That Sweet Burn Read online

  “Just taking a break.” He looked down at his watch. “Actually, I need to get back to work.”

  “Yeah? What do you do?”

  “I tend bar at Big Mike’s across the street.”

  When the waitress walked up, Dimitri glanced over at Rolly, and said, “Since you gave me a place to sit why don’t you let me buy you…what…” He got the menu down and looked at it. “There’s chicken, hamburgers…”

  “I’m already late…another time, maybe. How about joining me for dinner at The Legends Saturday night? If you don’t have plans.”

  Dimitri was hesitant, but finally he said, “The Legends.”

  “Yeah. I hope that’s okay. It’s a little expensive, but…hey, don’t worry about that, it will be on me.”

  “Oh…well…”

  “Be sure to come with a big appetite, okay? As for me, I’m partial to their Chinese dishes.”

  “Well…sure. I love Chinese.”

  “Great. Why don’t we meet there, say, about nine?” Seeing Dimitri nod in agreement, Rolly quickly stood up, scooped up his laptop, and headed for the door. “Okay. See you there.”

  * * * *

  It all happened so fast Dimitri felt rather strange. Before he knew what was happening, he had a dinner date with a stranger. He didn’t feel good about the whole thing because…well, because of a lot of reasons. First, he didn’t even know the guy, and second, it was likely the guy was gay. Why else would he have invited him to dinner? If he was leading up to something, Dimitri hadn’t taken that plunge yet. He could always stand him up. After all, he probably would never see him again.

  “No, that wouldn’t be…nice,” Dimitri said, feeling like a wimp. “Oh, what the hell am I worried about? I’m just repaying a kindness, that’s all.”

  Just then the waitress, who had been waiting for their order, said, “They say talking to yourself is a sign of genius.”

  “For that you get a good tip…” He looked up at her name tag. “Rhonda.”

  “So what’s your name?”

  “Dimitri,” he answered.

  “Cute name,” she replied as she positioned her pencil over her order pad. “So, what’ll you have, Dimitri?”

  “I don’t know,” he said as he looked at the menu. “Something deadly, maybe.”

  “That could be anything on the menu.”

  Dimitri laughed. “An honest waitress. I love it.”

  * * * *

  A pain that cut into him like the blade of a knife stabbed at Rolly’s heart when he saw Dimitri and the waitress through the window enjoying each other’s company. A lot of things had told him that Dimitri was gay without him having to ask, so he wondered why he was so damned jealous that he was friendly with a woman. He didn’t know why he had even asked Dimitri out anyway. He’d just met him, and should probably get to know him first, but instead of being reasonable, he jumped into it with both feet.

  He couldn’t help it. He didn’t like being alone, and needed a relationship. But he knew his rash action grew out of a lonely heart, and he was dangerously vulnerable at this time in his life. Love was a deep emotion, and if he fell again, and lost, he knew it would kill him. With jerking movements he started his car, and after taking one more look at Dimitri, at his nice-guy appearance, his friendly smile, he knew he had to be one of the good guys who wouldn’t reach into Rolly’s chest and cut his heart out—would he?

  Chapter 2

  Dinner at The Legends…

  AS Dimitri gazed down into the swirling liquid in his glass, he tried to keep from hating every moment he was spending with Rolly. He wasn’t a bad-looking guy, so what was keeping him from making a connection? He wanted to feel something, a burning, a sizzle, anything that would make him eager to take that long-awaited step. He wanted to feel a longing, a yearning, a craving, a desire to fuck the hell out of this guy—but nothing.

  Not even the tiniest spark, burn, flash or glimmer—hell, he might as well be straight.

  He knew his problem, he just wasn’t attracted to Rolly.

  It didn’t seem to matter to other guys. They were out fucking everything that moved, but that didn’t work with him. He had to have more. It wasn’t enough to sit and dream of muscled asses, hairless chests, long cocks, and eyes he could get lost in. The man himself had to be special. Every time he saw two men who were plainly in love he felt envious, especially those who didn’t give a rat’s ass who knew it. If they wanted to hold hands, gaze into each other’s eyes, or even kiss in public, they did. He wanted that, and maybe, if he waited long enough, he would have it. Right now there was just no one in his—

  “Dimitri, you’re awfully quiet. What’s the matter, man?”

