Page 74 of Employing Patience

I haven’t overthought a single thing in my chase of him, and I don’t want to start now. So far, my cock’s perfectly in control of the situation, and I have no desire to try and take over.

Even if it means I’m getting fucked tonight.

Jesus. The excitement that hits my gut at that thought is almost too much. Art naked. Art behind me. Art walking me through it, as considerate and attentive as he was last time. Seeing that side of him pushed buttons I didn’t know I had. Who knew the hookup king, the eternal flirt, the man who vowed never to settle down for anyone could be so sweet in the bedroom.

As hot as it all was, deep down, in the very heart of everything we did together, I could tell his number one aim was to make sure I was comfortable.

He made it almost too easy.

And as I prepare to take another step out of my comfort zone tonight, there isn’t a single part of me nervous about it because I know that Art will make sure I’m comfortable with it all again.

I mean, I am slightly shitting myself about, you know, actually shitting myself, but I’ve done anal with women before, and it’s never been an issue, so I guess I’m about to find out how I compare in that department. A ridiculous sort of laugh threatens to leave me, but I catch it just in time.

“You, uh, run into a cupboard or whatever back there?” Court asks, side-eying me.

“Yeah, we were …” The bottle conveniently on the end of the counter behind her is in prime position to support my lie. I swipe it up. “Running low on rum.”

I can tell she’s still suspicious. My hickey isn’t exactly incognito.

“Looks painful.”

Nowhere near the most painful thing I’ll be doing tonight. Hopefully. My gaze flicks to Art again, as though I’m checking he hasn’t snuck out, but he’s still with his friends, still smiling and talking smack. “It was worth it.”

She’s struggling to keep a straight face. “For the overtime pay, right?”

“What else would I be talking about?”

Courtney’s dark eyes slide slowly from me to Art and back again. “Can’t think of a thing.”

I wouldn’t confirm it even if she did call me out on being alone with Art and coming back with a hickey, even though I know she isn’t going to say anything. She doesn’t even challenge my assertions I’ve always made about being straight, and I love her for it.

I just don’t have time to be appreciative of it right now.

There’s no room for anything else but the one thing taking over my mind.

How much fucking longer until this party ends?

22

ART

My friends are so goddamn annoying. Don’t these alcoholics ever turn off?

Mack is dancing on a table, Keller’s still doing shots because apparently he’s immune to alcohol, Payne is passed out on the floor while Beau rapidly types away on his phone, and Griff and Heath are all but dry humping on my couch.

The rest of the guys are behaving somewhat normally, but it’s two in the morning, and they’re all still here.

Now that I’ve decided I’m going to fuck Joey, I’m going to fuck him, and all these so-called friends are being the cockblock to end all cockblocks.

I’m getting frustrated, pacing, haven’t touched a lick of alcohol since I left my office hard up and fuse lit. I haven’t been able to keep my eyes off Joey all night. Which is obviously different from before my office when I … was also staring at him like a creep.

Only this time, I’m creeping with the full knowledge I can do something about it.

And that little smirk he’s wearing is driving me out of my mind.

“Okay!” I shove Keller’s shots out of the way and climb up onto my bar. “Payne, I love you. Happy birthday. Embrace life to its fullest and whatever, but it’s time for all of you to get the fuck out.”

There’s a short silence, followed by some laughter and catcalls. Griff hollers something at me, and Payne sways as he sits up, then lets out a massive thump as he drops to the floor again. Beau grabs a cushion for his head.

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