Desires' Guardian (13 page)

As he set out twenty minutes later, it suddenly dawned on him that Dal had never come back to their room. Bemused, he thought back to how Dal had acted with Chase the night before and wondered if he’d deliberately set out to make him jealous and get him to stake a claim on Chase, or if he hadn’t come back because he’d found someone else to go home with. The latter idea bothered him as much as the former, but he pushed it to the back of his mind, deciding he could always ask later.

When he got to his bike out front, he smiled at what was on the seat: a single white rose tied with a ribbon and a short note.

Forgive my abrupt leaving, Rhys, but I had to go. Maybe we could discuss whatever this is between us soon?

C

Grinning despite what he was leaving to deal with, he felt lighter than he had in ages. A sense of hope for the future took hold for the first time in years. He tucked the rose and note in his jacket, then headed to the office.
Wonder how you save a flower?

T
HE
ROOM
was overflowing with calla lilies, rose petals and buds, ribbon, and the finest linen, all in crisp white, pale dusky blue, or soft silver, giving everything a light, romantic feel. The expansive room filled with soft notes wafting about as if in invitation to come, sit, and relax. To one side there was a huge dance floor, and to the other was the reception area, already heavily laden with the wedding cake, a fully stocked bar, and more tables than Chase had any interest in counting, though he knew the number and had personally helped to plan and set out the place cards.

The wedding party was still decked out in their matching classic gray cutaway-style tuxedos with dusky blue and silver diagonal-striped euro tie and waistcoat. Each man also wore a silver-wrapped and accented double Picasso calla lily boutonniere. James’s had a tiny paintbrush worked into his, while Seth’s held a miniature Celtic tree of life and griffin charms. Well, they had—for the wedding and during all the innumerable pictures, and for about the first thirty seconds of the reception. After that, all bets were off on who was still posh and who was relaxed and a little rumpled.

As the dinner and speeches wore on—Chase was certain he’d never heard so many toasts in his life—the dance floor opened up for partiers to enjoy. As Seth walked up to him, Chase wondered how long before the music and dancing would shift from elegant to fun and loud.

“Chase?” Seth extended his hand, a soft smile on his lips. “Would you do me the honor of a dance?”

“Me?” Chase squeaked.

“Traditionally, it’s a mother’s or father’s dance, but as you’re the only member of James’s family….” he trailed off, his hazel eyes piercing.

“Really?”

“Well, now that he and I are married, he has Danni and me, but yes, you are his family, so please,” Seth asked again, holding his hand out.

“I’d be honored, sir.”

The two men took to the dance floor, smiling as they quietly tried to one-up the other. The crowd laughed and catcalled until the song was over, and Seth moved on to another dance partner.

Chase went back to the bar to get another drink. Tonight, though, he was more careful about alcohol consumption, not ready to deal with the events of the previous night, or the morning for that matter. The shoulder bump startled him just before he managed his first sip of the Jack and Coke, hold the Jack.

“Come here often?” a deep, rumbling voice teased.

“Oh God,” Chase groaned. “That has to be the lamest pickup line. Ever.” Chase turned and took in the man before him. Dal, dressed to the nines in his formal wear, was breathtaking. Almost as amazing as his wayward brother.

“No, I’ve heard worse. Trust me.”

Chase smirked.

“Sad but true. So, why’re you over here instead of out there showing off?”

He shrugged. “Just needed a drink before I return to the happy couple.” Chase looked to where his best friend and his new husband were sitting, Seth having escaped the dance floor again. “Jamie looks so good,” he added softly. He was happy for his BFF yet jealous of him at the same time.

“Yeah, he does. They both do.”

Mel, Seth’s best man and lawyer friend, appeared at their side, all flushed grins and joy. “Chase, there you are. You ready?”

“Yep. Give me just a minute and I’ll begin. ’Kay?”

Mel nodded, turned, and headed back over to where his beautiful wife, Britt, stood. Dal raised his brow pointedly at Chase. “Begin what?”

