Page 5 of Colin

We walked around chatting with other people. Well, Andy chatted and introduced me, while I smiled a lot and sipped the drink. When it was over half gone, Andy got another one. “Slow down on that, will you?”

I gave another fake smile. “I’m not having fun here,” I said through his teeth.

“Shut up and smile.”

“I’m going to sit down.” I was so bored. No way was I getting in the water or one of the five hot tubs that stretched the length of the pool on the far side, separating it from the bay. Several menwere getting in and jumping from tub to tub. A twink was sitting on someone’s lap and sipping from a glass the man held to his lips. It was incredible. And intimidating.

The host didn’t seem to be around, but I wasn’t exactly hoping to see Vick again anyway. No, I was hoping for someone else to catch my eye. The men here seemed nice, but they weren’t...

Him. Rourke Lazarus.

As if on cue,hewalked in. His gaze bounced around the patio area but didn’t land on anyone in particular until he saw me.

I had dreamed about the man the night before. First wet dream I’d had in ages. That man got me all kinds of worked up. Perhaps his unattainable status was part of the lure.

Rourke strode across the pavers with purpose. His dark hair was wavey, brushed back from his forehead, and his shoulders looked as broad as I remembered. He was coming toward ME. I sat a little straighter and smiled invitingly instead of faking it this time. And my heart practically beat out of my chest.

But Rourke was intercepted. Two young twinks who didn’t weigh what I did put together jumped in his path. He smiled and laughed with them. They were obviously flirting and more his type.

Out of your league. Desirée’s words came back. She’d been right. I felt like a whale stuffed intoBarbie’sclothing.

“Colin, so glad you could make it.” I turned my head at the accented words from Vick.

“Sure.” I couldn’t think of anything else to say.

“Let me give you a tour.” He spread his arms wide. “I’ve only had this house a few months, isn’t it scrumptious?”

“Yes, it’s nice.” I felt obligated to let Vick show me around. Besides, Rourke was tied up with his duo-twinks. He shot a strange look at me as we passed, but I didn’t acknowledge it. I had to ignore the man before my heart got involved. Becausethatman would break it. Maybe it was better to stick to someone I didn’t like. Less emotionally risky.

“This way. Let me show you.” He opened a door on the far side of the patio. “This is what passes for a pool house. I probably will build another on the far side later, before the summer comes.” He stepped into a bathroom with gray tiles and a seafoam green accent wall. A small closet with mirrored doors lined the wall opposite a giant shower. “Guests can change here or rinse off.” He shut the door behind us, and I heard the snick of a lock.

Vick nudged me farther into the room and away from the door. “This is rather nice.” I swallowed nervously.

“Yes, yes, but small for a pool house.”

“Maybe.” How the hell would I know something like that? I’d never been to a place like this, never seen an actual pool house, or even a bathroom this big for that matter.

“But I have it stocked with everything we need.” He opened the cabinets below the vanity. Fluffy towels were stacked on one side and a basket of condoms and one-time-use lube packs had been stashed beside it. Another basket tucked behind them held mouthwash, toothpaste, and brushes.

“Uh, looks like it.”

“I admit, Colin, I hoped to get you alone. So I can get to know more of you.” He slid his fingers over my elbow and up my arm, lingering at my shoulder.

“Uh...not much to tell, really. I work with Andy.”

“Ah, yes. Andy.” Vick’s gaze roamed over my body like an unwanted caress. “He’s a good friend to introduce us.”

“I guess...”

Vick’s hand became a bit bolder. “Let’s get you out of this.” He tugged at the bottom of my shirt.

“No. I don’t think so. I need to go find Andy.” I shoved away from him and headed to the door. I unlocked it and stepped out. “Maybe later,” I called over my shoulder. I didn’t want toseem ungrateful, but I didn’t want Vick undressing me, let alone touching me. I had to get out of there. There was no way that man would be on my short list of potential daddies.

So far, only one man had made that list.

I was so screwed.

Chapter two

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