Fic: I'll Be Waiting | Part 4 of 10
Title: I’ll Be Waiting
Rating: NC-17
Links to other parts: Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3
**
“Well, you sure know how to throw a party,” Brad laughed as he tossed a garbage bag to the side. “I mean, drunken pratfalls aside, that was kinda awesome.”
“Just shut up, Brad.”
“Aww, come on sweets, who saw that coming, right? A big Hollywood star has a crush on a peon from his movie, then dun-dun-dun! Said peon ends up being the son of a major player, head of a major production house even, and the executive producer of his current film.” Brad lowered his voice, “Tension mounts. What’s going to happen next?” He laughed, “Shit, the best script doctors in Hollywood can’t match this!”
Adam slowly wiped down the counter. “I don’t even know.”
“You like him, what’s the big deal?”
“The big deal is that he’s my boss’ son!” Adam said frustration in his voice. “And, he didn’t tell me. Would’ve changed everything.”
“Neil Allen is not your boss. Plus, how were you supposed to know? It’s not like puppy said anything. You guys barely know each other.”
“And that’s the problem isn’t it?” Adam paused at the cleaning. “Well, now that I do know, it changes things.”
“How?”
Adam threw the dirty rag into the sink, “It changes everything, Bradley.” Adam raked his hands through his hair and braced them behind his neck. “Neil just secured the rights to Run, and it’s a role I want. Neil Allen will be the executive producer, again, so between this last film and the next one, should I get it, he’ll essentially be my boss, again, and I highly doubt he’d appreciate me trying to fuck his son, figuratively and literally.”
Brad approached him and stopped, “You’re doing that thing again.”
“What thing?”
“Where you rub the back of your neck?” Brad slid his arms around Adam’s waist. Adam stopped and dropped his arms.
Brad smirked and continued, “Neil seems like a nice guy. Might be the Southern gentleman thing.”
Adam snorted, “Just because he seems nice doesn’t mean that it extends to his family.” Adam wrapped Brad in a hug, “They’re new to Hollywood, and they’re playing nice so they don’t make waves. Plus, I don’t even know if he knows his son is gay. That would be a hell of a coming out, wouldn’t you think? And why do you keep smirking?”
“You really like this puppy, don’t you? Like, for more than just some fun to pass along the time.”
“Why do you call him puppy? And why are you smirking?” Adam asked. He placed a small kiss on Brad’s forehead.
“He’s kind of adorable like a puppy, and it seems to annoy him, that’s why,” Brad replied. “As for my smirk, I always smirk.” He hugged Adam then stepped back, “You going to be okay?’
Adam nodded, “Yeah. Thanks for helping out tonight. You should get going.”
“Give it a chance, sweets. Might not be as bad as you think.”
After Brad left, Adam filled a tall glass with orange juice and vodka. He sat outside and stared up into the sky as the tiki torches faded to wisps of smoke. It was barely one in the morning, but he was wired, so he headed into the home theater room, kicking a stray napkin with his foot as he shuffled down the hall. The house was quiet; the last of the guests having made their way out after Nury’s piano incident and the caterers moved the last of the equipment into their trucks and pulled out of the driveway. He was finally alone.
As he went to the control monitor to dim the lights and pull up a movie, the doorbell rang. Looking at the time, he debated going out to answer when it rang two more times in quick succession. Probably someone who belatedly realized they left a sweater or purse behind, otherwise security wouldn’t have let them up. Kind of rude considering what time it was, but if it was a wallet…
He opened the door and raised his eyebrow at the sight. Shaking his head to clear it, he tried to figure out what Kris Allen was doing back at his door.
“Uh, hey,” Kris said with a small, nervous wave.
“What are you doing here?” Adam asked, not bothering to hide the annoyance in his voice. “You have two minutes to look for your jacket or wallet or whatever. If you don’t find it, I’ll have the cleaning crew check again in the morning, then Tatiana can send it to your father’s office, since that is where you work, right?”
Kris flinched, “I didn’t forget…uh…I. I wanted…I needed…Can we talk?”
Adam gnawed on the corner of his lip as he tried to think about what to do and finally released his grip on the door. It didn’t open wider, but he left it open and walked away. He heard Kris close it and follow behind him. Turning on the kitchen lights, Adam pulled open the refrigerator and grabbed two bottles of water.
“Here,” he said tossing one across the room. “You have five minutes before I kick you out.”
Kris placed the bottle on the counter and shoved his hands into his pockets.
“If you came here to stare at me, I’ll have you know I find it a little creepy. There’s this place called the internet where you can easily look up pictures of me online in the privacy of your own home. Or, your father’s office should have plenty of headshots and stills from the movie if you want the most recent ones. Maybe if you ask nice, I’ll have Tatiana give you a signed one.”
“That’s not…sorry. I didn’t mean to…” Kris rubbed the back of his neck and took a deep breath, “I wanted to apologize.”
“For what? Lying?”
“I never lied!” Kris said vehemently.
“You weren’t exactly forthcoming when I asked about you.”
“Everything I told you was true,” Kris retorted. “I just…I might have just withheld some information.”
“Like the fact that you’re, oh, the son of the executive producer of this film? Were you spying on us, trying to see if there were some shenanigans going on? Is that why you were there?”
“I wasn’t spying! Plus, my father would never ask me or anyone to do such a thing! Me being who I am…Neil Allen’s son…I didn’t think it was a big deal, and I didn’t want to make it into a deal, that’s why I didn’t say anything.”
Adam leaned back against the counter and crossed his ankles, body taunt with anger. “I really should have known better.” Adam laughed bitterly. “The whole innocent PA thing at the beginning, but then your attitude, the way you talked to everyone, especially me… Was it so you could see how everyone in Hollywood acted? To actually see if we’re all assholes like you think we are? You seem to look down on everyone and everything in this industry anyway. And with real, on-set experience, you can go back and mock all of us and make yourself feel better. Is that what you were doing?”
“That’s not…” Kris growled and started to pace, his arms wrapped around himself as if preventing them from flailing out or punching something. “It’s not what you think.”
“I think you should leave,” Adam said, launching himself from the counter. He stopped in front of Kris and reached out to grab his shoulders, barely stopping him from barreling into him.
“I…oomph,” Kris said at the sudden stop in momentum. “I…”
Adam felt the tension in Kris’s body as he held him at arm’s length. Sliding his hands down, he let go. “You should go,” he whispered.
“No.”
**
Kris knew he was acting like a brat, but he didn’t care. He tried to curl into Adam’s warm hands as they slid down from shoulder to bicep to elbow. The inviting trail of heat that coiled through his body made him shiver, and he wanted to feel more of it.
He wasn’t sure what he was doing when he drove back to Adam’s house after dropping Cale off. He definitely knew he didn’t want to go home and face his dad. Driving around the neighborhood for an hour, he replayed that moment in the dimly lit hallway. He had been ready to move his head up to meet Adam’s lips. Finally see if it would be as good as he imagined…feel as amazing as he had dreamed it would be.
There were a shitload of reasons why this wasn’t a good idea, a ton of explanations why it was just a small crush, a mild infatuation and nothing more, but none of them were making an appearance in his brain tonight.
Cale was unusually quiet in the car ride back home. Kris thought he’d be able to escape with nothing being said about what happened or rather, didn’t, but he was wrong. His hope was dashed as he stopped in front of the building. Hoping Cale would say just good night and leave Kris to his thoughts didn’t happen. Just his fucking luck.
“What’s the deal between you and Adam Lambert?” Cale asked as they sat in the car.
“There’s no deal or anything between Adam and me,” Kris replied churlishly. “Hope you had fun even if it was cut a little short.”
Cale unsnapped his seatbelt and twisted in his seat, “No seriously, Kris. Something’s going on, what is it?”
“Nothing.”
Kris tried not to squirm as Cale looked over at him…stared at him.
“He’s not Zach, I’ll give you that,” Cale said facing forward again. “But, wow, you do seem to have a talent to attract the high maintenance ones don’t you.”
“What the fuck are you talking about?” Kris grumbled.
Cale scrubbed his face, “I’m seeing the signs again.” He blew out a breath, “Wow, I didn’t realize it because we were mostly talking and texting while you were out on location, but dude, really?”
“Dude, what really?” Kris scowled. “Be more vague?”
“What happened while you were working on the movie?”
Kris threw his hands up, “Nothing happened! Oh my god, Cale.”
“You like him. And I saw the way he looked at you before you two disappeared.”
“Not having this conversation with you. Have a good night.”
Now, he was pacing in Adam’s kitchen, his Converse making little squeaks across the tiled floor breaking the silence. He didn’t realize how pissed Adam was about this. It’s not like he was purposely…well, he didn’t want things to be different or be treated differently. And, this just showed that he had made the right call. At least he didn’t go as far as using a fake name, and nobody thought to ask him about it. He continued to pace, thinking he should have noticed the fake smile, but was too busy trying to make sure his father didn’t start asking questions he couldn’t answer.
Kris could admit he was attracted to Adam. Who wouldn’t be? He was everything tall, dark and handsome should be, but totally not his type, right? The complete opposite of Zach. Cale had no idea what he was talking about. And, yeah, Adam was alright when he actually tried, sweet when he wanted something, a complete bitch when things didn’t go his way. But, after hearing stories from various members of the crew, it was standard operating procedure in Hollywood. Everyone wanted to see what they could get away with, how far they could push those pre-set limits and boundaries. Adam at least had a sense of humor about it, he even jokingly re-enacted his infamous rant for the cameras and the DVD outtakes.
But, right now, he was also being an obstinate asshole, not even willing to listen to his apology. Well, he didn’t know shit when it came to stubborn, Kris would show him stubborn.
“You should go…”
“No.”
“No?”
“No. I’m not going until you hear me out.” Kris’s body shook when Adam dropped his hands from his arms. “I came to apologize.”
“You apologized. Fine, I accept your apology, now leave,” Adam said tiredly.
