Date: Fri, 24 Sep 2010 17:08:03 -0400
From: bigmoh@post.com
Subject: business_and_pleasure

Steve Cochran was a natural entrepreneur.

In elementary school, he delivered newspapers in spite of frigid
winter weather and scorching summer heat. His charm and
persuasiveness convinced many residents in his neighborhood to
subscribe to the newspaper. As a result, he doubled the number of
his customers within a year. It was the practice at the time that a
boy (There were no girls delivering papers then.) would have to buy
a route from the departing paper boy. Larger routes cost more money
so Steve made a handsome profit when he sold it. His windfall,
added to what he saved during the year, went straight into the
bank.

While in high school, he worked in his father's small (and
marginally profitable) auto repair business. There, he taught his
father the fundamentals of running a business: make sure the
customers left happy, maintain tight control of inventory, keep
records that could be analyzed for improving efficiency, and be
perceptive to emerging trends that could be leveraged for growth of
the business. During the summers, however, he struck out on his own
and set up a yard care business that soon grew to 15 high school
and college age employees.

He expanded from yard care to landscaping during his college years
and had several crews working for him. He earned all of his college
expenses during the summer months and was still able to put a lot
of money into the bank. When he graduated from college, he owned
(with his bank holding a mortgage) a greenhouse, a retail store, a
fleet of trucks, and all the equipment necessary to satisfy the
needs of an increasing base of loyal customers. If that sounds
improbable, you don't appreciate Steve's, ambition, initiative, and
interpersonal skills.

One sacrifice he made to achieve his success was his social life.
He dated occasionally in high school--invariably the most attractive
and popular girls--but only to maintain the respect of other
students in the cauldron of teen peer pressure. The girls he dated
(seldom more than once) were spellbound by his good looks, his
manners, and personality. Many girls were disappointed that he
didn't kiss them, much less suggest more intimate contact. What
they and everyone else didn't know was that Steve had no interest
at all in female companionship. The occasional date was just for
show. His real interest lay elsewhere, was unmentionable, and he
would pursue it when the time was right. The time was not right
through his college years because he was occupied with his
fledgling business and a demanding study schedule. That provided a
convenient excuse to parents and friends for not dating until he
got his degree.

Three years after graduation, Steve's business had become a
regional powerhouse with customers in five counties. He honed his
business skills during that time, focusing on the affluent
customer, professionals who appreciated the very best and not
insignificantly, were willing to pay handsomely to get it. Some
were demanding but Steve had also been able to attract and train
employees to cope with fussy clients. His reputation as a business
leader in the community was secure.

But he tired of the routine of running his business. His real joy
was starting something and building it. He needed something
different, something more challenging. So when three of his
managers offered to buy the business, Steve was receptive to the
idea. All that remained was to agree on a price.

He moved to Miami as a 22-year-old millionaire, bought a beachfront
condo, and began to enjoy the balmy climate. After less than two
weeks, however, he was bored and frustrated. He needed a new
venture on which to apply his insatiable ambition. None, however,
were evident or appealing.

On a fateful day in late summer, he was watching a group of nearly
naked hunks play volleyball on the beach. He admired their
physiques and athletic ability. He engaged in a mental game,
ranking them from most to least handsome. He often did that but the
criteria had always been which employee was most deserving of
promotion. This was different. He allowed himself to consider their
physical attributes and desirability as a bed mate.  Having
identified the number one specimen, he let his imagination roam,
trying to visualize him naked, erect, and lying in bed. That mental
image aroused him. He discretely adjusted his own erect cock to a
more comfortable position. He then imagined himself joining the
embodiment of masculine beauty in bed, exploring with his eyes and
hands the firm muscles and ... and what? Sadly, his mental imagery
failed him since he had no experience and wasn't sure what to do.
He'd never had a gay experience and was unsure of what happens or
how it feels. His only sexual outlet had been masturbation. He had
been too busy building his business to seek a sex partner and
feared that becoming known as a gay man would jeopardize the growth
of his business.

After a while, he wandered off to find a bar for a cold brew. He
entered the first place he found, a rather dingy place in a run-
down neighborhood but his objective was a refreshing, cold beer,
not elegant dining. He sat at the bar and ordered a beer.
Influenced by his recent fantasy of being in bed with a handsome
hunk, he took special notice of the bartender who was quite
handsome. Steve guessed that bartender was perhaps in his early
30's.  He was not as muscular as the hunks on the beach but was
nevertheless attractive.

