ModelLove (14 page)

“Yeah, like a few extra lines and pounds.”

Everyone at the table laughed, Sergio reprimanding him with
a light slap on the arm. “You don’t have anything to worry about with either of
those. You’re beautiful the way you are.”

“Thanks.”

The waiter returned to drop off their food. Mitch poured
everyone except Ian another glass of wine. As he finished, Sergio held up his
glass. “A toast. To new beginnings.”

They all clinked their glass together. Ian pulled his back
and took a sip of his water. “A perfect thing to toast to.”

Sergio nodded as he picked up a piece of sushi. “And now
that we’ve cleared the confusion out of the way, we can talk some business.”

Mitch looked to Ian. “Like I mentioned to you earlier,
Sergio is interested in having you walk for his summer line. But even more than
that, he’d like you to lead the campaign and be the feature model for all
editorials and advertising.”

Ian turned his attention to Sergio. “I’m very flattered.”

“I’m the one who will be flattered if you accept. You’ll
make my dream come true.”

Ian lowered his gaze to the selection of sushi on his plate,
hoping he seemed to be interested in the food when really his stomach was
starting to knot. Mitch said he wouldn’t put any pressure on him and so far he
was doing well at that, but the fashion world itself was pressure enough. This
was a huge offer Sergio was presenting to him, one he would’ve fainted over
during the height of his modeling days. To have it offered to him now, doubts
of no longer being good enough whispered through his mind.

He glanced up at Sergio. “I don’t know what to say. Really,
flattered doesn’t begin to cover it. But I’m not sure I’m the right person for
it.”

Rodney choked and nearly spit out his food, blocking it from
coming out with a fast hand to his mouth. Mitch looked as though he was
contemplating slapping Ian.

Sergio tipped his head to the side, looking at Ian in
confusion. “Why do you say that?”

Ian took a deep breath. “For a campaign this huge, you
should have one of the top models in the business right now, someone who
everyone knows and recognizes. Not a has-been trying to come back. I won’t be a
recognized face and no one knows my name anymore.”

Sergio stretched a hand toward Ian. “Ian, you’re exactly
what I’m looking for. And in ways more important than physical appearance.
There’s no one else who could be more perfect and no one else I want. So please
say you accept.”

Ian took Sergio’s hand. “I accept. And I thank you, so much,
for offering it.”

Not able to contain his excitement, Sergio jumped to his
feet. He dashed around the table and flung his arms around Ian. “You don’t know
how happy you’ve made me.”

Ian laughed, hugging him in return. “I think I have a
general idea.” He saw people in the posh restaurant giving him startled and
some disapproving glances, but he didn’t care. He’d just landed the job of his
life, despite his fears and self-doubts. The only thing that could’ve made the
moment fully perfect would have been if Temaru were the one embracing him.

Sergio released him and sat down again. “I’m going to start
planning the summer show right away.” He snapped his head toward Rodney. “And
we need to sit down to discuss ideas for shoots.” He flung both hands up. “Now
that I have my muse, I don’t even know where to begin! Which of my designs I
want him in most!”

His gaze on Rodney, Ian said, “So I’m guessing you’re the
photographer of choice.”

“You got it, sweetie. You and me, together again, tearing up
the fashion world.”

Mitch broke into the conversation, speaking to Sergio.
“Don’t you have a show you’re supposed to be doing next weekend?”

“Yes, but that’s already planned. All I have to do is show
up, run around frantically and drive my models crazy before they hit the
runway.” Sergio gasped and twisted toward Ian. “You should come!”

Mitch nodded at Ian. “It would be a good introduction back
into the business for you. Get to know some of the big players again.”

Sergio spoke before Ian could reply. “Yes, it’s a mix of
designers. The show is really just an excuse to get everyone together for
donations. It’s for a charity that provides clothes and shoes to those in need
across the world. After the show, there’s going to be a big party, where
everyone pledges and puts up their donations. You have to come!”

“Where is it?” Ian asked.

“Paris,” Sergio and Mitch said in unison.

Ian shook his head. “I appreciate the offer, but I won’t be
able to. Next weekend I’m going back to Bora Bora.”

Mitch scowled at Ian. “I’m sure Temaru would understand if
you’re delayed by a couple of days. This is important for your career.”

Ian glared back at Mitch. “I already told him I’d be back
next weekend.”

“And as I said, I’m sure he’ll understand. He’s nice like
that.”

Sergio waved his hands to get their attention. “It’s fine!
Ian, seeing your lover is far more important than going to a fashion show.” He
pointed a warning finger at Mitch. “And you, be nice to him. I want him to be
happy. Whatever he wants, he can have.”

Mitch turned a smirk on Ian as he replied to Sergio. “You’re
going to create a monster.”