“You don’t mean it,” Kris retorted as he stepped into Adam’s space.
Adam took a step back, but Kris moved forward as Adam moved until his back hit the wall, “You need to leave.”
“I leave and then what? You pretend I don’t exist? That I forget you’ve been flirting with me for the last four months? That you did that just for kicks?” Kris placed a hand next to Adam’s head on the wall, his other reached out to rest on Adam’s waist, thumb moving over the shirt to the edge of his slacks. “You had me up against the wall earlier, just like this. You wanted me to ditch my friend and stay,” he whispered staring up into Adam’s blue eyes.
“I was messing around with you,” Adam choked out, his breathing becoming choppy. “I was bored.”
“What if I said that I would have stayed? Would you still want me to leave now?”
“You don’t know what you’re doing…”
Kris quieted Adam’s words by placing two fingers on his lips, shook his head and smiled, “So you weren’t going to kiss me? I read that wrong?”
The tip of Adam’s tongue darted out to touch the seam of Kris’s fingers while Adam’s hands grabbed his waist and pulled their bodies together, closing the space between them. Kris shuddered as he pressed his fingers down, Adam’s tongue slipping up and down slowly until he opened his mouth and sucked them in.
Kris closed his eyes and groaned at the pull of Adam’s mouth, tongue wet and rough sliding around his fingers as they pulsed in and out. Eyes still closed, Kris pulled his fingers out with a pop and lifted his face to search for Adam’s lips, hand cupping the back of Adam’s head so they could meet.
He felt Adam’s hand pushing against his lower back, the other tangled in his hair, to deepen the kiss. Their bodies trembled together as Kris opened his mouth, tongue reaching out to explore and taste Adam. Adam’s hand moved to cup his ass, lifting Kris up as his tongue got sucked in, hips slowly thrusting against each other.
Softly biting Adam’s lower lip, Kris moved away. The quiet of the kitchen emphasized their heavy breathing, the sucking in of air.
“I…I should go,” Kris said, shaking and trying to breathe. “I’m…I’m going to go. It would be better if I go.”
He leaned forward and ran his hand down Adam’s still-heaving chest. “Good night, Adam.”
**
Holy shit. Adam’s body tingled everywhere, and he tried to grab onto Kris’s hand as it slid down his chest, but his hands were numb, slipping out of his grasp. He tried to find a way to get more air into his lungs, but only the sudden chill over his body made him realize Kris was no longer plastered to him.
Kris was walking away. Catching his breath, Adam ran out of the kitchen and through the hall to grab Kris’s wrist before he even had a chance to turn the handle of the front door. Slamming Kris against it, Adam’s free hand took hold of Kris’s other wrist and lifted his arms above his head. Adam stared at him. Stared until he was sure the image of Kris’s face was burned into his memory, stared until Kris looked back at him.
He moved his body until they were lined up and Adam could feel Kris’s irregular breathing against his own, could feel the uneven heartbeat match his. Loosening his grip on Kris’s wrists, his thumbs moved slowly and softly against the silky patches of skin; he felt Kris’s pulse jump erratically from his touch. Adam lowered the arm, his fingers entangling themselves with Kris’s as he brought a wrist to his mouth. Lips brushed over the smooth underside, his tongue flicked out in a small swipe following the throbbing blue vein up to where it disappeared at the fleshy part of the palm. Adam smiled as he felt Kris shiver at the touch.
Continuing to lick up and down Kris’s inner wrist, Adam released his other hand and gripped his waist. He pushed his thigh in between Kris’s legs, moving it up and down, pushing against his erection. Adam’s teeth grazed the sensitive skin, wet and pink from his tongue and pulled and sucked on it until he felt Kris squirming and bucking under him.
“Holy fuck,” Kris moaned out slowly.
Adam felt Kris’s body tighten under him, so he moved back, leaving Kris to slump against the door. “Now,” he said, voice rough, “You can go.”
**
The elevator buzzed as the doors closed and jerked into motion. Adam rearranged his messenger bag and tugged at his cuffs, ignoring the glances and whispers in the small enclosed space. As soon as the doors opened on the seventh floor, he quickly stepped out into the sunny reception area and removed his sunglasses.
He walked up to the long counter and smiled at the women sitting behind it, “Good morning ladies, I’m here to see Mr. Allen?”
A cute brunette stood up, “Of course Mr. Lambert.” She walked around the reception desk, “Please follow me.”
The soft click of their heels cut through the low din of people talking, television screens turned to gossip programs, news outlets and talk shows. As they walked down the hall, he glanced into small meeting rooms to see colleagues looking bored as agents and managers were finalizing contracts on the tables. He gave cursory nods to the ones he knew as they made eye contact through the lightly tinted glass walls.
The woman stopped and knocked on the door, “Neil? Mr. Lambert is here.”
“Show him in.”
She turned to Adam, “Would you like anything to drink? Eat?”
“Coffee would be great.”
“Of course, I’ll be right back,” she said motioning with her hand. “Go on in.”
“Thank you darlin’.”
“Adam, how are you?” Neil grinned as he came around his desk, hand out.
“Good, not too bad, Neil. How about yourself?” he replied taking his hand.
“Can’t complain.” Neil patted him on the back and led them to the leather couches. “Have a seat.”
Neil went back to grab a file from his desk and sat across from Adam, “I have to say, this is a bit out of the ordinary. I didn’t realize you were interested in the role, and we haven’t heard from your agents or manager about it.”
Adam started to speak when the receptionist came in with a tray. They waited until she finished setting up the table and closed the door.
“I figured I would talk to you directly at first, then we can let the agents and lawyers hash out the details,” Adam replied. “Think of this as me championing for the role.”
Neil sat back in the chair and studied him. He tried not to squirm under the assessing gaze, instead focused on his coffee.
“The financing isn’t done, and the script isn’t even close to being finalized, in fact, Marsha might still be on the first draft. You sure you want to do this? There’s no timeline in place for any of this considering we just secured the rights to the book. If you have other projects lined up, I don’t want to put you in limbo waiting for this one.”
“I think I can wait,” Adam said.
Neil raised his eyebrows in surprise, “Your name has been tied to London Fields and whatever the new one Ratner is working on. Those are huge opportunities, why would you want to wait for Run as it may or may not happen?”
Adam placed the cup down and shrugged, “I’ve been working non-stop for the last four years. I think I can be picky about what I want to do next, which role I choose, plus it’ll give me a nice break in my schedule.” He met Neil’s gaze, “I don’t have anything lined up, and the Burdon Lane character is me.”
While Neil sat quietly tapping a pen along the armrest, Adam could see him thinking of the pros and cons to this. Yes, it was unorthodox, coming in and claiming a role, but it was something he wanted. Eventually Neil nodded, “Okay, deal. We won’t make anything public until everything gets lined up, but you have my word thatRun is yours once we get the green light.”
“Thank you.”
“Now,” Neil said crossing his legs, ankle over knee as he played with the hem of his slacks. “Tell me the real reason you’re here.”
At this, Adam cocked an eyebrow, “Excuse me?”
Neil waved his hand and took his mug of coffee off the table, “This could have been done over the phone or during a quick lunch. Hell, your agent or manager could have just left a message for me or Jeremy, but you’re here, alone. What’s this about? And don’t give me some bullshit story about this film, the vision you have for it and all that other nonsense.”
Adam mulled over what he could say…what he wanted to say. He couldn’t just blurt out the fact that he had the hots for his son, right? Grabbing the mug of coffee, Adam tried to buy some time.
“Kris is a great guy.”
Adam choked on his coffee and set it on the table again. He took the offered napkin from Neil’s hand and sputtered, “Uh, yeah, he is.”
Neil chuckled, “What’s going on with you and him?” and sat back in his chair.
Coughing, Adam cleared his throat, “Um…what? There’s nothing going on.”
“But you want there to be. That’s why you’re here, isn’t it? See how I feel about it?”
“Neil…”
Neil held his hand up and leaned forward. “Listen, Adam. I saw how you looked at him at your party last week. Granted, you not realizing who he was until that night was quite amusing,” he chuckled. “But I love my son, and I just want him to be happy. Your relationship with Black Powder won’t be affected. That’s business. If you make Kris happy, I’m happy because he deserves that.”
“No disrespect, but I didn’t come here for your permission, sir.”
Laughing, Neil clapped his hands with glee, “No, you wanted to see if I’d be horrified at the possibility that you were interested in my son.”
Adam frowned. This was unexpected. He spent days since the party going back and forth about how this would play out. Of all the scenarios he had played out in his head, this wasn’t one of them.
“Adam, listen,” Neil said, interrupting his thoughts. “Kris is his own man. I love him to death, gay, straight, dumb, smart, do-gooder or lazy bum. He has his faults, don’t get me wrong, but he’s my son, and I love him. The stories I heard from the set of how you two interacted and seeing for myself, this…this energy between you, even in those two minutes, I think you would be dumb to not pursue it.” He eyed Adam, “And I don’t think you’re a dumb man.”
“This…I…” Adam shut his mouth dumbfounded.
Neil stood up, “Kim and I are having a small dinner party in three weeks. You should come. Invitations haven’t gone out yet, but I’ll make sure you get one.”
Adam grabbed his messenger bag and smiled, “I’d be happy to join you. I’ll have my assistant make sure my schedule is clear.”
“No plus one, by the way.” Neil smirked, “It would mess up the seating arrangements.”
**
“You’re coming tonight, aren’t you dear?” Kim asked.
Kris placed the phone between his ear and shoulder while smiling at the manager of the dry cleaning shop. He gave him a small wave while trying to carry out his load of clothes.
“Yes, mama, of course I am,” he replied as he tried to unlock the back door of his car. “Fuck!” he cried out as the plastic-covered bags slipped out of his arms.
“Kristopher Neil Allen!”
“Sorry, mama,” he said as he stood surrounded by a pile of wire hangers, plastic and crumpled clothes. “My hands are…I have…I got…shoot. Can I just call you back later?”