“You’ll see,” Chase replied, barely able to get the words out past a sudden fit of giggles at the look on Dal’s face.

“Should I be worried or supportive of whatever it is you two are up to?”

“Supportive, of course.” Chase looked around the room, his gaze snagging on Rhys. What caught his eye was Rhys focused on him. Well, more the scowl fixed on his handsome face. Chase never had been able to figure out the man’s mood swings; now was no different.

Dal cleared his throat, drawing his attention away from Rhys and the memories of their shared time together.

“Huh?”

“Chase, what are you and Mel up to, and what’s so fascinating over there?”

“Oh, uh, nothing. I mean nothing’s fascinating. As for what we’re up to…. You wanna help?” Chase asked, batting his eyes as he looked up at Dal, his head cocked slightly.

The groan Dal let out only made Chase’s smile bigger. “Why do I have a feeling I’m going to regret this?”

“No, no, no. I promise, this is a good thing. Now, come here and be my muscle,” Chase explained, wrapping one hand around Dal’s biceps and tugging. “Please?”

Dal grumbled but followed along, continuing to ask what they were doing, a question Chase steadfastly ignored.

A few minutes later, things set to his exacting specifications, his laptop ready, Chase motioned to the band and then to Dal, who was across the room. The music came to a halt as a drop-down screen covered a large section of wall. After another moment, Chase spoke. “Today we are here to celebrate the beginning of a new life for James and Seth, both as newlywed husbands and as fathers to their precious little one, Danni. I hope you will forgive the interruption and take a few moments to share their joy, their happiness, and their lives.”

Chase signaled to Dal and hit the Enter key. Moments later, the screen filled with a slide show of each man’s life and family. It included James’s grandparents and some of his friends, though Chase skipped his estranged family. As the show wore on, the pictures took on a more loving and sweet tone of the two men together. Gasps and applause immediately spread around the room, as did the occasional chuckle and
aww
.

Once the show was over and the lights turned up again, Chase noticed that James sat in Seth’s lap, cuddled against his chest—both were smiling. Shortly afterward, the dancing resumed.

Minutes later, Chase stood near the edge of the dance floor, debating what he wanted to do, when a hand landed on his shoulder. When he turned, he was faced with a teary-eyed James. “That was wonderful, Chase.” He paused, swallowed hard, and threw his arms around Chase’s neck. “Thank you,” he added, his voice cracking at the end.

“I’m so happy for you, Jamie! Now, go give that sexy man of yours a hug for me.”

James tightened his arms for a moment before pulling back to look Chase over. “I will. I think I’ll leave you for now, though. It looks like someone else wants your attention, dear,” he murmured and smiled.

As James headed back to where Seth waited, Chase turned and was suddenly faced with Rhys. He stood tall, Rhys’s strength seemingly captured and accentuated in the formal wear he wore.

“Yes, hun?” Chase asked and smiled. He debated between running away and throwing his arms around Rhys’s neck and kissing him stupid.

A huge smile broke across Rhys’s handsome, chiseled face as he took a single step. “Hello, Chase. Would you care to dance?”

Chase gulped hard, amazed as always by the beauty and size of the man before him. “I, um….”

Rhys took advantage of Chase’s moment of indecision to move closer, their shoes nearly touching. “Chase?”

“Why?” Chase stared up into Rhys’s iridescent green eyes, entranced yet terrified. He knew his strength to resist Rhys was at an end, but he still feared the pain he knew would come when Rhys left him. They all left in the end.

“Because…. Because, I have wanted to dance with you since the first time I saw you.”

Chase scowled, snapping at Rhys, but Rhys held up his hand, placing his fingers against his lips, effectively derailing his thoughts. After a moment, Rhys continued. “I know I was stupid and ran you off the night we met. I have regretted that moment from about five seconds after the words came out of my mouth.”

“It will only end in hurt feelings and pain, Rhys.” Even Chase could hear the mingled sadness and lack of conviction in his words.