  He looked up at Rolly as if surprised at the sound of his voice. “Oh…nothing,” he said, smiling. “I was just thinking…uh, I haven’t been feeling very well. I think I’m coming down with something.”

  “That’s too bad. Have you seen a doctor?”

  “No. It’s just a summer cold, I think. It’ll pass.”

  “Do you feel like stopping by and seeing my apartment?”

  “Your apartment?” A red flag went up in Dimitri’s mind. He knew what Rolly was leading up to.

  “Yeah. I kind of wanted you to drop by and see where I’m living.”

  “Well…I don’t know…I…”

  “It’s a nice place. Kind of different.”

  “How different can it be? An apartment is an apartment.”

  “Yeah, well this one is special. You’ll understand when you see it. The guy who built it needed a house sitter…you know, business and all, and I…well, I just never left. Now I rent a room over his garage. He’s one of the good guys…

  “You live with him?”

  “No, I don’t live with him…exactly. He’s my landlord.”

  “How old is he?”

  “I don’t know. Does it matter?”

  “No, I was just wondering. Sounds like he might be older, I mean owning his own business, being married…”

  “He’s not old…at least not the way you mean.” Rolly looked closely at him. “Dimitri, are you jealous?”

  “Jealous?” Dimitri snickered. “No, of course not.”

  “Franco’s a nice-looking man, but he’s more of a mentor to me than anything.”

  “Franco? That sounds foreign.”

  “Yeah, he’s…I don’t know, Latin, or something.”

  “Do you two ever go out together?”

  “Nah, we travel in different circles. Franco is…I don’t know how to describe him. He’s kind of in between refined and raw. He’s like a diamond in the rough. A knockout in a tuxedo, but in a tough, crude sort of way, if you know what I mean. He lost his wife a while back, and since then he’s been trying to get his life back on track, but you don’t get over losing your family that quickly. Anyway, between his business and his social life, he’s trying to get back into the dating scene, but he’s taking his time. I know you’ll like him. I’d really like you to meet him.”

  “I don’t know, Rolly. My cold…”

  “You do want to meet him, don’t you?”

  “Well, sure, but I just don’t think now’s the right time. Besides, if he’s an older guy he might be in bed already.”

  “My God, Dimitri, it’s just nine o’clock. You talk like he’s some kind of senior citizen, or something.”

  “But we won’t have anything to talk about.”

  “What the hell are you worried about? I’ll just introduce you, tell him where you work…By the way, where do you work? What do you do?”

  “I just started as a paralegal at a firm downtown,” Dimitri said. “Real dull stuff. It’ll bore him to tears.”

  “What does a paralegal do?”

  “I do research for the attorneys I work for. I draft contracts, motions, prepare arguments, and I help the client with whatever they need. A bunch of stuff.”

  “You mean you’re like a lawyer?”


  “More like an assistant, but I probably know as much about the law as they do. Hell, I have to in order to do my job. The only difference in me and a lawyer is a degree.”

  “That sounds impressive. I promise you, he’ll be fascinated.”

  Wanting to change the subject, Dimitri looked down at Rolly’s plate. “Are you finished? Maybe we should go.”

  “You didn’t break open your fortune cookie yet.”

  “Oh…well, I don’t believe in those things anyway.”

  “Yeah, but it’s fun, don’t you think?” When Dimitri didn’t move to open it up, he continued. “Dimitri, aren’t you the least bit curious about what it says?”

  He picked it up, and handed it to Rolly. “Here, you open it and tell me what it says.”

  “Dimitri, it’s yours, so that means you have to open it.”

  Sighing, he broke it in two and pulled the little white strip out. “Okay,” he said, looking down at it. “You are about to…” Suddenly Dimitri’s words faded, and he threw it aside. “Uh…it’s nothing. Let’s go.”

  “Dimitri, what does it say?”

  “Nothing important. I told you. Those things are stupid.”