“Just wanted to make you don’t forget. No need to call me back. Come by at seven and dress appropriately, okay?”
“Appropriately…what?”
“We’ve got guests coming, dear. Don’t embarrass me.”
Kris rolled his eyes knowing she couldn’t see, “Yes, mama. I’ll see you tonight.”
Tucking his phone into his back pocket, he bent over to pick up his clothes. Instead of trying to unlock the back door, he popped the trunk and dumped them in unceremoniously.
“Kris? Is that you?”
Kris turned at the voice and froze. “Zach?” He closed the trunk slowly with one hand while watching Zach approach. Zachary Johnston, former love of his life, was walking right up to him as if in a dream.
“I thought I might be imagining it, but shit it is you. Are you visiting your folks out here?” Zach’s brilliant white smile glinted in the sunlight, wisps of his long sandy brown hair floating around his face in the breeze.
“Hey. So, no I, uh…actually, I live in LA now,” Kris answered. “What about you? What are you doing here?”
“I got transferred to the LA office two months ago,” Zach replied brightly. “I moved into my new place last weekend. Got sick of corporate housing, you know?” He stopped in front of Kris and smiled. “That’s great you live out here now. I’m sure your parents are happy to have you close by. Are you working for your father now?”
“Oh, uh, no. I actually start my new job next month. Getting things ready, you know?”
“Nice! Congrats,” Zach looked around. “Hey, if you’re not too busy, did you want to grab some coffee or something? We should catch up. I think there’s a coffee place, Tanner’s, down the street.”
Kris bit his lip and checked his watch. He still had hours before he needed to head to his parents. “Yeah, sounds good.”
Zach beamed and said in a rush, “Great. I’ll see you in, like, five minutes, cool?”
Nodding, Kris waved him off. This was not a good idea, but then, it was Zach, who he thought he’d never see again. It was just coffee, right? He started his car and pulled out onto Santa Monica Blvd. As he parked in the underground lot, Kris’s phone buzzed, then lost signal as he tried to check. He climbed up the stairs and pulled his phone out and saw the text from Cale.
Yo! want me 2 drive l8r?
Yeah sure that’d be great Kris texted back.
What time you think? came the immediate response.
Kris mulled over the time in his head and typed out, 6:30 should work, mama said the party starts at 7
Whatcha up 2 now? Want to catch the game at Qs?
Kris paused, not sure if he should tell Cale, but he’d find out eventually, and seeing that Los Angeles, despite having a population of more than nine million people, was small at the most inopportune times, it would be his luck that Cale would randomly run into Zach.
Uh funny thing. Ran into Z, having coffee w/him
WHAT?!?!?! FUCK NO. NO! NO! SINCE WHEN IS Z IN TOWN???
It’s fine. Talk later.
Slipping his phone into his pocket, he walked around the corner and saw Zach on his phone in front of the café door. Seeing Kris, Zach put his phone away and smiled. “There’s a table inside by the window,” he said opening the door. “Black, three sugars, right?”
Kris nodded, “Yeah, here,” and grabbed his wallet.
“Aw, come on. I haven’t seen you in forever, my treat,” Zach laughed and pushed him towards the table.
Kris placed his keys, wallet and phone on the table as he sat down and watched Zach order their coffee and a couple of cookies. His phone buzzed, but Kris ignored it, knowing it was Cale. Curiosity won out after a few seconds, so Kris took a peek as he waited for Zach to return to the table.
Three texts in a row: srsly dude, what r u doing? followed by y is he in town? How’d he find u? and then ditch him and let’s watch the game
“Everything okay?”
Kris clicked off his phone, “Yeah, good.” He paused as Zach settled himself in the seat across from him. “So, you got transferred to LA, huh?”
**
OMG.Yahoo.com
Adam Lambert Shopping for New Duds
Hottie actor Adam Lambert was seen shopping and lunching on and around Melrose Ave. yesterday afternoon, and looking delicious as always. The single Lambert has yet to be seen with a new boy-toy on his arm, and we’re wondering if he’ll be hitting the clubs again since he’s just finished his new film. We’ll be on the lookout!
UsWeekly.com
Adam Lambert Just Like Us!
Actor Adam Lambert enjoyed the sunny weekend with a bit of shopping along Melrose Ave. New duds for a new stud?
**
“Hello?”
“Adam, darling,” Nury cooed over the phone. “I’m in need of your help later. I know it’s totally last minute and that you probably have a ton of things and other places you would rather be, but there’s a little dinner tonight and Hugh was supposed to be here, but something about a flight attendant strike or weather or something is keeping him in Europe, and I really don’t feel like going to it by myself…”
“What time, Nury?” he interrupted.
“Cocktails start at seven.”
“I’ll pick you up at seven then.”
“I know it’s a total inconvenience, and I totally don’t want to do this…” Nury paused. “Wait, did you just say you’d pick me up?”
“Yes,” Adam laughed. “I have a feeling we’re going to the same place this evening, so it’s not a problem to swing by and get you.”
“Oh. Oh! Darling, you are just too fabulous for words!” she squealed. “You are going to the Allen’s little dinner, right? Just to clarify.”
“That is the plan,” Adam chuckled.
“It just sounds so quaint yet delicious, doesn’t it?”
“Not sure how I feel about it just yet, Nury.”
“Well, if that cute piece of ass is there, just to see you two avoid each other and be all awkward will be worth it.”
Adam sighed, “Really Nury?”
“A girl’s got to be entertained somehow, and this little game you’re playing with him is perfect.”
“If you say so.”
“Oh, I do,” Nury giggled.
**
“It’s going to be like this all night, is it?” Kris asked. “Because giving me the silent treatment like a pissed off girlfriend isn’t like you.”
Cale just side-eyed him, then flicked on the turn signal. He stopped at the light and sighed.
“Fine. What happened? What’s he doing in town? How’d he find you? Are you okay?”
Kris smiled, “That’s better. I knew you were dying to ask questions.”
“Fuck off, asswipe. After all the shit he put you through, he wants to sit with you and have coffee like it’s no big deal.”
“He asked!”
Cale rolled his eyes, “Speaking of acting like a girl…‘he asked’ he squeals.” He turned to Kris, “Are you going to prom together now? Is he going to say hi to you in front of all the cool kids when you go back to school on Monday? Is there going to be a note in your locker to meet him by the bleachers?”
“Shut up. It wasn’t like that.”
“Oh no, of course not, not Mr. Perfect Crest White Strips smile with the soft golden hair,” Cale sneered. “He just broke your heart and to escape your heartache, you nearly get yourself killed by running and working your ass off all over the continent of Africa because you couldn’t get far enough away from him. You have the scars, figuratively and literally, to prove it. Then he shows up out of nowhere and you go and get coffee with him and everything is good with the world again. Birds are singing, the skies are blue, world peace is imminent and everything is honky dory.”
Cale turned the car into the entryway of Bel-Air Estates and gave his name and ID to the guard. Kris crossed his arms as he waited for them to be cleared into the gated community.
“It was a surprise, yes,” Kris started as soon as they headed up road. “But, it was a chance to catch up and…”
“You mean he caught you up on his life,” Cale interrupted. “Did he even ask if you’re doing okay? What you’re doing with your life? Did he apologize for fucking you up and over sideways?”
Kris didn’t wait for the car to come to a complete stop in the driveway as Cale pulled up, but just opened the door and jumped out.
“Kris, wait!”
He bolted up the driveway and around to the back of the house. He needed air and space and to get the fuck away from Cale.
“When did you move to LA? Is Daniel still in Dallas?” Zach asked between sips.
“I moved here six month ago? Maybe seven. And, Daniel actually moved to Little Rock; he got a coaching job at one of the premiere magnet high schools there.”
“Oh, good for him.”
Kris nodded, “Yeah, he’s happy.”
“And, you? Are you happy? What have you been doing?”
Kris played with the cup sleeve, picking at the glued ends, “I actually, believe it or not, worked as a PA on a film. Realized it’s not what I wanted to do, so back to my roots, I guess.”
Zach nodded, “You living with your parents? I imagine they have an amazing house out here.”
“I did when I first moved here, but I was barely home because of the movie, being on location and all that. Just moved into my own place, actually, so I’m trying to get everything together and get settled in before I start the new job. What about you?”
“Well, I asked for the transfer because my boyfriend got traded, and the long distance thing…” Zach didn’t look at Kris, instead rolling a napkin between his fingers. “You know…” Zach looked up and his mouth lifted briefly in a semblance of a smile, “Well, he’s playing for a team out here, and it’s been tough. I love the job and the city though.”
Kris ignored the jab of sharpness in his gut and smiled, “Yeah, LA seems to be one of those cities you love or hate or love to hate or hate to love.” Zach laughed and Kris continued, “So, you moved to LA to follow your boyfriend out here?”
“I mean,” Zach hedged. “He didn’t ask me to, but the trade happened so suddenly, and because of the whole pro sports thing and well…” he stopped and lifted a shoulder up, “Just seemed like the right thing to do, you know?”
“If you love him…” Kris replied softly.
“I do. It’s a little hard…” Zach snorted. “Sorry. Didn’t mean to start talking about this. We’re…this…you and me…is this weird?”
Kris shook his head, “No. Well, yes, of course it’s weird, but,” he lifted a shoulder, “don’t worry about it. I’m sure it will get un-weird at some point.”
“You always were so easy to talk to.” Zach perked up, “So what about you? Seeing anyone? There are a ton of gorgeous guys here, lifeguards, waiters, singers, actors and I’m sure with your dad’s connections and all those Hollywood parties, you’re ridiculously busy every night, am I right?”
At the word “actors,” Kris felt the faint memory of Adam’s lips on his wrist and tugged on his shirt sleeve. He choked out a laugh, “Um, yeah. Nothing like that.”
“Well, if you’re in need of a friendly face to be your plus one or something, let me know,” Zach winked.
