Ghost of a Chance Page 14

  As soon as they were through the door, Ryan slid his arms around James’ waist. “Hello,” he said softly, smiling at him. “Have you come to make coffee for your culinarily incompetent boyfriend?” he asked, grinning a little.

  James smiled and kissed Ryan as he pushed him back against the nearest counter. “I'll make my boyfriend anything he wants,” he said when he pulled back.

  "Mmm, that sounds promising. Maybe we don't need a chef. We could cook for ourselves, couldn't we? Maybe just get someone in if we have to have a party for some reason?” He slid his hands up James’ chest and around his neck.

  "Sounds good to me,” James smiled. “It's up to you, though. You're the Earl.” He bowed, then grinned. “Will I be arrested for molesting royalty?” He slid his hand down to Ryan's ass.

  "If you get arrested I'll protest for conjugal visits,” he said softly. He leaned close and kissed him softly on the lips. “Okay, so no chef. But I need coffee..."

  "Coming right up,” James said, disentangling himself from Ryan, and setting about brewing it. “Besides, if there was a chef, we wouldn't be able to make out in the kitchen."

  "An excellent point. That would be a damn shame.” He came up behind James and slid his arms around him from behind as he made the coffee. “We really don't need one. Although, what about the rest of the staff? That'd suck for them to work all day and then have to cook for themselves."

  "Hmm. I never thought of that. This staff business is complicated.” He punched the button so the coffee would begin brewing and leaned back into Ryan's embrace. “Maybe a part-time chef then?"

  "Hmm, you know, if they're not cooking for me, I could just hire that poor chick that started crying yesterday.” He blushed a little at the thought that he'd made someone cry. He hadn't meant to.

  James pretended to be shocked. “You made a girl cry? You cad!” he said, deadpan. Then he smiled. He got out two mugs and filled them, handing one to Ryan.

  "Well, she was kinda rude. She said she wouldn't know how to cook without butter. Anyway, I don't think I would really trust anyone but you not to secretly feed me stuff I don't want.” He pulled back, shrugging a little, and spooned some sugar into his mug.

  James leaned back against the counter and sipped his coffee. “There's still gonna be other people around here all the time, though,” he said, wrinkling his nose a little. “I understand they have to be here, but...” He shrugged.

  "Unless I just hire local people and they don't live here,” he suggested. “I'll just pay them more money. There's plenty, after all.” He could sense that Nigel was going to have a conniption fit, but he'd just have to learn to like it.

  "Whatever you want, I'll help you,” James offered. He set his coffee down and pulled Ryan into his arms. “I should have joined you in the shower,” he murmured in his ear.

  Ryan whimpered a little and melted against him. “God, how am I gonna sit there and interview people for hours now,” he whispered. He should have remembered how horny he was in the morning, especially with such a gorgeous, generous boyfriend like James. “Now I can't wait for lunchtime.” He pressed his lips against James’ neck.

  James smiled and nibbled at Ryan's ear. “Just think of tonight,” he teased. “I can't wait to feel you naked against me again..."

  Ryan couldn't suppress a low moan. “Are you gonna torture me like this all the time?” he whispered. He was fully hard now, and he rocked his hips against James.

  Ryan's ardor was infectious, and now James appeared aroused and needy. “Yeah,” he breathed, kissing Ryan's neck. “You want me to stop?"

  Ryan moaned again. He glanced around. No one was in the house but Nigel, and he wouldn't leave the drawing room. His hand dropped to James’ buckle. “No,” he whispered.

  "Oh, God,” gasped James. Suddenly he was achingly hard. “This is why we don't need a chef, so we can do this in the kitchen...."

  Ryan grinned and tugged down James’ zipper. He was pleased by the way James said we. “Mmyeah. You're right. He slid his fingers down inside James’ boxers.

  James was panting already. “Ryan,” he moaned, not trying to stop him. “You make me so hard..."

  His fingers curled around him. “You're so beautiful to me, James."He kissed him softly and stroked him gently.

  James couldn't help but thrust into Ryan's hand. When the kiss ended, he gazed into Ryan's eyes and panted, “I want, oh God, want to make love to you..."

