A Love to Last Ch. 02

"I said I'm coming with you, not looking for a husband." He said harshly. "Don't make me regret this, Jim."

"You won't." He leaned and kissed his cheek.

"Now can I have my lunch in peace?" He asked with raised shoulders.

"Go ahead." Jim chuckled. "I'll wait for you to finish so that we can head home."

Ben continued with his lunch and Jim continued with his day dream. He knew he needed to impress the handsome hunk and he was hoping everything was gonna go according to his plan. He was so happy.

***

The room was lit up by the best of decors, beautiful and expensive. Everyone was dressed to perfection in the most expensive clothes they could find. Friends, family and business partners were in attendance. There was slow music playing, beautiful party lighting and foods and drinks of all kinds. It wasn't the party too fancy but it was just to have fun. Amber usually threw such parties whenever she was bored but this one was for her brother.

And here he was, the man of the moment stealing the night. He was dressed in a black designer's suit that fit him like a second skin with a white shirt inside that was halfway done, revealing his sexy hairy chest. His hair was done to perfection and then combed backwards, showing his handsome face to the world.

Men and women in that party were all staring at him, flirting with him because he looked yummy. He was having a laugh with a bunch of men and women who were welcoming him back to the country. It was fun.

"Hey, hi guys." Amber greeted the bunch. "May I just borrow the man of the moment for a while? I promise it won't be long."

She coiled her arms with him lovingly as they both walked away.

"My don't you look beautiful tonight?" David whistled as he spun her slowly. "Who'd have known you'd ever look this beautiful?"

"I'll take that as a compliment." She laughed.

She looked gorgeous in a golden dress that reached her knees, stuck to her body and showing off her curves to the world. Her hair was curled and then tied in a bun and her makeup was on point. She looked like a princess, especially in those silver heels she wore.

"Hope you're enjoying the party?" Amber asked. "It's all for you."

"Your parties are always fun. I am a having a good time."

"See anything you like here?"

"More like see anything that doesn't like me." He joked. "I have even lost count of the number of people that have flirted with me in here. But that's what makes it fun. What's that word? The more the merrier, right?"

"Got words right out of my mouth."

They saw a handsome man waving at them. He was wearing a grey designer's suit with red shirt inside. His name was Isaac and he was their friend. They had all grown up together. He was David's age and the two were inseparable.

*

The Henandez brothers entered the party room looking two angels had just fallen from heaven. Jim looked breathtakingly beautiful in a blood red designer's suit with a white shirt inside. The suit looked amazing on him with red shoes. His hair shoulder length hair was gelled to perfect, revealing his beautiful hairless. When he entered, almost everyone looked in his direction.

Ben on the other hand looked nervous as hell. He wore a pink shirt that was tucked in a black skinny jean, showing off his body with black sneakers on his feet. His hair as was made into a ponytail but he was looking amazing. Anyone that looked in their direction couldn't help but appreciate them.

Ben felt a hand on his shoulder.

"Hey! Come on, don't show that you're nervous." Jim reassured. "I am with you here so just forget about all your fears. Your loving brother is here and I will make sure that you enjoy the party."

Ben nodded, slightly smiling.

"Let's go find my prince charming." He held out his hand.

Ben held Jim's hand tightly as the two of them went inside to have fun. Ben wanted to support his brother but he was just nervous that he felt out of place. He didn't know what was gonna happen, especially since some people mocked him as a mistress' son.

*

"Cheers!" Amber screamed at the top of her voice.

The three of them toast their glasses and enjoyed their wine. They were having so much fun and their evening had just started. David just wanted to have a wonderful time, maybe go back home with some hot guy.

"So how are you enjoying your work, bud?" Isaac asked.

"Haven't really started." He sighed. "I am taking my time, but mom told me to study some files so that I know how everything is moving. And speaking of mom..." He looked at her sister. "...wasn't she supposed to return today?"

"Oh, she called and said she still have something to do. She'll be spending a few more days." She hit her brother's chest hard. "But let's not talk about that. You're ruining the party mood. Today let's just have fun, drink, dance and just live the night."

The three of them burst into laughter. Amber was truly the life of the party. She always brought out her A game. They were still talking when all of a sudden...

