Chapter 3 Do I sense competition 🤔

In the time between his interview and starting work at Morgan Investments, Kelvin was very busy.

Jasmine White had spent much of the rest of that first day

getting his personal information; his bank account numbers, student loan

information, and even some stuff Kelvin couldn't fathom why Morgan needed to

know.

"Uh, Jasmine, no offense but why is my clothing size

and measurements needed?"

Jasmine let out a chuckle; her serious demeanor abandoned

once Kelvin had signed his employment contract.

"Don't worry, while you were dressed nicely today, Mr. Tshini will want you in a more high-class

wardrobe starting next Monday. I'm just going to forward the information to a

tailor shop that our firm uses. They'll have your suits ready for fitting by

Friday."

Kelvin sat, stunned. "How much will that be?" he

asked with trepidation. Jasmine looked at him sympathetically and gently patted

him on the shoulder.

Jasmine smiled encouragingly. "These suits are

complementary, they're part of your benefits. It's a company perk everyone

gets. "

"Now, Mr. Tshini

has approved you to take up to two weeks of salary in advance, which will be

deducted from your first paycheck. So you can get two weeks up front today, and

then half a paycheck at the normal pay period. If you want it, of course."

***

The rest of the afternoon seemed to be filled with

paperwork, and when Kelvin left at six in the evening, he was unsure if he was

walking, floating, or flying.

In his wallet he had several hundred dollars, with the rest

of his pay advance already transferred to his account effective the next

morning.

Taking the subway back from the Financial District to his

apartment, Kelvin was so caught up in his thoughts that he almost missed his

stop, something that hadn't happened since a night out drinking as an undergrad.

He stepped off the subway and was jolted back into reality

when his shoulder collided with a stranger and he fell on his backside.

"I'm sorry," Kelvin said, "I did not mean to..." his

voice caught in his throat as his eyes fell onto the man that he'd run into.

The man was the

epitome of masculinity, Kelvin thought. He was only about six feet, but with a

dancer's lithe body, wearing simple slacks and a dress shirt.

His face was the sort that Kelvin imagined would have been

sought after by art sculptors. With short Dark hair above a wide forehead with

soft eyebrows that hovered intelligently above crystal blue eyes, a noble nose,

and lips that were full and luscious.

Overall, the handsome

stud looked sensual and intelligent, and Kelvin found himself awestruck.

"It was my fault, actually," the man said, holding

out his hand to help Kelvin up.

When their fingers touched, Kelvin was convinced that he

felt a crackle of electricity run down his arm. The man had to work out,

because he hauled Kelvin up, all one-hundred and seventy-five pounds of him,

like he was barely more than a feather.

His power caused Kelvin to gasp, and suddenly he was face to

face with him, almost close enough to kiss.

"I am sorry for running into you like that," the

stranger said. "I must have been moving faster than I thought in my quest

to catch the train."

"I totally

understand," Kelvin replied, trying to make light of the situation.

"I did that one time so I could make it to a Knicks game. By the way, my

name's Kelvin."

The sexy stud chuckled, sending a thrill down Kelvin's

spine. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Kelvin. I'm Kaleb Grimes."

"Won't you miss

your train?" Kelvin asked, suddenly realizing that he was still touching Kaleb's

hand.

Kelvin pulled it back a little, bringing it down to hold his

backpack strap.

"I already have, I'm afraid," Kaleb replied,

glancing at his watch. "But there will be another along in just a few

minutes. You sure I didn't cause a tear in your suit?"

Kelvin quickly ran his hands over the seat of his slacks,

feeling for any tears or rough patches on the expensive fabric. "Nope, I

think everything is in order," Kelvin replied, grinning. "What about

you?"

"I am feeling a bit out of it," Kaleb admitted,

running his hand through his hair while giving Kelvin a killer smile filled

with gleaming white teeth. "I've never done this before, but I was

wondering if you are free to join me tonight? I was supposed to be showing up

to support a friend's show, but I suddenly feel like delaying those

plans."

Kelvin almost immediately said yes, but then caution grabbed

his tongue. While he was flattered that Kaleb would ask him out, and he was

obviously gay and looking for a good time, Kelvin did not know him though.

"I'm sorry Kaleb," he replied gently, smiling to

make the denial sting less, "but I think I'm going to be busy

tonight."

Kaleb paused, and for a moment, Kelvin feared he had bruised

his ego. But then his face split into a handsome grin. "Alright. I'll accept that. But can I at

least give you a ring sometime? I know it's strange to go out with a guy who

just knocked you flat on your ass in the middle of the subway station, but I

want to get to know you." He chuckled and nodded at Kelvin.

Kelvin chuckled at Kaleb's gall. "Sure," he agreed

finally. He dug out a pen from his back pocket and scribbled down his cell

phone number. "But I'll be honest, I just got a new job. My schedule looks

like it will be very busy."

"That's fine," replied Kaleb, twitching his ears

to the echo of an announcement from within the station. "Well that's my

train, if I miss this one I'm not going to make it on time to my friend's

performance. I hope you have a nice evening, Kelvin." Kaleb turned and

rushed down the stairs, taking them two at a time

"See you sexy," Kelvin whispered as he watched Kaleb

move with the speed of an athlete.

First a new job, now a hot stud in his life? Things were

looking better by the minute.