“A party?”
Joe nodded. “I know it sounds a little crazy considering your current situation, but Ken’s apartment isn’t far. We take a cab there and back. You’ll be in disguise. One night wouldn’t hurt, right?”
Tom considered this. “Would I be going as your date?”
Joe cleared his throat. “If you’re okay with that.”
“Sounds like fun.”
“Great. I don’t generally stay very long at these things, but I thought it might be nice to go out for a while. Ken’s a producer on Broadway, so he can get us some costumes. I’ll give him a call tonight and ask him to get his assistant to drop them off.”
“Okay.”
“Okay. I’m going to uh, go make that phone call. Be back in a bit.” Joe headed toward the stairs to his apartment. It was no big deal. Just because Tom was going as his date, to a party, in front of people, that was no reason to panic. It was one party. Granted, it was one of Ken’s parties, but it wasn’t like they had to be there long. Have a few drinks, catch up with Ken and Gordon, and say good night. It was just to get Tom out of the shop for a few hours. No big deal. Completely uneventful.
DAMN Tom and his dimples.
They were almost at penthouse level. Joe was aware of Tom trying his hardest not to smile. He hadn’t stopped fidgeting since they left the apartment. The costumes had been dropped off that morning by Ken’s assistant, and Tom hadn’t stopped eyeing Joe since he’d put on the outfit. Ken knew Joe well, because the ringmaster costume he sent Joe covered him up pretty much from head to toe, from the black top hat on his head to his white-gloved hands and his shiny black boots. Anything more revealing would have gotten a “no” from him. Tom’s outfit, on the other hand, had his legs, arms, and neck bare.
“Are you sure I don’t look like an idiot?” Joe muttered, tugging on the lapels of the ornate, red tailcoat. He flicked the fringe on one of the gold shoulder epaulettes with a frown. Tom leaned in to kiss his cheek and reassure him for the hundredth time.
“You look adorable.”
“Thanks. I think.” Joe looked him over. “You look… wow.” He still couldn’t believe how amazing Tom looked. The gladiator costume fit him like a glove. The bronze-colored chest plate with rearing horses made Tom look even bigger and more imposing than usual. His muscular arms were bare except for the cuffs around his wrists, and his legs were as muscular, covered only by his sandal straps going up his calves. The costume had a lush red cape that hung from his shoulders, and a helmet with red plumes that did a good job of concealing a good portion of his face. He looked like he’d stepped off some Hollywood blockbuster set.
“You said that already,” Tom chuckled. In fact Joe had said it several times, but it didn’t make it any less true each time.
“Well, at least you have the legs for it. I could never pull that off. I would have skewered Ken with that plastic sword if he’d sent me a gladiator costume.”
Tom looked down at himself. “I think it’s a centurion.”
“A what now?”
The elevator pinged and they stepped out onto the penthouse floor. There was only one door, and before Tom had a chance to reply, it swung open. A tall, slender, blond man with a wide grin and playful brown eyes stood before them in a very snug sailor’s uniform. Joe looked him over before glancing at Tom and shrugging. “I thought this was a costume party?”
“You bitch!” Ken gasped before throwing himself into Joe’s arms and hugging him tight. Joe laughed and returned his hug.
“Hey, Ken.” Joe greeted him affectionately, allowing him to usher them into the luxurious penthouse apartment. It was packed with guests dancing, drinking, and having a good time. “Tom, this is Ken. We’ve known each other since high school. Ken, this is Tom.”
Ken arched a perfectly shaped brow as he glanced from Joe to Tom and back. A crooked smile spread on his boyish face. Oh, boy. Here we go.
“We’re, uh, just friends,” Joe said feebly, feeling his cheeks burning.
Ken gave him a look that said he didn’t believe a word of it but would wait until Joe had a few cocktails in him before the interrogation began. He turned to Tom and took his hand.
“Hello, Tom, Joe’s friend.”
“Hello,” Tom said just as cheerfully before leaning over to whisper hoarsely, “we’re more than just friends.”