Troy Read online

  “Thanks.”

  “If we got some patio furniture out here it would look great.”

  “Well, since the beach is on the other side I don’t think anyone is ever going to sit here…”

  “But it’s better than having nothing.” She walked around the patio and looked around. “And have some flowers to lighten up.”

  “Which will die because I’ll never water them…”

  “You’re awfully pessimistic, you know?” She crossed her arms over her chest and gave me a look full of attitude.

  “I’m just being honest. I think dead flowers will look worse than no flowers.”

  “Who mows the lawn?” she asked.

  “My landscape guy.”

  “Have them water the plants too,” she said. “Problem solved.”

  “Whatever you say, interior designer.” I unlocked the door and walked inside.

  She walked across the hardwood floor and examined every crack. “Has this place been remodeled?”

  “Right before I bought it.”

  “The floors are really nice—practically brand new.”

  “I got lucky,” I agreed.

  She walked around then rested her fingers on her lips. She moved through the house, checking every bedroom and bathroom. Then she returned and looked at the granite countertops in the kitchen.

  “So…?” I sat on the couch and put my feet up.

  “Okay, this is what I’m thinking…” She was in her designer mode. “Gray walls with white trimming. A white rug with black leather recliners, and colorful art on the walls to lighten up the place. How about that for starters?”

  I shrugged. “Sounds fine to me.”

  “You weren’t kidding about not knowing what you want.”

  “Nope.”

  “At least you’re laid-back.”

  “I trust you, Perfect Ten.”

  She stopped in her tracks then her head snapped in my direction. “What did you just call me?”

  I gave her a smirk. “I finally found a nickname for you.”

  “That’s not a nickname,” she said. “That’s you objectifying me.”

  “Hey, it fits,” I said with a shrug.

  “Battleship is a real nickname. Perfect Ten is not.”

  “But it suits you so well.” Before she could argue with me I walked outside to the back patio. The breeze moved through my hair, and the bright view of the beach was blinding to my eyes.

  She followed behind me, and her argument dropped once she saw the white sand and blue waves. “Wow…this is beautiful.”

  “I know.” I sat down in the chair and stared across the water.

  When she looked away from the water she examined the patio and furniture. “This place looks perfect. I don’t need to do anything.”

  “At least I got something right.” I stood up and headed to the pool. I stuck a few fingers into the water. “Perfect temperature.” I turned to her and gave her a smug look.

  “Forget it.”

  “Come on, loosen up.”

  “I am loose,” she argued. “Just ask Aspen.”

  “No, you’re totally uptight. You’re stressed about your family and your sister’s engagement, you’re depressed you haven’t found Prince Charming, and you’re pissed off no one gives you the credit you deserve. Do something crazy and let go.”

  “And I’ll accomplish that by letting you see me naked?” Doubt was in her voice.

  “Hey, this is a two-way street,” I said. “You’ll see me naked too. And don’t act like that’s not a treat.”

  “You and I have different definitions of treats,” she said. “Getting a cranberry scone with my morning coffee from Starbucks is considered a treat.”

  “Well, I’m about to change your definition.” I pulled off my shirt and tossed it on the chair.

  Her eyes immediately went to my chest and she stared at my definition and hardness. The look on her face told me she liked what she saw, but she quickly looked away like she didn’t. “You’re wasting your time.”

  “You’re going to make me skinny dip by myself?”

  “I’m not making you do anything.”

  I undid my jeans and shoes and slid them off. I stood in my boxers, my thick thighs available for her to see. My hips made a noticeable V that disappeared into my boxers. There was no way she didn’t like what she saw. “Come on.”

  She crossed her arms over her chest. “Why do you want to see me naked so bad?”

  “I call you Perfect Ten for a reason.” I stepped into the water. “I won’t even look. Just get in.”

  “You’re such a liar,” she said with a laugh.

  “Okay, I will. But get in anyway.”

  “This is a really odd friendship.”

  “It’s our thing.” I winked then stepped further into the water. “The water feels great...” When my shoulders submerged, I took off my boxers and tossed them on the concrete. “Are you as outgoing as you claim?”

  She shifted her weight and looked at the sky. “I can’t believe I’m even considering this…”

  I splashed her with water. “Don’t be a pussy.”

  “I have a pussy so why would that be offensive?”

  “Just get in. Or I’ll drag you in.”

  She shifted her weight again while she debated her decision. Then she released a loud sigh. “Fine.”

  “Yes!”

  “But turn around.”

  “What?” I asked. “That’s not fair.”

  “You took off your boxers in the water but I don’t want to get my undergarments wet. They are really delicate.”

  That made my dick come to life. “Whatever.” I turned around and didn’t look. I faintly heard the sound of clothes hitting the concrete. I really wanted to turn around and take a peek but I held myself back. Then I heard her enter the water.

  “See?” she said. “I’m crazy and out of control.”

  I turned around and swam toward her. “You’re finally getting out of your comfort zone.”

  “Don’t you dare look.” She kept her shoulders below the water.

  “I’m not.” I came closer to her, hoping I could sneak a peek.

