Fools Like Us Read online

  “Man, our team is in the playoffs.”

  “I get it, but business comes before pleasure, dude. I’ll catch you later.”

  Erick harrumphed. “Later.”

  When he finished, I pushed the button on the steering wheel. Erick was my best friend, my road dog, and somewhat of a moocher, but I loved him, nonetheless. He also was going through a divorce so, let’s just say he was looking for attention. For some reason, he couldn’t understand that how I stayed on top was working my fingers to the bone. Playoff game or not, I didn’t have much time to hang out.

  So why the hell did I move to Las Vegas? Because my partner wanted to. Tarik thought it the perfect place to build our business, and because he had the fancy marketing degree, I went along with the suggestion.

  Although I was somewhat of a homebody and introvert, I enjoyed living in the city that never slept. The place of dreams and nightmares.

  The extent of my gambling was a rare game of video poker or the quarter slots, especially since going to the casino wasn’t my usual deal.

  In spite of living in Sin City, I had no reason to be at the casino, but business was being discussed. Wherever the person with cash felt most comfortable, that’s where I’d be.

  Though most of my clients were celebs or rich businesspeople I never heard of KJ. He mentioned spending all his “bad money” on frivolous things to start fresh. I had no idea what that meant, neither did I care. I only designed and built the cars, then collected my pay. Nothing more.

  When I arrived, I got out of my Jaguar and handed the key to the valet. From the eye he gave me, I’d say he might’ve been interested in knowing what was under my hood and not my ride.

  “Be careful with him.” I admonished the valet.

  The man wearing a gold name tag that read Derric grinned and took the fob, making sure our hands brushed. “I’ll take care of him as if he was my own.”

  “That’s what I’m afraid of.” I smirked and left before he could engage me in more conversation. Perhaps after I finished with Kao, I’d check if the young buck wouldn’t mind taking a spin on my stick. Even in my advanced age, I wasn’t averse to random hookups.

  After I scurried away, I entered the hotel, buttoning my sport jacket. The lobby bustled with people, standing in line, getting their identification checked by security. Once the husky guard verified me, I moseyed on, passing by many people, ready to give away their wages for the week, month, or year to gamble on the slots or tables. Others made a detour to the bar or restaurant where I was headed.

  I didn’t frequent the casino but appreciated the décor. Cream colored walls with matching marble floors. An array of browns and light burgundy on the seat cushions as well as soft parts of the bars.

  Various types of colognes and perfumes filled my nostrils making me nauseous. Some people overcompensated when it came to smell goods.

  Wide screen televisions showing every sporting event known to man hung from above for anyone not into gambling. Honestly, there couldn’t have been many of those. Why come to a casino if you’re not ready to blow money? Perhaps they enjoyed the spectacle too, but there were plenty of other places in Vegas to get in on the action.

  When I got to the restaurant, I gave the hostess the code name Kao told me. We walked to the back and stopped where a young man with long black hair sat alone, with only a drink.

  “Mr. Hinso?”

  The guy wearing tinted glasses looked up and rose. “Hello. You must be Chancellor?” He had a slight accent I couldn’t place.

  I nodded and held out my hand. “I am. Good to meet you.”

  We exchanged handshakes and he waved his hand towards the other side of the booth. “Same. Thank you for meeting me here.”

  “No problem.” I unbuttoned my jacket and sat.

  “May I buy you something to drink?”

  “Just water is fine.”

  “Ah, such a modest man. Handsome too. Surely you’d like more.”

  Compliments went a long way, but I only grinned and moistened my lips. “Nah, really. I’m driving so…”

  “You really shouldn’t have. We could’ve given you a ride. Back to my room of course. Before we get to business, we should discuss pleasure.” Kao slid to my left, closing off some of the space between us. “Are you interested?”

  Tempting, but I made it a point not to sleep with my clients. I’d done that once and got burned, almost destroying my business as well as a long friendship we’d cultivated.

  Despite Kao being a good-looking man, my livelihood was a lot more important. I had generational wealth and a successful brand I could pass on to my children if I had any.