  He reached over to get it, but Dimitri snatched it up and put it in his pocket.

  Rolly looked up at Dimitri as if he’d just pulled a gun on him. “What did you do that for?”

  “Rolly…” When he noticed that Rolly’s cookie was cracked open, he said, “What does yours say? You didn’t tell me.”

  “Nothing really. It just said I would have nine children.”

  Dimitri snickered, and then said, “I rest my case. Come on, let’s go.”

  “You go on ahead, I’ll be there as soon as I pay the bill.”

  Offering no argument, Dimitri got up and went out to the lobby to wait, wishing he could just leave and never see Rolly again. He’d been waiting about ten minutes when Rolly finally walked up and the two of them ambled slowly out the door to the parking lot.

  “Hey,” Rolly called out. “Follow me, and I’ll show you where I live.”

  “Damn,” Dimitri said under his breath, but went ahead and followed him as he asked.

  When they finally pulled up in the drive, Dimitri got out of his car, his eyes wide as he openly stared at the house.

  “So what do you think?” Rolly asked, seeing his reaction.

  “God, this is beautiful,” Dimitri said. “I’ve never seen a house built quite like this. It’s unusual in its structure. Not too big, but not small either. It’s just right. Perfect.”

  “Now you know why I wanted you to see it.” He pointed up toward an impressive addition to the house over the garage. My apartment is up there.”

  “Looks nice. Hey, that’s something you don’t see every day.” Dimitri pointed at a woodsy-looking staircase that wound around a big tree. “It looks like those steps lead right up to your front door. That’s really beautiful.”

  “Yeah, it is. Both beautiful and functional. He says it doesn’t matter how beautiful something is—if it doesn’t serve a purpose it’s no good.” He bypassed the stairs that led him up to his apartment.

  “Aren’t you going in?” Dimitri asked.

  “Not just yet. I want you to meet Franco.”

  Still fascinated by the house, Dimitri began smoothing his hand over the sturdy outside wall while looking the house over. “Who did he get to build it?”

  “He did it himself. He’s an architect, and he loves to rebuild old houses. He’s into restoration and design of things that are outdated in the modern world. He likes to take those things from an earlier period and bring them up out of yesteryear, and make them sleek and modern.”

  “How do you mean?”

  “Well, his ideas are not the norm. Definitely nothing like your grandmother had. He and his partner are first class designers and builders with a reputation among the rich set. You know, millionaires, billionaires. People like that have unusual tastes in things, but they also insist on beauty, and they know Designs by Moretti can deliver. I’ve seen his work, and in the world of architects, I definitely think he’s a genius.”

  “You sound like you really believe in him.”

  “Oh, I do. We haven’t known each other that long, but in that short time I’ve learned a lot about him, his business, and…well, he really knows what he’s doing.”

  “He must be about ready to retire by now, isn’t he?”

  “Franco Moretti? I should say not. He’s way too young to retire.”

  “Too young? How old is he?”

  “Thirty-three…thirty-five…I’m not sure.”

  “Gosh, that is young,” Dimitri mumbled. “He must have gotten started early in life. I mean to be where he is now and…” His words faded when he thought of his own life. “Damn, I’m twenty-five, and compared to him, I haven’t done a damned thing with my life.”

  “Dimitri, would you please stop that? For God’s sake, man, you do different things. Besides, by the time you’re his age, you’ll be a successful lawyer, and doing every bit as well as he is.”

  “Okay, so I’ll…”

  Just then the door opened abruptly, and a tall, dark man with piercing eyes stood there. “Oh, sorry, Rolly. I thought I heard…” The moment he saw Dimitri, his words faded, and the two of them stood staring at each other.

  Dimitri was dumbfounded at the man’s dark, mysterious good looks. He could tell by his exotic features that he didn’t belong here. You would likely find his type in a desert tent with a harem for amusement, or on some silent screen fifty years ago fighting with a sword defending a maiden in distress. Dimitri understood now what Rolly had meant when he told him he was in between smooth and crude. His foreign look screamed Latin lover, while his manly, virile looks screamed angry, thirty-something bad boy whose legacy was a mixed up bag of blood types that got together and produced the handsomest man he’d ever seen. He had a head full of thick, dark hair that reached his shoulders, his face was a strong, lantern shape with just a trace of a beard, and mustache.