  “I can see you, Troy.”

  “What?” My eyes moved back to her face.

  She kicked me playfully under the water. “I have the same body parts all girls have. There’s nothing special down there.”

  “I beg to differ. And don’t act like you aren’t trying to see my junk.”

  “I’m really not,” she said seriously.

  “You want to see my eight inches. I know you do.”

  “The pool is pretty cold,” she said. “I doubt you’re at your best right now…”

  “There’s a naked girl in here with me, whom I refer to as a Perfect Ten. The coldness has no hold over me.”

  She swam around and reached the deep end of the pool, where she could stand and keep her body submerged.

  I really wanted to look, but she was staring right at me so I couldn’t.

  “Do you like my ideas for your house?” she asked.

  “I do. I’m sure this place will look great.”

  “Then we’ll get a photographer to take some good shots. When you put it up on a website, people will come flocking. And you can charge more money.”

  “I like money,” I blurted.

  “You don’t say?” she teased.

  My chest and shoulders were above the water, and the wind licked my wet skin gently.

  “How’s work?” she asked, changing the subject.

  “Good.” My voice didn’t sound so enthused.

  “What happened?” she asked bluntly.

  I sighed. “It’s a long story…”

  “Well, we have all day. We’re just sitting in a pool naked.”

  I chuckled. “My client is trying to get his parents to accept him as being gay. They aren’t coming around and even suggested he see a therapist.” I shook my head. “He doesn’t deserve to be treated like that. I feel terrib
le for him.”

  “Whoa, hold on…”

  “What?”

  “You escort men?” she asked incredulously.

  “Yeah,” I said defensively. “So?” Did she have a problem with that? If she was one of those annoying homophobic people then I wanted nothing to do with her.

  “I just assumed you only escorted women.”

  “Well, that would be discrimination.” I was still on my guard.

  “Troy, I don’t have a problem with that. I think it’s really sweet that you’re so supportive of your client.”

  I relaxed. “Really?”

  “Yeah. You’re fighting for him and what he believes in. I think it’s great.”

  Now all the anger disappeared. “His dad came at me because I touched his shoulder. I blocked his hits without charging him back. It was hard not to kick his ass.”

  “I feel so bad for your client.”

  “Yeah…it’s unfortunate. At least he’s getting through it with me. If I were a real boyfriend, it would be really difficult to handle. They’re so disrespectful and make me feel like a criminal.”

  “You don’t think they’ll come around ever?”

  I shook my head. “I’d be shocked if they did.”

  “That’s too bad,” she said. “He might need to cut them out of his life forever. But hopefully that’ll make them realize what they’re missing and get their heads on straight.”

  “Yeah, hopefully,” she agreed. “That’s really cool you guys are so cool about that.”

  I shrugged. “I guess I’m passionate about it.”

  She moved her arms through the water but remained submerged. She regarded me closely but tried to be discreet about it at the same time. “May I ask why?”

  I noticed I told Harper more things than I told anyone else, including Rhett. Rhett tried to have a civil conversation with me about Alexia and the breakup but I just couldn’t open up to him. But for some reason, whatever reason, I wasn’t so closed off with Harper. “My older brother is gay.”

  She didn’t react in any noticeable way. She didn’t even seem surprised. “Your parents aren’t supportive?”

  I shook my head. “No. He’s been struggling with it for a long time. It’s really stupid that my parents won’t just accept who he is. It’s something that haunts him every day. I told him he shouldn’t give a damn what they think, but naturally, he wants their approval. My parents just think it’s a phase…”

  “How long has he been out?”

  “For years,” I said quickly. “Which is why I don’t understand why they won’t just accept it.”

  “At least he has you.”

  “I’ll stand by his side no matter what,” I said. “He’s always been there for me.” And he was most of all when Alexia broke my heart and shattered my spirit. The heartache was painful and numbing, but the loss of a spirit was worse. I didn’t know who I was anymore and I was far from finding out.

  “My sister and I are the same way,” she said. “She’s a real sweetheart.”

  “Is she hot?” A grin stretched my face. I wasn’t sure why I had to ruin intimate moments like this. I guess it was because I couldn’t handle them anymore. They made me uncomfortable.

  “If you think I’m a perfect ten you should see her. She’s a model.”

  I couldn’t picture her sister being more attractive. Harper was already perfect as she was. “A model, huh?”

  “Yep. Swimsuit model.”

  “Whoa…for who?”

  “Sports Illustrated.”

  “Holy shit.” There were tons of models in the city but I never kinda knew one.

  “Yep. She has a short career but she’s rocking it so far, putting away her money for retirement, not that she needs to since her betrothed is a doctor.”

  “She should get you in.”

  “In where?” she asked with a confused expression.

  “Into the magazine. You could model too.”

  She gave me a serious expression. “I’m five feet tall.”

  “So? Isn’t Tom Cruise the same height? But you can never tell on screen.”

  She tried not to laugh. “I’m not model material.”

  “Bullshit,” I blurted. “Look at you.” I peered into the water.

  She kicked my shin. “Watch it, man.”

