His cheeks turn pink. "That was pretty good."
"Pretty good?"
He smacks me across my upper arm. "If I keep telling you you're the best lover I've ever had, you'll get a big ego."
"I alreadyhavea big ego," I point out, grinning slyly. "So feel free to keep the compliments coming." I push to my feet when I notice a new guest approaching the front counter. Before he arrives, I lean over and whisper into Buzz's ear, "Hearing how exceptional I am only spurs me on even more."
Buzz almost topples off the stool.
I smooth the front of my shirt and smile to greet the new arrival. "Hi. Welcome to the Clovelly Inn. How can I help you?"
"I have a reservation under McKinnon. Bruce McKinnon."
"Sure. Let me just bring it up for you," I say, turning my attention to the computer. I find his reservation, but before I tell him that, I try to come up with a backstory.
It's a game me and Buzz have been playing all morning, trying to guess who the new arrivals are before I prod them with seemingly polite questions while checking them in. Afterward, we compare notes about who we thought they were based on our first impression with who they actually turned out to be. I glance sideways at Buzz who's already sizing the guy up, forming his own opinion no doubt.
Bruce looks to be in his mid-to-late-forties, has short dark-blond hair and small blue eyes, and is cute in a middle management sort of way.
My scenario for him?
This trip was his girlfriend's idea—no ring, that's why I'm not saying wife. Learned that one three guests ago. He went along with it because he's been working too much lately, feels guilty about it, and wants to spend some quality time with her.
"Ah, yes, there you are. Staying for one week?"
"Corrrect."
I'm about to dive into my research expedition when Bruce says, "Before I check in, I need to ask you something."
"Sure."
He clears his throat. "I film gay adult content. I've just had a bad experience where a motel owner kicked me out and refused to return my money after finding out I was filming in my room. I'd like to know what your policy on that is."
Okay. I was waaaay off.
"Uh, well… To be honest with you, I've never had that request before."
"To give you all the information, I only film inside my room, I don't make a mess, and I don't make a lot of noise either."
"Really?" Buzz blurts out, his eyes widening in horror when Bruce and I both turn to him. "Hi. Sorry. I just… How do you film porn and keep things quiet? Curious minds would like to know."
Bruce grins. "It's casting porn." When he's met with two blank faces, he explains, "I find guys who have never done porn before, and I shoot a scene with them. There's as much talking as there is sex because the buildup is quite important. And since I'm the casting director and the one controlling the scene, I make sure to keep things quiet. I prefer intimacy. Soft talk, kissing, things like that."
"Right. Um. Look, I think that all sounds fine," I say, scratching my arm. "You're an adult, and as long as the other person is an adult, too, and consenting, what you do in your room is your business. Right?" I ask, turning to Buzz for backup.
Yeah. I guess so." He looks over at Bruce. "This is all legal, isn't it?"
"Of course. I can give you the name of my website, and free access if you'd like to see for yourself."
"That's fine," I say as Buzz jumps in with, "Ooh, yes, please."
I blink at him.
"What? I've never seen casting porn before. It sounds interesting."
"Just so you know, he doesn't work here," I tell Bruce, who finally lets his guard down with a smooth, easy laugh.
"Is itbring your boyfriend to workday?" he jokes.