  Ryan whimpered. “Oh, God, James. I want that, too. But I don't want to rush things,” he said softly, stroking him. The way James gave into his lust only made Ryan harder and more desperate for him.

  James reached down to fumble with the button of Ryan's pants, so he could touch him, too. He slid his hand inside Ryan's pants, seeking out his hardness, and whispered, “Do you want me inside you, Ryan?"

  Ryan was gasping now. He stared into James’ eyes. “Y-yes. God, yes. Want to be yours completely,” he rasped. It felt so good it was difficult to concentrate on James’ pleasure, but he stroked him with all the skill he could manage.

  "Want to make you mine,” he said, stroking him faster. He pushed Ryan back against the counter.

  Ryan moaned louder, hoping Nigel wouldn't hear. But being pushed up against the counter put him over the edge and he came hard, suddenly, unexpectedly. He cried out James’ name, shuddering.

  James watched Ryan come, and that made him come as well over Ryan's fingers, gasping for breath, clearly awash in pleasure.

  Ryan slumped against him with a goofy smile. “Yeah. Definitely no chef,” he murmured, wrapping both his arms around James’ neck.

  James held Ryan close, unmindful of their stickiness, smiling. “I love you."

  "Me, too. But we need to get cleaned up before Nigel comes looking for us.” He wriggled out of James’ embrace and ran a dishcloth under warm water. He stepped close and cleaned James off, then pulled up his boxers and jeans, kissing him lightly.

  "You know what this place needs? A Jacuzzi,” James joked.

  "Ooh, I like the way you think,” Ryan laughed. He picked up his mug. “Wanna sit in on the interviews?” he asked.

  James shrugged. “If you want me to,” he said. “Maybe I might know some of them. Might be interesting.” He smiled. “I'm off today anyway, so you won't get rid of me."

  "Rad. Maybe we can drive into the city for some real shopping this afternoon.” He headed back towards the drawing room, ready to brave the task ahead of him.

  Nigel looked up as Ryan entered, then realized James was with him, and frowned. “My lord. Are you ready to begin?"

  Ryan pulled another chair behind the desk for James and then took his seat. “Yeah, but I have a change to the plan. We're not gonna have live-in staff, and we don't need a cook. But you can offer people more money since they aren't getting room and board, okay?"

  Nigel did not quite explode; he sputtered. “My lord. That is unheard of. You must have live-in staff. It is the way things are done. I won't hear of it."

  Ryan blinked a little. “Wait. Isn't it my house?” he asked. “I mean, I understand someone's gotta clean it and stuff, and keep the gardens and everything, but why do they have to live here? I don't want to live with a dozen strangers."

  Nigel seemed stunned. He composed himself and said stiffly, “Of course, my lord. It is your home and your choice. I am merely here to assist you.” He looked down at his notepad and wrote something. “If that is what you desire, that is how it shall be."

  James reached over to take Ryan's hand gently.

  Ryan smiled at James and squeezed his hand, then turned his attention back to Nigel. “I don't mean to upset you or anything, but people would rather have enough money to have their own place, wouldn't they? That makes sense, right?” He was sure the thing he preferred was also the more egalitarian thing to do.

  "Yes, my lord,” Nigel said, but it was clear he was just agreeing with whatever Ryan said. He very obviously was not happy with the way things were going, but he went
to get the first candidate for the day, and led him in.

  "What do you mean the servants aren't going to live in the castle?” Percy said, appearing perched on the edge of the desk. “That's heresy!"

  Ryan smirked a little and took out the pad he'd been writing on before. None of your business, he wrote.

  The first interviewee came in. He was a gardener, and had apprenticed under the old gardener who retired when the old Earl had passed on. Ryan asked him a few questions, although he didn't know that much about gardening. He asked if he would mind keeping his own residence in exchange for more money, and the man seemed perfectly content with that idea. Ryan smiled smugly at Nigel.

  Nigel sulked, speaking only as much as necessary to conduct the interviews.

  "Is this your fault?” Percy asked James. “You know, I thought you were good for the boy, but if you're influencing him to this madness...” He folded his arms and pouted.

  James widened his eyes at Percy but didn't reply, just looked over at Ryan.

