Chad laughed. “I knew you’d say something like that. I gave it to you on purpose. I wasn’t really serious and don’t feel obligated to take it.”

“You did not,” Treston said. “You’re only saying that now because I made a snide comment. You thought I’d be thrilled you’d given me a personally autographed photo. You expected me to be falling all over you and thanking you, just like all your other groupies.”

“You’re wrong again,” Chad said. “I’m not that much of an asshole.”

Treston turned and stepped toward the door. “Well, I guess I’ll never really know for sure, because I’m going home.” He opened the door slowly, keeping the squeaking noise as low as he could. “I’ve had enough fun and games for one night. Have a nice life.” But he didn’t hand the photo back to Chad.

As Treston tip-toed out of the bedroom and down the grand front staircase, he heard Chad following him in his bare feet. When they reached the main hall on the first floor, the old man in the white coat was holding the front door open for Treston and he saw the long black limo waiting outside in the driveway with the back door open. He crossed through the open doorway and nodded at the older man without giving Chad a backward glance. He told himself if he just kept walking forward and didn’t turn around he could get out of there without emotional scars.

But when he reached the steps that led to the driveway, Chad grabbed him by the arm and turned him around. “That’s it? I don’t even get a kiss goodbye? I thought we had fun tonight.”

Treston took a quick breath and said, “We did have fun. At least, I know I did. You’re one of the most interesting bad boys I’ve ever met. I really mean it. But it’s time for Cinderella to get back to the real world now. I have to figure out how to change my circumstances and get a decent job, and you have pussycat waiting upstairs for you to breed him like a fucking pig.”

Chad smiled. “That’s not funny. He didn’t know you were listening.”

“Seriously, man,” Treston said. “Who does shit like that in bed?”

“You should talk,” Chad said. His tone grew serious. “You’re a stripper and I can only imagine what else you’ve done with men to make money. I’m more than familiar with the extra services that are offered at Chickey’s. So I don’t think you’re in any position to judge Dare.”

Well.

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Treston had been confronted this way before. In the beginning it used to sting him, but now he felt nothing. “I know who I am and I don’t lie about it. But I can promise you one thing for certain: I’ve never screamed things like that in bed with anyone. I don’t have to pretend I’m a whore in bed, because I really am one. I admit it openly and I’m not ashamed of anything I’ve done. So don’t you ever judge me or what I’ve done to survive.” He’d learned that by taking an offense approach instead of a defensive one he could maintain his dignity. But there were times even he didn’t believe it.

Chad held his arm tighter. “I’m not judging you. Don’t you get it? I wouldn’t judge you or what you do for a living. I don’t care about all the men you’ve been with in the past. I’m not much different from you. I just got a little luckier at a very young age. I’ve never told anyone this before and I never thought I would. But do you know how I got my first part in a film? I sucked off the producer right in his office. I got down on my hands and knees and I sucked his tired old dick and he offered me a contract afterward.”

Treston shrugged. He wasn’t impressed. “It’s not the first time a pretty boy got a part in a film that way and it won’t be the last.”

“I want to see you again,” Chad said.

“Why? So you can rake me over the proverbial coals like you do with all the other guys you’ve used and dumped? From what I hear, this town is filled with them. You make me laugh. I actually feel sorry for smut-mouthed little pussycat up there in your bed right now. You’re not serious about him. If you were you wouldn’t be standing here asking to see me again. You’re going to fuck his brother again, you’ll fuck his best friend, and you’ll wind up fucking him over, just like all the rest. And I’m tired of games. I want something different. Now let go of my arm and let me go home.”

Chad refused to let go. “You make me laugh. I can change your life. I can make something out of you.”

This time Treston yanked his arm out of Chad’s hand and he laughed in his face. “What is this? Seriously, man. Do you think I’m goddamn Joan Crawford sitting in a soda shop on Sunset Boulevard? You’re going to make something out of me? Give me a fucking break already and at least give me some credit. I’ve heard that line so many times I repeat it in my sleep. In case no one’s told you, every gay man over forty with money and power has used that line on a younger gay man at least once.”

Chad took a step forward, but he stopped when Treston’s arms went up. He rubbed his jaw and said, “You’re bitter.”

“I’m not bitter,” Treston said. “I’m smarter.”

As he turned toward the limo, Chad didn’t try to follow him this time. Chad stood there looking dejected, as if ready to double over in pain, and said, “Can we keep in touch? I don’t see why we can’t at least be friends.”

Treston lifted one leg into the car, held the door, and turned around to face him. He’d never spoken this way to a man before. Although it made him feel stronger than he’d ever felt, he had enjoyed the time he’d spent with Chad and he wanted to remember it fondly. He wanted Chad to remember it well, too. If he left on a bitter note he knew that wouldn’t be possible. So he sent Chad a smile and said, “I wish I could say yes. I wish we could be friends. But I don’t think it would work out. You’re too gorgeous, too smart, too rich, and too strong for me. You would wind up killing me. Please take this as a compliment because I’m not trying to be nasty now. For the most part, I had a wonderful time tonight. I’ll remember this night forever and I’ll look back on it with a smile. You’re probably the nicest bad boy I’ve ever known, and I’d like to thank you for giving me the memory. But it’s time to leave.”

Chad smiled and said, “Can I kiss you goodbye?”

This guy just didn’t stop. Treston returned the smile and said, “I guess one kiss goodbye wouldn’t hurt.” He did want to hold him one more time. There was something about the way he smelled that made Treston feel calm and relaxed.




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