Extra Dirty

by K. Evan Coles

  ‘Want me to give him your number?’ Cam had asked, amused. ‘Because he swings both ways.’

  ‘Don’t tempt me.’ She’d glared at him. ‘Now, you’re going to that speakeasy and you’re going to hook up with that absurdly beautiful man.’

  ‘Yes, ma’am.’

  He scrutinized the outfit he’d put together and sighed. “Nope, looks ridiculous.” He snapped a quick picture and sent it to Taryn with a message.

  HELP! What do I wear to a speakeasy??

  A minute later, his phone pinged and he scanned Taryn’s response.

  Not that! You look like you’re trying too hard. Black pants, black button-down and the gray leather jacket you bought at Thrift Kingdom earlier this winter.

  Cam quickly stripped out of his outfit and threw on the one Taryn suggested. He snapped another picture and sent it to her.

  Better?

  HAWT was her prompt response followed by Go get ’em, Tiger!

  He replied with Thanx. He couldn’t resist poking fun at Taryn’s ridiculous spelling of ‘hot’.

  Cam slipped on a silver bracelet, grabbed his phone and wallet and left the apartment. He took the train to Morningside Heights. Lock & Key was a short walk from the subway station and he arrived with ten minutes to spare. Carter had given him the passphrase of ‘Cork Total Abstinence Society’ but also promised to meet Cam at the pub.

  Cam strolled in, figuring he’d have to wait a few minutes until Carter arrived. He spotted Jesse at once, leaning on the bar and talking with the female bartender behind it.

  “Hey, Jesse,” he said.

  Jesse turned. His face lit up when he saw Cam. “Hey there. You made it.”

  Nerves washed over Cam and he cleared his throat. “Yep. I take it Carter told you I was coming?”

  “He mentioned it.” Jesse bade the bartender goodbye, then crossed the room to Cam. He wore a simple and exquisitely tailored gray flannel suit with a crisp white shirt, open at the collar. His eyes were so blue it hurt to look at them.

  Cam took a deep breath to hide the fact that his heart had sped up at seeing Jesse. But damn, he was even hotter than Cam had remembered. “Are you the welcoming committee?”

  “I do like to greet new people,” Jesse said. He reached out and grasped Cam’s biceps and squeezed. “But I looked forward to seeing you.”

  “Yeah?” A weird flutter filled Cam’s chest.

  “Mm-hm. You intrigue me, Cam.”

  “You probably don’t get turned down every day.”

  Jesse gave him a half-smile. “It’s more than that.”

  “I want to apologize,” Cam said. “I got spooked by the idea of awkward situations with the Hamiltons.”

  “I understand. I’m glad Carter changed your mind.”

  “Me too.”

  “I don’t know if he told you, but Carter and I had a discussion, too. There were metaphors comparing me to a storm and dire threats if I wasn’t careful about how I treat you.” His tone sounded wry.

  “I’m a big boy,” Cam said. “I appreciate Carter’s concern and his invitation tonight, but I make my own decisions about whom I get involved with.”

  Jesse’s gaze flicked over him. “I have no doubt.”

  “Good.”

  They stared at each other for a few long beats until Jesse cleared his throat.

  “Let me take you downstairs and introduce you to everyone.” He turned and placed his hand on Cam’s lower back. He guided Cam toward an unmarked door next to the bar. Being even that close to him made every nerve in Cam’s body light up. He felt hyper-aware of Jesse’s heat next to him and the subtle richness of his cologne. They paused at the end of the hallway by an old-fashioned phone mounted on the wall. Jesse opened another unmarked door, and they traveled down one more long hallway followed by a set of stairs.

  At their foot, he brushed against Cam and pushed open a third nondescript door and revealed a gorgeous, sleek club. Under was filled with gleaming wood, rich leather and a number of stunningly attractive people. Impressed, Cam glanced at Jesse. He felt so out of his depth.

  “This place is incredible. You and Kyle have done something amazing here.”

  A wide smile transformed Jesse’s face. “Thank you. I’ll be sure to tell Kyle you said that. I love my work at the media company, but this place feels like home.”

  He nodded to a well-built man stationed by the door. “Thanks, Jim.”

