Designs of Desire Read online

  “I… I… I…,” James stammered. He scrambled back into the elevator and almost fell when his left crutch slipped on the metal edging. He punched the close door button repeatedly while fighting the panic attack threatening to destroy his job and sanity. “No, no, no. Not happening,” he mumbled.

  He hadn’t waited for Seth to react, nor had he explained anything; he’d just bolted. James headed toward the exit as soon as the elevator doors opened—forget the damn presentation. He scrambled for the steps, desperate to reach the car before he completely lost it.

  Life was never that easy.

  Seth appeared out of nowhere, sprinting after him in his expensive Armani suit and custom leather shoes. “James! Stop!” he commanded.

  Fighting the panic, James tried to get a hold of himself. Stop? Is he nuts? “I can’t be here. I—I’ll come back later.” With protection!

  A powerful hand grasped his right arm. Startled, he stopped. Staring at the hand that bound him to his worst nightmare, he begged, “Please, let me go.”

  Try as he might, he couldn’t stop the panic and fear as it suffocated him.

  Chapter 2

  “JAMES,” Seth said, placing his other hand on James’s lower back. Exerting gentle pressure, he steered James away from the front doors, toward the office. He was desperate to leave, but couldn’t bring himself to pull away from the warmth and strength of Seth’s hands.

  “Take a deep breath.” Seth’s soft command offered shelter. He found himself doing just that as Seth guided him into a chair. Seth took his crutches from him and leaned them against the desk.

  James struggled to calm down and not do anything else to embarrass himself. His gaze flicked repeatedly to the door, as he was afraid Victor might follow like Seth had. In his mind he knew he was safe, but he’d be damned if the rest of him wanted to listen.

  Seth placed a cold bottle of water in James’s hand, giving him something to clutch other than his own fingers. “Drink, slowly,” he instructed.

  Without thinking, he followed Seth’s directions, grateful for the sanctuary and care. He wasn’t sure why, but Seth’s take-control way of handling him soothed his frayed psyche in a way he hadn’t expected—and wasn’t sure he wanted to like.

  Seth didn’t say anything for a long time. He just continued to keep physical contact with James, his hand on his shoulder. He didn’t exert pressure or move in any way but left it there for comfort and support.

  “Feel better?” Seth asked once James’s breathing had returned to almost normal.

  With a nod, James replied, “Yes. Sorry about that. Um, is he—why is he here?” James knew it was probably a stupid question, but he didn’t care. Moving away from that warm, strong hand would hurt too, though.

  “Vic? I don’t know what your problem is with each other, but he’s the assistant foreman for the construction crew working here. He’s an ass, but I’ve never seen him look like that, nor have I seen anyone react to him as you did.” He waited but didn’t ask why James had panicked, although James was sure he was dying to.

  “I need to get my things and leave, Mr. Burns. If this is his workplace then it’s me that needs to go. I will be happy to meet you at your office or mine, if you’d rather. I apologize for my behavior and hope you won’t hold it against me or Skye Designs,” James said. He sat up straight and tried to regain at least a little of his lost dignity.

  “I will agree, for now, with moving this to my office. Are you up for an afternoon meeting and presentation?” Seth inquired.

  “Yes, sir,” James said, sounding a bit more calm and like his usual self.

  “I expect to see you at three o’clock sharp.” They spoke for a few more minutes, until he was able to convince Seth it was safe to allow him to drive. Seth returned his crutches and walked him to his car, then insisted he would have one of his people transfer the presentation materials to his office for their meeting. Seth only stepped away from James as James settled into his car.

  After a quick call to Chase to let him know he’d be out of the office the rest of the day, James went home, lay down on the couch, curled his knees up to his chest, and tried to get through the rest of his panic and pain. He hadn’t seen Victor since the cops removed him from James’s old apartment, two years ago, having gone so far as to change many of the places he frequented in the hopes of never seeing the man again. And now? Now he may have lost the best account he’d ever had because of that damn man.

  WATCHING James panic and run had been painful for Seth. The handsome man had captivated him from the moment their eyes met. His piercing blue orbs and serious demeanor were what he saw first, but once they got to talking, James’s enthusiasm and eccentric way of moving his hands while talking—almost like he was sketching his thoughts in the air—made Seth ache to know more about the man, not just his job. But, he couldn’t shake the image of James as he trembled on the edge of a full-blown panic attack. What the hell happened to him?

  “Mel,” Seth said after tapping his Bluetooth.

  “Yes,” he confirmed when the digital voice asked for verification, and moments later he heard his best friend and lawyer on the other end of the line.

  “Hey, Seth. What’s up?” Mel asked.

  “I need you to do me a favor, and I need it fast,” Seth said, ignoring basic formalities. This is Mel, he’ll understand.

  “Well, hi to you too. I take it something happened with your new project?”

  “More like to my design specialist. I was there but still don’t have a damn clue what the hell happened.” Seth needed answers and wanted them before his afternoon meeting with James.

  “It’s a good thing I like you so much, because right now, you’re being strange, even for you. What happened? And give me the guy’s name; I’ll see what I can find.”

