Page 60 of Finding Michael

“Yeah, he did so you wouldn’t trust me. Him coming here was all part of a plan to get us split up, but it wasn’t for his gain.” Tristan cupped Michael’s jaw. “I can see the question in your eyes. You want to know who would do that? Long story short…my butler.”

“Tristan.” His butler? Now Michael had heard everything.

“Grab your stuff and I’ll explain along the way.” Tristan tugged Michael to his feet. “Before you ask, I’m sure.” He waggled his eyebrows, then kissed Michael. “I’m also scared. I’m worried you’ll see New York and realize you can do better than me. Or maybe you’ll meet my family and refuse to see me because of them. Or what if we decide we aren’t a twosome? I’m petrified, but I’m willing to put everything out there for love.”

“Right, because a trip always helps.” Michael allowed Tristan to pull him forward into his arms. Going to another state wouldn’t bring them closer together. Hell, it might tear the relationship apart.

“It can’t hurt.”

“Tristan.” Every cell in his being screamed to stay home. A change of scenery wasn’t going to fix anything. But he wanted to be with Tristan. His heart yearned for Tristan. Christ.

“If you say my name one more time, I’m going to climb on you. You’re wicked sexy in that bike helmet.”

Michael paused. Then tucked his hands into Tristan’s back pockets. “Will there be privacy on this plane? At least enough to…I don’t know…allow you to climb on me?”

“You want to join the mile-high club?” Tristan laughed and held Michael closer. “Would you believe I’ve never joined?” He nodded. “Yeah, I think we should stamp our memberships together.”

“Then I’ll go.”

“So we can have sex?”

His resistance melted. Tristan had won him over and there wasn’t any turning back. “So we can figure out whatever we’ve got going on here and maybe move forward.”

“I won’t let you down.”

Michael hoped not. His heart was in Tristan’s hands.

* * * *

Four hours later, Michael sat in the back of the limousine and stared at the lights ringing the ceiling. He still hadn’t wrapped his head around what he’d done. Against his better judgment, he’d gone with Tristan to the jet, flown to New York City and was now riding across town—one he didn’t know—to Tristan’s penthouse. He snorted. Tristan hadn’t been kidding about the jet or the luxury. There were leather and wooden details everywhere in both vehicles. Every bell and whistle was included. He’d never seen anything so over-the-top. He hadn’t expected the limo at the small airstrip or for Tristan to be so at ease in this lifestyle. Christ, there was so much he knew but didn’t know about Tristan.

Tristan patted Michael’s thigh. “I’ll make the mile-high club up to you.” He handed Michael a little bottle of water. “Reg said he’d sent the jet, but I didn’t realize he’d upgraded to the open floorplan one. The only privacy was in the bathroom. Yeah, I’ve done sex in the teeny bathroom. Not again.”

Michael wasn’t sure if he should be reassured or mildly horrified. He tried to laugh, but the sound wasn’t right.

Tristan bowed his head. “Sorry. I forget how overwhelming this can be. I’m used to it.” He met Michael’s gaze. “You’ve flown before, right?”

“I have.” He nodded. “But I’m more used to cracked upholstery and long car trips. The only time I got on a plane was to visit Florida when I was twenty.” He wished he was in the quiet and safety of his library. At least there he knew what would happen. Being with Tristan had become an adventure he wasn’t sure he wanted to take.

“I understand.” Tristan draped his arm around Michael’s shoulders. “With any luck, I’ll have ninety percent of this straightened out and we can go back to our lives in Sullavan. Have you ever thought about cats? Dogs?”

“I like both, but I’m lost. What are you talking about?” Why does he keep changing subjects?

“How about we adopt two of each—two cats and two dogs. They’ll have the run of the farmhouse.” Tristan sighed. “Our own little oasis. You, me, the critters and peace. Yeah?”

Oh boy. “Don’t you think you’re biting off an awful lot?”Like, way too much?Yeah, he’d admitted he wanted Tristan, but whatever the craziness was in New York, would they be able to withstand it and come out stronger on the other side?

“Nah. I know what I want.” Tristan kissed Michael’s temple. “You.” He sat up straight and clapped his hands. “Here we are. My other…the other place I sleep.” He grabbed Michael’s wrist.

Michael fumbled with the bottle of water. He hadn’t even opened it. He shook his head. Things had moved too fast. “What about this? I can’t stuff it in my bag for later because I didn’t bring a bag.”

“Stuff it in your pocket, for Christ’s sake.” Tristan shrugged, then left the vehicle. When Michael climbed out of the back seat, Tristan stopped him beside the car. “Sorry. I’ve shifted into asshole mode.”

Michael gripped the plastic. He wasn’t fond of wasting and sure wasn’t thrilled about Tristan’s change in attitude. He shook hands with the driver. “Thank you for the ride. This was my first time in a limo. It was fun.” He sounded like an awkward kid.Damn it.“Thank you.”

“You’re welcome,” the driver said. He smiled and stood beside the car.

Michael rushed up to Tristan. “What’d I say?” he murmured. “Did I just insult him?”

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