cup. It’s a needed distraction otherwise Shayne will surely see the excitement that I can barely contain.
“Just observant. Tell me all the gory details,” his eyes widen in anticipation.
Okay, but this is kind of big news and I am not telling everyone.
“Scout’s honor,” he holds up two fingers. “Your secret’s safe with me.”
“So, I slept with Bryce last night. I mean, we made love. Or had sex. I don’t know—it was totally different than anything I’ve experienced.”
“What?” His face is a mix of shock and glee. He shakes his head as if it is an absurd thought. “Okay, so did you spend the night?”
“Yes. We fell asleep in his bed and when I woke up, he had left me a really sweet note.” I bite the inside of my lip.
“You understand this is earth-shattering, right?”
I look confused and try to clarify—“Because he’s my boss?”
“No, Mila. Bryce Cole never has sex in his own bed, or lets a woman stay for the night. You, my dear, are a game changer.” He’s pointing at me while he says it.
Shayne’s words confirm what I secretly hoped—this isn’t just a hookup. Then my curiosity kicks in.
“How do you know all this?” I ask and then take a sip of my coffee.
“He’s not exactly one to seek out women, so his previous companions were mostly from Inferno. And they often came back, telling tales of woe to me.” He shakes his head.
“Remind me never to confide in a bartender,” I laugh.
“Well, I think I can share a secret that will make us even.” His face becomes serious, and I lean in. “I have my first date with a guy tonight,” he says.
I think I keep a straight face, trying not to register shock, but I had no idea Shayne was gay. He explains it’s a recent development, so that explains a lot. We talk for a while, and I make sure to tell him how amazing he is for taking this step and how excited I am for him. The more we talk, the more excited and open he is.
“We’re going to a museum and I need to get a new outfit. So you’ll forgive me if I take off?” he asks.
I nod.
Shayne knows my clothing choices prioritize comfort over style, so I’m not the ideal shopping buddy. Since I’m still buzzing with excitement from all of the developments in the past 24 hours, I call Alexa. I’m too hyper and happy to be alone. She invites me over, and when I hear the address, I know this is a rich part of town.
My estimate of how rich is grossly under the reality, because there is a doorman and front desk receptionist at her building. I am already at the elevator when the woman working the front desk calls me back, requesting that I sign in since I’m unfamiliar.
She has a pretty necklace on, which I compliment, and we begin to make small talk. After reviewing the sign in sheet, she notes that I’m visiting Alexa Summers, and she launches into a whole new topic of conversation.
“Alexa is pretty popular,” the receptionist confides. “Lots of different guys in and out—all of them hot. But the best is definitely Bryce Cole. I’m surprised the paparazzi doesn’t stake out the building just to wait for him, not that I would call to let them know when he arrives or leaves.”
She laughs and I excuse myself. I‘m a little taken aback by the information just relayed to me by a complete stranger. But I guess this is exactly how the tabloids get their info.
In the elevator, my mind races about why Bryce would visit Alexa at home, but it must just be something friendly or maybe she needs help on occasion. I mean, the lady at the front desk never said what time of day he visited, but I don’t think Bryce would sleep with someone he employs. Then I realize how stupid that logic is.
Alexa’s apartment is gorgeous, and I can’t imagine how her Inferno wages pay the bills, but it’s none of my business. We go back to her bedroom, and I notice the small frame of a girl with blonde hair who looks familiar.
“Do you have a sister?” I ask out of
“Just observant. Tell me all the gory details,” his eyes widen in anticipation.
Okay, but this is kind of big news and I am not telling everyone.
“Scout’s honor,” he holds up two fingers. “Your secret’s safe with me.”
“So, I slept with Bryce last night. I mean, we made love. Or had sex. I don’t know—it was totally different than anything I’ve experienced.”
“What?” His face is a mix of shock and glee. He shakes his head as if it is an absurd thought. “Okay, so did you spend the night?”
“Yes. We fell asleep in his bed and when I woke up, he had left me a really sweet note.” I bite the inside of my lip.
“You understand this is earth-shattering, right?”
I look confused and try to clarify—“Because he’s my boss?”
“No, Mila. Bryce Cole never has sex in his own bed, or lets a woman stay for the night. You, my dear, are a game changer.” He’s pointing at me while he says it.
Shayne’s words confirm what I secretly hoped—this isn’t just a hookup. Then my curiosity kicks in.
“How do you know all this?” I ask and then take a sip of my coffee.
“He’s not exactly one to seek out women, so his previous companions were mostly from Inferno. And they often came back, telling tales of woe to me.” He shakes his head.
“Remind me never to confide in a bartender,” I laugh.
“Well, I think I can share a secret that will make us even.” His face becomes serious, and I lean in. “I have my first date with a guy tonight,” he says.
I think I keep a straight face, trying not to register shock, but I had no idea Shayne was gay. He explains it’s a recent development, so that explains a lot. We talk for a while, and I make sure to tell him how amazing he is for taking this step and how excited I am for him. The more we talk, the more excited and open he is.
“We’re going to a museum and I need to get a new outfit. So you’ll forgive me if I take off?” he asks.
I nod.
Shayne knows my clothing choices prioritize comfort over style, so I’m not the ideal shopping buddy. Since I’m still buzzing with excitement from all of the developments in the past 24 hours, I call Alexa. I’m too hyper and happy to be alone. She invites me over, and when I hear the address, I know this is a rich part of town.
My estimate of how rich is grossly under the reality, because there is a doorman and front desk receptionist at her building. I am already at the elevator when the woman working the front desk calls me back, requesting that I sign in since I’m unfamiliar.
She has a pretty necklace on, which I compliment, and we begin to make small talk. After reviewing the sign in sheet, she notes that I’m visiting Alexa Summers, and she launches into a whole new topic of conversation.
“Alexa is pretty popular,” the receptionist confides. “Lots of different guys in and out—all of them hot. But the best is definitely Bryce Cole. I’m surprised the paparazzi doesn’t stake out the building just to wait for him, not that I would call to let them know when he arrives or leaves.”
She laughs and I excuse myself. I‘m a little taken aback by the information just relayed to me by a complete stranger. But I guess this is exactly how the tabloids get their info.
In the elevator, my mind races about why Bryce would visit Alexa at home, but it must just be something friendly or maybe she needs help on occasion. I mean, the lady at the front desk never said what time of day he visited, but I don’t think Bryce would sleep with someone he employs. Then I realize how stupid that logic is.
Alexa’s apartment is gorgeous, and I can’t imagine how her Inferno wages pay the bills, but it’s none of my business. We go back to her bedroom, and I notice the small frame of a girl with blonde hair who looks familiar.
“Do you have a sister?” I ask out of
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