“Are you hungry? I have no idea what sort of food these parties are going to have.”
“No, thanks. I need to take a few minutes to rest and clear my head before I get back to this. I want it done so Holly can try it on a final time,” Daniel replied and returned to work.
“Is there anything I can do?”
Daniel shrugged. “Keep me company.”
Now, that was something he could manage.
* * *
“I know you’re a cop, but I would never think of you that way first,” Daniel said. They had been talking for almost an hour, and apparently the dress was nearly done.
“Am I that different?” James asked. “Have you met police officers before?”
Daniel released the pedal, stopping the machine. “I’m sure I have, probably multiple times. But the ones I’ve come in contact with weren’t particularly helpful. Some have been downright cruel. Not like you at all.” Daniel stared at him for a few seconds before started the machine once again, sewing a final seam and standing with a smile. “We should get ready for the parties.”
“Nice change of subject?” James commented.
“It’s not a pre-party story.” Daniel placed a suitcase on the bed, rummaging through it. “I know you’re curious, but I don’t want to throw a wet blanket on the evening’s fun. Just let it go. I shouldn’t have said anything.” Daniel pulled out a pair of leggings, a mid-thigh-length skirt, and a blouse. “What do you think?”
“It looks great to me. I was never a real connoisseur of women’s clothing.” He continued staring at the blouse. “I like that color blue on you. It really brings out your eyes.” James opened the closet door, pulling out a white button-down shirt.
“Is that what you’re wearing?” Daniel asked and moved him aside. “This is much better. Don’t be afraid of a little color.”
“I only brought that shirt because Holly gave it to me last Christmas and I thought I’d have it if she asked about it.” James really wasn’t sold on the plum color, but he pulled off his shirt and shrugged the plum one on. “I don’t know…”
Daniel stepped right into his space. “I think you look stunning in it.” Deft hands fastened the buttons, gliding up his chest with the softest of touches. “Don’t argue with me. You’ll be the envy of all the other guys tonight because they’ll look dull and you’ll be fabulous. Now let’s see what pants we have to go with these…yummy…” Daniel snapped a pair of black jeans at him. “These.”
“They’re a little tight,” James protested. Daniel waved that notion aside with a flick of a delicate wrist, and James toed off his shoes, slipped out of what he was wearing, and pulled the black jeans on. Daniel twirled a finger, and James turned around. “Hey…” James jumped slightly as Daniel gave his backside a pat.
“No protesting. You look edible. It’s too damned bad that I’m not going to the same party you are because…damn…” Daniel sighed and stepped back. “Jesus, it’s almost a shame to waste that look on a bunch of straight boys.” His backside got another pat. Daniel chuckled and started getting ready. James sat on the edge of the bed, enthralled, and Daniel almost regally undressed and untucked. “That is the hardest part…no pun intended. The boys seem to think they’re being ignored.”
“Will you need to tuck tonight?”
“No, thank god. The skirt has two layers and I’ll have on some extra underwear to keep things in place. That should make things much easier.”
“Come here,” James whispered deeply. Daniel standing in front of him, nearly naked, was damned close to his undoing. He was certainly glad he never had to tuck, because, fucking hell, there was no hiding his desire in these jeans. It was on clear display for Daniel.
“I shouldn’t.”
James held Daniel’s gaze, sending come over vibes. When Daniel approached, James wrapped his arms around him, lightly stroking up his back. He felt drunk, his mind clouding as pure electric desire shot through him. He knew what attraction felt like, and this was a hell of a lot stronger than just that. “You’re probably right,” James agreed without letting Daniel go.
“We’re going to be late, and your mother is going to start to wonder about her commandments,” Daniel warned as he ran a warm hand under James’s shirt and over his chest.
“If Mom decides to investigate, she’s going to get the shock of her life.” He groaned, but rested his head against Daniel’s shoulder, inhaling his fresh scent with just a hint of muskiness.