  Jim appeared to be a bouncer of some kind and he nodded back with a small grin. “A pleasure, Jesse.”

  Once inside, Jesse gestured toward the far wall. “We recently hired a DJ to spin here a few times a week. What do you think?”

  Cam squinted at the woman behind the turntables for a moment before he recognized the signature pigtails of Mary-Alice. He didn’t know her personally, but he knew her by reputation. “Mmm, she’s pretty good, if you don’t have high expectations.”

  Jesse’s laugh drew the attention of a small group of people who glanced over at them, their curiosity obvious. “I enjoy your bluntness, Cam. Come on, I’ll introduce you to a few new people and some I know you’ll recognize.”

  Cam followed him over to the group, which included Carter and Riley.

  “Hey,” Cam said, lifting his hand in greeting. “Thanks for inviting me tonight, Carter.”

  He gave Cam a warm smile. “Glad you could make it.”

  Riley shook Cam’s hand and echoed the sentiment.

  “I’d like you to meet my sister, Audrey, and her husband, Max. Aud, Max, this is Sadie’s and Dylan’s teacher, Cameron Lewis,” Carter said.

  Cam tried to hide his wince and Carter gave him a serious look. “In the interest of keeping everything separate, I have a suggestion. How about you and I stick to honorifics and last names for school-related things and first names everywhere else?”

  “Yeah, I’d like that,” Cam said with a relieved smile. A little mental separation was a good thing. He juggled distinct personas as teacher and DJ. This would be no different. “And please call me Cam.”

  Audrey looked back and forth between them. “I feel like I’m missing something here, but it’s lovely to meet you, Cam.” Her emphasis on his name made Cam laugh.

  “It’s nice to meet you, too, Audrey.”

  “So, how did you end up here?” Audrey asked. “I’m all for the guys bringing in new attractive men, but are you trolling the New York school system for teachers now?” She glanced at her brother.

  Carter grimaced. “Ugh, no. Well, Jesse was apparently trolling, but that’s nothing new.”

  “Oh, I’m not here for Jesse,” Cam said. “Carter promised good drinks. That’s what I’m here for.”

  “Oooh. Ouch.” Jesse chuckled, then squeezed Cam’s waist. It occurred to Cam he’d stood with Jesse’s arm around him since they walked up. It had felt so natural Cam hadn’t even noticed. “Well, if Cam is only here for the drinks, I’d better play the good host! Come on. Let’s see Kyle about getting you a cocktail.”

  Jesse guided him to the bar where several guys stood talking, including Kyle, who was stationed behind it.

  “Glad you could make it tonight, Cam,” he said with a big smile.

  “Thanks.”

  Cam went through another round of introductions. He caught the names Malcolm, Gale and Jarrod but quickly lost track of which name belonged to which guy.

  “My brother, Eric, comes in regularly, too,” Jesse said after the trio excused themselves and moved to a seating area. “But he couldn’t make it tonight.”

  “It’s nice that you’re so close,” Cam said, although he was relieved not to see Jesse’s brother. He didn’t think he was up for meeting a good chunk of his friends and his family in one night.

  “What can I get you to drink?” Kyle said. “Since you liked the Christiana, Jes made sure I had a couple of bottles on hand, but I may have an even better suggestion. Industry City Distillery is nearby, and they produce incredible artisanal vodka from sugar beets. It’s the only vodka mad
e here in New York City. It’s not as smooth as the Christiana, but the flavor is amazing.”

  “Sounds great,” Cam said. He couldn’t believe Jesse remembered the pricey liquor he’d liked and made sure it was on hand in the event Cam showed up. It occurred to him that Jesse had made a sincere effort toward getting to know him despite Cam blowing him off, and Cam hadn’t reciprocated at all.

  Some flirting couldn’t hurt. He shifted, letting the side of his body rest against Jesse’s. Jesse glanced at him out of the corner of his eye like he’d heard Cam’s signal loud and clear. Good.

  Kyle handed Cam a glass filled with clear liquid.

  “No ice?” Cam raised an eyebrow at him. “I like vodkas, but I don’t drink them neat.”

  “Give it a try,” Kyle coaxed. “It brings out the flavor to drink it this way.”

  Cam took a hesitant sniff of the liquor. “Huh. It’s almost sweet. Kind of like vanilla.”

