Jade (Carrington Book 1) Read online

  Be careful, Conrad. This is a man who can make you wish for things that you shouldn’t. With his job it was hard to meet, much less find, someone who would put up with what he did. It was better to keep things casual. Jade joined him, sliding his hands into the pockets of his jeans. Conrad couldn’t help but study him again from head to foot. He wasn’t handsome, but gorgeous. That rich green hair framed a face that was all captivating angles. A cupid bow mouth with killer dimples on each side. His jawline was firm, leading to a chin with a slight dent in the center. The black button-down shirt with three buttons opened flowed around his muscular frame to about mid-thigh. Black jeans molded his legs and were tucked into boots that came up to mid-calf. The black boots, from what Conrad could see, were a work of art with designs of green the same color as his hair and the lighter shade of his eyes. Jade’s height topped Conrad’s by at least two inches so he estimated Jade was about six feet three. The entire combination of sultry yet brooding bad boy look was a major turn on.

  “Take a picture, it would last longer,” Jade growled.

  The snappy tone also made Conrad horny…well hornier. “Don’t mind if I do.”

  Conrad pulled out his phone then engaged the camera before pointing it at Jade. Jade lifted an eyebrow then raised his hand lifting a middle finger.

  “If that’s what you want me to use as your picture when I put your number in my phone that works for me.” Conrad pressed the button taking the picture.

  “Bastard.” Jade narrowed his eyes then rolled them. “Okay. Take this one.”

  Jade lowered his head and gave him that look that almost brought him to his knees earlier. His dark green hair framed those pale green eyes. Conrad snapped the picture then lowered his head praying for control. He wanted to take Jade right there against the truck.

  “What’s your number?”

  “Never said I’d give you my number,” Jade taunted.

  “Your nonverbal agreement by allowing me to take the picture binds you to giving me your number.”

  “You’re acting like you plan to contact me after.” Jade sounded thoughtful.

  Conrad lifted his head and glared. “Of course I do. Even if we don’t work out I can always use another weird friend.”

  Jade chuckled, a sensuous sound that went straight to Conrad’s cock. He shifted wondering how the hell he’d make it through dinner.

  Jade lowered his gaze staring at the now telling bulge in his jeans. He licked his lips. “Hmmm…I don’t think we’d make such good friends only. I’d keep wanting to fuck you.”

  “I’m not protesting. We can go right now.”

  “Uh-huh. Feed me first,” Jade said.

  “You’re trying to torture me.” Conrad groaned sliding his phone into his pants pocket. He’d wait until later then ask Jade again to see if he gave him his number.

  “Possibly. But good thing I’m making it so pleasurable.” Jade pivoted and headed toward the entrance of the diner.

  Conrad rubbed his hand along the back of his head and followed him. Jade stopped at the door holding it open for him. Conrad lifted an eyebrow, surprised at the gesture.

  “What? My mama raised a gentleman.” Jade winked. “I follow it sometimes. Other times I’m a rogue. Something my mama also tells me.”

  “First daddle now the rogue? What is with you and using words I don’t expect you to?” Conrad entered and looked around.

  The blues and golds made the place feel welcoming and the scents of something delicious cooking made Conrad’s mouth water.

  “Reminds me of Zeus,” Conrad said.

  “Yes, except that cranky bastard Lenox isn’t here. Saxton is so much nicer. Well, at least not as cranky.” Jade chuckled.

  Conrad glanced at him surprised he knew what he was referring to. He opened his mouth to ask.

  “Take a seat anywhere,” the lady behind the counter said.

  Conrad led Jade to a booth toward the back and by a window where they could see their vehicles. He slid in one side and Jade across from him. Once they were seated Conrad stared at him.

  “From the way you know them I’m thinking we’re talking about the same place and people. How do you know of Zeus? Or the brothers Lenox and Saxton?” Conrad leaned back against the booth.

  “I’m wondering how you do.” Jade tapped his fingers on the table.

