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hand and took a step back.
    “You’re making this more complicated than it needs to be or we agreed upon. What’s wrong with the way things are?”
    Words failed him for a moment, but for once Reed didn’t allow the panic to take over. He focused and took the time he needed to arrange his thoughts into a coherent answer.
    “Nothing’s wrong. I never said there was. But I think it could be better. We’re not in a relationship; I get it, and I’m not trying to force you into some little box and parade you around to people I know as some prize I’ve won. On the other hand, I’m trying for a little normalcy. What’s the harm in going to a bar or a club? You did it before we met.”
    They studied each other in silence, and after a moment or two the harsh lines on Carter’s face softened. Reed could almost guess the moment when Carter changed his mind.
    “I guess you’re right. It might be fun.” He glanced down at his bare chest and thin sweats. “I suppose this means I have to get dressed.”
    Thrilled with his victory, Reed cupped the nape of Carter’s neck and drew him in for a swift kiss that became long, sensual, and left them breathless. From the hard thrust of Carter’s cock, Reed supposed they could indulge a bit before going out.
    “Not yet. I think you deserve a reward for being so willing to make me happy.” He tugged at the strings of Carter’s sweats, and they fell, puddling on the floor around his ankles. His erect cock sprang free, and Reed could smell the heady concoction of Carter’s desire that only fueled his already simmering lust. “Time to make you happy as well.”
    He sank to his knees, engulfed Carter’s cock in his mouth, and proceeded to make them both very, very happy.
    *     *     *
    “This place looks good; don’t you think?”
    It was an hour and a half later, and after they’d both showered and changed, Reed had his walk through the city with Carter. To his delight, Carter even took his hand as they window-shopped past the closed stores along the street. The rain had stopped, and the street gleamed wet; while the taxis churned up brackish water at every corner, even that couldn’t foul Reed’s mood. They meandered up toward Eighth Avenue and stopped in front of Bounce, a club where both karaoke and dancing were featured attractions.
    To his shock, Carter pulled him to the entrance.
    “Let’s go inside.”
    Confused, Reed dropped his hand and held back. “You want to go in here? I don’t know how to dance.”
    Carter had already taken out his ID for the bouncer at the door. “Don’t worry. I’ll show you whatever moves you need to know.” His infectious grin drove away any doubts from Reed’s mind, and he followed Carter into the club.
    On one side behind a tinted glass door was a dance floor, and Reed’s body shook from the pounding beat. Peering through the glass, he could see the swaying bodies pressed together, and Reed imagined a hot and sweaty Carter hard up against him, their hips gyrating to the slow pulse of the music. Maybe the time had come for him to learn some moves.
    On the other side, raucous laughter and loud, off-key singing could be heard, and Reed guessed that was the karaoke club.
    Carter tugged at his hand. “Let’s listen to some karaoke before we dance.”
    Giving Carter a surprised look, Reed huffed out a laugh. “You? Karaoke?”
    Without answering, Carter led him inside the room, still holding tight to his hand. They followed the hostess to a small round table for two, set with a flickering candle on top of a glittering cloth. The room was half-empty; there were around fifty people seated at the same small round tables scattered about the room. A waitress appeared in a scanty black tank top and leggings, accentuating her lean, muscled body. If Reed were to hazard a thought as to her day job, he’d pick dancer or maybe personal trainer.
    “Good evening, gentlemen. What can I get you?” The lights picked up the slash of her