by Aspen Drake
Disappointment fills me as I lean down and whisper into Owen’s ear, “I’m sorry, buddy. I don’t think we won either item this time, but I promise we’ll go to the aquarium and we’ll have a painting day.”
Owen’s shoulders droop and his head quickly follows. “That’s okay, Auntie Angie. Maybe next time.”
My maximum bid for each item was $1000. I was afraid to go over that and win both since I really don’t have $2000 to spare. The money from Hart Advisors is amazing and has paid off all my debt including my car, but in order to move out of my shitty apartment in the next few months and still cover my obligations as Emma’s maid of honor, I need to be smart about how I spend.
Owen’s head rests against my shoulder, and I can tell he’s fading fast. Sebastian invited us to the event as his guests, and it was fun to bring Owen to such a fancy dinner, but it’s time for us to go.
Besides, without the anticipation of possibly winning the auction items, it’s hard to stay focused on anything except Garrett.
I turn to Emma and nudge her shoulder to get her attention. “We’re going to head out,” I whisper. “It’s past our bedtime.”
Emma smiles as she looks down at Owen. She loves him as if he were her own blood. “No problem. Sebastian’s driver can take you home then come back for us. Sebastian needs to talk to a few people before we leave, so we aren’t in a hurry.”
I wave off the suggestion. “Don’t worry about it. I’ll call an Uber.”
“You’re leaving?” Eli leans across the table to jump into our conversation.
“Yeah, it’s getting late, and I need to get Owen into bed.”
“I’m pretty beat too.” Eli forces a fake yawn, and I try not to smile. “I’ll call a car for us.”
“Are you sure?” Eli already has his phone out, so I don’t bother to try to sway him. I’m sure he’s just as bored as me and Owen are. They’re like two peas in a pod.
Just as Owen and I stand up, the emcee announces the classroom painting party. “And the winning bid of $6,000 goes to Eli White.”
I stand there in shock, looking at Eli. “You?”
A shy smile spreads across his face. “Well, the money goes to a good cause.”
I turn to Emma. “Did you know about this?”
She shakes her head, also in shock. “Nope. I thought Sebastian was going to bid on it.”
I roll my eyes. “It’s too much money, guys. You shouldn’t have spent that much. We could probably order a party directly for one fifth of the price.”
“It’s done, Ang,” Eli says just as the overnight at the aquarium is announced.
“And the winning bid of $8,200 goes to Eli White.”
“How do you even have that much money?” I put the conversation on hold as I kiss Emma goodbye and give Sebastian a quick hug before circling the table to Garrett.
He stands just as I reach him and pulls me against his chest. “I’m heading out too. I’ll walk with you.”
“Sure.” Owen is talking Eli’s ear off about the auction items he now knows we won so Garrett and I walk a few steps behind him. “I can’t believe he did that.”
Garrett has his hands in his pockets. “I think someone is smitten.”
“Eli? With me?” I shake my head and keep walking. “Maybe a little crush, but he knows there will never be anything between us. We’re like family.”
Eli bends down and scoops Owen into his arms to point out a model of a dinosaur hanging from the ceiling. “See that. He’s like a big kid.”
Garrett eyes me but doesn’t say anything as we continue toward the main entrance. His warm palm lands on the small of my back and my breath hitches as I look over at him. He’s got a small smile on his face but keeps his eyes trained straight ahead. “Would you like me to drop you off at home?”
I swallow and try not to think about the field of heated energy coursing through me because of Garrett’s proximity. I thought I was getting past my attraction to him. I thought the time apart had done me some good and I could accept that friendship isn’t possible…and neither is a business relationship.
I thought I’d decided it’s just not the right time for us. Even though it feels like exactly the right time.
But maybe I was wrong. It wouldn’t be the first time.
“No, thanks. Eli called an Uber, so we’re riding back with him.” Eli peeks out the front door then turns back and waves at me. When I nod to him, he points to the minivan waiting at the curb. “Oh, I think that’s it. I better run.”
