The party was held in a city pub. It wasn’t too far from the office building where Bailey worked so they’d arranged to meet there, rather than arriving together, meaning Tom was trying to tamp down the butterflies attempting to take flight in his stomach as he entered alone. He wasn’t overly nervous to be meeting Bailey’s colleagues, but there was something about meeting Ryan, Bailey’s best friend, that had Tom on edge. He wanted to make a good impression, for Ryan to think he was good enough for his friend.
The room was noisy and crowded but Tom quickly honed in on Bailey, and his nerves settled somewhat at the familiar face. He took a minute or two to enjoy watching Bailey from across the room. He was standing as part of a small group, his attention focused on a tall guy dressed in a suit. The guy was the only one dressed so formally and he wore the suit well, but Tom only spared him a passing glance before focusing on Bailey.
Jesus, Bailey is gorgeous. With his easy-going manner, and ready smile, he drew people to him like a magnet. It was no wonder the street kids liked and trusted him.
Bailey caught Tom’s eye through the crowd and his smile grew even wider, if that was possible. Tom answered with a grin of his own. He started across the room, nudging through groups of drinkers and side-stepping elbows.
“Hey, you made it,” Bailey said when Tom arrived at his side, giving his arm a gentle squeeze.
“Hi.”
“Let me do the introductions. Everyone, this is Tom. Tom this is Lina, Harpreet, and Monica.” The three girls bobbed their heads and gave unanimous greetings. “And Richard and Brett.”
Brett was obviously the tall one, and he only inclined his head slightly in Tom’s direction, lips pressed tightly together as he looked Tom up and down. Richard on the other hand, thrust out a hand and shook Tom’s vigorously. “Great to meet you, mate.”
“Nice to meet you too,” Tom said, returning Richard’s grin.
“And this is Ryan.”
Tom turned at Bailey’s words to find himself face-to-face with the cute blond guy who’d come with Bailey to the coffee shop a few times.
“Hi, Ryan. It’s nice to meet you. Outside of taking your coffee order that is.”
Ryan’s grip was firm as he shook hands. “It’s great to officially meet you too. I’ve heard a lot about you from this guy here—”
“Ryan.” The warning was clear in Bailey’s voice.
Ryan laughed. “I’m sure there’ll be time for a little chat later, Tom.”
“Sure thing. I’m sure there’s lots we can talk about.” Tom winked Bailey’s way.
Bailey groaned, throwing his hands up in resignation. “I’m not sure why I thought it was such a good idea to get you two together.”
“Because you have exceptional taste in friends, Bailey, and like to show them off.” Ryan’s laughter was rich. “Anyway, I’m off to the bar to get another round of beer, okay?”
Tom watched him walk away, wondering whether Ryan was referring to himself or meant that Bailey was proud to show Tom off. It wouldn’t have surprised him either way, although he sort of liked the idea of Bailey wanting to show him off.
The conversation turned to other topics, and, as to be expected at a work get-together, centred around Bailey’s workplace and the happenings at the office. Ryan returned with the drinks and the conversation divided into smaller groups. They all worked in the same part of the energy business, most of them on the phones. One of the girls worked in marketing, but the rest of them worked in the same department. Brett, like Ryan, managed a team of the customer service representatives, and looked most affronted when Tom had asked if he was a call centre agent.
Serves him right. Damn stick up his arse.
Brett’s lips briefly puckered as if he’d sucked on a lemon, before he schooled his expression and set about curtly correcting Tom, making sure Tom was fully aware of the amount of responsibility Brett held.
Tom suppressed a chuckle as he hid his mouth with his pint glass. Pompous dickhead.
“And what about you, Tom. What do you do for work?” asked a vivacious redhead—Monica, Tom thought her name was.
“I work in a coffee shop.” He could almost see the derision on Brett’s face. For a moment he was tempted to rattle off his qualifications and make sure that Brett knew he owned the bloody coffee shop, but the feeling only lasted a moment. The guy wasn’t worth it, and what did it matter what Tom did for a living or what the dickhead thought of it anyway?
“Oh, that sounds fun,” Monica said.
“It can be but most of the time I’m run off my feet. Not that I’m complaining. It’s better than being quiet and having nothing to do all day. Then the day just drags.”
“Oh God, I know that feeling,” Monica said. “When the phones are quiet, the shift is so slow.”
“He works at Take Two,” Bailey said. “You know, the coffee shop a couple of blocks down?”
Monica appeared thoughtful for a moment. “The one with the lounges?”
Bailey nodded. “That’s it.”
Her eyes widened as she looked at Tom. “That’s why you look familiar. I love that place. It sort of reminds me of Central Perk. You know, the coffee shop from Friends? Sort of run-down and lived in…. Oh God!” She covered her mouth with her hand. “I hope you don’t mind me saying that. I didn’t mean it was a dump or anything. Oh, Jesus, stop me now.”