  Wouldn’t want to destroy that with some random roll in the hay that might never occur again.

  As the night rolled on, I found out KJ, code name Hinso was a former KPop singer who hadn’t renewed his contract. I’m sure my niece would probably know the band, SK4 if I mentioned it because I knew nothing about that genre.

  Once I escaped KJ’s grabby hands, I made my way to another bar at the opposite end. I wasn’t one for card tables, so I chose a spot in the corner to grab a couple before going home. While talking with Kao, I’d arranged to keep the car here overnight. Not that I wanted to get sloshed, but regardless of how much, I never got behind the wheel with alcohol in my system.

  After ordering my whiskey on the rocks, a low dance beat sounded, making me pause. With the video poker game here, I assumed they’d have soft music from the overhead that drowned out the casino noise.

  What the heck?

  Just as I thought things couldn’t get any stranger, three girls walked on the bar, clad in almost nothing, dancing to the beat. The noise increased and one bent down, blowing me a kiss, then went back into her routine.

  I laughed and leaned back in my chair, to watch. I wasn’t sexually attracted to women, but that didn’t deter me from checking out the display.

  When the bartender returned with my beverage, I slid a twenty across the bar and leaned in close to speak. “Keep the change. Is this gonna go on all night?”

  “Nope. They’ll do three songs and leave. Why?”

  “I wasn’t expecting a performance. Kind of wanted quiet time to drink and blow a hundred on video poker.” I chuckled.

  “Oh, I get it. There’s more machines in the back if you want.” He started drying glasses.

  “Thanks. I’ll just wait it out. Two more won’t kill me I suppose.” Content with this spot, I sat down and held up my drink in toast.

  The bartender nodded and left to serve others.

  Still observing the impromptu talent show, I took a long sip from my glass and winced from the slight burn hitting my throat. Even with the temporary discomfort, I enjoyed my drink and sipped again.

  One of the other dancers, pranced in front of me and spun around to show off her best assets. She wiggled, then glanced at me from between her legs and smacked her own ass.

  If only you were male.

  “Ooh, boy.” Assuming they’d want tips, I pulled out a five and laid it on the counter for her.

  When she noticed my gift, she swiped it up. She looked over her shoulder and winked, then walked off.

  Not too long after, several other men crowded the bar to watch the show and give them money.

  Might be taking that spot in the rear after all.

  Honestly, I didn’t want to move, but being surrounding by bunches of horny heteros was quickly getting old.

  “Aw bitches that’s my song!” Someone yelled from behind me. A couple of cheers and whistles followed that comment. Before I noticed where the raucous came from another girl hopped on the bar, wearing high heels and a black minidress. She dropped her bag and swung her arms around in rhythm, joining the others as if she belonged there.

  “Good… ohh.” When I got a closer look at the newest addition to the troupe, I couldn’t help but notice the bulge under the skirt. Regardless of how they presented, I wasn’t dissuaded.

  Hot damn.

&nbs
p; This person took charge of the bar, kicking their legs and not giving a crap who watched them twerk. They spread their legs and curled into awkward positions, then twirled around, slapping their bubble butt as if begging for a spanking.

  “Damn.” Observing this person, my heart raced, and my dick hardened under my slacks. If they identified as a boy, femme boys were my crack. The habit I didn’t want to rid myself of.

  This one pushed all the right buttons too, wearing black panties and thigh highs, giving me the perfect view.

  From what I could see under the lights, their face appeared as if chiseled from stone. Perfect bone structure, high cheekbones, light eyes, and no facial hair. The dress slipped off one shoulder, reminiscent of Flashdance, revealing colorful ink on their right bicep. Right then, I desired to see more, even better if they accompanied me home.

  Jesus.

  Apparently, the ladies noticed them claim this space and moved to the other end. The men went with them, making this beautiful and sexy person, my private dancer.

  Lucky me.

  Being so taken by their beauty, I didn’t finish my drink. Wouldn’t want to miss a single minute of what else they could do or how they’d do it.

