by Wells, K. C.
“Okay, none of this matters, all right?” Will kept his voice even. Inside he was cursing. Damn it, he’d wanted this job. “You’re obviously not going to interview me for the position, because we both know there’s no way in hell you’re gonna give it to me, not after last night.” He drew in a deep breath. “So I’ll just go now, thanks.” He turned to leave.
“Wait.”
Will halted in surprise at the urgent quality of Blake’s voice. He turned back to face him.
“You came here for an interview. Is this how you usually conduct yourself in an interview?”
This time it was Will’s jaw that dropped. Blake was kidding, right? Blake’s eyes never left his.
“You still want to interview me?” Will asked incredulously. Blake nodded. Despite his initial reaction, the logical part of Will’s brain was already considering the situation. Okay, so Blake wasn’t going to hire him. But Blake had to have contacts in the industry. It might pay to keep on his good side. When one door closes….C’mon, you can do this. He drew in a deep breath. “Okay.” This still felt like a crazy thing to do, but what the hell, it was turning out to be a crazy day.
Blake gestured toward the chair facing the desk and Will took it, thankful for the chance to sit. His legs shook and his stomach felt as though there was a bowling ball in it. Blake didn’t waste time. He sat and launched immediately into his questions, making notes and clearly listening intently to Will’s replies. After a couple of questions, Will started to feel calmer and he grew in confidence, despite the fact that Blake didn’t pull any punches with his questions. Will had to admire the guy. He obviously knew his stuff, which helped Will to relax and really give his best. When Blake finally put down his pen, Will was shocked to glance at his watch and see that forty minutes had elapsed. It was a pity about the position: from everything Will had learned, it would have been perfect for him, and Blake would have made a great boss.
“Thank you for coming, Will.” Blake stood and came around the desk to shake his hand.
“Just so you know?” Will said with a half-smile. “This has to rank as one of the most surreal interviews I’ve ever had.” He chuckled. “I appreciate you carrying on with it, but I think we both know what the outcome is going to be. I’d like to ask you to keep my details on file, in case you hear of anything that might be worth me applying for.” He picked up his briefcase from the floor next to his chair and walked to the door. He paused at the threshold and turned back to face Blake. The man stood there looking downright edible in his elegant suit, that creamy complexion and those fantastic blue eyes still making Will stiffen in his pants, in spite of the situation. “And I would quite understand if you felt awkward about hiring me again from J’s. Though as far as I’m concerned, that would be a great pity.” Blake’s lips parted as if he were about to speak, but Will had had enough. “Goodbye, Mr. Davis.” And with that he exited the office. He gave the receptionist a brisk nod as he passed her desk and then hurried out of the building. Oh well, back to the drawing board…..
Blake expelled his breath shakily as Will left the office. Now what the hell do I do? Despite Will being clearly nervous initially, it became evident that the man was perfect for the job. He sank into his chair and leaned on the desk, head in hands. He’d never felt so torn, so utterly compromised. Then it came to him. He needed some impartial advice.
Blake scrolled through his contacts and called Dave Thurston. When the call connected, Dave’s jovial voice rang out.
“Blake, nice timing. I’ve just set things up for the first client, but she’s not due for another fifteen minutes. How you doin’, mate?” Blake couldn’t hold back the low groan that burst from his lips and Dave chuckled. “That bad, huh?”
“Dave, I need your advice.”
Dave’s tone changed immediately. “Go for it.”
Quickly Blake outlined the situation. Dave didn’t interrupt once. When he got to the end, there was silence. “Dave?”
“Okay, forgive me for being obtuse, but what exactly is the problem here?”
Blake gaped. “Er, did you miss the part where I said I fucked the guy?
“And? Was he at least a good fuck?”
“Dave!” Blake’s jaw dropped.
There was that rich chuckle again. “Okay, answer me this. Does he meet your criteria?”
“Yes. The man’s perfect.”
“Are you attracted to him?”
