Innocent Betrayal

Chapter 3

Brian was in the kitchen loading the dishwasher with their dinner dishes when he heard Kyle talking with their new neighbors. He thought about going outside to say hello, but decided against it. All day long his thoughts were consumed with the blond next door. He didn’t think going out to chat with him was a good idea; at least not until he figured out why he couldn’t seem to get the man out of his head. Once he was done in the kitchen, he headed into his office and began going over the ad he had been trying to work on all day. It was an ad for Brown Athletics new line of work out clothes. Leo Brown had called him personally, telling him that they needed a new approach for their active wear. Brian had been racking his brain ever since but kept coming up short, and he hated coming up short when it came to his ideas. He was so lost in thought that he never heard Kyle approach him.

“Hey Babe, whatcha working on?” Kyle asked as he draped his arms around Brian from behind.

“The Brown account. I still can’t seem to find the right slogan. I’ve been working on this for weeks, and my deadline is Friday. At this rate, I think Bob and Brad would do a better job,” Brian sighed.

“Relax, it’ll come to you. They always do. For now though, why don’t you take a break? We have to be at Justin and Luke’s in an hour,” Kyle told him casually.

“What? What the fuck for?” Brian barked angrily.

“For a drink. They just invited us over so I can see some of Justin’s work. By the way, why didn’t you tell me you were over there with Justin today?” Kyle asked, ignoring his partner’s outburst.

“I didn’t tell you about it because I forgot about it already. It was no big deal. I just saw a couple of paintings. Why did you agree to go over there without asking me? Did it ever occur to you that I might be busy working? I hate when you make plans for both of us without checking with me first.” Brian knew he was being irrational, but he couldn’t help himself. The last thing he wanted to do was spend the evening with Justin and Luke.

“I’m sorry Brain. We’ve always accepted invitations without checking with the other in the past. I didn’t think it bothered you. You’ve never complained before. If you don’t want to go, then stay the fuck home!” Kyle yelled, walking out of the room. He knew Brian was stressed out over the Brown account, but that was no reason for him to be an ass. He headed upstairs to take a shower, not caring if his partner went out with him or not.

As Brian watched Kyle storm out the door the guilt set in. He shouldn’t have taken his frustrations out on him; he knew that. It was just that after spending the day thinking about Justin instead of work he was a little on edge. He had to go apologize for being an ass. When he heard the upstairs shower turn on he headed up to make nice. Stripping along the way, Brian entered the bathroom and quietly climbed into the shower with Kyle.

“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have snapped at you. I guess I’m just worried about the account,” Brian said, grabbing the soap and running it down Kyle’s back.

Kyle wanted to stay mad at Brian but knew there was no way he could; especially since they were naked and in the shower together. He turned around in his partner’s arms and placed a soft kiss on his lips.

“It’s okay, I understand. It’s just that after all those talks we had about whether we should move to the suburbs, finding neighbors like us is a nice surprise. I like Justin and Luke and think that we could all be great friends. I want to get to know them better. If you don’t want to go with me, it’s alright. I’ll just tell them that you’re too busy with work. They’ll understand,” Kyle replied, trying to hold back his disappointment.

Brian could see how important the night was to Kyle and knew he needed to push aside his feelings and go with him. “It’s okay. Maybe a couple of hours away from work will help get the creative juices flowing.”

Kyle smiled at Brian’s response. “You know I love you, don’t you?”

“I know. Now we better get moving or we’ll never have time to fuck before we go hang with our new neighbors,” Brian replied, pushing Kyle up against the wall and attacking his mouth with his own. Their previous argument long forgotten.

An hour later, Justin was pacing nervously around the house, trying to figure out a way to get rid of his neighbors as quickly as he could. It wasn’t as if he didn’t like Kyle and Brian. After the Henderson’s, having gay neighbors would normally be a welcome change. It was just that he was confused by his reaction towards Brian and the thoughts that had been invading his mind since they had met.

“Babe, what’s wrong? You’re walking around here like a caged animal,” Luke asked, stopping Justin from his pacing.

“Nothing’s wrong. I’m just feeling a little restless. I think it comes from working at home. You’re out of the house everyday while I’m here trying to be brilliant,” Justin explained with a chuckle, trying to hide his true feelings.

