Liam took a drink of his beer, still frowning. "Depends. What?"
"Are you gay?" He rushed on, before Liam could answer. "It's very important that you are and not just-what's it called? Gay for pay? I fully respect the need to make a living and doing what one has to do, but for my purposes, I require a gayman, unequivocallygay."
Liamsnorted, giving himan incredulous but amused look. The amused part gave Skye hope that Liam wasn't going to just leave because clearly his new client was insane. "Yes, I'mgay. Unequivocally."
Skye let out a sighofrelief. "Oh, good."
"Okay, now you're going to tell me what's going on because I'mgetting the feeling I'mnot here for the usual fuck and suck, and while I don't have a problem with kink scenes, you really should've notified the agency in advance ifyouwanted somethingspecialor...unusual."
Skye shifted, nerves rising. The only other person he'd told his plan to--Lindy--had thought he was out of his mind, so he was a little anxious repeating it to a virtual stranger. He reminded himself, though, that Liam was being paid very handsomely just to sit there and listen to him, so there was no reason to be nervous. He wasn't lookingto impress the man, just hire him.
"I recently graduated with my master's in engineering with a minor in applied mathematics. That's irrelevant. I'm sorry. The point is I've recently come
out."Liam's brows lifted. "Ofcollege?"
Skye blinked, then shook his head. "No, no. Out of the closet. Are youpayingattention?"
Liam pressed his lips together, and Skye got the impression he was trying not to laugh. "Sorry. I am. Payingattentioncompletely."
Skye narrowed his eyes, then decided he was telling the truth. "Good. All right, you can see my dilemma then."
Liamdid laughthen, lips twitching. "I can't saythat I do, no. What dilemma is that exactly?"
Skye sighed. Was there something wrong with the man? He didn't appear stupid. "I just spent seven years acquiring the skills and knowledge to be a...well, a rocket scientist, basically. I've hardly had time to date or focus on my sexuality. Now that I've graduated and have time before my new position begins next month, I'd like to put the time to use, which is where you come
in."Finally, it seemed a light bulb went off in Liam's
head and he straightened a bit. Well, good, it was about time. Skye was beginningto wonder.
"Youwant to lose your virginity."
Never had the word face-palm been so appropriate.
"That is the least of what I want to hire you for, Liam, believe me. Sex I can get, I'msure. What I can't get is a guarantee of someone who knows what he's doinginthe bed and out. That is where youcome in."It appeared he would have to spell this out in very small words. "I don't believe in going into any situation unprepared. That includes being a gay man, dating, and yes, sex."
Liam smiled and leaned back against the couch. "Got it. I think. Youwant a tutor. Right?"
Skye nodded, then lifted one shoulder in a shrug. "Of sorts, yes. That's the most accurate way of putting it, I suppose." He finished off his energy drink and set the can aside. "I realize it's an unusual request, but I've heard enoughhorror stories ofdatingand first times and all the times after that and I'd really rather skip that
part.""And just get right to the brass tacks, huh?" Liam's
lips kept twitching, and Skye was beginning to think he was beingmocked.
"If you find this ridiculous or joke-worthy, then we're done here."
Liam frowned, leaning forward a bit. "Not at all. Unusual, sure, but I've been asked to do stranger things. Being a 'tour guide to being a gay man' sounds kind of interesting, actually." He tilted his head. "What are youthinking? Dates? Sex? More thanthat?"
Skye swallowed. They were negotiating now. This is where his plan would make or break. "I'mhere for a month. Considering the amount of time I anticipate this requiring, I'd want to negotiate some sort of...bulk
rate?"Liam snorted. "A discount? Now, do I look like a
discount sort ofman, professor?"
Skye's gaze wandered over the other man and his temperature rose a dozen degrees, it seemed. "No."He swallowed. "But I'm sure you'll agree that, say, three sessions with me every week for an entire month is steady money and, more important I think, safe work. You wouldn't even take a drink fromme a few minutes ago because it's a hazard in your line of work. I'm not made of money, I'm afraid. I received a very nice signing bonus with my new employer, but there is a bottomto that well."
Liam gave him a long, considering look. Several moments passed, during which Skye metaphorically held his breath. "Be specific. My rate starts at five hundred anhour. What are youoffering?"
It was very surreal, sitting there discussing how much he was willing to pay a man to sleep with him. And...other things.
"Three times a week, three hours each, one thousand eachsession."
Liam gave him a sultry grin. "Three hours each session? Optimistic, I see." He chuckled, then pursed his lips and finally nodded. "All right. That's not unreasonable. And I admit, I'm curious." He smiled again--and, God, he had an amazing smile--and held out his hand. "Deal."
Skye reached out and took the offered hand. That odd little spark shot through him again and he shivered inwardly. Outwardly, he did his best to seem unaffected. "Deal."
Silence reigned for a handful of minutes, before finally, Skye gave him an impatient, exasperated look. "Well?"
Liamsnorted. "Well? Oh, is it up to me to come up with a lesson plan?" He
