In Bed With The Boss Page 0,15
was injured pretty badly but survived. He died a few years later because of all the stuff he breathed in afterwards.” Reggie rubbed his eyes. “My mother begged me to go to college and do something else. But I was stubborn and determined to join the NYFD.”
“What happened?” David asked.
“I found out my lungs weren’t as strong as they should be. I had asthma as a kid, and I couldn’t pass that portion of the physical. Even though I’ve exercised for years, I don’t have the endurance they require.”
“So you became a model instead?” Davis asked with a smile, and Reggie shrugged.
“I sort of fell into it. I’ve done a few commercials and a lot of print work. I’m hoping to land a spot that will get me noticed, and I thought posing for Christian Coulliet might help with that.” Reggie ate a little more and then sat back.
His plate still had half the food on it but David figured models had to watch what they ate. “Now I’m not so sure if it will help or hurt.”
David grinned. “As sexy as those pictures were, I think you’ll be in demand.” David finished his dinner, and when the server asked about dessert they both declined. They talked for a while longer until the server brought the check, and Reggie snatched the bill, throwing David a look when he reached for it.
Reggie signed the slip, and they left the restaurant, walking slowly down the sidewalk together. “I had a really nice time tonight,” Reggie said. “You were great company and fun to talk with.”
“I had a good time too,” David agreed with a smile. “It’s been a while since I went out with anyone on a real date.” Reggie slid his hands in his pockets as he continued walking. “This city seems programmed for hookups. There are tons of bars and clubs you can go if you’re looking for sex and fun. But if you’re looking for more than that, it can be hard to find.” There was hopefulness in Reggie’s voice along with a touch of what David thought might be disappointment.
“Do you find that people want to get to know you or pay attention to you because of how you look?” David asked as they continued walking, occasionally shifting because of other people coming toward them. “I mean, you’re stunning with or without your clothes on,” David added sheepishly, and he heard Reggie laugh. “Do you ever get embarrassed taking your clothes off?”
Reggie’s laughter because more boisterous. “You certainly aren’t shy once you get warmed up. To answer your questions, I suppose that sometimes I get extra attention because of my looks. I never have to wait at a bar in a gay club, and I’ve had guys ask me out because of how I look, I know that. I try not to act like that, and get to know the person I’m with.” Reggie stopped walking. “And as you would expect, it took me quite a while to get used to taking my clothes off in front of a camera. But you get used to it, and I’m not ashamed of my body. I do draw the line at doing porn.” Reggie began walking slowly again. “Have you ever modeled?”
Now it was David’s turn to laugh. “Me? Are you kidding?
With a face like this, no one wants to take my picture.”
David turned away, and he felt Reggie’s lightly touch his shoulder.
“It’s what’s on the inside that counts. Remember how
you said that sometimes you find a face that tells an entire story in a look…” Reggie said, and David nodded. “You have one of those faces.”
“I do?” David asked, pausing slightly to see if Reggie was kidding. He wasn’t. “What story does it tell?” Reggie appeared to be deep in thought as they reached the steps of David’s building. “Do you want the truth?” Reggie inquired.
“Of course.”
Reggie moved closer, bringing his arms around David’s back, pulling their bodies close. David’s eyes slipped closed and he felt Reggie’s lips touch his. The kiss began light and soft, but Reggie deepened it fairly quickly before pulling away again. David opened his eyes and saw
Reggie’s deep blue ones staring back at him. “Your face tells me that you’re in love with your boss and he has no idea how you feel.” Reggie released him slowly, and David gasped, turning away in shame. “Hey,” Reggie whispered, “there’s nothing to be embarrassed about.” He reached into his pocket and pulled out a card, pressing