Page 43 of Kicks

Guilt ran through Eddie’s system like lava. It burned up the butterflies and sat heavy on him.

“I’d better go,” he said, standing.

Billy looked at his watch. “Shit, so had I. I’ve got to take Crystal to footie. I’ll show you out.”

“Who’s that?” Eddie asked. He was painfully aware of the timidity in his voice. Yet, he hadn’t allowed for a girlfriend to come into the picture. Surely not.

“Crystal is our half-sister,” Billy explained. “I’m her guardian.”

Could this man be any more perfect?

Billy gestured to the door. Eddie nodded goodbye to Harry.

“And your sister’s into football?” Eddie said as they walked through into the shabby old shop.

“Yeah,” Billy said. “She’s pretty good too. Her coach is putting her name out there for try-outs.”

They wandered towards the door. Eddie clocked the pride filling Billy’s face.

“No way,” he said. “I had one for Millwall. Back in the day when I was at school.”

“That’s amazing. How did you end up selling sex toys?”

Eddie shrugged. “Millwall offered me a place. I was buzzing at first. But in the end, I bottled it. Story of my life.”

“I’m sure that isn’t all true.”

Eddie smirked. “Let’s say I had a bit of life experience before finding myself at Pleasure Seekers.”

Once again, a loaded stare passed between them. Eddie licked his lips. He would be willing to stake the potential newjob that Billy had an amazing body under his sensible shirt and trousers. What Eddie wouldn’t give to find out.

Billy pushed open the door and they both went out into the summer’s day. Eddie made a mental note to tell the Pleasure Seekers designers to get some decent lighting in the place. They might be selling nocturnal goods but that didn’t mean customers had to feel around in the dark.

“Hey, you should come to the next game,” Billy said.

Bingo. A reason to see him again. Eddie was almost considering putting on a pair of overalls and volunteering with the shop fitters.

“I’d love it,” he said. “I might get some tips. When is it?”

Billy’s deep brown eyes had him transfixed. He could stare into them all day.

“Saturday. I’ll send you the details. Can I use your work number?”

“You can use whatever you like,” Eddie replied. He realised he was being shameless but why not? It worked for Scott.

Billy licked his bottom lip. “You’re very open for a salesman,” he said. “Shouldn’t you be trying to intimidate me?”

“The deal’s done now,” Eddie replied. “Besides, I prefer to evoke much deeper feelings. On a general basis.”

“Interesting. I’ll see you Saturday then?”

“You certainly will.”

Eddie retraced his steps up to the promenade. It was probably very unprofessional to go out with a client. But conflict of interest wasn’t a problem now they’d signed the contract. Besides, there was something about this man that told Eddie to jump at every chance he had to spend time together.

Maybe it’s time to take a risk.

“You’re not going to go, are you?” Scott asked.