  Seth gave Mel a quick recap and clicked off once Mel promised to send anything he found straight to his phone. He figured he should get some use out of the smartphone he had, and this was the perfect opportunity.

  WALKING into the corporate offices of Carrington Enterprises, James looked around and tried to get a feel for the people and the company. While he knew of C.E., he’d never been there, and thanks to the morning’s disaster, he was nervous.

  After he spoke with the receptionist, he sat and waited. The young woman gave him an odd look, though he wasn’t sure if it was because of his crutches or something else—since he wasn’t at the office and this was a GLBT project, he’d decided to use the rainbow hued set Chase had bought him for his last birthday. Deciding to ignore her, he pulled out one of his sketchbooks and proceeded to tease out alternative designs for his current project and, well, for anything his muse threw his way.

  The off-white sheet in front of him faded as shapes and ideas filled his vision. The world receded around him as his muse guided his hand, his heart racing with the thrill of a new creation.

  He was deep in his sketching place, that mental realm he always went when inspiration took over, when he became aware someone was watching him. The thought ran through the back of his mind that he should probably find out what the person wanted, but he needed to finish the rough draft first.

  He put his pencil down, and the world came back into proper focus. When it did, he realized the person who watched him was not, in fact, the receptionist, but rather Seth Burns, the man he was here to see. The man he’d lost it in front of and now ignored. Way to win friends and influence, huh.

  “I’m sorry, Mr. Burns,” James said. The heat of a blush raced up his throat.

  Seth gave him an amused smile. “Come on up, James. We can discuss your presentation as well as your artwork there,” he said with a nod toward the pad.

  James put the sketchpad away and got to his feet, slowly working his way toward the elevator Seth indicated. “I’m glad you could make it back today,” Seth continued and pushed the button for the top floor. “I have a few people upstairs that wish to see your presentation as well. I had all your equipment and papers transferre
d to my office, though I didn’t understand the bits I looked at. I am hoping you can make it more people-friendly. I have to say though, Stacy, the woman you saw this morning, is in love with one of the packets.”

  Confused, James wondered which design set she’d looked over. He’d only brought a few of the physical designs, having kept the rest on his laptop for the presentation. “I’ll do my best,” he mumbled. He caught himself fidgeting and tense again, a state he hated but couldn’t do anything about—not with Seth around, anyway.

  Once they reached the executive floor and exited, Seth led him to a solid oak door. As they walked in, without knocking, they were met by a handful of others in expensive suits and long faces. It was obvious they were not amused to have been dragged in for this late Friday meeting. Well, five long faces and an excited one that seemed to be going through his things.

  “Excuse me, ma’am, but until I have a chance to do the presentation, could you please refrain from rearranging and touching things?” He didn’t mean to be snippy, but he hated when people messed with his work before he was ready. Shouldn’t have left the stuff at the site, he thought, but he’d been in no state to collect and transfer everything himself.

  “Stacy, put James’s work down. Now,” Seth said in such an even voice that the steel behind it was almost hidden.

  “Sorry, Seth, but have you seen any of his designs yet?” she asked, her voice high and eyes bright. She returned all of James’s things to the desk.

  “No, I have not. Now, sit and let the man do his job.”

  “Yes, sir,” she replied, almost meekly. Her demeanor was a far cry from what it had been when she’d stormed out of the hotel manager’s office.

  Seth sat with the others, looking expectant but calm.

  After he rearranged and added a few things, James set about showing the designs he had brought. He offered three options for the hotel plus a few unfinished but excellent design sketches for the restaurant. Each incorporated at least one common GLBT theme, but in a tasteful and subdued way that gave off the class and polish they had asked for while still showing off the sexuality theme the project was tailored around.

  They listened and asked questions, but James found Seth’s quiet attention unnerving. It also served to keep him aware of every move, shift, or sound the man made, increasing his interest and nervousness—no man had affected James in years, and he was at a loss as to why now, and why this man. Seth looked over the designs; he seemed to see more than the images in front of him, and waited while the others talked, argued, and finally left.

  Once they were alone again, Seth looked up, calmly placing the last of the papers down, and looked James over in a slow perusal. “How long have you been designing for Skye Designs?” he asked, his tone smooth and level.

  “About five years. I assure you, I am not new to this, if that’s concerning you.”

  Seth made no comment to James’s nervous worry. “And the work you were doing when I came to collect you, may I see it now?”

  As much as James didn’t want to hand over the sketchbook, something about the way Seth asked made it impossible for him to say no. He was careful as he maneuvered over to his pack and drew it open, retrieving his work, rough though it was, and handed it over without meeting Seth’s eyes. He didn’t let others view his work until it was done. While he still drew and painted, no one saw his true art anymore. Not since he’d given it up to get a real job and be a man.

  Seth opened the pad and examined the drawings within. He didn’t stay on just the one sketch, but began turning the pages. James couldn’t tell what Seth thought of the sketches since he kept his face too well controlled.

