*****PG13*****
He needed a few moments to realize why the sheets felt so soft and the bed was so comfortable. He obviously wasn’t at the Wagon Wheel. His hand slowly moved over the bed and his brain reported coldness. Noah didn’t really have to turn his head to know. His one night stand was over.
He sat up a little and winced. This guy hadn’t been kidding. It had been the tough ride he had announced. Noah still wasn’t completely at ease with his own cravings, but at least he was ready to admit it to himself and – for the first time – to someone else: this rough road was just how he liked it. Being dominated made him feel safe.
Noah pulled a face. That sounded contradictory even to him, but it was the truth. It felt familiar. Growing up on a military base could have something to do with that.
Noah closed his eyes. His father would be so outraged. So disappointed. He shrugged. He couldn’t blame him. He was a disappointment to himself too. After all these years, he still felt torn about his sexuality. He knew he could feel attracted to women. Really attracted. Maddy, Ameera, Abi… those connections had been very real. It had taken a long time to come to grips with that, but he had. He could have been perfectly happy with each one of them. But his male encounters had been good too.
Luke. He still felt a sharp pain, thinking of Luke. He truly had loved Luke, in spite of all the drama that guy managed to create in his life. The timing just hadn’t been right. Noah had been so confused about his desires, that he hadn’t been able to give himself completely to Luke. Keeping him at arm’s length had driven Luke into the arms of someone else.
Noah narrowed his eyes. Dr. Oliver. His dominance was all over the place, so seemingly Luke liked it rough too. If only they would have figured that out before the doctor had taken over. After a deep sigh he closed his eyes and thought about Richard and Mason. When he’d confessed his sleeping around to Richard, he hadn’t been surprised. He had shown Noah an email with a video attached to it and Noah had never seen so much disgust on anyone’s face as he did that moment. Richard had looked ready to vomit right there. Something was thrown out that evening, but it hadn’t been Richard’s gastric content. It was Noah and his suitcase.
Yep, he’d made a big mess of things. And watching Luke being all happy and secure had driven him nuts. Had made him do even more horrible stuff. To end his own spiral of self-destruction, he had applied for a job at the Lakeview and – to his surprise, because both owners, Lisa and Lily, were not his biggest fans lately – was accepted. And look what he did…
Noah sighed again. Well, he gave the guy what he really needed. It had been rough, but extremely satisfying for both of them. He was sure of that. The man had even muttered ‘God, you’re good’ and he hadn’t struck him as someone who gave compliments very often. Noah grinned. The guy hadn’t been bad himself. He was pretty sure he’d remember and feel this little get-together for a few days.
When he got up to visit the bathroom, he reached for the nightstand to get a grip and felt a paper. Two papers, to be exact. After turning on the light, he just stared at it for several minutes. What the…
Outrage and shame battled with a sense of victory. He wasn’t sure if he should feel proud or offended by the hundred dollar bill, but according to the note it was meant as a nice gesture.
‘This was very enjoyable and just what I needed. Thanks. Call me if you’re ready for another go. I need to be home. Room is paid for. Enjoy it.’
No name, but he had written down a cell phone number and Noah put both items back on the table. Hundred dollars. He wasn’t gonna lie. He could use the money. He smiled, making his way to the luxurious bathroom. He would enjoy this all right.
After his shower he felt pretty good about the whole situation and he decided to treat himself to a expensive drink in the bar. As a guest, this time.
Thumbs up for the idea, thumbs down for the implementation. The moment he showed himself, his colleague looked way too relieved.
“Noah! I don’t know why you’re still here, but you’re really a godsend. It’s crazy tonight and William was so sick, I had to send him home. Could you cover?”
Reluctantly he agreed. It would make a good impression and he needed to show his manager that he was a reliable co-worker. So he took his place behind the counter, instead of one of the stools on the other side. Only one seat was taken. The craziness Michael had been talking about was in the table section, but that didn’t mean Noah could take it easy. The orders kept rushing in and even with Michael’s help, it was a lot more work than he had planned when he came down.
When the rush was over, Noah noticed the guy at the corner of the counter was still there. He looked familiar, but he couldn’t place him. For some reason he connected the guy with Luke, but why and when…
His hunch was proven right, when the guy smiled at him.
“Sorry for staring, but aren’t you Luke’s ex?”
Noah frowned. It didn’t feel right to be called that. He knew he was, but still…it sounded wrong.
“And you are?”
“Brian,” the man’s smile broadened, “Brian Wheatley…”
When he saw his name didn’t ring any bells, he continued: “I was married to Lucinda and worked for Luke’s foundation…You…”
“…punched you after kissing my boyfriend…” Noah sure did remember now.
“I know…not one of my best decisions in life,” Brian snorted and after some hesitation, Noah grinned.
“That’s an understatement,” he chuckled, drying some glasses.
“So how are you doing lately?” Brain sipped his drink. “I saw your boyfriend leave some time ago…”
Boyfriend? Noah narrowed his eyes.
“I’m not sure who…”
“Maybe boyfriend is not the right word,” Brian’s grin was a little wicked now, “Maybe hook-up is more appropriate? I watched your subtle agreement…”
“Obviously not subtle enough,” Noah started to feel really uncomfortable and Brian putting his hand on his didn’t make that any better.
“Don’t worry, nobody will hear from me. It did make me wonder if you do that sort of thing often…”
The real meaning of the comment started to settle in his brain and it made Noah notice the longing in the guy’s eyes. It made Noah feel powerful. This guy wanted him. No question about that. After his earlier encounter, he wasn’t really interested, but this guy kissed his boyfriend…it felt good to have some power.
“Only when the right offer comes along,” Noah softly said, giving Brian a defiant look.
The man looked a little suspicious now and it made him unusually blunt.
“What sounds right to you?”
Noah liked this game. He wanted Brian Wheatley to squirm and he knew just the perfect way to do it.
“Two hundred.” The message was clear. I would only consider someone like you if you pay me. A lot!
Thumbs up for the idea, thumbs down for the implementation. Yet again.
Brian wasn’t insulted and he didn’t back down, either.
“You’re that good?”
Noah forced himself to grin and nod, confused about this unexpected turn of events.
“Let’s find out,” Brian looked very self-assured now. “Please put my drink on my room. 783.” He raised an eyebrow and that message was clear too. Be there.
