Page 117 of Kicks

“The discount is for the show only. If you can’t commit today, I’d have to charge you the list price.”

Well, this is awkward.

Eddie stepped forward. “If you want the deal bad enough, you’ll give us your card and wait a week.”

“Sorry, who are you?”

Eddie looked at Billy and smiled. “I’m his boyfriend.”

A rush of heat flashed through him. He liked the sound of that.

“I’m also a salesman. Which means I know you’ll relent, so let’s cut the crap and get to the point.”

Mr Mustard Suit sighed and handed over a card. “Call me.”

As they walked away, Billy put the card in his bag.

“My hero,” he said.

“I figured that was my area of expertise.”

“I think even I know not to take the first offer now,” Billy replied. “I’ve been taught by an absolute shark.”

“Hey—”

Billy silenced him with a kiss.

“Now, do you want to go to a talk about passive solar power or shall we nip back to the hotel and get naked?”

Eddie had thought they were going to be there for hours.

“Really?”

“Really. You make me so fucking horny, you know.”

They set off toward the exit. Eddie already had a semi and had no intention of revealing his own personal bamboo at a conference.

As they walked, Billy squeezed his hand. “I’m happy.”

“Me too,” Eddie replied. “So very happy.”

They grinned at each other as they headed through the big double doors and out into the Manchester sunshine. As they descended the steps, Eddie took a breath. At the last one, he jumped off.

Now he’d see what came next.