“Yeah, you’d better take a breath and take your foot out of your mouth, Monica,” Bailey joked.
Tom chuckled. “I don’t mind the comparison in the slightest. Most people like the Friends coffee shop so I’ll take it very much as a compliment.”
“I know, right. I always watched that show and thought how cool it would be to have somewhere like that to hang out with my friends.” She leaned in and whispered conspiratorially. “The coffee shop in our building is horrible. All draughty and echoey with fancy food.”
“Tom’s place is great,” Bailey said. “So much character—”
“I like the coffee shop in the foyer,” Brett interrupted. “There’s no fuss and bother. I just tap my order into the app and head on down when the order’s ready.”
Tom wanted to throttle Brett—not because he liked using an impersonal app to order his coffee, but for speaking over the top of Bailey.
“And,” Bailey wasn’t giving up, “the food is great at Take Two, and the atmosphere encourages you sit and relax and enjoy your meal.”
Tom’s chest swelled with pride at hearing Bailey praise his business. It didn’t matter what anyone else thought but it sure as hell made him feel good that Bailey thought he’d done well with the place.
“Exactly,” Monica said. “No one wants to sit in the cold foyer and it’s great to get away from the office for a break. Hey, Brett, maybe we could have one of our team meetings down there sometime?”
Brett looked like someone had spat in his beer. “Ah….”
Ryan had been chatting offside with some of the others. He appeared at Bailey’s side. “You guys still talking about work?”
“I was just suggesting to Brett that we have our next team meeting down at Tom’s coffee shop. Isn’t that a great idea?” Monica said.
Brett finally articulated his thoughts on the matter. “I don’t think—”
“Awesome idea, Monica. I can’t speak for Brett and his team but I reckon my team will do that. What do think, Bailey?” Ryan raised a brow at Bailey.
“I… ah… yeah. I think it would be fun. Good to mix things up a bit and get out of the office.”
Ryan nodded enthusiastically and wrapped an arm around Bailey’s shoulders. “I’m trying to convince this guy here that he should apply for my job.”
“I’m not sure—”
Ryan cut him off. “Seems like he needs some convincing though.”
Tom was tempted to step in but he knew Bailey had no interest in the job, even if the money would help. Monica spoke up, red curls bobbing as she grinned at Bailey. “Bails, you should give it a go. You’re fabulous with people and everyone loves you.”
“Bailey? As Team Leader? You’ve got to be joking,” Brett said. “You wouldn’t want to do that anyway, would you, mate?”
Brett elbowed Bailey as he looked down at him.
“I… ahh….” Bailey looked from Brett to Ryan, the discomfort clear on his face.
“You still have time to think about it, buddy. Just don’t take too long ’cause applications close soon. Now how about another drink. This is a celebration, after all.” Ryan smiled, seemingly oblivious to Bailey’s discomfort, or maybe he was aware and just wanted to change the topic.
Brett wasn’t going to let it go though and appeared to relish the opportunity to poke Bailey. “You’re not cut out for it, Bailey. Just because you’re popular doesn’t mean you’d be any good at managing people. Managing a team takes more than being friendly and getting along with everyone. It means stepping out of your comfort zone and making tough decisions. There’s a lot of responsibility in delivering results and telling people what to do.”
Now Tom saw red. How dare Brett make assumptions about Bailey? He might be right about managing people taking a certain kind of person, but if anyone was qualified, it was Bailey. Tom gripped the handle of his pint glass so tightly he was surprised it didn’t snap off. His voice was terse as he spoke. “Managing a team for results is more about leadership, and not telling people what to do. I can’t think of anyone more suited than Bailey. Bailey has excellent leadership ability—”
Bailey put a hand on Tom’s forearm. “Tom, it’s okay.”
Tom knew Bailey didn’t want to make a scene, but Brett was such an arsehole that Tom couldn’t stop the flow of words. He sneered at Brett. “Perhaps you’d be better off spending a little more time worrying about your own leadership abilities instead of focusing on what Bailey is or isn’t capable of doing.”
Brett rolled his eyes and snorted. “Says the guy who works in a coffee shop.”
Ryan looked horrified. “Hey, let’s not—”
“Yeah, let’s not.” Tom sucked in a breath, bringing his anger under control. He placed his palm over Bailey’s hand where it rested on his arm. He gave a gentle squeeze, reassured when Bailey gave him a subtle nod. He gave another squeeze and looked around the small group, all of whom looked as uncomfortable as he felt. “I think it’s my shout. Who’s up for another round?”
