Page 2 of Counterpoint
Nice. Very nice. Especially those lips, which quirked up. Yes, the gentleman knew Dom was checking him out. And Dom was being sized up in return, given the lingering looks and the interest in Dom’s chest and hands and crotch.
“Do you like it?” The guy nodded to the book.
What a leading question—did he like the vintage porn? Dom picked up his wineglass, swirled, and smiled. “Engrossing enough that I didn’t notice you at all, so yes, I’m enjoying it immensely.”
“And now?” That sly grin now showed teeth.
“This view’s nice, too,” Dom said, and didn’t look away from those lovely eyes.
Laughter and a wink, but any more banter was interrupted by the waitress coming to take the newcomer’s order. A pretentious panini of pot roast, caramelized shallots and Roquefort cheese—and a nice Shiraz. “And another glass of whatever my friend here is drinking.”
Ah.Friend.Good. This might turn into an evening that would be far more interesting than merely reading about buggery. Dom shifted on the bench. Was the man from the neighborhood? Maybe. There was a trace of New York in his accent, though not much. They did get folks from other parts of the city here, and even the occasional tourist, but not that many. Did he want to get involved with someone he might see again? Dom found the owner of those lovely brown eyes checking him out again.
Yes.He probably shouldn’t. But yes.
“I’m Adrian,” the man said, and offered his hand. “Adrian Doran.”
Dom took it. Firm grip with warm fingers that lingered a little too long. “Dominic Bradley.”
“Dominic,” Adrian repeated, as if rolling the sounds around in his mouth like one might wine. “Quite a pleasing name.”
That’s what made Dom shiver. Not Adrian’s hooded look or the wine that appeared or how Adrian sipped his drink and swallowed. Nope, what hardened Dom’s cock was the thought of his name—all three syllables—pleasingAdrian. “Most people call me Dom.”
“Hmm.” Adrian set down his glass. “Would you mind if I called you Dominic?”
Not if he kept saying the name likethat. “No, not at all.” And damn if his voice hadn’t gone husky. Dom took a gulp of his own wine.
Adrian chuckled. “So, Dominic Bradley, who enjoys nineteenth century homoerotic tales, what brings you here?”
“I live here,” Dom said. “Got a place and moved in about a month and a half ago.”
Adrian chewed on that. “Live herehere, or elsewhere in Brooklyn?”
That was a question a local asked. Hell. Because he really should back off now. “Few blocks away.” Might as well ask the obvious. “You local?”
Oh, the humor in those eyes. “Yes, though not as local as you.” He shrugged. “I like this place, though. The food is good, the wine excellent, and sometimes you meet a real gem of a person.”
Just then, the waitress brought Adrian his meal. She glanced at Adrian and gave Dom a little grin, too.
Great. Encouragement. Didn’t know if he wanted that or not. There was already a little buzz from the Merlot and the stimulating reading, and now there was Adrian, who was far better than fiction.
Adrian picked up his panini. “Like tonight.”
It was, Dom thought, rude to watch someone else eat. But he couldn’t help it. Adrian bit into that sandwich, and his eyes flickered closed. His grunt was downright sexy, as was that sigh of contentment as he tasted and swallowed. Long, elegant fingers. A pink tongue that flicked out to catch the remnants of cheese.
“Shit, they’ve outdone themselves,” Adrian murmured. He focused on Dom again. “Would you like a bite?”
After that display? “Sure.”
Dom had expected Adrian to cut a hunk off the uneaten half of the panini, which he did. He hadn’t expected that he’d hold out his fork for Dom to eat off of. That was intimate and sexy and...
“Come on, Dominic, don’t be shynow.”
Like fingers up his spine. Dom leaned in and took the bite from Adrian’s fork.
“That’s it,” Adrian said. “Very nice.”
Oh god. The panini. Adrian’s words. Both were heaven. The meat and cheese combination was a delight for the taste buds, while that voice slithered down Dom’s nerves and tightened his balls. He couldn’t help the little moan that escaped.
