Page 48 of Leather and Longing
Once the walkway was empty, he guided Adam through the café to the far end, where there was a covered area, the Cave, before it opened out into a seating area with tables and chairs, large green parasols over four of them. All around them was the sound of the sea, the waves hitting the concrete pavements below the café wall, now and again rising up to splash over the railing, spraying the café’s clients and making the children shriek with delight. There were three empty tables and Paul headed for the one farthest from the railing.
“Hey, you got here, then!”
Paul turned and grinned at Taylor’s greeting. He was sitting in the Cave with David, who had his laptop out and was busily typing. “Of course we did.” He turned to Adam who had become very still. “Adam, do you want to sit in the shade or the sun?” He knew they’d be getting plenty of sun later, but he wasn’t about to share that.
“I’d prefer shade, if that’s okay.”
Taylor rose instantly and commenced putting together a couple of the shiny metal topped tables. “Any idea how many of us to expect?” He grabbed chairs and placed them around the now rectangular table. A bench ran along the whitewashed wall behind the table, David already seated there.
“Not sure, but there’s plenty of space.” Paul brought Adam’s hand to a chair. “Here you go. Right, some introductions. You’re seated opposite my friend Taylor Monroe, and his husband, David Hannon. Guys, this is Adam Kent.” He aimed a stern look at David. “Put the laptop away, David. It’s lunch time.” Paul rested his hand on Adam’s shoulder. “What would you like to drink? There’s coffee, tea, wine, beer, ginger beer, Coke…”
“Right now I’d love a large glass of water.” Adam swallowed.
“Water would be good for us, too,” Taylor added.
Paul patted Adam’s shoulder. “I’ll be right back.” He dashed to the hatch. It wasn’t fair to leave Adam alone for too long with two strangers, not on his first outing. Paul skidded to a halt in front of Richard. “Hi there. Can we have a jug of water and four glasses, please? We’re in the Cave.”
“Sure, no problem, Paul,” Richard said with a smile. “You gonna order food?”
Paul nodded. “Can we have a menu?”
Richard handed him one and went to get the water. Paul hurried back to where Adam was sitting, the cane resting against the edge of the table. He took the empty chair next to him.
Adam cocked his head. “Laptop? Are you a writer, David?”
“Yeah, but I write under two different names, my own and a pseudonym.” David leaned against the wall, the laptop already switched off and packed away in his brown leather bag.
“Would I have read any of your books? I’m assuming you’re published.” Adam smiled politely.
“Well, that depends,” David said with a grin. “I write gay romance under my own name.”
Adam shook his head. “Not something I’m into, I’m afraid.”
Richard brought over the jug of water and glasses, and deposited them with a smile before vanishing back into the kitchen. Paul filled the glasses for everyone.
David shrugged. “Yeah, I know, it’s not to everyone’s taste. I also write detective thrillers under the name of James Blanchette.”
Adam’s jaw dropped. “You’re kidding. I’m sitting in a café talking to the creator of Detective Ed Manning? The writer ofSecrets Kill?” His manner changed completely. He leaned forward, smiling broadly.
It was David’s turn to gape, apparently. “Oh my God. You read my books?”
Paul didn’t miss the way Adam’s face tightened for a brief moment, then relaxed. “I did, yeah. I think I have every one of them.”
“Wow. I’m flattered. Then now would be a good time to mention that your book on Watergate is on my bookshelf at home.”
Adam’s face lit up, and the sight of it took Paul’s breath away. He’d forgotten how gorgeous his boss was when he was happy. Heaven knew there hadn’t been many occasions to see that look of joy lately.
One came instantly to mind, however, and his cock filled at the memory of Adam’s expression as he orgasmed. Fuck, but the man was beautiful when he let go.
“Okay, this is turning into an Author’s Appreciation Society meeting,” Taylor butted in, eyes gleaming. “I thought we were here to have lunch. There’ll be plenty of time for you two to talk later.”
Paul flashed him a warning glance, but Adam jerked his head in Taylor’s direction. “There will?”
“Need to know basis,” Paul told him. “And right now, you don’t need to know.”
Adam’s lips pinched together for a second. He took a breath and nodded, settling back into his chair. “Okay, where’s this crab tart you were teasing me about this morning?”
“Don’t you want to hear what else is on the menu?” Paul asked him.