Thankfully the conversation amongst Bailey’s workmates started up again, the tension dissipating. It was easy to ignore Brett, who stood sullenly off to one side, and enjoy the rest of the night. Bailey drank and laughed and spent most of his time at Tom’s side. Once or twice he caught Bailey looking at him with a question in his eyes and made a mental note to talk to him later, to apologise for nearly starting an argument, but Jesus, that dickhead Brett rubbed him the wrong way.
Condescending arsehole.
* * *
Later that night, Bailey stood in the doorway of his bedroom, warmed by the sight that greeted him. Tom’s clothes were folded in a small pile on the chair in the corner of the room, the damp towel from his shower flung over the seat back. Tom was sprawled on the bed, the sheet up to his waist, arms folded behind his head and resting on the pillow as he waited. Even in the low light of the bedroom, his smile was evident, a gleam of white in the dark scruff of his jaw.
“What are you smiling about?”
“Just thinking.”
Bailey crossed the room, dropped his own towel on the floor. The mattress dipped as he climbed onto the bed. “Anything I should know about?”
“Just how much I like being here, being with you.”
“Yeah?” He crawled over Tom. “I like being here too.” Bailey kissed Tom’s lips, a fleeting touch before he raised his mouth. “And here.” He kissed along Tom’s jaw, the roughness in direct contrast to the softness of the earlier touch of lips, before nuzzling Tom’s ear. “Here is pretty good too.”
Tom chuckled, the sound low and turning into a moan as Bailey licked a path from Tom’s ear down his neck, tongue rasping over the stubble under his chin. Tom tasted fresh and clean, Bailey momentarily regretting that they’d both showered, wanting to taste the man underneath the soap.
Bailey sucked at the pulse point and licked across Tom’s throat, at the same time allowing his hands to wander across Tom’s chest, the muscles firm beneath his fingers, the chest hair springy beneath his touch. He encountered a nipple and tugged.
“Fuucck.” The drawn out word caused Tom’s Adam’s apple to vibrate, a tiny earthquake under Bailey’s lips. Bailey shivered in response. Such a turn on to see, hear, and feel Tom’s every reaction. So responsive.
Bailey brought his mouth to Tom’s again, this time putting some pressure behind the kiss. Tom’s lips parted, his tongue darted out. This kiss deepened, hot and wet, and not nearly enough. Bailey pulled the sheet down without breaking the kiss, using his feet to push the material out of the way, bringing their naked bodies into contact from mouth to toes.
Despite how tightly their chests were pressed together, Tom tried to pull them closer. His arms were a vice wrapped around Bailey’s torso. He came up for air but only had time to suck in a breath before Tom flipped them on the mattress. His strong body pressed down on Bailey and the fire in Bailey’s groin increased with the pressure of Tom’s pelvis on his dick. He thrust up, enjoying the friction but enjoying Tom’s answering groan even more.
“Yes. Oh God. More of that.” Tom’s words were a breathy whisper in his mouth as he rubbed his cock alongside Bailey’s.
“Yeah. Much, much more.” Bailey pushed up again, his hips undulating in a regular rhythm he echoed with his tongue. Tom gave back as good as he got, sucking on Bailey’s tongue, the sweet suction radiating pleasure throughout his body. Jesus.
All Bailey could think about was how he wanted more than his tongue in Tom’s mouth. He twisted his leg around Tom and used every ounce of energy to flip them again, pleased at Tom’s grunt of surprise when he landed flat on his back. Bailey pushed a hand between the two of them, grasping Tom’s cock, the flesh hot and heavy in his palm. Tom threw back his head and groaned as Bailey worked him from base to tip. They were no longer able to kiss but knowing Tom was falling apart under his touch was consolation.
Bailey leaned up on an elbow, scooting down to give himself room. Bailey’s hand returned to Tom’s cock, the tip now flushed and damp. He gave another pull, this time moving his hand lower, rolling Tom’s balls in his palm. Using Tom’s moans—Jesus, the sounds he makes—as a guide, Bailey alternated between long, slow glides of his palm along Tom’s length, gentle tugs on his balls, and finally applying pressure with his fingertips to the sensitive skin behind.
Cradled between Tom’s thighs, his own cock pressed deliciously into Tom’s hip, desire coursed through Bailey’s body. Tom’s breathing sped up, his balls pulled tighter to his body, and his hips moved in a relentless rhythm—lifting, seeking, chasing what Bailey was giving him. Bailey’s fingers skimmed Tom’s crease. Tom widened his legs. A silent message?
He looked up and met Tom’s wild gaze. He sought Tom’s crease again, this time lingering at his hole, the question in his eyes.
Tom nodded. “Go on. Do it. I want you inside me.”
“Yeah?” His breath caught. The very idea of Tom giving himself to Bailey sent a stunning shiver down his spine. “God, yeah. Jesus, I want that so much.”
