Chapter 11

 

 

O’Neil hoped like hell he wasn’t about to make a foolish mistake. They hadn’t had a moment to speak one-on-one the entire day. And he didn’t know if he should call Ryan, so he decided to take a chance and head over there under the guise of working on Ryan’s security system.

As long as Ryan let him in.

His phone rang halfway to Ryan’s. He pressed talk and speaker with a smile. “Hello, Mr. King.”

Ryan groaned. “Just Ryan, please.”

“Ryan.”

“Busy tonight?”

“I hope so. I figured I would look at your system since you put in a formal request this morning.”

“Then come over. I’ll be waiting.”

“Almost there now,” he answered.

“That’s a relief. I can’t get you off my mind.”

“Same here.” Watching Ryan interact all day drove him nuts. Now he could work out all the frustration.

“Think you can manage to splurge tonight? I could grab pizza on the way.”

“Sure. Lots of meat and I’ll be happy.”

“Supreme?” O’Neil asked.

“Sure. See you soon.”

Shannon took a turn to go to his favorite pizza place. What a relief to know they were on the same wave length. And this way, Ryan wouldn’t have to order dinner for two.

He didn’t mind hiding his relationships. He did in the military, even after they changed all the rules. It was just easier, even when he was with women.

He stepped into Pie in the Sky and walked up to the counter. Peter’s brother owned the place. And they had amazing food. O’Neil had always gotten along with Paul because he had never wanted to follow in his father’s footsteps and join the military. Only he went a step further and never bothered. Instead, he moved out to LA and started cooking, which really pissed their father off.

But when Peter got out, their father let up. Shannon’s never had. Maybe finally he would, but he wasn’t sure it would make a damned bit of difference. It had been too long since he stopped caring.

Shannon walked up to the counter and waved at Paul, who was in the kitchen. He waved him back.

O’Neil nodded to the waitress. “I’m going to talk to your boss.”

“Sure thing.” She made a sound of approval as he walked past, and he looked over his shoulder to see her checking out his ass.

He held back the laugh.

Paul grinned. “Hey, you here for your favorite?”

“Yeah.”

“So, who were you with last night?”

Shannon groaned. “Don’t. We’re not discussing that. Not until I know where it’s going.”

“Okay, fair enough. Instead, why don’t you tell me about the current job? How are you liking it?”

“Better than the last contract. Everyone is pretty cool. I wasn’t sure what to expect after the last batch.”

“They can’t all be assholes.”

“No, they really can’t.

 

* * * *

 

Ryan sat on the couch, staring at the ground. His mother had left him alone. His brother had been quiet.

Too quiet.

Shit. He hadn’t even thought of Manny last night. He figured there was time for a call.

Manny answered quickly. “Hey, Ryan, what’s going on?” He sounded happy at least.

“Hadn’t heard from you. Everything okay with Aubrey?”

“Yeah. No questions. I think she understands.”

“Good.”

A woman giggled in the background.

Ryan couldn’t stop the smile. “I’ll let you go. You sound busy.”

“We’re just driving to dinner,” Manny said.

“Well, have fun.” He hung up and finally relaxed. Aubrey seemed to be a good match for Manny

And maybe Shannon was his.

He lay back and closed his eyes. All he could see was O’Neil’s powerful body. Shannon had given him control all night. Tonight was his turn. That’s what he needed. Shannon, over him, drilling into him.

Desire raged to life. He unbuttoned his fly and wrapped his hand around his cock. God, he wanted that to be Shannon’s hand. He stroked up over his crown.

His phone rang and he thought about ignoring it until he turned his head to see O’Neil across the display. He gripped himself, stopping the movement as he answered. “Hey?”

“It’s going to be a few minutes. Should I bring something to drink?”

“I have that covered.”

“What are you doing?” His voice had dropped a couple notches.

“Thinking about you.” He stroked up, biting his lip.

He chuckled. “Couldn’t wait for me?”

“No. You’ve taunted me all damned day. I got home and realized I needed you. Just you. I surrender.”

Shannon gulped. “Give me twenty minutes. The pizza will be hot and fresh.”

“See you soon.” He hung up and lifted his hips to scoot his jeans down so he could really work his dick, imagining it was O’Neil’s fingers wrapped around him.

 

* * * *

 

Instead of calling Shelley, he called Ryan. Now O’Neil was sporting a major hard-on he wasn’t going to be able to deal with until after dinner. Or before, but hot pizza was better than cold.

Shit, why did he have to decide to stop when Ryan said he’d handle dinner? Maybe because he wanted to do something for the actor who had everything, and prove Shannon didn’t want a damn thing but his attention for as long as he could have it.

“Who was that?” Paul laughed. “Never mind, it’s the mystery person.”

“Tell Peter to stop hassling me. He knows I’ll tell him what’s up when I can.”

“I hope whoever it is, it’s worth the secrecy. You know that will only drive my brother crazy.”

“Please, it’s not like he didn’t keep Annette a secret from us for as long as he could.”

“Yeah, but the pessimistic ass never thought he’d manage to keep her.”

“He has, so far. And he hasn’t done anything unforgiveable.”

He took the pizza out of the oven, slid it into a box, and sliced it.

O’Neil closed his eyes and breathed in. “Smells wonderful. I’m going to pay and get going.”

Paul shook his head. “Nope, no pay, this is my treat.”

Shannon gave him a hug. “All right then. Thank you.”

“Hey, good luck with whoever this is.”

“Thank you. I’ll talk to you later.” Shannon took the pizza and headed back to his car before driving to Ryan’s.

He just had to make it there without thinking too much about the gorgeous celeb stroking himself off. He made the trip as quickly as he could without breaking too many laws.