Chapter 9

Eddie walked down the little cobbles towards the Websters' souvenir shop. He hadn't paid a lot of attention last time. He'd been too focused on landing the deal. Now he had come for a second visit, he noticed the paint peeling off the doorframe and windows. Come to think of it, the whole place would benefit from a spruce-up.

He'd suggest they kept the name. Treasure Hove was clever. Brighton and Hove had once been two distinct towns. Expansion over the years had forced them to operate as a single entity.

The customers will be searching for different treasure soon.

Eddie took in the little cafés and other shops that formed the rest of the beachfront community. A middle-aged couple were painting the woodwork on one.

"Gorgeous day," Eddie said as he approached. "You look busy."

The man stood up and arched his back. He winced. "Bloody back-breaking but hopefully will be worth it."

"We're getting a late licence," the woman explained. "Let's pray for decent weather."

The place would be mobbed with drinkers in the summer evenings. This was going to be perfect.

"I can see a new hotspot being born right in front of me."

The woman grinned. "Tell your friends."

"I certainly will."

With one last glance out to the shoreline, Eddie pushed the door and went inside.

The alarm rang out to announce his arrival.

Billy appeared in the doorway.

"Hello, there," he said.

"Nice to see you again," Eddie replied.

Regardless of what happened with this deal, Eddie fancied the arse off Billy. Scott had told him it wouldn't hurt to show that. As a general rule, Eddie usually did the exact opposite of whatever Scott suggested. In this instance, he had to agree.

He'd let a few decent guys slip through his fingers over the years. Each time fear had made him freeze up, but it had come across as apathy.

Time to learn from my mistakes.

Eddie walked up to the shop counter where he placed a large holdall with the Pleasure Seekers logo on. "Some free samples for you."

"I dread to think," Billy replied.

He had a different air about him. Some confidence had made its way to the fore. Eddie found that all the more enticing.

Fuck, I'd like to use all of these on you.

"You'll be an expert in no time," Eddie said. He punctuated it with a wink. He was rewarded with a wry smile from Billy.

"I suppose we'd better get going then," Billy replied. "Harry's in the back."

Eddie's stomach dropped a little. He had been hoping for it to be just him and Billy. Not that he had any intention of offering free demos. That was how his flatmate Tyler and his boyfriend, Danny, had got together. It had been a shrewd move on Danny's part. He'd started as Tyler's one-man induction and ended up his boyfriend.

Judging from the nocturnal noises, they were still working their way through the entire stock catalogue.

Even so, being so brazen had never been Eddie's style.

"Lead the way," Eddie replied with his most cheerful grin.

Billy walked through into the stockroom, office and staff room. Harry sat in the armchair. It suited him far better than the tiny stool from the previous time.

"Hi, Harry," Eddie said.

He sat down in the chair offered.

"Can I get you a drink?" Billy asked.

"No," Eddie said, resting the bag on his lap. "I can't be too long. I've got a meeting at the offices later."

He unzipped the bag. Inside he had stuffed a load of samples. This wasn't really about testing Billy and Harry's sales technique. He wanted to make sure they weren't terrified of the products.

Eddie pulled out two identical vibrators. He saw Billy glance nervously at Harry. Eddie supressed a giggle. What did they think would happen? That the vibrators might explode?

He handed one to each of them.

"Do you know the best way to test a vibrator whilst retaining one's respectability?"

Billy and Harry shook their heads.

Eddie pointed to his face. "The nose. It's the most sensitive place that you can safely use in a shop. Close your eyes and give it a whirl."

Billy shifted uncomfortably. "I never thought I'd be testing vibrators with my brother."

Harry gently shoved him. "Don't make it weirder by talking about it."

They all burst out laughing. "I have to admit, I've never done this with siblings," Eddie said. "Go on, it's not like you're doing anything sexual."

He stared right at Billy as he said this, who held his gaze before closing his eyes. A faint hum sounded as Billy switched his vibrator on. Gingerly, he held it up to his nose so it lightly touched the tip.

"What setting do I have it on?" Billy asked.

"Low," Eddie replied. "Here, let me."

He took the toy from Billy's grip and turned it up to the next level. He replaced it, allowing his hand to sweep over Billy's. Their eyes met for a second.

A shiver ran down Eddie's spine.

