Page 9 of Notorious

Now I laugh for real, because he’s right. “That’s one of the wisest things I’ve ever heard. Sorrows most definitely swim, even when you try to drown them.”

“Yep.”

Images of all of the scenes I’ve watched this man in interrupt my brain’s processing. His dick is large. While porn stars don’t have to be enormous, he is, and seeing guys take it … My ass clenches in sympathy. I stealthily look at his crotch, and I feel my face get red. Or maybe it’s the drink making me flush. I’m extremely aware of my own heartbeat, and the hair’s rising on my arms and nape, despite the fact that the bar’s kept at a pleasant temperature.

“It’s just really surreal that I’m sitting next to you,” I blurt. I’m definitely feeling the martinis. “I mean?—”

Velvet turns to face me, his long legs widening so he’s kind of straddling me, and I check him out—up and down, my fingers tingling with the need to touch him.

Damn, he’s hot—broad shoulders in the tailored western-style tuxedo jacket. Muscular thighs stretching the fabric of his slacks. Intense eyes. The only thing bothering me is how gloomy he looks.

Maybe I can cheer him up.

“I take it you’ve seen my work?” Velvet asks.

“I’ll say,” I mutter. Then, louder, “Yes. I’m a fan. Is Velvet your real name?”

He smiles, and it’s the first real smile I’ve gotten from him. Then he tips his hat. “No, ’course not. My mama named me John, but most everyone calls me Johnny.” He holds out his hand. “Johnny Haskell. Nice to meet you.”

I shake his hand. It’s firm and makes me crave his touch even more. “I’m Kurt. I’ve shaken a lot of hands tonight, but yours is the first I actually wanted to.”

“Well, then, precious. That’s an honor. Can I buy you another drink?”

CHAPTER 4

Johnny

When the cute man sits down next to me, he looks familiar, but I can’t immediately tell from where. So I take a second peep at him.

He’s got boy-next-door good looks, and even in my inebriated haze, I can tell he’s something special. There’s this aura about him—like he’s going places and determined to get there no matter what. Though something’s happened to make his shoulders hunch. And I still don’t know who he is.

“You say your name’s Kurt?”

He nods. “Yeah. Kurt Delmont.”

Ah. The light goes on, and I connect at least some of the dots, because Delmont’s a big political name in California, where I live, and Kurt’s handsome face used to be on promotional billboards and posters all over for LGBTQIA+ awareness and advocacy. Always thought he was cute.

Just my luck to have a politician join me. I don’t have much use for politicians. They seem like vipers to me, waiting to strike after their next election.

Not that literal vipers get elected, but you get my drift. I don’t trust ’em. Not since what they did to my mama, making the rules the insurance companies used to deny her transplant.

That’s gonna get fixed, though. I’m gonna fix it.

But I’m feeling off-kilter, since this is my last night on earth, and he’s amusing me. There’s nothing saying I can’t have some fun before I check out, and Kurt’s exactly my type. Boy next door, yes, but with soulful brown eyes that have seen more than they let on. I like how he’s not small or delicate. He’s not as tall as me, but he’s, I don’t know, lean but solid. Average size, but his looks are way above average. Dark hair that’s stylishly trimmed but intentionally messy on top. Spectacular, actually. Looks a bit like that one guy on the historical romance show on Netflix, only without the breeches.

I’m lightheaded, though I’m not sure if it’s from the whiskey or Kurt. My eyes dart over to him again, and the shiver that goes through my body is more pleasure than I’ve felt in months.

Him. It’s him.

I want to erase the distance between us, which is ridiculous, since I just met him.

When we’re both done with our fresh round of drinks, we look at each other. “Another?” he asks. “Or do you want to go for a walk?”

“Walk sounds mighty fine,” I drawl, and signal the bartender. Kurt pulls out his wallet, too, but I tell him, “I got it.” I have a little bit left, so I might as well spend it on him.

I want to spend it on him. I’m flooded with warmth as I check him out, with his snappy tuxedo and pretty-boy face.

He looks at me for a moment, then swallows and nods. “Thank you,” he says quietly.

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