I nodded, “Oh, right.” Of course that was why he was here. What else would he be doing here? Way to go Alfie. Seriously.
Harley’s smile was absolutely mesmerising. God he was beautiful when he grinned like that, “I can’t wait to see you dance.” He said, making my jaw about drop to the floor.
Pulling myself together I grinned and winked, “Well, good.” I said, “Maybe we could have a drink together, once I’m done?” My heart was in my mouth. Would he want to?
His eyes lit up, “That sounds great.” He said, beaming at me.
I climbed up to my podium and looked back towards him. He was sat on one of the bar stools, with his elbows resting on the bar behind him, just watching me. I blew him a kiss, making him laugh and then the music started.
River was on the podium next to me. He raised his eyebrows at me, “You’ve made quite the impression with the officer.” He said with a grin.
I shrugged, “Well, what can I say – when you’ve got it, you’ve got it.”
He grinned, “Yeah,” he said, “And I’m guessing you’ve got it as far as he’s concerned – he didn’t look twice at me.”
I stifled a grin. That probably had more to do with the fact that he’d been expressly warned off him but he didn’t need to know that. I was sure that he’d have been all over River like a rash if he hadn’t been told to stay away from him but that was okay. I knew River was the most attractive guy out of the lot of us. But I found Harley exceedingly attractive and hell, I’d take what I could...
*
Harley
I sat on that stool watching Alfie writhing around his dance pole and moving provocatively to the music and I’ve got to tell you – I was absolutely transfixed.
My eyes strayed a couple of times to the other dancers – only out of curiosity to see if they were equally as mesmerising – but they really weren’t. Sure, they could move and everything – and they were all sexy, there was no getting away from it. Alfie had something else though – his moves were just that little sexier. Just that little more polished maybe... or maybe it was just that I was so attracted to him. That he just did it for me.
He did a really incredibly move where he was holding onto his pole, with his face mere inches off the podium and his feet pointing into the air like an Olympic gymnast performing for a gold medal... then did what I can only describe as a sort of mid-air backward roll and started to dance again. Fucking hell. He was amazing. I stared at him. He looked my way and I swear he gave me a secret little smile.
I smiled back at him, feeling my face heating up with embarrassment. He probably smiled at all the guys like that – he was a performer after all – and no doubt the tips made up a whole lot of his wages. Of course he was gonna be flirty... For chrissakes man, pull yourself together – he’s just doing his job. He’s not interested in your pathetic little body... I was nobody’s bear...
His session ended after another twenty minutes and just as promised he climbed down his podium and made a beeline for me – brushing off a fair few admirers to do so, which made me feel a million dollars...
“Hey.’ He said as he slid onto the bar stool next to me and leaning his elbow on the bar, he rested his head on his hand and gave me his full attention, “So, what do you normally do?”
I blinked, “Well, I’m a police officer.” I said.
He rolled his eyes, “I know that.” He said, “Are you out in the field or whatever they call it – or one of those desk jockeys?”
I grinned, “Desk jockeys?” I asked, “What the hell are they when they’re at home?”
He grinned, “You know what I mean.” He said, going a little pink in the face.
I nodded “I guess I’m a bit of both. I do a lot of football matches and crowd control.”
He blinked, “What?” he said, “You have to go out and control riots and stuff?”
I shrugged. I’d had to go out a few years back to sort out riots after a stupid decision had been made over putting some guy in prison that was quite likely innocent – that had been fucking scary... “Yeah,” I said, “It’s no big deal.”
His jaw dropped and I figured I’d gone too far with my assumed nonchalance; as we’ve already established, I’m not all that big and definitely not all that brave... “Actually it was really fucking scary.” I admitted, “I was shitting myself the whole night long.”
His smile made my heart start to race, “right.” He said, “I should have known – because you’re not a super-hero, right?”
I chuckled, “Right.” I agreed.
Chapter 4 – Cloud nine...
Alfie
Sadly, I was being picked up by Mum, and it was getting really close to the time she usually arrived. Any second now my phone would light up to tell me she was here. Dad rarely came out to fetch me but that was because he worked away for most of the week and only came back at weekends – which wasn’t when I was working. It worked out quite nicely really – I loved spending time with him – he was a woodwork enthusiast in his spare time and it was rather nice to tinker in the garage (which was more of a woodwork-shop) with him. He was making a massive dresser for the kitchen – I wasn’t anywhere near as ambitious and was making a little wooden box – I had absolutely no idea what I was going to do with it once it was finished, but that wasn’t really the point of it – I just liked being with him, making stuff.
My heart sank that Harley had at least another couple of hours hanging around here – and would probably end up being hit on by some gorgeous guy who would happily go home with him and warm his bed...
My phone lit up with Mum’s message.
Harley was quick to notice, “Boyfriend?” he asked.
I smiled at him and shook my head, “No.” I said, “I don’t have a boyfriend at the moment.” I could feel my face heating up as I met his steady gaze. Was I transmitting the right messages? That I was really interested in being his boyfriend? Probably not. I was pretty useless at flirting – always had been...