“Impossible,” Sergio said, bringing his attention back to
Ian. “Go to Bora Bora and be with him. When we’re ready to start shoots, Mitch
will let you know.”

“Thank you,” Ian said softly, unable to deny the sting of
guilt he felt at turning Sergio’s invitation down. Sergio was already doing so
much for him, being so kind. With Sergio’s backing, his career would skyrocket
to where it was years before, if not beyond. He didn’t know what to do. Professionalism
said go to the show. His heart begged him to go to Temaru.

But going to the show could mean never having to leave
Temaru in the long term. He would get himself introduced to the fashion world
again, build new connections which could lead to jobs.

His heart pounding in protest, Ian lifted his gaze to
Sergio. “But Mitch is right. Temaru will understand. I’ll go to the show.”

“Are you sure?” Sergio asked.

Ian nodded. “Yeah. I can fly from Paris to Bora Bora. It’ll
be okay.”

Sergio dropped his food to his plate and brought his hands
together in a loud clap. “Wonderful! I’ll have my assistant arrange your flight
and hotel and—”

“That’s okay,” Mitch interrupted. “I’ll set everything up
for him.”

“No, no! I insist!”

As Mitch and Sergio went politely back and forth over who
would take care of him, Ian took a long drink of water, now wishing it was
wine. He caught the sympathetic look Rodney gave him and offered a small smile
in return. His career was starting to get rolling again and already it was taking
him away from Temaru. All he could hope was for Temaru to understand and know
he was doing it for them both.

Ian paced from one end of his living room to the other, his
cell phone to his ear. Instead of ringing, his call went directly to Temaru’s
voicemail. Again. He hung up and dropped down on the couch, the only piece of
furniture left in his apartment other than his bed and the TV. He stared
blankly ahead, gripping his phone, his chest tight with worry.

He’d been trying to reach Temaru for hours. He was used to
not being able to get a hold of him right away with Temaru so often being out
with customers, but as soon as Temaru got back to his shop, he always called
him back. He wondered if Temaru was upset with him.

After his dinner with Sergio a few days ago, he’d called
Temaru the instant he walked out of the restaurant to tell him what happened.
Temaru seemed genuinely happy and excited for him, along with being
understanding and reassuring about him having to push back returning to him.

He was grateful for Temaru’s support, but he also knew
Temaru was disappointed. Each time they talked since, he heard how much Temaru
missed him in his voice. It made him want to say screw the show and jump the
next plane to French Polynesia.

Now with not being able to get hold of Temaru, that desire
was overwhelming.

What if something had happened to Temaru? There were so many
things that could go wrong on a dive. What if Temaru was hurt? How would he
find out? Even though he met a few of Temaru’s friends while he was staying
with him, he had no way of contacting them. Since Temaru’s family lived in
Tahiti, he hadn’t gotten a chance to meet them at all, so he couldn’t get in
touch with them either.

Ian shoved off the couch and went to the window, looking out
at the night-covered city. He felt so helpless. He didn’t know what to do.
There was only one thing he could do—wait. But he didn’t want to do that for
long. If he didn’t hear from Temaru tonight, he would leave on the first plane
he could catch to start working his way back to him. To hell with the fashion
show.

A knock rattled his door.

Ian looked at it in confusion and headed toward it. He
peeked through the peephole and gasped. His fingers worked with frantic speed
to unlock the door. He flung it open.

“You weren’t kidding when you said it was a frozen tundra
here. I haven’t stopped shivering since the plane landed.” Temaru held out his
arms. “And surprise! You said when we talked once that you kept thinking I was
going to knock on your door. Now I have and we can make some memories here.”

His voice closed off by a joyous rush, Ian dove at Temaru,
wrapping his arms around him in a crushing hug. Temaru embraced him equally
tightly. Ian released him but only to cup Temaru’s face in both hands as he
brought their lips together. Temaru opened his mouth for him the instant their
lips touched, accepting Ian’s tongue deep into his mouth, moaning softly. When
Ian started to draw it back, Temaru followed with his tongue into Ian’s mouth.

The long kiss slowed. Ian whispered between short, tender
ones, “I can’t believe you’re here.”

“I couldn’t take it any longer. I needed to see you and kiss
you and touch you. I hope it’s okay.”

“It’s more than okay. It’s incredible.” Ian pulled back
enough to look into Temaru’s eyes. “But I was getting so worried because I
couldn’t reach you. I kept calling and calling. I had already decided if I
couldn’t get hold of you tonight, I was going to start making my way back to
Bora Bora and say fuck the fashion show.”

“Then I’m glad I beat you to it. I don’t want you to miss
the show. That’s the other reason why I came. Every time we talked, you sounded
nervous about it and I didn’t want you to face it alone.” He gave Ian a playful
grin. “Plus, you might need a good translator while in Paris. But I’m sorry I
made you worry. I wasn’t thinking when I left and my phone doesn’t work here in
the States.”

