Page 9 of Tied

CHRIS

For the rest of the afternoon, Fester festered, Bullet mumbled about his dislike for Arizona as a whole, Galen gawked at a waitress, and the room went back to cordial. Surprisingly, I found the presentation from Tyler Marshall very entertaining, and not in the way I originally assumed. He was informative, well-versed in each state’s unique faults or challenges, and he wasn’t flustered by the whole ‘OK Corral’ moment.

I guess it wasn’t a shootout at high noon, but it was a ‘whose cock is smaller’ and ‘who is the be the biggest rooster in the room.’ After Mr. Marshall completed his presentation and excessive questions were addressed, we sat down for that curated meal.

“I’ll give Jack kudos for getting one thing right today.” Burping quite loudly, Bullet wipes the edges of his mouth, sipping another straight bourbon. Most men would already be on the floor, a drooling mess, but Bullet is only buzzed.

Galen tried to keep up, but exhibit A is the drooling mess. He’ll require an escort to his room. The other governors that were at our table originally, left shortly after the gun hit the table, leaving it just the four of us. I didn’t really care, as I actually had a great time.

I’m not telling Carli that though. She’ll use it as ammo for the next time I’m being a pussy and wanting to stay home in my One Direction jammies.

Mr. Marshall stayed through dinner, making rounds through the tables, talking about his unique approach. In all honesty, I’ve eyeballed him the whole time—nonchalantly of course. His style is understated, and the way he carries himself is with a comfort in his own skin. There are days I envy others who can do that. Today is one of those. I’m jealous of his subtlety. I’ve always hid. I’m six-six, an ex-Marine built like a linebacker. I have to tailor all of my clothing to fit my arms and quads, and I have the outward perfected persona of being sexually attracted to women because I have to. Because society still pictures a guy like me as the ‘man’s man.’ Stereotypically slotted as the burping, farting, beer belching and pork rind eating guys who appreciate a woman’s tits, cooch and ass. Oh, I appreciate a lovely ass, but not a woman’s.

Seeing Mr. Marshall moving tables again as he makes his way to the door, I’m pulled from my perusal of him when Fester speaks up.

Yawning, he gazes at his watch. “It’s late, boys. I’m headin’ to bed.” Rising from the seat, he says, “Thank you again for an entertaining afternoon in the world of politics, Beauford.”

He laughs, hard and deep. “Fester, anytime you wanna throw down, consider me a player in that game. Give me a second to say good night to these youngins and I’ll follow you out,” Bullet states, tipping his glass to finish the remainder of its contents.

“You’re going to bed?” Fester questions the other elder governor.

“Fuck no. I’m about to go find me a bit of entertainment, boys.” Rising, he taps me on the shoulder. “Thanks for the backup, young man.”

“Next time though, we keep the loaded guns in the hotel room, yeah?”

“If you’re going to disarm me that fast again, you got it.” Extending his hand for a shake, I grasp it tight. “When you get a chance to visit Texas next, we’ll go out for a hunt. I have a feeling you could best me.”

“Your hunt, your rules.”

“I bet.” He smirks as he walks towards the door.

Rising on unsteady legs, Galen states, “I think it’s bedtime.”

Reaching for him as he works for balance, I hang on to one of his arms to steady him as he teeters. “Whoa, Galen.”

“You think you could help him up to his room, Chris?” Bullet asks.

“Yeah. I got him.”

“Good. ’Cause I still have some energy left in these old bones.” Clicking his neck, popping his knuckles and grinning, Bullet follows out behind Fester. “I’ll be findin’ me a filly in the bar for some fun. Have a nice night.” He winks. “See you for breakfast.”

As the two of them saunter off, one to bed and one to gather someone for his bed, I hold Galen up. “Come on, man. Let’s get you to bed.”

He slurs out, “Sounds good. Wife’ll murder me if took a girl to bed.”

Leaving the room, I look one last time to see where Mr. Marshall is. Two tables away, his gaze locks on mine. My heart flutters a touch as he offers me a small smile. As usual, timing is a foe. Here I am, walking out with Galen, wanting to walk out with another. I guess I’ll have to slake my needs in either the shower alone or in the city. I’m leaning towards city antics. I’m sure there’s somewhere confidential and obscure for someone like me.

With his rendition of the Texas two-step, we traverse the short walk from the conference room to the elevators. As the doors open, I ask, “What floor, Galen?”

“Four forty-three.”

Leaning him up on the wall, I select the button and venture a look at my watch. Shit, it’s early. Dammit, it’s only nine. For sure, after I get Galen settled I’ll head out. It’s been quite some time since I had freedom to roam New York without a limo, chaperone, or Carli. After taking the job, the craziness surrounding King Crown’s death at Indy, and his funeral, everything has been quite busy at the office. Losing Carli didn’t assist me any either. Now I’m left without a moment of time for myself. Heck, it’s been weeks since I’d had a man in my arms. I miss it.

I’ve been an unsolicited celibate.

That’s exactly what I need.

Not wanting to think on it too much while I help Galen to his room—mainly because it would seem a tad awkward to have a hard-on while assisting a drunk straight man to his room—I curb my thoughts for the moment. After he’s settled, I’ll venture down to the front desk and ask where there is to go.

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