He leaned across Tom and rummaged through the bedside drawer, his scramble no doubt reflecting how eager he was. Once he had everything he needed on the bed beside him, he focused on the man beneath him again. So damn stunning. All those tight muscles, the trail of hairs on his flat belly where his erection lay, full and heavy, the foreskin pulled back. Even as Bailey watched, it flexed, and Bailey’s own cock pulsed with need.
“Hurry up. I’m dying here.” Tom nudged him.
Bailey smiled. “Sorry. Got distracted.”
“Well if you don’t get moving, I’ll give you something to be distracted about.”
Bailey crawled up Tom’s body and took him in another kiss. “I’m always distracted by you,” he whispered against Tom’s ear before nipping on the lobe.
“Tease.”
Tom’s hands ran down his sides, and Bailey squirmed at the tickle, pulling away from Tom’s fingers. “Hey! Not fair.”
Tom laughed and shoved Bailey’s shoulders, pushing him down the bed. Bailey moved onto his knees. He bent forward, inhaling Tom’s raw male scent. He took Tom into his mouth, one suck, sudden and hard to the back of his throat, before pulling off.
“Holy fuucck!”
Tom’s hips jerked but Bailey held him still. He looked at Tom and winked. “Now that’s teasing.”
“Arse—” Anything else Tom was going to say was cut off as Bailey sucked his cock again, this time moving up and down until the trembling told Bailey that Tom was being pushed to the edge.
Bailey grabbed the lube and slicked his fingers. He traced a circle around Tom’s opening before gently pressing inside. It wasn’t long until Tom was panting with need, hips rising to chase Bailey’s touch. Craving more of the sweet heat of Tom’s body, Bailey drew away long enough to suit up before pressing the head of his cock where his fingers had just been. He was desperate to be inside but forced himself to advance gently, small approaches as he sunk into Tom’s tight, silky heat until he finally bottomed out. Oh God. Perfect.
“Fuck, Tom. Feels so good.” Bailey ground out between gritted teeth, the squeeze on his cock almost taking his breath away.
Tom’s fingers dug into the flesh of his hips, pulling them closer as they rocked into each other. The fire quickly grew as he pressed into Tom’s warmth, kissing desperately as they moved together, the sound of skin slapping and the scent of their sweat filling his senses.
“Fuck, Bailey. Nearly there,” Tom panted.
“Jesus Christ. Me too.” Bailey wasn’t sure how long he could hold out. “Touch yourself.”
Tom reached between them and within a few strokes was coming. His shout of completion and the scent of his release was nearly enough to push Bailey over the edge. The rhythmic pulses of Tom’s orgasm tore away Bailey’s last shred of self-control. With a burst of pleasure he crashed over the edge, spilling everything he had. As the last of the sensations swept over him, he collapsed onto Tom, leaving them in a hot, sticky, tangled mess. After a moment or two, Bailey moved, easing the pressure of his weight and slipping from Tom’s body.
Tom stroked Bailey’s back as they lay in each other’s arms. Tom’s other hand played with the strands of Bailey’s hair. The action was tender and Bailey wanted to stay in that blissed-out state forever. He waited for his heartbeat to return to normal, his pulse racing from both the exertion and the emotion. Tom’s chest was rising and falling rapidly and Bailey was glad to see he wasn’t the only one struggling to get his body back under control.
“Holy shit, Bailey. That was amazing,” Tom said after a while.
“Uh-huh.” Bailey couldn’t get out any more words and nodded against Tom’s chest.
Finally the slight chill of the room against his cooling skin had Bailey moving from the bed. He slipped from Tom’s arms and took care of the condom. Tom followed him to the bathroom and they washed up next to each other. It was comfortable. Bailey met Tom’s eyes in the mirror and Tom smiled. I could get very used to this.
His happiness continued when they returned to the bedroom and Tom climbed back into the bed. Bailey got in beside him and Tom pulled the covers up.
“You gonna stay the night?” Bailey asked, although the answer seemed obvious.
“Uh-huh. If that’s okay.”
“Yeah. I’d like that.”
Bailey snuggled further down the bed, hauling the bedclothes higher. He curled into Tom’s warmth, sighing as wrapped his arm tighter around him and held him close. He felt so protected, so safe. It felt right.
In the darkness, his mind returned to the events of earlier in the evening—the way Tom had stuck up for him when Brett made the comments about his inability to do the manager job. It almost sounded like Tom thought Bailey should go for the promotion, to better himself with a higher-paying job with more responsibility. But that made no sense given their previous conversations. Did it?
He pushed aside the thoughts that had been swirling around his head since the farewell—except for the part of the night where the only thing he’d been focused on was the feel of moving in Tom’s body—and instead focused on the firm body next to his own, the warmth and the reassuring, regular breathing, luxuriating in the knowledge he wasn’t alone.