Exposed Exposed (Dom Nation #1) - E. Davies Page 0,73
DN cruise.”
Brighton had commissioned a small cruise ship for a gay kink cruise sponsored by Dom Nation. The usual crowd was going, but there was plenty of space for kinky fuckers from across the country. The week aboard had been the talk of the club for the last year.
I swallowed my envy yet again. I couldn’t go—my shop might have started as a fun diversion, but it had also eaten a lot of my money, and I really did want to make it a success. Randomly closing for a week wasn’t an option.
“Brighton’s trying to get me to DM for at least one day,” Seb said, laughing as he shook his head. “I’m such a sucker I’ll probably say yes.”
“That leaves, what, six days to wander a boatload of hot guys.” I bumped his shoulder with mine. “Leaving your mark.”
Seb gave a crooked grin. “Yeah. But life’s not just hookups. As I suspect you’re finding out.”
He had me there. I shrugged, my gaze quickly darting away again. Until now, I’d held myself back from the possibility of finding love. Seb did the same thing in his own way, often pushing away guys that I privately thought would be a good match for him.
“How about you set a goal of finding someone to take on the cruise with you?” I suggested, grinning. “Rather than holding your breath and waiting to meet someone.”
It wasn’t like the extra cruise fare would be a problem for him. And maybe the time limit would make him start seeing things differently than just letting guys drift past him. Slate might have drifted out of my life if he hadn’t doggedly worked his way into my heart.
No, that’s not true. I bit back a smile. I’d seen something special in him, as much as it terrified me. I started off hot and cold but ultimately wouldn’t have let him go. Indeed, I hadn’t.
“That’s a good idea.” Seb looked way too surprised as he said that.
I snorted. “Gee, thanks. I have them, now and then.”
Seb grinned. “Once in a blue moon, I’ll give you that. You’re still not going, are you?”
I shook my head. “I don’t even know how Daddy Cakes will be doing by that point. I’m not covering expenses yet, but it’s only been two days. I think I’ll need to open days during the week, and at night on weekends and special parties.”
Honestly, I looked forward to it. Without this structure in my life, I’d just be wandering around my apartment waiting for Slate to finish work every day.
“Sensible,” Seb nodded.
I snorted. “How do people know how to grow businesses, anyway?” I could micromanage the daily stuff, but I’d always relied on my so-called friends to dream big.
Brighton’s laugh startled me into turning around. “By trying and failing a lot,” he told me with a wink. “Just like relationships. If you need advice, let me know. I’d make a shitty Dear Abby, but I’ll help you with accounting.”
“Thanks,” I said with a laugh. “I’ll keep you in mind.”
“Speaking of which,” Seb prompted, elbowing me.
Shit. I should have sworn him to secrecy. I did not want to tell Brighton about my new boy right now—he wasn’t stupid. He’d connect the dots, and Slate’s secret would be out.
It might already be. Another guilty itch to add to the whole mess of guilty prickling under my skin.
“No news on that front,” I told them both briskly, giving Seb an extra look that I hoped he could interpret.
Don’t you dare tell him.
Seb nodded slightly; message received loud and clear. “I’d better take off for work,” he told both me and Brighton. “I’ll catch you later.”
As he headed for the front door, I tried to smooth my own ruffled feathers. “And I’ve got to get back to baking.”
“Hope this week goes well,” Brighton said.
“Thanks.” I took off for the cupcake shop, walking fast so Seb didn’t stop me for any more questions.
I let out a breath when I made it to Daddy Cakes. This time, I turned the lock on the door and pulled down the blind on the door.
Peace and quiet and solitude. Just me, my baking, and a whole peaceful evening to spend singing along to the radio.
And, of course, the guilt that wouldn’t quite leave the back of my mind. Perhaps I shouldn’t have gone after Isaac at all. But I hadn’t spilled Slate’s secret. I was acting on my own behalf. Going to someone’s workplace was so far out of line.