Tangled - Part Ten

*** SURPRISE!

We drove north out of town up the coast. As soon as we were out of the busy traffic and on the coastal highway, Lee took my hand and held it on his thigh the rest of the way. I couldn't take my eyes off him. I watched his face, his every little change in expression as he drove and I marveled at the thought that I had him all to myself. He glanced at me several times during the trip and eventually he turned to me and said.

“Do you have to stare at me so?”
“Yes.” I whispered. “I am still trying to come to terms with the fact that you are here with me. I'm terrified you'll up and disappear like you did in a dream I had.”
“You dreamed about me?”

“Several times.” I replied with a smile and remembered the very erotic dream I'd had.
“Well,” He grinned. “I'm not going anywhere, I promise.”
“Can I ask you something?” I said.

“I told you, you can ask me anything.”
“You once said that you could never get involved with someone like me, 'especially someone like you', your exact words. What did you mean?” I asked.
“I meant somebody who belonged to someone else. In this case, Danny.” He said. “As I said, I could never bring myself to break up a relationship between two people.”

“I was so stupid, you know.” I said. “I should have just tossed caution aside, grabbed you and done things to you, but you terrified me a little.”
“Things?” He said, his eyebrows raised. “What things?”
“Just . . things!” I whispered with a sly smile. “Things I'm bound to be doing to you very soon!”

“Can't wait!” He said with a broad wink.

After driving for about forty minutes we arrived at a large walled property. He rang the bell and the gate slowly opened electronically.

The drive-way swept up to a large terra-cotta colored Spanish villa. As we pulled up, a good looking blond man of about thirty came out to meet us. Lee sprang out of the car and greeted the blond with a crushing hug and then turned to me.
"Jacob, I want you to meet David Grant. David, this is Jacob Reese."

I shook Jacob's hand as his good-looking face smiled at me brilliantly.
"David, delighted to meet you." Then he turned to Lee.
“Is this your new boyfriend?” He asked.

“Yeah.” Lee replied with a smile.
"You lucky devil, where on earth did you find him, he's gorgeous and very, very sexy!" Jacob said and beamed at me brilliantly.
I flushed.

"Yep, he is, isn't he?" Lee replied, smiling, and they both stared at me as if I was a prize bull.
"Would you please stop looking at me like that? You’re making me feel like a piece of merchandise!" I said, a little uncomfortable.
"Sorry David." Jacob said. "Two gorgeous hunky guys standing in front of me, it's a little overwhelming." He laughed.
"Down boy!" Lee responded.

I was immediately put at ease with the casual familiarity between the two men. It was delightful.
"My gorgeous hunky guy is in the studio. You know where it is, you designed it. Go through. I've got to go and feed his damned dogs!" Jacob said.

Lee thanked him and led me into the house.
"You designed this place?" I asked and he nodded.
"Yes, for very special friends, Jacob and his life-partner. I've known them for years."
“It’s lovely.” I said.

He took my hand and led me further into the house.
"Who are we going to see? An artist?" I asked, intrigued.
"Yes, a true artist, the most talented one I know. You'll see."

We reached a large padded door which Lee pushed open.
"Hey man!" He called. "We're here."

Before I saw the man in the room, I heard his voice, a strangely familiar voice.
"Lee!" I heard him shout gleefully. "What a lovely surprise."
Lee stepped aside and said. "Gary this is my guy, David."

I stood rooted to the floor, for standing before me was none other than my idol, Gary James himself.
"Lovely to meet you, man." That mellow voice said to me. He held out his hand and I, mouth agape slowly shook it.
"Oh, come on now Lee, look at him! You didn't have to drug the poor man to get him here, did you?" Gary quipped to Lee, who promptly burst out laughing.

I snapped out of my stupor and threw a punch at Lee's shoulder.
"You could have warned me, you sneaky devil!" To Gary I said.
"Oh my God, I am so sorry. Just surprised, that's all. I am so honored to meet you Mr. James." And I shook his hand again.
"Mr. James is my father. Please, just Gary if you don't mind."

I was stunned and euphoric all at the same time.
"Surprise!" Lee quipped archly. "I arranged it with Jacob this morning on the phone."
"Come guys, let's find Jacob and all hang out at the pool." Gary suggested. We went out to a huge terrace which overlooked a panoramic view of the ocean. Jacob was on the terrace with two beautiful collies, the 'damned' dogs he'd mentioned. A large guitar shaped swimming pool dominated the area. I wandered over to the railing to admire the view, and I heard Gary say to Lee.

"Ouch man, he's gorgeous! I want one just like him. Does he have a brother?"
“I don't know yet, we only really got together last night.” I heard Lee answer. “Do you have a brother, David?”
“No!” I replied. “And I can hear every word you lot are saying!”
“Well, wherever you found him, lead me there!” Gary quipped.

"That's exactly what I said when they arrived, but tough luck fella, you're stuck with me." Jacob piped up.
Gary laughed. "Yeah, right!" Then to Lee he said. "Man, you are a lucky bastard, he's so cute and very hot!"

I turned to face them. Lee was laughing quietly.
"Guys," I said, "I'm standing right here. Please, you're embarrassing me."
"Sorry, dude. Can't help it, you're stunning." Gary laughed.

"Enough already." I responded.
"Okay, we'll lay off." Jacob said, "If you promise to have a swim." He winked at Lee and Gary, who both burst into gales of laughter.
"Guys, quit it!" I yelled.

"Go on, strip off and go for a swim!" Gary laughed and then to Jacob he said. "I bet he's got a great body!"
“Oh yes he has, definitely.” Lee quipped.
"Then we have to see it. Come on, David, let's have a look at you." Gary said with a wicked grin.
“No!” I said. “You guys are really embarrassing me now!”

“We'll quit if you skinny dip for us.” Gary giggled. Lee grinned at me broadly, nodded and winked.
“Go on, Davey.” He laughed. “Give them a show.”

I realized that it was all in good fun so I decided, what the hell, if they want it, then they can have it.
"Alright guys, you win, but no skinny dipping, I’ll go as far as my shorts! Take a good look, it may be your last!" I replied.
I stripped down to my shorts and dove into the pool. They all laughed and applauded madly.

Later, once we'd all changed into swimming trunks, and after we'd all had a great deal of fun in the pool, we lounged in the sun and sipped iced-tea and chatted casually. Sitting in the company of three striking semi-naked men was exhilarating. Jacob, blond, beautiful and smooth; Gary, stocky, handsome and hairy and Lee, the most striking of all. It was one of the most natural and comfortable days I have ever spent.

During lunch, the conversation turned to Lee's new building. Lee described the plans to Gary and Jacob and wound up by telling them that I would be doing the photographic murals for the building. Gary dropped his fork.
"Wait a second." He pointed at me. "Of course I know who you are now. David Grant – you're the photographer."

I nodded.
"Well, there you go." He smiled. "I've got some of your work hanging in the house. I'm a big fan."

So we all trooped into the house to go and view my photographs. He had several, some of my best work. I was amazed that someone like Gary James should have a collection of my photographs in his home. He mentioned that in a way he was responsible for getting Lee and I together as he had recommended me to Lee. He raved about the pictures and wanted me to send him my portfolio. I was flattered that he was so eager to collect some more of my work.

And so the afternoon flew by.

To be continued...