  Ryan scribbled something on the pad and nudged James, so he'd look over. I try to answer him on here, so Nigel doesn't think I'm completely insane. Percy: stfu, please. He smiled and turned his attention to the next interviewee.

  James suppressed a giggle and drew the pad over to himself, picking up the pen and writing, Perce? We have a thing about the kitchen, you know? Don't want to shock anyone too much.

  Ryan's lips twitched. It was difficult to contain his laughter, but he was being very unprofessional. He left the pad to James and did his best to ignore Percy completely, putting a few questions to the applicant about her former jobs.

  "The kitchen? Wouldn't you boys prefer a decent bed? Lord knows there's enough of them in this place,” Percy said, hovering near James now.

  James wrote, And we intend to try them all. You might want to be careful where you hover in the next few weeks.

  Percy laughed out loud and Ryan couldn't help looking sharply over at him, wide-eyed. He looked at the pad to see what James had written, and then looked away quickly. He thanked the woman he was interviewing and asked Nigel to bring in the next one. While he was out of the room for the moment, Ryan turned to Percy.

  "Will you shut up?” he hissed.

  "We've upset your boyfriend, James. He's trying to be a proper Earl for a change,” Percy said, smirking.

  James snickered. “I'm sorry, Ryan. It was his fault.” He pointed at the ghost. “He's an instigator.” He smiled apologetically at the other man. “We'll stop, I promise."

  He pursed his lips and frowned a little before the next applicant was led inside. This time, it was a tall, dark-haired, dark-eyed young man, slender and handsome, with just a little stubble on his chin. He smiled at Ryan, and his cheeks dimpled. Ryan could only stare for a moment.

  "Good lord, you've got the job, darling,” Percy said, gaping also.

  James looked back and forth from the new applicant to Ryan, and frowned slightly. He scribbled on the pad, Stop drooling.

  Nigel was introducing the man, who was oblivious to the consternation he was causing.

  Ryan cleared his throat and tried to act as professionally as he could. He conducted the interview, displaying no emotion one way or the other. Except when he was saying goodbye. “We'll let you know as soon as possible, Mr. Pretty ... I mean ... Mr. Powers.” He flushed furiously, and prayed he would leave quickly.

  "Oh, may we keep him? Pleeeease...?” Percy asked. James was silent.

  Nigel left the room to usher in the next applicant, shooting a suspicious gaze at James.

  "Nigel,” Ryan called out, standing up. “I need a few minutes break, okay? I'll let you know when I'm ready.” He closed the door, leaving Nigel outside for the moment. He turned and frowned at Percy. “No, we can't.” Then he turned to look at James. “What's wrong?” he asked.

  James looked away. “Nothing,” he said.

  Ryan saw right through him. He walked back over behind the desk and sat on James’ lap, putting his arms around his neck. “C'mon. You had to think he was gorgeous, too, right?” He leaned down and kissed his cheek. “He was prettier than me!"

  James shook his head. “No one's prettier than you,” he said. He put his hands on Ryan's hips, looking up at his face. “It's just all so new, you know?” he whispered.

  He gazed into James’ eyes. “You know I love you for a lot more reasons than that you're beautiful, right?” he said softly.

  James looked down. “I'm not beautiful,” he said.

  Ryan kissed him softly on the lips. “You are. In so many ways,” he whispered. He hadn't meant to make James feel insecure. He was just momentarily distracted by the young man's exceptional prettiness. But he didn't want that. He didn't want someone he had to compete with, anyway. He wanted James.

  "I'm an idiot. I'm sorry,” James said.

  "Don't be sorry, baby.” He stroked his fingers through James’ hair. “I'm sorry if I made you feel jealous."

  James smiled a little mischievously. “Maybe you can make it up to me later...” He raised his eyebrows meaningfully. His hand dropped to Ryan's thigh.

  "Ooh, I definitely will. Maybe we should explore some more rooms later this evening,” he said, nibbling on James’ ear.

  "Sounds perfect,” said James, with a moan in his voice.

  Ryan traced the edge of James’ ear with the tip of his tongue. “You sound funny, James. Are you all right?” he purred, wriggling a little on his lap.

