The two weeks Daniel had spent with Isaac had been the best weeks of Daniel’s life. He’d been to New York and Oklahoma in the past week before finding his way back to Key Largo. He wasn’t one to lie to himself. Daniel was there for Isaac because he also wasn’t one to deny himself either.

“All the Vegas hopefuls left last Friday. Why are you back?” Aden asked the moment Daniel stepped inside his office.

Daniel refused to take the bait. Instead, he claimed the chair on the other side of Aden’s desk and chose to change the subject. “I hear Ariel Craymore is coming to Miami in August. If you’d like, I can get you tickets for cheap.” It was the best he could come up with, considering his brain was a mess. Since the picture Remy had hung in the corner was still there, Daniel wouldn’t miss his chance to torment Aden.

Aden didn’t look up from his paperwork. “You can drop the act. I’m fully aware there’s a picture of Ariel and me hanging in the corner. I also clearly remember asking you why you’re here a week after the hopefuls have all gone.”

Daniel’s smile fell. “Aren’t you one to suck the fun from everything?” he said, still dodging. “Why haven’t you taken it down?”

Aden flipped to the next page. “Remy doesn’t know I know, and he’s enjoying his joke. Not to mention, there’s a pool going on when I’ll notice. I gave Isaac two hundred dollars to put on July fourteenth. That’s exactly when I intend to notice.” He glanced up and winked. “We’re going to split the profit.”

“Evil bastard,” Daniel said on a chuckle.

Aden shrugged and went back to staring at the pages spread across his desk. “I figure I’ve earned it for all the times I’ve had to listen to people say that dreadful girl’s name.”

“Where is Isaac today? I didn’t see him out there.”

“That’s another act you can drop,” Aden said, sounding bored. “I know you’re sleeping together or dating. Whatever.”

Daniel intentionally held his silence until Aden looked up. The moment their gazes met, Daniel held his stare, ensuring Aden saw how seriously he took the matter. “I don’t hide. The fact that I’m seeing Isaac isn’t a secret. I was simply inquiring where he is.”

“I sent him to the store,” Aden answered before getting back to work and leaving Daniel—once again—staring at the top of his head. “By the way, I’m glad you’re not hiding. Isaac is a good guy. Don’t destroy his reputation when you get bored and move on.”

Daniel tried taking a breath before responding. He didn’t want any problems with Aden, but he didn’t succeed in checking his temper. “Wow. That was a dick thing to say.”

Aden set his pen aside and focused on Daniel. “Are you saying I’m wrong?”

“Yeah,” Daniel said, incapable of hiding his ire. “I’ve dated a lot of professional athletes in my career. Several, most people don’t even know are gay. Not once have I used my position to harm anyone’s reputation. If anything, I’ve been used by several people, hoping I would make them look good in the media, but I guess how I feel doesn’t count.”

Aden opened his mouth. Daniel didn’t know what the man meant to say. It didn’t matter. Daniel didn’t care to hear it. He held up his hand, stopping Aden. “Save it,” Daniel said, coming to his feet. “Please let Isaac know I stopped by.”

“Daniel.”

Daniel didn’t slow at the sound of Aden calling his name. He’d already been in one of his moods when he’d stopped by. That was why he’d hopped a flight to come here with no notice. Daniel had hoped seeing Isaac would jar him from the blackness threatening to swallow him, but it seemed liquor would have to do instead.

* * *

Aden stared into space, looking as if his thoughts had taken over, rendering him useless. Isaac waved a hand in front of his face. “Are you in there?”

Aden blinked. “Aye. How did it go?”

Isaac claimed the seat across from him. “Great. If you’re determined to throw an all red birthday party for Remy, I’ve got you covered. I’m talking red velvet cake with red cream cheese icing. Red cups, plates, and dinnerware. I even picked up some red drink mix just to be on the safe side. Oh, and all red balloons, of course. I dropped everything off at your house.” It had been a long morning, driving all over town to find the perfect everything for Remy’s birthday party. Isaac didn’t mind. It would all be worth it.

Aden nodded his approval. “That’s great. Thank you. I should give you a raise.”

Isaac waved off his words. “Absolutely not. You already pay me more than I deserve, especially on top of everything else you do for me.”

The man scowled too much for Isaac’s comfort. When he’d left to get the stuff for Remy’s party, Aden had been smiling and practically rubbing his hands together at the idea of doing something special for Remy. Now it was obvious Aden’s mood had gone to shit. “Are you okay?”