Then the moment vanished.

Billy raised the vibrator once more. "Wow, that's packing more of a punch now. Harry, are you doing this too?"

Harry sighed and activated his. Now the two brothers had their eyes closed, Eddie took the chance to examine Billy's face. God, he was handsome. His dark skin was flawless. His strong nose and extremely kissable lips made Eddie want to launch himself towards him and claim them for himself.

Harry was less attractive. His face had clearly been battered over the years. His nose appeared to have been broken on more than one occasion and he had a scar above his eye. Thank goodness Billy had respected his gorgeous face and not followed his brother into fighting.

They both touched their noses at around the same time. Once again, they dissolved into fits of giggles. Eddie saw what they would have been like as kids. He found it endearing.

"Keep your eyes closed," Eddie cried. "The pair of you are cheats."

Billy screwed his eyes tightly shut.

"Okay. Give me full power."

"You ready for that, cowboy?" Eddie asked.

"Certainly am."

Eddie took the vibrator and selected the top setting. These things were more powerful than people imagined.

"Shit," Billy gasped when Eddie put it in his hand.

"I did warn you."

Billy slowly drew it towards his nose. When it made impact, he leapt away like a scalded cat.

Eddie bent over in hysterics.

"Who the fuck uses that setting?" Billy asked, rubbing his nose.

"You'd be surprised," Eddie replied, wiping his eye.

"Go on," Billy said to Harry.

Harry turned his vibrator off. "No chance. You've done the work for both of us."

Billy switched the other one off and placed it down on a spare chair.

"We should sell that thing with a warning."

"What's this?" Harry asked, holding up another plastic contraption that had fallen out of Eddie's bag.

"A vibrating cock ring," Eddie replied.

Harry reached over and shoved it in his coat pocket.

"Harry!" Billy cried.

"What? I'm not testing that with you two in the room, am I? No, it might Kim's lucky night tonight."

Eddie hadn't had this much fun in ages. Usually he dealt with jaded sex shop owners who knew perfectly well how to sell Pleasure Seekers' devices. The Webster brothers had an innocence that touched Eddie. Particularly from Billy.

He almost blurted out that he would take fifteen percent. Then he clammed up again. What he made from the initial stock investment would blow Brad right out of the water.

I can't risk it. No matter how bloody gorgeous this man is.

"Okay, guys," he said, clapping his hands together. "Tell you what. I'll leave you the bag. Work your way through it and have a think about sales techniques. The main thing is you don't get weirded out by anything. If you do, give me a call. We're not even thinking of giving you the…niche stuff."

Harry visibly relaxed. "Thank goodness for that."

"I'm not sure if I'm disappointed or relieved," Billy added.

Once more, Eddie and Billy locked eyes. Whatever passed between them showed no signs of abating. Eddie would be very hands-on with the implementation of this contract. As long as Brad didn't win though. If that eventuality came to pass, he would have to rethink everything.

"Did you get my email?" Eddie asked.

"The contract?" Billy replied. "Yeah. I had a solicitor friend of mine look over it."

Eddie nodded. "A wise move. I guess it pays to have contacts."

Billy laughed. "He's a university mate. Anyway, he said it's decent. No red flags at all."

"Good. We're not here to rip you off. Are you happy to sign then?"

Billy took a breath and glanced at his brother. Something passed between them that Eddie couldn't fathom.

"We're ready," Harry said.

Eddie dug into the bag and got out the contract. This could very well be the moment he clinched James' job. Butterflies swirled through him as he handed it to Billy.

Billy grabbed a pen out of his top pocket. He took a deep breath and signed. As he exhaled, he handed the document and pen to Harry.

"How does that feel?" Eddie asked.

"Big," Billy replied, his eyes welling up. "Not sure Mum would have approved."

Harry signed the contract and returned it to Eddie.

"She's not here, is she?" Harry said. "Besides, I think she'd find it funnier than you think."

Billy grinned. "You reckon?"

"I know it."

Guilt ran through Eddie's system like lava. It burned up the butterflies and sat heavy on him.

"I'd better go," he said, standing.

Billy looked at his watch. "Shit, so had I. I've got to take Crystal to footie. I'll show you out."

