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Adriano’s mouth watered. He was often tired of sex, but he never got tired of genuine want, genuine desire in the form of a man’s hot breath, and warm cock, and thick tongue that wasn’t being paid to be there, that wasn’t getting something out of it. He wanted Noah, and maybe coming here had been a spur-of-the-moment decision, but he didn’t regret that for a second.
He did feel resentment when their kiss was interrupted—at least at first, but it was too obvious to see how lost Noah was. He didn’t know Adriano well, and it was unfair to take advantage of him like that. Adriano wanted to woo him, to seduce him with more than just his name, his reputation, his body. He wanted every inch, everymolecule, of Noah to be desperate for him.
He wanted Noah so wrapped up in him that he begged Adriano not to leave.
Or maybe he’d beg Adriano to take Noah with him. That idea had some appeal.
He had no timeline right now. He was in limbo, waiting for Anthony to sort out whatever the hell was going to happen with his film career and Xander. He had three years left on a contract—three long years to potentially not film a single scene. That might have been a death sentence to other stars, an easy way to become irrelevant. Adriano didn’t want to lose his life, but as he looked across the sofa at Noah delicately picking at his pizza, he didn’t think it was the worst one in the world.
‘Tell me what’s good to do around here,’ Adriano asked after waving to get Noah’s attention. ‘I need to head back to my place soon. I’m exhausted. But I have no plans after tonight, and I want to spend as much time with you as I can.’
Noah’s cheeks pinked beautifully, and Adriano wanted to drag his teeth over those freckles. ‘There’s a ton to do if you like shopping. Or eating. Or walking.’
Adriano raised a brow. ‘I can do that in LA.’
At that, Noah laughed and shook his head. ‘There’s a farmer’s market tomorrow night in Forsyth Park. Tons of people show up, and most of the shops around here have a booth.’
Adriano leaned forward. ‘You?’
Noah glanced away, then shrugged. ‘Normally, I don’t, but Fitz,’ he spelled the name slowly. ‘Fire chief. He asked me if I would set one up, so I told him next week.’
Adriano studied his expression. ‘You regret it.’
Noah looked pained. ‘It won’t help the bakery. It just means more baking, and I have no help, and Adam is busy with his truck.’
Adriano worried the inside of his cheek, then gave a firm nod. ‘Teach me.’
Noah startled in his seat, almost knocking his plate off his lap. He gingerly pushed it to the table, then looked back at Adriano. ‘Teach you what?’
‘Baking. I’m from a huge Italian family. I was born to be in the kitchen. I’ll help you get ready.’ He waited, and Noah’s hands lifted to protest, so Adriano grabbed his wrist lightly and squeezed, shaking his head. ‘Let me help.’
The wet, pink tip of Noah’s tongue dragged over his bottom lip, and Adriano fought the urge to lean in and taste it. God, he wanted him. ‘Maybe.’
‘You have a better idea?’ Adriano challenged. And maybe Noah’s hesitation was right. Maybe it would be damn near impossible to keep his hands to himself if they were in a kitchen together, but that part was far more than seduction. He wanted to ease a few of Noah’s worry lines, wanted to soothe the way his soul was all twisted up into knots with more than just fucking.
He had never been so gone so fast before, but Adriano was also the kind of man who followed his heart, even when his heart was wrong.
‘Okay,’ Noah finally said, and Adriano felt his grin stretch wide enough it nearly split his face.
‘When?’
‘Wednesday night after close.’
Adriano felt the vibration of his throat with his hum as he nodded. ‘Tomorrow, you can show me the market. I’ll come over when you’re done.’ He made sure it was a statement, not an offer. Noah’s anxiety was obvious, how he’d say no, how he’d run, even when he didn’t want to. Adriano didn’t mind applying a little firm hand where it was needed, especially knowing Noah wanted him, and more than that, he liked him.
After a beat, Noah’s shoulders moved with a laugh, and he shook his head, but the delight in his eyes wasn’t a rejection. ‘Fine. I can close early. Come by at six.’
That settled, Adriano knew he had to get out before things got carried away. He pulled the thin leash from his pocket and clipped it to Jude before rising, then held a hand out to Noah. His palm was warm and a little slick from the pizza grease, but he clung tight as Adriano pulled him to his feet.
‘Walk me out.’
Noah nodded, and he stayed close enough that Adriano could feel his body heat as they approached the door. He twisted the leash around his palm just before they stopped, and he spun fast, gripping Noah by the waist.
Noah’s mouth parted with a puff of air as Adriano spun him, then pinned him to the wall by the door and nosed along Noah’s cheek, right over a smattering of freckles that looked like the night sky. His lips were open, grazing Noah’s cheek, and he pulled back.
‘I like you,’ he repeated.
Noah’s swallow was heavy, his Adam’s apple bobbing. ‘I like you.’