“Well, we could always start looking for a studio away from here for you,” Luke offered, knowing what Justin’s response would be.

“Luke, we’ve discussed this before. There’s no way I’m going to pay rent monthly on a place when I can work from here just as easily. Besides, that’s what the renovations we did were for, remember? I’m just a little stressed right now because of the upcoming show. I’ll be alright once that’s over,” Justin explained.

“Yeah, until the next time. Justin, when are you going to realize that you are incredibly talented and have nothing to worry about when it comes to your shows? It will be a sold out show, just like all the rest. Now stop worrying so much.” Luke leaned in and kissed Justin, but was interrupted by the doorbell. “Sounds like our neighbors are here.”

Justin watched Luke walk towards the door and took a deep breath to calm himself. Maybe he was over reacting to the whole situation. Yeah, Brian was good looking, but so was Luke; but Luke was also kind, caring, and an amazing partner. Justin loved him, and even though it was the kind of love that romance books were written about, it was more than enough to make them happy. Besides, they were queers, and queers didn’t do all that head over heels all consuming love. He was lucky to have found Luke and he refused to let obsession with Brian ruin that. Reassured of his feelings, he stood tall and walked towards the door to greet his guests.

“Hey Justin,” Kyle said as he saw him approach them.

“Hey Kyle, Brian. Come on in,” Justin said, keeping his eyes on Kyle to avoid seeing Brian. “What can I get you to drink? We have a pretty complete bar around here.”

“I’m on call, so I just take a Coke,” Kyle replied before looking back a Brian. “What about you, Babe?”

Justin knew he had to address the other man and finally made eye contact, only to have his heart leap into his throat. Brian stood there in a pair of tight black jeans and a button down black silk shirt, his hair still damp from a shower. The man exuded sex appeal and Justin knew that the pep talk he had given himself moments ago was lost. “Uh…Brian? What would you like?”

Brian looked into Justin’s deep blue eyes and knew exactly what he wanted. Unfortunately, Justin wasn’t on the menu. Shaking his head to clear his thoughts, Brian mumbled, “got any beam?”

“As a matter of fact, we do. That’s Justin’s drink of choice, too. Why don’t I get the drinks while Justin shows Kyle his work? Then we can go out back and sit by the pool. I’m sure the nice weather will be disappearing way too soon.”

“Sounds good to me. Soon we’ll be digging our way through the snow just to get the mail,” Kyle replied with a chuckle. “Well Justin, show me your stuff.”

Justin led both Brian and Kyle into his studio and stood back watching Kyle’s reaction to his work. He always hated waiting for criticism from others.

“These are incredible Justin. I’m impressed. You are very talented. I can’t wait to see what you have on display at the Gallery. When is your opening?” Kyle inquired as he continued to study the paintings.

“Next Thursday.”

“Well, we’ll be there to cheer you on, won’t we Brian?”

Brian glared at Kyle, silently reminding him about their recent discussion about making commitments without the others consent, before turning to smile at Justin. “Of course we will.”

Justin noticed an underlying current between the two men and wondered what had caused it. It appeared as if Brian wasn’t so sure about attending the opening.

“You don’t have to do that. I don’t expect you to be there just because you moved in next door,” Justin admitted quietly.

“No, that’s okay. I told you I’m pretty much a regular at the local galleries. I actually have quite a few pieces from local talent waiting to be hung in the new house. Who knows? Maybe after the show is over I’ll have an original Justin Taylor there, too.” Kyle said with a smile.

Justin smiled shyly, thankful when Luke appeared in the doorway.

“Drinks are ready. Are you all done in here?”

“Yeah, let’s get outside and enjoy that nice weather,” Justin replied, happy for the change in subject.

The four men proceeded to get settled outside and were soon lost in conversation. Kyle and Luke seemed to have the most to say with Brian and Justin fighting to pay attention, adding their comments occasionally. Justin finished his drink rather quickly and knew he needed another.

“I’m ready for a refill,” he explained as he stood up. “Anyone else?”

“I could use another myself,” Brian replied quickly. “I also need to use the bathroom.”

Justin led Brian into the house and showed him where the bathroom was before heading into the kitchen to refill their drinks. He heard Brian approaching a few minutes later and pasted a smile on his face.

“Here you go,” Justin said as he handed Brian his drink.

