Perfect Imperfections

“Okay.” Jeremy nodded. “What should I do?”

Reg flicked his gaze to the clock on the DVD player. “It’s too late for anybody to fix this tonight. You go get in the shower, and I’ll join you after I’m off the phone. Then we’re going to bed.”

“It’s not even ten o’clock. You can’t be tired.”

“Who said anything about being tired? I said we’re going to bed.” He took both of Jeremy’s hands in his and pulled him to his feet. “If we’re starting a new porn career, I figure we better get some practice in.” He winked. “We’re going to be up for hours, superstar.”

Jeremy snorted out a laugh. “Only you could find a way to make this funny.” He rose to his tiptoes and kissed Reggie’s cheek. “See you in the shower.”

Chapter 18

“I HAVE a good handle on what happened, and I’m pretty sure I can contain it,” Bill said the next morning in his office.

“So the tape is real?” Jeremy asked.

Reg reached for his hand and threaded their fingers together. He knew Jeremy had been holding out hope that Harold West had been lying.

“Oh, yes,” Bill nodded. “I demanded a copy from Harold West. Told him I’d need to see it before I could determine what it was worth.”

“And?”

“It’s very real and very explicit. I watched it late last night, and I think I’ll be ejaculating until fall.”

“Dude!” Reg jerked his gaze toward Bill. “That’s not cool.”

“Maybe not, but it’s true. Speaking of truths, I owe you two an apology for ever doubting the, uh, veracity of your relationship. I’m now intimately aware of how real it is.”

Reg rolled his eyes. He was getting used to these people, but he’d never understand them. “So what happens now?”

“Don’t worry. I’m working on negotiations,” Bill said. “I’m doing everything I can to hurry it along because I realize time is of the essence. By the end of the week, nobody but me should have a copy.” He held his arms up. “I’ll keep it in my bedroom safe, and I’m the only one with the combination.”

“Is that a joke?” Reg asked. He looked at Jeremy for clarification. “Is he trying to be funny about that copy thing?”

Jeremy shook his head. “Bill isn’t funny.” He frowned. “Apparently he’s a little pervy, but he’s never funny.”

“I’ve seen you two in bed,” Bill reminded them. “I don’t think I’m the only one in this room who can be described as pervy, and since I’ve already seen the video, several times, there’s really no point in destroying my copy.”

“Whatever.” Reg shook his head and focused on bigger issues. “How’d they get a tape of us having sex? We’re not out there going at it in public.”

“They put a camera in your hotel room,” Becky said.

Reg twisted around to see her walking into the office. “Hey,” he said as he and Jeremy stood up. “I thought you said you were in New York.”

“Oh, I was. But that was last night.” She hurried over to them, kissed Reg’s cheek, and gave Jeremy a hug. “I made sure to get the first flight out so I could make this meeting.” She clapped her hands together. “And I have great news.”

“Please have a seat,” Bill said pointing to Jeremy’s chair. “I’m sure Jeremy wouldn’t mind sharing with Reg.”

“Dude!” Reg said again. “It’s getting creepy now. Cut it out.”

“What news?” Jeremy asked.

“The most important thing is that the copies are all gone.” She flicked her gaze toward Bill and frowned. “Well, all but one.”

“How?” Bill asked.

“After I got off the phone with Reg last night, I made some calls. Harold West got a visit from one of my friends who works for the FBI. He handed over his computer, and we were able to trace everywhere he’d sent the video. I got a call on my way here telling me the last one’s been wiped, so you’re good to go.”

“You’re sure?” Jeremy asked hopefully.

“Of course! I worked in the tech industry. I know how to follow trails. Harold West paid a bellhop to plant a camera in your room. The recording went straight to him, and he shared an abbreviated copy with your mother and a full copy with a friend of his who sent a copy to one person. Nobody else had it.” She looked at Bill meaningfully. “Other than Bill.”

“You’re amazing,” Jeremy said.

“Thanks, Becky.” Reg smiled at her. “We’re both grateful.”

“Oh, please!” She waved the compliment away. “It wasn’t a big deal. Besides, it’s my job.” Suddenly, the smile left her face and she looked at Bill. “Speaking of jobs, do you want to know how Harold West found out where Jeremy and Reg were staying so he could have the camera planted?”

“How?” Bill asked.

“From Francis Smith.”

“But he doesn’t do any work on Jeremy’s file.”

Becky crossed her arms over her chest and tapped her foot. “As long as he’s working for you, he’ll find a way to access the information.”