Page 18 of Filthy Sweet

Our offices are behind the exhibits, and I find them filled with scientists from diverse fields, all lost in their work. The history of biological life on Earth fascinates me. Every living creature on this planet is interconnected, sharing origins the same way we share the planet itself. Learning about that is pure joy. Even better, now that I’m at the museum, I get to geek out about the methods we use to learn those things, too. I’ll stay on the cutting edge of new knowledge and fresh discoveries, and I’ll get the deep pleasure of sharing that knowledge with other people.

The thrill of being at work is enough to distract me, and as soon as I get logged in at my computer, it’s time for meetings. The next major exhibit is about migratory animals in our region, from spawning salmon to gray whales and sandhill cranes. It’s a topic I absolutely love, and I follow along the entire day, smiling and taking copious notes as I process all the great ideas.

It’s not until I’m walking out the door that I realize I’ve barely said a word since arriving.

Shit. That’s probably not good.

I shake my head, trying to push away the doubt, the sense that I was too shy as always and failed my first impression. It’s beautiful out, so I decide to walk in the direction of home, enjoying my new city. The hilly streets are lined with cute little shops, and the sun is still warm above the trees.

Maybe it’s time for me to actually go out and find a date. It would probably help me avoid getting confused about Fox, or more hung up on him than I already am. Robin would definitely help me set up a dating profile, if I asked her.

Then a little shop catches my eye. It has a tasteful white awning, and in the front window, there are a few pairs of panties hanging delicately.

An impulse grabs me. I think about Fox, and I’m not exactly drawn to try the panties on, but I do wonder how they’d feel, and if the fabric would be nice against my cock, which stirs to attention. And when I imagine Fox liking me in the panties, my erection twitches, and my mouth goes dry.

I lick my lips. For once in my life, I don’t want to overthink this, so I follow my weird urge across the street and buy the pretty blue panties from the window.

Chapter Seven

Fox

Reggie grabsthe end of the big leather couch, then hauls it back, dragging it out of the truck. “Thanks again for the help,” he grunts. “I could almost get this on my own, but I think the stairs would be too much.”

“Anything to avoid the office. You want to try Owen again?”

“He’s at work. Anyway, I want it to be a surprise. He’s said a couple of times that he needs a couch, and I owe him a housewarming gift.”

“Nothing like coming home to find strange furniture in your apartment.”

Reggie smiles widely, missing my sarcasm. “Right?”

I squat, lifting the other end of the surprisingly heavy couch. “I’ll follow you.”

“You’re still avoiding the office?” Reggie walks backward toward the apartment building. “Not that you ever go in anyway.”

I chuckle. “Not if I can help it. Anyway, buzz is building around the new Kissing Dirt album, so people should forget about my shit soon enough.”

Reggie somehow manages to unlock the door while still holding the couch. “Fuck, man,” he grunts. “Another hit album? You’re going to be rich.”

“I already am rich,” I say flatly. “Why? You ready to open another gym?”

“I think you funding one gym was more than enough help. Thanks, though.” Reggie starts hauling the couch up the stairs. “You good back there?”

I grit my teeth, my thighs burning as I follow him. “Yup.”

“You and Owen are going to that concert on Friday, right?”

“Friday,” I grunt, sweat dripping down my forehead. “Yeah.”

“Cool. Maybe next weekend, you and I could hit up a club? You’re probably getting laid every night, I know, but it’s been a couple of months since Kelly and I broke up, and I think I’m ready to get back out there.”

I use all my strength to turn the heavy couch above the banister. “Sure,” I grunt, although it hits me that I actually haven’t been getting laid.

I’ve barely thought about hitting the apps. It’s weird, especially with how much I’ve been jerking off, and I make a mental note to revisit that later.

“Here we are.” Reggie unlocks and pulls open the door, then keeps backing down the hallway. “You first.”

I angle the couch into the apartment. It’s only then that I fully realize I’m going inside of Owen’s place. It feels intimate, like something I should get his permission for first.

---