Free A New Dream [Dreams: 1] by Alex C. Clarke

he saw him. Why is he avoiding me? What does he think? That I’ll jump him next time I see him? That I’ll throw myself at his feet because we exchanged some hot caresses that blew my mind and put my heart on fire? Okay, okay, a little too much maybe? I’m being carried away by my grandiloquence, it seems… I still can’t believe it… he mumbled inwardly. He bit his lip and grew angrier at the American. How dare he? He did NOT hurt my feelings by ignoring me. No! He took a shower, still pissed off, and got ready for the day. He went downstairs and signed the papers for the delivery guy. A long day was about to begin.
    Bo hadn’t arrived yet, which was odd because he was always the first one at work. One of the kitchen’s double doors opened with a thud and there stood the man of his thoughts. James was quietly arguing with Bo, the sounds muffled and indistinct. As soon as they saw him, they stopped talking. Talk about awkward…
    “Good morning. What’s the matter?” David asked, smiling.
    “Nothin,” Bo frowned. “It’s D-Day, are you ready for the rush?” he asked, promptly changing the subject.
    David was happy to oblige. “I’m impatient, even. I’m curious to see what the band is like, live. I can’t wait for tonight, to be honest. It’s a major life change for me, in every sense of the word.” He watched James intensely, knowing he was probably making a fool of himself with his blatant statement. He didn’t know what more he could do to force James to accept that David wanted him. Throw my naked self at him, maybe? David smiled secretively. He liked the idea.
    David caught a glimpse of the need in James’ eyes before he turned his head. Hmm…let’s play cat and mouse…
    He pulled one hand out of his jeans pocket and trailed it over his chest. He knew the black t-shirt he was wearing that day hugged him tighter than a tattoo. Looking at James with heat in his eyes, his reward came in the form of James’ scorching hot glance. A smile tugged at his lips. David felt less and less shy. It was as if a heavy armor had been lifted from his chest and heart. It was freeing and he felt so light he thought he could fly. He had the power to make his life whatever he wanted it to be. He could seduce a person he appreciated and who wasn’t female for once. The air he inhaled was fresher than ever, filling him up with courage and he dared to pronounce the next words.
    “Will you be there tonight, James? We need all the support available to help us build a better future.” He winked and smiled.
    James hesitated before nodding but he looked upset. I hope I haven’t screwed up everything. David thought. James, without warning, whirled on his heels and disappeared through the kitchen door. Bo looked at David with a fatherly attitude, as if ready to serve him the speech…he’d had enough sermons in his life and he absolutely didn’t feel like having one right now. So he decided to cut in before Bo even had the chance to speak.
    “No, I have no idea where I’m headed and no, I don’t want to know it in advance. So whatever it is you wanted to say, just forget it. Or save it for later, when it’s time for an ‘I told you so’.”
    Bo quirked an eyebrow and bit his lips, trying to stop talking. Or worse, laughing.
    “Alrite, Kiddo, as ya wish.“ He finally blurted.
    “Don’t call me Kiddo , I’m certainly not a kid. I’m probably even older than you!” He exploded, tense as a string. “I may not have lived adventures abroad like you both did, but I lived my life. And what I want to do with it is none of anyone’s business!” He knew he was on the defensive but couldn’t stop the words getting out of his mouth.
    “It’s none of anyone’s business as long as it doesn’t have any impact on da atmosphere at work. If ya plan ta mess with me, or any of us for that matter, at work, ya should put an end to dis and fast. Do I make myself clear?”
    Nothing had changed in Bo’s demeanor; it was all