  Conrad was drawn to the rhythm as he had been earlier when he saw Jade drumming against his leg. He glanced at Jade. “Anyone who lives in Carrington knows about the diner called Zeus. It’s a local favorite. They also know that—”

  He waited to see what Jade would say.

  “The Zeus brothers are also known for their club Zeus Rising. That they own together. If you piss off one Zeus, you’re banned from both places until you make amends, which they have to accept. And since they both have a warped sense of humor it could be a very strange penance indeed that you have to pay.” Jade leaned his elbows on the table and put his hands laced together under his chin. “Let’s not even mention Mother Zeus who is a force to be reckoned with. Or all the other Zeus kids.” Jade studied him. “So seems like you know about Carrington.”

  “And you.” Conrad shook his head. “A small world to meet a fellow person who lives in Carrington here.”

  “Yep. Although our city is a fair sized one, I don’t meet many fellow Carrington’s in my travels.”

  “I usually travel with some of them in my job, but don’t meet people outside of that.” Conrad titled his head to the side. “I now know I don’t know you. I would have remembered someone like you if I’d seen you around Carrington.”

  “It’s according to where you’ve been hanging around.” Jade shrugged. “Now back to your comment about traveling with people from Carrington. What is it you do?”

  “I’m a firefighter at the Walston Bend Station.” Conrad watched his reaction.

  “Really? Talk about small world. My cousin Reuben is supposed to be transferring to that station.” Jade’s eyes crinkled. “Crazy man moved to New York years ago, but is finally seeing the light that he wants to come to California where the winters aren’t as cold. Plus wants to be near family.”

  “So you were born in Carrington?”

  “Nope. Moved there when I was a kid though. Born down south.”

  “That’s where the gentleman part comes from.” Conrad smiled.

  “Yeah, my mama made sure to instill it in all of us. Although some of us took to it better than others. There is still rogue in many of us.”

  “Come on, man, you have to tell me why you use words like rogue and daddle.”

  “My dad.” Jade smirked. “He’s a professor of History and English Literature. According to what mood he’s in he can have a rousing conversation about the fall of the Roman Empire or Nora Roberts.”

  “Who?”

  “She’s a writer. My dad is a big fan of the written word.” Jade shrugged. “He taught me the love of written words. Mama, on other hand, taught me many things, including the love of languages. She speaks quite a few and taught us all. Still does when she is learning a new one.” Jade laughed. “Now saying this I can see where I get my strangeness from.”

  “Sounds like it.”

  “Yeah. Why did you look like you were waiting for me to bolt when you told me what you do?”

  “Nothing gets by you?” Conrad asked.

  “Nope.” Jade leaned back. “Now tell me.”

  “Demanding man.”

  Jade inclined his head.

  “Sometimes people get funny when they find out what I do.” Conrad laced his fingers together and leaned forward. “They think I’m an adrenaline junkie for fighting fires. Add to that when they find out that I’m also trained to fight wild fires and can be called away for that only seems to convince them more. It’s no big deal, just some extra information and stuff.”

  “Well I’m not going to think any of that.” Jade stared at him. “Although from my cousin I know you’re downplaying your training in wild fires. It tak
es a special kind of training as well as person to fight wild fires. At least that’s what my family and I think. We know what Reuben has gone through for it and the toll his regular job as a firefighter has on him. Now enough of that. What are you doing in Redding? Are you going to help with the wild fires that’re all over the news? How long will you be here?”

  “Some training exercises. For now, no, I’m not part of the crew helping with the wild fires. We’re just here to do some training exercises. But that could change if needed.” Conrad shrugged. “We’re all hoping that won’t happen. And for now I should be here for about another two months until the end of July.”

  “I think everyone in this area, as well as others, is watching the TV as it progresses too.” Jade rested his hands on the table. “Good you’re going to be here so long. My time is flexible so I can stay as long as I want. I’m not staying in Redding. My place is closer to Mt. Shasta.”

  “That’s not too far to get to,” Conrad said.

  “Nope.” Jade smiled a slow grin. “Either of us can drive to see the other.”

  “You assume we’ll be seeing more of each other than tonight.”

