Page 99 of Pretty ’n Peak

He could do this, he reminded himself. He was an adult. He could wear anything that he wanted to in the privacy of his own home.

And maybe, some writhing, hopeful thing in his chest insisted, around other people. At least in the right settings.

He’d already done it once. Had a man buy him pretty things and worship his body.

More importantly, he had a good friend who wanted to guide him through it.

Wasn’t that better than a temporary Daddy?

His heart insisted that he wanted both. That Jamie was invaluable, and they were rapidly becoming close. But if he could have a boyfriend—a Daddy—like Austin, too…

Well, that wasn’t possible right now, and buying those… things he wanted so much was.

He finally eased out of the truck, phone in hand with the appropriate message pulled up.

The store was fortunately empty, just one lone salesperson stacking a display.

“Hello! Can I help you?” she asked, turning as soon as he entered.

He had to clear his throat a few times.

“I just… It’s my sister’s birthday. And I’m supposed to get her the stuff on this list.” He thrust the phone out. “Um… My friend says to tell you she has the same complexion as me?” The last part came out almost at a squeak, as his confidence failed.

But Jamie’s ploy had worked.

“No problem. Let me see your list.” She looked over his phone and hummed. “Do you mind if you test some things out on you? I’ll need to for the concealer and foundation, and it’ll help for the lipstick. Just on your arm of course.”

He was almost disappointed. Had he hoped that she’d dab it on his cheeks? Maybe need to prepare the whole look? But that was silly.

“Sure.”

For a few moments, she buzzed around the store, filling a basket over her arm. He submitted to a few dabs of color over his arm, which she sponged off a moment later.

“Do you want me to add some of these?” She held up the white circle, stained a rich brown where she’d taken the tint off his skin. “They’re my favorite.”

“Sure.” They had to be useful, right?

He looked around while she kept picking up items. There was a whole selection of bath salts in enticing containers. A pyramid of bath bombs. He looked at the prices and… Man, none of this was cheap.

But he’d known that going in. Jamie had said this was all good quality stuff. And when would he have a chance again?

He picked out four of the colorful tubs, feeling exhilarated when he brought them to the counter where the salesperson had started to ring things up.

“Mmmm…” she said approvingly. “Lucky sister.”

His mind blanked for a moment before catching up. He sucked at this lying thing. “Uh, it’s from all of us. I’ve got five siblings.” That part, at least, was true.

“Well, you’ve got enough here for two free gifts. Want me to pick them out for you?”

“Please.”

Two small items dropped into the bag, then she winked at him and added a third. “Happy birthday to your sister!”

The small bag was surprisingly heavy as he carried it back to the truck.

He felt wealthy carrying it, like a dragon hoarding gold. These were his treasures, and he’d gotten them without the slightest issue.

He texted Jamie immediately with a picture.