Blake hesitated before replying. “No.” Then why is your dick getting hard at the mere thought of him? Blake pulled himself together, pushing aside the memories of Alec—Will, he told himself impatiently—in his bed, sated and perspiring, those brown eyes watching him intently.
Dave’s tone revealed his skepticism. “Hmm, yeah, right.” Before Blake could protest, he continued. “Okay, my opinion, for what it’s worth? Hire the man.”
Blake goggled. “You’re kidding, right?”
“Actually? No.” Dave sounded serious. “He sounds exactly what you need. So what if you’ve fucked? Are you gonna share that information with anyone?”
“Hell, no.” There was no way Blake was coming out.
“Well then, as long as he’s made aware of this, I say again, hire the man.” Another pause. “Is he out?”
That gave Blake pause. “I’d have thought so, considering his profession.”
Dave tutted. “Never make unnecessary assumptions, my friend. Might I suggest that before you go any further, you discuss this with Will? He needs to know that if you offer him the position, it comes with various restraints.” Then Dave chortled. “Speaking of restraints… did he push your buttons?”
Blake groaned. “Oh Dave, you have no idea.” Dave and he had no secrets. The man was like the brother he’d never had.
Dave burst out laughing. “Oh wow, Blake. Talk about falling on your feet. Your dream candidate and a demon in the sack. Don’t let this one get away. Think of the benefits.”
Blake struggled to follow Dave’s meaning, until suddenly his head was filled with the image of Will in a suit, fucking him over his desk. Oh my God…
“You know exactly what I’m talking about, don’t you?” Blake could hear the glee in Dave’s voice.
“I’m not gonna go there,” Blake growled. To his relief, Dave seemed to sober up.
“Okay then, I’ve told you what I think. Call him up, meet him and let him know how the ground lies. Then take it from there.”
Blake pushed out his tension in one long exhale. “Thanks, mate. Really.”
“No problem. Any time.” Blake heard a long buzz in the background. “Oh fuck, she’s early. Sorry, mate, I gotta run. Call me soon and we’ll have dinner, all right?”
“Yeah, sounds good. Thanks, Dave.” The call disconnected.
Blake sat back in his chair and stared at the folder containing Will’s details. Dave made a lot of sense. He pulled out Will’s personal details and called up his mobile number.
“Will Parkinson here.” Will sounded efficient on the phone.
“Mr. Parkinson, this is Blake Davis.” He wasn’t surprised to be greeted by silence. “Are you okay to talk?”
Will chuckled. “Well, that decision didn’t take long, did it? I didn’t really expect a call, if I’m being truthful, though it’s good of you.”
Blake inhaled deeply before continuing. “Will, I’d like to meet up with you, if that’s possible.”
“To what end?” Blake could hear the sudden tired note in Will’s voice. He couldn’t blame him.
“Will, I’d like to offer you the job.” He heard the hitch in Will’s breathing. Before the man could say anything else, Blake plunged ahead. “But before you give me an answer, I feel there are certain conditions we must discuss. If, after that, you’re happy to take up the offer, then we’ll get you started right away.”
“You’re not kidding, are you?” Will spoke quietly. There was something in his voice, an almost hopeful quality.
“Not in the slightest,” Blake affirmed. “Will
you meet me?”
“Yes.” No hesitation. “When and where?”
Blake thought quickly. He didn’t want to do this at the office. “Can you come to my apartment tonight, about seven? We can chat and eat, if you like. If you’re going to work with me, I want to get to know you.”
There was a pause before Will answered. “Just dinner and talking?”
“Yes. This is business.” Blake waited, suddenly nervous to hear Will’s reply.
At last Will replied. “Okay. Seven it is.”
Blake let his pent up breath escape. “Great. I’ll see you then.” They exchanged a few brief words and he disconnected the call. He put his phone on the desk and stared at it for a moment. Despite Dave’s reassuring words, Blake was nervous. He hoped to God he wasn’t about to make a huge mistake.