“You’re still into that kind of thing?”
“Well, I remember how fun it was in Dallas with all the parties your parents had and all those events we went to. I’m sure their parties here are on a whole other level, and wow, just imagine all the celebs that would be just hanging around.”
“I suppose,” Kris mumbled.
“Kris! Christ on a crapper, dude,” Cale exclaimed. He held out a beer, which Kris took. He was sitting on a bench hidden behind the pool cabanas, overlooking his mom’s prized flower garden. “I searched the whole damn house like a fool looking for you. The wait and catering staff probably are alerting security to watch for the crazy man right now.”
Kris took a drink of his beer and continued to stare at the flowers.
“Listen, I’m sorry, man,” Cale said sitting next to him. “I didn’t mean to go off on you like that.”
“It’s okay,” Kris exhaled. “It’s…don’t worry about it.”
“I just…he,” Cale stopped. “You know I’ve never liked him, and lord knows I tried, but then for you to send me that text out of the blue like that, the way he…well, and you…”
“Stop, Cale. Just stop, okay?” Kris took a pull from his beer and leaned over, elbows resting on his knees. “I’m okay.” He took a deep breath and blew it out slowly. “Funny, I’m actually better than I thought I’d be.”
“Is it okay for me to ask if he’s still a self-absorbed asshole?”
Kris hung his head and laughed, “He’s still a self-absorbed asshole.” He got up and held a hand out to Cale, “I think he’ll do just fine in Hollywood. Zach missed his calling, you know?”
Cale let Kris pull him up and let the momentum swing them into a hug. Patting Kris on the back, Cale announced “Speaking of self-absorbed, your mom let it slip that Adam is supposed to be making an appearance.”
Groaning, Kris banged his head against Cale’s shoulder, “Great.”
Cale pulled out of the hug and patted Kris’s head, “It’ll be fun.”
They headed towards the house, when Cale asked, “So, what’s the deal with you and Lambert anyway?”
Kris’s heart stopped and he tripped over a sprinkler head. “Nothing’s going on. Why would you think that? Why do you keep asking that?”
“Nothing,” Cale mused. “Just wondering.” As they approached the French doors of the living room, Cale saw Adam not paying attention to the people talking to him, instead looking around. “Glad I drove,” he mumbled under his breath.
**
Adam nodded absently as a small group descended on him and Nury upon entering the Allen home. The rooms were lit brightly, comfortable furniture dotting the various rooms and lots of laughter filling the air.
Neil and Kim Allen had welcomed them with giant smiles and hugs. As he was ushered into the living room, he tried to look around for the one person he really wanted a hug and smile from, but didn’t get. Nury pecked his cheek and left with her arm hooked in Kim’s to another room. He tried to keep up with the conversation while discretely checking faces, and worked hard to keep the disappointment from his face.
“…I don’t know, Anoop said he’d try to come by tonight, but I’m not counting on it,” Neil was saying. “I’m sure he doesn’t even realize what time it is. He’s been in the editing room for days now from what I understand.”
“I can’t believe he thinks he might be done in a couple of weeks,” Jeremy replied in return. “I need to get the marketing department to push up the start date for the campaign.” He turned to Adam, “I know we don’t have the budget for a huge press junket or promotional push, but anything you could give us to help get word out for this would be amazing.”
Adam smiled, happy that he paid attention to the last bit, “Of course. And, I prefer something small anyway. The film is so intimate, I think a large marketing push would just offset the story it’s trying to tell.”
Jeremy and Neil nodded at each other, an unspoken conversation between them. He smiled and blinked, “Like I said, more than happy to do all the interviews needed. Let my manager and publicist know once you have the schedule from Anoop, and we’ll coordinate.”
Neil placed a hand on his shoulder, “Let’s stop talking about the movie now. It’ll get done when it gets done. I heard from your agent that you might try your hand at an album?”
“Oh my god,” Adam laughed. “I mentioned something in passing during lunch last week that I wanted to record a demo that got passed my way, and now he’s telling people I’m doing an album?” He shakes his head, “He is…wow, I don’t even know.”
“Well, I said I’d stop talking about the film, but if the song works and you like it, let Jeremy or me know. We were planning on doing a soundtrack, have feelers out for some songs and the licensing team is on it, so if your song works and fits in, we can add it or maybe have you record something else.”
“For real? I mean, seriously? You don’t even know if I can sing or not.”
Neil lifted a brow, “You mean you don’t know that your agent and your manager have been showing everyone in town YouTube clips where you sang a set in Granger’s Lounge?”
Adam sputtered, turning red, “They’re what?”
“I think you need something stronger than that Diet Coke,” Neil chuckled. He led Adam to the bar, “Come on.” Adam nodded to Neil’s order of two vodka sodas, and asked for extra limes for his drink. “Don’t get upset at them. They’re just doing their jobs. Plus, you’re good.”
“Uh, thanks?”
“Oh,” Neil said quietly. “My son is here, so you can stop trying to look around for him, yet pretending you’re not.”
“Am I that obvious?” Adam sighed.
“Just to me, but that’s only because I know what to look for,” Neil assured him with a wink. “He and Cale…Kris seems to be in a foul mood for some reason, and I think there was an argument of some sort between them. They’ll both be back in here in a bit, I’m sure.”
“Are, uh, he and Cale…is Cale…”
“Cale is Kris’s best friend from elementary school, the boys are like brothers,” Neil said taking a sip. “Kris is single,” he winked. “I should go and mingle with my guests. Can’t make it seem like I’m hogging you up all night and locking you into a three-picture contract or something. I’m sure my competitors slash friends are pissed off at me as it is with you here.”
“Neil,” Adam started. Neil turned back. “Thank you.”
Neil lifted his drink in a small salute and smiled, “Dinner will probably start in about half an hour.”
**
He and Cale had stayed outside until they knew dinner was ready to be served. As Cale chatted about nothing on their walk back to the house, Kris’s eyes darted to the windows trying to catch a glimpse of Adam. From what he could see in the brief seconds before they reached the door, Adam was dressed down, black t-shirt and jeans. His hand started shaking so hard, the beer bottle threatened to drop, and Cale finally pressed his hand over his elbow and glared. He took the beer bottle away, and Kris ignored the unspoken questions in his eyes.
Kris wasn’t sure how he got through dinner, couldn’t tell anyone what he ate, what it tasted like. Just that he was seated next to Adam, whose presence on his left jarred him, making him stumble and mumble through the two hour meal. He was going to kill his parents. There was no reason for Adam to be sitting beside him at the dinner table.
He was always conscious when Adam’s arm stretched out on the back of his chair for a few minutes, of his leg brushing up against his under the table as he replied to questions or made a comment to those around him. During the smattering of conversation, Kris tried, really tried, to include everyone with his inquiries and answered coherently for the most part when he was expected to reply back.
While coffee and dessert wine was being served, Neil stood up and clinked on his glass. “Everyone,” he said taking command of the large room. “Kim and I would like to thank you all for joining us tonight. And, I know we’ve been a little remiss in not having these little shindigs regularly, but that will change.” He smiled fondly at everyone in the room. “Jeremy and I didn’t want to come into Hollywood guns-a-blazing. We knew we’d have to earn your respect by working hard and being fair, so we appreciate your camaraderie and friendship the last few years.” Neil paused to take a drink of his wine with everyone.
He continued, “I also wanted to take the time to congratulate my son Kristopher on his new job as the director at The Point Foundation.” Neil held his glass up again and toasted, “Good job, kiddo, I know you’re going to kick some ass.”
This was not something Kris was expecting his father to announce, at least not publicly like this. It wasn’t a big deal, and no one in the room would give a shit. He could feel himself turning bright red as all the guests turned to him and offered their cheers and best wishes.
Adam leaned over to whisper, “Congratulations.”
Kris shivered at not the words, but the close contact of Adam’s breath and lips. Shakily, he smiled and took a sip of water, “Thanks. It’s not really a big deal…” He stopped and held back his choke when he felt Adam’s warm hand on his knee.
“I think it’s awesome. You’ll be great.”
He took another sip of water for his suddenly dry throat, “Uh, yeah, I hope so.”
“So, tell me about Cale,” Adam asked brightly, turning in his seat to better face Kris.
“Cale?” Kris looked across the table at his friend who was talking to a screenwriter and his actress wife. “He’s a good guy, my best friend. He’s straight, though.”
Adam laughed, leaned in and patted Kris’s hand, “Despite what the tabloids say, my gaydar isn’t broken. I don’t go around trying to convert straights. Plus, not really interested in him like thatat the moment.”
Kris’s breath hitched as Adam’s fingers traced an invisible pattern over his wrist, smooth fingertips sliding over, then under, his skin where his sleeve was pushed up. The peripheral sounds around them dissipated as Kris stared at the motion of Adam’s fingertips, tiny bumps being left in their trail. His mind provided him visuals of Adam’s lips and teeth over his arm, traveling up his body…
Shifting in his seat, he gripped the glass of water, “Uh, so yeah Cale. I’ve known him forever, since we tried out for the baseball team together in fifth grade. He moved out here two years ago, my parents helped him out a bit since I wasn’t around…”
“You were in Africa, right?” Adam asked, moving his hand away.
Kris nodded, but wanted Adam’s hand back where it was, where it should be. “Yeah,” he looked up at Adam through his eyelashes, “You remembered?”
“I remember a lot of things.”
Someone cleared their throat, and Kris turned to see his mom holding in a smile. “I hate to interrupt boys, but we need to clear this room out so they can clean up.” She approached them and placed her hands on their shoulders. “Kris, why don’t you show Adam around? I didn’t get around to it earlier, plus, they’ve started talking about box office numbers and financing, and I’m sure Adam doesn’t want to listen to all that when he should be having a nice evening.”
“Uh…”
“Yes, Kris. Why don’t you show me around?” Adam said, the corners of his mouth lifting up into a bright smile.
