Page 63 of Control Freak
“No,” Shiloh said quickly, raising his hands to cover his face, peeking out between his fingers. “No private sessions. I’d remember that. But the larger shows…”
“No, I just saw an advertisement,” Bailey said. “I never wanted to pay for a show. Figured Holden would chew my assfor that.” He shot his brother a look of betrayal. “Apparently, the rules don’t apply to him.”
“Bailey,” Gray said. “It’s different for Holden. You know that.”
“But—”
Axel grabbed his shoulder and squeezed hard enough that Bailey immediately lapsed into silence.
“No, you’re right,” I said. “I probably would have been pissed if you were paying for cam shows. I really didn’t think I had any other option.”
“Sorry,” Bailey muttered. “I was just surprised. I didn’t think you…”
“Had needs?” I asked wryly. “Well, how would you when I work so hard to hide it? But Shiloh has been good for me. I don’t want anyone treating him differently because of this.”
“Of course not,” Emory said. “Shiloh’s great. A camboy on the run.” He chuckled, exchanging a glance with Shiloh I couldn’t quite figure out. “Who would have guessed?”
“Anyone who’s good for you is good by me,” Gray added.
“Ditto,” Axel said. “But are we allowed to look up clips on the internet? You know, just for research?—”
I balled up my Zaco wrapper and threw it at his head. “Watch it, or I’ll tell your man.”
Axel ducked, laughing. “Kidding! Just kidding! I’ve already seen Shiloh all naked on your screen, anyway.”
I glared. “And you will forget everything you saw that night and never mention it again.”
Axel held up his hands. “Already forgotten!”
“Seriously, though,” I said, “please don’t look up Shiloh on the internet.”
“I use a different name there anyway,” Shiloh said. “So my life can remain private. And, um, I think it goes without saying that school districts don’t love the idea of camboys teaching intheir classrooms. It’s how I lost my last job, so…I really don’t want to endanger a chance at this one.”
“We won’t say anything,” Emory said. “Will we, guys?”
“No,” Gray agreed.
“I’m no snitch,” Axel said, which was funny now that he was dating a sheriff. I was pretty sure he’d most definitely tell Dalton, but Dalton wouldn’t gossip.
Everyone looked at Bailey.
“What?” he said. “I’m not going to say anything! Who would I even tell?”
“Okay, good. Thanks.”
Shiloh met my eyes. “I guess I’ll see you after work, then. We can talk more about…what comes next?”
My pulse echoed in my ears. Right. After work, when he’d probably ask about touching me. Holding my hand. Because I’d asked him to do that.
“I was thinking we could go to the pool hall for dinner,” I said, the words spilling from me on impulse. “We can celebrate your job opportunity.”
Shiloh lifted one eyebrow, seeming to question my motives, and for good reason. I was panicking and avoiding again. But then he smiled.
“Sounds fun. I’m game for whatever you are.”
There was a message there. Shiloh wouldn’t push. My heart calmed.
This was my choice. Shiloh wouldn’t rush me.
