For the first time, Nick eyed the employee who’d spoken to them. He was younger, probably in his early twenties. He had brown hair, wore eyeliner, had tattoos and a sticker on his shirt that said, “Ask me to recommend my favorite products!”

“What are your favorite products?” Bryce asked him, and Nick rolled his eyes. Only Bryce would get them into this situation.

“Follow me. My favorite products might be of some help to you guys.” Okay, so it was safe to assume he might be gay, or at least bisexual.

The man started to walk and then stopped. “I’m Rod.”

Oh fuck. Of course he had to say something like that. He waited for Bryce to say something, and he didn’t disappoint. “Rod? No shit? I—”

“Bryce,” Nick cut him off before he could say anything else.

“No, it’s okay. I mean, a gay guy named Rod? Perfect, right? It’s a great ice- breaker. My name’s gotten me laid more times than I can count.”

Bryce laughed, and then looked at Nick. “I like him.”

Nick rolled his eyes as Rod gave a soft chuckle and then started walking again, Bryce by his side, Nick trailing behind them.

“We’re new to this... Well, not sex, but neither of us has been with a man before. I didn’t expect this to be a problem,” Bryce told him, because obviously Rod needed to know all the details. Fucking Bryce.

“Really?” Rod asked Bryce. “You’re just coming out?”

“No. We’d just never been into men before we met each other. Threw us both for a fucking loop, didn’t it, Nick?” He glanced back at Nick and winked. Something told him Bryce knew exactly what he was doing. He enjoyed embarrassing Nick, the bastard. Nick was going to kill him.

“Yes, but I’m sure Rod doesn’t want all the details.”

“I’m sure Rod wouldn’t mind at all. I’m all ears. Please continue.” Rod grinned. Nick threw his arms up. Great. Just what he needed, two funny men giving him hell while they shopped for dildos.

He knew Bryce well enough to see that it was just his way of trying to deal with everything. The fact that he couldn’t take Nick bothered him a lot. Add his argument with his family the other day, and he knew Bryce just wanted to forget and try to make things as natural as he could.

Nick sped up, wrapped an arm around Bryce’s shoulders and pulled his...boyfriend closer. “Sorry to disappoint you, Rod, but I’m going to have to make him keep his mouth shut on this one. Obviously, I’m the boring one in the relationship.”

Nick stumbled, making Bryce do the same thing. What he’d just said had been the easiest thing in the world.

“No, not boring. There’s nothing about you that’s boring,” Bryce said, and Nick realized he’d just given Bryce something he needed. He’d been comfortable enough with him to say they’re in a relationship, and to touch in public. With his fears over what his family said, maybe he needed that more than Nick had realized.

“Well, if you change your mind...” Rod nudged Nick. “I’m kidding. Come on. They’re right over here,” he said, prompting them to walk again. He led them to an aisle filled with every shape, size and color of fake cocks ever made.

“I’m not going to lie to you, it hurts. Especially your first few times. I was lucky. I met a man who really knew what he was doing. He showed me how to enjoy being fucked.” Rod crossed his arms.

“I have no doubts I’ll enjoy it, if I can ever get him in,” Bryce replied, and Nick wanted nothing more than for this conversation to be over. Did Bryce really have to share all of this with the guy who worked in the sex store?

“I’m sure Rod has to get back to work.”

“I’m sure Rod is fine.” Rod winked at Nick, clearly enjoying embarrassing him.

“So, it took a while for you?” Bryce asked him. “Because Nick seemed to enjoy it the first time.” Bryce smiled, obviously happy with himself.

“Yes, Bryce, we get it. You have a magic dick. Can we please stop talking about our sex life?” Nick had to admit, he held himself back from chuckling. Bryce always found a way to make everything more fun.

Bryce and Rod laughed, and Nick wanted to kick both their asses. Finally, Rod got back on the topic of their purchase. “I probably should get back to work. So, how big are we looking for here? And do you want just a dildo? Something that vibrates? Double-ended, for both your pleasure? Whatever you want, we have it.”

Nick’s eyes went wide.

“Um....Double-ended?” Bryce asked exactly what Nick wondered, and Rod just laughed.