Chapter 7

 

 

The ringing phone made Ryan roll his eyes. At least it wasn’t Manny. No, it was his mother who probably wanted to check on his brother.

“Hey, Mom. How’s it going?” Ryan kicked his shoes off and considered a shower.

“How is Manny? What’s keeping him from answering my calls?”

“Probably with a woman.”

“Please tell me she isn’t using him like Tara?” she asked with bite.

“No, she’s not. In fact, she couldn’t have cared less who I was when I briefly met her.”

“Is she pretty?” Mom asked.

“Yeah. Very. She’s a redhead, blue eyes. Doesn’t look like the clubbing type. Too sophisticated for that.”

“Does that mean you finally started liking women?”

He groaned. “Jesus, Mom. Do you really think it’s as easy as flipping a switch?”

“I want grandchildren,” she muttered.

“Yeah, well, maybe Manny can help you with that. And if I ever find the right man, I’ll adopt. Happy?”

“No, but not because of that. Manny doesn’t want to answer my calls. I’m worried about him. Gemma is convinced he’s going to do something stupid.”

“I’m watching over him, at least until I start filming.”

“Are you going to be gone long?”

“Yeah. Look, I have plans tonight. I’ll make sure Manny is doing well before I have to leave town, but I still have a month. And he’s climbing out of that hole. Slowly but surely.”

“Are you seeing someone?” she asked tentatively.

“Would it matter? You keep hoping I’ll wake up straight.”

She sighed. “Only because you are never happy with the men you’ve picked.”

“Mom, that has more to do with my career and things not working out, than what sex they are.”

“Maybe. Or maybe you just haven’t found the right woman.”

“God, I swear, we’re not having this discussion. I need to get ready. I’ll talk to you later.” Ryan hung up and hopped in the shower for a quick rinse.

His phone rang again. She’d keep calling until he answered. Which was proven when ten minutes later he stepped back into the bedroom, washed, dried, and wearing a towel.

“Mom, I’m not doing this.” He hit speaker and moved toward the dresser to get dressed.

“Okay, okay, sorry. I love you, Ryan.”

“Love you too.” He just wished she wouldn’t try so hard to convince him to change. “When are you going to be in town?” He pulled out a pair of jeans and a t-shirt.

“Next week. I can check on Manny then. If you talk to him first, tell him to call me, please.”

“Do us all a favor, when you talk to him, don’t mention Tara. Don’t mention that mess at all. Okay?”

“Yeah, yeah. I hope this girl is the real thing.”

“Me too. I need to go. Say hi to Gemma for me.” He hung up and pulled on the clothes.

“Sure. Good night.”

Ryan hurried downstairs and set his phone on the charger. He’d already given O’Neil his address. Now, he wanted to make sure everything was ready. Would he like wine?

Man, he was nervous. He never got like this.

The bell chimed, and Ryan moved to the intercom. “This is Ryan.”

Green eyes peered into the camera. “I’m here.”

“Come in.” He pressed the button, and the gate opened. He watched as O’Neil drove through the gate and made sure no one tried to follow. Unfortunately, the occasional fan attempted to sneak in, or the gutsy paparazzi asshole.

The gate shut without any problems, and Ryan opened the front door. O’Neil pulled up out front and climbed out of the truck. He looked good in worn jeans and a white T-shirt.

Really damned good.

“Hey, O’Neil.”

“Evening, Mr. King.”

That sounded wrong on his lips. “Come in.” He turned to go inside.

O’Neil hurried to catch up. “That the wrong thing to say?”

Ryan turned to him. “I’m no better than you. In fact, I’m sure you’re better than me.”

He moved closer, capturing his gaze. “Why would you think that?”

Ryan lifted one shoulder. “You served your country. I never did anything half as important.”

“Shit, first, that doesn’t matter. You saved your friend.”

The breath went out of Ryan. “He’s my best friend. One of them. But here’s something only a few know. I’ve been in love with him for years.”

O’Neil’s head cocked. “Still in love with him?”

“It can never happen. I’m not jealous of Leona. I’m happy for him, but a part of me wishes things were different.”

“I know how that goes. But something tells me if it had been Raven, you would have saved her too. Or Alexa, or Keenan.”

“I wouldn’t have been so torn up helping them go after the love of their life.”

“What do you mean?” O’Neil asked.

Ryan blew out a breath. “From the moment I saw the two of them together I knew where it was going. She was going to be his everything. Then Tara managed to convince some scumball to post the cut video making it seem like Luke had fucked her, unless you looked really damned close. And Leona left. She hid out where no one would have found her. The truth came out, and I did everything I could to get him back with her, as much as it tore me open.”

