“I think it’ll be very different fromthat,” Eli says around a loud laugh. “Plus, Nolan is hot as hell. I’m a little jealous. Maybe I could try being a top just for him.”
Mocking laughter bubbles out of me before I can hold it back. I can practically feel Eli’s narrowed eyes sliding through my earbuds. The bottom of the trail swims into my vision, despite the sweat dripping from my hair and down my face. How is Georgia still so fucking hot even in October? I need to move to somewhere freezing. Penguins!
“Are you listening?” Eli all but yells into the phone.
“Sorry, I got caught up thinking about penguins.”
“Of course.”
“They’re cute!”
Eli laughs, but it’s forced. “Of course, sweetheart. Are you going to contract with Nolan? When is it?”
“This weekend. I’m going to let Davis know that it’s fine. I’ll do it.”
“You’ll let me know if you need me?”
I jump from the gravel trail to the concrete of the parking lot with a grin. “Yeah, bestie. Don’t worry about it. I’ve got it.”
Eli makes a questioning sound in the back of his throat. We hang up just as I reach my Jeep. Lifting up the back panel, I grab a towel out of my duffel bag. The sun beats down on me as I wipe the sweat off. Thankfully, I had the forethought to place a towel on the driver’s seat before even starting my hike.
I forgot to pack a clean T-shirt… again. I never learn. Oh well, I’m just driving home, I don’t need a shirt. Hopping into the driver’s seat, heavy rock music drifts through the speakers as the Jeep rumbles to life. Before pulling out of the parking lot, I shoot Davis an email back letting him know I’ll take the contract with Nolan. A weekend in Chicago doesn’t sound too bad.
The weekend startsoff great since I’m treated to first-class seats. Wow, this Nolan guy spares no expense for his escorts. Now I get why Trevor usually gives the guy whatever he wants. I have my fair share of johns that dote on me, but usually, it’s in the form of fancy hotel rooms, sometimes even lavish gifts. I have a drawer of Rolexes in my apartment back at the high-rise. I’ve never worn them, but the thought is nice.
Departing the plane takes the least amount of time ever since I’m already at the front. An older gentleman in a suit stands atthe bottom of the escalator by baggage claim with a sign that says,Benji White.
I skip up to him with a charming smile. “I’m Benji!”
The man takes one look at me and snorts in apparent disbelief. That’s kind of mean. I’m one second away from telling him such when he takes my bag from my shoulder, leading me out of the airport.
“Is the hotel far away?”
The man shakes his head. “Just downtown. Not far.” He peeks at me with his eyebrows furrowed. “The agency sent you? I knew Trevor wasn’t coming, but I expected something a little more… like him.”
“Blond?” I ask, confused.
The man snorts yet again, adding to my rising irritation. “When’s your return flight?”
“Sunday morning.”
“We’ll see about that,” the man utters under his breath as we make our way towards the parking garage.
Obviously, I’m not getting anywhere with this guy. He loads me into a giant blacked-out SUV and starts driving without another word. Awkward silences are worse than dental cleanings. I’d honestly rather have a hygienist all up in my mouth than sit through an awkward silence that I can’t fill, which is probably why I talk through my dental cleanings.
We pull up in front of a lavish-looking hotel. I probably should’ve dressed better, but being dressed up on a flight is yet another thing that I hate, so jeans and a ratty T-shirt it was. I’ll just change when I get into the room.
The old man turns around, hand on the passenger side headrest. He fixes me with a very hard look, but I just stare back, uncaring about whatever his problem with me seems to be.
“Let me know if you need me to pick you up early.”
I grin with all my teeth. “I’ll see you on Sunday morning.”
Grabbing my bag from the seat beside me, I slam the door of the SUV with enough force that it rattles my teeth. The porter opens the door for me with a small snarl of his lip. All these people can suck it.
“Benji!”
The sound of my name freezes me halfway to the reception desk. Glancing around the fancy first floor, a man in a pristine suit with a sweet smile wanders towards me.