Without thinking, I lean up on my tiptoes and give Garrett a kiss on the cheek before jogging away to catch up with Owen and Eli.
I don’t know where my mind is, but my strict no kissing policy doesn’t seem to extend to Garrett Madison.
And I don’t know if that’s a good thing or a bad thing.
Chapter 9
Garrett
I watch Angel disappear out the glass doors and then climb into the back of a minivan. With a heavy sigh, I turn toward the side door to enter the parking garage. I’m almost there when a tall blonde steps in front of me. Her arms are folded over her swollen belly and her eyes are like daggers.
“So this is why you don’t want me or our baby?” Tiffany has fake tears streaming down her face. I know they’re fake because she once told me she yanks out a nostril hair when she wants to get out of a speeding ticket. “You’ve already replaced me with some bimbo?”
“No, Tiffany. You’re the only bimbo I know.” I try to walk past her. “Now, if you’ll excuse me.”
“Fuck off, Garrett. You’re playing with fire, and I don’t think you want to get burned.”
I roll my eyes at her dramatics. “Has someone been watching action movies lately?” Nudging past her, I walk into the garage and head straight to my car.
“Do you love her?” Surprisingly, there’s a hint of jealousy in Tiffany’s voice. Maybe she does have a sentimental side. Maybe if she thinks I’ve found happiness with someone else, she’ll back off, and go find some other schmuck to harass. Looking her right in the eye, I lie. “Yes, I do.”
Tiffany seems devastated for just a second before a mask of anger replaces her normally pretty features. “Wrong answer, Garrett. You said you could never love a woman. That’s why you were always so distant with me. So what does she have that makes her so special? Why would you love her when you could have had me?”
“You took off with my car, Tiffany. How can I love someone who is constantly stealing from me?”
Her eyes turn hard as she stares me down. “Have your fun with her while you can because it will be over soon enough. You will provide for me and this baby, Garrett Madison. If it’s the last fucking thing you do.” She spins on her heel and stomps back into the building, leaving me alone in the parking lot.
I don’t know if that was a real threat or not, but I have zero fear that she could do anything to harm me.
My businesses are fully protected, and there’s nothing else in my life that truly matters to me.
And that’s the way I like it.
***
Since seeing Angel at the event a few days ago, my dick has been desperate to get back inside her. I rationalize that we can keep things professional because she needs my business as much as I need her body.
No strings attached.
I tried to get on her schedule yesterday, but she was fully booked. Today at eleven was her first opening, so here I am. When I arrive at her office, I’m wearing jeans and a t-shirt. I don’t have any meetings today, so there was no need to dress formally.
“Garrett…” Angel takes a quick breath, checking me out from head to toe with appreciative eyes. She’s never seen me dressed down before. I’ve always been wearing a suit or nothing at all. She seems okay with this look on me.
“Angel.” I lean forward and kiss her cheek, expecting her to turn away, but pleased when she doesn’t. “You look beautiful today.”
“Uh, thanks. Come on in.” We don’t even bother with the cou
nseling charade anymore. She just hits the button to open the bed cabinet as she stands there and stares at me. “How are you doing?”
“Good.” I pull my shirt over my head then step closer to Angel, loving the way her silk blouse feels against my skin where her tits press against me. “I’ve missed you,” I whisper into her ear.
Angel shudders in my arms and I swear I hear a whimper before she clears her throat. “What do you have in mind today?”
With my arms wrapped around her waist, I step forward, walking her backward until she hits the mattress and sits down. Her silky dress isn’t fitted, so I drag my fingers up her thighs, slowly bring the fabric with me until I can peel it over her head. Within seconds, she’s sitting in front of me with only a lacy bra and panties to shield her skin.
Although I know she doesn’t like it, I brush a soft kiss across her lips. My fingers walk down her sides then slip under the fabric of her thong, gently dragging it down her body until it’s off her completely.