“Because he loved her, and you wanted him happy.”

Ryan half-laughed. “I couldn’t have made him happy. I’ve known that all along.” Ryan moved away, scrubbing at his face. “I shouldn’t have said all that.”

O’Neil moved behind him. “Hey, Ryan. I get it. And here I was wondering if you ever felt anything for Raven, but I understand now.”

“My mother would love it if I wanted Raven.” He shook his head. “Even if I liked women, I don’t think I would have wanted to be with her. We’re too good as friends.”

“But you want Luke.”

“True.” He turned to O’Neil. “Does that bother you?”

“How long?”

“Years. Shit. Not when we met. But the last six years.”

O’Neil shook his head. “No. It doesn’t.”

“Why not?” Ryan asked.

“Because you knew it couldn’t be, and you held onto your friendship. You helped him get to the one he needed. You just need to find someone for you.”

A smile pulled at Ryan’s lips. “You think that might be you?”

“Don’t know, but I want to find out.” O’Neil moved closer and wrapped his hand around Ryan’s forearm. “What do you want?”

“To see where this goes. But no one can know. Only those you trust completely.”

“I won’t tell a soul until I know where this is going. And if that’s nowhere, no one will ever know,” O’Neil assured.

“Does that make me an asshole?” Ryan whispered.

“No. I can imagine having the public scrutinize every love interest must be a burden on any actor.”

“Yeah. And the ones who make it work either hide their relationship or find a way to deal with it.”

“You would always want to hide?”

Ryan snorted. “No, but it’s no one’s business right now. When I fall in love, and I know it’s lasting, I won’t care who knows. I’ll stand by that man and proudly claim him.”

O’Neil wet his bottom lip. “I can respect that.”

“Would you want to tell everyone?”

“When I find the one. Until then, I don’t think anyone needs to know.” O’Neil moved closer. “Does that mean this is worth trying?”

“Very.” Ryan closed the distance, looking into his eyes. “Tell me that’s why you’re here.”

He nodded. “I want to know your taste.”

The dark promise rolled through Ryan. He wanted a lot more than a taste. He pressed his mouth to O’Neil’s, then ran his tongue along the seam.

Those full lips parted and their tongues dueled as O’Neil grabbed the back of Ryan’s neck, taking control of the kiss. Oh fuck, that was what he needed.

He skated his hands up the hard muscle of O’Neil’s stomach, over his rock-hard pecs. The man was solid strength.

 

* * * *

 

O’Neil never expected a man to taste this damned good. Better than he’d imagined. It was something unique to Ryan, something he couldn’t place.

Ryan leaned back and bit down on his bottom lip, tugging Shannon closer. O’Neil grabbed Ryan’s hip, dragging his body tight against his, finding his erection pressed against his own.

He groaned, seeking friction as he backed Ryan against the table. Ryan pushed him back, their eyes locking as a timer went off.

“Hungry?” His voice was rough, heated.

Damn, O’Neil wanted him bad. “Very, but food can wait.”

Ryan shoved further, then slipped past. “Needs to come out of the oven, at least.”

O’Neil adjusted himself. “Right. Sorry. Didn’t realize you were cooking.”

He tipped his head back and forth. “Just heating up food I picked up. There’s a restaurant that’s exclusive to those who can keep a secret.”

“Why?”

Ryan sighed. “Too many places with cameras right outside. It’s not the first exclusive place for us, just the one Raven, Luke, and I prefer.”

O’Neil leaned against the counter. “How have you kept the secret so long? There were cameras outside the campground.”

He shook his head. “So far, I’ve been lucky. And I’ll deal with it if my secret ever comes out.” Ryan shrugged a shoulder, still turned toward the food.

He moved closer and gripped Ryan’s shoulders. “Wherever this goes, I’m not saying a word until we decide we’re ready for that.”

Ryan faced him. “I don’t want you to get in trouble for whatever happens.”

O’Neil snorted. “I understand the clause is mostly for Raven. What’s going on with her?”

“After her first co-star incident, she doesn’t date anyone she has to work with. And she has a stalker who’s been leaving her things. The cops haven’t found any evidence, and because none of it is threatening, they don’t seem to take it seriously.”

“They should.”

Anger flashed through Ryan’s eyes. “Yeah, I agree. Look, I don’t want to think about work, or any of that. I just want to enjoy tonight. Tell me we can.”

“I want to get to know the man behind the face,” O’Neil said.

“Let’s eat. Then we can get to know each other in a physical capacity.” Ryan grabbed two plates. “There’s wine on the table. Want to pour some? Or do you drink it?”