"Excuse me!"

David heard a sweet voice behind him before someone tapped his back. He slowly turned only to get caught looking in someone's eyes, someone very beautiful. The boy stood in front of him, staring straight into his eyes. There was something about him, something that David couldn't put his finger on. But all he knew was that he looked very beautiful. He remembered seeing that face somewhere but couldn't quite remember where.

"Hi!" David's voice was barely above a whisper.

Jim felt his heart jump in his chest and he blushed, slightly dropping his eyes to the floor. The way David had looked at him as if staring into his very soul. His cheeks pinkened and he bit his lip, suppressing a moan.

"Hey!" Amber broke the silence between the two of them.

She rushed to Jim and hugged him tightly. "You are finally here? Err.... David, you do remember Jim, right?" She asked the man that still stared at Jim. "We met in the restaurant 3 days ago."

"Oh!" He gasped. "I couldn't recognize you. You look so beautiful."

He took Jim's hand and bowed slowly, kissing it. Jim felt his heart begin to race as his hand caught fire, a fire of passion. He visibly trembled and didn't even realize it.

"Wow, Jim, you look amazing. Even my brother is caught in your fire." Amber teased, making him blush some more. "You should have called that you arrived. I would have given you a very beautiful welcome."

"Oh well, actually, I came here with my..."

But when he turned, there was no one behind him. He got surprised and began scanning throughout the room but there was no sign of Ben anywhere. He could have sworn Ben had been with him the whole time.

"Jim?" Amber called him. "You were saying?"

"Never mind." He smiled. "I am just glad I am here. This is a very nice party. And David, welcome back and nice to meet you again."

David cleared his throat. "Thank you so much."

Isaac and Amber could feel the connection between the two men. They came up with an excuse and left the two of them there.

"I... I..." David stuttered. "You look very beautiful, Jim. I mean, you're beautiful."

"Thank you so much. I must say the same about you."

And there was silence. The two men were staring at each other once again. Jim wanted to break the silence but he found that he had no words too. At that moment, he knew that that was the man he wanted to spend the rest of his life with.

"Ladies and gentlemen, thank you so much for coming to my brother's welcome party."

They were interrupted by Amber's cheerful voice and the audience clapping.

"It's always nice to mingle with such good people." She hollered, getting claps from everyone. "But we haven't seen our man of the night dance tonight. That's why, I would like to invite my brother, David and the gorgeous boy with him to the party. After that, we'll all join the dance floor."

Immediately she was done 'Beneath your beautiful' by Labrinth and Emeli Sande began playing and the room went dim. The spotlight shone on them and everyone gave them space. Jim felt his heart pounding against his ribs as if trying to fulfill a thousand beats.

He exhaled, releasing some of the tension that had built up in his shoulders.

"Shall we?" He asked with a chuckle.

David smiled brightly. "It would be an honor to dance with you."

David took Jim's hand sweetly and guided him across the dance floor as if they were in a dream. He had his eyes on Jim the whole time, yet knew where exactly to take him. Jim thought like he was floating. Everything had started falling into place and yet he had been there for only a few minutes.

The applause of the audience died down as the two of them took their places. David placed his hand on Jim's back, Jim's hand on his shoulder and their free hands finally met. They began dancing slowly to the music, their feet in perfect sync to the beating of Jim's heart.

"You're an amazing dancer." Jim finally uttered a word as the man spun him slowly and brought him back closer. "Even better than I had imagined."

David chuckled nervously. "Weird! You were imagining us dancing? When was that?"

"I have been imaging a lot of things since the time I saw you, Mr. Paola." He finally confessed. "have you just met someone and thought that they're the most beautiful person you've ever seen. That was why I came to the table that day. I wanted to talk to you but you seemed to be in a hurry."

"Oh..." David said with a smile. "Why would a gorgeous boy like you be looking for someone like me?"

"My heart." Jim said nervously. "It tells me a lot of things, things that I can't even control. So I choose to listen to it all the time."

"Really? Do you mind sharing?"

"I will... soon..." He chuckled as he wrapped his arms tightly around David's neck. "...but for now, I wanna enjoy this dance with you. It's been a long time since I danced with someone so perfect."

