* * *
Holly was married. With all the events leading up to the wedding, and the problems that had required solving, it felt like James had run a marathon. “I’m not sure what I should wear,” Daniel said once they got back to the house. The after-service pictures were finished, and James had to give Holly a lot of credit. The photographer had been taking pictures throughout the ceremony, but he’d never gotten in the way, which was pretty rare as far as James had seen in his limited experience.
“Whatever you like,” James said as he collapsed onto the sofa. The rest of the wedding party was already on their way to the botanical gardens for the reception, but Daniel needed to return and change. “How long will you be?”
Water ran in the bathroom, and James wandered down. A pile of makeup-covered tissues rested next to the sink. Lala’s hair had already been packed away, and the dress lay across the bed. “I don’t want to take any of the attention away from Holly. I had planned to wear a plum cocktail dress to the reception, or at least that was my original plan.” Daniel finished washing his face, the last of the makeup gone.
James stepped up to Daniel, sliding his arms around his waist. “How do you want to go now?” Daniel was already adding a touch of liner to his eyes, and a small amount of lavender shadow.
“I have a deep purple shirt and a pair of slacks. I think I’ll wear those. I don’t want to take anything away from Holly, and while everyone seemed to accept Lala at the service, I don’t know how they’re going to feel about having dinner with me, or talking with me afterwards.” He set down the brush with a sigh. “Would you be angry if I stayed here?”
James was a little taken aback. “No, but I will be disappointed.” James hugged him closer, Daniel’s scent sending his senses into overdrive. “You dress as Daniel, whatever that is, whoever you want to be. I’ll wait for you in the living room, because if I stay, I’m going to tug off what you still have on and take you right here on the bathroom floor.” Daniel shivered, and James was so damned tempted to make good on his threat…his promise? He wasn’t sure which it was. He took a deep breath and backed away, returning to the living room.
Daniel joined him fifteen minutes later. He still wore the eye makeup and might have added a touch of color to his cheeks as well as some gloss to his lips. He wore flowing gray pants and a purple shirt that shimmered whenever he moved. “What do you think?”
“I think you look wonderful, and just so you know, your dance card is filled for the evening. If anyone asks, you’re all mine.” James tugged Daniel to him a little roughly, one hand around his waist, the other cupping his butt, taking his lips hard, desperately needing a taste of him.
“James…”
“I know. We have to go.” James reluctantly pulled away, wanting to stay in this perfect moment, but wondering how much longer this was going to last once they got back to Chicago.
* * *
Drinks were being served by the time they arrived at the reception. Waiters in tuxedos carried trays of appetizers through the atrium of the large glasshouse facility. It was like stepping into another world. Howard and Holly mingled with their guests, talking and smiling with everyone. “Oh god,” Holly called as she hurried over to Daniel. “Everyone is asking about you.” Holly hugged him like he was her long-lost brother. “You did an amazing job. People haven’t had that much fun at a wedding service in years.”
“How much have you had to drink?” James asked. Holly smacked him on the shoulder.
“Be nice…and not that much.” She stepped back, twirling once, the gown flowing beautifully around her. “I get to be happy. He saved my wedding and made me look like a princess.” She zeroed in on James. “You need to keep him, okay?”
James hugged Daniel right there in front of everyone. “I intend to.” He met Daniel’s gaze, daring him to argue.
“Go get a drink,” Holly instructed. “Dinner will be served in a little while, and then there will be dancing among all the flowers.” She hurried off to talk to other guests, and James grabbed two glasses of sparkling wine and handed one to Daniel.
“Young man!” James knew that voice and slowly turned to face his father, but he was intent on Daniel. “You did a great job today. Holly is happy and she’s married.” Dad was a little tipsy, but he didn’t seem to care, and James figured his dad had earned it over the last few days. “I think I lost your mother.”