**
Here we head over to Part 5... ...right here...
Rating: NC-17
Links to other parts: Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3
**
“Well, you sure know how to throw a party,” Brad laughed as he tossed a garbage bag to the side. “I mean, drunken pratfalls aside, that was kinda awesome.”
“Just shut up, Brad.”
“Aww, come on sweets, who saw that coming, right? A big Hollywood star has a crush on a peon from his movie, then dun-dun-dun! Said peon ends up being the son of a major player, head of a major production house even, and the executive producer of his current film.” Brad lowered his voice, “Tension mounts. What’s going to happen next?” He laughed, “Shit, the best script doctors in Hollywood can’t match this!”
Adam slowly wiped down the counter. “I don’t even know.”
“You like him, what’s the big deal?”
“The big deal is that he’s my boss’ son!” Adam said frustration in his voice. “And, he didn’t tell me. Would’ve changed everything.”
“Neil Allen is not your boss. Plus, how were you supposed to know? It’s not like puppy said anything. You guys barely know each other.”
“And that’s the problem isn’t it?” Adam paused at the cleaning. “Well, now that I do know, it changes things.”
“How?”
Adam threw the dirty rag into the sink, “It changes everything, Bradley.” Adam raked his hands through his hair and braced them behind his neck. “Neil just secured the rights to Run, and it’s a role I want. Neil Allen will be the executive producer, again, so between this last film and the next one, should I get it, he’ll essentially be my boss, again, and I highly doubt he’d appreciate me trying to fuck his son, figuratively and literally.”
Brad approached him and stopped, “You’re doing that thing again.”
“What thing?”
“Where you rub the back of your neck?” Brad slid his arms around Adam’s waist. Adam stopped and dropped his arms.
Brad smirked and continued, “Neil seems like a nice guy. Might be the Southern gentleman thing.”
Adam snorted, “Just because he seems nice doesn’t mean that it extends to his family.” Adam wrapped Brad in a hug, “They’re new to Hollywood, and they’re playing nice so they don’t make waves. Plus, I don’t even know if he knows his son is gay. That would be a hell of a coming out, wouldn’t you think? And why do you keep smirking?”
“You really like this puppy, don’t you? Like, for more than just some fun to pass along the time.”
“Why do you call him puppy? And why are you smirking?” Adam asked. He placed a small kiss on Brad’s forehead.
“He’s kind of adorable like a puppy, and it seems to annoy him, that’s why,” Brad replied. “As for my smirk, I always smirk.” He hugged Adam then stepped back, “You going to be okay?’
Adam nodded, “Yeah. Thanks for helping out tonight. You should get going.”
“Give it a chance, sweets. Might not be as bad as you think.”
After Brad left, Adam filled a tall glass with orange juice and vodka. He sat outside and stared up into the sky as the tiki torches faded to wisps of smoke. It was barely one in the morning, but he was wired, so he headed into the home theater room, kicking a stray napkin with his foot as he shuffled down the hall. The house was quiet; the last of the guests having made their way out after Nury’s piano incident and the caterers moved the last of the equipment into their trucks and pulled out of the driveway. He was finally alone.
As he went to the control monitor to dim the lights and pull up a movie, the doorbell rang. Looking at the time, he debated going out to answer when it rang two more times in quick succession. Probably someone who belatedly realized they left a sweater or purse behind, otherwise security wouldn’t have let them up. Kind of rude considering what time it was, but if it was a wallet…
He opened the door and raised his eyebrow at the sight. Shaking his head to clear it, he tried to figure out what Kris Allen was doing back at his door.
“Uh, hey,” Kris said with a small, nervous wave.
“What are you doing here?” Adam asked, not bothering to hide the annoyance in his voice. “You have two minutes to look for your jacket or wallet or whatever. If you don’t find it, I’ll have the cleaning crew check again in the morning, then Tatiana can send it to your father’s office, since that is where you work, right?”
Kris flinched, “I didn’t forget…uh…I. I wanted…I needed…Can we talk?”
Adam gnawed on the corner of his lip as he tried to think about what to do and finally released his grip on the door. It didn’t open wider, but he left it open and walked away. He heard Kris close it and follow behind him. Turning on the kitchen lights, Adam pulled open the refrigerator and grabbed two bottles of water.
“Here,” he said tossing one across the room. “You have five minutes before I kick you out.”
Kris placed the bottle on the counter and shoved his hands into his pockets.
“If you came here to stare at me, I’ll have you know I find it a little creepy. There’s this place called the internet where you can easily look up pictures of me online in the privacy of your own home. Or, your father’s office should have plenty of headshots and stills from the movie if you want the most recent ones. Maybe if you ask nice, I’ll have Tatiana give you a signed one.”
“That’s not…sorry. I didn’t mean to…” Kris rubbed the back of his neck and took a deep breath, “I wanted to apologize.”
“For what? Lying?”
“I never lied!” Kris said vehemently.
“You weren’t exactly forthcoming when I asked about you.”
“Everything I told you was true,” Kris retorted. “I just…I might have just withheld some information.”
“Like the fact that you’re, oh, the son of the executive producer of this film? Were you spying on us, trying to see if there were some shenanigans going on? Is that why you were there?”
“I wasn’t spying! Plus, my father would never ask me or anyone to do such a thing! Me being who I am…Neil Allen’s son…I didn’t think it was a big deal, and I didn’t want to make it into a deal, that’s why I didn’t say anything.”
Adam leaned back against the counter and crossed his ankles, body taunt with anger. “I really should have known better.” Adam laughed bitterly. “The whole innocent PA thing at the beginning, but then your attitude, the way you talked to everyone, especially me… Was it so you could see how everyone in Hollywood acted? To actually see if we’re all assholes like you think we are? You seem to look down on everyone and everything in this industry anyway. And with real, on-set experience, you can go back and mock all of us and make yourself feel better. Is that what you were doing?”
“That’s not…” Kris growled and started to pace, his arms wrapped around himself as if preventing them from flailing out or punching something. “It’s not what you think.”
“I think you should leave,” Adam said, launching himself from the counter. He stopped in front of Kris and reached out to grab his shoulders, barely stopping him from barreling into him.
“I…oomph,” Kris said at the sudden stop in momentum. “I…”
Adam felt the tension in Kris’s body as he held him at arm’s length. Sliding his hands down, he let go. “You should go,” he whispered.
“No.”
**
Kris knew he was acting like a brat, but he didn’t care. He tried to curl into Adam’s warm hands as they slid down from shoulder to bicep to elbow. The inviting trail of heat that coiled through his body made him shiver, and he wanted to feel more of it.
He wasn’t sure what he was doing when he drove back to Adam’s house after dropping Cale off. He definitely knew he didn’t want to go home and face his dad. Driving around the neighborhood for an hour, he replayed that moment in the dimly lit hallway. He had been ready to move his head up to meet Adam’s lips. Finally see if it would be as good as he imagined…feel as amazing as he had dreamed it would be.
There were a shitload of reasons why this wasn’t a good idea, a ton of explanations why it was just a small crush, a mild infatuation and nothing more, but none of them were making an appearance in his brain tonight.
Cale was unusually quiet in the car ride back home. Kris thought he’d be able to escape with nothing being said about what happened or rather, didn’t, but he was wrong. His hope was dashed as he stopped in front of the building. Hoping Cale would say just good night and leave Kris to his thoughts didn’t happen. Just his fucking luck.
“What’s the deal between you and Adam Lambert?” Cale asked as they sat in the car.
“There’s no deal or anything between Adam and me,” Kris replied churlishly. “Hope you had fun even if it was cut a little short.”
Cale unsnapped his seatbelt and twisted in his seat, “No seriously, Kris. Something’s going on, what is it?”
“Nothing.”
Kris tried not to squirm as Cale looked over at him…stared at him.
“He’s not Zach, I’ll give you that,” Cale said facing forward again. “But, wow, you do seem to have a talent to attract the high maintenance ones don’t you.”
“What the fuck are you talking about?” Kris grumbled.
Cale scrubbed his face, “I’m seeing the signs again.” He blew out a breath, “Wow, I didn’t realize it because we were mostly talking and texting while you were out on location, but dude, really?”
“Dude, what really?” Kris scowled. “Be more vague?”
“What happened while you were working on the movie?”
Kris threw his hands up, “Nothing happened! Oh my god, Cale.”
“You like him. And I saw the way he looked at you before you two disappeared.”
“Not having this conversation with you. Have a good night.”
Now, he was pacing in Adam’s kitchen, his Converse making little squeaks across the tiled floor breaking the silence. He didn’t realize how pissed Adam was about this. It’s not like he was purposely…well, he didn’t want things to be different or be treated differently. And, this just showed that he had made the right call. At least he didn’t go as far as using a fake name, and nobody thought to ask him about it. He continued to pace, thinking he should have noticed the fake smile, but was too busy trying to make sure his father didn’t start asking questions he couldn’t answer.
Kris could admit he was attracted to Adam. Who wouldn’t be? He was everything tall, dark and handsome should be, but totally not his type, right? The complete opposite of Zach. Cale had no idea what he was talking about. And, yeah, Adam was alright when he actually tried, sweet when he wanted something, a complete bitch when things didn’t go his way. But, after hearing stories from various members of the crew, it was standard operating procedure in Hollywood. Everyone wanted to see what they could get away with, how far they could push those pre-set limits and boundaries. Adam at least had a sense of humor about it, he even jokingly re-enacted his infamous rant for the cameras and the DVD outtakes.
But, right now, he was also being an obstinate asshole, not even willing to listen to his apology. Well, he didn’t know shit when it came to stubborn, Kris would show him stubborn.
“You should go…”
“No.”
“No?”
“No. I’m not going until you hear me out.” Kris’s body shook when Adam dropped his hands from his arms. “I came to apologize.”
“You apologized. Fine, I accept your apology, now leave,” Adam said tiredly.
