Free Alex & Clayton by John Simpson Page A

he’d expect Clay. “Does that work for you?” he asked as Clay looked at the note.
    “Sure does. I close at five on Saturdays, so I’ll have plenty of time to shower before I come over. Don’t wanna come to dinner in the same clothes I worked in all day. Thank you for the invitation. I’m looking forward to it.”
    “My pleasure. ’Sides, as cute as you are, I better ask you out before some of the locals finally get to you! Now how much do I owe you for these books?”
    “It comes to fifty-two dollars, but since you’re gonna be a regular customer year around, I’m going to give you a ten percent discount, so that makes today’s bill forty-six eighty.”
    “That’s awfully nice of you. Are you sure you wanna do that being that you just opened?”
    “I’m the owner, and I can do what I want. Here’s your change, and thank you for coming in today. Can’t wait until Saturday!”
    Alex smiled, winked, and said, “Nor can I, stud, nor can I.”
    He left Clay with his mouth hanging open. He just called me stud! That incredibly gorgeous hunk of manflesh just called me… stud!
     
     
    A S A LEX walked home, he was delighted that the cute bookstore guy had agreed to come over for a date. It would be the first one in his new home, and the only question was whether to take him to bed that first date or wait. Alex thought highly of Clay and was less likely to do a hit and run on him because of that. He was quite used to a “date” consisting of nothing more than deciding whose house they were going to hit the sack in.
    Alex wanted this to be a little different. He wanted to make a good first impression outside of the environment of the bookstore, and he had a nagging suspicion that some guy in the past might have done a number on the owner. He seemed too timid and reserved for a gay guy with his looks.
    Now, what to cook?
     
     
    O N T HURSDAY , Clayton only had three customers, but one of them was a very cute guy who looked around thirty years old, well built, and very masculine but obviously gay. He walked in and made eye contact with Clayton as he walked the aisles of the small bookstore. Finally, he picked up a book and walked up to the counter.
    “Hi, I’m Blake. You the new owner of this place?”
    “Hello, yes, I’m Clayton,” Clay said, sticking his hand out to shake.
    “You’re kinda hot, but I suppose that’s nothing new for you to hear. I suppose you’re married?” Blake boldly asked.
    “Married? Ah, no, of course not.”
    “You’re kidding. You’re single? Wanna go out tonight?”
    “You’re asking me out? Tonight?”
    “Yeah.” Blake grinned. “You act like no one has ever asked you out before, which I know to be a lie from looking at you.”
    “Why do you say that?” Clay asked confused.
    “Dude, you cover it up well, but it’s obvious you have a nice body, a great face, and I bet you’ve got one fine ass on you. Now see what you’ve done! You got me talking trash, and I didn’t intend to go there. You’re new here. Come on and lemme take you out to dinner and tell you all the town’s dark secrets.”
    Clay was flattered that a total stranger wanted to take him out to dinner. And the guy was very cute, so why not?
    “Okay. Where do you wanna meet and what time?” Clay asked.
    “Let’s see. Have you been to the Blue Moon Restaurant yet? It’s over on Baltimore Avenue, about two blocks from the beach.”
    “I think so. I’ve certainly seen Baltimore Street while driving around. If the restaurant is on Baltimore, I’ll find it.”
    “Great. Let’s see, why don’t we say seven o’clock.”
    “That suits me. I’ll see you then, Blake. And thank you for asking me out.”
    “Oh, it’s my pleasure.” Blake paid for the book and smiled. “See you at seven, then.”
    Clay couldn’t believe his luck. He hadn’t been asked out by a male in his entire life, and now in the space of two days, he had made two dates. It’s just dinner, he kept telling himself. No big