Settling Down Read Online Free PDF Page A

was a good place for condoms. But I think I’ll go somewhere else.”
    “Good,” Tim wanted to say. He could be as polite as possible, but damn it, he’d rather see Max go buy his Magnums elsewhere.
    “Told you,” Gloria crowed as she and Cheri returned to the counter. “But we keep an EpiPen at the counter, because we can’t afford to lose him.”
    She quieted and glanced at the door, then at Tim. “Is there a problem, Timmy?”
    “No, Mr. Fielding was just leaving,” Tim replied, extra emphasis on the “Mr.” He was no master here.
    It almost made the urge to vomit again go away.
    Max snorted. “Actually I changed my mind. I think I’ll browse, see what this place has to offer.”
    Fuck Tim running backward in an apple cart. On fire.
    “But of course,” Tim replied, and turned his attention with all of his might to Cheri. “What do you think of the place? Have any questions?”
    Cheri side-eyed Max as he moved from the door. “Yeah, what’s the protocol for creeps?”
    If it were anyone else, Tim would have hugged her. “Unless they’re being creepy to us or other customers….”
    “…or trying to have a wank in the bathrooms…,” Gloria added, watching Max like a hawk.
    “We tend to leave them be until after eleven. Then they have to buy something or leave. We take the safety of customers and staff here very seriously.” Keep talking. “So I like you, Gloria seems to like you, and if I have to look at one more résumé, my eyes might fall out. Let’s get a background check all sorted, and we can welcome you into the Little Earthquakes family. Sounds good?”
    Cheri rubbed the back of her close-shaved head. “Well, you might find a misdemeanor in that check, just a heads-up.”
    “For what?” How Gloria managed to keep up with the conversation while staring in the other direction was a wonder indeed.
    “Me and some friends glitter bombed a preacher who was calling everyone whores on campus. He pressed charges, and we pleaded to some months of community service. Dude tried to force us to serve at his church, but the judge turned that down.”
    “Girl, that’s nothing. Come back when you have a few down for soliciting.” Gloria snorted. “Now scram. Your new bosses need to chat.”
    “Gloria,” Tim sighed, and reached for Cheri’s hand. “Either way we’ll give you a call.”
    “I could use some help here,” Max said, his head hard to miss among the black leather in the back.
    Gloria started in that direction, but Tim stopped her with a hand on her arm. “Allow me. How about getting Cheri’s info to the PI, yeah?”
    Gloria glared at him and hissed under her breath. “I know who that is. ‘Mr. Fielding.’ That’s the Maxhole!”
    “Yes, and shut up,” Tim growled just as quietly.
    “Excuse me,” Max said, now looking directly at them. Fuck.
    “Right away.” Tim walked around the counter and Gloria, remembering to keep his chin up because that helped the oogy sensation a little bit.
    Too bad it grew the closer he got. “How may I help you?”
    Max smirked. “Got anything here for a hardcore player? I’m looking for a cock cage.” And then he whispered, “No collar, I see. Can’t find anyone else to put up with your bullshit?”
    Tim rolled his shoulders. Stay frosty, he told himself, don’t take the bait. “You’re in luck. We have a limited selection of chastity toys over here. If you’ll follow me.”
    He turned on a heel and started in the correct direction.
    “You don’t think I notice your friend there looking at me? Does she know who I am? Who else around here knows?” Max kept talking at Tim’s back. “My lawyer’s been keeping a lookout for you online, you know.”
    “I kept my end of our agreement,” Tim replied, stopping at the restraints and pointing at two boxes on the shelf. “Here you are. Are you looking for long-term or short-term use?”
    “But that doesn’t stop you from running your mouth, just like you did in Atlanta.” Max