Page 13 of As The Shifter World Turns

“Not anymore,” he told me in a small voice. “Constant knee and ankle injuries had me sitting on the bench most of the time. There was no future in it, so I walked away from a dream.”

While I hadn’t had a high profilesporting career, I’d had my dream of working with animals put on hold. Or ended. I got up and gave him a hug as he handed me a glass of wine. “What shall we toast to?”

“The future.”

Remembering my promise to Daire, I said nothing about Sunshine Manor’s prospects and clinked glasses with him. And when we sat down to lasagna, salad, and fresh crusty bread, I was glad to not be demolishing my leftovers at home.

“It must have been hard establishing a new career,” I said as I slid a forkful of pasta, spinach, mushroom, and creamy cheese sauce into my mouth.

“Mmmm.”

I’d almost forgotten his reluctance to discuss his job the night of the barbecue. And judging by his noncommittal reply, nothing had changed.

“Can I let you in on a secret, Archer?”

Or maybe it had. “Sure.”

“Everyone in Sunshine Manor knows what I do. I work from home.”

“Cool. Wish I could do that. Sitting at my desk wearing a shirt and tie on top and my underwear on the bottom while conducting a video conference with my colleagues sounds perfect.”

“Ummm… that’s not quite how it is for me.” He jerked his head toward a closed door, which I assumed was a bedroom. “I have a whole set up with an expensive camera and I need to do my hair and makeup every day. I spend a lot of money on clothes.”

“Sounds interesting,” I said as my mind raced, trying to place his line of work. Maybe he advertised cleaning products.

“I’m a sex worker of sorts.”

I wasn’t expecting that, and I stopped chewing. Maybe because I lived on the floor above, I hadn’t heard or noticed a parade of clients heading to and from Neil’s door.

“But there’s no actual sex,” he clarified and stabbed a piece of lettuce with his fork. “It’s me in front of the camera taking off my clothes and doing other stuff.”

“Okay.” Based on the way he was studying his food, I guessed he was prepared for me to judge him. And that I wouldn’t do. “That seems a lot safer than…”

“Having sex with strange guys? Yeah, much.” His eyes met mine. “The tips are great, though some clients try to stiff me by watching the videos and then insisting I didn’t provide what I’d claimed and initiating a chargeback.”

I had no idea how to put that right. “Don’t suppose you have a union?”

A piece of tomato flew out of his mouth as he giggled. Any tension evaporated, and we spent the rest of the evening sipping wine and chatting about our favorite TV programs and books.

As I was leaving, knowing I’d drunk a little too much, Neil confided in me. “I almost forgot. Ivor lost his job. He was late yesterday andthey fired him.”

“Poor guy.” And he might have to move. I suspected Ivor would never find as good a living situation as he had right now sharing Daire’s huge apartment.

“But he hasn’t mentioned anything to Daire yet.”

Another secret I had to keep. “Okay.” A quick hug and I was out the door, stumbling up the steps to the third floor. I waved a fist at the door of 3B. That damned unicorn and his intoxicating aroma. But not looking where I was going, I tripped over my own feet and bashed my shoulder against Micah’s door.

“Fuck!”

“What the…?” As Micah was half a head taller than me, I was confronted with his salt and pepper scruff. And the ever-present fragrance.

“Oops! Wrong door.” My attempt to turn toward my door ended with my face in Micah’s chest, drowning in his scent. I peered up at him. “If I die tomorrow, I’ll die happy having listened to your heartbeat.”

“You’ve been drinking on your date.”

“Date?” I waved my arms in the air, which had me losing my balance and Micah grabbing me. “It was delicious, and Neil told me a secret. Can’t tell anyone.” I put a finger to my lips. “Not you.” I waggled a finger in front of his face.

His lips curled as though he’d tasted something bad. “Give me your key, Archer.”

---