Their hands brushed together during the exchange and the heat that the contact generated passed through Brian like wild fire, heading straight to his cock.

“Uh…thanks,” Brian replied, confused by his reaction to the other man. The situation was ridiculous. He had never felt this kind of attraction to another man before. Not even with Kyle. What the hell was happening to him? He needed to pull himself together. Not only was he happy with Kyle, Justin was with Luke. “I guess we better get back to the guys.”

“Uh, yeah,” Justin replied before being interrupted by the phone. “Shit, I better get that. I’ll be right out.”

He watched Brian make his way back to the others before answering the phone. “Hello?”

“Hey Jus, it’s Molly.”

“Hey Mol, what’s up?” Justin asked his sister, pleased to hear her voice. They were three years apart, but closer than any two people could be.

“Not too much. I was thinking about you today and thought I’d call to see how my favorite brother was doing,” Molly laughed.

“Bitch, that’s because I’m your only brother.”

“Maybe, but I think I’d still like you best. Are you busy, or do you have time to chat?”

“Actually, Luke and I have company. The Henderson’s finally sold their house and our new neighbors came over for a few drinks,” Justin explained.

“Really? Well, I guess they’re gay friendly then.”

“Even better…their gay,” Justin said with a chuckle.

“Cool, what are they like?” she asked curiously.

“Well, Kyle is a doctor and Brian is an advertising executive. Them seem pretty cool,” Justin replied casually.

“Uh oh…what’s wrong?” Molly asked, sensing trouble in her brother’s voice.

“What do you mean? Nothing’s wrong. They seem really nice.”

“Justin Taylor, don’t give me that. I know you better than you know yourself. I can hear in your voice that something’s wrong, now out with it.”

Justin looked back towards the yard to make sure he was alone before he spoke. “Mol, I don’t know what’s wrong with me. Ever since meeting Brian last night I haven’t been able to get him out of my mind. It’s almost like an obsession,” Justin almost whispered.

“Shit,” Molly replied softly. She knew her bother well enough to know that if what he was saying was true, he was in serious trouble.

“I know. What am I going to do? I can’t do this. I can’t be thinking what I’ve been thinking about my neighbor. I feel so guilty. Luke would be so hurt if he knew,” Justin sighed. “Not to mention that Brian is with Kyle. They’ve been together for years, so it’s not as if he’s available anyway.”

“Maybe it’s just because he’s new, ya know? Give it time and I’m sure whatever it is you’re feeling for Brian will disappear. I mean, you love Luke, right?”

“You know that I do.”

“Then just keep your feelings to yourself and give it time. I’m sure it will all blow over,” Molly advised him.

“You’re right. I’m sure it’s just one of those things. I’m a gay man. Of course I would notice a beautiful man when I see one.”

“Beautiful? Justin, I’ve never heard you use that word before when it came to men.”

“Beautiful, hot…same thing. Listen, I better get back. Call me tomorrow. Maybe we can get together soon. I missed seeing you at Mom’s last night.”

“I know, but I had a date with Kevin. You know how long I’ve been waiting for him to notice me. I wasn’t about to turn him down for dinner with my mother,” Molly said, laughing.

“Can’t say I blame you there, Sis. I’ll talk to you later and you can tell me all about it.”

“Okay, Jus. I love you,”

“Love you, too. Bye.”

Justin hung up the phone and went back to join the others.

“Hey Babe, who was that on the phone?” Luke asked him when he returned.

“It was Molly. She ditched us last night for that guy Kevin,” Justin explained.

“So she finally got him to notice her, huh? Good for her. Make sure you invite her over for dinner soon. I miss the little brat,” Luke said with affection. He had always liked Molly and missed her now that she graduated from college and moved out of Jennifer’s house.

“I’m one step ahead of you. She’s going to call me tomorrow and I’ll see what I can set up.”

“Cool. While you were gone we were talking about Brian’s campaign at work. He’s trying to come up with a new ad for Brown Athletics’ new active wear. Hey, why don’t you have Justin look at your ideas? He interned at an ad agency while he was in college,” Luke suggested, oblivious to the horror that Justin felt at his words.

Brian listened to Luke, in shock by what he was suggesting. The last thing he wanted was to spend time alone with the blond. “Oh that’s okay. I’m sure Justin is really busy with his show coming up. He doesn’t need to waste time trying to help me.”

