A Fighting Man (8 page)

I caressed Casper’s face. I understood it now. Casper had lost the love of his life, and been turned away by his own family and the one of the man he loved.

I leaned in and softly kissed Casper’s perfect lips . Black lashed fluttered and a momentary look of confusion crossed his features. Then a smile replaced it.

“Hi,” he fairly purred.

“Hi. I didn’t mean to wake you.”

“What time is it?”

“I don’t know, and I don’t want to.” I pulled Casper into my arms. “I just want to stay here all day and hold you.”

“I have to work,” Casper frowned.

“Can you call in sick? Horny?”

Casper chuckled.

“I can imagine how that will sound to Blaine. ‘I can’t come in today because I’m horny.’”

“I would so give you the day off.” I grinned.

Casper seemed to be seriously thinking about it and I touched his face lightly with the backs of my knuckles.

“I don’t want to get you in trouble.”

“Oh, we are way past that,” he snorted.

“I actually have the day off from primping and posing.”

“Let me call Blaine.”

I chuckled as Casper practically tripped over the sheets getting out of bed. I rolled to my side and let out a yelp.

“Oh, that’s Figaro,” Casper called from the kitchen.

I narrowed my eyes at the black furball eyeing me skeptically.

“Figaro, huh?” I reached out and got a nuzzle to my hand, and then the chainsaw purring began. I closed my eyes as the scent of Casper drifted up my nostrils. It was everywhere in the bed. I buried my face in the pillow and just inhaled.

“Would you and my pillow like to be alone?”

I lifted my head and motioned to him with my fingers. Casper smiled and crawled into the bed with me. I pulled him close and buried my face in his neck.

“So? Did Blaine tell you to come in?” I asked.

“No. In fact he told me to take the rest of the week off.”

“Well, that was nice of him.”

Casper leaned back and eyed me. “Did you tell him we were together?”

“I might have said something.” I shrugged.

“How about we go to the park and have a picnic?”

“Spend the day with you?” I smiled and pecked his nose. “I’d love it.”

~*~

Casper spread out the blanket and we sat back with hot dogs while people milled around on the trails and jogging paths. I rolled to my side and eyed Casper.

“Who was your first?”

“You mean sex-wise?”

I nodded.

“Mason.”

I must have looked shocked because Casper blushed slightly.

“I know. I’ve only been with one guy. Do I dare ask about you?”

“My first time was actually with a guy. I was cocky even back then.”

Casper chuckled.

“I came off as experienced, but in reality I didn’t know anything and by the time we got the bedroom, I didn’t want to admit I was a virgin. Anyway, the guy was nice enough, used lube and protection, but I found out the hard way that he was a player. He never called me after that and when I finally did see him weeks later he just shrugged his shoulders at me like I should have known. I think that’s when I became the man you see today. I never wanted to be hurt like that again. I was stupid and naïve.”

Casper leaned forward and touched my cheek.

“You were young,” he corrected.

“I was in high school, a junior, and I should have known better. I didn’t date anyone for a while after that. Then I started having sex, but I always was truthful up front that it was sex and sex alone. There would be no calls afterwards and there would be no relationship.”

“Must have been lonely.” Casper sipped his water.

“It is what it is.” I studied Casper’s face. “But then there you were.”

“God, you were so annoying,” Casper laughed.

“I liked you the second I saw you.” I stroked Casper’s face. “And knowing more about you just reinforced that feeling.”

“Look, I don’t know what’s going to happen with us—”

“I hope we can have a relationship,” I said.

“You do?”

“Yes, I do.”

I had to smile as Casper’s face lit up. I loved that look on him. He was so damn beautiful just then. My phone chimed and I frowned.

“Take it,” Casper said.

I grabbed it and looked at the caller ID. Cassidy, Spencer.

“It’s my brother,” I said, as I swiped ‘talk.’ “Hey, Spencer. What’s up?”

“Well, there is a nine-year-old here who won’t be quiet about seeing her uncle. Seems you haven’t spent any time with her since you’ve come home. Since it’s my week to have her, and she’s out of school for a teachers’ work day—”

“Nerf time?” I winked at Casper, who raised a brow at me.

“Yep. Can you come by?”

“I sure can. I have Casper with me.”

“Great! See you in a few.”

I hung up and sighed comically. “I have to go spend time with my niece.”

“I love Valerie, she’s hilarious!”