"Who's that?" Eddie asked. He was painfully aware of the timidity in his voice. Yet, he hadn't allowed for a girlfriend to come into the picture. Surely not.

"Crystal is our half-sister," Billy explained. "I'm her guardian."

Could this man be any more perfect?

Billy gestured to the door. Eddie nodded goodbye to Harry.

"And your sister's into football?" Eddie said as they walked through into the shabby old shop.

"Yeah," Billy said. "She's pretty good too. Her coach is putting her name out there for try-outs."

They wandered towards the door. Eddie clocked the pride filling Billy's face.

"No way," he said. "I had one for Millwall. Back in the day when I was at school."

"That's amazing. How did you end up selling sex toys?"

Eddie shrugged. "Millwall offered me a place. I was buzzing at first. But in the end, I bottled it. Story of my life."

"I'm sure that isn't all true."

Eddie smirked. "Let's say I had a bit of life experience before finding myself at Pleasure Seekers."

Once again, a loaded stare passed between them. Eddie licked his lips. He would be willing to stake the potential new job that Billy had an amazing body under his sensible shirt and trousers. What Eddie wouldn't give to find out.

Billy pushed open the door and they both went out into the summer's day. Eddie made a mental note to tell the Pleasure Seekers designers to get some decent lighting in the place. They might be selling nocturnal goods but that didn't mean customers had to feel around in the dark.

"Hey, you should come to the next game," Billy said.

Bingo. A reason to see him again. Eddie was almost considering putting on a pair of overalls and volunteering with the shop fitters.

"I'd love it," he said. "I might get some tips. When is it?"

Billy's deep brown eyes had him transfixed. He could stare into them all day.

"Saturday. I'll send you the details. Can I use your work number?"

"You can use whatever you like," Eddie replied. He realised he was being shameless but why not? It worked for Scott.

Billy licked his bottom lip. "You're very open for a salesman," he said. "Shouldn't you be trying to intimidate me?"

"The deal's done now," Eddie replied. "Besides, I prefer to evoke much deeper feelings. On a general basis."

"Interesting. I'll see you Saturday then?"

"You certainly will."

Eddie retraced his steps up to the promenade. It was probably very unprofessional to go out with a client. But conflict of interest wasn't a problem now they'd signed the contract. Besides, there was something about this man that told Eddie to jump at every chance he had to spend time together.

Maybe it's time to take a risk.

"You're not going to go, are you?" Scott asked.

"I might."

Everyone stared at him. The lounge at the flat was full. They'd been having Lord of the Rings screenings for the last few weeks. Today, it appeared that before that day's main event, they would be dissecting Eddie's life choices.

He found it very disconcerting to be eyeballed like this by Tyler, Scott, Danny and even bloody Amanda.

"Will you stop?" he said.

"You've stiffed him on a deal, babe," Tyler said. "It's hardly the best opener for the romance of the century."

"I have not," Eddie replied, gruffly. "We always go in at twenty. How was I to know he wouldn't try and negotiate?"

The enormity of what he'd done was beginning to come through. How could he even think about seeing Billy romantically when he'd scammed him like this?

"Do you really fancy him?" Scott asked.

"Yes, Scott. I really bloody do."

"Wow, has hell frozen over too?"

"Scott!"

"Okay, let's think," Scott said. "We can get you out of this."

The way Scott flipped from pisstaker to champion cheerleader was impressive.

Suddenly, Amanda sat up. "What if you keep it on the books for now? You don't have to get the contract signed on our side until we're ready to bill him. That's a bit off yet."

"A stay of execution," Scott said. "Perfect plan. Good work, Amanda."

Eddie rubbed the bridge of his nose. "Maybe you're right. I'll sleep on it."

He pressed Play on the remote control. The room descended into quiet.

"Still can't believe you've got the possibility of a shag," Scott said.

"Scott!" they all shouted and threw cushions at him.

As they all became engrossed in Frodo's mission, Eddie's mind wouldn't switch off. If the opportunity to sleep with Billy came up, he didn't know if he'd take it.

Who was he kidding? Of course he would. He would be powerless to stop himself. He yearned to find out what it would be like to press their naked bodies together and to feel Billy's fingertips all over his body.

His cock sprang to life at the mere thought. Eddie tried to focus on the movie. Yet it was impossible his mind kept returning to Billy.

I want him.