“Again?”
Presley’s blond head tipped to the side, and he pursed his full lips in a move I knew all too well was a signal he was about to try to charm me. It never worked, but he still tried, bless his bratty twink heart.
He sidled next to me, slipping a lithe arm around my waist and laying his head on my shoulder. “Don’t be mean, Josy. You know I try to be careful. I just don’t always succeed. I need a keeper, don’t you think?”
I knew exactly what he was getting at and for the first time I was beginning to agree with his thinking. It waswhohe wanted to be his keeper I wasn’t so sure about.
“I do think you need discipline and someone to keep you in line. You know I’ve always tried, but I’m just not what you need.”
Presley signed. “Yeah, I know. Your brother would be perfect if he would just give me a chance.”
“Everett is stubborn, Pres. You know that. I’m sure you’ll find a way to get him to open up one day, but if not, you need to be able to move on. You can’t let a crush ruin your chances if someone else comes along.”
Presley kissed me on the cheek. “Thanks, Josy. I know you’re right. I’ll try. I’ve got to go take care of this, but why don’t you come by the coffee shop this afternoon and see me? We can cry in our lattes at our sad love lives.”
I told him I’d see him later, then walked the few streets back to my office. It was really only a small storefront on a side street in our small town, but it was a great accomplishment for me. I had created it all on my own, and I was immensely happy so far. And since the success I’d had with Bruce and George’s bachelor party New Year’s Eve, I was hopeful that I’d be even busier this year.
Sitting down at my desk, I knew I would only do a little work today, so I could get home and pack. I was so excited to leave tomorrow for a few days and attend a huge conference for wedding planners next week. I hadn’t had a vacation in years, so getting away would be heaven. Plus, I had decided to leave a few days early and not be in a rush. I could take my time on the drive to North Carolina and just stop wherever I wanted along the way. I could get pictures of the waterfalls, or the mountain views, or ride the train through Nantahala Gorge, all the things I’d never had the opportunity to see or do.
I returned a few calls and got my desk in order, but while I did my busy work, my mind switched from daydreaming about the mountains, and drifted off to New Year’s Eve and what had happened that night. The bachelor party had been fun, but that wasn’t what I remembered most. No, as hard as I tried, I couldn’t stop thinking about what had happened afterwards...at the sauna. A shiver ran over me when I remembered a firm hand at my neck, a wet willing mouth sucking my cock and a delicious accented voice in my ear telling me to give up all my control and just feel.
Fuck.
I slammed a hand down on my desk and startled myself out of the delicious daydream. It was too good and too distracting. I had to shut these memories down, or I’d never be able to recover. And It was a recovery. I could have easily become addicted to the feelings and freedom I had felt that night...with him. At least the man in question would be leaving town tomorrow, just like me. Yes, I’d been keeping tabs on him. It was for self-preservation. At least that was what I kept telling myself. If I knew where Sebastian was, I could make sure I wouldn’t see him again. I couldn’t see him again and guarantee I’d be able to stay in control.
Control was all I had. Relationships were all about losing control and in my past that had always ended in disaster. Shaking off the memory of my crazy night, I turned on my computer and did the last of my work for the morning.
Whenever my mind would drift into thinking about Sebastian, I would steer it back to my vacation. Okay, it was work, not a vacation, but it would be tax deductible. I had been looking forward to it since the trip up and back would be just me and the road. Blessed peace and quiet. Between Presley and his antics and my brother Everett’s hovering, I never got a moment alone except for work these days.
Just when I finished up the last of my to-do list for the morning, my phone started playingDaddy Sang Bassby Johnny Cash. I let it ring a few times before I answered. It always pissed Everett off. When I finally got around to answering, I was happy with the results.
“What’s up, Everett?”
“For fuck’s sake, Josiah, answer the fucking phone.”
“I did answer, brother dear, or we wouldn’t be talking. What do ya want?
“You live to bother me, don’t you?”
“As a matter of fact, I do. Now that we’ve got that out of the way, what do you want? I’m working.”
“Before I get to that, have you changed that ringtone yet?”
“Ummm, the ringtone?” I was playing coy, but I knew exactly what he was talking about. I’d changed his ringtone in my phone a while back toDaddy Sings Bassafter he’d gotten drunk one night and told me all about how he wanted a boy of his own to call him daddy. It hadn’t been anything I didn’t already know. Hell, most of our friends knew it, too, but Everett was a stubborn ass when it came to seeing the perfect boy right in front of him.
“Yes, the ringtone you set in your phone for me, Josiah. Did you change it yet?”
“No, I haven’t gotten around to it, but it’s so perfect for you. Now, what did you want?”
“I’m no one’s daddy, Josiah! So, that ring tone is ridiculous.”
“You could be someone’s daddy if you’d get your head out of your ass and admit you like…”
I heard a growl on the other end of the line and knew I was pushing my luck.
“Shut it, Josiah.”
“Okay, fine. Now will you tell me what you want? Pretty please?”