He downed his beer quickly and ordered another. After his third
beer, the bartender struck up a conversation with him (there being
only two other patrons in the bar to be served).

"Not too busy today, is it?" Steve asked.

"No," moaned the barkeeper. "Been like this all summer. Can't make
ends meet. I'm thinking of bailing out and getting a job someplace.
A job that'll give me a steady paycheck."

"You own the place, then?" Steve asked.

"For the time being," the bar owner sighed. "I expect an eviction
notice any day now. I owe the bastard landlord three months' rent."

"Seems to me," Steve said, "that all you need is to spruce up the
place and the right kind of advertising. That'll bring in the beach
crowd and, for that matter, the whole neighborhood."

"Sure," the barman said sarcastically. "And how am I s'posed to do
that when I can't even pay the rent?"

Being the owner or part-owner of a bar was not the sort of
challenge Steve was seeking but, in spite of the effect of three
beers, he recognized an opportunity when he saw one. He knew of the
planned construction of two upscale hotels nearby that would
transform the entire neighborhood. He also knew that timing was
critical; establishing the bar as a go-to watering hole before the
area was gentrified would provide a substantial competitive
advantage over the late-comers.

"Tell you what," Steve began. "Take me in as a partner and I'll
freshen up the bar to make it more appealing. When that's done,
I'll pay for the advertising. What've you got to lose? You can tell
me no and lose the bar or you can accept my offer and--I promise--
you'll be part owner of a very popular and very profitable bar."

The man stared at Steve for a long time, disbelief tinged with
suspicion in his eyes. Finally, he asked, "Why? Why do you want to
put money into this dump?"

Diplomatically, Steve replied, "It's not a dump. It's a diamond in
the rough. What it needs is a little investment. And I'm looking
for something to invest in. How 'bout it?"

"You're crazy!" the confused bar owner exclaimed. "You can't be
serious. It's the booze talking. When you sober up, you'll realize
how foolish your offer is. Now if you'll excuse me, I got two other
customers who need refills."

"Wait," Steve said. "At least let me explain my ideas for the
place. And I'll do that when I'm sober. Would you be willing to
come to my condo after you close up for the night? We can talk
about it more ... when I'm sober. Your other choice is to forget
about me and lose the bar."

The bar owner realized that this was his only chance to save the
bar even if he would have to take on a partner. He agreed to meet
with the crazy stranger after closing up the bar.

"Great!" Steve exclaimed. "Here's my address. Tell the doorman
you've come to see Steve Cochran. I'll let him know I'm expecting
you. Who shall I say is coming?"

"Rod Jackson ... Full name is Rodney Jackson but I hate 'Rodney'."

"Very pleased to meet you, Rod.  I'll be waiting for you."

Rod arrived at Steve's place at 1:30 the following morning, still
very dubious about this crazy guy and his crazier offer. In the
ensuing hours, Steve had been busy gathering information and making
plans. He welcomed his guest (and, he hoped, his new partner) and
said, "Thanks for coming. I hope your being late won't upset your
wife."

"Ain't married anymore, thank God. Divorced about a year ago."

"I'm sorry," Steve said. "But maybe I shouldn't be. Sounds like
you're happier without her."

"That I am. Gave me a chance to spend the time it took to run the
bar. But that turned sour, too. Which is why I'm here. Were you
really serious about fixing up the place and advertising and all
that?"

"Indeed I was. In fact, I've gotten very excited about the
possibilities."

"And what do you know about running a bar?" Rod challenged.

"Yesterday? Nothing. Right now? Enough to have some ideas that will
make us both a pot full of money. I've done a little investigation
and I've hatched some ideas. Wanna hear them?"

"Won't do no harm to listen, I guess."

"Okay," Steve said, eager to explain his vision for the new
venture. "First, I'll catch you up on the rent. Next, we'll expand
into the empty shop next door. I've talked to the landlord who's
anxious to rent the place. At a reasonable rate."

"How'd you know who the landlord was?" Rod asked.