“He’s all ready for the show, aren’t you Babe? Besides, it will keep him occupied while he waits for next week, giving him something to do besides worrying. Tell him, Justin,” Luke encouraged.

Justin knew he was caught. There was no way he could decline without causing them to question his motives. “It’s really no problem, Brian. I could look at what you got and offer my opinion.”

“That’s nice of you; isn’t it, Brian?” Kyle asked his partner. “Maybe he could help you come up with something spectacular.”

“Yeah, great,” Brian said, trying to sound enthusiastic.

“No problem. I’ll uh, come by in the morning and see what you’ve got so far,” Justin said, accepting his fate.

“Okay, but it’s getting late so we should probably get going. Kyle, you must be exhausted by now. You’ve been up since the middle of the night.” Brian stood up trying to make a quick getaway.

“Yeah, I am a little tired. Thanks for the invitation guys. It’s been fun. We’re still on for dinner on Friday, right?”

“You bet. We’ll talk to you later,” Luke replied as he followed his guests to the door.

“Have a good night Luke, later Justin,” Kyle called as just came up behind them.

“Good night, Kyle. I’ll see you in the morning, Brian,” he said reluctantly.

“Later,” Brian offered heading out the door.

Once they were gone, Luke took Justin in his arms. “Wasn’t that nice?”

“I’m going up to bed,” Justin stated as he pulled out of Luke’s arms.

“What’s wrong with you?”

“Did it ever occur to you to maybe ask me before you offer my services to other people? What if I was busy this week? If I had plans to get some more work done so I’m not as rushed for the next show? Or maybe if I just didn’t want to spend my day helping someone else do their job?” Justin snapped.

“But Justin…”

“Just forget it, Luke. I’m not in the mood to fight with you tonight.”

“Who said it would be a fight?”

“Trust me…it would be. Good night,” Justin replied as he disappeared upstairs, leaving his partner alone to try to figure out what exactly he did wrong.

Brian walked into the house and immediately headed for his office, trying to put some space between him and Kyle.

“Babe, it’s getting late. Aren’t you going to come to bed?”

“No.”

“But…”

“You know what, Kyle? Just leave me alone. I don’t want to talk to you right now,” Brian spat in anger.

“What? Why, what did I do?”

“You have to ask? Do you think I’m so incompetent that I need help to come up with the ad for Brown? I didn’t get to where I am by being stupid, Kyle. I’m a big boy and a success in the advertising world. I think I can handle coming up with my own ideas without having some starving artist come to the rescue!” Brian yelled with fury in his eyes.

“Whoa, wait a minute, Brian. Where is this coming from? You know I think you are brilliant. I never said you couldn’t do it on your own. I just thought that since you seem to be having trouble, maybe Justin could help.” Kyle tried to defend himself, surprised by Brian’s anger.

“Well, do me a favor and next time, don’t think! I don’t tell you what to do when it comes to medicine. You have no right to interfere in my business. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have work to do. Good night, Kyle,” Brian said before walking into his office and slamming the door.

Kyle stood there in shock. He was very rarely on the receiving end of one of Brian’s rages, and once again he was thankful for that. Knowing that he wouldn’t accomplish anything by following his lover into his office, he locked up and went to bed, thankful when his exhaustion took over and he drifted off into a fitful sleep.

Brian knew he was being irrational and completely over reacted to the situation, but he couldn’t help himself. He hated the feelings of guilt and confusion he was experiencing about Justin and wanted to put some space between them. How was he going to do that when the man would be on his doorstep the next morning? He always prided himself on the control he had, but the situation he was currently in was starting to spin out of control and Brian didn’t like it one bit.

In the house next door, Luke had finally drifted off to sleep while Justin lay awake on the opposite side of the bed, trying to decide what he was going to do about his feelings towards Brian. If there was any doubt in his mind about the feelings he was having they were erased earlier when his and Brian’s hands make contact. Ever since that moment, all Justin could do was imagine what it would be like to kiss the older man; make love with the man. His guilt was so strong it was actually making him crazy. Crazy enough that he picked a fight with Luke for no reason. He had to figure out what he was going to do before his attraction to Brian ruined his life with Luke.


End of chapter 3
7/3/04

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