Love Most Inconvenient Page 3

  “Oh that.” John laughed, waving his hand.

  “Yes, that. I thought you’d be ass-up for a famous movie star by now?” Manuel muttered.

  John clicked his tongue. “Very charming, Manuel.”

  “Thank you.”

  “I’d like to clean up and change my clothes first.”

  “Oh, I see. You know the other day when I said I didn’t know Martin what’s his name?” Manuel commented just as John was about to go inside.

  “Yeah.”

  “Well, I do.”

  “Of course you do. He’s famous. You saw him on television today, right?”

  “No. I just found out that I almost slugged him in a bar a few nights ago.”

  “What?” John blasted.

  “He tried to make a pass at me. I was drunk and when I went to hit him, I missed.”

  “Gee, thanks for sharing.” John made a face. “Don’t you know it’s not nice to hit people?”

  “This coming from a guy who hit me in the head with a bat,” Manuel mocked.

  “Well, that’s different,” John protested. “I thought you were…”

  “A rapist,” Manuel replied dryly. “I remember your little fantasy.”

  “Not a fantasy. Anyway, it couldn’t have been him.”

  “Why not … ’cause he’s a famous hotshot actor?”

  “You’re not his taste at all.”

  “Of course I didn’t have my snazzy Mart jeans on. That might have made a difference.”

  John shook his head. “Martin wouldn’t even look at a guy in those jeans.”

  “What a snob, you too, by the way, and I didn’t have them on, so … there you go.”

  “What were you wearing?”

  “What I had on the night you attacked me.”

  “I did not attack you, and Martin definitely wouldn’t of … you were dressed like a street person.”

  Manuel laughed.

  “What were you doing in a bar anyway?”

  “Drinking.”

  “You were drunk.”

  “Very. I was having a bad day. I wasn’t myself. That actor jerk just added to it, that’s all.”

  “Um.”

  “Oh, by the way,” Manuel said. “I spoke to Mrs. Levine today.”

  “Mrs. who?”

  “The landlady.”

  “Oh, and?”

  “I told her about Sam and the little ride he tried to take us for. She wasn’t happy. She told me when he comes back, she plans to evict him. She’s willing to turn the lease over to me.”

  “Good. I’ll probably be gone by then. But if I’m not … ah…”

  “You can stay, as long as you pay your share,” Manuel told him. “I’m gone a lot.”

  “Gee thanks, most benevolent master.” John gave him a little bow, then laughed. “Well, I have to shower and change. Have fun playing handyman.” Then he paused. “Hey, why didn’t you sleep in the bed last night?”

  “What?”

  “You stayed on the sofa. How come?”

  He shrugged. “Fell asleep, that’s all.”

  John nodded, then went to take his shower.

  The phone rang a few hours after John left. Manuel was watching the hockey game. It was Ziggy, his best friend. “Hey there, how you doing?”

  “Okay. What about you?”

  “Fine. Just wanted you to know that Jeff called. He wants me to ask you if he can call you.”

  “No. Tell him I have nothing to say to him.”

  There was silence. Then Ziggy said, “He’s hurting pretty bad.”

  There was no reply.

  “Manny. Why are you being so stubborn about this? Talk to the guy.”

  “I … I can’t right now,” he told him. “Tell him I’ll call him when I’m ready and we’ll talk.”

  “Okay. So how is that weird roommate of yours?”

  Ziggy couldn’t stop laughing when Manuel had told him about the baseball bat and how the cops had busted down the front door wanting to arrest him for rape.

  “So, is he cute?”

  “Who?”

  “This John guy who hates your clothes?”

  “Cute? I don’t know … I guess so.”

  “You guess so?”

  “He’s an actor, Ziggy, which means I’d rather have my penis chopped off than get into bed with him.”

  “Okay.” Ziggy laughed. “So what’s he look like?”

  “Ah … he’s got curly black hair … nice eyes. He’s around five-ten … and slim … nice tone.”