  James gasped softly as Ryan pressed deliberately against his erection. “Not really,” he whispered. “I seem to have a problem."

  "Oh? Is it something I can help you with?” he murmured, still nuzzling James’ ear.

  James’ head fell back a little bit, and his breath quickened. “Oh yes. And you should, because it's all your fault,” he added.

  Ryan looked around. “Now would be a good time to disappear, Percy,” he commented. But there was no answer. Ryan shrugged and slid off James’ lap onto his knees on the floor in front of him, smiling up.

  "Oh, God,” gasped James, looking down at Ryan on his knees.

  Ryan leaned over James’ lap. His nimble fingers opened James’ jeans quickly, gently tugging out his cock. “I did lock the door, right?” he whispered, looking up at him.

  James whimpered. “I don't know. I don't care. Don't stop."

  Ryan loved how desperate James was for him. He didn't torture him any longer. He sucked him deep into his mouth.

  "Ryan...” James gasped, as the wet heat enveloped him.

  Ryan sucked him hard and fast. He knew James was on edge already. It wasn't going to take much to bring him to climax. He wanted to overwhelm him completely.

  James was soon gasping for air. “Gonna ... oh, God, gonna come..."

  Ryan swallowed, pulling back just a little. He waited until he was sure James was done, rubbing his hands up and down his thighs. Then he sat up, climbing to his feet and sitting next to him again. He smiled adoringly at him. “Do you feel better now?” he asked.

  James slumped back in his chair, still panting. “Fuck yes,” he said, smiling weakly. “Are you gonna do that every time I get upset?” he teased.

  Ryan grinned. “I guess it depends on what you're upset about.” He leaned close and kissed James on the cheek.

  James moved so he could kiss Ryan on the mouth. Then he pulled back and whispered, “If you really want to hire the pretty boy..."

  Ryan laughed a little. “You just want me to feel guilty and make up for it on a regular basis. Actually, he didn't really have any experience. I think it's best not to."

  There was a discreet knock on the door then.

  James looked up. “Nigel with the next victim, I mean applicant?” he wondered, standing up on slightly shaky legs.

  Ryan went and opened the door, still a little flushed. “Okay, we're ready,” he said breathlessly.

  Nigel introduced the next applicant, an older woman who was looking for a housekeeping job.

  James sat
down and kept his mouth shut while Ryan interviewed her.

  Percy was thankfully absent for the rest of the proceedings. Ryan interviewed three more people and then consulted with Nigel about whom to extend offers to. Everyone seemed content with not living in the castle. They called it a day, finally, and Ryan thanked Nigel for his help. The castle was sufficiently staffed, at last, although the idea of a butler was vetoed by Ryan. When the door finally closed again, he sighed and smiled at James. “Alone at last."

  James wasted no time pulling Ryan into his arms. “It's hard work keeping my hands off you,” he whispered. “Do you think Nigel had a clue what we did when he left the room?” he snickered.

  Ryan laughed. “Yeah. I think he had an idea. But the aristocracy are supposed to be erratic and eccentric, right?” he asked, leaning against him.

  James smirked. “I wouldn't know. You're the only aristocracy I know.” He rested his hands on Ryan's hips. “Are you tired? Or would you like to go over to my apartment so I can pick up some things?"

  "Sure. We can go over there. We should baptize that poor, sad beige couch, too.” He giggled a little. He pulled back and took James’ hand. “Oh, is there a pharmacy we can stop at?"

  "Sure,” James answered, then frowned. “You're all right, aren't you?” he asked with concern.

  "Oh, I'm good. I just need some stuff.” He flushed a little when he said it. “Don't you worry your little head about it."

  James raised an eyebrow. “Okay. You ready to go now? We could grab something to eat while we're out. If you're tired of my cooking."

  "Probably ought to sample the local delicacies,” he agreed. “Just let me get my coat.” He put on the new coat. It was more conservative than the fuzzy jacket, but it was also warmer.

  James got his own jacket, and they went out to James’ car. James opened the door for Ryan, smiling like an idiot. He drove them to the small town's high street, and parked the car. “There's a pharmacy just on the corner,” he said. “It should still be open."