Tightening his robe Spud flung his door open with a scowl, he'd been in the shower when the first knock came, then the second and third until he'd had no choice but to get out and answer. "What?" Barking out he immediately felt bad when the young man, who had his arm half-raised to knock again winced and took a step back.
"Sorry, Sir, I was told to deliver this to you." Holding back a sigh as a garment bag was thrust out to him and the young man took off Spud could only call out a 'thank you' and retreat inside. The buzz of his cellphone distracted him from his guilt and checking the caller ID he answered with a smile, "hullo Sir."
"Did you get my gift?" Stomach dipping pleasantly at just the sound of Ethan's voice Spud was glad the other man wasn't here to see his sappy smile.
"Well, something just got delivered but I haven't had a chance to look yet. Hold on a second," unzipped the bag Spud froze, staring in awe and the green sequined suit jacket he swallowed dryly, voice rough, "oh Sir, it's gorgeous, but I couldn't possibly accept it. It must have cost you a fortune."
"Rich kid remember," Ethan's voice was teasing and Spud laughed, gently touching the expensive material he choked back the urge to gush.
"Thank you, Sir. I love it," hesitating he bit his lip, "you don't think it's a bit much for one of your Aunt's Christmas parties?"
"I think it's perfect, and I'm looking forward to seeing you wear it," Ethan's voice was husky and Spud flushed, they hadn't even had their first date and yet everything already felt different … more exciting and full of possibilities. Hanging up after a quick good-bye he carried his new suit to his bedroom, setting out each piece he marvelled at the detail, the sequined jacket had a subtle green tint carried throughout the outfit, from the sequined bowtie to the matching stripe going down the pants.
It fit perfectly, as expected and he stood in front of the mirror for long moments admiring the bright gleam. He knew without a shred of doubt that Dixie would hate it and he loved Ethan all the more for choosing it.
By the time Ethan texted him he was on his way his nerves had calmed, whatever happened at the party, whatever Dixie said, Ethan was worth it. Swallowing at the knock on his door, he straightened his bowtie one last time and answered, eyes widening he didn't care he was staring, "you look … amazing Sir."
"Thank you tiger," breathless Ethan smoothed one hand down Spud's lapel, fingers trembling with the force of his longing to forget all about the party and drag the smaller man off to bed. "You look gorgeous, I'm going to be the envy of everyone tonight."
Grabbing his jacket and accepting the arm Ethan held out Spud scoffed, "I think you have that backwards Ethan. No one is going to be looking at me when you're around."
"Well I'll only have eyes for you," sliding into the limo Ethan reached out and snagged Spud's hand, holding on tightly he met the warmth in those blue eyes. "No matter what anyone says tonight I want you to remember I choose you James, over everything I choose you … as I should have chosen you months ago when you needed me."
Overwhelmed Spud just clung to Ethan's hand, breathing in the rich scent of his cologne until his pulse calmed and he could speak without his voice cracking. "No one else's opinion but yours matters to me Ethan." Biting his tongue at Ethan's soft smile he just barely kept his confession of love to himself.
Entering the party Spud found his grip on Ethan's arm tightening as almost every eye turned on them, easily able to spot several of the women already grouping together and whispering he gathered his courage when Ethan ignored it all and swept him off to the drinks table.
"Not too bad so far, I was expecting the claws to come out, especially once Vanessa spotted us," handing Spud a glass of champagne Ethan relaxed fractionally as the smaller man laughed, he'd known it was a risk exposing Spud to the scrutiny they'd face at this party but if he wanted to carve out a life for them it needed to be done. He refused to keep his relationship with Spud hidden like it was some sort of dirty secret.
"Was she the one in the red dress?" Scanning the crowd at Ethan's nod Spud hid a wince when he found her staring at them … well, more like glaring at them. "I don't think she's happy with you Sir."
Leaning closer Ethan enjoyed the way Spud had to tilt his head up to meet his eyes, "she thinks she's going to be the next Mrs. Carter, no matter how many times I've told her I'm not interested." Smoothing his thumb just under the curve of Spud's lower lip he shuddered when the smaller man's mouth parted, heat pounding through his veins he was about to claim a kiss when a familiar cough threw a bucket of cold water over his libido.
"Ethan Michael Carter, what do you think you're doing," hissing Dixie kept a smile fixed on her face even as she glared at her former Chief-of-Staff. She didn't fail to note how her nephews arm wrapped protectively around Spud's shoulders and she resisted the urge to swear under the sudden cold pinch of dread. "Why on earth did you bring Spud here?" This time through the usual wall of anger she felt a pang of guilt when Spud winced and ducked his head.
"Spud is here as my date Aunt D," reaching down to hold Spud's hand Ethan straightened up and pretended it didn't hurt when his Aunt just blinked at him, such clear incomprehension on her face he had to bite his lip to stop from apologizing. It was only Spud leaning into him that calmed his nerves, relaxing him enough to smile painfully at his Aunt, "I know this might be a surprise to you but I hope you can accept it."
"But, you're not … you're not gay Ethan," staring blankly Dixie felt nothing but confusion and the first stir of disgust when her nephew's face fell. "I don't understand, you've always dated women. You're supposed to marry and carry on the Carter name."
Glancing down Ethan swallowed as Spud squeezed his hand and smile reassuringly at him, knowing instinctively he could claim it was all a joke to calm his Aunt and the other man would still forgive him. It was that knowledge that firmed his spine and he turned back to his Aunt, "those were always your expectations Aunt D, I just never had the courage to say tell you it wasn't what I wanted."
"And Spud is what you want?" This time Dixie did nothing to hide her disgust, shaking her head she waved her hand when Ethan opened his mouth, "we'll see what your parents have to say to this Ethan, in the meantime I think it might be best if you left."
Lips pressing together Ethan shrugged off the hurt, he'd always known how she would react, "I'm sorry you feel that way Aunt D, but this is the Carter family Christmas party and I'm staying." Ignoring his Aunt's outraged gasp he turned his back on her and held his hand out to Spud, "could I have this dance tiger?" He smiled slowly as the smaller man sucked in a sharp breath, blue eyes bright with warmth.
"I'd love nothing more," taking Ethan's hand and allowing the other man to pull him out onto the dance floor Spud found it surprisingly easy to ignore all the low murmuring around them. Here in Ethan's arms, dark eyes looking at him with such tenderness nothing else nothing seemed to matter. Not Dixie's disappointment or the fact they were in the middle of blowing up of Ethan's reputation as a ladies man.