  The first sip had a remarkable smoothness, followed by a peppery bite and a clean finish. It tasted completely different from the Christiana, yet was every bit as delicious. “I like this a lot.”

  Kyle grinned at him. “I’m glad to hear it.”

  Cam set the glass on the bar and patted his back pocket. “Should I start a tab?”

  Kyle shook his head. “We don’t charge for the private parties.”

  “Wow.” Cam glanced between them. “That’s, uh, generous. To say the least.”

  “That’s Jesse,” Kyle said.

  Jesse rolled his eyes. “It’s just a party, babe.”

  A chorus of greetings came from behind them, and Cam turned to see a tall man with glossy black hair and handsome features step through the door. Another equally handsome man followed, his hair a light brown. Cam had seen pictures of Senator Mori and his boyfriend, Will Martin, with Jesse, as well as after they’d announced their relationship last fall. Cam didn’t pay much attention to politics, but news articles about a mixed-race, gay Republican senator and his liberal partner were hard to miss.

  Cam couldn’t believe he was in a bar with these men. As a guest and not the hired help.

  “I’ll introduce you, Cam,” Jesse said.

  Cam picked up his drink with a nod of thanks to Kyle and followed. A flutter of nerves vied with the vodka-fueled warmth in his stomach.

  “Will! David! Glad you could make it,” Jesse said.

  Will smiled and embraced him. “You know we try not to miss it.”

  “Let me introduce you to someone new. Will, this is Cameron Lewis. He teaches music and lives a double life as a DJ. Cam, this is Will Martin. Law professor, writer and currently shacked up with the illustrious senator here.”

  Cam held out his hand. “Nice to meet you.”

  “You too.”

  Jesse gestured toward the senator. “David Mori, but he answers to Senator Sexy.”

  David held out his hand and laughed. “Nice to meet you, Cam. Jesse is the only one who calls me that, by the way. I prefer David.”

  Jesse’s eyes gleamed. “So he says, but I think he secretly enjoys it.”

  David grinned. “You see the kind of people at this bar? I have one piece of advice for you, Cam. Run while you still can.”

  * * * *

  A few hours later, Cam sat beside Malcolm on a sofa, both of them chatting with Riley. Malcolm worked with Carter, and he was quiet but friendly. A couple of drinks allowed Cam to relax at the surreal experience of socializing with some of New York’s most powerful and attractive people. With a few exceptions, the group tended toward gay or bi. Everyone welcomed him, and despite the fact that many of the people in attendance were over five years older than Cam—except maybe Malcolm—and quite a bit more famous, he was enjoying himself.

  “Carter said you were hesitant to get involved with Jesse,” Riley said.

  Cam nodded. “I didn’t want to create any awkwardness because of the kids.”

  “I understand,” Riley said. “I assumed maybe it was because he and Carter dated.”

  Cam glanced at him, his eyes wide. “They did?”

  Riley made a small O with his mouth, then glared at Malcolm, who appeared to be chuckling behind one hand. “Hush, you.”

  “I didn’t say a word,” Malcolm protested, his eyes shining with amusement.

  “Not with your mouth, you didn’t,” Riley muttered, though he smiled, too. He glanced back to Cam. “It’s a very long story, but Carter dated both Jesse and Kyle for a while before he and I got together.”

  “I thought you and Carter started dating right after you got divorced.” Now Cam was thoroughly confused. “At least, that’s the impression I got.”

  “Like I said, long story,” Riley said with a dry chuckle. “I’ll tell you about it sometime. The short answer is that it was a while after our divorces before we started seeing each other and we were both involved with other people first.”

  “Oh, sure. I’m sorry. I don’t mean to pry.”

  Riley waved off his apology. “It’s fine. The connections within this group get complicated as hell. Carter, Jesse, and Kyle were a thing, and I dated Will. Carter and I were involved with our friend Natalie, who’s over there with her boyfriend.” He shook his head. “Again, part of the story of how we got where we are now.”

  “I have a spreadsheet listing all of the pairings and connections if you need a reference guide,” Malcolm said. His deadpan expression cracked at Riley’s bark of laughter.

  “He probably does,” Riley agreed. The merry gleam in his eyes made Cam grin.

