Against the Wall (Fuckboy Series - Book 1) (FINISHED)

Chapter Thirteen

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

Colton spent the entire train ride convincing himself that everything would be all right, but even as he walked along the row of houses he still didn’t feel better. He hopped up the few steps to the door, then took a deep breath as he stared at it. He was already here so he couldn’t bail now, even if he wanted to. And he did. The only thing that kept him from doing that was the echo going on in his wallet.

After taking a deep breath he rang the doorbell and waited for Lucas to come to the door. To his surprise, an older lady answered, giving him a warm smile as she allowed him in. Colton masked his confusion, but in the back of his mind he felt a bit of relief. He would totally bang this old lady over a dude any day.

“You must be here for Lucas,” she said as she shut the door behind him. “He’s in the basement. He has a small apartment down there.”

“Oh, I’m sorry,” he said quickly. “Did I come in the wrong way?”

“Not at all,” she replied. “He has everyone come in this way.” She led him through the house, then pointed to a door under the stairwell. “That door will take you downstairs.”

Colton’s mind immediately started racing. Wasn’t there some horror story that started off like this? Some old lady gets your guard down so you don’t feel threatened, then you walk down into the darkness to your death.

God, he needed to stop this s**t, he thought to himself as he pulled the door open and headed downstairs. Even though he told himself he was being silly, he was still wary just in case he was walking straight into some serial killer s**t.

Thankfully, the stairwell was well lit and instead of a dark, dank basement waiting for him he saw a typical gamer’s bachelor pad. His eyes fell on Lucas as he came toward him and he felt all his anxiety melt away. He was just a little, geeky looking kid. There was nothing about him that was threatening in any way. He could do this.

“Hey, Colton,” Lucas said as he walked over and hugged him.

Too close for comfort, too close, too close, his mind screamed.

Even though he had just talked himself out of a paranoid state, that one touch had sent him scattering backwards, right back into it. His brain worked overtime, listing off all the possibilities of how tonight could go from good to bad quickly. He would most likely end up fighting this punk off of his c**k before the end of the night, he thought as he tried to force himself to hug Lucas back. You’re all right, he reassured himself again. It was just a friendly hug. No gay s**t in that, right?

It’s only gay if you make it gay. He repeated the mantra in his head as he cleared his throat and spoke. “It’s nice to meet you, Lucas,” Colton said with a smile. “Is there a place I can put my bag?”

“Yeah, follow me.” Lucas walked into the other room and pointed to a chair beside the sofa. “You can put your stuff right there.”

Colton slid out of his jacket and tossed his stuff on the chair. He had to get his mind off the forced hug or he wouldn’t be able to focus on anything else. “So, what are we playing tonight?”

“What games do you like to play?”

“God, I have so many favorites. That’s like asking me what I want to eat. I love food so anything you sit in front of me is fine.”

“Yeah?” Lucas wiggled his brows and laughed. “I’m just kidding, man. Sit down, let's look through the games.”

Colton laughed and pushed his nervousness aside. This was just like sitting at home with Mason, he told himself again. He sat down beside Lucas on the sofa, looking through all the games on his console. “You have everything,” he said, not taking his eyes off the TV.

“I’m a collector,” Lucas said proudly. “If I don’t have it, I have to get it.”

“Do you play Call of Duty?” Colton asked.

“Who the f**k doesn’t?” he responded, making them both laugh.

“You’d be surprised. So my friends are all playing tonight. We should log in and beat their asses.” He grinned over at Lucas and waited for his answer.

“Yeah?” He picked up the game controllers and handed him one. “Let’s make sure we do it right, then.”

They sat there, drinking Dr. Pepper and eating pizza for the next few hours. They were having so much fun that the time passed quickly. He was shocked at how late it was when he finally glanced at the clock. He had spent the last few hours being a rent-a-friend for some lonely guy who didn’t get out much. He could do that. In fact, he could do that every night if this guy had the cash to request it.

When it was time to go, Lucas walked him to the downstairs door so he didn’t have to go through the house to get out. “Will you come back?” He asked Colton as he ran his fingers through his hair.