  “It’s not an assumption. I know.” Jade leaned forward and smoothed a long finger along the top of Conrad’s hand. “Once won’t be enough, Conrad.”

  Conrad held in a shiver as Jade said his name for the first time. He thought briefly of his own thoughts that this would be casual and no strings. He should have known from the first look it wouldn’t be. “No it won’t, Jade.”

  “Now that we’re on the same page. Tell me more about yourself.” Jade leaned back, his pale green eyes intent.

  “You’re good at getting me to say stuff, but you haven’t told me much about yourself.”

  “I’m Jade. I’m also a Leo and enjoy long slow fucking followed by cuddling afterward.” Jade lifted an eyebrow. “Is there anything else you need to know?”

  “Yeah one thing.” Conrad leaned closer and reached to cover Jade’s hand with his. “Do you really want to have dinner?”

  “Yes.” Jade turned his hand over and squeezed Conrad’s. “Think of it as foreplay. You’re going to need your energy later.”

  “Suppose I say something to annoy you?” Conrad laced their fingers together.

  “I might overlook it if you keep continuing to look at me like you are.”

  “How am I looking at you?” Conrad licked his lips.

  “Like I’m yours.”

  They stared at each other then started to laugh.

  “Corny, Jade.” Conrad wheezed.

  “I had to live up to the corn you’ve been spreading since we meet.” Jade’s eyes twinkled. “Now let’s have a nice dinner and then move onto other things.”

  Conrad couldn’t wait for the other things. He settled back to enjoy dinner and the company of a man who, from the little he knew of him, would keep him on his toes.

  * * *

  Later, after a great meal, Conrad was still captivated by Jade. He had a wicked sense of humor, he was intelligent and could be snarky then sweet the next moment. Jade was pushing all his buttons. He followed him out of the diner while they chuckled at a story he’d shared at some of the antics of his fellow station mates. He couldn’t believe that Jade was also from Carrington. At least the city was big enough that once their time together here was at an end they might not run into each other. Hell, Conrad, stop thinking so far ahead. Just get through tonight.

  They approached his truck and Conrad couldn’t tell if they were going to part ways or find someplace more private. At the truck Jade suddenly turned and Conrad had to suppress his instinct to defend himself. Jade closed the distance between them and kissed him. Conrad opened up moaning as Jade stroked his tongue deep into his mouth. Jade kissed like he moved, all predatory grace and confidence. He gripped Jade’s ass, yanking him closer and grinding against the bulge of his jeans. Jade jerked back and walked away.

  “I’m getting tired of you walking away from me.” Conrad stepped toward him.

  “You move too slow.” Jade glanced over his shoulder. “I got us a hotel room.” Jade turned his head and continued to his SUV.

  Conrad went to his truck. In moments they were on their way. He followed Jade, all his senses heightened. In less than fifteen minutes, they pulled into the parking lot. Conrad parked and got out, then Jade joined him quickly. Grabbing his hand Jade led him inside. Conrad looked around the posh lobby and wondered how much it cost. He glanced at Jade as he led him not to the regular check in desk, but to another one.

  Jade stopped a few steps away then said to him, “Stay.”

  Jade left before he could say anything. Conrad watched, but was too far way to hear what Jade said to the man at the desk. A few moments later Jade returned and grabbed his hand again. He led him to a private elevator. As the door closed Conrad opened his mouth. Jade crowded him and kissed him hungrily. Conrad was lost under the sensation of him. The scent of sandalwood and man filled him. The elevator dinged and Jade held him still kissing, leading him out. Conrad stumbled then righted himself. He pulled back so he could see the hall. He blinked when he realized they were inside of a foyer and not a hall leading to rooms as he assumed.

  “Wow.” Remembering what Jade said downstairs Conrad narrowed his eyes. “I’m not your pet for you to say stay to.”

  “Noted.” Jade kissed him deeply. “Let’s get naked.”

  Conrad was happy to oblige.

  Chapter Two

  Conrad jerked his T-shirt off then reached for the button of his jeans.

  “Wait.” Jade stepped closer. “Let me.”

