Chapter 54
“My God, Ted!” Trace roared, “I told you love and romance don’t mix in our profession. Didn’t you listen to me?”
“I did. But you can’t control what your heart tells you. I didn’t decide to fall in love with Kenny. It just happened. Anyway, it’s done with now. When he found out about me and what I do for a living, he split.”
“Well, that’s good! Do you think you can get yourself over It and back to work?”
Ted nodded without looking up.
“You can do better than that, Teddy!”
Ted’s eyes met Trace’s. “Yeah, I can get over it.”
“That’s better! You’re our number one draw both at Escorts Inc. and Morrison Films. I don’t want to lose you. Now come here and let me try to make it all better.”
Trace set down his glass and stood with his arms outspread. So typical of Trace Morrison—every problem could be solved with a little sex.
Ted got up and let himself be embraced by his handsome, muscular employer. He decided it wasn’t the time to mention he was still thinking of quitting. But then, there was no reason to quit now that Kenny was out of his life. Ted felt Trace’s hard cock against his stomach. Maybe a good fuck was just what he needed to put all this romantic bullshit out of his mind. He raised his chin and let Trace kiss him.
* * * *
“Anyone home?” Ted called out as he entered the house.
He tossed his new contract with Morrison on the table by the door. Sandy had asked Ted to look it over just as he was leaving Trace’s office. This agreement, unlike the first which was for just a year, was a long term contract. He’d passed his test. Trace wanted him permanently. Or until he got too old to attract johns.
Ted wished now he hadn’t done his job so well. He’d started to sign while still at the office, but for some reason held off. He still had a couple of days. Signing for another year was one thing; signing his soul away long term was another. Maybe he’d talk to Trace about it. And if Trace wanted him that badly he’d negotiate for a shorter time. Ted didn’t know how long he could continue to sell himself and his soul.
Dixie bounded to him from the next room and jumped into his arms, licking his face, and wiggling all over.
Ted nuzzled the little dog. “At least you’re here waiting for me and happy I’m home,” he said,his words belying his assertion that dreams of a quaint little cottage built for two were behind him.
He carried Dixie into the kitchen and set her down on the floor. “Time for your dinner?”
The question sent Dixie into a frenzy of barking as she whirled round and round in small circles.
“Okay, I’ll get it for you.”
Ted walked to the sink and took Dixie’s bowl out of the dish drainer. Filling the bowl with Dog Chow, he held it over her head, and said, “Dance for your dinner.”
Dixie stood up on her hind legs and hopped around in doggie pirouettes.
“Very nice. You are a wonderful dancer,” Ted complimented the little pup and placed her dish on the floor. He stood leaning against the counter with arms folded, watching her eat. “You didn’t waste any time with that, did you?” he asked with a chuckle. “Now you want to go outside?”
This, too, elicited another round of frantic twirling and barking.
As Ted walked toward the back door he saw a note on the message board on the refrigerator.
Ted, some guy stopped by. Said he’d try again later. Randy.
Ted’s heart stood still. Kenny?
“Shit! What If it was Kenny and I just had sex with Trace. What do I say to him? At least I didn’t sign the fucking contract!” Ted was pacing, running his hands through his hair. Dixie sat waiting for him to open the door, her head going back and forth, following him with her eyes.
“Well, how was I to know Kenny would show up again? I’ll just tell him I thought we’d never get back together and made a mis…”
“She doesn’t understand what you’re talking about. You do know that, don’t you?” Randy said jokingly as he came into the kitchen.
“Randy!” Ted said, ignoring his remark about Dixie. He picked up the note and waved it in Randy’s face. “This guy? Who was it? Was it Kenny?”
“Whoa. Cool your jets, stud. I don’t know if it was Kenny. I’ve never met the dude. He wasn’t carrying a Bible and he didn’t have a halo. So I guess that’s a clue.” Randy chuckled.