“You don’t mean it,” Kris retorted as he stepped into Adam’s space.
Adam took a step back, but Kris moved forward as Adam moved until his back hit the wall, “You need to leave.”
“I leave and then what? You pretend I don’t exist? That I forget you’ve been flirting with me for the last four months? That you did that just for kicks?” Kris placed a hand next to Adam’s head on the wall, his other reached out to rest on Adam’s waist, thumb moving over the shirt to the edge of his slacks. “You had me up against the wall earlier, just like this. You wanted me to ditch my friend and stay,” he whispered staring up into Adam’s blue eyes.
“I was messing around with you,” Adam choked out, his breathing becoming choppy. “I was bored.”
“What if I said that I would have stayed? Would you still want me to leave now?”
“You don’t know what you’re doing…”
Kris quieted Adam’s words by placing two fingers on his lips, shook his head and smiled, “So you weren’t going to kiss me? I read that wrong?”
The tip of Adam’s tongue darted out to touch the seam of Kris’s fingers while Adam’s hands grabbed his waist and pulled their bodies together, closing the space between them. Kris shuddered as he pressed his fingers down, Adam’s tongue slipping up and down slowly until he opened his mouth and sucked them in.
Kris closed his eyes and groaned at the pull of Adam’s mouth, tongue wet and rough sliding around his fingers as they pulsed in and out. Eyes still closed, Kris pulled his fingers out with a pop and lifted his face to search for Adam’s lips, hand cupping the back of Adam’s head so they could meet.
He felt Adam’s hand pushing against his lower back, the other tangled in his hair, to deepen the kiss. Their bodies trembled together as Kris opened his mouth, tongue reaching out to explore and taste Adam. Adam’s hand moved to cup his ass, lifting Kris up as his tongue got sucked in, hips slowly thrusting against each other.
Softly biting Adam’s lower lip, Kris moved away. The quiet of the kitchen emphasized their heavy breathing, the sucking in of air.
“I…I should go,” Kris said, shaking and trying to breathe. “I’m…I’m going to go. It would be better if I go.”
He leaned forward and ran his hand down Adam’s still-heaving chest. “Good night, Adam.”
**
Holy shit. Adam’s body tingled everywhere, and he tried to grab onto Kris’s hand as it slid down his chest, but his hands were numb, slipping out of his grasp. He tried to find a way to get more air into his lungs, but only the sudden chill over his body made him realize Kris was no longer plastered to him.
Kris was walking away. Catching his breath, Adam ran out of the kitchen and through the hall to grab Kris’s wrist before he even had a chance to turn the handle of the front door. Slamming Kris against it, Adam’s free hand took hold of Kris’s other wrist and lifted his arms above his head. Adam stared at him. Stared until he was sure the image of Kris’s face was burned into his memory, stared until Kris looked back at him.
He moved his body until they were lined up and Adam could feel Kris’s irregular breathing against his own, could feel the uneven heartbeat match his. Loosening his grip on Kris’s wrists, his thumbs moved slowly and softly against the silky patches of skin; he felt Kris’s pulse jump erratically from his touch. Adam lowered the arm, his fingers entangling themselves with Kris’s as he brought a wrist to his mouth. Lips brushed over the smooth underside, his tongue flicked out in a small swipe following the throbbing blue vein up to where it disappeared at the fleshy part of the palm. Adam smiled as he felt Kris shiver at the touch.
Continuing to lick up and down Kris’s inner wrist, Adam released his other hand and gripped his waist. He pushed his thigh in between Kris’s legs, moving it up and down, pushing against his erection. Adam’s teeth grazed the sensitive skin, wet and pink from his tongue and pulled and sucked on it until he felt Kris squirming and bucking under him.
“Holy fuck,” Kris moaned out slowly.
Adam felt Kris’s body tighten under him, so he moved back, leaving Kris to slump against the door. “Now,” he said, voice rough, “You can go.”
**
The elevator buzzed as the doors closed and jerked into motion. Adam rearranged his messenger bag and tugged at his cuffs, ignoring the glances and whispers in the small enclosed space. As soon as the doors opened on the seventh floor, he quickly stepped out into the sunny reception area and removed his sunglasses.
He walked up to the long counter and smiled at the women sitting behind it, “Good morning ladies, I’m here to see Mr. Allen?”
A cute brunette stood up, “Of course Mr. Lambert.” She walked around the reception desk, “Please follow me.”
The soft click of their heels cut through the low din of people talking, television screens turned to gossip programs, news outlets and talk shows. As they walked down the hall, he glanced into small meeting rooms to see colleagues looking bored as agents and managers were finalizing contracts on the tables. He gave cursory nods to the ones he knew as they made eye contact through the lightly tinted glass walls.
The woman stopped and knocked on the door, “Neil? Mr. Lambert is here.”
“Show him in.”
She turned to Adam, “Would you like anything to drink? Eat?”
“Coffee would be great.”
“Of course, I’ll be right back,” she said motioning with her hand. “Go on in.”
“Thank you darlin’.”
“Adam, how are you?” Neil grinned as he came around his desk, hand out.
“Good, not too bad, Neil. How about yourself?” he replied taking his hand.
“Can’t complain.” Neil patted him on the back and led them to the leather couches. “Have a seat.”
Neil went back to grab a file from his desk and sat across from Adam, “I have to say, this is a bit out of the ordinary. I didn’t realize you were interested in the role, and we haven’t heard from your agents or manager about it.”
Adam started to speak when the receptionist came in with a tray. They waited until she finished setting up the table and closed the door.
“I figured I would talk to you directly at first, then we can let the agents and lawyers hash out the details,” Adam replied. “Think of this as me championing for the role.”
Neil sat back in the chair and studied him. He tried not to squirm under the assessing gaze, instead focused on his coffee.
“The financing isn’t done, and the script isn’t even close to being finalized, in fact, Marsha might still be on the first draft. You sure you want to do this? There’s no timeline in place for any of this considering we just secured the rights to the book. If you have other projects lined up, I don’t want to put you in limbo waiting for this one.”
“I think I can wait,” Adam said.
Neil raised his eyebrows in surprise, “Your name has been tied to London Fields and whatever the new one Ratner is working on. Those are huge opportunities, why would you want to wait for Run as it may or may not happen?”
Adam placed the cup down and shrugged, “I’ve been working non-stop for the last four years. I think I can be picky about what I want to do next, which role I choose, plus it’ll give me a nice break in my schedule.” He met Neil’s gaze, “I don’t have anything lined up, and the Burdon Lane character is me.”
While Neil sat quietly tapping a pen along the armrest, Adam could see him thinking of the pros and cons to this. Yes, it was unorthodox, coming in and claiming a role, but it was something he wanted. Eventually Neil nodded, “Okay, deal. We won’t make anything public until everything gets lined up, but you have my word thatRun is yours once we get the green light.”
“Thank you.”
“Now,” Neil said crossing his legs, ankle over knee as he played with the hem of his slacks. “Tell me the real reason you’re here.”
At this, Adam cocked an eyebrow, “Excuse me?”
Neil waved his hand and took his mug of coffee off the table, “This could have been done over the phone or during a quick lunch. Hell, your agent or manager could have just left a message for me or Jeremy, but you’re here, alone. What’s this about? And don’t give me some bullshit story about this film, the vision you have for it and all that other nonsense.”
Adam mulled over what he could say…what he wanted to say. He couldn’t just blurt out the fact that he had the hots for his son, right? Grabbing the mug of coffee, Adam tried to buy some time.
“Kris is a great guy.”
Adam choked on his coffee and set it on the table again. He took the offered napkin from Neil’s hand and sputtered, “Uh, yeah, he is.”
Neil chuckled, “What’s going on with you and him?” and sat back in his chair.
Coughing, Adam cleared his throat, “Um…what? There’s nothing going on.”
“But you want there to be. That’s why you’re here, isn’t it? See how I feel about it?”
“Neil…”
Neil held his hand up and leaned forward. “Listen, Adam. I saw how you looked at him at your party last week. Granted, you not realizing who he was until that night was quite amusing,” he chuckled. “But I love my son, and I just want him to be happy. Your relationship with Black Powder won’t be affected. That’s business. If you make Kris happy, I’m happy because he deserves that.”
“No disrespect, but I didn’t come here for your permission, sir.”
Laughing, Neil clapped his hands with glee, “No, you wanted to see if I’d be horrified at the possibility that you were interested in my son.”
Adam frowned. This was unexpected. He spent days since the party going back and forth about how this would play out. Of all the scenarios he had played out in his head, this wasn’t one of them.
“Adam, listen,” Neil said, interrupting his thoughts. “Kris is his own man. I love him to death, gay, straight, dumb, smart, do-gooder or lazy bum. He has his faults, don’t get me wrong, but he’s my son, and I love him. The stories I heard from the set of how you two interacted and seeing for myself, this…this energy between you, even in those two minutes, I think you would be dumb to not pursue it.” He eyed Adam, “And I don’t think you’re a dumb man.”
“This…I…” Adam shut his mouth dumbfounded.
Neil stood up, “Kim and I are having a small dinner party in three weeks. You should come. Invitations haven’t gone out yet, but I’ll make sure you get one.”
Adam grabbed his messenger bag and smiled, “I’d be happy to join you. I’ll have my assistant make sure my schedule is clear.”
“No plus one, by the way.” Neil smirked, “It would mess up the seating arrangements.”
**
“You’re coming tonight, aren’t you dear?” Kim asked.
Kris placed the phone between his ear and shoulder while smiling at the manager of the dry cleaning shop. He gave him a small wave while trying to carry out his load of clothes.
“Yes, mama, of course I am,” he replied as he tried to unlock the back door of his car. “Fuck!” he cried out as the plastic-covered bags slipped out of his arms.
“Kristopher Neil Allen!”
“Sorry, mama,” he said as he stood surrounded by a pile of wire hangers, plastic and crumpled clothes. “My hands are…I have…I got…shoot. Can I just call you back later?”