  “Ah, you did notice?” Ziggy pointed out.

  “How can I not notice?” Manuel muttered. “But he’s goofy and definitely not interested in me. He went off tonight to screw Martin whatever his name is … that actor.”

  “The French hunk?” Ziggy laughed again. “The one I told you that you nearly plugged in the bar the night … you know, the night you found Jeff with that guy?”

  “That’s him.”

  “Does John know you almost hit that guy in a bar?”

  “I told him. He said it must have been someone else. He doesn’t think the high and mighty Martin Lavallee would give me a second look. I don’t wear the right jeans.”

  Ziggy chuckled. “He should have been there. It was that actor all right, and he was coming on to you hot and heavy. You know, I bet he likes you.”

  “Who, Martin Lavallee?”

  “No, John, stupid. You told me you paraded naked in front of him.”

  “I did not parade naked in front of him. I had a towel on,” Manuel countered.

  “You might as well have been naked. I know you have a great body and I’m straight, so imagine. You probably traumatized the guy for life.”

  “I doubt it,” Manuel remarked. “Anyway it’s not like that. We’re making the best of a bad situation.”

  “Doesn’t sound like it. You’re sleeping alone. Maybe that John guy is beating off down the hallway just thinking about you in that towel.”

  “I doubt it.”

  “What are you going to do about Sam? You could get him brought up on charges for fraud, sticking it to you guys with the rent and everything.”

  “I just want to stay in my apartment and teach him a lesson. I suspect he couldn’t get a job and got desperate. Actors!”

  “Well, I say if that John guy is cute, why spend your nights in separate rooms?”

  “Because I’m not getting involved with any more actors, and I’m not his type. He drives me nuts. He hates my clothes. And he’s … an actor.”

  Ziggy laughed.

  “And stop laughing. I got to go,” Manuel said.

  “You are coming to the baseball game with me on Saturday?”

  “Of course. I wouldn’t miss that game for anything. Check you later,” Manuel said, and hung up.

  Later, he started thinking about Jeff, the places they used to eat, the walks they had together, the fights, the making up. He missed him. He wished he could find it in his heart to forgive the guy, but deep down he didn’t think he could. Two years down the drain for one mistake. The funny thing was, he didn’t really blame Jeff. He had been gone too damn much of the time. Jeff just got lonely. It would take a pretty special guy to be with him. Maybe he was better off alone.

  * * * *

  John was tired the next day on the set. He spent six hours in makeup waiting to say one line. And last night with Martin had been a huge letdown. All the guy did was talk about how great he was, then stare at himself naked in the mirrors he had over his bed. John felt as if he were making love to himself most of the time.

  He went to pour some coffee, not paying any attention to the two production assistants nearby, until he heard the names Jeff and Manuel. John looked over at them sharply, interrupting. “I’m sorry, did you say Manuel … you’re not talking about Manuel Sanchez, are you?”

  “Yeah,” the blond one said. “You know Manuel?”

  “In fact … I … yes.” John nodded.

  The other guy shook his head. “Man
uel caught Jeff banging another guy when he came back home unexpectedly. Do you know Jeff?”

  “His boyfriend,” John muttered.

  “He’s my former roommate. Poor guy,” he replied. “Manuel is being so stubborn. He won’t take his calls at all.”

  John was riveted to the spot.

  “Well, if he’s finished with Jeff”—the second guy winked—“I’d try him on for size. He’s a gorgeous hunk, all those muscles and those eyes. Yum.”

  The blond guy nodded. “Not only gorgeous, Jeff says he’s incredible in bed. I think that’s what he’s going to miss the most.”

  “He’s good in bed?” John echoed, feeling suddenly like a voyeur.

  “Yep,” the blond said, “Jeff says he’s the best he’s ever had. And believe it, Jeff has been around. He said that guy knows his way around a blow job. And he’s got a cock to satisfy big time.”

  John swallowed. “Ah, I got to go,” he said and left the room.

