Page 29 of Eternal Hoptimist

“You’ve had to deny yourself something you’ve wanted to explore out of fear someone might rat you out? All because of some ridiculous notions of morality at yourjob?”

“That basically sums it up.” His laugh was hollow. “Maybe someday I’ll get lucky and find a kinky boyfriend who could help me figure my shit out. That’s the only way I can do it safely.”

I can help you out.Brain,seriously? Fuck off.

“Thank you for sharing that with me. That’s a lot of burden to carry on your shoulders.”

He straightened his suit jacket. “It’s silly. Nothing I should worry so much about. It’s just sex.”

I stepped into his space and grabbed his arm as I stared into his piercing blue eyes. “Don’t do that. Don’t dismiss your desires. Knowing you want something but not being able to do something about it is frustrating as hell. Especially something you know will bring you relief from the same stressful job keeping you from getting what you want.”

Parker let out a rough exhale. “You get it.”

I think I get you.

“Anytime you want to get something off your chest, I’m here. Consider it an addendum to our agreement.” I smiled to lighten the mood.

“Be careful what you offer. I might have a lot more lurking under the surface.”

I turned away to prevent him from reading my thoughts through my eyes. At that moment? I wanted to unleash everything lurking under the surface. Past partners had lovingly—sometimes judgmentally—called me a service top. Getting my hands on someone like Parker? Someone who knew he wantedsomethingbut wasn’t sure what? I would love to uncover what he craved.

“You okay?”

I cleared my throat. “Absolutely. Seriously, thanks for sharing with me.”

“This goes both ways. I know you have your crew, but if you need to talk to someone outside your family, I’m here. Many people think lawyers get paid to talk for a living, but I do a lot more listening than talking.”

His understanding that the guys were my family left me momentarily speechless. I’d dated people who didn’t get my dynamic with them or refused to accept that I could spend so much time with them without being romantically or sexually interested. They were like brothers to me.

“Thank you.”

A raindrop landed on the top of Parker’s nose. I stopped myself from licking it off.Calm down. Jesus.The kink talk had me all out of sorts.

“On that note, we should head back to find out how much of my money Hector spent.”

* * *

“Draaaanks!” Hector returned with four murky drinks in oversized shot glasses.

I was glad I’d been chugging water since Parker and I returned to the fundraiser. Not long after, the event wound down, and Hector convinced us to join him at a nearby bar for drinks.

Hector and Parker’s relationship was fun to watch. Despite their professional connection, it was clear they were close friends. I suspected Hector begged us to join him so he could continue his charmingly persistent campaign to convince me of Parker’s amazingness. I didn’t need convincing.

Hector winked at Parker when he handed him the drink. “Thanks for picking up the tab.”

Parker snorted and shook his head. “Least I could do.”

Hector’s attention slid to me for a moment. “Exactly. Right, Mark?” He turned to the fourth at our table.

The catering server Hector had met at the event and dragged along with us to the bar gave Hector a once-over. “Yup.”

Hector licked his lips. “How are you at darts?”

“My aim is great.”

Hector’s laugh was flirty. “We’ll be back.” Hector winked at Parker. “You two kids have fun.”

After Hector left, I leaned in close to Parker. “Do you often tag along on your assistant’s hookups?”

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