Making It Personal Wells, C. (red queen free ebook TXT) 📖

his eyes, taking calming breaths as the elevator made its smooth journey up to the top floor. When the doors slid open, he stepped out and raised his hand to knock, only to pause before his hand made contact with the door. He dragged air into his lungs. C’mon, get it together.

The door opened unexpectedly and Blake stood there, dressed in jeans and a blue shirt that matched his eye color. Will’s cock hardened at the sight. Does the man have to be so fucking beautiful? It was the only word that did him justice.

Blake smiled. “Right on time. Come on in.”

He followed Blake into the lounge where the gas fire was burning, its warmth spilling out into the room. Will sniffed up appreciatively. Something smelled good.

“It’s only chicken from the local deli.” There was an apologetic note to Blake’s voice. “With green beans and sautéed potatoes.” Will’s stomach growled and his cheeks heated up. Blake chuckled. “Want to eat while we talk?”

“Sounds good.” Will was famished. Blake led the way into a small room off the lounge which Will hadn’t noticed the previous night. Hardly surprising, I was too busy fucking. The thought didn’t help cool his burning cheeks for an instant. He stared at the dining table surrounded by four chairs, the table set for two. Wine glasses stood on coasters.

“I wasn’t sure if you would be driving tonight. I know we had champagne last night. There’s juice or water if you’d prefer.”

Will liked Blake’s manner. Something about the man put Will at his ease.

“Juice would be great.”

Blake smiled once more and disappeared off into what had to be the kitchen. Will sat and spread the white napkin over his lap, just as Blake returned with a glass of juice. Once it was handed over, he disappeared once more, returning with two plates piled with chicken and vegetables, the aroma of lemon and garlic making Will’s mouth water.

They ate slowly, Will relishing every bite. “This is delicious.”

Blake finished his current mouthful before speaking. “I usually eat this once a week. It’s quick if I have work to do and no time to cook.”

“Do you work most evenings?” Will forked another morsel of chicken, savoring the subtle flavors.

Blake nodded. “Unfortunately, right now I have no work-life balance. The job tends to take over everything.”

“Then it’s a good thing you’re taking me on, isn’t it?” Will placed his fork against the plate and regarded Blake for a moment. “You were serious, weren’t you? About the job?”

“Of course!” Blake seemed surprised by the question. “Did you think I was pulling your leg or something?” He stared at Will in silence for a second or two.

Will leaned back into his chair. “To be honest, I was shocked when you rang. It was the last thing I expected to hear.” He regarded Blake keenly. “Though I have to say, I’m intrigued to know what you want to discuss.”

Blake put down his cutlery and gazed frankly at Will. “You know I’m not out.” Will nodded. He remembered him saying as much. “I’d like it to stay that way. If you accept the position, it’s on the proviso that no one must learn what happened between us.”

Will nodded. “I’m out, but I’m not about to prance into the office, waving a rainbow flag and wearing mascara and nail polish, if that’s what you’re worried about.” A thought struck him. “We would be working closely together. You’re afraid that if your staff know I’m gay, they might wonder about you, too. Gay by association, almost.”

Blake’s eyes lit up. “Yes, exactly.” Will heard the relief in his words.

“I don’t have a problem with that. But you should know, if someone asks—not that I’m saying they will, it depends how well their gaydar is functioning, because I certainly won’t make it obvious—I’m not sure how I would feel about denying it.” Will had come to terms with his sexuality a long time—and a whole other lifetime—ago.

Blake regarded him in silence, and Will wondered what was going on in his head. He genuinely liked the man, and he knew in that instance he would do everything in his power to keep his new boss firmly in the closet, if that was what he wanted.

“That’s acceptable,” Blake said at last, and Will breathed more easily.

Their meal finished, Will went into the lounge while Blake made coffee. They sat on the sofa, sipping the aromatic brew and gazing at the flickering flames. Will looked down at the rug and his dick hardened at the memory of Blake riding his cock. Christ, had that only been twenty-four hours ago? He tried to ignore the images in his head, but a quick look at Blake told him much. Blake stared at the rug, his cheeks red, lips parted. Will gave a surreptitious glance at Blake’s crotch. The man was plainly hard. Will groaned inwardly. He hadn’t even started the job and his boss was already giving him a stiffy.

“Can I ask you something?” Blake’s question cut through his internal meanderings. Will twisted to face him, nodding. “Why do you do the escort thing?”

Oh hell. Will swallowed. “I finished university with a pretty hefty debt, thanks to my student loans, and although I had a job with a publishing company, it wasn’t even making a dent in it. Someone suggested I try doing escort work.” He mentally crossed his fingers, praying for no more questions on the subject. His heart sank when Blake spoke.

“Do you intend to continue with it, once you start working for me?”

Will became still. He didn’t want to lie. That was no basis for a working relationship. “If I’m honest, I’ll have to say yes, although I can promise you it will never compromise my job at Trinity.” He met Blake’s gaze. “If that’s not acceptable, then tell me now and we’ll call it a day.” He waited anxiously for his response.

Blake looked down at the floor for the longest while, which caused Will’s chest to tighten. When Blake finally