"Lucky me! But as you wish, mi hermosa."

David turned elegantly, his body in tune with the slow music. Yet, there was a sort of harshness to him, like he was someone who shouldn't be underestimated. Jim didn't quite care at the moment. Was it because he was falling in love with someone that he barely knew? The warmth between them grew so powerful by the second, well to Jim it did.

Jim's heart beat was growing steadily along with it. Their dance was perfect; everything from their breathing to their feet movements stayed in sync. But just as soon as it had started, it ended and both of them were breathless.

Everyone cheered and whistled as soon as they finished dancing. It had been beautiful and had been good while it lasted, Jim couldn't help but think. If only he could dance again with the hunk for the rest of the night but he needed to talk to him.

"I... I..."

"Would you like another dance?" David asked softly.

"No, actually, I would love an opportunity to talk to you if you don't mind."

"Not at all." David said with a smile. "But it would be disrespectful if I didn't get you something to drink. Do you mind waiting here for just a second? I need to get us some drinks."

Jim shook his head and when the hunk kissed his hand and left, he felt himself get hot. How he wished Ben had been there with him. He would have hugged him tightly. He looked at the hand that the hunk had kissed and brought it to his face. At that pace, he knew he was gonna be tasting the hunk's lips that night and maybe spend the night with him.

*

Ben was looking around, scanning the room to see if he could spot his brother but he was nowhere to be seen. He couldn't believe Jim had left him knowing very well that he had been nervous in the first place. There had been a number of men that had hit on him and they had been weird. To avoid them, he had spent a lot of time in the bathroom and now he was out, hoping to see his brother.

Suddenly, Ben bumped into someone hard.

"Shit!" He heard someone curse.

Ben quickly fixed his gaze in front and found a very beautiful young lady with a golden dress, a distance from him. She was looking pissed and he knew he had messed up.

"Hey, watch where you're going." Amber said harshly, almost hissing. "You nearly had me on the floor. Don't you know how to be gentle?"

"I am sorry." He raised his hands as if he was surrendering. "I wasn't paying attention. It's my fault. I am truly sorry."

With those words, he slowly turned to leave but...

"Wait!" He heard a voice behind him.

He stood still without turning and heard footsteps near him. In a few seconds, the beautiful lady was staring into his face with a frown on her face. Ben got nervous. He knew that he hadn't done what he did on purpose but the lady didn't wanna let go.

"I am sorry, ma'am."

"I don't remember seeing your face before and I know almost everyone in this room." She crossed her arms on her chest. "Who are you and how did you get in here without an invitation?"

Ben's stomach seemed to rise to his throat. "My name is Ben Henandez and I am here with my brother. I have been looking for him everywhere and I still can't find him."

Amber's face brightened. "Of course," She hit her heard. "Jim's brother, right?" Ben nodded. "I remember him trying to tell us that he came here with someone. My name is Amber." She extended her hand. "I am sorry if I scared you earlier. You did quite bump into me a little too hard."

"I am sorry."

"Just joking." She laughed.

"Pardon my manners." Ben shook her hand powerfully with a smile. "Nice to meet you, Amber. I am hoping you're not hurt or anything?"

"I am fine. And don't worry about your brother. He was dancing with my brother earlier. I am sure they're somewhere talking." She got nearer and whispered. "Wouldn't wanna disturb them. You know what they say about new found lovers."

"Yeah!" Ben chuckled nervously, still looking around.

"But while my brother is busy with your brother, maybe I can keep you company." She proposed. "That's if you don't mind?"

"You seem like a pretty cool girl and you're beautiful. So why not."

Amber touched her chest, feeling special. "You're just as sweet as your brother. And he never even mentioned that he's got such a cute brother."

"Ha ha ha... that sly dog." He said as the two of them burst into laughter. "And I am humbled by your words. This is a very beautiful party and I am having a good time." He lied.

"That's me." She opened her arms widely. "They call me the party planner. So if you need anything party related, I am your girl."

The two had a good time talking and getting to know each other. Before he even knew, his nerves were all calm. He was opening up to Amber.

Meanwhile, David was on his way back to where he had left Jim. He was holding two glasses of wine for himself and the gorgeous man. He had a smile on his face. As he was going back, he spotted Amber closer to him and she seemed to be in a very cheerful conversation from the expression of her hands.

