by Tyler May
“Ok, how about I get a pizza on the way over and we just have a casual night?” I offer a plan.
“Casual night?” His gaze is intense.
“Mmhmm, casual night: lounging, studying, talking, and eating greasy cheesy pizza. There’s this awesome pizza place by my apartment. I love it. I’ll stop, get it, and bring it over.” I sit up and shuffle to my side of the backseat. “How’s that sound?”
“Just about perfect.” He reaches in his pocket and pulls out his wallet. He hands me a stack of cash. “Here–for the pizza.”
“I can get the pizza. I don’t need your money.” I push his hand back.
“Please take it. I don’t feel right. I want to buy it for us.” His voice is stern, yet compelling.
“What if I don’t want to?” I push my lip out to pout and he rolls his eyes.
“Please, that doesn’t work on me. You’ll take the money. Take it.” He drops it on my lap. There must be at least a hundred dollars here.
“Fine, only because I’m broke.” I grin and he shakes his head.
“Don’t tell me that or I’ll search out your bank accounts and do ‘mysterious’ deposits.” I actually believe he would too.
“I don’t have bank accounts,” I say, putting the money into my backpack.
“You’re killing me here, Greyson.” He leans his head back on the head rest. “Tell me you’re kidding.”
“Seriously, I let Levi hold my money.” He looks at me like I am a crazy person. “I have my reasons, Silver. Just know it’s justified.”
“Ok, I’ll let it go for today.” We pull up to the curb outside of the coffeehouse. I can see Jeff and another barista working behind the counter. “You ready for this?” No, I want to stay with you.
“As ready as I’ll ever be.” I climb out and Silver exits his door. He meets me on my side, which is facing the windows of the coffeehouse. Jeff notices right away and is watching us. He closes my door and rests his back against it while pulling me flush against him. Was he trying to get to Jeff? He kisses me lightly and then smiles against my lips. We’re face-to-face. “I should go. I’ll see you tonight, Silver.” He’s still holding me and caressing my back.
“I look forward to it. Oh, hold on, I want to give you something.” More? He opens the car door and pulls out his briefcase. He puts it on the roof of the car and opens it pulling out a manila folder. He puts the briefcase back into the car then hands me the folder. “This is the contract for the position at the club. Read it and look it over. You can even have your lawyer go over it. I’m at your will; tell me what you need and want.”
“I’m twenty-two, Silver. I don’t have a lawyer.” He pulls me back to him.
“You can use mine if you feel you need to.” For some reason, I trust you. “Look it over when you have time. Study first, sir!” he orders. “We’ll talk it over after your final.” He smiles before pressing his lips to mine. He is holding nothing back as he caresses me. I peak open my eyes and I see him looking into the window. I laugh against his lips. “What?” he whispers.
“You are trying to make Jeff jealous.” Good!
“A little jealousy never hurt anyone. Plus, I don’t like him.” He’s talking in between pecks on my lips.
“He didn’t do anything to you, Silver.” I lift my head away from his.
“I’ll be honest, I like how Jeff manages this coffeehouse, but I don’t like that he hurt you. I don’t like you hurt. I would do anything to make sure that never happens again.” His tone is sincere and real. “But I think I see smoke coming from his ears so you should get in there. He does have a business to run.” I turn and glare into the window then back to Silver.
“You should kiss me again, like the way you did in the car.” He is happy to oblige. He whips me to the window of the car, poor Connor, and presses against me. He pulls my arms out and pegs them with his hands to the car. He gives a wicked grin. My heart pounds waiting to see what he’s going to do. He presses his mouth against my ear, warming my skin with his sweet breath. Then, he hovers and teases my lips with the anticipation of his mouth against mine. I beg with my eyes and lick my lips. He grins knowing what he is doing to me.
“You see how you feel right now, Mr. Black? Do you feel the need?” Fuck, yes. “I want that to be reserved for me: only me. I want the next time that you experience any type of ecstasy to be from my hands, my body, ME. No one else gets this; no one else gets this desire from you.” I would do anything just about now to have him take me. The fact that he’s so sure that he wants me so badly is such a turn-on to me. I like feeling so wanted. “Only me, Mr. Black. Do you understand?”
“Yes, now fucking kiss me already,” I demand. Flashing a victorious grin, he does as I ask. His kiss flows through me reaching every nerve in my body. I’ve never felt anything like this. Ever. His kiss seems to stop time. He gently trails off my lips and pushes his nose against mine. “Silver, you’re a fucking tease.”
“What do you mean?” He knows.
“You get me all hot and then you…. Nothing.” I say with wide eyes.
“It’s called anticipation, Mr. Black. Haven’t you ever heard that saying: the anticipation of the touch is just as erotic as the touch itself?” His seductive tone is very persuasive.
“Do you want to know what I think?” I ask him. He grins and nods. “I say bullshit,” I bluntly remark. He rolls his head on the side of mine laughing. “No, no I’m serious. I think you’ve been doing it wrong all these years if you think the thought is better than the actual thing; maybe you’ve been with the wrong men.” I can’t wait to show you how wrong you are, Silver.