  “It’s impressive everyone’s managed to remain friends,” he said.

  “I think a lot of it is due to Jesse,” Riley mused. “He sets the tone for this group. He’s so open about his sexuality and involvements, and it—pardon the pun—rubs off on all of us.”

  “I can see that.” He didn’t know Jesse well, but seeing him interact with his friends had given Cam a much clearer picture of the kind of man he was.

  Cam went to sip his drink and noticed he’d emptied his glass. He excused himself. “I think I’ll get a refill.”

  “You should let Kyle mix you up one of his crazy juices,” Malcolm said. “He does an amazing job with mixed drinks.”

  “I will.” Cam smiled at him. “Thanks for the suggestion.”

  Cam made a beeline for the bar and leaned his elbows on it. Kyle gave him an expectant look.

  “Malcolm suggested I let you whip me up a drink.”

  “I’m glad to hear it. Because I came up with one in your honor.”

  Cam laughed, surprised and taken aback. “I don’t even know what to say.”

  “Well, I hope you’ll say you enjoy it.” Kyle winked at him.

  While Kyle mixed the drink, Cam watched the crowd. He found his focus drawn to Jesse. He stood across the room, talking to Carter and either Gale or Jarrod. He laughed at what someone said and pressed a smacking kiss on Carter’s cheek. The sight made Cam smile. Jesse glanced up and caught Cam watching him. The wink he threw at Cam sent a pleasant shiver down Cam’s spine.

  He had no idea what he’d done to attract Jesse’s attention, but he’d begun to appreciate it.

  “Here you go.” Kyle nudged his elbow and Cam turned back to face him. “One Brooklyn Ginger for the Brooklyn ginger.”

  “What’s in it?”

  “Ginger syrup, vodka, grapefruit and peppercorns.”

  Cam took a sip. It was sweet and tart with a lingering bite. “Whoa, that’s good.”

  Kyle looked smug. “I’m good at what I do.”

  “Yes, yes, you are,” Cam said with a laugh.

  “Are you having a good time tonight?” Kyle asked, his expression growing serious again.

  Cam nodded. “I am, yeah.”

  “Was I right?”

  “About?” Cam gave him a quizzical look.

  “About what I said when we met at Ember. How great the speakeasy crew is?”

  “You refer to yourselves as the speakeasy crew?” Cam asked, amused.


  Kyle ducked his head and looked sheepish. “Yeah, I think either Will or David started it, and it kinda stuck.”

  David. It blew Cam away to be socializing with a state senator and to hear other people refer to him casually. Although he’d been nothing but friendly and welcoming, so maybe Cam was putting him on an unnecessary pedestal. “You were right about the group. They’re great guys.”

  “We all need this place,” Kyle said, resting his elbows on the bar. “For one reason or another. Riley and Carter lost their families when they came out. So we’re their family. David needs a place he doesn’t have to be a senator for a few hours. We give him that.”

  “And Jesse?” Cam asked, very curious to learn more about him. “He helped you build this place. Does he need it?”

  “He needs it more than any of us,” Kyle said. “That’s why he helped create it.”

  Cam’s brow furrowed. Why would a charming, successful man like Jesse need an underground hangout? Then the pieces clicked. “He needs it because he trusts the people here,” Cam said, his voice growing more and more sure the longer he spoke. “He needs to know the ones he gets close to aren’t using him for fame or social connection or anything else.”

  “You’re very astute. Not many people see past his surface.”

  “He doesn’t let them,” Cam countered. “The charm deflects everything.”

  “You saw through it.”

  “I think I’ve barely scratched the surface,” Cam admitted.

  * * * *

  Cam was still mulling over his conversation with Kyle when Jesse sauntered over. “I hope you’re enjoying yourself.”

  “I am,” Cam said. “Unfortunately, I’m going to have to call it a night soon. I have school in the morning.”

  Jesse touched his forearm. “Well, as much as I’d like to talk more, I’ll let you get home. We can’t have the man molding young, impressionable minds too tired to do his job tomorrow.”

  “Thanks.” Cam sipped his drink. “Oh! Have you tried the cocktail Kyle made for me?”

  Jesse’s hand lingered. “The Brooklyn Ginger? No, I haven’t had the pleasure.”