Aden leaned back in his chair and stared Isaac down as he rubbed at his bottom lip. Isaac didn’t care for the inspection. He was certain he hadn’t done anything wrong, but that didn’t stop the discomfort from crawling up his spine.

“I’ve been thinking about your list of upcoming fights,” Aden said, ignoring Isaac’s question. “You should ask Daniel to write an article about you. Good press could get you moving along.”

“No,” Isaac said, surprising even himself by the growl in his tone. He tried toning it down. “I won’t use my connection to Daniel to boost my career. That’s his job. He worked hard to get where he is. I’d rather he not write about me.”

Aden didn’t budge. “If you win a title, he’ll have to write about you. His boss will make sure of it.”

“If his boss demands it, that’s one thing. Otherwise, I don’t want it.”

Aden sat forward. “That’s too bad. He came by here looking for you earlier. If you’d been interested in trying to get him to publish something, I might’ve sent you home early to hunt him down.”

“He was here?” Isaac couldn’t contain his smile. It tugged at his lips, making his cheeks ache. He tried pressing his lips together to no avail.

Aden eyed him as if searching for something. He sighed. “Fuck it. You’ve worked hard today. I think you should get out of here. As a matter of fact, I might throw all these fuckers out and corner Remy. It’s been a long time since we fucked on this desk.”

Isaac’s gaze dropped to the aforementioned slab of wood separating them. His smile still wouldn’t abate. He stood. “Thank you and remind me never to touch that desk again.”

A loud snort filled the air. “Don’t act like a prude, Isaac. You’re not fooling anyone.”

As if it were possible, Isaac’s smile grew. “Yes, sir. I’ll see you later.” He fled before Aden changed his mind. The moment he was out of sight, Isaac pulled his phone from his back pocket and sent Daniel a text.

Isaac: I hear you’re in town **hopeful face**

Daniel: Odyssey hotel room 261

Isaac: On my way ASAP

Isaac ran upstairs for a quick shower before heading out to see Daniel. His excitement and happiness over getting to see a man he hadn’t expected to see again was the only excuse he could muster for how shocked he was at the first sight of Daniel. He looked like Hell. Daniel never looked anything other than perfect. With his hair standing on end, as if he’d been running his fingers through it, Daniel blinked at Isaac as if he hadn’t told him where he could be found.

Isaac eyed the wrinkled t-shirt Daniel wore before switching his gaze to the bottle of Jack the man held. “Um. Is everything okay?”

“Yeah,” Daniel said, taking a step back and letting Isaac inside.

Isaac didn’t let it go. “Are you sure? Because everything doesn’t look okay.”

Daniel closed the door behind Isaac before responding. “There’s nothing wrong. I just get like this sometimes.” After setting his bottle of liquor aside, Daniel moved to the bed and fell facedown across it.

“Get like what? Drunk?”

Daniel’s answer came out sounding muffled by the mattress. “Like the inside of my head has been painted black. Don’t worry. It’ll pass.”

Without a qualm, Isaac kicked off his shoes and climbed onto the bed. With his weight braced on his hands and knees, Isaac crawled up Daniel’s body, kissing every bump of the man’s spine along the way. When he reached Daniel’s neck, Isaac pressed his lips to the spot beneath Daniel’s ear. “Tell me what would make you happy.”

Daniel shifted, as if to roll over. Isaac lifted, giving him space to do so. Moving with the speed of a sober man, Daniel’s hand shot out, grabbing Isaac’s throat and pulling him down. His grip loosened when their tongues met, but he didn’t release Isaac. He couldn’t remember the last time anyone held his throat the way Daniel did. Isaac’s cock leaked inside his jeans. An image of riding Daniel’s dick while Daniel held tight to his throat floated across Isaac’s brain. He wanted it. Unfortunately, Isaac got the feeling Daniel’s black mood needed something lighter.

He pulled away and kissed Daniel’s jaw. “We should blare some music and have a dance party.”

Rather than laughing, Daniel’s grip tightened again. “You should take your clothes off and ride my dick.”

Sitting back on his heels, Isaac tugged his shirt over his head and tossed it aside. Daniel worked on the button of Isaac’s pants while Isaac made his job harder by trying to work Daniel’s shirt up and over his head.

“Pants off,” Daniel growled, proving his patience was nonexistent.

Isaac shifted positions, managing to wiggle out of his jeans and underwear. The instant he was bare assed, Daniel sat up and snagged Isaac’s waist, hauling him higher as he settled back onto the mattress.

“I want you to fuck my mouth,” Daniel said, sounding determined.