  He covered Conrad’s hands with his. Conrad glanced up and noticed his shirt was open, showing off his skin. He leaned forward and licked along the side of Jade’s neck. Jade groaned and his fingers dug into his waist. Conrad grunted, enjoying the hold. He rocked forward, rubbing against Jade. He inhaled deeply taking in Jade’s scent.

  “Time for that later.” Jade quickly divested him of his clothing then removed his own.

  Jade pressed against him. Conrad grabbed his head, kissing him and reaching for Jade’s cock. He rubbed his hand firmly down the thick and long length. Jade moved into his touch, moaning as they kissed. He pulled back and held up the condom and packet of lube between two fingers.

  “Where the hell did you get that?”

  “My pocket before I got naked.” Jade smirked. “Guess you weren’t paying attention. Maybe when I’m fucking you, you’ll become more focused.”

  Conrad had to rethink his visions of being the one doing the taking. He pushed into Jade’s hands sliding down his tests and pulling him closer. Widening his stance Conrad bit his lip. Jade stared into his eyes as he slid the side of his hand along the line of his butt. He turned Conrad and pressed him against the door. He heard the rustle of the items Jade held. Conrad pushed back into Jade’s touch as he slowly pushed a wet finger against his crease. Jade nuzzled along the side of his head moving his hair out of the way before licking along the pulse in his neck. He quickly readied him. Conrad rocked back and forth on his fingers while he opened him up for his taking.

  “Now.” Jade growled.

  “Yes.” Conrad braced his arms on the door.

  Jade gripped his hips then the tip of his hardened member pressed against his passage. Conrad relaxed and grunted as Jade stroked slowly but surely into him. When he was fully seated Jade stopped then placed each of his hands over Conrad’s on the door. He tangled their fingers together then resettled their now joined hands on the door.

  “Conrad,” Jade said in that deep smoky voice.

  He thrust and Conrad puffed out a ragged breath. Jade set a hard and fast pace. Conrad meet him move for move, enjoying his taking. He rested his head back against Jade’s shoulder and he turned his head. He reached and Jade met him, kissing him. With each thrust Conrad raced closer and closer to release. Conrad widened his legs, bracing against the forward momentum of Jade’s movement. He countered his thrusts, whimpering
as pleasure filled him. Wetness dripped down his leg and his erection got even harder.

  “Jade.” Conrad curled his toes closing his eyes.

  “Yes…mine.” Jade grunted with each thrust.

  “Yours,” Conrad agreed.

  Jade held tighter to his hands and kissed his shoulder. Conrad shook as he came. Jade moaned and shuddered joining him. Clenching his ass, Conrad rocked back into him, prolonging the release. Jade breathed harshly while kissing along his shoulder, licking on the skin. Conrad slumped against him and Jade held him effortlessly. He pulled out and turned Conrad to face him. Jade cupped his cheeks, Conrad blinked open his eyes. Conrad gulped at the intensity of those pale green eyes. Jade pressed his lips to his, a soft brush, such a contrast with his taking that it unraveled Conrad.

  “Let’s go to bed.” Jade’s tone was low. He brought Conrad to him and held his ass. Knowing what he wanted without it being said, Conrad lifted up, wrapping his legs around him. Jade carried him through the living room before entering the bedroom. When he arrived at the bed he laid Conrad down and gave him a soft kiss. Jade stood and went to the adjoining bathroom. The sound of water running reached Conrad. He turned on his side away from the bath staring out at the dark night beyond the balcony doors.

  Complications. This is a complication, but damn if I don’t want to keep seeing him. Well, that is if he doesn’t kick me out.

  * * *

  A warm washcloth along his ass made him jump. Conrad looked behind him at Jade. He was looking down at what he was doing. Tenderly he cleaned him again, undoing Conrad with his caring. Jade threw the cloth on the nightstand then glanced up at him.

  “Cuddle, then my turn.” Jade lay behind him and pulled Conrad against his chest.

  “Jade—”

  “Just let us have this moment, Conrad.” Jade kissed him gently and Conrad subsided.