“Well, let’s get this cleaned up and head over.”

After dropping off the picnic stuff, we headed over to Spencer and Blaine’s. I hadn’t seen Valerie since my last visit. She was one huge ball of energy. Casper slipped his hand into mine as we got out of the cab in front of Spencer’s house. It took me a second to process that. After spending months being rebuffed by the man, he was holding my hand of his own free will. I smiled and kissed his temple.

“Let the wars begin.”

My legs were attacked as soon as the door opened. I looked down to see Valerie’s toothy grin. Her long, black hair was in a ponytail and grey eyes smiled at me.

“Uncle Slater!” she squealed.

“Hey, you!” I picked her up and held her. “Have you been a good girl?”

Valerie’s head bounced up and down. “I got your gift!”

“Did you, now?”

“Yes, she did,” Spencer said as he walked into the room. “I’ve gotten blasted several times.”

“Daddy doesn’t know how to be invisible,” Valerie whispered.

“No?” I whispered back. “We should teach him the art of stealth.”

“Hi.” Valerie half waved at Casper.

“Hello, Valerie,” Casper said.

“Are you Uncle Slater’s new boyfriend?”

“Oh, um…” I began.

“I sure am,” Casper grinned.

“Cool!” Valerie squealed.

I set her down and walked further into the house, shutting the door behind me. Valerie ran off to her room, no doubt to get her newest Nerf gun.

Spencer smiled at Casper. “I heard you got two-for-one on the models.”

“Yep. I’m sure you heard about the party?”

“I did. Blaine said it’s at a men’s strip club,” Spencer eyed me. “I guess Mom wants to go?”

My eyes widened.

“Mom? At a strip club?” I felt for the couch and sat down.

“I know,” Spencer laughed.

“I like your mom,” Casper said, sitting on the arm of the couch.

“Well, she sure likes you.” Spencer winked at Casper.

“So? How’s everything else? Set a wedding date with Blaine yet?”

“I have to get him to agree to a vacation first,” Spencer sighed and sat down on the couch.

“Well, I’m sure you’ll manage.” I grinned.

Valerie ran out sporting the Nerf gun I’d gotten her and I dove behind the couch instinctively. Casper wasn’t so lucky. A loud squeal pierced the living room and seemed to bounce off all the walls. I motioned to Casper to lie still as I crept around the couch.

“Valerie! You didn’t give me a Nerf gun to fight back with!” I shouted.

“I know!” Valerie squealed in delight.

“Evil, just evil,” I whispered, eyeing Spencer, who merely shrugged.

“So, when are you having kids, Slater?” Spencer smiled broadly.

“Yeah, Uncle Slater, when are you and Casper going to have kids?” Valerie asked me from across the room.

I turned to look over my shoulder to see Casper’s mouth dropped open. I waggled my brows and crawled around the side of the couch.

“Whenever Casper says,” I answered.

“Oh, thanks!” Casper whispered.

I winked.

By the time I left Spencer’s, I was sore and my knees hurt from crawling around. Casper and I sat up in bed watching TV and eating pizza. It would easily become a habit to stay with him and hold him at night. I knew that was dangerous. I could get used to being with him day in and day out. That would make things much harder when I went back to Afghanistan
but I couldn’t seem to stay away from him. I wanted to spend every second of every day with him.

“You okay?” Casper asked.

I looked down at his face and smiled at the dimples in his cheeks.

“Yes, I’m fine.”

* * * *

The night of the party had arrived and I was nervously adjusting my bow tie. It was a masquerade, so I was also sporting a mask, which was on top of my head as I eyed myself in the mirror. I’d spent a few days with Casper before it was back to work for me. We shot a few commercials and I tried not to laugh at Juan-Carlos’ accent when he said Rush. The man loved to roll his Rs. I hadn’t had sex with Casper yet. I don’t know why.

Okay, I did.

I was so afraid that if I made love to the man, I’d never want to leave him.

Hell, I felt that way already.

I’d gotten a few e-mails from Ramos. Seems they’d caught wind of my modeling job. I was getting some very brow-raising pictures from the guys. I chuckled and leaned in to inspect my face. I caught sight of Casper coming out of the room and my heart skipped a damn beat. Lord, but the man knew how to wear a tux.

“Damn, Casper.”

He looked up and smiled at me. I think my toes curled at that alone. Casper was just…well he was just beautiful.