“Sure, I had a great time.” Colton leaned against the doorframe, looking down at the smaller guy. This was the moment he needed to seal the deal, he thought silently, remembering what Aiden said about eye contact and simple touches. The money was in regular work, and if he wanted to be Lucas’ regular “player 2” then he needed to make him think he was getting something out of it.

“So did I. Maybe next time you can take your shirt off so I can watch you while you play.” He smiled shyly and reached out, taking hold of Colton’s shirt so he could play with the edge of it.

“I could do that.” He laughed and looked down at Lucas’ fingers and forced himself to reach out, taking his hand with his. Colton slid it up under his shirt and along his washboard abs, allowing Lucas to touch him. “You could have asked me to do that tonight if you wanted.”

Lucas’ face blazed and he was damn near ready to faint as he ran his fingertips over Colton’s perfect body. “Oh my...” The blood rushed to his cheeks as he let Colton control his hand. “I... didn’t think about that, I guess.” He looked down, too shy to look into Colton’s eyes.

Colton grinned as he watched Lucas nearly faint in front of him. There wasn’t much difference in this and letting Mason half molest him whenever he wanted to. This guy was harmless so why not indulge his fantasies. He leaned down, brushing his lips over Lucas’. “If you want me to come back, send me a private request. I’ll always make time for you.”

A thrill raced through Lucas as he felt Colton’s lips on his. With every ounce of will he had he looked up, his eyes finding Colton’s. “I will. I promise.” He smiled and watched as Colton turned to go, climbing the steps two at a time. Lucas watched until he was out of sight and then shut the door, locking it behind him.

When he was sure Colton was gone he leaned against the door and ran his hands over his face. “OH MY GOD!!!” He giggled like a little girl and fanned himself. “Holy f**k!” He couldn’t believe how hot Colton was and how great he’d been while he was there. He was so sexy, he could barely contain himself. Now he couldn’t wait until the next time he’d get to see him.

Colton was all smiles as he caught the train home and thought about the evening he’d spent with Lucas. It had been just like spending the night gaming with Mason, even if you count the mild molestation at the end. Maybe he could do this gay thing, he thought to himself. It was easy enough if he remembered to do what Aiden told him.

A part of him felt sorry for Lucas though. Anyone who had to pay people to hang out with them must really be lonely. He’d learned from the kid that he didn’t have any friends other than the ones he connected with online who gamed with him every now and again. To them he was just someone behind a screen who they spent a few hours a day with while they distracted themselves from real life. To him they were the only social contact he had that he didn’t have to buy. What an existence, he thought to himself as he flipped through his phone to keep his mind off of pitying someone he was taking money from.

As he scrolled through the list he realized there had been over fifty jobs posted since he had last checked, which was when he’d accepted the request with Lucas. s**t, he thought as he browsed through them until one caught his attention.

Late Night Meal

Just got off of work. I’m hungry and I don’t want to eat alone. Come spend time with me. $50 and a meal included, 18 to 25. Males only! Contact quickly. I’m leaving work now.

I could go for some food, he thought to himself. He had eaten pizza with Lucas, but that was earlier while they were gaming. Now he was hungry again, so if this guy wanted to buy him dinner he would let him.

Colton hit the accept button and waited to see if the requester would choose him. When he got a response he got off at the next stop and backtracked to the address he had been given.

Maybe this would lead to more possibilities, he thought to himself. If this guy liked him and only wanted a meal, he would definitely be up for personal requests from him.

As he stepped into the small diner he glanced down at his phone, bringing up a pic of the guy he was meeting before sweeping his eyes around the room. The place wasn’t too busy, but there were still quite a few people there enjoying a late meal. His eyes met the blue eyes of an older man in a three piece suit that screamed money, which made him feel instantly underdressed. The guy waved him over, recognizing him from his profile pictures. Colton walked over, giving him a smile.

“Lawrence?” Colton asked.

“That would be me,” he answered as he motioned to the seat across from him. “Sit down. You’re Colton, right?”

“Yeah.” He took his backpack off and tossed it into the booth, then slid onto the seat. “How are you?”

“Everyone’s great when they get off of work,” Lawrence said with a deep chuckle. “You?”

