Page 11 of The Bathhouse
Smiling broadly, Joseph called the waiter over.When dessert arrived at the table, Reed watched Joseph take a spoonful.The Filipino sighed and licked his lips.
Reed pulled his gaze from Joseph’s lips.“What is it?”
“Sikreto ni Maria, a sweet rice topped with ice cream and fresh sweet mangoes.”
Reed took a taste.“This is heavenly.”For a few minutes, they were quiet, concentrating on their desserts.Finally, Reed pushed his plate aside.“This was a wonderful meal.Thank you.”
“I should be thanking you.”
“You can thank me by extending our evening.”
Joseph offered up a seductive smile.“Yes, I’m free, and I’d love to show you a little more of Manila.”
Reed sighed inwardly.He wanted to get this man into his bed, but anticipation was half the fun.He told himself to take it slow and let Joseph set the pace.Smiling across the table, he replied.“You’re hired.”
Chapter Two
Joseph was elated.His plan, although rapidly conceived when he recognized Barton, was progressing effortlessly.He could read people like a pro.By interpreting Reed’s facial expressions, noticing his words and tone, and trusting his gut, Joseph could come up with responses on the fly.Fortunately, he hadn’t had to improvise.He’d been honest with his replies.
Obviously, Reed enjoyed his company.Dinner would culminate in fucking, but first he wanted to gain Reed’s trust.It was important that Reed believe Joseph’s intentions were all about attraction and sex, not money.Reed wasn’t dumb, he wouldn’t be happy that Joseph had lied to him when they first met.Joseph confessed anyway, framing it as a youthful need to help his family, rather than a desire for a green card and life in the States.Actually, it was mostly true.
Even though fucking an employee could end in legal problems for Reed, hopefully their strong sexual attraction would override Reed’s doubts.Taking things slow was crucial, and Joseph was willing to put in the time because he anticipated a big return.And good sex as well.
Not that Joseph lacked for sex, but good sex, well, that was another story.He didn’t often have chemistry with the tourists he hooked up with.But as soon as he laid eyes on Reed Barton, he’d felt a familiar spark of arousal.
Part of the allure was their past, but this older Reed would have attracted him anyway.Reed was different from most of the wealthy, overweight American men Joseph targeted.His expensive clothes, Rolex, and the way he talked all shouted money and education.He picked up the check with well-manicured fingers.These were all things Joseph looked for, desirable traits in an American patsy, but this man was stunning as well.Reed was lean and attractive.His graying hair had him well on the way to becoming a silver fox, and his piercing hazel eyes upped his sexy quotient.He wouldn’t mind fucking Reed Barton or being fucked.Either would work.Joseph would be whatever Reed needed.Then he would use their mutual lust to his advantage.Hopefully with this man, he would get more than fancy dinners and expensive gifts.
Joseph had a decent job at the Call Center, but his ultimate goal was a promotion.He knew he could manage the business much better than Dave Torres, the present supervisor.In time, Reed might be persuaded to expand operations and take him on as partner.There were no limits to what they could accomplish.
A relationship between him and Reed would be beneficial for both.Reed would provide the business opportunities, and Joseph would keep Reed sexually satisfied.Of course, Joseph would also work hard to help the company prosper.It would be a win-win situation for both.
Their evening would end with sex, but not yet.Reed appeared to be a fan of historical places, so Joseph decided to take him to Intramuros.
* * *
Originally Reed had had quite different plans for the afternoon, but he had to admit that he enjoyed walking the cobblestoned streets of Intramuros with Joseph.Reed had visited the Philippines many times, but his trips had always been about business and sex.He knew little about the history of Manila.Joseph knew a lot aboutOld Manila, and he made the history sound interesting.“How old is this Walled City?”
“It dates back to the Spanish occupation.The walls were built to protect it from foreign invasions.”
“It’s amazing how well preserved everything is.”
“The old Spanish houses were restored and turned into museums to maintain their old-world charm.”
When they tired of the museums and the hot sun, Joseph suggested a kalesa ride.“We’ve covered a large area on foot this afternoon.Let’s give our legs a rest.”
The horse-drawn carriages were a familiar sight, but Reed had no desire to ride in one.“Are you saying this old man can’t take it?”He grinned at Joseph to let him know he was joking.
“Not at all.It’s part of Philippine culture.Your tour won’t be complete without riding a kalesa.”
“I don’t know…”
Joseph smiled.“Come to Baywalk with me.We’ll ride in a kalesa and watch the sunset.It’s very romantic.”
“Are you flirting with me?”
Joseph looked him over seductively.“How can I not?”
Reed returned the look with a leer.“Then how can I refuse?”