Chapter Four
Will came through the main door to Blake’s building and stopped. Unlike the previous night, there was a doorman on duty, his feet up on the front desk, watching a small TV. His gaze snapped upward at Will’s approach.
“Good evening, Sir. Can I help you?”
Will gave him a friendly smile. “I’m here to see Blake Davis, top floor.”
The doorman nodded. “Mr. Davis told me to expect you, Sir. Go right on up.” Will dipped his chin in acknowledgment and headed for the elevator. His stomach was in knots for the third time in twenty-four hours. Waiting for his interview that morning had been nerve-racking enough, but that was nothing compared to his state the previous evening. He knew he came across as calm and confident, but it was an act, nothing more. Thankfully Blake had helped dissipate his nerves. Will was floundering in the dark right now, having no clue what was coming at him. What does he want to discuss? It had occurred to him when Blake suggested dinner that he wanted to get him in the sack once more, but Will dismissed the thought almost instantaneously. Even on the evidence of such a short acquaintance, Blake appeared to have more integrity than that. Will closed his eyes, taking calming breaths as the elevator made its smooth journey up to the top floor. When the doors slid open, he stepped out and raised his hand to knock, only to pause before his hand made contact with the door. He dragged air into his lungs. C’mon, get it together.
The door opened unexpectedly and Blake stood there, dressed in jeans and a blue shirt that matched his eye color. Will’s cock hardened at the sight. Does the man have to be so fucking beautiful? It was the only word that did him justice.
Blake smiled. “Right on time. Come on in.”
He followed Blake into the lounge where the gas fire was burning, its warmth spilling out into the room. Will sniffed up appreciatively. Something smelled good.
“It’s only chicken from the local deli.” There was an apologetic note to Blake’s voice. “With green beans and sautéed potatoes.” Will’s stomach growled and his cheeks heated up. Blake chuckled. “Want to eat while we talk?”
“Sounds good.” Will was famished. Blake led the way into a small room off the lounge which Will hadn’t noticed the previous night. Hardly surprising, I was too busy fucking. The thought didn’t help cool his burning cheeks for an instant. He stared at the dining table surrounded by four chairs, the table set for two. Wine glasses stood on coasters.
“I wasn’t sure if you would be driving tonight. I know we had champagne last night. There’s juice or water if you’d prefer.”
Will liked Blake’s manner. Something about the man put Will at his ease.
“Juice would be great.”
Blake smiled once more and disappeared off into what had to be the kitchen. Will sat and spread the white napkin over his lap, just as Blake returned with a glass of juice. Once it was handed over, he disappeared once more, returning with two plates piled with chicken and vegetables, the aroma of lemon and garlic making Will’s mouth water.
They ate slowly, Will relishing every bite. “This is delicious.”
Blake finished his current mouthful before speaking. “I usually eat this once a week. It’s quick if I have work to do and no time to cook.”
“Do you work most evenings?” Will forked another morsel of chicken, savoring the subtle flavors.
Blake nodded. “Unfortunately, right now I have no work-life balance. The job tends to take over everything.”
“Then it’s a good thing you’re taking me on, isn’t it?” Will placed his fork against the plate and regarded Blake for a moment. “You were serious, weren’t you? About the job?”
“Of course!” Blake seemed surprised by the question. “Did you think I was pulling your leg or something?” He stared at Will in silence for a second or two.
Will leaned back into his chair. “To be honest, I was shocked when you rang. It was the last thing I expected to hear.” He regarded Blake keenly. “Though I have to say, I’m intrigued to know what you want to discuss.”
Blake put down his cutlery and gazed frankly at Will. “You know I’m not out.” Will nodded. He remembered him saying as much. “I’d like it to stay that way. If you accept the position, it’s on the proviso that no one must learn what happened between us.”