  Chapter Four

  Around eight o’clock that night, John walked into the apartment and called out comically, “I’m home, darling. Miss me?”

  Manuel came out of the kitchen wearing a pair of black leather pants and an open-neck pale blue shirt. His hair fell loose over his shoulders and he actually smiled at him when he walked in. He had that wicked shadow going on too.

  For a minute, John couldn’t speak. Oh my God. He couldn’t help hearing those comments in his head, the ones about his prowess in bed. He looked scrumptious.

  “Yes, darling, I missed you like crazy,” he mocked, meeting his gaze. He grinned.

  “You look nice, I mean, you look incredible. What’s the occasion? You’re not going to try to seduce me after all, are you?”

  Manuel tilted his head, then shook it firmly. “No. I went out today and bought myself something I could wear to a club. You approve?”

  “Beats the Mart. Are we going to a club, lover? I thought we were just going to stay home and cuddle tonight?” John gave him a pretend look of disappointment.

  “I’m going out,” he replied casually.

  “Really?”

  “Yes. I’m tired of staying at home and feeling sorry for myself.”

  “Is this a one-man party or…?” John looked around self-consciously.

  Manuel considered that for a moment. “I was going alone but if you want to come with me, feel free.”

  “Where are we going, dressed like that?” John gave him an appreciative look.

  “I was going to this club called Whispers. Do you know it?”

  “Yes. It’s a classy place. A gay bar for classy guys,” John replied. “I’d like to go.”

  “Okay, but on one condition!”

  “What’s that?” John asked him coyly.

  “You don’t read anything into it. It’s not a date.”

  “No problem,” John told him, “but I would like at least one dance.”

  “Why?” Manuel narrowed his eyes.

  “Because if I walk in there with a guy that looks as good as you do, I’ll have to dance with you once to secure my reputation.”

  Manuel smiled. “More rules I don’t know.”

  It was such a sweet smile. It caused John to pause and look at him as if he was seeing him for the first time.

  Then after a few seconds, Manuel nodded. “It’s a deal.”

  “I haven’t eaten anything. I’d like to take a shower first and change. Give me a half hour?”

  “Sure,” he shrugged. “The night is young.”

  An hour later, they were in the parking lot at Whispers. John wanted to tell Manuel what he’d overheard at work today but he didn’t. He could only imagine how hurt he must have been, coming home to find his lover with another guy. “You keep your feelings deep inside you, don’t you?” John asked him as they began to walk toward the front door of the club.

  “What?” Manuel said, looking at him.

  “You don’t show your feelings.”

  “About?”

  “When you’re hurt.” John shrugged his shoulders. He was wearing a red silk shirt with black dress pants. He should have brought a jacket. He was feeling cold.

  “Where is this coming from now?” Manuel narrowed his eyes.

  “I know what happened with that Jeff guy.”

  Manuel sighed. “Jeff again?”

  “You have a right to feel pain. Is that why you’re sleeping on the couch?”

  “Okay, that’s it!” Manuel threw up his hands. He turned around.

  “Where are you going?”

  “Home.”

  “Why?” John insisted, running to catch up. He put his hand on his forearm.

  Manuel pulled away. “I don’t want to talk about Jeff.”

  “I know why you broke up with him. You found him with another man.”

  “How in the hell would you know that?” Manuel demanded.

  “I … well … I heard it at the studio. Two guys that work off-screen were discussing it. They know Jeff, I guess. One was his ex-roommate.”

  “Just great, my entire sex life is gossip on a movie set.”

  “Not your entire sex life.” John smirked. Then he sobered. “Manuel, you must be hurting. Did you love the guy?”

  He turned away for a minute.

  “I want to help.”

  “You know how you can help?” Manuel turned back around.

  “How?”

  “By not talking about fucking Jeff. I just want to have a good time tonight and forget.”

  John nodded. “But I want you to know that if you want to talk about it…”

  Manuel placed a hand on his shoulder. “Fine. Okay. Let’s get this over with. What do you want to know?”

