“Come here.” He pulled Ryder in close and kissed him. “Thank you.”
“You’re something special, I swear.” Ryder licked his bottom lip, humming low.
“You’re unlike anyone I’ve known. You’re unique. Beautiful.” And that was tangled up with complicated emotions he wasn’t looking very carefully at tonight.
He needed to talk to a friend. A peer. Someone like River or Victor who could explain…all of this to him and help him process it.
Tonight was for Ryder though. He had his arms full and he was happy.
He just needed to hold on tight.
17
They were back in New York City, and it was all right with Ryder. He liked the lake house best, but this little apartment—big apartment—was fascinating, and he had a ball exploring neighborhoods, going places with Charles. There was always something neat to do, somewhere new to eat, some new food to try. A museum here, a park there.
So, yeah, he liked the lake house better because Mister Charlie was less busy, and they spent a lot more time making love or playing cards or reading. Sitting together. He’d even gotten Charles to watch a couple of movies with him.
But he didn’t hate being in the city.
Charles was out at the meeting, visiting some clients, and Ryder had made an appointment to get his hair cut, pick up dry cleaning, grab Mister Charlie some of his favorite pastries, that sort of thing.
They’d arranged to meet at this private club. He guessed it was mostly a bar, because they were going to go to supper afterward. They were going to meet there at six o’clock, have a drink, and then go have Greek food.
He got on his good jeans and a decent shirt, plus a light jacket. It was drizzling, and he thought he’d need it. He hoped Mister Charlie had remembered him an umbrella.
Ryder frowned and grabbed one, just in case. He’d hate for Charles to catch a chill.
He headed downstairs a little early because Mister Charlie had said that the car would just pick him up there at their building. He felt a little high hat about everything, but he didn’t know about the subway. There was something about being under the ground that just kind of wigged him right the fuck out.
He didn’t know if he wanted to do that. Especially not by himself.
That was one of his things, one of his deepest-held secrets. He wasn’t so good by himself. He’d never been by himself, so he didn’t know what to do with it. He was great for a few hours, sure, but he was meant to be part of a team. He had been conceived as a part of a team.
So he’d just go down, chat with the security guy and the doorman and wait for his car.
Easy peasy lemon squeezy.
A text came in with Mister Charlie’s chime, and he pulled out his phone. It was a big fat paragraph with perfect punctuation. He’d have known it was Charles even without the custom chime.
Charles
Hello, Ryder. Unfortunately, my meeting is running overtime, and I am going to be late for our drink. You should go ahead without me and have a beer. River and Kacey will be there. Do you remember them from Victor’s party? Go relax, and I’ll join you as soon as I can.
Ryder
All right. I don’t need a…card or anything?
He’d only been to a few private clubs.
Charles
I’m told we will have a tab already in place. If it’s a problem, I’ll pay when I arrive. I’m sorry about this.
Ryder
No. I’m good. No stress
He’d meant some way to get into a private club. He was just random Joe Number One.