"Easy. I called the phone number on the For Rent sign. We remove
the wall to double the size of the bar. Then, we do a complete
remodel--new bar with more stools, new lighting, booths, tables and
chairs--the whole place will be fresh and inviting. With the added
space, we can put in a sound system, a small dance floor, and a
stage. The entertainment will draw crowds and boost the sale of
liquor."

"Whoa!" Rod interrupted. "You're talking big bucks. I can't afford
all that!"

"But I can," Steve countered. "Believe me. I wouldn't do it if I
wasn't absolutely convinced that my investment would pay off. The
only thing I ask is to be a 50/50 partner, sharing the routine
expenses of the bar when the expansion and remodeling are finished
and sharing the profits, which, by the way, are bound to come
rolling in."

"Hold on!" Rod exclaimed. "You expect me to believe that you'd sink
all that money into the place for only half ownership? What's the
catch?"

"No catch. I provide the money to remodel the bar. You provide the
experience in running it. As you said, I don't know much about
managing a bar but you do. So, you see, we're both contributing to
the success. I think a 50/50 split is fair. Are you okay with
that?"

"Keep talking," Rod said noncommittally.

"I'll take that as a yes," Steve said hopefully. "Now comes the
twist that will set us apart from all the other bars in the area
... and the 'hook' that will fill the new bar with paying
customers. We hire some young hunks for bartenders and waiters.
They'll be dressed in tight fitting Lycra pants--the kind cyclists
wear--no shirt, just bare flesh above the waist. We'll hire only the
best looking ones; we can easily train the waiters but the
bartenders might require more extensive training. The entertainment
will be other studs dancing seductively on the stage. No full
nudity. Nothing more revealing that a G-string but plenty of sexy
gyrations."

"Oh my God!" exclaimed Rod. "You're talking about a gay bar!"

"Yes. As I've said, I've done some investigation. There's nothing
like it within miles but there are a lot of gay men looking for a
place to hang out. If we opened a plain, straight bar we'd compete
with a dozen similar bars nearby. We'll provide a place that's
completely missing and that would attract a lot of business."

"But a gay bar. That's ..." Rod mumbled, unable to voice his
feelings.

"I figured that might turn you off. Do you have something against
gay men?"

Rod dropped his eyes to the floor and sat silently for several
moments.

"Well?" Steve asked impatiently. "Do you?"

"No," Rod said without looking up.

"So what's your problem with running a gay bar ... with a gay
partner?"

Rod's eyes shot up, his jaw dropped, and he stared at Steve
incredulously. "You're gay?" he asked.

"Yes. I don't broadcast it but I don't conceal it, either."

"Sonofabitch!" Rod gasped. "So am I. That's what caused my divorce.
My wife was gone for the evening to some church function. She came
home early 'cause she got sick. She caught me and another guy in
bed. He'd just shot his load into my mouth and I was on the verge
of doing the same to him. She screamed some filthy insults and
filed for divorce the next day. As long as I'm telling you the sad
truth, let me say something else. When you walked into the bar, I
almost got hard looking at you. The more I talked to you, the more
I felt like I wanted to take you to bed. But, of course, I knew
that was too far-fetched. So there's my hang up with your idea. I
appreciate your offer. I would be glad to have you as a partner ...
in the business, I mean. But to tell the truth, I'm not sure I
could work with you. I'd always be thinking of what it would be
like to have sex with you instead of thinking about running the
bar. Therefore, I don't think we could..."

Steve interrupted, "Listen, Rod. I was attracted to you, also. But
that has nothing to do with my ideas for a gay bar. That idea is
strictly business to me. I want to be your partner in the business.
But as long as we're being honest with each other, there's a part
of me, a personal part. I would very much like you to spend the
night with me ... just for some sex ... with no obligation to do it
again unless you want to. Let's not even think about a long-term
commitment. Do you think we can be business partners and sex
buddies ... without getting the two mixed up?"

"Maybe. I don't know for sure," Rod replied. "Don't get me wrong,
I'd like that. But I can't help thinking you're using sex to win me
over. Just to get me agree to your plan, I mean."

"No!" Steve said emphatically. "I want you to accept me as a
business partner only if you believe we can work together. I asked
you to spend the night for another reason. Let me explain. I'm
embarrassed to admit this, but I've never been with a man. Not even
in high school or college. I'm a virgin, Rod. But I crave man-to-
man sex. Would you stay the night with me? Show me what it's like
to share our bodies? Teach me how to experience the joy of gay
sex?"