Harley grinned back at me, “A total hottie like you?” he asked in surprise, “What the hell’s wrong with the guys that come here?”
I shrugged, feeling ridiculously pleased that he’d called me a hottie! “Will you be here tomorrow?”
He nodded, “And the next night – and the one after that – until the danger has passed...”
Wow. Plenty of time to bag a date... “Right.” I said, “I’ll see you tomorrow, then.”
I slid off the bar stool and shot off towards the locker rooms. I smiled to myself as I got changed back into my marl-grey sweatpants and hoody and then headed back out to go and meet Mum.
I couldn’t resist turning around before I got to the exit for one last glimpse of Harley. My heart warmed as he lifted his hand and waved to me.
I waved back, wishing I’d blown him a kiss and then I ducked out of the door and headed for Mum’s car.
*
I dashed across the car park on cloud nine that Harley seemed to be interested in me.
I’ve got to admit that he got my blood pumping at first sight – and other parts of me responding – not that that was a problem in the profession I was in – the bigger the bulge in the shorts, the bigger the tips from the punters...
Mum stifled a yawn and smiled at me as I yanked the door open and flung myself down into the seat. I totally appreciated that she came out to meet me but I had my own scooter and I’d told her a million times that it was something she really didn’t have to do, “You look tired, Mum.” I said in concern, “Send George next time.” George was my older, more annoying, brother. We weren’t what you could call exactly close. He was highly embarrassed that I was gay – and even more embarrassed that I earned my living dancing in a gay bar. I didn’t much care – I found it embarrassing that he was an accountant...
Neither George or I knew our real dad – he’d run out on us shortly after I was born so the guy we called Dad actually wasn’t blood related – but that had never mattered to him or to us. He a
nd Mum never had any more children – Mum wasn’t really interested in having any more children and Dad said he was delighted with his two ready-made sons.
Mum flashed me a grin, “Don’t be cruel,” She said with a laugh, “He’d blow a gasket if he had to drive out here and meet you.”
I laughed along with her, “Yeah,” I agreed, “You’re right – but I think he’s just afraid that he’ll get a boner from looking at a sexy guy dressed all in rubber rather than anything else.”
Mum snorted another giggle, “Alfie.” She admonished, “You are awful.”
I chuckled. She only thought I was awful because I voiced what everyone else was thinking... “But you like me.” I said in my campiest voice.
She reached across and squeezed my knee, “I love you, baby boy.” She said, chucking me under the chin, “I always have – as has your dad and your sister – and so does George in his own way, he’s just...” she trailed off.
Well, there was no arguing that George loved me underneath it all. He had defended me to the hilt in school. I was an easy target being small and obviously gay. I was picked on more times that a little and George was always coming to my rescue, wading in and taking a beating, if necessary, on my behalf. As we’d gotten older, though, his girlfriend’s dislike of all things gay had managed to skew his opinion of me – and disappointingly, we didn’t get along half as well as we had when we were younger.
Mum was certain his relationship with her wouldn’t last and so was I, “None of us have been brought up to be prejudiced about anyone – he won’t be able to stand her for long.” She’d assured me.
Well, time would tell – but love was a funny old thing – if indeed he did love her...
“So – did you meet any nice young men tonight?” Mum asked.
She asked me the same thing every time she came to meet me – and I’m sure she breathed a sigh of relief every time I snorted, rolled my eyes and told her that no, I hadn’t met anyone...
But this time I had actually met someone worth knowing... “Um, yeah – I did meet a really nice guy tonight as it happens.”
She stopped driving – thankfully we were still in the car park and therefore, not endangering anyone else’s life. “Oh, my God! Tell me!” she demanded, “What’s his name – what’s he like?”
I laughed, “His name’s Harley, he’s around twenty-four or five and he’s a police officer – he’s got short, dark brown hair and beautiful brown eyes. He’s taller than I am – and slightly heavier set – but he’s not, like, a bear or anything – and oh, Mum. He’s gorgeous,” I finished with a sigh, “Really gorgeous.”
Mum beamed at me, “Sounds like a keeper,” she said, nudging my arm and giving me a wink.
Well, yes. Yes, he was. I just didn’t have any idea of how even to go about snaring him – never mind keeping him...
Chapter 5 – First impressions
Harley
I was totally high-fiving myself in my head. There was no question about it – this was fast becoming the best assignment I’d ever been given and Kody was fast becoming my favourite senior officer...
I couldn’t believe my luck at finding Alfie. It was almost like we were meant to be. He was absolutely perfect.
