Page 27 of His Stepdad Wears Leather

“I make no assumptions, is all,” Brody murmured.

Chris tilted his head a bit. “You’ve been kind to me… and I want to repay that kindness.”

“There’s nothing for you to repay. Even if I wanted payment, I wouldn’t demandthat.” Demand? No. Desire? Abso-fucking-lutely.

“No… of course not. But… I really appreciate it, is all. And… we had fun earlier, didn’t we? I thought we could have some more.” His smile evaporated. “Or no?” Chris paused. “Did you not… like it? Did I do something wrong?”

Brody leaned across the bar, hating that he’d caused the guy to doubt himself so easily.He’s just out of a bad relationship. Stop being an asshole!“I liked itvery much. We hada lotof fun.” He reached out and caressed Chris’ hand. “I don’t want you assuming I expect sex in return for a place to stay. I won’t refuse it, but I won’tdemandit, either. That’s not how I work.”

“Noted,” Chris murmured.

Brody leaned across the bar and gripped Chris’ chin. He leaned in for a kiss. “If you’re game, I’m sure there’s a little more fun to be had tonight. As long as it’s freely given.”

Chris’ smile was back, and it warmed him. “Oh… it’s freely given.”

Brody noticed Casey had popped back in. He was eyeing them as he returned to a table and grabbed what appeared to be a set of keys.

Casey waved wanly at them before leaving again.

“Someone’s smitten,” Brody whispered.

“Oh… no… he’s not my type.At all,” Chris said quickly.

No, Casey was closer to Chris’ age.He wants a daddy.Brody grinned at the thought, the idea not so terrible the more he thought about it. “You sure seemed to enjoy rubbing your ass all over him.”

Chris chuckled. “I was trying to see if you were still interested. I wasn’t sure there for a bit.”

“Oh… I’m interested. You don’t need to play games to find out. Just ask me.”

From the corner of his eye, Brody saw waving. When he cast a glance over, he saw Lex flapping his arms like a bird from his spot guarding the door.

Brody rubbed under his eye with his middle finger. He turned his attention back to Chris. “Have a seat at the bar. Gimme a few and I’ll be ready to go.”

“Sure thing.”

* * *

Noah regarded the near empty bar, curious. With the lights turned up high, the illusion of the club faded some. The dark spaces that had allowed his mind to wander were simple leather-covered circular booths, with tables littered with empty bottles and glasses. Employees in a mixture of leather, jeans, andThe VillageT-shirts in various colors of the rainbow scattered around, discarding empty beer bottles and wiping down tables. He sat there quietly, feeling like he should pitch in or something.

Before he could slide off his stool and offer, Brody arrived beside him.

“Ready to get out of here?”

Noah cast a glance around. “You don’t have to stay and finish?”

Brody shook his head. “That’s what I pay them to do.”

“Oh,”Noah said. “Let me grab my bag.”

Noah walked over to the front door and eyed the big bouncer. “Thanks for holding my stuff. Ireallyappreciate it.”

The gruff guy scowled down at him. “Don’t bring it again.”

“I promise… I won’t.”

“Be nice to Brody,” the bouncer muttered. “Or you’ll face me.”

Noah cast a look over his shoulder and saw Brody watching their interchange. He turned his attention back to the giant bouncer. “I’m only spending one night. I promise I’ll be good.”

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