Isaac moved higher, holding on to the headboard to keep his balance as he straddled the man’s head. Daniel didn’t waste time. He sucked Isaac’s balls and tongued his asshole. Dropping his chin, Isaac stared down the line of his body. Daniel’s face was hard with lust. Isaac’s hips moved of their own accord. He couldn’t stop himself from fucking Daniel’s mouth. The angle wasn’t the best. Twice, Daniel gagged but didn’t slow. Isaac couldn’t tear his gaze away. He didn’t know what was going on with Daniel tonight, but Isaac wanted to wipe away the rage. He needed to make Daniel smile and moan the way Daniel always did for him. Isaac’s body screamed with pleasure. Daniel finger fucked Isaac’s asshole as he licked Isaac’s cock from crown to root before sucking his balls and starting the process over again. The build was slow. Isaac pumped against Daniel’s lips, letting the ache grow. He never wanted the moment to end. When he couldn’t take it another second, Isaac pulled away, fisted his cock, and jacked off until cum hit Daniel’s cheek.

Daniel’s eyes fell closed. He looked more turned on than any man should. Butterflies stirred in Isaac’s gut as he stared down at Daniel. His body was on fire. His brain was a pleasure-filled mess. With no plan in mind, Isaac shifted lower. He licked at Daniel’s mouth and cheek, licking away his cum before capturing the man’s mouth. He needed to taste his own juices on Daniel’s tongue. Daniel’s dick probed at Isaac’s asshole as they kissed. It burned as Daniel pushed his way inside. He loved it. Craved it.

Turning his head, Isaac sucked a deep breath in through his mouth as Daniel stretched him wide and went deep. “Yes. God. Please.”

“Look at me,” Daniel demanded. His voice sounded almost demonic. Isaac turned his head. Their gazes met. Daniel surged upward, impaling Isaac. “You should stay away from me.” Even as Daniel made the claim, he fucked Isaac’s ass.

Isaac didn’t hesitate. “No.”

Daniel held Isaac still. “You’ll regret me.”

“I don’t care,” Isaac swore before rocking his hips and riding Daniel’s dick while holding the man’s stare.

Daniel cupped Isaac’s face. His eyes looked sad, even with his flushed cheeks telling a different story. “Being with me is never free. Don’t hate me when the check comes due.”

Isaac froze. They stared at each other. The rest of the world disappeared. “Tell me,” Isaac breathed. “I can take it.”

For a moment, Isaac was certain Daniel was on the verge of baring his soul. Instead, he shook his head. “It’s the alcohol talking. I just want to fly.”

Isaac could do that. He could make Daniel feel like he was the only man in the world. Slowing things down, he kissed Daniel while rocking against him. He measured each movement, keeping a snail’s pace while savoring Daniel’s tongue. The way Daniel accepted the torturously slow lovemaking was intoxicating. The man screwed with Isaac’s feelings.

Daniel tore his mouth away and pressed his lips to Isaac’s ear. “When this is over, you’ll sit in that chair over there and play with yourself until I tell you to stop. I don’t care how many times you come, you’ll tug on your dick and finger your hole until you’re hard again, and you will not stop until you’re told.”

Isaac couldn’t breathe beneath the image Daniel created. This man would be death of him. He couldn’t think of a better way to go.

* * *

The room didn’t spin any longer, but the exhaustion was real. Daniel could barely lift his head from the pillow. That didn’t stop him from staring at Isaac while he slept. Life was rarely peaceful for Daniel. He wasn’t complaining. There was nothing he’d rather be doing. But this was amazing too. He’d never expected to meet someone like Isaac. This hadn’t been in his plans. Isaac rolled from his side to his back before slinging his arm over his eyes. Daniel wanted his toy back. He didn’t want to stop staring at Isaac’s sleep-softened face. At the loss, he discovered a burst of energy he didn’t expect and rolled to his side. Without a plan, his fingers found Isaac’s hip beneath the covers. Daniel hoped the small connection would soothe the unnamed emotions scratching at his brain.

A faint hint of light peeked around the curtains. It was early. If he fell asleep right now, he might get a few hours in before Isaac woke. Daniel’s brain wouldn’t shut down. His fingers slid over Isaac’s oblique. Isaac didn’t stir. Daniel questioned if he hoped the man would wake. He flattened his palm against Isaac’s abdomen, fighting the urge to keep touching him. It wasn’t fair for him to always be so demanding of Isaac. Before he realized what he was doing, Daniel traced Isaac’s navel. A deep rumble of laughter filled the space between them. Isaac rolled, pinning him to the bed with his massive weight.

