"Certainly … what?"
"Privately?"
Gaylord was glad to leave for a moment. He said, "All right."
"Don't be a slut," said Dusty to Claude as Gaylord got up from the divan.
"Look who's talking about being a slut," snapped Claude … "Come on, Gay." And Claude led Gaylord from the room.
They went into the bathroom and Claude turned the key in the door.
"What is it, Claude?" Gaylord asked.
"Gay," he said, placing his arms around Gaylord's waist. "What do you think of me?"
Gaylord looked at him puzzled. "What do you mean, Claude? I think you're awfully nice, and I like you …"
"Will you come home with me? Let's leave." Claude spoke hurriedly. He pressed himself closely against him. Gaylord didn't mind … Claude was very nice and he didn't want to hurt his feelings. He didn't separate himself from him but remained still.
Claude moved in closer. His body came to meet the other's and Gaylord felt a stiffness against his groin. He could feel it pressing hard and big against him as he took him into his arms. Their mouths met. Gaylord woke up.
"Don't Claude … don't …" He pushed away the hand that had groped his body.
"I'm sorry, Gay … I want you so badly," Claude whispered, kissing the ear.
"We'd better go."
"Look," whispered Claude, glancing down at the front of his trousers.
Gaylord didn't have to look. He knew without looking … "That's your worry," sputtered Gaylord. "Let's go."
"Don't leave me," cried Claude.
"I've got to," he said, unlocking the door. He stood there for a moment, turned back and kissed Claude, held him in his arms for one brief moment. "I like you, Claude … I like you very much … but …" He turned again and left.
All eyes followed him when he re-entered the room and sat down