“I think you might be right.” He kisses me once more then lets me go. I grab my bag and the manila envelope. “I’ll see you tonight for sure?”
“For sure.” I go to walk away and he playfully smacks my ass. I turn. “A fucking tease, I’m telling you.” His lips curl into a mischievous half smile as he gets into the car. I stop him before he shuts the car door. “Hey, Silver!” He looks at me and I point to my head. “Only one night and you already got one. How’s that possible?” I wink.
“Anticipation,” he answers.
“Maybe.” I wave as he closes the door and rolls down the window. He winks and puts a pair of sunglasses on. Connor pulls away. My mind, my head is definitely on board. I can’t explain it.
I exhale as I walk into the coffee shop not ready for what the day is going to bring. I’m over two hours late and Jeff is on fire. I’m sure it’s more about Silver then my tardiness. I go put away all my stuff and clock in in the process. I’m not back there for more than one minute before Jeff and his attitude catch me.
“You’re two fucking hours late, Grey!” he screams.
“I know. I’m sorry. You act like I’m habitual about this. I’ve never been more than five or ten minutes late. Shit, it’s one time, let it go.” I try to move around him and he steps in front of me.
“I’m not done talking to you.” His tone is callous. “I need to talk to you in my office, now!”
“Who’s covering the front?”
“Thankfully, Jessie came in for you.”
We move into the office and he slams the door shut. He paces angrily, or nervously, I don’t know what the fuck he is thinking. I don’t say a word. I stand as close to the door as I can and just watch him grow more and more angry. He stops, stares, and waves his finger silently. What the fuck is he rebuking me for? I’m late once! Once! It has to be the Silver thing. “I am so fucking pissed right now!” No kidding. He grunts through his teeth. I’m just waiting for his temper tantrum to end so I can go work. “You have nothing to say?”
“You wanted to talk to me. I said I’m sorry. What do you want me to say, Jeff?”
“You have no respect for me as your boss. I’m not going to let you disrespect me like this.” He rushes in front of me and my back falls nervously against the door. He corners me trapping me between his outstretched arms. I close my eyes. His face is so close to mine th
at I can feel his harsh breathing on my cheek.
“Uh, Jeff, please move away from me. Please.” My eyes are closed, my palms glued to my jeans. “Please.”
“Am I making you nervous?”
“Yes.” I swallow then look him in the eyes. “Please, I don’t like this.”
“I thought you liked stuff like this.” He trails his tongue on my neck. “You always did before.”
“Not when you’re angry like this. Now move the fuck away from me.” I push him. “Shit!” I rub my hands in my hair. He steps back, but still not far enough away. “What the hell is wrong with you, Jeff?”
“I’m sorry. I am going fucking crazy, Grey. It’s fucking crazy that I can’t touch you or kiss you when I still want to.” He drops to his knees in front of me. “I don’t know what to do and then I see you with him and I….” He wraps his arms around my legs and rests his head on my thigh. “I hate seeing you with someone else.”
“Jeff, this has to stop.” He looks up to me. “I’m sorry, but you have to stop hurting yourself.” I pull him up. “This isn’t fair to you or anyone else that’s in your life. Callie being a big one.”
“And you,” Jeff adds.
“Jeff, I can’t do this. I can’t play the yo-yo game with you. I deserve to be happy.”
“How can a guy you just met a couple of days ago make you happy?” Good question; I can’t explain. “You like him?”
“I don’t know him that well, but I’d like to. He really likes me.”
“And you don’t think that’s weird? Come on, Grey, the man is nuts. He’s fallen for you and he just met you. It’s weird.” His words strike me. Is it weird? Is it weird when I like it? ‘There’s no such thing as love at first sight.”
“Whoa, who said anything about love? It’s just two guys getting to know each other better.”
“It’s an obsession and I’m really worried for you. What if he hurts you?”
“Like you did?” I say as he grabs my hand.
“Worse. I’d never physically hurt you.” Wasn’t so sure about that a few minutes ago. “He’s bad news.”
“It’s none of your business. If you want to stay friends you will support the choices I make: good or bad. I’m going to see Silver. I want to get to know Silver.”
“Silver? Kind of casual with him aren’t you?’
“He likes it. It doesn’t matter, Jeff. I trust Mr. Silver. Better?”
“Trust?” He smugly laughs dwelling on that one word. “You don’t know him―or maybe you do―did you fuck him already?” His tone changes again.
“That is none of your business and highly inappropriate for a boss to ask his employee.” I know this is a personal discussion, but I wanted to point that out. I turn to walk out and he grabs my arm.
“You can’t go two days without fucking someone, or should I say letting them fuck you.” What? You fucking bastard.
“I think you got it wrong. The problem was, is, that I respect you too much and you never return the sentiment. We can’t be friends. Friends don’t treat each other this way. Fuck you, Jeff. I quit. Don’t come chasing me. I’ll be in Friday to get my check.” He lets go of my arm and falls to the chair next to him. “For what it’s worth, and maybe this is my respect for you talking, but I do wish you the best. Whenever you figure out what that is.” I walk out. Exhale.
