Page 96 of Hits Different

“If you’re thinking al fresco don’t get me wrong, I appreciate the creativeness, but…”. I trail off. We’re standing outside The Garrison. Holy fuck. “Carter”. A cluster of shameful memories implode in my brain. “I can’t go in there”.

“Yes, you fucking can”. Brandon holds the door open for me. “You’re with me”.

The Garrison is even fancier than I remember. Brandon orders us a room, tossing down his credit card so casually you’d think he was springing for milkshakes, not dropping four figures on the penthouse suite.

“That’s…expensive”, I inhale.

“It’s really not”, he murmurs back, turning slightly so that his breath catches my ear. “And you’re more than worth it”.

“Brandon Carter, is that you?” I freeze. I recognise that voice. It’s her. The manageress swoops in with a huge welcoming smile. “I’m Agatha Knight. We met at the Houston Gala last year”.

“Did we?” Brandon shakes her hand, “I’m sorry. I meet so many people in hospitality, it’s hard to keep track. How are you, Maggie?”

“Aggie. Agatha”. She doesn’t even look at me. “And I’m wonderful, thank-you. Now, did I hear that your parents were on the lookout for some investment opportunities in our little world? I assume that’s why you’re in town. To give us a once-over?”

“Got it in one”, Brandon replies, to my surprise. “I’ve been spending a lot of time at a world-renowned facility already, which certainly makes the city more appealing. Especially for my parents”.

“Oh really? Do tell!”

“I’m at Summit” The smile slips briefly from Agatha’s face. Only for a microsecond. “I assume you’ve heard of it?”

“Yes, I’m…certainly familiar”. Her gaze drops down to the check-in screen. “Well, we’re delighted to be hosting you. For just tonight?”

“We’re booked into the Marriot for the rest of my stay”. My eyes widen as Brandon namedrops the Garrison’s biggest rival. “They offer a very competitive rate for professional athletes. I’m surprised you’re not offering something similar. My dad was disappointed when I told him we weren’t able to make a longer-term booking with you”.

“Yourfather?”

“He visits, of course. His whole team. Thirty premium rooms. We did love it here, but”, Brandon sighs wistfully, “C’est la vie”.

That would be literally fuck-you-thousands of dollars. I can practically see the dollar signs flashing through Agatha’s eyes.

“We’re actually in talks with Summit over a similar venture”, Agatha says hurriedly, “We’re hoping to have something set up very soon”.

“You must know my friend, then?” He nods towards me. Agatha’s eyes widen in recognition. “He’s leading on this for Summit”.

“One of the things I like most about Summit”, Brandon continues, “Is how their stakeholders treat everyone with respect. It’s a true sign of a really professional establishment. Don’t you agree, Agatha?”

“Absolutely”. Agatha smile is so tight her face is cracking. “Mr. Di Rossi. I’ll certainly be reaching out so we can resume our negotiations. First thing in the morning”.

“I look forward to it”, I say, when I find my voice. She nods and heads back to the office, her heels clacking quickly on the marble floor. “Holy fuck. That was a real Pretty Woman moment”, I say, amazed.

“Never saw it”.

“Never?” I’m no rom-com fan, but it’s a classic. “Are you sure you’re gay?”

“Are you sure that you’renotgay?”

“Not that sure, no”. He grins at that. “Seriously, Brandon. That was really… I mean, nobody’s ever stood up for me like that before”.

“Don’t tell me things like that Di Rossi. It makes me want to do something crazy”.

“Crazier than spending thousands of dollars on a penthouse for one night?”

“There’s no fucking limit on what I’d do for you”. He pulls me closer. “Because you deserve the world, Parker. Don’t ever let anyone make you feel like you don’t”.

I can’t believe there was a time when the thought of this—Brandon and I together - made me want to bolt. Now, I want it forever.

Brandon thanks the concierge, enquires about breakfast and orders champagne. His voice is so goddamn sexy I can barely decipher what he’s saying. Is he doing it on purpose? Or does he just know that I’m so hard I can barely walk.

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