“In the right circumstances, and I think tonight fits that bill.”

“Good, and I do want to hire you or your company to improve the security. But I don’t care about that tonight.”

“You can give me a proper tour after food, and maybe we’ll stop somewhere more interesting.”

 

* * * *

 

Lust poured through Ryan. The closer O’Neil got, the more he wanted to strip him down and explore every inch. He was curious about the scar that changed his course in life.

And he couldn’t help feeling lucky a bullet put Shannon in his path. He took his time plating the food. Everything smelled wonderful. All he had to tell Minae was to please keep in mind he was eating clean for a role, but he wanted to impress and didn’t mind if he splurged a little.

“That smells amazing,” Shannon murmured, pouring the wine.

As much as Ryan should be careful exploring a new relationship, he wanted to forget caution and dive right in.

“To an evening of new experiences,” Ryan stated, taking the glass and lifting it toward O’Neil.

“To learning more about the man I’ve craved for years.”

Ryan took a long drink and hoped like hell he wasn’t about to make a terrible mistake, not that he planned to stop. No, he wanted everything O’Neil had to offer.

“Nothing to say?”

He lifted a shoulder. “Women say shit like that to me all the time. Not used to a man I want in my bed saying it.”

O’Neil chuckled. “It’s the truth. And I’m sure those women want you.”

“Not interested in them.”

“No, but I have your attention,” O’Neil said. “I never imagined there was a chance with you.”

“Oh, I’d say it’s a given at this point.”

O’Neil’s eyes locked on him. “Am I staying?”

“You want to?”

“Yes, as long as it doesn’t cause a problem.”

“It won’t,” Ryan assured. He wanted as long as he could have with O’Neil.

“And tomorrow we’ll act as if nothing happened while we train.”

“Good. Out of the group, Raven is the only one who knows my secret.”

“And now me. Talk about a long shot.” His mouth quirked in a crooked smile.

Ryan took a drink of wine while watching the man who starred in every fantasy since seeing him in the club, when he thought there wasn’t a chance in hell.

“How long have you been in LA?” Ryan asked.

O’Neil lifted a shoulder. “About three years. Took me a year to get enough use out of my shoulder to want to commit to the job.”

“I know consulting isn’t your main gig. What is?”

He picked up a rib. “A little of everything. I’ve helped design security systems, installation, act as a bodyguard sometimes, or security at big events, and I was a consultant to one other cast, though Peter thinks my résumé will land us more jobs like this. His is similar, though.”

“Do you like meeting the actors?” Ryan took a bite.

“I’m not sure it’s different than meeting anyone else. Some people are cool, some are assholes.”

“Very true.”

“The last group of actors I worked with was a different experience. The lead was an asshole. The love interest made her stunt double do as much as possible. They weren’t willing to learn.”

“And now we’re eager to,” Ryan answered.

O’Neil nodded. “Yeah, you are. Which makes my job easier. I’m glad Alexa relented.”

“Not interested in her?”

He shook his head. “Nah. I’ve been the trophy fuck. I’m not looking to go down that road.”

“Because you were a SEAL?”

“Something like that.”

“What about the woman in the club two nights before we met?” Ryan asked, finding the answer to be important.

“That was just a good time. Nothing more, nothing less. We didn’t discuss my past or hers. But you had me so damned hard I needed some kind of relief.”

Ryan couldn’t have stopped the laugh that escaped. “I was in a similar situation, but I assumed you were only staring because you saw me in a movie.”

“No, I was staring because I wanted to know what you were capable of in the bedroom.”

He licked his lips before taking another bite.

“I won’t tell a soul, but who did you go home with that night?” Shannon asked.

“You really can’t say anything,” Ryan warned.

“Not a word.”

“Max Snyder of Emerald Horizon. I have history with him, but we don’t do well long-distance. Since we both have the same secret, it works when we we’re in the same place at the same time. Similar to Raven and Rocco. Again, you can’t say a word to anyone about that either.”

O’Neil leaned forward. “Not a word.”

“He hasn’t been anything more than a fuck buddy in years.” He meant that, unfortunately. They weren’t even good friends. “I hate thinking about it in those terms.”

“Why?” O’Neil asked. “It’s an understanding the two of you have, right?”

Ryan nodded. “Is that what this is?”

“Just a night of pleasure? I hope it’s the start of many more to come.”

“Why not with the woman?” Ryan asked.

“Didn’t feel this spark. I was attracted, I wanted her under me, but I need a whole lot more from you.”

Ryan’s mouth quirked. “Then we should explore where we can go.”