Page 28 of Fluffing the Stallion

“A porn fluffer? Yeah, everyone—” he stops talking, his eyes growing wide. “No fucking way.”

“Yep. Yuri works in gay porn and needed a fluffer. That’s where I came in.”

Tommy stutters, shaking his head as if he’s trying to understand it. “How did you apply for that? No way that’s on fucking Indeed.”

“Dario, my roommate told me about it. I went in for the interview and met Yuri. I knew when I met him that I wanted to get to know him better. As I got to know him, I knew I wanted to be with him.”

Tommy makes a gagging noise and I throw a pillow at him. He laughs and throws it back. “Stop being so fucking sappy. Ugh. Being in love has you sounding like a fucking poet or something.” I roll my eyes and he bumps my shoulder. “I’m glad you’re happy though, really. Can’t believe you’re a fluffer though. I didn’t think they were real.”

“Wanna know something funny?” I ask and Tommy nods. “I didn’t even know what a fluffer was.”

He throws his head back and laughs. I join in and we laugh until our sides hurt. Then I stand and walk downstairs to tell my family that I’m in love with a man named Yuri.

thirteen

CLAY

Yuri insisted on making reservations at an Italian restaurant for us to have dinner. I told him we could have met at the local diner, since my parents aren’t the type to want anything fancy, but he would hear none of it. I rolled my eyes but made the reservation like he asked.

When we get there and give Yuri’s name, we’re led back to our table. I grin when I see Yuri already seated. I rush over, pulling him in for a hug and a quick kiss on the lips. He smiles back, rubbing his palm along the side of my face. “I missed you today.”

“Same.” I give him one more kiss and turn to my family. “Yuri, this is my family.” I point to everyone as I introduce them. “Tommy, Jay, Max, and Dean. My parents, Bert and Cathy.”

Yuri sticks his hand out, shaking first my father’s then my mother’s hand. She blushes when he kisses the back of hers. He shakes hands with my brothers, though Jay looks at little red in the face and pulls his hand back quickly. Okay, that’s weird, but whatever. I’m with Yuri; I’m not going to think about my brothers’ weirdness. My brothers are always weird.

We sit and my mother immediately starts in on Yuri. “Is Yuri your full first name?”

“It is,” he tells her with a smile. “Yuri Joseph Miller.”

“Where are you from?”

“Georgia. Small town a few hours away called Cliff Point.”

Max perks up. “I’ve read about Cliff Point. It supposedly has the highest mountain peak for a state of its size. I told you about it, Clay, remember?”

Yuri smiles, nodding at Max. “Yes, that’s true. The mountains are gorgeous there. The trails are nice this time of year.”

“You hike?” I ask, grinning at him.

“I do. Want to go with me one day?” His eyes flash with heat, but he covers it up quickly.

“Of course.” We smile at each other for a few beats but are interrupted by a gagging sound. I roll my eyes and look at Tommy. “Cut it out.”

“Yes, Thomas. Stop being rude. You should be happy for your brother,” my mother chastises. “Maybe you should start thinking of settling down soon.”

Tommy gives my mother a dry look in return. “Just because you and dad met when you were eighteen and married by nineteen doesn’t mean I want to be. I like my life as is—single with my head in my books. Maybe when I graduate, I’ll find someone.”

My mom opens her mouth to give him shit, but my dad pats her hand. “He’s right dear. Let him be. You don’t need a relationship to be happy.” Tommy gives mom a smug look, making her narrow her eyes at him. He mutters an apology and I laugh behind my hand.

Dad looks at Yuri. “So, Yuri. What do you do for work?”

I nearly swallow my tongue and start choking. Tommy pats me on the back and mutters, “This ought to be good.”

Yuri doesn’t seem flustered at all. He smiles smoothly and says, “I’m a trainer.” Jay sputters and chokes on the water he’s drinking, hand shaking as he sets his glass down. I raise an eyebrow at him, but he doesn’t meet my eyes.

“Is that how you met Clayton? He’s always working out.” My dad’s question has me looking away from my brother.

“Yep. Although he doesn’t need me to train him. He has great technique and muscle definition. He helps me out with my clients, making sure I’m ready for them.”

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