~Chapter Eight~
God that was fucking liberating. I get on the subway full of pride. At least I have the rest of the day to study and read over this contract Silver gave me since I don’t have a job anymore. Holy shit, I just quit my job; rent is due next Friday. Panic starts to take its toll. Just relax, Grey. Breathe. I practice my meditative breathing that Levi taught me. He’s really into that shit, but I have to admit it seems to be working. I put my earbuds in and let Adam sing his love to me. I would move like Jagger for him any day. I might as well read the contract now. I have twenty minutes before I get back to my apartment. I skim through the contract line by line.
Employment agreement made and entered between:
Employer: Silver Inc./ Brian D. Silver; CEO
Employee: Greyson D. Black
Professional Title: Cooperate Manager
Salary: $100,000 annual gross income
What! Silver is crazy to think that I deserve this. I have no degree. I don’t even have the experience. What is he thinking? I continue reading.
Expectations from contract employee: (Include, but not limited to)
Hours—twenty-five to forty hour dependent on school schedule for said employee. Hours will be discussed and agreed upon from Silver Inc. After fulfillment of diploma the employee will resume at least a thirty-two hour work week. The salary discussed above is based on this scale; any time worked over forty hours will be paid time and a half.
Professionalism —Employee is to possess unique and up-to-date knowledge and have the capability to apply this knowledge; one's own competent vision and opinion; as well as the capability to achieve results. Training will be administered to seek said result.
Initiative —Employee will show desire to participate in projects and work groups; and contribute to performance improvement.
Responsibility —Employee will manage to effectively balance personal objectives/results and the objectives/results of the company. To see that employees working under his personal supervision are respectful and compliant to all Silver Inc. rules and regulations.
Loyalty — Employee will uphold the best interest of the company and its brand; avoidance of destructive negative criticism and readiness to participate in solutions if they are needed.
Benefits (upon contract signing) —Employee will be entitled to full medical benefits; including dental and vision; paid at one hundred percent. There will be no out of pocket expense to said employee. Employee will be enrolled in a 401K per employers request and paid stock into the company. Employee will get two weeks paid vacation; with approval from employer. Employee will be paid all major holidays. Personal and sick time will be discussed and distributed as needed and will be paid.
Education—Employee will stay in school until fulfilment of diploma. Failure to stay in school will void contract and all benefits. After the diploma is achieved an increase in salary will be achieved and/or negotiable. Employer will pay for any extra cost accumulated for said employee’s education.
Paid perks—Employee will be given a company car. Car can be used for personal use. All expenses, including gas and all personal and professional parking, will be paid from employer. Employee will be equipped with adequate technology as determined by employer. Employee will be given a monthly allowance for personal items and clothing. A company credit card will be issued to said employee for use as needed. Perks are subject to change anytime at the request of employee or determined from the employer.
Expectations from employer:
Silver Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. Our goal and mission is to treat our employees with the most respect possible. The employer will ensure the safety and wellbeing of the employee at all times. The employer will provide a safe environment for the employee to fulfil their work requirements. The employer will provide all necessary support and guidance needed/discussed by company or employee. Employer will deal with all concerns and acknowledgments from employee in a timely matter.
Termination of contract: This agreement can be terminated by either party, for any reason, without cause. If employee finds other work; a two weeks notice is required if applicable. Any termination of employment is subject only to CEO/ Brian D. Silver.
Contract is subject to amendment and/or negotiation, from the request of the employee or determination of the employer, either in writing or verbal form. If verbal agreement is reached a new contract will be drawn up and signed with the new amendments for legal purposes.
This contract is personal and confidential; subject only to the two signed parties.
Holy Shit! I repeat, what is Silver thinking? The expectations seem fair, although I c
an tell that most were specifically for me. The salary, wow the salary, is more than I could ever imagine or deserve. He has to be doing this just for me. But why? It makes me wonder what’s in it for him. All this can’t be without some sort of ulterior motive. I put it back into the manila envelope and stow it safely back in my bag. The subway reaches my designated stop.
He said he wanted to help me, but this is seriously too much. Educated and more experienced people would kill for this; it doesn’t seem right. I open my apartment door and am happy to see Levi. He is lounging and smoking pot on the couch.
“Hey, honey how was your night?” he says, raising his eyebrows in anticipation of my answer.
“It was good, but not the way you’re thinking.” I throw my bag on the floor next to the door; slip off my shoes and plop on the couch next to him. He holds the joint out to me and I shake my head. I haven’t even had a cigarette all day. Hmm, maybe Silver is a good influence on me. “I stayed with Mr. Silver last night.” Levi’s eyes widen with excitement.
“Spill all the dirty details on that delicious man.” He shifts and sits on his legs like he’s waiting for me to read him an excerpt from an erotic novel.
“Nothing happened.” I grin, and he rolls his eyes.
“You’re fucking lying,” he says ticking his tongue at me.
“No, seriously. He wants to wait until I can give him all of me,” I explain.
“What?” Levi questions like this is the most taboo thing he’s ever heard. “Is he gay? Are you sure that he’s not playing you?” He’s rambling through his high.
“Oh, he is gay for sure. He kissed me and had me begging, but he’s different.”
“Mmmm―different can be good, sweetie!” He quirkily smiles.