Will nodded. “I’m out, but I’m not about to prance into the office, waving a rainbow flag and wearing mascara and nail polish, if that’s what you’re worried about.” A thought struck him. “We would be working closely together. You’re afraid that if your staff know I’m gay, they might wonder about you, too. Gay by association, almost.”
Blake’s eyes lit up. “Yes, exactly.” Will heard the relief in his words.
“I don’t have a problem with that. But you should know, if someone asks—not that I’m saying they will, it depends how well their gaydar is functioning, because I certainly won’t make it obvious—I’m not sure how I would feel about denying it.” Will had come to terms with his sexuality a long time—and a whole other lifetime—ago.
Blake regarded him in silence, and Will wondered what was going on in his head. He genuinely liked the man, and he knew in that instance he would do everything in his power to keep his new boss firmly in the closet, if that was what he wanted.
“That’s acceptable,” Blake said at last, and Will breathed more easily.
Their meal finished, Will went into the lounge while Blake made coffee. They sat on the sofa, sipping the aromatic brew and gazing at the flickering flames. Will looked down at the rug and his dick hardened at the memory of Blake riding his cock. Christ, had that only been twenty-four hours ago? He tried to ignore the images in his head, but a quick look at Blake told him much. Blake stared at the rug, his cheeks red, lips parted. Will gave a surreptitious glance at Blake’s crotch. The man was plainly hard. Will groaned inwardly. He hadn’t even started the job and his boss was already giving him a stiffy.
“Can I ask you something?” Blake’s question cut through his internal meanderings. Will twisted to face him, nodding. “Why do you do the escort thing?”
Oh hell. Will swallowed. “I finished university with a pretty hefty debt, thanks to my student loans, and although I had a job with a publishing company, it wasn’t even making a dent in it. Someone suggested I try doing escort work.” He mentally crossed his fingers, praying for no more questions on the subject. His heart sank when Blake spoke.
“Do you intend to continue with it, once you start working for me?”
Will became still. He didn’t want to lie. That was no basis for a working relationship. “If I’m honest, I’ll have to say yes, although I can promise you it will never compromise my job at Trinity.” He met Blake’s gaze. “If that’s not acceptable, then tell me now and we’ll call it a day.” He waited anxiously for his response.
Blake looked down at the floor for the longest while, which caused Will’s chest to tighten. When Blake finally raised his head to look at him, Will’s heart was in his mouth.
“There will be days when we have to work late, you understand. And there will be business trips to book fairs in Europe. So it won’t be a regular hours kind of job.” Will nodded. “Well, as long as I have
your word that the job will come first, then yes, I can live with that.”
Will could have kissed him. “Thank you,” he said, shaking with relief.
Blake grinned. “So does that mean you are officially accepting my job offer, Mr. Parkinson?” His eyes gleamed.
Will returned his grin. “Yes, Mr. Davis. It would be a pleasure. When do I start?”
Blake chuckled. “Tomorrow morning. I’m usually there by seven thirty, and Ed Fellows, the office manager, isn’t far behind. The rest of the staff are there by eight thirty. That will include you.”
Will determined there and then that if Blake started work at seven thirty, so would he. Not that he was about to tell Blake that. He’d surprise him tomorrow morning. He glanced at his watch. “In that case, I might go home and get a good night’s sleep. Want to make a good impression on the boss on my first day.” He winked.
Will was dying to ask Blake if he would ever hire his services again. The previous night had been a revelation. He’d never expected to find so responsive a client, and it had shaken him to connect so intimately with Blake. Not that Blake would ever know that. Nor would Will ever tell his new boss the full extent of his experience with J’s. In fact, if last night was anything to go by, Will wasn’t sure he could do that again, despite his experience. ’Cause after one night with Blake, he was hungry for more, and the thought of being with someone else wrenched him hard.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Will was pleased to see Blake’s eyebrows shoot up when he caught sight of Will leaning against the glass door of the office when Blake arrived. Better yet was the approving look Blake gave him.