Chapter 16

“I don’t see any reason for us to stay for more than another day or two. Aside from the mysterious nature of his partner’s death, I can’t see how this would be ours,” Paul said and the director mumbled something to someone else then made a dismissive sound.

“Great. Take whatever time you need to wrap it up in New York and come on back. Don’t get in trouble while you’re in the city,” he joked and Paul nodded.

“Got it, sir,” he said then ended the call and pushed his phone into his pocket. He was hunting for his keys when the word rather caught his ear and his head swung as goosebumps spilled down his back. He knew that voice and that brisk, British accent.

“I saw the man every day but I didn’t actually know him, if you know what I mean,” he drawled and Paul blinked in shock at the back of a Burberry trench and thick, frosty blue, perfectly cropped hair. “Isn’t it funny? You can live just a few floors above someone and not know a single thing about them,” he added and Paul was shaking as he grabbed his arm and turned him. His eyes were as blue as his hair. Paul felt dizzy as his eyes darted over his face and down his body. He was there, in person, and Paul could see all of him at once. “Hello?” He said as his head cocked expectantly, as if Paul hadn’t memorized every inch, curve and hair on his body, as if he was just laying eyes on him for the first time. “Did you need to get my statement as well?” He asked innocently and Paul blinked as he looked around and tried to remember where they were. Fucking Manhattan. He shook his head slowly before his eyes locked on a door.

“I think someone’s looking for you. Come with me,” Paul said as he towed him toward it.

“I hope this won’t take too long. I have a flight to catch,” he said and Paul shook his head as he rushed through the door and pulled him along. He checked the stairwell and it was clear as they hurried down a flight of stairs and Paul pushed him against the wall.

“What are you doing here?” He asked as his hands curved around his face and they both gasped as their lips brushed. His hand tightened in Paul’s shirt, under his coat.

“I was in the neighborhood and thought I’d stop by and say hello,” he purred and his breath tasted like lemons. Paul groaned as their tongues swirled and heat swept down his body.

“Oh, fuck,” he panted as he rolled his hips, grinding against his hard-on. He was the perfect height and he tasted…perfect. Paul angled his head, taking the kiss deeper and was intoxicated as they rocked against each other. His head pulled back on a gasp and he swore as he looked up, toward the street outside. “Let’s have dinner. Stay with me tonight,” Paul begged and his heart sank when he heard him hiss.

“I’m afraid I really do have to go soon. I have to catch a flight out in just over an hour,” he explained and Paul shook his head.

“Wait. You have to give me a name,” he said then pointed threateningly. “I will never answer the phone again,” he promised then held his gaze.

“Fine. It’s Reginald,” he said petulantly and Paul’s head pulled back.

“Really?” He asked and Reginald nodded.

“Really. That’s all you’re getting,” he promised and Paul chewed on his lip then sighed.

“Why can’t you book another flight?” He complained. “You’ve been winding me up for months and you’re just going to drop in for a few minutes then leave?”

“I’m sorry. I’m catching a flight on a friend’s jet and it would be rude to keep him waiting. We were both here and I would have regretted it if I didn’t catch a moment with you, at least,” Reginald said and it was unusually sincere.

“If you’re trying to make me jealous, you can stop. It’s working,” Paul admitted as he reached for his face and pulled his lips closer. “Don’t go,” he pleaded and Reginald groaned.

“I really do have to go. I’m working on something important and I try to avoid flying commercial flights as much as possible. They’re like flying cattle cars,” he stated and Paul shut his eyes and prayed for patience.

“You had better be worth it,” he said then kissed him hard before he released him and stepped back. “Get the fuck away from this crime scene,” he said as he pointed and Reginald pouted as he pushed away from the wall. He growled and sucked on Paul’s lip then sighed dreamily as he backed away from him.

“I’ll miss you even more now,” he sang and Paul rolled his eyes.

“I’m not the one in control here,” he said and felt a whiff of bitterness and frustration. Reginald’s head tilted as he made a sympathetic sound.

“What if I promise you can be in control later?” He asked and Paul pressed his hands to his face to smother a scream.

“You’re absolutely fucking killing me,” he said but Reginald was gone when he looked up. “Nobody’s worth this,” he muttered as he reached for the bannister and leaned. His blood was still pounding in his ears and his sack hurt as his cock pushed angrily against the front of his pants. He scrubbed his hand over his face and swore. He could still smell and taste him. “He might be worth it,” he admitted grudgingly then did everything he could to push the whole incident to the back of his brain so he could function for the rest of the day.