“Go to sleep.”

“I can’t,” Daniel admitted. “I want to do something. Let’s do something.”

“Like what?” Isaac asked, sounding more asleep than awake.

Daniel didn’t even think about it before answering. “I have to go to Colorado next. Come with me. Let’s run away for a few days.”

“I have to help Aden with Remy’s birthday party today.” Isaac still didn’t sound awake.

“Afterward.”

“Have mercy on me and go to sleep, and I’ll do whatever you want.”

A smile pulled at Daniel’s lips. “Okay.” Daniel closed his eyes, determined to do just that. He made it less than five minutes. “You’re like a very warm blanket.” With a huff, Isaac tensed as if to move away. Daniel tightened his hold. “I didn’t say I didn’t like it.”

“Are we sleeping here or…”

Daniel thought it over. “Am I invited to Remy’s party?”

“I just invited you.”

“Then I need to buy him a present.”

“Well, now I’m awake,” Isaac bitched, sounding like a kid.

Daniel couldn’t stop smiling. “I think I can sleep now.”

“Jesus Ch—” Isaac bit off. “You’re killing me.”

“You’re very sexy for a dead man,” Daniel said, hoping to make it better.

Isaac grunted. Daniel took it to mean he was mollified. He made it five more minutes. “Isaac, you asleep?”

Isaac jumped. “Not now.”

“Thank you.”

“For what?” Isaac asked, even as he pressed a light kiss to Daniel’s chest.

“For showing up.”

Isaac moved closer, tucking Daniel tighter against his side. “This is the only place I want to be.”

On that note, Daniel’s eyes finally grew heavy. He’d be okay. His bullshit hadn’t scared Isaac away yet. There was still time for him to be better.

* * *

“I have a serious question.”

Daniel tore his gaze away from Aden and focused on Isaac at his question. “Shoot.”

“Am I boring you?”

A deep line appeared between Daniel’s eyes. It took every ounce of Isaac’s control not to smile. “Where did that come from?”

“You haven’t stopped staring at Aden since we got here.”

As if shaking off a trance, Daniel shook head. “Sorry. I’m obsessing.”

The wicked smile pulling at the corners of Isaac’s mouth was out of his control. “I thought I was your current obsession.” Without giving Daniel time to respond, Isaac sidled closer. He shoved his hands in his pockets, matching Daniel’s pose, and stared at Aden. “Tell me what you’re turning over in your head and I’ll join you.”

It was hard to keep his gaze trained on Aden when Isaac could feel Daniel’s laughter. He loved the man’s smile. Isaac wanted to revel in it, but he also craved Daniel’s thoughts.

“He’s not acting right,” Daniel said, obviously deciding to humor Isaac.

“Probably because everyone’s staring at his husband,” Isaac said, pointing out the obvious.

Daniel shook his head. “No. If you marry someone as hot as Remy, you’re used to everyone always looking at him. I can’t explain it. He doesn’t look happy or… I don’t know. Something.”

Isaac mused over Daniel’s observation. He was right. Aden looked pissed. The man should be ecstatic. He’d gone above and beyond to make Remy’s birthday a smashing success. Remy hadn’t stopped smiling all day. Everything was perfect. Isaac straightened away from the short wall surrounding the pool. “Thinking situations over and coming up with the best possible scenario to fit the circumstances might be your thing, but being straightforward is mine. Let’s go.”

Daniel’s eyes widened. “I’m sorry. What?”

With a nod in Aden’s direction, Isaac repeated himself. “Come on.” Without waiting to see if Daniel followed, Isaac headed for Aden. The red-haired giant was flipping burgers on the grill with more prejudice than Isaac had ever witnessed.

“Okay,” Isaac said the moment he reached Aden’s side. “What’s wrong with you?”

Aden glanced up, looking resigned. He opened his mouth as if ready to spill. His eyes darted over Isaac’s shoulder. “Oh, hey, Daniel.”

Isaac glanced behind him before meeting Aden’s gaze again. “Spill. You can trust Daniel. He might be a little bastard, but he’s a good guy.” Isaac didn’t look to see Daniel’s reaction. At the moment, Aden was the important one. His lips twisted into a small smile. It felt like a win. The smile fell as he glanced Remy’s way, as if checking to make sure the man wasn’t looking. Aden reached in his back pocket and handed Isaac a folded card.

“It’s from Remy’s mom. A delivery driver brought it along with some flowers earlier. I shouldn’t have opened it, but I had a bad feeling.”