She still wearing her heels.
They look hot as hell, and I know they’ll feel even better digging into my ass as I pound into her.
I briefly consider my options before dropping to my knees. Inhaling deeply, I close my eyes for a second and appreciate her perfect gift. Angel is fully bare without a single blonde hair to detract from the beauty of her pink folds. Her slit is already glistening as I lean forward and dip my tongue inside, tasting her as she wiggles beneath me.
Angel pulls her knees back, exposing herself even further as I dive in, eating her out like a starving man.
And for Angel, I am.
I could feast on her sex for hours. But she won’t last that long. And neither will I.
It only takes a few minutes of licking and sucking for her to come in my mouth, her fluids gushing across my lips and chin as she grinds against me, screaming my name.
I’ve never appreciated how my name sounds on a beautiful woman’s lips until I hear Angel say it during an orgasm.
I could get used to this. Maybe I already am.
My cock is already drooling when I finally free it from my jeans and cover it with latex.
My eyes are glued to Angel’s as I hold my cock against her opening, circling her clit and teasing her before finally sliding deep inside her.
Some women would be sensitive after climaxing, but Angel eagerly accepts my cock, thrusting her hips so she’s pulling all the way off before slamming back up to my base until my balls bounce off her ass.
“Yes, Angel.” I try not to dig my fingers too hard into her hips, but she feels too good. “Take me to heaven.”
Within minutes, Angel comes again. Hard. Her muscles squeeze my shaft, milking it empty as I chase her climax with my own.
Sex is so much better with Angel. It doesn’t make sense, but it doesn’t need to. As long as we’re both having fun, this is a perfect arrangement.
After we get cleaned up, I hesitate at the door, not quite ready to leave. Slipping my hand into my pocket, I stand and watch Angel wrap herself in a plush robe. Without thinking about the consequences, I blurt out the question on my mind. “Would you like to have lunch with me?”
Her whole body tenses as she absorbs my words. “Really? Like, right now?”
“Yeah.” I chuckle and look pointedly at my watch. “You do eat, right?”
She glances at the wall clock and nods. “Yeah, I guess I have some time before my next client.”
The mention of another man coming to fuck her causes my smile to drop into a frown, but I quickly school my features before she notices. Now isn’t the time for my possessive nature to come out. She isn’t mine and I’m not hers. We’re just fuck buddies who both need to eat. At least that’s what I keep telling myself as various scenarios about misunderstandings and expectations fly through my mind. “Perfect, let’s go.”
She looks down at her robe and raises an eyebrow “I should probably shower first…”
If she had a load of my come inside her, I might ask her to hold it in through her meal. But since she doesn’t, I drop onto the sofa and sigh. “Fine, I’ll wait.”
A shy smile tugs at her lips as she turns toward the bathroom. “Okay, I’ll be right back.”
Chapter 10
Angie
The afternoon is a bit slow, so I walk three offices down to the new guy’s room. I don’t hear anything coming from inside, so I take a chance and tap lightly on the door. After waiting a few moments, I realize I may be interrupting him and a client, so I start to back away. Just because I didn’t see an appointment listed on the books for him, doesn’t mean he didn’t get a last-minute walk-in.
I’m almost past his shuddered window when Brenden’s door opens. “Hey, Ang. What’s up?”
“Hey, Brenden.” Brenden’s flaxen hair seems to gleam in the sunlight and his gorgeously bright smile is perfect. “Um, I’m not interrupting you, am I?”
“Nah. I’m not booked until later. Do you want to come in?”
Giving him my best smile, I tilt my head toward the shopping center across the street. “I was hoping maybe you’d like some Starbucks.”
“Yes! I’d kill for a Venti Peppermint White Chocolate right now.”
I can’t help but chuckle at his overly dramatic flair, but I’ve grown to love it over the past several weeks. Sometimes I wonder how most straight women can possibly live without a gay friend. It must be a very boring life. “Perfection!”