“I have no intention of giving up on you, Chase. Wrap your cute little self around that fact and take a chance on me. On us.”

Chase looked around, hunting for a way to escape. Rhys had already stolen his heart and hurt him twice. No man ever got more than one screw-up…. Well, not until Rhys. When he realized everyone important to him seemed to be watching them, Chase shifted his feet, closing his eyes as he fought for strength. “I really don’t think—”

“I know you don’t,” Rhys interrupted. His left hand slid up Chase’s throat, a gentle caress Chase leaned into before he realized what he was doing. “But you’re wrong, and I’m not going to give up on you. I will not harass you, but I intend to win your heart. No matter how long I have to wait for you to realize we are perfect for each other.”

“You’re going to what?” Chase barely got out, his voice nothing more than a whisper.

“Court you. Woo you. Whatever you want to call it. I know you care for me too, Chase. Please give in and allow us a real chance?” Rhys stepped back, extending his right hand.

Chase stared at the hand, calculating what his chances were of escaping Rhys, how much trouble he’d be in if he ran, and if his heart had any hope of surviving what he knew was going to happen. Quickly sweeping the room again, Chase swallowed hard and cleared his throat. He opened his mouth to accept, but nothing came out. He snapped it closed, mortified as he knew everyone stared at them. He finally managed a small nod, shivering hard when Rhys took his hand, gently pulling him toward the dance floor.

Rhys led, which was fine with Chase. While he liked to lead in the bedroom, he preferred the role he usually took out of it. After only a few steps, though, the area seemed to come to life, clapping and whistles barraging them. Chase cursed under his breath, at himself for accepting so publicly and at Rhys for being so open with his declaration of intent.

“I may never forgive you for this,” Chase grumbled, though he made sure to keep a smile plastered on his face.

“I’ll take my chances. You’re worth it.”

Against his wishes, he melted into Rhys’s arms, reveling in his scent and strength as it wrapped around him, seeming to create a cocoon of warmth and hope around Chase.

A
S
THE
guests lingered, watching James and Seth slide into the Rolls-Royce limo, Rhys pulled Chase back against his chest, arms wrapped around him tight. “Wave good-bye, sweetheart. I want one more dance before I have to head out.”

Chase tensed in his arms for the first time in hours. “Head out? Where are you going?”

Rhys smiled, thankful Chase couldn’t see him. “Unfortunately, the wicked don’t rest. There are a few things I still need to tend to tonight at the office.” He shrugged, hoping Chase wouldn’t ask too much about the case. He did not want to tell him yet about the death. Not at a wedding.

“You need me on it?”

“No, not yet. Your part can wait until later, baby. Come dance and then walk me to my car?”

“Still not sure this is a good idea, but okay.”

Pleased with Chase’s acquiescence, Rhys pulled the slight man into his arms and moved with him as the music started again.

“Where did you learn to dance, by the way?”

“You didn’t think I could dance?” Rhys asked, amused by the innocent question.

“No, yes. Not a lot of tough guys know how to ballroom dance, much less will admit to it. That’s all I meant, hun.”

“Relax, cariadon
.
You’re so tense, it’s like dancing with a board instead of the lithe man I know you to be.” He hadn’t meant to upset Chase, but sometimes maneuvering the minefield of what was and was not going to annoy Chase was beyond him. “And to answer you, Mom insisted Dal and I both learn to dance ‘properly’.” She’d been adamant he learn. At the time, he’d been angry with her. But now? Now Rhys was happy and made a mental note to thank her.

“Probably why you’re so fluid and graceful when you move,” Chase commented, seemingly unaware of the impact of his casual words. “Whatever the reason, I’m glad for it.”

They continued dancing for the remainder of the song. When it ended, he pulled away, already missing Chase’s body against his. “Thank you.”

Chase looked up, meeting his eyes, and gave him such a sweet smile, he hated himself for needing to leave. “For what?”