  Without saying anything, Dimitri’s gaze lowered along the tall body, seeing the most awesome build dressed in a sweater, trousers—not jeans—like some stupid teenager would wear, but dark, expensive trousers. He was a man—all man. Old enough to be exciting, yet young enough to make a heart do flip flops when he looked at them.

  “Is everything okay, Rolly?” he asked, dragging his eyes away from Dimitri.

  “Oh, sure. We were just admiring the house, actually.”

  The man said nothing, but turned his interest back to Dimitri, making him feel as if he were a bug under a microscope. Dimitri felt like he should keep talking, so like a school boy, he said, “M-My name is D-Dimitri S-S-S…” Not being able to get it out, he looked at Rolly for help.

  “Silvetti,” he whispered. “Your name is Silvetti.” He rolled his eyes. “My God, Dimitri.”

  “S-Silvetti,” Dimitri said, embarrassed. “Dimitri S-Silvetti.”

  “Glad to meet you, Dimitri.” Franco extended his hand in friendship.

  Dimitri looked down at his hand as if it were a snake ready to strike. After standing there for a moment or two, he hesitantly reached out and took it.

  “You seem scared, son,” he said with amusement in his voice. “A little advice. If you ever forget your name again, look on your Driver’s License. I assume you do have one. Right?”

  “Oh, yes…yes, sir. I-I’m just a l-little nervous.”

  “No reason to be. Well, we can’t stand out here all night. You want to come in?”

  Dimitri turned to Rolly. “I think I should get back. You’re tired and…well, I’ve already made enough of a fool of myself. I think I just want to go find the nearest cliff and jump off.”

  “Nonsense,” Franco said. “The entertainment value was priceless.”

  “Franco!” Rolly said, embarrassed for Dimitri.

  “What’s wrong? I’m just trying to mak
e him feel better.”

  “Pay no attention to him, Dimitri. He’s in one of his moods tonight.” Looking back at Dimitri, he continued. “Why don’t you come to dinner some night? We’ll send out for Chinese. I know this great little—”

  “Oh, hell no!” Dimitri said.

  “Why not, Dimitri?” Franco said, his voice a challenge.

  “Franco, please, he’s my guest,” When Franco paid no attention to him, he said, “Well…I guess…I’ll just…” He looked over at Dimitri. “Dimitri, wou…” With no response, Rolly shrugged, and disappeared into the house.

  “By the way, you can forget this ‘sir’ business. I have a feeling I’m not much older than you. How old are you, or can you remember your age? Don’t forget. It’s on your Driver’s License.”

  Dimitri looked up at him, feeling the insult cut deep. “I’m…twenty-five.”

  Franco nodded. “I’m thirty-three. Eight years.”

  “Eight years?” Dimitri asked.

  “Between us. I’m eight years older than you are.”

  Dimitri looked around. “Where did Rolly go?”

  “He must have gone inside. I think he suffered a little embarrassment when you couldn’t remember your name.”

  “Maybe he was embarrassed by your rude behavior.”

  “Either way, it looks like it’s just you and me now.”

  “It’s just you. I’m leaving.” He turned to hurry down the steps, when he was stopped by Franco’s voice.

  “Funny, isn’t it?” Franco asked with a subtle tone of intimacy in his voice. “You started with Rolly, but ended up with me. How does that make you feel?”

  Dimitri felt a twinge of anger, turned, and said, “I feel cornered, you bastard.”

  A small smile appeared on Franco’s face infuriating Dimitri.

  “You know…I don’t know what the hell I’m doing standing here talking to you. You’re just Rolly’s landlord, for God’s sake, and if you don’t like me, that’s just too damned bad. I don’t like you either.”

  “Is that supposed to impress me?”

  “I don’t give a fuck about impressing you. Now, if you’ll—”

  “So, you don’t like me, huh? Well, if I’ve been a little hard on you, I have a reason.”