  “Why did he do that?”

  “Fuck another guy? I guess because when he wanted me, I wasn’t there.”

  “That’s no excuse. Did he love you?”

  “He said he did. He was pressuring me to move in with him. I put him off. Finally when I decided to give him what he wanted, I found him…” He swallowed. “It doesn’t matter.”

  “It does matter. If you still love him, maybe you can work it out.”

  “I don’t want to work it out,” he said, shaking his head. “I feel…”

  “What? Tell me. It’s okay.”

  “I feel betrayed. I don’t think I can get past that betrayal. Now, can we stop this touchy-feely crap and go inside now?”

  “Sure, just one more thing.”

  “What now?” he groaned. “I’ve poured out my heart to you. What else do you want?”

  John smiled at him. “It’s just that I know Jeff is really sorry, and that he still loves you.”

  Manuel met his gaze. “According to the gossip on your movie set?”

  John nodded. “Yes.”

  They walked again toward the front door. “So how was your date with Mr. Wonderful?”

  “Not wonderful. Very disappointing, if you must know, but it’s off the record, okay?”

  “Okay.”

  “The guy needs a map, with step by step instructions, and even if he had one, I swear he’d still get lost.”

  Manuel paused for a second, then threw back his head and laughed. “So I guess I didn’t miss anything.”

  “You did yourself a favor, believe me.” John rolled his eyes. “He’s a great actor, though. I don’t regret it.”

  “Well, that’s the thing.” Manuel paid the admission and they walked in. “Don’t do anything you’re going to regret later.”

  “Ha! As if any one of us guys could follow that rule.”

  “Tell me about it.”

  They got a table. The music was playing loud; the place was packed. They ordered drinks. “We are being checked out by many eyes,” John told Manuel.

  Manuel made a face. “Umm … wouldn’t give most of them a second glance.”

  John looked at Manuel for a moment. “The only one in here worth more than a second glance is you.”

  Manuel’s eyes widened a little, but
he didn’t say anything.

  They began to play a slow song, something about loving you at first sight. John grabbed his arm suddenly. “Hey,” he yelled, jumping up from his seat, “I love this song. Let’s go. We need to dance to this one.”

  Manuel groaned as John pulled him to his feet.

  “Come on, you promised. The first dance was mine. It’s slow, it’s romantic. Come on. We’ll show ourselves off. The men will come swarming.”

  Manuel rolled his eyes as John took his hand and led him out to the dance floor. They went into each others arms, not too close, just close enough to be dancing together.

  John put his hands on Manuel’s back and moved them down to his waist. He had an incredible body, hard and well-toned with just the right amount of muscle.

  They moved together. Then John moved closer and placed his head on Manuel’s shoulder. One hand trailed down over his hip and Manuel reached around and pulled it back up.

  John raised his head, then laughed. Their eyes met.

  “Be good,” Manuel told him.

  “I was just exploring.” John grinned.

  “Never mind. You’re not Marco Polo, and my body is not the New World.”

  John laughed. “Are you modest?”

  “No. But I have a new rule. I’m never getting involved with an actor again.”

  “I was trying to feel your ass, Manuel, not ask you to marry me,” John teased. “Anyway, if you’re swearing off actors, where are you going to find any good-looking men?”

  Manuel rolled his eyes. “Come on, John, don’t be so modest. There are always firemen.”

  “Or cops?”

  Manuel laughed. “You wouldn’t say that if you could see most of them.”

  John sobered. “Not all actors are jerks. There are other jerks in the world that aren’t actors.”

  “Yeah, yeah. Now shut up and dance,” Manuel told him.

  John put his head back down on his shoulder, tightening his hold on his waist. God, Manuel’s arms around him felt so good, too good. He was prepared to stay there all night when the song ended. “Thanks,” John said, standing back and looking up at him.

  “For what?”

  “For confiding in me outside. For the dance. If I’m a good boy, do I get another at the end of the night?”

  “Maybe. And it depends on what you mean by good boy.”