Chapter Nineteen - A Bit Of Trouble
Aidan was in deep, deep trouble. What was he to do about Heathcliff's direct confession? At least, he believed it to be a confession, and it wasn't right to think it so. For some reason, Heathcliff continued his game of driving Aidan nuts and seemed utterly oblivious to how that made his bed partner of convenience feel.
In all truth, he felt pretty damn good. Having Heathcliff tell him that he liked him was a remarkable achievement. It had to be, although Aidan wondered if that was something Heathcliff told anyone who ended between the sheets with him.
To protect himself, he had laughed it off. At least, for now, while they were having a so-called business lunch, he could focus on work. That was easier said than done. Heathcliff looked at him from across the table with all knowing eyes. Most probably, it was written all over him that he was falling for his charge fast.
He coughed and tried to bring Heathcliff around to what he needed him to hear.
"You will have to be a little more pro-active in how you promote the product," he explained. "They want you to drink it in front of the camera, praise its qualities, you know the drill."
Heathcliff frowned. "It would look a bit pushy, don't you think? People understand I must earn a living, but if I try to stuff this thing down their throats -"
"Wouldn't they think you a hypocrite if you advertised a product and you didn't try it?" Aidan quirked an eyebrow, hoping he looked serious enough and Heathcliff wouldn't derail him with innuendo and why not.
But it looked like Heathcliff was all business, too. He leaned back into his chair and crossed his arms over his chest. "I suppose you have a point. But I did taste the product, and I must say it tastes like any generic drink of this type. I won't tell a blatant lie. When I tell my subscribers that my videos are sponsored, it's one thing. But if I began blabbing about how this drink will get them ten-inch cocks or D cups, depending on what they'd like to have, that would be true hypocrisy."
Aidan knew Heathcliff was right, but he still needed to do his job. "You're not advertising some male enhancement product," he said thinly. "These shakes are useful for people who work out regularly."
"I'd rather they took their protein from fresh, clean sources, not off the shelf in the form of a generic shake," Heathcliff replied calmly.
"Oh, sorry, Mr. I-have-plenty-of-time-to-cook-every-meal, but that's not feasible for most people," Aidan pointed out.
Heathcliff looked at him, a bit surprised. "That's a pretty good argument. Okay, I'll give it to you. You have a point. Still, you need to meet me in the middle. Everyone knows I don't drink protein shakes. Everything about me is one hundred percent natural. No shortcuts."
Aidan threw Heathcliff a brief look. Didn't he know that first hand? "Your ego, too?" he said, instead of voicing how right he believed Heathcliff to be on this topic.
"Hitting below the belt, bunny boy?" Heathcliff leaned over the table and whispered while his deep blue eyes set on Aidan, making him blush. "You dragged me here, to this place, per your boss's instructions, and told me we should keep it business-like. Don't worry; two can play this game."
Aidan recoiled from the accusation. Of course, Heathcliff was right. "I apologize. It was uncalled for. And you do make a strong point. Please, tell me, what would you suggest?"
"Get me the complete list of ingredients. I will break them down for the people watching, and explain why the shakes your company sells could be used as a replacement, from time to time, to healthy, complete meals. I will still insist on the importance of clean eating and cooking at home. I would present busy people with an alternative, but not any of that mumbo-jumbo with how amazing the product is. I won't turn into an infomercial monkey. And, yes, in case you're wondering, not even for the sake of your pretty eyes."
"Ouch," Aidan pursed his lips, "you do know how to hit back, don't you?"
"Of course I do," Heathcliff said with satisfaction. "You can ask anything of me, and by that, I mean anything that's not work-related."
"Really?" Aidan cocked one head to the side. "What if I want you to come with me to karaoke and make a fool of yourself in front of strangers by singing out of tune? Will you do that?"
"Is that your idea of a date? I must warn you; I'm a pretty good singer."
"Of course you are." Aidan shook his head. There was no way to win against this guy. He had way too many aces up his sleeves. "Okay, I will take this idea to the higher-ups, and I'll see what they say. After that, I'll get back to you, and then you can offer your input once again. What do you say?"
"You didn't answer my question."
Aidan blinked. "What question?"
"Is going to karaoke your idea of a great date? Do you like karaoke?"
"I do like karaoke, but there's no -"
"Let's go then."
"What? Now?" Aidan asked, alarmed.
"No, my perfect little professional employee. Some evening. You pick the time."
Aidan exhaled. "Okay. Now -"
"Hey, Heath, long time, no see!" Someone interrupted him mid-sentence.
