Chapter 31

CHAPTER

THIRTY-ONE

“It’s done” was all the text message said. Anthony waited to see if Cillian was going to add more. When he didn’t, Anthony replied.

And? What did she say?

Do you have time for a quick call?

Anthony glanced around the shop. Apparently, sex shops were quiet in the middle of the afternoon. He’d been surprised to find one, expecting they’d all be online. He had considered shopping online, but he didn’t want his sister questioning the parcel.

Sure, and just so you know, I’m standing in front of a wall of butt plugs.

There was quite a range of sizes from too small to be useful through to what he could only call an ambitious goal.

Cillian replied with a crying with laughter emoji. Then called him.

“Hey,” Anthony said.

“Do you need some help choosing?”

“Not at the moment. I want to hear about your day.” He was sure the guy behind the counter was listening, so he planned on keeping his end of the conversation very limited.

“It went well, and she has a plan. Unfortunately, part of that plan is not seeing you for a bit. She said I’m throwing oil on the fire by being with you.”

Anthony nodded as he picked up a box that contained a green version of something very similar to what Cillian had. This one proclaimed to have an app so your lover could control the vibe. Sex toy apps for his phone were not something he’d been considering, or aware of, but he understood the appeal.

“She’s not wrong.” He put the box back and scanned the shelf. He didn’t want an inflatable plug either. Or something that looked like it would tickle his tonsils. “How long is she thinking?”

“Not sure. Long enough for her to set things up. She told me to be prepared in case it comes out. Which I really hope it doesn’t.”

“Do you need to worry? I mean, she’s still your agent, right?” He glanced at the shop assistant, who seemed to have perked up. Crap.

“No, she doesn’t think I have anything to worry about, and yes, she’s still my agent. God, I really don’t want my private life written about and gossiped about. If that happens, I’ll have to run back to the farm and worm cattle for the rest of my life.”

“Do you need a hand?”

“I’m sure Dad can find you work on the farm. There’s always something to do.”

“So if this all goes to shit, we have a plan.”

“It’s a terrible plan. I’m not built for manual labor.”

Anthony smiled, doubting that very much since Cillian had talked about growing up on the farm. “And I can’t tell the front end from the back end.”

Cillian laughed. “One giant shit landing on your boots and you learn fast. How did your issue go?”

“Good. I spoke to my guy and my brother, but the situation isn’t resolved.”

“You’re in the middle of a shop and people are listening.”

“Correct.” He returned to the bright green plug. He didn’t need to use the vibrate function, and he didn’t need to share the control with Cillian, however, the option was there. He quite liked the idea of having that option, even if he wasn’t brave enough to take it. He pulled the plug off the shelf again, checked the price, and nearly died. “I’ve just realized how much your collection must cost.”

Cillian snorted. “How many things are you buying?”

“Just one.” No, he needed to buy lube. Where the fuck was the lube section?

“I can’t believe you didn’t order online. Much more convenient.”

“For you. I wanted something now, and I needed to see them in person.”

“Didn’t want to make a size mistake?”

“Something like that.” It was another reminder that what he thought he wanted and knew about himself wasn’t what was real. He wasn’t trying to maintain a social mask like he used to. No one expected something from him… other than his brother, who expected him to fail.

“Don’t go too small, or you’ll use it once and wish you had something bigger.”

“I have done this before,” Anthony muttered. It wasn’t like he was a virgin who’d never bottomed before. It had just been a really long time.

“Uh-huh.”

He found the lube and scanned the shelves for something suitable. “I’m going to check out now. Can we talk later?”

“After ten?”

Would they be talking? He glanced at the box in his hand. No, he wasn’t ready to share. “Maybe tomorrow around lunchtime, when I’m home alone.”

“Okay. Enjoy your purchases. I wish I was there to help you enjoy them.”

Anthony put the items on the counter for the guy to ring up. “Same. Um… have fun tonight.”

“Ugh. Only seven more shows to go.”

By the time the show was over, they might be able to see each other in person again. He understood why Cillian’s agent had suggested their separation and wanted to ask what else she was planning. Cillian hadn’t gone into detail, and Anthony wondered if it was because he wasn’t sure or because she’d told him not to share. It was interesting that Cillian obeyed his agent without question. Meanwhile, he wanted to think of ways to lose the tail so they could hook up.

He hung up and put his phone in his pocket before giving the guy behind the counter a small smile.

“Is that all?”

“Yes.”

The cashier put his items in a paper bag, and Anthony tapped his card. He walked out onto the bright street and was unsurprised to see the man who’d been following him leaning against the wall on his phone.

Anthony walked over and opened the bag. “Do you want a photo for Hayden? I’m sure he’d love to know what I’m shopping for.”

The investigator stared at him, but then his gaze dipped to the contents of the bag. “I’m just doing my job.”

“Yeah. That doesn’t make it right. Maybe next time I’m fucking, I’ll leave the curtains open so you can take a good photo for him.” Anthony scoffed. “You don’t think it’s a little creepy that my older brother is obsessed with my sex life?”

The PI shook his head. “I don’t ask questions. I just follow my target.”

“Why does he want you to follow me?”

“I can’t discuss that with you.” He gave Anthony a quick once over then turned and walked away.

Anthony considered calling after him, but what was the point? Mick was right, there was nothing illegal about hiring the PI to follow him around. It was what Hayden did with that information that was the problem. Anthony groaned, frustrated, hating it but knowing he had to leave that particular problem in Mick’s hands.