"Does a bear shit in the woods? Of course I will."

Both men beamed, their broad smiles virtually shouted their
happiness. Steve rose from his chair and extended a hand to Rod who
grasped it and stood. Steve led his guest to the bedroom. Even
before they got there, each of them felt the stirrings in his
crotch as he anticipated the night ahead of them.

*******

As morning dawned and the rising sun threw beams of light across
their naked bodies, it was clear they had fallen asleep with arms
and legs intertwined and had not broken their grasp on each other.
Steve, no longer a virgin, stirred and gradually gained
consciousness. As he did, Rod's remarkably fit body pressed against
his own triggered memories of the sheer joy he had experienced just
hours before. He wasn't thinking of his plans for the business
partnership; his only thoughts revolved around how much he enjoyed
being with another man ... and Rod in particular who was sexy as
hell and knows how to thoroughly satisfy a bed mate. He did not
immediately rise from the bed as was his normal habit. Instead, he
lingered to enjoy to the fullest having a naked man in his arms, a
man who had introduced him to the exhilaration and sheer joy of
sexual intimacy, a man with whom he had explored a new trail--from
foreplay to delicious sexual contact, to a mind-blowing orgasm, and
then slowly down to blissful togetherness.

For nearly half an hour, his thoughts centered on a mystery: "All
my business success, all my wealth, all the respect from other
people paled in comparison to the happiness I feel. How can that
be? One night of sex surpasses years of success in school and
business?" It was a difficult mystery to solve.

Before he could solve the mystery, he realized that he desperately
needed to go to the bathroom. Most reluctantly, he carefully
extracted himself from Rod's embrace so as not to wake him.
Returning to the bedroom, Rod's naked body that now sported a
morning woody drew him irresistibly back into bed and back into the
tangle of arms and legs he had unwillingly left moments before. He
lay there for a long time admiring Rod's body, remembering the
ecstasy they had shared, and wondering ... wondering what the
future might bring. Would he and Rod become business partners?
Would they continue to have sex? He even dared to think, might it
be possible that he and Rod would live together as a loving couple?

Steve couldn't remember lingering so long in bed. He was normally
up and going full speed within minutes of awakening. But linger he
did to enjoy the pure pleasure of cuddling with a man. Lost in
thoughts of his first gay experience and the potential for many
more, he didn't notice Rod stir. He was only aware of his guest's
awakening when Rod pulled him into a tight hug and kissed him long
and passionately. The kiss escalated into a repeat of the previous
night's performance.

By the time breakfast was over, Steve and Rod had agreed to a
business partnership. Rod was still uncertain about the viability
of an expanded gay bar but Steve's confidence and enthusiasm won
him over. They joked about the name for the bar--the first part of
Steve's last name and Rod's first name: CochRod--but settled on a
name that would immediately identify what it was: The Man Cave.

They also agreed to continue having sex as long as both of them
were willing but there could be no guarantee of a long-term
commitment. Each promised to be honest with each other should
either decide to have sex with another person.

*******

In a surprisingly short time, all the details and architectural
drawings were completed and contractors were selected to transform
"Rod's Bar" into "The Man Cave." Rod still had a few worries about
whether the venture would succeed but Steve's enthusiasm and
confidence was the momentum that kept the plan alive. They
continued to have sex, which only got better as each learned the
best way of satisfying his bed partner.

It was during their third night together, as they lay blissfully
coming down from intense orgasms, that Rod said, "I've got to go to
Fort Lauderdale tomorrow. I need to straighten out our order for
beer mugs and glasses."

Steve propped himself up on one elbow, looked down at Rod, and
said, "That's fine. But we're having sex right now. Didn't we agree
to keep business and sex separate?"

"Yes, but ..."

"Don't get me wrong," Steve interrupted. "I thoroughly enjoy sex
with you and hope we can keep it up. Let's not take away from it by
talking about business. Or, for that matter let's keep sex out of
our business partnership. I think it will only cause problems ...
for the business and for us. I guess I'm asking you to be two
people--rational business owner during the day and fantastic lover
at night. Can you do that?"

"I'll try, Steve. But it'll be hard. Whenever I look at you during
the day, I can't help thinking about getting in bed with you."