“Well, come on.” He pulls the door shut behind him and offers me his elbow. With our arms linked together, we walk across the parking lot to the crosswalk. The sun is warm and feels good on my skin. I could use a bit of color, so I’ll take any rays I can get.
The shopping center isn’t crowded, but a few people are milling about with packages in their hands as they rush in and out of stores. Once we’re inside, a wave of delicious aromas hit me, sending my need for caffeine soaring.
By the time our drinks are placed on the counter, we’ve already discussed the merits of each of the breakfast sandwiches on the menu and most of the pastries. A table in the corner of the room frees up, so we snag it quickly and finally sit down.
“So, how are you enjoying the work?” I blow on my drink before taking a careful sip of the hot latte in front of me.
“It’s good. Better than I could have hoped. At least so far.” He takes a nervous glance around the room to make sure no one is eavesdropping on our salacious conversation. “I know I shouldn’t be surprised by how many of our prominent members of society like to take it up the ass, but I totally am. But hey, who am I to judge?”
I giggle, trying desperately not to spit out the gulp I’m trying to swallow. “You’re bad.”
“What? If they want to pay me for something they can’t get from their wives, I’m happy to take their money.”
“Sounds like you’re having more fun than you should.” I eye him suspiciously.
“Probably.” He chuckles before taking a sip from his drink. Over the rim of his cup, he studies me carefully. “Why do you do this?”
“What do you mean?”
“I mean, why does a pretty girl like you need to be a relationship counselor?”
“I could ask the same thing about a pretty boy like you…”
Brenden bats his eyes theatrically then waves his hand in front of his face. “That’s easy. I like having sex, so why not get paid for it?”
“That’s a reason… I guess.” I smile, pretending to be offended by his crass response. In truth, that’s one of my favorite characteristics of Brenden’s. He’s real. No pretenses or games. Just him, whether you like him or not. “But you could have sex with practically any guy you want. So, what gives?”
He sighs, the first inkling of a frown I’ve seen on him tugging the corners of his mouth. “It’s a long story. But the short version is that I got caught up in some bad stuff, and it’s made it difficult for me to find a job lately.”
“That sucks, and I’m sorry.” Taking another sip from
my cup, I wait for him to continue.
“When I heard about this opportunity from a friend, I checked in with Mark to see if he could use someone like me.”
“Someone like you?”
“Yeah. A gay guy.” He laughs as if announcing something I don’t already know about him. “You’d be surprised how many places still don’t want to employ gay men for prostitution purposes. But the market is there… I can assure you.”
“Mark’s a good guy. He’s never been one to discriminate.”
“And he knows how to make a dollar when there’s one to be made.” Brenden gives me a wink.
“That’s the god’s honest truth.”
He picks at his scone, keeping his eyes trained on me. “What about you?”
I sigh and lean back in the chair. “I never finished school. Times got rough, and I had to quit so I could work fulltime as a waitress. I just started dancing at one of Mark’s clubs less than a year ago, but occasionally I did a little extra on the side for his best customers, and the money made me forget all about the disgrace I was supposed to feel about fucking strangers.”
“I see. Quite the little vixen, aren’t you?” Brenden’s eyes sparkle with mischief. “I knew we would get along famously.”
“You have to meet my friend, Emma. She’ll absolutely love you.”
He flashes that radiant smile once again. “I’d like that. Maybe we can all get together one night.”
“Definitely. You can bring your boyfriend. Or partner… Or husband.” I give him an apologetic look as I ramble on, not knowing if he’s with someone or not.
“I’m single right now. I kind of like it that way. Besides, it keeps me from having to explain my job to a potential love interest.”
“That’s the toughest part about this line of work.” And the biggest reason why I needed to stay single for the foreseeable future. No one wanted to take home a whore, and I needed to be a whore for at least a year if I was going to accomplish everything I’d set out to do in life.
“Does your friend know?” Brenden whispered, as if she might be standing right behind him.