Page 18 of Switch

Then there’s my worst sin, the smell of which is currently wafting out of the kitchen.For reasons I can’t fathom, my dumb ass then went to Gil’s restaurant bright and early to pick up breakfast with the tail end of my bank balance.

I’m trying to figure out Fallon’s fancy coffee maker when my phone pings with a message from our escorts’ group chat.

Christian: Hey, PJ.Proof of life check

A few weeks ago, I found my fellow escort, Christian, bleeding on his kitchen floor.We’ve all started checking in with each other more since then.Not that I need it, but I guess it’s nice.

PJ: Above ground and not bleeding, thx

Christian: *thumbs up emoji*

Simon: Wait a minute, WHY are we checking on PJ?Did our resident straight boy have a client sleepover???

Simon: Oh, and while I’m at it, who wants a puppy?

PJ: I’m not the only straight boy, and nobody wants a puppy

When you don’t want to answer the question they asked, you answer a different one.

Dean: Right, I might technically be straight, but I was still on the business end of a businessman last night if you know what I mean

Michael: For God’s sake, we all know what you mean.But PJ, did you have a sleepover?

Simon: Come on, guys, they’re at the shelter and they’re on the kill list because of a super minor medical issue.Dean, I bet Ella would love a puppy.

Dean: Hell no

Ravi: I would, but I can’t have pets in the dorm.Also, PJ didn’t answer the question.

PJ: I can’t have a dog.Jolene would probably kill it.Or me for bringing it home

My thumb hovers over the screen.For a single desperate moment I’m tempted.I could lay it all out there and see what they say.Share this brand-new revelation I’ve had about myself with these people who are sort-of friends.Instead I add,And there was no sleepover.

I mean, technically, I didn’t sleep.

Besides, these fuckers are way too nosy, and I’m not ready to unpack everything that happened yet.

Another text comes in from Brennan, shady-ass motherfucker and pimp extraordinaire.

Brennan: This is your PSA and reminder to not take any pills, potions, or powders from a client, and fucking in general if I have to say the words.There’s been some nasty shit on the street lately, and my sources tell me at least one escort has recently turned up not so alive.

What the fuck?Who?

Simon: Who?

Dean: What?

Nico: WTF Who?

Brennan: Not one of ours.Might have been a free agent.You know everything I do at this point, just watch your asses out there.

“You’re still here.”Fallon’s sleepy, cock-roughened voice has me stuffing my phone into the pocket of my rumpled slacks.

He’s fucking edible fresh out of bed.Shirtless, in nothing but a loose pair of shorts, I’ve got a better look now at his collage of colorful tattoos.Looks like someone wrapped a watercolor painting around each arm—lots of birds and flowers.

It’s a startling realization, honestly.

If I thought last night was a fluke, I was sorely mistaken.The sight of him in broad daylight makes me want to put my hands on him all over again.