  The more I watched, I thought of how good they’d look on my arm when we took a leisurely stroll in the park or spread over my lap with their ass in the air, ready to be spanked. Or better yet, in my bed, naked, and wrapped in my sheets, waiting for me to fuck them.

  MMph.

  Suddenly the desire to play video poker wasn’t so important anymore. The only numbers that interested me were the ones to keep in touch for the rest of our existence.

  As the music wound down, plenty of people clapped for the ladies and them, including me. I gave them a standing ovation and whistled.

  They bowed in response.

  “Would you like some help?” I offered my hand.

  “Oh. Um…” Their already pink cheeks reddened, accentuating their perfect bone structure. “Yeah. I guess I got a little carried away.” They accepted my gesture and sat on the bar.

  “Not for me.” I took the liberty of placing both hands at their sides and lifted them off the surface. “Here let me get you a seat.”

  My company blushed again as I slid mine over. I grabbed another stray chair that another sap abandoned during the performance.

  “Thanks. I… Goddess…” After they took the seat, they fanned themselves.

  Whoa.

  When my new friend sat, I got a closer look. Blondish brown hair, lush eyelashes covering blueish green eyes and full kissable lips.

  A sheen of sweat covered their forehead that I wished to lick. It wasn’t the only part I wanted to taste.

  “Would you like a drink? Water, juice, a beer, or…”

  They continued to fan themselves and tug on their clothing. “Sorry. I’m trying to catch my breath. I haven’t danced like that in a while. I gotta remember I’m not getting any younger.”

  I laughed at that. “Sweetheart, you’re not that old.”

  “Twenty-nine ain’t no spring chicken.”

  “I’m a lot older than you, young blood. Now what can I get you?”

  “Sh… I’m already sloshed but I wanna keep the party going. I’ll do a glass of water, then maybe a shot or two.” They rummaged through their purse.

  “No, no. I got it. But I have to ask. How many have you had?”

  “I don’t know. Five, six, ten!” They chuckled and slapped their knee. “Shit. My friends are in this place somewhere. When I heard ‘She’s Homeless,’ I had to dance. That’s my jam!”

  Judging by that answer, I guessed they didn’t need anything else to drink. “How about water and then we’ll see how you feel after that?”

  “Uh, oh damn, all right. I probably should call my friends or at least send them a text.”

  “Yeah, you do that.” I downed the rest of my drink and waved at the bartender.

  “Am I right, thinking I’m in good hands?” They continued tapping on their phone.

  “Yes. I’d love to sit here and get to know you better.”

  The hottie smiled and put the phone away. “I’d love that too. Damn you’re hot. What’s your name, sexy man?”

  I smiled and shook my head, thinking how much of a novice I seemed for not asking first. “Shit. Sorry. I was so damn taken by you and your dancing. You move like a dream. My name is Chancellor.” I held out my palm. Honestly, I wanted to ask about their gender identity, but I refrained. “Yours?”

  They took it with ease and held on firmly. “No worries. I love that name. So commanding, almost like… shit, sorry. I’m Courtney.”

  “Courtney. It definitely fits you. Do you prefer to be called he, she, or them?” That was the best way I could put it without sounding like an asshole.

  “What? Ohh, oh.” Courtney waved their hand and leaned in. “I’m a guy,” he whispered. “Is that an issue?”

  “Not at all. You’re sexy as hell. I couldn’t keep my eyes off you.”

  “Really?” Courtney let my hand go but forced my palm onto his kneecap. Since he made that move, I didn’t bother removing it.

  “Yes. And, I love the name too.”

  “Yeah? My mom liked it. Dad didn’t but he had no say so. They added Aloysius to make Dad happy.”

  “Ah sounds perfect, Courtney. So, um… I’m guessing you weren’t part of the dance troupe.”

  “No, I kind of stole their thunder. I don’t think they minded too much.”

  “Doesn’t matter if they did. I loved it.”

  “Oh yeah?”

  “Yes. If you hadn’t come along, I was about to leave the bar.”