  After what seemed to James to be an eternity, Seth sat the pad down and looked at him. “Get your things, we’re going to go get something to eat, then we will discuss the designs and this,” he finished and tapped the sketchbook. Without waiting for any response, Seth gathered up the materials, setting them on his desk, then grabbed his coat, phone, and keys.

  James stood staring for a moment, baffled by the man’s actions as much as his words. “Um, sir, there’s no need to feed me. If you need time to think over the design needs or to collaborate with the others, I understand and can return next week.”

  A small smile played at the edges of Seth’s lips, which drew his attention, making him even more aware of Seth’s natural sensuality. He probably doesn’t even realize how breathtaking he really is.

  “James, we both need to eat, so unless you have somewhere you need to be right now, why not eat with me?”

  His calm and matter-of-fact way of putting it made James agree before he had really even thought to respond. “Okay,” he said, but it sounded more like a question to his own ears.

  After they loaded everything into James’s CRV, Seth’s car service picked them up. With only a little pushing, he was able to convince Seth to tell him where they were going, Bacchus—an expensive, five-star restaurant on the waterfront.

  James attempted to protest but was silenced when Seth gave him a quelling look. “I said I’m hungry, you’re accompanying me to dinner, and this is where I wish to eat. When it’s your turn, you may pick the place.”

  It had been ages since he’d gone out to any place like Bacchus, even before Victor, since he hated places like that, making fun of their refinements. Wait, did he just say “your turn”? Both James’s heart and mind seemed to trip at the thought of more alone time with the delicious Mr. Seth Burns.

  “They have exquisite seafood and an extensive wine list. I’m sure you will find something that meets your tastes,” Seth explained as they were seated at a private table near the back—at Seth’s request.

  After ordering his drink, James debated what to order—hiding behind his menu really. When their server reappeared with the drinks, inquiring about their order, Seth arched an eyebrow at James. “Trust me?” he asked. James felt so overwhelmed all he managed was a slight nod, fearing his voice would crack if he spoke. “Good.” Turning back to the server, he spoke again. “Yes, I’ll have the spinach salad followed by the tuna au poivre and the gentleman will have the roasted sweet potato salad with the grilled Scottish salmon.”

  Once they were alone again, James spoke up. “I could have ordered for myself, you know.” He wasn’t damaged like that; he could take care of himself!

  As if reading his thoughts, Seth chuckled. “Relax, I know you can. I simply enjoy caring for my dinner dates. I assure you, your interestingly colored accessories do not impair my opinion of you, or your abilities,” he added. The look Seth gave him went straight to his groin, causing his comfortable slacks to become rather tight.

  “Now, I want to know more about your art,” Seth continued.

  “Okay. Which of the designs are you and your team leaning towards? Once I have that, I will work on the full mock-ups and a wider range of modifications to fit your needs.” James was glad to be back on even footing. Work, design—that was safe. Comfortable.

  “I need a little more time to make that decision. I was actually referring to the rather extraordinary sketches I saw in the book of yours. Where do you show?”

  James’s mind went blank for a moment. Show? He almost choked, thankful for the temporary distraction as their salads arrived. After taking a few bites—wow, that’s good—he responded, though more in response to Seth’s piercing stare rather than anything he’d said. “I—I don’t. Not anymore,” he said, worrying the edge of his cloth napkin.

  “Why not? What I saw, some of those rough sketches, as you call them, could be sold as is, now. For a nice sum I might add. The passion and sensuality in even the more mundane images speak to the soul, not just the eyes. I can’t imagine what a finished work would feel like if those are your roughs,” Seth explained.

  His words stirred something within James’s soul, something he’d thought gone forever. “I had to grow up, get a real job. I enjoy art but….” He trailed off, not sure how to continue. He’d done the responsible thing so he could take
care of his little family, even if his being with Victor had been a huge waste of time—and nearly cost him his life.

  Seth made a humming noise as he seemed to mull over what James had said. James tried to ignore him, returning to his salad.

  He was thankful when Seth moved the discussion to more mundane things once their entrees arrived, allowing him to relax and enjoy his meal. He even found himself enjoying the company, as strange as that seemed. James didn’t date and rarely went out, even with friends, so this was new for him.

  After ordering a fall pear torte to share, Seth looked him over with open interest. Though not leering, Seth made his interest known both with his attention and the gentle touches to the back of James’s hand. “I would like to schedule a private showing of your art.”

  “Mr. Burns.”

  “Seth, please. We’re not at work so no need for such formalities, especially when out with me like this,” he finished with a devilish smile.

  “Seth, I told you, I don’t show anymore,” James countered, wondering about the look of interest in Seth’s eyes, or what he thought was interest. He had trouble believing what he thought he saw.

  “Now, James, I didn’t ask for a public show. I said I would like a private viewing of your work. I assume you have a studio still, and you obviously still have the gift if what I saw was any indication. I’d like to see the finished products.”

  “I, um, I suppose I could let you see a couple of my paintings, but my studio is attached to my home,” he explained, fidgeting again. He hadn’t shown his work in ages, not since using some of it in his portfolio to land the job at Skye Designs.