“It’s all right. I’m just glad you’re okay.” Ian delivered a
gentle kiss to Temaru’s lips. “And I’m ecstatic you’re here.”

“I was nervous you might get upset at me showing up
unannounced.”

Ian wrapped him in his arms again. “I would never get upset
at you for something like this. What you did by coming here and wanting to
support me…” He shook his head, unable to find the words to express how touched
he was. From how Temaru tightened his hold on him, he knew Temaru understood
what he was trying to say.

Temaru leaned back slightly and nodded toward Ian’s
apartment. “Is it any warmer in there?”

Ian looked at him, noticing how despite their embrace and
passionate kiss, Temaru still shivered, which made sense since the coat he wore
was nothing but a windbreaker and his pants were a thin, muslin-like fabric. He
grabbed Temaru’s suitcase off the floor and stepped aside for him to go in. “It’s
not much warmer, but I’ll turn the heat up for you. Are those the warmest
clothes you have?”

Temaru nodded as he stepped inside. “I guess I didn’t think
this trip through even more than just my phone.”

Ian followed him in, closing and locking the door, and went
to the thermostat to turn up the heat. His beautiful tropical god had left
paradise to brave the cold for him. It was like a dream too amazing to ever
think could become reality. He faced around to Temaru, seeing him turning in a
slow circle, taking in the apartment.

“Is it wrong of me to feel so happy that your apartment is
almost empty except for a few boxes?” Temaru said.

Ian walked toward him. “If you’re happy because you know it
means I really was doing everything I could to come back to you, then no, it’s
not wrong.”

“That’s exactly why.” Temaru slung his arms loosely around
Ian’s neck. “I’ve missed you so much.”

“I’ve missed you too. It’s going to be such a relief when I
wake up in the night reaching for you to find you next to me.”

Temaru buried his fingers in the back of Ian’s hair. “You’d
wake up looking for me?”

“Every night.” Ian brought his lips close to Temaru, his
voice deepening to a sensual, gravelly tone. “When I’d lie down, all I could do
was think of you and all the things I wanted to be doing with you.”

A soft moan rumbled in Temaru’s throat. He pressed his lips
to Ian’s, the kiss slower, allowing them each to savor the other’s taste. As
they ended the kiss, Temaru opened his eyes, his gaze moving beyond Ian to the
shelf holding Aiden’s ashes and the photos of them together. As if compelled,
he stepped around Ian and walked toward it. He stopped in front to the urn,
reading the plaque on the shelf it sat on, then looked to the pictures beside
it. They weren’t modeling shots, but personal photos of Ian and Aiden together.

“He’s so handsome,” Temaru said softly.

Ian moved behind him and wrapped his arms around Temaru’s
waist. He laid a kiss on Temaru’s neck. “Well, we were twins, you know.”

Temaru glanced back to him with a grin. “Was that some
cockiness I heard?”

Ian chuckled softly. “Yeah. Sorry.”

“No, I like hearing it from you.” Temaru looked to the
pictures again. “You don’t seem so sad when you talk of him now.”

Ian’s gaze went to the photos. “I don’t feel as sad. I still
miss him, I still have moments where I wish I could talk to him, but I’m doing
better than I was a month ago with accepting and learning to move forward.”

Temaru rested his hands over Ian’s. “I think that’s what
he’d want. Our loved ones, when they’re gone, I believe they want us to
remember them, but to not hurt when we do. When I think of my grandfather, I
know that’s what he’d want me to do.”

“And it’s what Aiden would’ve wanted me to do. The ache is
still there, but I’m learning to soothe it.” Ian closed his eyes and nuzzled
into Temaru’s hair, breathing deep, Temaru’s familiar scent of coconuts and
flowers bringing the island to him. “The things you’ve shared with me about
your grandfather have helped me with that.”

Temaru turned toward him. “I’m glad. I want you to be
happy.”

Ian caressed along Temaru’s jaw and moved his hand to gently
cup the back of Temaru’s head. He looked into Temaru’s eyes. “I don’t think
I’ve ever been happier than I am at this moment.”

Temaru slipped his arms around him again, his voice a
whisper as he replied, “Neither have I.”

Their lips touched, the kiss chaste, tender, lingering for a
long moment. At the same time, each opened for the other. Temaru glided his
tongue along Ian’s, Ian doing the same as he slid his tongue into Temaru’s mouth.

Without breaking the kiss, Ian lightly brushed his hands
down Temaru’s arms and wiggled them between their bodies, drawing down the
zipper of the windbreaker. He guided it off and tossed it to the couch. He
reached next for the buttons on Temaru’s shirt. Rather than tear them open, he
unbuttoned each one slowly, touching Temaru’s skin as it became exposed.

