The Hot Floor Read Online Free PDF Page B

“It was fascinating. We were debating likely barriers to the worldwide implementation of the Tobin tax, and how best to put pressure on tax havens to ensure fair wealth distribution throughout the world.”
    “Wow.” I really didn’t know what else to say. “I didn’t know that’s what you were studying.”
    “Economics isn’t all about grabbing money from the poor to line the rich guys’ pockets,” Rai announced grandly. “Some of us are trying to change the world for the bet— Stop it!” That was to Evan, who was apparently trying to tickle Rai’s ribs. “Right. I’m going to go sit on Josh’s lap if that’s the way you’re going to behave.”
    Rai leapt up and gave me a cheeky smile. I promptly flushed, choked on the last of my beer and ended up trying to cough my lungs up.
    “Hey, it’s okay, chuck. Slow down, just breathe.” A warm, heavy hand landed on my back and rubbed in firm but gentle circles. I eventually caught my breath and looked up to find Rai and Evan staring down at me, concern in their eyes. I stared for way too long, admiring the view. They were as different as glass and sand, yet you could see they were the same deep down.
    “How do you do it?” I blurted out.
    Rai frowned. “What, the Tobin tax?”
    “No, the two of you. You’re don’t seem to have anything in common, but you fit together just right. I don’t get it.” I really didn’t. The bottle of beer and the earlier conversation with Stella had loosened my tongue, and I kept going, even though I knew I’d be kicking myself in the morning.
    “Me and Kenny, we had loads in common. Both artisans, both middle-class white boys from the same area. We voted the same; we even liked the same films and TV shows. How come it all went to shit?”
    Evan gave Rai a quizzical look, and Rai just shrugged.
    Evan scratched his neck and frowned. “Maybe you were so similar it got boring? I don’t really know. But me and Rai have got stuff in common too. Stuff we enjoy doing together.”
    “Like what?” I regretted that question as soon as it left my mouth. “No, don’t tell me. I can guess.” I’ve heard you at it , I was about to add, but stopped myself just in time.
    “Oh, yes, well there’s always that,” Rai teased, smiling flirtatiously at Evan. But then he looked back to me and winked. “Come on, let’s sit down, and I’ll show you why we work so well together.”
    I froze. “Umm, I don’t think… I mean, you’re really nice guys and all, but I’m really not sure about, er, oh shit.” What the fuck was I saying? I should have been flinging my clothes off and offering myself up to them. Take me now , I should have said, then bent over the coffee table so they could have their wicked way with me at both ends. My dick began plumping up at the very thought. The stupid thing was even more socially inept than I was.
    “Oh, sweetie,” Rai said, cupping my chin. “Don’t worry, I didn’t mean it like that. We have a pact. No three-ways with anyone we live or work with, no matter how cute he happens to be.”
    I blushed from head to foot and sank down into the sofa. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to presume—” I grabbed a cushion and hugged it, hoping neither of them had noticed my inappropriate erection.
    “Don’t be daft.” Evan sat down next to me and flung an arm around my shoulders. “I don’t blame you for getting the wrong idea. My Rai’s a terrible flirt sometimes—”
    “I’m a great flirt.”
    “A terrible flirt, like I said, but he means well. You just shouldn’t read too much into it.”
    “Oh.” I wanted to crawl under the sofa cushions and hide, but Evan kept me pinned there with his heavy arm. It was awful, being that embarrassed and acutely aware that if he so much as moved his hand on my arm, I’d probably come in my pants from the excitement. God, I really needed a proper shag.
    “Come on, less of the heavy stuff,” Rai announced. “How about a game of