  I moved away, a slight smirk on my lips. “We’re friends. I’ll show you mine if you show me yours.”

  “Nope.”

  I stared at her, the area above water. She had petite rounded shoulders that led to a slender neck. Her skin was flawless and unblemished. I stared at it and wondered how her skin would taste. I fantasized about her wrapping her legs around my waist while I kissed her hard on the mouth. My cock twitched and grew, and I knew I needed to keep my cool.

  Her face was the best part. She was beautiful in a classic way. I’d always been into brunettes before Alexia, but after she left, my attraction stuck to blondes. And Harper was an exceptional beauty. Her high cheekbones led to sparkling blue eyes. They shined by their own light and were hypnotic. I’d never been attracted to a girl like this before. I usually had to force it. But these feelings toward Harper were giving me hope. If I was into her, then that meant I was finally letting go of the past. Maybe I could move on and start picking up girls like I wanted to. Now I wouldn’t have to pretend to be a playboy. I could actually just be one.

  Without my knowledge, my body moved closer to hers. My legs had their own mind, and they were in league with my throbbing cock. I came closer to her then gripped her waist. Then I pressed my mouth to hers.

  Her lips were immobile and lifeless. But they kissed me back, just for a moment. And in the span of those heartbeats, I felt electricity course through me like never before. The hair on the back of my neck stood on end and I felt a distant shiver move down my spine. Her lips were soft and full like I expected. Her tits pressed against my chest and they felt amazing, even under the water.

  She pushed me back. “What the hell are you doing?”

  The hot moment was ruined. I tried to gather my wits but I was a little confused. I kissed her without thinking about it, and as soon as I did, I was lost.

  “Earth to Troy!”

  My eyes found hers. “Sorry. You’re really hot.”

  She rolled her eyes and sighed at the same time. “So you just try to make out with me?”

  “I wasn’t thinking, honestly. It was like I went into a trance.”

  “Yeah right,” she said. “That was why you tried to get me to skinny dip.”

  “It really wasn’t.”

  “Whatever,” she said. “Just don’t do it again.”

  “Are you sure?” I asked. “Because that kiss was pretty hot.”

  “Hot or not, we’re just friends.”

  “Who kiss?” I asked hopefully.

  “Just friends. Period.”

  “Who do other things…?”

  She shot me a glare. “Like you could do other things if you tried.”

  “So, is kissing still on the table?”

  She splashed me. “Start thinking with the head on your shoulders and not the one between your legs.”

  “Uh, they’re thinking the same thing regardless.”

  She growled. “Close your eyes and turn around.”

  “Come on, you liked that kiss too.”

  “No, I didn’t,” she argued.

  “You’re such a liar.”

  “Am not!”

  “You kissed me back for like thirty seconds before you pushed me off. Explain that!”

  She glared at me again but remained quiet.

  “That’s what I thought.”

  “I was just in shock.”

  “Because I’m an awesome kisser.”

  “You’re so full of yourself.”

  “Hey, you’re an awesome kisser too. Your lips taste like honey.”

  She didn’t get out of the pool. “Is this how you hit on all girls? Because you need to step up your game.”

 
“I’ve never skinny-dipped with someone before,” I said honestly. “And I’ve never gone into a trance like that before. It was like I had no control over anything I did.”

  “Whatever, Troy.”

  “Let’s make out again.”

  She splashed me in the face. “The moment is over. Let’s move on.”

  I growled just the way she had.

  “Now turn around and close your eyes.”

  “Okay, fine.” I turned around and didn’t look.

  “You better not peek.”

  “I didn’t peek when you got in so why would I peak now?”

  “Because you’re horny.”

  She had a point. “I won’t, okay?”

  “You’re such a liar.”

  “Does it really matter if I see you?” I asked.

  “Yes,” she said firmly.

  “Well, hurry up before I get tired of standing here.”

  The water moved as she got out and then I heard the sound of drops hitting the pavement.

  Man, I really want to look. I only got a glimpse of her in the water but I couldn’t really see anything. But her chest felt amazing when it was pressed to mine. She was probably a B or C cup.

  Her feet padded against the concrete as she walked to the towel.

  Now or never. I discreetly glanced over my shoulder.

  Fuck, she was fine. She had a perky ass, tiny waist, and perfect tits. I wanted to shove my fist in my mouth so I wouldn’t yell.

  “Troy!”

  I turned back around. “What?”

  “You’re such a jerk.” I heard her wrap a towel around her body.

  I started to get out of the pool. “Look, I tried not to.”

  She rolled her eyes.

  “But you’re just so beautiful that I couldn’t.”

  “You’re unbelievable.”

  “I’ll make it fair.” I walked out of the pool with my hard dick on display. “Full frontal nudity.”

  She looked down and stared at my length for a heartbeat. Then she tossed me a towel. “Looks like we’re even.”

  “So…are you sure you don’t want to make out again?” I wrapped my towel around my waist.

  “It’s not that impressive, Troy.”

  I gave her a cocky smirk. “Liar.”

  She grabbed her clothes from the concrete. “I’m going to change in the bathroom.”

  “You need help, Perfect Ten?”