As the shirt fell open, Temaru broke from the kiss enough to
whisper, “I should shower first. I’ve been traveling for so long.”

Ian dipped his head down, kissing Temaru’s neck and pushing
the shirt off. “I don’t mind.”

The shirt fell to the floor, and Temaru forgot about
showering. Ian’s touch drifted down his back on either side of his spine. A
hushed groan left him. He started to step out of his shoes as Ian worked on
opening his pants. With how they fit loose and airy, as soon as Ian unfastened
the button and opened the zipper, they slid down Temaru’s legs. Temaru stepped
out of them, Ian already lowering his briefs.

Temaru grinned at him. “I’m not sure this is fair. I’m the
one who’s freezing, but you’re the one with all your clothes still on.”

Ian went to his knees as he took Temaru’s briefs down the
rest of the way. “But I have to get you naked if I’m going to warm you up.”

“I guess I can’t argue with that logic.”

Smiling, Ian leaned forward, kissing the line of Temaru’s
hip. He looked out the corner of his eye at Temaru’s cock rearing upright
beside his face. He turned his head toward it and touched his lips to the hard
length, savoring the softness of Temaru’s skin over the firm flesh. He flicked
his tongue out, intending only a single lick to taste him, but he couldn’t
stop. He licked up to the tip, closed his lips around it and moved his head
forward, taking Temaru deep to the back of his throat and pushing still more to
swallow it.

Temaru gasped, his breathing already quick at the instant
rush of pleasure. He rested one hand on Ian’s shoulder for support. He looked
down, watching his cock slide in and out of Ian’s mouth, the shaft shiny and wet
with Ian’s saliva. The sight heightened his pleasure. He shuddered, his stomach
muscles tightening.

Sensing Temaru was already close, Ian released him and
stood, covering Temaru’s mouth in a hungry kiss. He was forced to break it as
he felt Temaru lifting his shirt and leaned back from him for Temaru to tear it
over his head. Temaru worked on Ian’s jeans, yanking the briefs beneath down
along with them. Ian kicked them away as he claimed Temaru’s lips again and
walked backward toward his bedroom.

They reached the bed, both falling to it, Temaru to his
back, Ian landing over him and catching himself with his hands braced on the
mattress. Temaru wrapped his arms and legs around him, his fingers fisted
around a handful of Ian’s hair. Ian could feel Temaru’s desperation in the
kiss, not just for physical release, but to have him as close as possible. He
didn’t want to break away from him, but didn’t have a choice if he was going to
bring them that close.

Ian slowly lifted himself up. Temaru reluctantly loosened
his hold. Ian moved off the bed to retrieve the bottle of lube from the
nightstand, as it was one of the few things he hadn’t packed. He liked using it
for jerking off, so it would be one of the last things to go in his bags. His
condoms, however, had been packed a couple of days ago since he knew he
wouldn’t need them until he was back with Temaru.

He tossed the lube to the bed and turned for the suitcases,
pausing as Temaru reached for him. He gripped Temaru’s hand in his and a gentle
tug was all it took to bring him down to the bed again.

Temaru lay back on the pillows, brushing his fingers along
Ian’s cheek. “We’ll be fine without, don’t you think?”

Ian rested a hand on Temaru’s chest. “Yeah, I do.”

He lowered his head, his lips touching Temaru’s in a soft
kiss. He eased back and picked up the lube. Lying at Temaru’s side, he slicked
his fingers and brought them to Temaru’s hole. Gently, slowly, he eased two
into him, kissing him all the while. Temaru’s lips, his cheeks, his forehead,
neck and shoulders, Ian showered light kisses over him, trying to show Temaru
how much he cherished him, how grateful he was to have him in his arms again.

Temaru rolled his head toward him, breathing out Ian’s name
in a whisper.

Ian shifted to kneel between Temaru’s thighs and slipped his
fingers out of him. He touched the bare tip of his cock to Temaru’s hole. His
heart pounded faster, his body tensed with anticipation. He pushed his cock
against him, Temaru’s body yielding to its hardness. Ian sank into him, his
gaze cast downward, watching his cock move into Temaru.

It’d been so long since he’d been inside anyone without a
condom. Now to have Temaru in this way, feeling his heat, the softness of him,
with nothing between them, Ian wondered if he’d make it more than a few thrusts
before spilling his cum into him. He glanced to Temaru’s rigid cock, the slit
overflowing with pre-cum to wet his abdomen. From how Temaru’s breathing came
short and deep, Ian knew he was feeling the same intensity in their connection.
He looked to Temaru’s eyes, finding his gaze on him.

Temaru lifted both arms to him. Ian lowered himself onto
him. Temaru cupped his face in both hands. What Ian saw in Temaru’s eyes
surpassed his physical pleasure.

“Ian,” Temaru said, his voice soft, “I love you.”