The newcomer ignored Aidan entirely and looked like he was about to climb into Heathcliff's lap. Aidan glanced at him while trying to figure out what the best course of action would be, given the circumstances.
The man looked like the usual type Heathcliff was known to take to bed. He wasn't Matt or Heathcliff's friend from the birthday party, but he was as drop-dead gorgeous as them. Aidan could feel his chest hurting a little as he stared at the newcomer and Heathcliff. Now that looked like the perfect picture.
Which was two gorgeous men conversing in a fancy restaurant, looking like they were about to leave together and enjoy each other, as it was normal - that was what Aidan saw. If he needed a wakeup call, it was right in front of his eyes. For now, Heathcliff liked him, but just as much he liked this guy and dozens of others. As amazing as he was as a person and a fitness trainer, Heathcliff Stone was a playboy, a player, and Aidan had no business to believe him. He looked down, finding for the time being, more interesting to stare at his fingernails than pay any attention to what was happening across from him.
"Hi," Heathcliff said to the newcomer. "Sorry, it seems my memory is slipping ... What's your name?"
Aidan looked up at Heathcliff over the table. He was so nonchalant in his admittance of not remembering the other man's name. The newcomer didn't seem to care.
"Oh, Heath, you're such a teaser!"
That Aidan had to agree with him.
"It's Han; how could you forget?" The guy touched Heathcliff's forearm teasingly, just with the tips of his fingers.
"I know a lot of people. It happens," Heathcliff said without - at least Aidan saw it that way - one ounce of remorse.
Han seemed to be pretty dense. He just laughed at Heathcliff's dismissal and continued. "Anyways, I was so dying to see you again. How about we hang out? Unless you're busy," he threw over his shoulder while looking briefly at Aidan. "Sorry, you guys were in a business meeting, right? I could tell after the formal ... everything," he gestured around, at the papers spread on the table.
Aidan made a move to pick them up. "We were just finishing here," he said with a perfunctory smile.
Heathcliff placed one hand over the papers. "No, we weren't."
Aidan looked at him and instantly felt a small chill. Heathcliff's eyes were hard, and no trace of his usual playfulness could be seen in them.
"Ah," Han interjected, completely oblivious to the silent exchange taking place in front of his eyes. "Call me later?"
"I don't think so," Heathcliff replied, without taking his eyes off Aidan.
"Tomorrow then?"
Heathcliff finally moved his eyes away, allowing Aidan to breathe. "Can't you take a hint?"
"Wow, someone's in a mood," Han replied and took a small step back. "Never mind. I'm back in town. Give me a call when you're less busy. Bye!"
Aidan had to give it to Han. He knew how to make an honorable retreat. The blue eyes returned to him, and he gulped. He had a feeling he wouldn't like what Heathcliff wanted to say next. So he hurried to be the first to speak.
"Why did you have to be so rude with Han?" he asked.
"Why do you care? Is he a friend of yours?" Heathcliff said smoothly.
"No, he is one of yours."
"No, he's not."
"Well, at least, you were acquaintances. And I thought you were nice to everyone."
"I'm not nice to people pestering me. You should know that. But let's talk about something else that annoys me. Why are you so quick to abandon the ship? Are you my real babysitter or what? Is enough for some random dude to walk over and you're ready to hand me over?"
"Wow." Aidan put both his hands up. "Why are you so upset? I thought you liked handsome men."
Heathcliff seemed to ponder over what he would say next. "Is this business lunch over?"
Aidan could not fathom what the hell had gotten into Heathcliff. The man was a sight when he was pissed, his eyes cold, yet burning, his handsome face cut in stone. Aidan could not recall ever seeing him like this. He hated to leave things in such a state of affairs and go to work earlier than estimated, but he doubted he could deal with Heathcliff at the moment. Aidan didn't know him well enough.
"I guess," he said with a sigh. "I'll tell my boss about your request, and get back to you with his input in a few days, I believe. Sometimes he takes a while to decide on things he believes important. What are you doing? This business lunch goes on the company's tab!"
He tried to wrestle Heathcliff over the bill, as while he was busy talking, the waiter had materialized next to their table. It was no surprise that Heathcliff managed to fight him off without a problem.
Heathcliff said nothing, but after sending the waiter away with his usual smile, he stood up brusquely.
Aidan hated this, whatever it was. He needed to say something and find out what the hell was going on, but he could not find the right words.
"Come. We're going back home," Heathcliff said shortly.
Aidan traipsed behind Heathcliff out of the restaurant, his heart beating faster, no idea why.
***