She was talking to someone whom he couldn't see because Amber had her back towards him, blocking the person. But he figured it was Isaac and that was also the time he realized he had something that he needed to ask Amber quickly.

He changed his direction and began heading to her with a smile on his face. He was almost near when he felt someone tap his shoulder. He quickly turned and found Jim smiling brightly at him. He took one glass from him and winked.

"I believe this is mine, my good sir?"

"Of course." He chuckled nervously.

"And where were you going? Were you trying to run away from me?" He asked jokingly, taking a sip of his wine.

"Why would I do that?" He moaned, biting his lip. "After all, your presence has made my party extra special. I wanted to have a quick chat with Amber."

He looked in the direction where he had seen her and found she wasn't there. Strange, he thought as he shook his head. He looked at Jim and smiled at him.

"Never mind. What did you wanna tell me?"

Jim coiled his arm with David's and they went to a place that wasn't filled with lots of people near a window.

"Look, David, I am a very straight forward person and I don't wanna waste any time." Jim started. He was very nervous. "I like you very much. Ever since the first day I saw you, my heart knew that you had to be in my life. I wanna get close to you and I am sorry to say this but not as a friend."

"Really?" David said in a triumphant voice. His heart lifted and his face brightened up. "Wow, I feel so hot right now just listening to you. But you barely know me and you don't know the type of person I am. What makes you think that I am the guy for you?"

"I have feelings for you, David." He took his hand and rubbed on them sweetly. "And I won't give up. I don't know... I have never felt this way about anyone before, someone that I barely know. But it happened, right when I set my eyes on you in the restaurant. And this isn't because you're rich, I promise. Because my father is one of the richest men in the country. But this is genuine.

I know I may seem desperate but that's what you're doing to me, David. I guess in just a few words, I like you very much and I would love for you to be my boyfriend."

David's heart was racing. He had a smile on his face as he stared at the boy, his hand slowly rising to his face. He pressed it on Jim's cheek and caressed it. The boy blushed and bit his lip, but that was what made him look amazing to David.

"Thank you so much for your kind words, mi hermosa." He said in between chuckles. "You're a very beautiful boy and any guy would be happy to have you. Guess, I am lucky, getting a love proposal from such beauty."

Jim felt like he was on fire. His breaths were harsh.

"Jim, I want to say that even I would love to..."

But that was it. David didn't finish his sentence because something happened. He didn't know how it happened or how he saw him. But there was the boy he had met the other day at the restaurant, a distance from him, past Jim.

At first glance, he had an abrupt change of mind. The smile on his face completely faded as he stared at the boy that seemed to be busy moving towards the exit. He looked so beautiful... so calm and so amazing with his hair tied in a ponytail just like he had seen it the first time. He felt his heart pound in his ears and he gulped, feeling weak in the knees.

"David!" Jim called. "You were saying?

But David didn't respond. He gave his glass of wine to Jim unconsciously and as if his feet were on fire, he began rushing towards the boy that had already exited the room. It was as if the hounds of hell were after him. In no time at all, he was exiting the room.

"David?" Jim hollered but the man was deaf to his voice.

David ran after the boy but as he was getting out, he found the elevator closing and he rushed in hopes of getting in before the elevator could close but it was too late.

"Hey!" He called, hitting the elevator angrily.

He pressed the buttons for them to open but it seemed the elevator had already started going down. He ran as fast as his feet could carry him and used the staircase, not minding that he was on the fifth floor. By the time he was reaching the ground floor, he was hoping the elevator hadn't reached yet so he could talk to the boy.

To his disappointment, when the elevator opened, there was no one there.

"Shit!" He stamped his foot on the floor, feeling anger take ahold of him. "Not again."

He looked around to see if he could spot him but got nervous when he saw him rushing out the exit. He felt a surge of adrenaline and then without a thought, he splinted toward the exit. He run like mad, following the mysterious guy.

"Mr...." He called. "Hey!"

He didn't mind that there were a lot of people that began watching him. His goal was to find the boy and talk to him. He didn't wanna lose him this time. His steps were pounding in time with his heartbeat.