Isaac opened the card and read aloud for Daniel’s benefit. “Happy birthday, my gorgeous son. I got an invite from the beast, but I won’t be attending. It’s my hope you’ll come see me when you have time, but as long as you’re married to that man, I won’t be coming to see you.” Isaac folded the card and met Aden’s gaze once more. Horror owned him. There was nothing he could say. Instinct took over. Without thought, he slipped the card between the grate on the grill. “Oops.”

Aden didn’t smile. “He’ll still find out eventually.”

“But she doesn’t have to ruin his birthday,” Isaac shot back.

“What’s her phone number?”

Daniel’s question had Isaac and Aden turning his way. Aden was the first to break. “Nu-uh. There’s nothing to be done here but make things worse.”

Daniel’s jaw was set in a hard line. He dug his phone from his pocket. “You may as well give it to me, because you know I can get it without you.”

Aden swiped his hand over his face, looking horrified yet resigned. He dug his phone out, found the number, and rattled it off.

Daniel’s face was harder than Isaac had ever seen, but his tone didn’t match as Remy’s mother answered. “Mrs. Bergeau. This is Daniel Long with the Daily Sports Report. I’m here at your son’s birthday party, waiting to take a photo for an article of him along with his husband and parents. Since you haven’t arrived yet, and I have other engagements, I wondered when I could expect you?”

Isaac couldn’t tear his gaze away from Daniel. This man was amazing.

Daniel listened for a moment before countering whatever she had to say. “Really? When I spoke with your son earlier, he assured me that you would be here. He said you’d never miss his birthday.”

Isaac smiled.

Daniel winked. “My readers love a good story about happy families. Remy is a favorite. He hasn’t stopped smiling since he married Aden. It’s always our pleasure to feature them in our paper.” He nodded at whatever she was saying. “Yes, ma’am. I know both Remy and Aden very well. They’re the happiest couple I’ve ever seen. Hold on a sec,” Daniel said, before snapping a pic of Remy on the sly. He pressed the phone to his ear once more. “I’ve just sent you a picture of the birthday boy. Yes, ma’am. He does look happy. Yes, ma’am. I’m also glad he’s living an open life. What time can I expect you? Yes, I’ll hold while you check flight times.”

Isaac’s cheeks ached from his huge smile. Damn, he wanted to kiss Daniel. Daniel smirked as he held Isaac’s stare, as if he could read Isaac’s mind.

“Yes, ma’am,” Daniel said, going back to his call. “I think I’m good to hang out that long. Should I tell Remy your flight was delayed? No, ma’am. I’m not above lying to a friend if it’s for a good cause. Seeing his mother on his birthday seems like a good cause to me.” Daniel nodded again. “Yes, ma’am. If I see a flower delivery, I’ll be sure to toss the card before anyone gets to it.”

Isaac bit his bottom lip to keep from laughing.

“I will see you tonight. Have a good flight,” Daniel said before ending the call. He focused on Aden. “There. No need to worry. She’ll be here before nine.”

Aden blinked, looking like he’d narrowly missed being sideswiped by a truck. “How did you do that?”

Daniel shrugged. “No one likes bad press.”

“Thank you,” Aden said, sounding like it physically hurt him to do so.

Daniel waved it off. “You’d better go tell Remy his mom’s flight was delayed.”

Aden nodded and started to walk away before backtracking. “By the way, I’m sorry about yesterday.”

Isaac’s eyebrows rose at the apology. Not only had he never heard Aden apologize to anyone, he was beyond curious what the man had done to be sorry about.

“Think nothing of it,” Daniel said with a bland smile. “Water under the bridge.”

Isaac wasn’t sure Aden even made it out of earshot before he broke. “What the hell was that all about? What did Aden do?”

Daniel winked. “It’s hardly water under the bridge if I repeat it, now is it? Anyhow, look how happy Remy is.”

Without thought, Isaac turned his head. Daniel was right. Remy looked ready to jump up and down. He was all but levitating in his chair. “You’re an amazing person,” Isaac said without thought or looking Daniel’s way.

Daniel touched his lips to Isaac’s ear. “We have a long day ahead of us. We should find a spot to hide and make out.”

“Do you think you could stop at just making out?” Isaac had to ask because he knew he couldn’t.

“Let’s find out.” The growl in Daniel’s voice had Isaac’s feet moving. Even if they couldn’t stop there, Isaac couldn’t keep standing there. After all, it was only a matter of time before people noticed his erection.