lap. Heath didn’t even look up to acknowledge him. It was like second nature the way his arm went around the boy’s waist protectively. Ridge cuddled up to his chest, and a pang of envy buried its way into my gut.
Heath introduced me to a couple of new faces, and we shook hands. It wasn’t long before we were all engrossed in a conversation with Davey, a clerk at an adult toy store. Club members got discounts because of him, and most of us shopped exclusively there. The butt plug I’d used on Charles had been one of his recommendations.
Davey explained about a new anal bead made from thermochromic elements, which changed colors according to the person’s feelings. In other words, a mood ring type thing that could tell when someone was horny. Of course, it wasn’t accurate and really just reacted to the temperature it came in contact with.
“Ah, here’s our last new face I was waiting on to arrive,” Heath said.
I smiled in pleasant surprise. Jackie from Schmidt’s office was dressed as stylishly as ever in a wraparound khaki coat dress and half boots. Their hair framed their face in soft waves. Their eyes widened when they connected with mine.
“Jackie, welcome.” Heath ousted a cross Ridge from his lap and shook Jackie’s hand and kissed their cheek. “I’m so glad you made it. Jackie, meet some members of the gang.”
Heath went on to introduce everyone at the table with their preferred pronouns. Jackie wasn’t the only one who used they/them, and once they were introduced to Amory, who was also nonbinary, the tension left their shoulders.
“And lastly, this handsome fella is Master August. He/him.”
I had no idea if they wanted everyone to know we’d met before, so I waited for them to take the lead on the introduction.
“Actually, Auggie and I have met,” they admitted. I rose to my feet and squeezed their hand.
“I can’t tell you how happy I am to see you again.” I really was. I’d thought about them from time to time, worried for their well-being working for that asshole.
“Same.”
“Would you two like some privacy?” Heath’s eyes twinkled, and it was clear he was trying to play matchmaker. I wasn’t the only one who’d noticed. Ridge seemed to have retracted his claws and suspicious looks.
God forbid anyone got too close to Heath. They’d have that devil boy to tangle with.
“Actually, I’d like that if you don’t mind,” Jackie said.
“Sure.” I turned to the table. “Excuse us, will you?”
Some snickered, but we ignored them as we walked away from our private section of the diner. Only a few other patrons were in the diner, and we easily found a table for two.
“Do you want a drink?”
“Sure, thanks.”
I waved over a waiter, who promptly headed in our direction. They took our order, and when they left, I turned to Jackie.
“So surprise. We meet again,” they said on a nervous chuckle.
“A pleasant surprise. Have you known Heath long?”
“Not really. Through therapy. You?”
“Same.”
We both smiled at each other without saying anything. The waiter was prompt to deliver their soda. I would’ve ordered the same but had subconsciously asked for water instead.
Charles had rubbed off on me in more ways than I’d thought. Even when I was talking to a gorgeous and interesting individual, I couldn’t stop thinking about him.
“Heath thought it would be a good idea for me to make friends.”
“It is. Everyone in Heath’s circle is usually friendly. If there’s an asshole among us, he’s not afraid to rectify the situation immediately.”
“I could tell. That’s why I’m here. How’s the job hunting going?”
“Not so great,” I answered honestly. “I’m still looking.”
“I’m sorry my boss is such an ass.”
“I’m sorry you have to work for him.”
They nodded at me. “You know, I think you were right.”
“Of course I am.” I grinned at them. “But what exactly am I right about?”
“That you’re a nice guy.”
“Ah, there’s no higher authority on nice people than Heath, so you have your proof.” I took a sip of my water. “If there’s anything you want to know about the club, kink, or anything, feel free to ask. I don’t know everything, but I’m sure I can find someone else who can explain.”
Chapter 25
Charles
“This is not going to work.” I glared at the large screen with the last slide of the presentation about new services we planned to include in our credit packages for startup businesses. “There’s nothing different here. I need something new.”
Luca Fontaine, the head of the presentation group, frowned at me.