“Just wanted to make you don’t forget. No need to call me back. Come by at seven and dress appropriately, okay?”
“Appropriately…what?”
“We’ve got guests coming, dear. Don’t embarrass me.”
Kris rolled his eyes knowing she couldn’t see, “Yes, mama. I’ll see you tonight.”
Tucking his phone into his back pocket, he bent over to pick up his clothes. Instead of trying to unlock the back door, he popped the trunk and dumped them in unceremoniously.
“Kris? Is that you?”
Kris turned at the voice and froze. “Zach?” He closed the trunk slowly with one hand while watching Zach approach. Zachary Johnston, former love of his life, was walking right up to him as if in a dream.
“I thought I might be imagining it, but shit it is you. Are you visiting your folks out here?” Zach’s brilliant white smile glinted in the sunlight, wisps of his long sandy brown hair floating around his face in the breeze.
“Hey. So, no I, uh…actually, I live in LA now,” Kris answered. “What about you? What are you doing here?”
“I got transferred to the LA office two months ago,” Zach replied brightly. “I moved into my new place last weekend. Got sick of corporate housing, you know?” He stopped in front of Kris and smiled. “That’s great you live out here now. I’m sure your parents are happy to have you close by. Are you working for your father now?”
“Oh, uh, no. I actually start my new job next month. Getting things ready, you know?”
“Nice! Congrats,” Zach looked around. “Hey, if you’re not too busy, did you want to grab some coffee or something? We should catch up. I think there’s a coffee place, Tanner’s, down the street.”
Kris bit his lip and checked his watch. He still had hours before he needed to head to his parents. “Yeah, sounds good.”
Zach beamed and said in a rush, “Great. I’ll see you in, like, five minutes, cool?”
Nodding, Kris waved him off. This was not a good idea, but then, it was Zach, who he thought he’d never see again. It was just coffee, right? He started his car and pulled out onto Santa Monica Blvd. As he parked in the underground lot, Kris’s phone buzzed, then lost signal as he tried to check. He climbed up the stairs and pulled his phone out and saw the text from Cale.
Yo! want me 2 drive l8r?
Yeah sure that’d be great Kris texted back.
What time you think? came the immediate response.
Kris mulled over the time in his head and typed out, 6:30 should work, mama said the party starts at 7
Whatcha up 2 now? Want to catch the game at Qs?
Kris paused, not sure if he should tell Cale, but he’d find out eventually, and seeing that Los Angeles, despite having a population of more than nine million people, was small at the most inopportune times, it would be his luck that Cale would randomly run into Zach.
Uh funny thing. Ran into Z, having coffee w/him
WHAT?!?!?! FUCK NO. NO! NO! SINCE WHEN IS Z IN TOWN???
It’s fine. Talk later.
Slipping his phone into his pocket, he walked around the corner and saw Zach on his phone in front of the café door. Seeing Kris, Zach put his phone away and smiled. “There’s a table inside by the window,” he said opening the door. “Black, three sugars, right?”
Kris nodded, “Yeah, here,” and grabbed his wallet.
“Aw, come on. I haven’t seen you in forever, my treat,” Zach laughed and pushed him towards the table.
Kris placed his keys, wallet and phone on the table as he sat down and watched Zach order their coffee and a couple of cookies. His phone buzzed, but Kris ignored it, knowing it was Cale. Curiosity won out after a few seconds, so Kris took a peek as he waited for Zach to return to the table.
Three texts in a row: srsly dude, what r u doing? followed by y is he in town? How’d he find u? and then ditch him and let’s watch the game
“Everything okay?”
Kris clicked off his phone, “Yeah, good.” He paused as Zach settled himself in the seat across from him. “So, you got transferred to LA, huh?”
**
OMG.Yahoo.com
Adam Lambert Shopping for New Duds
Hottie actor Adam Lambert was seen shopping and lunching on and around Melrose Ave. yesterday afternoon, and looking delicious as always. The single Lambert has yet to be seen with a new boy-toy on his arm, and we’re wondering if he’ll be hitting the clubs again since he’s just finished his new film. We’ll be on the lookout!
UsWeekly.com
Adam Lambert Just Like Us!
Actor Adam Lambert enjoyed the sunny weekend with a bit of shopping along Melrose Ave. New duds for a new stud?
**
“Hello?”
“Adam, darling,” Nury cooed over the phone. “I’m in need of your help later. I know it’s totally last minute and that you probably have a ton of things and other places you would rather be, but there’s a little dinner tonight and Hugh was supposed to be here, but something about a flight attendant strike or weather or something is keeping him in Europe, and I really don’t feel like going to it by myself…”
“What time, Nury?” he interrupted.
“Cocktails start at seven.”
“I’ll pick you up at seven then.”
“I know it’s a total inconvenience, and I totally don’t want to do this…” Nury paused. “Wait, did you just say you’d pick me up?”
“Yes,” Adam laughed. “I have a feeling we’re going to the same place this evening, so it’s not a problem to swing by and get you.”
“Oh. Oh! Darling, you are just too fabulous for words!” she squealed. “You are going to the Allen’s little dinner, right? Just to clarify.”
“That is the plan,” Adam chuckled.
“It just sounds so quaint yet delicious, doesn’t it?”
“Not sure how I feel about it just yet, Nury.”
“Well, if that cute piece of ass is there, just to see you two avoid each other and be all awkward will be worth it.”
Adam sighed, “Really Nury?”
“A girl’s got to be entertained somehow, and this little game you’re playing with him is perfect.”
“If you say so.”
“Oh, I do,” Nury giggled.
**
“It’s going to be like this all night, is it?” Kris asked. “Because giving me the silent treatment like a pissed off girlfriend isn’t like you.”
Cale just side-eyed him, then flicked on the turn signal. He stopped at the light and sighed.
“Fine. What happened? What’s he doing in town? How’d he find you? Are you okay?”
Kris smiled, “That’s better. I knew you were dying to ask questions.”
“Fuck off, asswipe. After all the shit he put you through, he wants to sit with you and have coffee like it’s no big deal.”
“He asked!”
Cale rolled his eyes, “Speaking of acting like a girl…‘he asked’ he squeals.” He turned to Kris, “Are you going to prom together now? Is he going to say hi to you in front of all the cool kids when you go back to school on Monday? Is there going to be a note in your locker to meet him by the bleachers?”
“Shut up. It wasn’t like that.”
“Oh no, of course not, not Mr. Perfect Crest White Strips smile with the soft golden hair,” Cale sneered. “He just broke your heart and to escape your heartache, you nearly get yourself killed by running and working your ass off all over the continent of Africa because you couldn’t get far enough away from him. You have the scars, figuratively and literally, to prove it. Then he shows up out of nowhere and you go and get coffee with him and everything is good with the world again. Birds are singing, the skies are blue, world peace is imminent and everything is honky dory.”
Cale turned the car into the entryway of Bel-Air Estates and gave his name and ID to the guard. Kris crossed his arms as he waited for them to be cleared into the gated community.
“It was a surprise, yes,” Kris started as soon as they headed up road. “But, it was a chance to catch up and…”
“You mean he caught you up on his life,” Cale interrupted. “Did he even ask if you’re doing okay? What you’re doing with your life? Did he apologize for fucking you up and over sideways?”
Kris didn’t wait for the car to come to a complete stop in the driveway as Cale pulled up, but just opened the door and jumped out.
“Kris, wait!”
He bolted up the driveway and around to the back of the house. He needed air and space and to get the fuck away from Cale.
“When did you move to LA? Is Daniel still in Dallas?” Zach asked between sips.
“I moved here six month ago? Maybe seven. And, Daniel actually moved to Little Rock; he got a coaching job at one of the premiere magnet high schools there.”
“Oh, good for him.”
Kris nodded, “Yeah, he’s happy.”
“And, you? Are you happy? What have you been doing?”
Kris played with the cup sleeve, picking at the glued ends, “I actually, believe it or not, worked as a PA on a film. Realized it’s not what I wanted to do, so back to my roots, I guess.”
Zach nodded, “You living with your parents? I imagine they have an amazing house out here.”
“I did when I first moved here, but I was barely home because of the movie, being on location and all that. Just moved into my own place, actually, so I’m trying to get everything together and get settled in before I start the new job. What about you?”
“Well, I asked for the transfer because my boyfriend got traded, and the long distance thing…” Zach didn’t look at Kris, instead rolling a napkin between his fingers. “You know…” Zach looked up and his mouth lifted briefly in a semblance of a smile, “Well, he’s playing for a team out here, and it’s been tough. I love the job and the city though.”
Kris ignored the jab of sharpness in his gut and smiled, “Yeah, LA seems to be one of those cities you love or hate or love to hate or hate to love.” Zach laughed and Kris continued, “So, you moved to LA to follow your boyfriend out here?”
“I mean,” Zach hedged. “He didn’t ask me to, but the trade happened so suddenly, and because of the whole pro sports thing and well…” he stopped and lifted a shoulder up, “Just seemed like the right thing to do, you know?”
“If you love him…” Kris replied softly.
“I do. It’s a little hard…” Zach snorted. “Sorry. Didn’t mean to start talking about this. We’re…this…you and me…is this weird?”
Kris shook his head, “No. Well, yes, of course it’s weird, but,” he lifted a shoulder, “don’t worry about it. I’m sure it will get un-weird at some point.”
“You always were so easy to talk to.” Zach perked up, “So what about you? Seeing anyone? There are a ton of gorgeous guys here, lifeguards, waiters, singers, actors and I’m sure with your dad’s connections and all those Hollywood parties, you’re ridiculously busy every night, am I right?”
At the word “actors,” Kris felt the faint memory of Adam’s lips on his wrist and tugged on his shirt sleeve. He choked out a laugh, “Um, yeah. Nothing like that.”
“Well, if you’re in need of a friendly face to be your plus one or something, let me know,” Zach winked.