"I'll take that as a compliment. I often think the same thing when
I look at you. But for the sake of the business and to protect what
we enjoy in bed, we have to focus exclusively on either the
business or pleasure, never both at the same time."

"I know you're right, Steve. I guess I'll just have to behave
myself."

"Speaking of behavior, why don't you give me one of your spelunking
good-night kisses."

Rod chuckled and complied. They settled in for a night's rest with
the usual entwining of arms and legs.

******

During the next few weeks, Steve orchestrated an advertising blitz
and recruited waiters and erotic dancers. Rod took charge of
securing permits, supervising the construction crews, and ordering
new furniture, fixtures, supplies, and booze. Their days were long
and hectic as they attended to the interminable details of re-
inventing the bar. Even Rod did not become too distracted by
thoughts of his evenings alone with Steve. But, after a long day's
coping with one problem after another both men were quite willing
to leave it all behind and take pleasure with each other in bed.

Only two incidents threatened their relationships (business and
pleasure) during the preparations to launch "The Man Cave."

The first happened over lunch when Rod said, "Remember I told you
that my ex caught me in bed with another guy. Well, that guy called
me this morning. He wanted us to get together again."

Steve responded immediately. "Do you want to? It's okay with me."

Rod was crushed. Before Steve's comment, he was going to say that
he had turned down the invitation and that he had everything he
wanted and more with somebody else. "You don't care?" he exclaimed.

"I don't own you, Rod. I can't dictate what you do. That's all I
meant. If you want..."

"God damn it, Steve!" Rod almost shouted. "You DO own me! You own
my heart. You own my mind. You've become the center of my life and
I'd never do anything to lose you. I told the guy, 'no way' we
could get together. I'm happy with you. If you cut me loose, I ...
I ... it would be the end of my world."

"Calm down, Rod. I apologize for what I said. I feel the same way
about you. But because I want you to be happy, I'd let you do it. I
wouldn't like it but I'd let you do it. And let me say one more
thing. I thank you and admire you for being honest with me about
the phone call."

Threat one was eliminated.

Threat two happened when Steve was auditioning dancers. A very
well-built young man had completed his routine and stood on stage
wearing only a G-string that couldn't conceal a huge package.
"Thank you, Brad, but I'm afraid we can't use you. You've certainly
got the body but you don't have the moves. Come see us again after
you've had some dance lessons."

The would-be dancer stripped off his G-string and cooed, "Would
this change your mind?" He swayed his hips causing his massive cock
and balls to sway back and forth.

"Very impressive equipment, young man but irrelevant. We don't
allow full nudity."

Brad jumped down from the stage and strutted over to stand in front
of Steve. That's when Rod came out from the store room to see a
naked, muscular stud wagging his long, fat, half-hard cock within
inches of Steve's face. He saw Steve grasp the young man's cock and
stroke it. Unfortunately, Rod couldn't hear Steve's comment over
the loud music still blaring from the speakers above the stage. He
turned and went back into the storeroom thoroughly upset.

"You've got an impressive tool there," Steve said as he stroked it.
"I'm sure there are many uses to which you can put it. But none of
those uses belong here." He stood, pointed to the entrance door,
and forcefully said, "Get dressed. Goodbye."

That evening over supper, Rod was quiet and moody. "Bad day?" Steve
asked.

"You could say that," Rod replied sarcastically.

"Wanna talk about it before we go to bed?"

Rod's disappointment and jealousy had been simmering most of the
day and it erupted when he replied angrily, "You bet your sweet ass
I wanna talk about it! I saw you fondling that dancer. No, not
fondling, you were jerking him off. You probably made arrangements
to meet him some time. He's got an impressive cock that sure puts
mine to shame."

Steve was stunned more by Rod's anger than by having been seen
touching the dancer's cock. But he controlled his urge to fire back
angrily. Very calmly, he said, "Listen, let's get things straight.
You're the only man in my life. I have never and will never cheat
on you. There's one thing that's essential in a business
partnership or a personal relationship. That's trust. Without
trust, there's no hope. You saw me touch a dancer's cock. But let
me be very clear. I was not aroused. In fact, I was repulsed by his
brazen attempt to get a job that I had already said he couldn't
have. I touched him to emphasize what I was telling him--that he had
great equipment but there was no place for it in our bar. I
shouldn't have touched him and I apologize. I told him in no
uncertain terms to get lost. You've jumped to conclusions that are
simply not true. If you ever doubt my loyalty to you again, please--
please--talk to me. Don't let things boil over into anger."

