Page 25 of Spilled Coffee

He squeezed Ethan’s arm with a firm, reassuring pat that sent a jolt through him. Marcus’s long fingers, perfectly manicured with black nail polish, lingered before he darted off with a dramatic swish of his hips.

Ethan exhaled, his initial panic dulling as he drifted into the store. Shelves stocked with pink vibrators that actually glowed while leather cuffs hung like promises over rows of lace and satin outfits.

He picked up a rubbery toy—some kind of ringed thing he wasn’t sure what—then set it back as his fingers brushed a sleek black box.

Logan’s name surfaced instantly. Sauna steam, that plug sinking in, his voice promising so much.

Ethan’s gut twisted with want as he scanned the shelves, half-searching for something to prove he could handle it—handlehim.

“Sorry about that,” Marcus reappeared, his smile firmly in place. “Jake’s an absolute menace. Can’t stop touching stuff. Same song every damn day, darling. I swear that boy would play with fire if I let him.” He studied Ethan’s flushed cheeks and the nervous hunch in his shoulders. “First time?”

Ethan tensed, immediately defensive. “Oh, no—” He frowned, scrambling. “I told you, I don’t... I’m not. I like girls.” The lie burst out, loud and clumsy, and he winced, eyes slamming shut, cheeks on fire.

“Oh, honey,” Marcus’s laugh was kind rather than mocking. “As much as that is a tragedy for the gay community, I meant your first time here. In my little shop of wonders.” He grinned, clearly charmed by Ethan’s flustered state. “Let’s keep it simple,sugar. What does your... girlfriend like? Vanilla? Experimental? Something new… anal, maybe?”

He watched Ethan’s blank, deer-in-headlights stare and cocked his head with theatrical slowness.

“Uh…” Ethan nodded, slow and jittery. “Yeah... maybe that. I don’t know.”

“Okay!” Marcus clapped enthusiastically. “Now we’re cooking with gas! Follow me, gorgeous. I have just the thing.”

He sashayed to a shelf lined with anal toys, his hips swaying with each step. His confident swagger was a stark contrast to Ethan’s stiff shuffle, but somehow it eased him. Marcus was a balm to his buzzing nerves.

“First... experience?” he asked gently, his dramatic persona softening as he gauged Ethan’s wince.

“Mm-hm,” Ethan nodded, cheeks flaming.

“Oh, honey, don’t be shy,” Marcus’s voice softened with genuine warmth as he leaned in conspiratorially. “Everyone has to start somewhere. Even fabulous me! We’ll find what you need, I promise.”

He rummaged through boxes until he pulled out a small black one—a plug, sleek and simple. “Here… perfect for beginners. Trust Marcus, I know what I’m talking about.”

Ethan took it, fingers brushing the packaging. It was like the one Logan got, only smaller. He coughed awkwardly, throat tight. “Uh... do you have something bigger?”

“Oh!” Marcus’s expression brightened with delight as he placed one hand dramatically on his chest. “Bigger? So maybe not quite your first rodeo after all?”

Ethan shook his head, looking down at his sneakers, scuffing the wooden floor.

Marcus leaned in close. “Look, sweetie, nothing you say can shock me. I’ve seen it all in this glitter-dusted den of sin. Butt play for a nice guy like you? Barely a blip on my radar.” He resteda bejeweled hand on Ethan’s shoulder, nails glinting. “Straight, gay, questioning, whatever—doesn’t matter one bit. Focus on how they make you feel, that’s all that counts.”

Ethan exhaled slowly, the tension leaving his shoulders. “Thanks.”

“So, whose idea… yours or his?” Marcus asked, his expression turning thoughtful as he studied Ethan’s face. “I mean, you’re good with it all? Because consent is everything in my book.”

“His,” Ethan said after a long, shuddering breath. “He said it would… that it would make it easier, the first time. He said we shouldn’t rush things.”

“Wow, thoughtful guy—definitely sounds a keeper.” Marcus gave a theatrical wink. “My first? We were too horny to wait. Big mistake. My ass was like a war zone after. Not a pretty picture.” He fluttered his fingers dramatically. “Taking it slow is smart, especially if you’re wobbling on the whole idea.”

Ethan’s phone buzzed—Brick again.

Didn’t hear back. You okay, buddy?

Beers tonight. Don’t say no.

Marcus’s smile turned knowing as he guided Ethan to a corner display that featured plugs, beads, and toys in muted blues and blacks. “This is more your thing, handsome.”

Ethan’s eyes darted to three other customers—a giggling couple and a lone guy in a ball cap—who milled nearby. He coughed, clutching a box. “Yeah... that’s perfect.”

“Good. Oh, and you’ll need this too.” Marcus added a large blue bottle of lubricant, before heading back to the counter and tossing everything in a plain paper bag.

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