“You’re still into that kind of thing?”
“Well, I remember how fun it was in Dallas with all the parties your parents had and all those events we went to. I’m sure their parties here are on a whole other level, and wow, just imagine all the celebs that would be just hanging around.”
“I suppose,” Kris mumbled.
“Kris! Christ on a crapper, dude,” Cale exclaimed. He held out a beer, which Kris took. He was sitting on a bench hidden behind the pool cabanas, overlooking his mom’s prized flower garden. “I searched the whole damn house like a fool looking for you. The wait and catering staff probably are alerting security to watch for the crazy man right now.”
Kris took a drink of his beer and continued to stare at the flowers.
“Listen, I’m sorry, man,” Cale said sitting next to him. “I didn’t mean to go off on you like that.”
“It’s okay,” Kris exhaled. “It’s…don’t worry about it.”
“I just…he,” Cale stopped. “You know I’ve never liked him, and lord knows I tried, but then for you to send me that text out of the blue like that, the way he…well, and you…”
“Stop, Cale. Just stop, okay?” Kris took a pull from his beer and leaned over, elbows resting on his knees. “I’m okay.” He took a deep breath and blew it out slowly. “Funny, I’m actually better than I thought I’d be.”
“Is it okay for me to ask if he’s still a self-absorbed asshole?”
Kris hung his head and laughed, “He’s still a self-absorbed asshole.” He got up and held a hand out to Cale, “I think he’ll do just fine in Hollywood. Zach missed his calling, you know?”
Cale let Kris pull him up and let the momentum swing them into a hug. Patting Kris on the back, Cale announced “Speaking of self-absorbed, your mom let it slip that Adam is supposed to be making an appearance.”
Groaning, Kris banged his head against Cale’s shoulder, “Great.”
Cale pulled out of the hug and patted Kris’s head, “It’ll be fun.”
They headed towards the house, when Cale asked, “So, what’s the deal with you and Lambert anyway?”
Kris’s heart stopped and he tripped over a sprinkler head. “Nothing’s going on. Why would you think that? Why do you keep asking that?”
“Nothing,” Cale mused. “Just wondering.” As they approached the French doors of the living room, Cale saw Adam not paying attention to the people talking to him, instead looking around. “Glad I drove,” he mumbled under his breath.
**
Adam nodded absently as a small group descended on him and Nury upon entering the Allen home. The rooms were lit brightly, comfortable furniture dotting the various rooms and lots of laughter filling the air.
Neil and Kim Allen had welcomed them with giant smiles and hugs. As he was ushered into the living room, he tried to look around for the one person he really wanted a hug and smile from, but didn’t get. Nury pecked his cheek and left with her arm hooked in Kim’s to another room. He tried to keep up with the conversation while discretely checking faces, and worked hard to keep the disappointment from his face.
“…I don’t know, Anoop said he’d try to come by tonight, but I’m not counting on it,” Neil was saying. “I’m sure he doesn’t even realize what time it is. He’s been in the editing room for days now from what I understand.”
“I can’t believe he thinks he might be done in a couple of weeks,” Jeremy replied in return. “I need to get the marketing department to push up the start date for the campaign.” He turned to Adam, “I know we don’t have the budget for a huge press junket or promotional push, but anything you could give us to help get word out for this would be amazing.”
Adam smiled, happy that he paid attention to the last bit, “Of course. And, I prefer something small anyway. The film is so intimate, I think a large marketing push would just offset the story it’s trying to tell.”
Jeremy and Neil nodded at each other, an unspoken conversation between them. He smiled and blinked, “Like I said, more than happy to do all the interviews needed. Let my manager and publicist know once you have the schedule from Anoop, and we’ll coordinate.”
Neil placed a hand on his shoulder, “Let’s stop talking about the movie now. It’ll get done when it gets done. I heard from your agent that you might try your hand at an album?”
“Oh my god,” Adam laughed. “I mentioned something in passing during lunch last week that I wanted to record a demo that got passed my way, and now he’s telling people I’m doing an album?” He shakes his head, “He is…wow, I don’t even know.”
“Well, I said I’d stop talking about the film, but if the song works and you like it, let Jeremy or me know. We were planning on doing a soundtrack, have feelers out for some songs and the licensing team is on it, so if your song works and fits in, we can add it or maybe have you record something else.”
“For real? I mean, seriously? You don’t even know if I can sing or not.”
Neil lifted a brow, “You mean you don’t know that your agent and your manager have been showing everyone in town YouTube clips where you sang a set in Granger’s Lounge?”
Adam sputtered, turning red, “They’re what?”
“I think you need something stronger than that Diet Coke,” Neil chuckled. He led Adam to the bar, “Come on.” Adam nodded to Neil’s order of two vodka sodas, and asked for extra limes for his drink. “Don’t get upset at them. They’re just doing their jobs. Plus, you’re good.”
“Uh, thanks?”
“Oh,” Neil said quietly. “My son is here, so you can stop trying to look around for him, yet pretending you’re not.”
“Am I that obvious?” Adam sighed.
“Just to me, but that’s only because I know what to look for,” Neil assured him with a wink. “He and Cale…Kris seems to be in a foul mood for some reason, and I think there was an argument of some sort between them. They’ll both be back in here in a bit, I’m sure.”
“Are, uh, he and Cale…is Cale…”
“Cale is Kris’s best friend from elementary school, the boys are like brothers,” Neil said taking a sip. “Kris is single,” he winked. “I should go and mingle with my guests. Can’t make it seem like I’m hogging you up all night and locking you into a three-picture contract or something. I’m sure my competitors slash friends are pissed off at me as it is with you here.”
“Neil,” Adam started. Neil turned back. “Thank you.”
Neil lifted his drink in a small salute and smiled, “Dinner will probably start in about half an hour.”
**
He and Cale had stayed outside until they knew dinner was ready to be served. As Cale chatted about nothing on their walk back to the house, Kris’s eyes darted to the windows trying to catch a glimpse of Adam. From what he could see in the brief seconds before they reached the door, Adam was dressed down, black t-shirt and jeans. His hand started shaking so hard, the beer bottle threatened to drop, and Cale finally pressed his hand over his elbow and glared. He took the beer bottle away, and Kris ignored the unspoken questions in his eyes.
Kris wasn’t sure how he got through dinner, couldn’t tell anyone what he ate, what it tasted like. Just that he was seated next to Adam, whose presence on his left jarred him, making him stumble and mumble through the two hour meal. He was going to kill his parents. There was no reason for Adam to be sitting beside him at the dinner table.
He was always conscious when Adam’s arm stretched out on the back of his chair for a few minutes, of his leg brushing up against his under the table as he replied to questions or made a comment to those around him. During the smattering of conversation, Kris tried, really tried, to include everyone with his inquiries and answered coherently for the most part when he was expected to reply back.
While coffee and dessert wine was being served, Neil stood up and clinked on his glass. “Everyone,” he said taking command of the large room. “Kim and I would like to thank you all for joining us tonight. And, I know we’ve been a little remiss in not having these little shindigs regularly, but that will change.” He smiled fondly at everyone in the room. “Jeremy and I didn’t want to come into Hollywood guns-a-blazing. We knew we’d have to earn your respect by working hard and being fair, so we appreciate your camaraderie and friendship the last few years.” Neil paused to take a drink of his wine with everyone.
He continued, “I also wanted to take the time to congratulate my son Kristopher on his new job as the director at The Point Foundation.” Neil held his glass up again and toasted, “Good job, kiddo, I know you’re going to kick some ass.”
This was not something Kris was expecting his father to announce, at least not publicly like this. It wasn’t a big deal, and no one in the room would give a shit. He could feel himself turning bright red as all the guests turned to him and offered their cheers and best wishes.
Adam leaned over to whisper, “Congratulations.”
Kris shivered at not the words, but the close contact of Adam’s breath and lips. Shakily, he smiled and took a sip of water, “Thanks. It’s not really a big deal…” He stopped and held back his choke when he felt Adam’s warm hand on his knee.
“I think it’s awesome. You’ll be great.”
He took another sip of water for his suddenly dry throat, “Uh, yeah, I hope so.”
“So, tell me about Cale,” Adam asked brightly, turning in his seat to better face Kris.
“Cale?” Kris looked across the table at his friend who was talking to a screenwriter and his actress wife. “He’s a good guy, my best friend. He’s straight, though.”
Adam laughed, leaned in and patted Kris’s hand, “Despite what the tabloids say, my gaydar isn’t broken. I don’t go around trying to convert straights. Plus, not really interested in him like thatat the moment.”
Kris’s breath hitched as Adam’s fingers traced an invisible pattern over his wrist, smooth fingertips sliding over, then under, his skin where his sleeve was pushed up. The peripheral sounds around them dissipated as Kris stared at the motion of Adam’s fingertips, tiny bumps being left in their trail. His mind provided him visuals of Adam’s lips and teeth over his arm, traveling up his body…
Shifting in his seat, he gripped the glass of water, “Uh, so yeah Cale. I’ve known him forever, since we tried out for the baseball team together in fifth grade. He moved out here two years ago, my parents helped him out a bit since I wasn’t around…”
“You were in Africa, right?” Adam asked, moving his hand away.
Kris nodded, but wanted Adam’s hand back where it was, where it should be. “Yeah,” he looked up at Adam through his eyelashes, “You remembered?”
“I remember a lot of things.”
Someone cleared their throat, and Kris turned to see his mom holding in a smile. “I hate to interrupt boys, but we need to clear this room out so they can clean up.” She approached them and placed her hands on their shoulders. “Kris, why don’t you show Adam around? I didn’t get around to it earlier, plus, they’ve started talking about box office numbers and financing, and I’m sure Adam doesn’t want to listen to all that when he should be having a nice evening.”
“Uh…”
“Yes, Kris. Why don’t you show me around?” Adam said, the corners of his mouth lifting up into a bright smile.
**
Here we head over to Part 5... ...right here...