Page 54 of Playing By Ear

“If you’re having one.”

“Yeah, I’m usually a bit high-strung after…” God, this was so weird. “Yes, drinks.”

He led Jamie into the kitchen and poured them each a bourbon. Jamie clinked his glass against Perry’s and said, “To your brilliance.”

“Oh. Thank you.” He sat across from Jamie at the table, putting the bottle between them. “I was worried you’d want nothing to do with me.”

“C’mon, you didn’t really think that, else why would you send me the link?”

“Uncontrollable impulse? Also, I lacked the courage to tell you face to face.” He rotated his glass nervously. “It doesn’t bother you I’m a sex worker?”

“I don’t think so.” Jamie took a sip and smacked his lips. “Should it bother me?”

“You’re sleeping with someone who shares himself sexually with other people.”

“Firstly, we’ve no claim on each other’s bodies. Secondly—and way more important—you haven’t got feelings for your fans, any more than I do for mine. Probably less, since they’re not standing right in front of you.”

“So you think what we do is the same?”

“Basically. It’s all entertainment, aye?”

“Your music is more than entertainment,” Perry said. “You create beauty. I wank for cash.”

“With that cock, I bet your wanks are a thing of beauty.”

Perry laughed, feeling the last remaining knot of tension drain from him. He should never have feared Jamie’s reaction. “Fancy spending the night?”

“I thought I’d feel ashamed,” Perry said in the dark, “after the first time.”

Jamie stretched his tired legs, brushing his toes against Perry’s foot under the covers. “And did you?”

“I felt empowered. At a time when I’d lost so much—my driving license, most of my sportswriting assignments, my freedom to walk unafraid at night—camming proved I still had control over my own body.”

“That’s brilliant.” Jamie studied Perry’s face. Light from the window reflected in his eyes. A lock of dark hair hung over his forehead, skimming one boomerang-shaped brow. “When was your first session?”

“Almost a year ago, right after my breakup with Nathan. I desperately wanted to keep this flat, but it was a challenge on a freelance writer’s income.”

“Can’t you claim disability benefits?”

Perry scowled. “My mum’s never taken a government handout, and I don’t plan to either.”

“But your mum has steady income from her therapy practice. Plus there’s your dad’s job at uni. That’s not at all like your situation as a freelancer.”

“Still. I’d rather support myself.”

“Of course. But there’s no shame in getting help if you qualify.”

Perry adjusted his face on the pillow to look at Jamie. “Did your family—that is, did you grow up…”

“What, poor? On benefits?” Jamie almost laughed, thinking of his aunties’ fur coats and the family holidays in Tuscany. “We did okay.” He slid his hand along the sheet before touching Perry’s chest through his T-shirt, so he would hear it coming. “Thank you again for telling me about your cam job.”

Perry let out a low laugh. “Two seconds after I pressed send, I completely freaked out. I was so nervous, I didn’t know if I’d be able to cam.”

“But you managed.”

“Only because I thought of you the whole time.”

Jamie bit his lip, feeling his prick stir at Perry’s words. “It’s an honor to inspire such a performance.”