I break the deadlock stare between Keith and I to acknowledge the man calling out my name.

“Hello, Jaye.” Standing beside Jaye is his boyfriend, so I greet him as well. “Evening, Thad.”

Jaye is one of those housemates I listed earlier. He’s been dating the older businessman Thad for about a year now. Thad’s been by the house a few times. He lives in the Atlanta outskirts and Jaye spends most days at his place.

Thad nods at me in response. Despite being a businessman, he’s introvert through and through. Standing, he’s about as tall as I am sitting. He looks younger than his age which is early thirties, but he’s kind of cutesy in his own way. I’ve always understood why Jaye likes him. I bet his small frame is easy to maneuver around in the sack, making for a fun time.

There’s two other men with Jaye and Thad, both are mid to upper thirties and wearing business suits.

One of them knows my date.

“Keith! Small world.”

Keith replies, “Hey, Whit. Good to see you took my advice.”

Whit explains to his party, “This is the man that recommended we try out this restaurant. He’s co-owner of the place.”

Keith co-owns this place, huh?

Whit goes on to provide introductions for Keith and I starting with the other man I don’t know. “This is Greg. He serves on the board for our company. This is Thad, my lead analyst-”

Keith cuts in with a leer, “Ah, so this is the guy-”

Whit kicks at Keith under the table and cuts back in, “And his boyfriend, Jaye.”

Well, that wasn’t suspicious at all. So, Jaye’s having dinner with his boyfriend’s boss and a member of their board. Interesting.

My date settles back. “Ah, good to meet the three of you. This is Ian, a business colleague.”

Guess I’ve been downsized from date to business.

I pipe up, “A pleasure.”

Greg chimes in, “So, what’s your field, Ian?”

“Human relations.”

Jaye and Keith fight back chuckles and I grin. I’m used to covering up what I really do, so I didn’t skip a beat.

Clearly everyone in this mixed-up group has secrets.

Thad somewhat whispers to Jaye, “I thought you said he was-”

Jaye cuts him off, addressing my date, “So, you co-own? It’s a wonderful place. There aren’t many that have so stunningly caught the balance between high-class and comfort.”

Keith eyes Jaye suspiciously. “Thanks. So how is it the two of you know Ian?” Given that Jaye is over six feet tall, handsome, and has a deep enough voice that it could entice any gay man, Keith pins him as a threat. If he knew what a mother hen Jaye is then he would know better.

Jaye picks up on the insinuation in Keith’s tone. He gives a friendly reply, “Not that either of us are really ever home at the same time, but we’re housemates.”

Possessive, Keith glares at him. “I see.”

Whit places a hand on Keith’s shoulder and grips it ever so slightly. “We should get going. We’re meeting a few others for a show. Good to see you, Keith.” He removes his hand from my date and not subtly in the least he eyes me with an all too familiar thirst. “It’s good to meet you, Ian.” He places a business card on the table and slides it towards me. “I do hope we see one another again.”

I notice neither Keith nor Whit have decided to share how they know one another.

Words aren’t needed so I say nothing to him, but I do smile as ambiguously as possible while they leave.

Well, that whole thing was fucking awkward.

So, there’s something going on between Keith and Whit. There’s something between Whit and Thad. There’s animosity between Keith and Jaye and I couldn’t pick up vibes off that Greg guy at all.

I call Keith out on his behavior, “Not possessive, huh?”

His grin tells me he enjoys my slightly antagonistic banter with him.

He owns up to his jealousy of Jaye. “Just a housemate? He’s a good-looking guy.”

Jaye is good looking. But he’s also on the opposite side of the relationship spectrum from me. He’s the definition of monogamy and expects the same from his partner. From what I just picked up from that interaction, I’d say there’s something questionable going on there. It’s hypocritical considering I mostly have affairs with married people, but I have to say something if I think Jaye’s boyfriend is cheating on him.

“Jaye’s a loyal and good man. If Thad’s fucking around on him with his boss, then my hope is that you’ll advi-”

“He’s not. Whit only wishes he were, but he’s more in love with the work he performs than anything, so he won’t chance messing that up.” Keith leans back a little more and relaxes. “It’s good to know you’re a faithful friend. Devotion is an alluring rarity in a man.”

“So is humility.”

He’s able to chuckle at that and it earns my genuine smile in response. This guy is interesting. He laughs as much as he dominates which creates a nice balance. I’m enjoying his company. It’s unpredictable but captivating. For a man that likes to possess, he also makes himself surprisingly transparent. Even outside of our meeting purposes, I’d find him desirable.

Before I get too caught up in thoughts of what I’d like to be doing to him, I push for continued conversation. “Co-owner, huh?”

“Only on paper. I’m more input than authority.”

“But you’ve conquered the place all the same.”

That stirs something in him and he swallows whatever he is tempted to say as his first response. Instead, he gives a subdued reply, “I suppose I have.”

“One of your many talents I presume.” Stroking a man’s ego is the equivalent of stroking his cock. It ensnares a man like a moth to the flame. Icarus was only one of many that have flown too close to the sun and I make it my mission to build a man’s wings so that he can soar. Don’t worry, Keith. I’ll keep you grounded just enough to keep you safe.

He sees through my flattery. “You’re good. I’ll give you that.”

“I thought you were holding verdict on me for the time being?”

“We both know we’ve passed that point.”

Two platters of oysters are delivered to our table by our server and she’s ready to take the rest of our order. “Have you gentlemen decided?”

Having not picked up my menu since she left the last time, I invite Keith to continue his ownership of me this evening.

“I like surprises. Why don’t you order for us both, Keith?”

There’s a grin across his face, confirming he delights in the authority of my submission.

“He’ll have the bone-in filet. I’ll have veal marsala. We’d also like the lobster macaroni, serrano peppers, and truffle fries. Thank you.”

“How would you like that steak cooked?”

I grin at him. Let’s see how he handles this one.

“He’ll defer to the chef’s recommendation.”

Hmm, a man that can submit to someone else while retaining authority is an exceptional treat. I’m creating my internal portfolio of him. He’s the type to spoil a partner without letting his own cockiness get in the way of others’ opinions. He doesn’t try to always be right and know what’s best, but he wants the best regardless. It’s sexier than I care to admit.

I can’t wait to get his clothes off. I’ve been hungry for satisfaction since my smutty phone conversation with Travis earlier. I wonder what this guy’s kinks are, besides orgies of course.