  The bartender put two bottled waters in front of us. When I tried paying him, he waved his hand and left.

  “Really?” Courtney smiled wide and took one of the bottles. “Well, I’d say tonight is my lucky night then.”

  I grabbed the other and cracked it open. “Mine too, baby. Mine too.”

  Chapter Two

  Courtney

  Lucky didn’t cover how things were going for me on this night. Although the Jason Momoa doppelganger had me earlier, Mr. Chancellor pushed all the hot buttons and made me cream in my panties.

  Damn.

  I did say I’d meet whatever his name was at the machine, but Chancellor had a serious Daddy vibe I couldn’t pull away from.

  The music wasn’t the only good reason to leave my friends behind.

  The man looked like a fashion model. Perfectly coiffed, salt and pepper hair, moustache, and beard. Terra cotta skin, light brown eyes with a touch of green. When he stood in front of me, I noticed his about six-foot-four frame, wearing a black suit with a purple shirt and matching tie that brought out the color in his irises.

  Fuck.

  This guy was sex on a stick, sporting a gorgeous gold bracelet and watch. His nails were in better shape than the ones I’d covered with press-ons. He was a distinguished gentleman who smelled like sin and spoke in a low baritone voice that would make anyone strip. Chancellor was the appropriate name for someone who would make you obey.

  Although my friends said I should come back to the hotel with them to recover, there was no way I’d leave unless it was on his arm.

  Silly? Yes.

  Irresponsible? Most definitely.

  When it came to a hottie like Chancellor, all rational thought went out the window. Men like this only came around every so often. If I didn’t take advantage and at least get to know him, I’d been in for a world of regret.

  Despite wanting more to drink, Chancellor refused to buy more liquor. It was probably for the best, so I took a couple of puffs off my vape pen to keep my buzz.

  “More water?” Chancellor asked after we both finished a glass.

  “Nope. If I drink anymore of that, I’ll burst. You sure I can’t convince you to grab another drink?”

  “I’m sure. I don’t want you to think I’d take advantage of you.”

  “That’s exactly what I want you to d
o.” I slapped his leg, laughed, and rubbed my toe against his calf muscle.

  Chancellor chuckled. “I don’t work that way, Courtney. You’ve already had quite a bit.”

  I shrugged. “Yes, but I’m on vacation. What better way to enjoy it than get sloshed?”

  Chancellor nodded and poured himself another glass. “That may be true, but it doesn’t work when you want to have a good conversation with someone. I want to have that with you.”

  “We can always talk later,” I said, trying to push the issue. I inched in and placed both hands on his legs to steady myself. God, I wanted this man. My ass ached for him to fill it and leave it there until the morning. I wasn’t sure if he was into that, but I kind of hoped so because it would make one of my fantasies come true.

  Just like…

  Brad did.

  I gave myself a mental headshake.

  “We could, yeah.”

  That commanding voice woke me from my haze. “Would you like to have sex with me, Chancellor?” I bat my eyelashes. I hadn’t even checked my makeup, but I was almost positive I still looked good enough to eat.

  “I would love to.” Chancellor’s voice dropped an octave, sensing shivers up and down my spine. He took my hands into his and pulled me in slowly, then placed them upon his shoulders.

  “MMhmm.” I sucked in a breath and bit back a moan as I gripped those biceps that filled my entire palm. Damn, I had to have him. No more talking. Not when we’d both established how much we wanted each other.

  Chancellor released a shaky breath, rubbing his forehead along the side of my face. The hot air coming from his mouth made my skin tingle.

  “Do you really want to leave with me, Courtney?”

  “Yes.” I managed to say through hampered breaths. I closed my eyes, feeling his hot skin against mine. In spite of the heat surrounding me, I didn’t want to let him go.

  “Then come with me to my house. I live on the other side of Vegas.” Chancellor whispered and licked my earlobe before sucking it into his mouth.

  “What…whatever you want, babe. Wherever, as long as it’s right now. I want you so badly.” I pulled away and clasped one of his cheeks in my palm.