Page 7 of Perfect Matcha
His brain was stuck on her comments about his gift-basket idea. He really did want Theo to feel relaxed with Hawke, and Camden believed that most people could benefit from a thoughtful sex toy. It also appealed to Camden’s caveman impulses to introduce Theo to toys, but he was purposefully ignoring all inner chest beating. Cassie thought he was foolish to set Theo up with Hawke, but Camden wanted Theo to be happy.
Hawke would be an awesome partner for him. Theo needed someone who was ambitious and settled. Hawke needed someone who was loyal and sweet.
No one was as loyal as Theodore Punch. He bought his bike gear from the old cycle shop across town rather than the new one closer to his apartment. He refused to go to Starbucks because of his fidelity to Bold Brew. He never, not once, turned his back on Camden while Camden was partying his way toward failing out of college.
When Theo decided you were his person, you were his person for life.
So yeah, it would slowly shred Camden’s heart to pieces if Theo fell for Hawke, but he also knew setting them up was the right thing to do. If it would make Theo happy, Camden would move mountains.
It might take moving the Alleghenies to get Theo comfortable with sex toys, but Camden was willing to try. He didn’t actually think Theo needed experience on this front to be with Hawke. Hawke was calm and understanding, and Camden had a hard time believing Theo’s sex-toy preferences, or lack thereof, would have any effect on Hawke’s affection or attraction to him.
But Theo seemed to think it would give him peace of mind, so the next day, after work, Camden drove through the slick streets to make a gift basket for his friend.
The bell over the door of First-Rate Finishes jingled as Camden walked in. There were only two other customers inside—Joe and Levi, semiregulars who could usually be found in the lingerie section. He smiled at them as he moved farther into the store. His coworker, Diana, was behind the counter reading a worn paperback romance. Camden loved Diana. She was a pro at cosplay, rocked at customer service, could drink him under the table, and was adorably in love with her wife. He’d been their third once, years ago, and it had been fun, athletic, and perfectly unemotional.
“Well, if it isn’t my favorite lug nut,” she said as he approached the register. Today she had on a cropped sweater showing off her dark skin and soft curves. “What are you doing here? You’re not on the schedule until Saturday.”
“Buying a few presents for a friend. Did we get in the new shipment of Fleshstrokers from Lady Robin’s Intimate Implements?” That was Camden’s favorite brand.
“Yes. They’re beautiful too. I stocked them this afternoon.”
“Thanks.” He turned toward the corner of the shop where Hawke kept the masturbation sleeves and other toys specifically for dicks. He could see the Lady Robin’s steampunk marketing front and center.
“You’re welcome. Let me know if you have any questions,” Diana called to him. He grinned at her over his shoulder.
First-Rate Finishes was a boutique-style shop with very well-curated stock. The space was full of reclaimed wood and brushed-metal shelves with vintage light fixtures. As much as he appreciated an industrial-chic aesthetic, it was the people who worked and shopped there who made the place special.
Within a few minutes, Camden had filled his arms with a number of items he thought would be suitable for a beginner. Diana skipped over with a wire bin. He gratefully unloaded his haul into it. It was full to bursting.
She fingered through the boxes curiously. “You haven’t picked out any prostate massagers yet.”
He sighed. “I’m going to need a bigger basket.”
“Good thing we get an employee discount.”
Definitely a good thing. He might have to forgo takeout this month or cancel one of his streaming services, but it would be a small fortune well spent.
