“What does that mean?”
“The masks keep it anonymous, and everyone there is looking for what you’re looking for—a little adventure. There’s a bar, light music, and lots of bedrooms.”
Peyton seemed to think and take that all in. “Are you inviting me to a sex party?”
“I’ll be the DJ. And it’s not like an orgy or anything. The event is very tasteful, discreet, all behind closed doors. But if you’re looking to experiment, a little fun with a mask on might be perfect.”
Peyton considered it, and the idea had come at me so fast, I had to consider it, too. I wanted him there. I wanted an excuse to see him again and felt almost like I needed that. It would be good for him, I figured, an opportunity to explore that he might not be able to access otherwise. And I loved the way Peyton’s mild shyness and hesitancy combined with his strength and confidence. Watching him navigate the masquerade would be fucking hot.
Hot, and maybe painful. It wasn’t until Peyton was nodding and smiling, agreeing to come with me, that I realized I would have to watch him flirt with other people from the DJ booth.
God damn it.
“I’d be totally out of place,” he said. “You’d have to coach me, and I probably wouldn’t even take advantage of the opportunity once I was there.”
I leaned forward. “So that’s a yes?”
He chuckled and adjusted his glasses. “It might be.”
I grinned. “Hell yeah. And hey, Peyton, you don’t need coaching.”
“I wouldn’t be so sure about that.”
I caught his gaze. “The other night was the first cock you sucked?”
Peyton’s eyes darted to his closed office door. “Now you’re going to tell me I have a natural talent?” he joked, clearly pleased but keeping his voice close to a whisper.
I winked at him, the temptation to watch him squirm right there in his office just too much to resist. “Trust your instincts,” I said. “They’ve been spot-on so far. But if you do require any coaching, I’ll be right there at your disposal.”
I did my best to slam the door on my other feelings. This was for the best. Peyton was off-limits, but he was helping me with my brother, so it was only right to return the favor and help him out, too. And since I already had his secret, I was probably the only person he really could turn to for support with this. It just made sense that I should invite him to the masquerade, considering I had the plus-one I wasn’t using.
“Damn,” he said. “Looks like we’re doing that trade after all, huh? I’m giving you Noah advice, and you’re helping me explore my sexuality.”
“Yeah,” I answered, then forced a chuckle. “How about that?”
