He nods. “Considering the leadership you’ve shown this summer, and of course the quality of your beloved shop, your name quickly rose to the top of the list in our internal discussions. As your friend, though, I wanted to give you a heads-up about the commitments involved. It’s intended to benefit you, and of course The Scoop should see a healthy bump in business. But even with the resources we devote to promoting the featured business, it ends up being a sort of volunteer gayborhood ambassador gig.”
I take that in, glad for his perspective. “I’m already busy, it’s true. But it sounds like an exciting opportunity.”
“Think it over,” Mohammed says. “You and The Scoop would be perfect for it. And just let me know if you want to set a meeting to discuss specifics.”
“Okay, definitely! Thanks, Mohammed.”
He glances at his phone. “With my assistant redirected to help with the art show, I’ve got no one to remind me when it’s meeting time,” he says apologetically, and we part ways.
I take one last look at the busy street, text Kavya to say I’m excited about the new venue, and hurry on my way.
My mind spins over the details of the opportunity. I’ve seen how busy the owner of the featured business is, appearing at festivals, fundraisers, and local events. I’ve also seen what a boon it is to the business. And even if the accompanying workload is significant, it sounds fun and well worth the time.
I opened The Scoop in order to build the kind of spaces and community I want to see in the world. Accepting the featured business honor would let me do that on a bigger scale than I’ve imagined before.
When I get back to my place, I take the stairs two at a time. Riley has the morning off from the garage, and I love knowing that he’s been waiting here for me since I pulled myself out of his strong arms earlier.
Inside, the smell of garlic hits me, and I’m surprised to see Riley at the sink, washing up dishes. He’s only wearing his loose boxers, and he’s got a fantasy novel playing on the speaker.
I grin, and when he looks up and sees me, Riley half-smiles, too.
“Hey. I finally remembered the name of that movie with the multiple realities.Existenz. With a z.”
“Let’s check it out,” I say and add, “You cooked!”
He snorts as he turns off the audiobook. “Not quite. I tried to make a salad from one of those cookbooks,” he says, gesturing to the stack I have out from the library. “Did you know it’s possible to burn a salad? Cause I didn’t. Anyway, I ordered from that falafel place you like,” he says with a gesture to the takeout containers at the end of the counter. “Figured you’d want lunch.”
I kick my shoes off and walk across the apartment to join him. “Thanks for ordering?—”
Before I can finish thanking him, Riley swoops me into his arms and takes me in a kiss. I lean up against his burly chest and deepen it.
“Gotta keep your strength up,” he growls before we ease back.
I drape my hands on his shoulders. “It’s nice coming home to you,” I tell him.
Riley holds my gaze with his hazel eyes, sincere. “Good. I like being here.”
We stand like that for a moment, and he doesn’t look away. I still notice Riley’s gruffness, his uncertainty with being vulnerable. But when we’re alone together, those harder edges soften, and his demeanor eases like this. He lets me see a part of him that he doesn’t show other people, the side I know from our messages.
I kiss him again, and we quickly find our way to the couch. Riley and I strip each other as we make out, panting and moaning compliments. My fingertips brush his lips and tease his hard nipples, and when I get on top, I bury my hand in his hair and kiss him harder.
Naked, we stroke our dicks together, two hands working our hard cocks, our shafts wet with precum. I rise up on my knees, and Riley grabs my ass, groping me as his dick throbs.
When we cum, the boundaries between us seem to disappear. Our eyes lock, the world hums with pleasure, and I let the pure, good sensation engulf me.
After, Riley and I lie on the couch, our arms and legs tangled. He strokes the back of my head idly.
“I’ll head to the garage this afternoon,” he says. “Considering we spent the last few nights together, I figured I should probably give you some space tonight, too. Not crowd you.”
I sit up a bit. “That’s considerate, but I don’t feel crowded. If you need space for yourself, though, I understand. I know you like your alone time.”
Riley shakes his head. “No,” he says, voice quiet. “I’ll go if I need, but right now, I’d be a damn fool to give up even a minute with you.”
I smile at him, appreciating how direct he is and clear in his desires. “Maybe we’ll actually get around to watching a movie tonight.”
He chuckles and squeezes my ass. “Doubt that.”
Heat flushes through me. “Yeah, I doubt it, too.” Sex haze fading, the encounter with Mohammed comes back to mind. “I forgot to tell you.” I sit up the rest of the way. “Mohammed approached me and asked if I’d be interested in having The Scoop as the featured gayborhood business next year.”
