after that incident, he now knew Callum had an almost godlike status in the culinary community and gave away a lot of his money to youth organisations.

  “If you ever get a chance for him to make you breakfast, ask for his eggs Benedict. They’re like an orgasm on a plate,” Jonathan replied. No one cooked eggs like Callum.

  Kai laughed. “I’ll keep that in mind.”

  Jonathan’s phone rang. He answered it without taking his eyes off Kai. “Hello?”

  “Where are you?” Patrick’s hard voice snapped Jonathan out of his absorption with Kai.

  “Sorry, sir. I was held up. There was a hit and run incident and I was a witness to the event,” Jonathan explained. He forced his gaze away from Kai. If he stared at the gorgeous man any more, he’d probably become one of those stalkers.

  “Were you hurt?” Concern softened Patrick’s sharp tone.

  “No, sir. I’m just picking up some coffee before I head in,” Jonathan fibbed.

  “Good grab me some coffee, black… Oh, and Arthur wants a mocha with whipped cream. We have a client who’ll be in the office soon and I want you properly briefed before he shows up.” Patrick’s voice softened then Jonathan heard his boss begin to tease Arthur about his drink choice.

  “I’ll be there in a little bit,” Jonathan said, cutting into their conversation. If he waited for Patrick to stop teasing his husband, he’d be waiting a while.

  “Good.” Patrick hung up.

  “Are you in trouble?” Kai asked, his warm green eyes reflecting concern.

  “No. As long as I bring them coffee I’m good.” If Arthur was working out of the office today, Patrick would mellow the hell out. Arthur would poke and prod until Patrick calmed down over whatever had irritated him. The two men balanced each other well. However, that didn’t mean Jonathan wanted to be on either of their bad sides.

  Kai pulled out a business card and wrote a number on the back before handing it over. “Call me. I’ll take you someplace else for dinner or breakfast.” Kai flashed him a wicked smile. “Or maybe both.”

  Jonathan grinned and accepted the cardboard rectangle. It had the feel of high quality paper stock. He ran his fingers along the embossing logo. Kai’s gaze followed the motion.

  “Thanks. I’ll call as soon as I find out my schedule for the rest of the week. I never know when I might need to go out of town.” If it took this much prep just for the customer meeting, Jonathan doubted it would be an easy job. Hopefully it wouldn’t be a long one. He needed to see Kai naked almost desperately and he doubted anyone else would do.

  A slight downturn of his lush mouth conveyed Kai’s disappointment, but he nodded his understanding.

  Jonathan stood. Unable to resist, he walked around the table, leant down then kissed one of Kai’s high cheekbones. The smell of expensive cologne discreetly dabbed on met his nose. He resisted the urge to nestle in and enjoy his stay. “I’ll definitely see you later.”

  Kai’s soft gasp followed Jonathan as he went to get the rest of the coffees. Patrick damn well better appreciate his caffeine this morning. The temptation to play hooky, drag Kai home and fuck him until their knees turned to water taunted him, but he couldn’t blow off work. He had bills to pay.

  When he finally had all their drinks tucked into a cardboard tray, Jonathan turned around, only to find that Kai had left and a pair of giggling teens had taken his place.

  Damn.

  Disappointment crushed him like an anvil on his chest. Shaking it off, Jonathan straightened his spine, refusing to allow this minor setback to bother him for long. He had Kai’s number and the man had shown definite interest. Overall, it had actually been a stellar morning despite narrowly avoiding being the target of vehicular manslaughter.

  He wondered how quickly it would be considered too eager to call.

  Chapter Two

  Kai slumped behind his desk and stared at the contract once again. He knew the words were supposed to make sense but right then they only slurred together in his mind until they formed a jumble of symbols he couldn’t decipher. Dyslexia was a bitch sometimes. Even with the mild form he had, whenever he became too tired, the words swam together. Three hours of reading papers consisted of two hours too many.

  A knock had him calling out. “Enter.”

  Michelle Orlen, Kai’s personal assistant, walked into the room in her navy blue suit with the gold-coloured buttons—a surprisingly staid outfit for a woman with a streak of pink in her hair and a diamond nose stud.

  “Need to do dry cleaning?” he asked as she walked into the room.

  She wrinkled her nose at him. “What makes you think that?”

  “Because that’s your I-have-nothin
g-to-wear outfit,” Kai replied.

  Michelle laughed, a surprisingly girlish sound from a woman who relished her kick-ass attitude. “You do know me, don’t you, Mr Stromwell?”

  He’d given up on having her call him Kai three years ago when he’d hired her. She didn’t see it as respectful to call her boss by his first name. Her military father apparently had had strict rules regarding that growing up and some things from her childhood she couldn’t shake. Well, except for one night after she’d kicked her husband out and Kai had taken her to the bar down the street to celebrate. Apparently when drinking with the boss, first names were acceptable.

  “What’s on the table for this afternoon?” Kai asked with little enthusiasm. Usually he loved his job, but lately all he’d received were crackpot ideas for get rich quick schemes, instead of solid business ideas. Work frustration added to the sexual tension already there from not grabbing hold of Jonathan and screwing him in the café’s restroom. He’d taken a look at the big man with the sunglasses and had wanted to rub against him and see if Jonathan could lift him up against the wall while he fucked him hard. Although they were close in height Jonathan appeared to have twice Kai’s muscle mass.

  An even better vision of Jonathan bent over Kai’s black leather couch at the proper height to screw revved up his excitement. He took a long, slow breath to calm his cock and push back his excitement. He’d be happy with any naked combination. Jonathan struck Kai as a top, but he’d met more than one big strong man who’d mix it up.

  “I’ve got a stack of proposals for that conference call you have at three.” She dropped them on his desk with a thud, jerking him out of his delightful daydreaming.

  Kai sighed. He barely remembered the days when he used to get excited about finding a new company and helping it out. Now they all ran together in his mind as one hopeless project after another.

  “A few were recommended by the board.” She pulled off the top three of the group and set them to one side.

  “Thanks. Nothing better than turning down the board’s pet projects to start my week off right.” Kai grimaced. The last twenty ventures the board had set their hearts on had been duds. Either owned by a friend of a friend or just plain bad ideas. He was beginning to think someone on the board was purposely trying to sabotage him. It might be time to clear out the advisory panel and start again from scratch. Kai owned controlling shares in his company. He could get rid of them all if he chose. Unfortunately, replacing them would be a challenge and not one he had time for right now.