As frustrated as he was, Riley had to laugh. “Fine, that’s my style, but this is real life. You’re not a client.”

“I wouldn’t mind being one. You’re damn good at what you do.”

“Likewise.”

“So, Thorne…”

“He’s a great tipper.” That was a safe enough comment.

“And so hot when he gets fucked,” Marc practically purred.

Act normal. “Yeah, he’s hot, okay? Just like you said.”

“What are you hiding?”

He hated how well Marc knew him. “Nothing.”

“Riley Dashwood, you like him.”

“Of course I like him. You know I can’t take clients I don’t like. I’m not as good at faking it as you.”

“Ouch!”

Riley knew Marc wasn’t the least bit hurt.

“I do pride myself on my acting skills, but you know I’m far from indiscriminate,” Marc added.

“I’d never accuse you of that. You just don’t mind fucking assholes if they’re hot. In fact, I think you like it.”

“Thorne can be an ass, trust me.”

“Yeah, but it’s kinda cute.” Fucking fuck, why did I say that?

“Cute?” Marc practically cackled. “Oh dear God, you’re worse off than I thought.”

“What do you mean?” Riley knew he couldn’t get away with feigning ignorance, but he had to try.

“You’ve fallen for him.”

Riley refused to think about how accurate Marc’s assessment was. “Hardly; I just like how he’s all bluster.”

Mark sighed. “And such a fun power bottom.”

“Did you ever get him to truly surrender?”

“No, I don’t think he’s capable of that.”

Riley was secretly thrilled. He wanted to be the only one who could get that from Thorne. “Did he ever want anything but sex?”

“Nope. It’s strictly fucking with him.”

Riley wasn’t going to reveal that he’d managed conversation and dinner. “Well, the money’s good no matter what he wants.”

Marc whistled. “His tips are out of this world.”

“He’s been very good for my tuition fund.”

“I thought he would be. But remember this is a job, not a date.”

Marc’s warning made Riley’s stomach flip-flop. “I’ve managed just fine since I started this job. It’s not like I didn’t already understand how to enjoy sex for sex’s sake.” Riley had done his share of one-nighters, club hook-ups, even back-alley blowjobs. He’d met Marc in a club in fact. “Remember how we met?”

“Mmm. I do. I saw you and knew I had to have you.”

They’d fucked like wild animals, and it had been hot as hell, but it was just sex. Riley wasn’t looking for anything more, so distancing himself from clients hadn’t been a problem. Until Thorne. But he could handle it. He only needed to work for a few more months, anyway.

“So how’s the baking life?” Marc asked.