“I’m good.” This small talk was something he could do all night, especially if he was being paid. “What do you do?”

“I’m a lawyer.”

He definitely looked like a lawyer, Colton thought as he raised a brow. “Why would a lawyer work so late?” He smiled and ordered a drink when the waitress walked over.

“Well, I was in court all day and then I had to stay late to meet some out of town clients. They got lost in the city, which isn’t surprising for visitors. Am I right?”

Colton laughed as he nodded his head. “Absolutely.”

“Well, they didn’t show until around nine and then I spent a few hours prepping them for their court appearance on Monday. After that, I had to go over the notes I took and make plans with my paralegal. It set me back, but it had to be done.” Lawrence shrugged a little. “Couldn’t help it, really.”

“Let’s just hope they can find their way to the courthouse.” Colton laughed as he looked Lawrence over.

He was an older man, probably in his forties. He had an olive complexion and if he had to guess, he’d say he was of either Italian or Greek descent. His blue eyes were sharp and alert, his black hair was slicked back Mafia style, and from what he could see of his body by the suit he was wearing, he was athletic for his age. His confidence and assurance spoke volumes of a man who was used to getting what he wanted. He wondered why someone like Lawrence needed a service like this, but didn’t ask.

“Yeah,” he scoffed. “Let’s hope they make it there at least. And on time.” He grinned, looking Colton over for the first time. “How old are you, Colton?”

Colton was about to answer when his attention was pulled to the waitress as she walked up with their drinks. The two of them ordered their meals and waited for her to walk off before continuing their conversation. “I’m twenty-two. How about you?”

“I’m forty-nine. I’ll be fifty next month.” Lawrence shook his head. “I feel older than I look, believe me.” He laughed softly. “Law ages a man.”

"I'll take your word for it," Colton said with a chuckle.

Lawrence grinned and took a drink, his eyes still on Colton as he watched him. “You’re a handsome guy. I bet you have a ton of regulars.”

“Actually, I’m still in my first week of employment. So, no regulars yet.”

When their meal came they fell into an easy conversation, exchanging information about each other. Even though he wanted to keep things light, Colton found himself being open and honest with Lawrence. He wasn’t sure if that was because he felt at ease with him, or if it was because he was conversing with an attorney who was used to getting people to talk. Either way, he enjoyed telling him about his family, his failed attempt at college, and what led him to Casual Companions. It was a nice late night dinner, and he found that it was no different than any other date he had been on, other than the fact that Lawrence was a guy.

Colton stepped outside to get some fresh air while Lawrence took care of their bill. He liked the guy and knew that if he asked him to dinner again, he’d gladly accept. A few minutes later Lawrence met him outside and he smiled at him, hoping this night wouldn’t end awkwardly.

“Want to stay with me tonight?”

Colton felt his blood run cold at the question. f**k, he had been having such a great time, too. He liked talking to Lawrence, and he didn’t even mind that they were standing there in the middle of the sidewalk with the older guy’s hand on the small of his back. Calm down, he told himself. Redirect the question like Aiden said. “I’d love to but I can’t. I have to help my friend move in the morning.”

“That’s all right,” Lawrence said, allowing him the out without indicating that he knew what it was. “Another time, perhaps?”

“Of course.” Colton smiled over at him to hide his panic. “If it was any other night, I would have, but I made a promise,” he lied.

“I completely understand. Are you free tomorrow?”

Colton pretended to think about the question for a moment. “I only have a few hours free tomorrow.” He wanted to nip that s**t in the bud right now. He didn’t want to feel forced to make an excuse to get out of it if he asked him to stay tomorrow night too.

“Good, you send me an email with the times you have free and maybe we can go out for drinks or something? Have a little fun?”

Colton nodded. “That sounds good. I’ll send it to you when I’m finished with my friend tomorrow.”

“All right,” he said with a smile, then motioned to the small parking lot behind the diner. “I brought my car. Want a ride home?”

“Nah. You live here in the city. You don’t have to go all the way over the bridge just for me. I don’t mind taking the subway.”

“If you insist.” Lawrence nodded and kissed him on the cheek. “See you later.”

