Page 2 of Jace's Secret
“That’s easier for stuffed animals than people.”
Poor Mr. Jacosta really is new. He gasps in horror.
“Don’t worry about it. I’m just fucking with you,” Jace says. He goes to find the other kids. Mr. Jacosta is so unsettled he doesn’t even tell Jace to watch his language.
2
Two months ago
The music is too loud, pounding and pulsing through Detective Garrett Locke’s body, seemingly designed to make one want sex. Although he’d already been wanting that when he arrived. That was why he’d come to the club in the first place. That desire has only increased now that he’s slammed down three shots of tequila.
He surveys the dance floor again, looking for… well, he isn’t sure on the specifics, actually.
“Vodka for your thoughts,” a husky voice murmurs from beside him.
Garrett turns and looks into hazel eyes lined black. His lips are shiny with gloss and his face is so damned smooth that it feels like a crime just to look at him. His hair is blond, short, and spiky. Very, very young.
“Can you buy vodka?” Garrett asks. Is he twenty-one?
“Did you get a senior discount?” the young man says.
Garrett laughs abruptly, pleased by the snarky response, and signals to the bartender. Two more shots are set down before them and they each pound one back. The young man licks his lips after, making a point to wipe his thumb along the corner of his mouth, as if he doesn’t want to miss a stray drop. He holds Garrett’s gaze as he does it. An invitation without speaking a word.
“You’re very young.”
“I’m not that young. Honest to god, I’m going to be twenty-four soon.”
“I’m going to be thirty-eight,” Garrett says.
“That’s really interesting. Can I blow you?”
“What’s your name?” Garrett asks.
“Jack.”
“Jack, I’m Garrett. Nice to meet you. Do you come here often?”
“As a matter of fact, I do. And I have never, ever seen you here before.”
“Do you have a good memory, or do I look out of place?”
“I have a good memory,” Jack says, and looks him over hungrily. “You also look out of place. What happened? Girlfriend break up with you?”
Garrett snorts in amusement. “Ouch. Not recently, no. Just a… well, it was a bad day at work, if you want to know the truth.”
“I want to know the truth,” Jack says, meeting his gaze, so sincere that Garrett’s dick twitches with want.
“The truth is my job is very difficult, and sometimes I just need—” He huffs out a breath, not really sure he wants to be specific.
“To be taken care of? To feel like a person again and be reminded that people can be good and generous?”
Garrett blinks at him, the comment so on point that it raises his hackles. He straightens up, looking around the room, wondering if maybe he should just leave.
Jack puts a hand on his arm. “I bartend here a few nights a week. I’ve heard it all before and it’s always the same thing. A man gets lonely, has needs, wants something uncomplicated. I like uncomplicated.” His hand slides up Garrett’s arm, to his bicep, squeezing gently. “Will you let me make you feel good, Garrett? Please?”
It’s the please that does it. And maybe the use of his name, as well as the explanation that means this is just impersonal, after all.
Jack smiles at him, takes his hand and leads him through the club to a storage room that says employees only. He winks at Garrett as he pushes the door open. There are boxes of toilet paper, cleaning supplies, cases of beer, and one bare bulb to illuminate the space. Jack gets down on his knees immediately and unbuttons Garrett’s pants. He presses his nose against Garrett’s stomach, apparently wanting to get between the buttons of his work shirt to his flesh underneath.