“You look so gorgeous.” Casper eyed me from head to toe.

The doorbell rang and as Casper went to answer it I took one last look at my hair. I emerged from the bathroom to see his friend, Drakon, sporting his own tux and wearing a mask.

“Hello,” I said, extending my hand.

Drakon took my hand and pumped it up and down, all while eyeing me.

“You weren’t lying, Casper. He’s downright sexy as all hell.”

Casper blushed and I raised my brows at him.

“Oh, is that right?” I asked smoothly. “Drakon, you’re my new best friend. I have all kinds of questions.”

“Don’t give him a bigger head, Drakon.” Casper frowned at me.

I opened my mouth to say something inappropriate, but Casper’s hand landed swiftly over my lips.

“Don’t you say it.”

“Well, let’s move it. The limo should be downstairs.” I chuckled as I checked my watch.

The limo was, indeed, already there and I took Casper’s hand as we got in. Pritchard and Juan-Carlos were already sitting inside, sipping cocktails.

“Well, who’s ready for a fun night?” Pritchard asked.

“We are!” I enthused obediently.

Lights shot up to the heavens as we approached the club. The limo stopped in front and photographers swarmed around us. I put my arm around Casper as we stood and posed with Pritchard and Juan-Carlos. Pritchard waved us inside as he stayed behind to answer the media’s questions. The club was already filled, and we were escorted up front to a row of reserved tables. Casper leaned over and tapped a woman on her shoulder. I recognized her from Pritchard’s office; it was Wanda, his administrative assistant.

“Boy! Look at you.” Wanda let loose a low whistle.

“You look very beautiful tonight, Wanda.” I leaned down and kissed her hand.

“Oooh! He’s such a gentleman!” Wanda cooed.

I took a look around the club. People were milling about, all masked, stopping to talk to one another. I had no idea who half of them were and I didn’t care. I had Casper at my side. Drakon excused himself and Casper pulled on my sleeve.

“That’s my big boss,” he said.

I followed his line of sight and let out a low whistle of my own.

“How come you’re not with him?” I ribbed Casper.

Even with the mask covering a portion of his face, Matthew Hawke was one hell of an impressive man. He caught sight of us and smiled, moving in our direction.

“Well now, Casper, don’t you look dashing?” Matthew smiled charmingly.

“How did you know it was me?” Casper chuckled.

“Even with the mask on, I’d know you anywhere. Besides, I see a Cassidy on your arm.” Matthew extended a hand to me. “I hope you are treating Casper well?”

“Wouldn’t dream of treating him any less than perfect, sir.”

“Oh, I like him, Kennedy. Keep him,” Matthew laughed. “I’ll leave you all alone now, enjoy tonight!”

“Did you really tell Slater he could send me a stripper?” Casper blurted.

Matthew smiled broadly and winked. “Oh yes. I’m looking forward to the video.”

I chuckled as Matthew walked toward the bar. I eyed Casper and raised an eyebrow at him.

“See?”

“Uh huh.” Casper folded his arms across his chest.

I pulled Casper’s chair out for him and waved down a barely-clad waiter. The music began and all the women in the club began screaming as a fog machine blasted a thick layer of it across the stage. I covered a chuckle as Wanda stood up and waved dollar bills in the air. The sounds of a rainstorm filled the club and I felt like I was looking at a scene from Magic Mike. Yes, I had seen it.

Men in skimpy underwear were gyrating and crawling across the stage as a thunderstorm reverberated around the club. I sat down and took Casper’s hand. He seemed very interested in the males stripping on stage. I laughed and leaned into his ear.

“I can do that for you later if you’d like.”

“Really?” Casper turned to me with wide eyes.

“Hell yeah, I can shake my ass better than Miley, baby.” I leered.

“Oooh! Look at that one!” Wanda screamed, waving her bills furiously.

I had to laugh. Casper leaned against me and I nuzzled his hair. God, I knew I was so far gone for this man. Casper wasn’t only good-looking, he was smart, funny, kind and decent.

“Hey, are you okay?” Casper palmed my cheek.

“I’m so much more than okay.” I smiled, kissing his nose.

The strippers, it seemed, were just getting started. The waiters came back around as we drained most of our drinks in no time flat. It was hot as hell in the club. Casper was smiling and I tapped his shoulder.

“What?”

“Matthew is talking to someone pretty intently, but I can’t see who.”