“Bye,” Colton said with a wave, then shoved his hands into his pockets and started down the sidewalk toward the subway. He waited until he was safely in the train car on the way home before he reached up and wiped his cheek clean, just like he had done to his lips after leaving Lucas’ house.

Gross, he thought to himself. As he sat down in his seat he decided he wouldn’t check his phone. He wanted to go home and go to bed. He was tired. His mind and the way it had fought him the entire night had exhausted him.

Even though he had just decided to avoid his phone, he found himself pulling it out of his pocket a few minutes later out of sheer boredom. He had a thirty-minute ride, so he had to find some kind of entertainment. He looked at his f*******:, liked a few posts, watched a video or two, and then went to the work app to look through the requests.

Lucas had already sent him a request for a few hours the next night and Lawrence thanked him again for enduring him over dinner. Neither had been a pain in the ass which prompted him to accept Lucas’ invite and respond to Lawrence’s email.

“Thank you for having me. I enjoyed our conversation. I’ll get in touch tomorrow. Have a good night and sleep well.”

After hitting send, Colton looked through the lists of requests, filtering them to only show the ones for the next few days. The one thing he’d learned from his interactions with Lucas and Lawrence was that he could do this. He could pretend to be a guy attracted to other guys without having to actually seal the deal. If he just filled his schedule up with jobs like these he would be able to make most of the money he needed to pay all of his bills.

Colton accepted a bunch of requests, filling his schedule up for the next day. He lined up a breakfast date with an accountant, a light brunch with a waiter, lunch with a designer, a walk in Central Park with an artist, dinner with a male nurse, dessert with a university student, more gaming with Lucas, and drinks with Lawrence. If it continued on like this, he would have his rent money by Monday. He might be fat from all the food, but f**k it, he’d finally get caught up on his bills and have a little extra.

As he got off the train and walked the last stretch towards home, he felt at ease for the first time since he had lost his job a month ago. He would make it, he knew he would. He just had to keep up a rigorous schedule for the weekend to get his rent paid, and then he could sit back, learn more about the job, and make money.

Just as Colton walked into his room he heard the now familiar ding from his phone. He wondered if it was Lawrence answering the email he sent him earlier. Instead of checking the app he tossed his phone onto his bed, then got undressed and took a quick shower. After his nerve-racking train ride to Lucas’ house, spending four hours on a couch gaming, and eating at a diner with Lawrence, he needed to feel the hot stream of water beating down on his shoulders. He needed to feel the tension in his muscles release.

Thirty minutes later he slipped between the sheets and stretched out, feeling like he needed a day or two worth of sleep. All this gay s**t had him exhausted. Between worrying about being touched, kissed, raped, or getting caught, he just needed to rest. Even though he was tired, curiosity got the better of him yet again and he grabbed his phone. After opening the app he automatically went to his inbox, expecting to see a message from Lawrence. But instead, he found one there from someone he didn’t recognize.

“Hi Colton. I think you’re beautiful. Meet with me tomorrow when the day is over for you. There’s $500 in it for you if you show up.”

Along with the email there was a request for a job.

Only For Colton

Meet me tomorrow. $500

He read the email twice more, trying to figure out what this person wanted from him because the request shed little light on it. Whoever it was, they had sent the job directly to him as a personal request. Out of curiosity he checked out the person’s profile, confirming he had never been in contact with this guy before.

From his profile picture, Colton could tell that he was a big guy. He was tall and muscular, like some professional wrestler or mixed-martial arts fighter. Girls would definitely consider him eye candy because he was very attractive, but all Colton saw was trouble. This guy could manhandle him easily, without a doubt. There would be no way he’d be able to fight him off if s**t got real.

No way, he thought to himself as he put his phone back on the charging pad. He didn’t bother answering the email or the request because he didn’t want to get involved in that s**t. He would stick with the geeks and lawyer’s club. At least with them he had a chance at fighting them off if they tried anything. With the beefcake who had just sent him a request, he would have no chance in hell of getting away from him if he wanted to rape him in the ass.

“No f*****g way,” he whispered as he tried to pushed the day out of his head and at least find a little bit of sleep before getting up to do it all over again.