And maybe I was totally delusional but we’d got on really well – I know it was only for an hour or so but I honestly felt like we’d made some sort of a connection. It didn’t hurt that he was absolutely beautiful either... and I wasn’t sure, but I got the feeling that he might also be a virgin – not that it was a deal-breaker or anything – but it would be nice to muddle through together – learning each other’s likes and dislikes and building a relationship with each other... Rein it in, dude! You only just met and you’re planning your whole life around him! I gave myself a mental shake but I didn’t seem able to help it. Being with a guy like River that had more experience than a hundred year old whore really wasn’t appealing to me... and I guess subconsciously I’d always wanted to find the one – to spend my life with one special person... and I honestly thought I’d just stumbled across him...
His phone lit up and my heart sank. That was probably his boyfriend. Why wouldn’t he have one? He was stunning and sexy and really bright. He was probably just being nice to me... “Boyfriend?” I asked him, fighting down the disappointment.
He smiled and shook his head, his cheeks reddening. “No,” he said softly, “I don’t have a boyfriend at the moment.” He looked me straight in the eye. He was still blushing and he looked utterly adorable.
I swear my jaw about hit the floor with surprise. He was actually single? This night was getting better and better. “A total hottie like you?” I asked before I could stop the words from spewing out of my mouth, “What the hell’s wrong with the guys that come here?” Well, it was a fair question. There had to be something wrong with them all for not snapping him up!
He shrugged, looking heartily embarrassed but pleased, “Will you be here tomorrow?” he asked shyly.
Well, of course I would – even if I hadn’t been asked to go I’d turn up just to watch him and I’d keep on coming back until I had the balls to ask him out, “And the next night – and the one after that – until the danger has passed...” I said.
He smiled at me and raised his eyebrows, “I’ll see you tomorrow then.”
He disappeared through the door marked PRIVATE and only a minute or so later, re-emerged wearing a pair of sweatpants and matching hoody. He still managed to look absolutely stunning even in his casual wear. I watched him right to the door and my heart took off at a gallop when he turned and looked straight at me. I waved automatically – cool has never been a strong point – and was delighted when he smiled and waved back.
Once he’d gone I had another hour and a half to kill. Seth appeared, looking as fresh as he had when I’d turned up. “Coke? Water?” he asked with a friendly smile.
I shrugged, “A coffee would be nice.”
He nodded, “Sure.” He said and set about making a pot for me, “You and Alfie seemed to be getting on well.” He grinned at me.
I shrugged and nodded, “He seems like a really nice guy.”
Seth nodded, “He is a really nice guy. He’s absolutely lovely.” He said, “I think he likes you.”
I blushed and tried my best to stifle the stupid grin that was plastered all over my face but Seth wasn’t fooled, “And it looks like the feeling’s mutual.” He said with raised eyebrows.
I nodded. There really wasn’t much point in denying it. I really liked him. “Yeah, I’m looking forward to seeing him again tomorrow.”
Seth grinned.
Chapter 6 – Bath bombs...
Alfie
Honest to God, I really couldn’t settle to anything the next day. All I could think of was seeing Harley again. Even just thinking about his name made the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end.
The time was passing so damned slowly. Sometimes I wished I had a nine-to-five job like my mum and my brother – at least that way I wouldn’t be kicking around the house on my own all day...
I wondered what Harley was doing. Surely he wouldn’t be expected to go into work when he was working all night? I doubted it but I had absolutely no idea what hours were expected of you as a police officer.
Thinking about him made me feel all nervous and excited to see him again and I have to admit – a little on the horny side.
God I needed a hobby or something to keep me from thinking about him all of the time...
I rummaged through the under-stairs cupboard for something to do that actually meant I had to do something other than playing on the X-Box, which, let’s face it, would only have me sitting there mooning over him and not actually playing the game.
I spied Mum’s bath bomb making kit that I’d bought her for Christmas. I brightened – I’d kind of bought it with the idea of us doing it together – but hell, she wouldn’t mind if I made them without her and it actually might be kind of fun to make them as a surprise...
Finally I was the proud creator of twelve perfectly formed bath bombs that smelled utterly divine.
Smiling to myself I took one and headed for the bathroom. It might be kind of fun to have a bath now...
*
After my bath, which was incidentally, absolutely divine, I made myself some dinner and then found myself focusing on the night ahead again. I planned my outfit to perfection – sexy enough to dance in but comfortable enough to sit and chat with Harley once I’d done. I was totally planning on staying longer tonight – I’d have to stop Mum from coming out for me but that was easy enough. She’d already asked about Harley and she’d been quite excited for me when I’d told her about him. I was certain she’d be happy if I told her I was on a date with him...
I was so nervous by the time I turned up at work I needed to have an extra squirt of my deodorant. Taking a deep breath I gave myself an internal talking to and then headed for the club dance floor. Time for business now...
Harley
My heart soared when I walked into the club and saw that Alfie was already wrapped around his pole, looking über-sexy in his tight fitting tee shirt and slashed skinny jeans. Hell, he was sex on a stick without even trying...
He did a sexy little spin and looked out across the sea of swarming young men all dancing with each other, to the bar. Our eyes met and I actually felt a bit of a thrill as he smiled and raised his eyebrows at me.
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