So convincing was Steve's explanation and sincerity that Rod was
ashamed of fabricating the worst out of just a snippet of an event.
"I'm sorry," he said. "I should have trusted you. I shouldn't have
assumed you were coming on to each other. It's just that you mean
so much to me. I know we agreed that there was no long-term
commitment between us but, dammit all, I don't want to lose you to
a younger guy with a bigger cock."

"Apology accepted," Steve said. "If you will forgive me for
touching the guy. That was a foolish mistake. Sure, he was younger
than you and had a bigger cock but he had lacked what you have:
character. He was immature. He was willing to stoop to gross,
inappropriate behavior to get a job that he had no talent for. He
was disgusting. You, on the other hand, are honest. You have
admirable character. And, by the way, you're sexy as hell. In
short, Rod, you're everything I want and more in a companion. Now
let's put it all behind us and go to bed early 'cause I'm horny.

*******

Preparations for the re-opening of the bar continued and both men
were impatient for the Grand Opening Gala, scheduled for a Friday
night. Rod would manage the operation of the bar including
inventory and supervision of the bartenders and waiters. Steve
would supervise the entertainers, be in charge of marketing, keep
the financial records, and act as official host by chatting up the
patrons to be sure they were happy enough to spread the word about
the bar.

They awoke early on the day of the Grand Opening and indulged in no
more than a kiss before grabbing a quick breakfast and rushing to
the bar. Rod grew increasingly nervous through the morning and
early afternoon but Steve was able to concentrate on instructing
the waiters and critiquing the rehearsals of the performers.

At four in the afternoon, the scheduled opening time, there was
already a crowd outside the bar waiting to get in. Rod was awe-
struck and, for the first time, truly agreed with Steve's optimism
about the eventual success of the new business. Steve, by contrast,
was not surprised and even indulged in a compliment to himself for
his admittedly risky investment of time and money.

When the doors opened, each patron was given a specially printed
souvenir menu, autographed by Rod, Steve, and each of the dancers
who would be entertaining that night. After considerable discussion
and debate, Steve and Rod included a brief message at the top of
each menu:

_______________________________________________________________

WELCOME

Thank you for choosing us to entertain and delight you.
We will strive to be the perfect hosts
and ask that you observe a few rules as our guests.

1. Drink but don't drive if you're drunk.
2. Dance, hug, and kiss if that's your wish
but NO fondling of yourself or others, please.
3. If you appreciate the waiter's service, tip but don't touch.
4. Cheer and applaud the entertainers if you like but please stay
off the stage.
_________________________________________________________________

The prices on the menu were ten to twenty percent higher than Rod
had previously charged but no one complained. Rod and Steve were
dressed in tuxedos and made it a point to "work the crowd," giving
a personal welcome to everyone. Both men were elated at the size of
the crowd. The bartenders and waiters had to hustle but were
pleased with the size and number of tips.

The bar was packed for the first performance at five. Just before
the show at seven, there were several dozen guys on the sidewalk
disappointed that there was no room for them inside. They were
appeased when Steve went out and announced, "Thanks, guys, for
coming ... ahh ... no pun intended." (Laughter erupted, easing the
crowd's disappointment.) "I hope you come back later. If you do,
have a free drink on the house." He handed everyone a business card
on which he had written, "Have a free drink on me. Steve."

The third show, at nine, was boisterously cheered by another full
house. At one in the morning it was time to close but the bar was
still-crowded. Steve got up on the stage with a microphone and
announced, "Sorry guys, but it's time to call it a night." (Loud
moans and boos reverberated through the bar.) "We can't serve any
more drinks but we can stay open for another half hour so you can
finish what you have and ... how shall I put this? ... make you
plans for the rest of the night." (Riotous laughter and applause
from the crowd.)

It was three in the morning when Steve and Rod got home. They were
both exhausted but euphoric. They celebrated with a glass of
Champaign while they told each other the comments each had received
from the patrons.

An hour later, Rod got a serious expression and said, "Steve, I
have to tell you two things. One is business. The second is
pleasure. I apologize for ever doubting your ideas. They seemed
like a real stretch at first but you pulled it off magnificently. I
simply can't tell you how grateful I am for saving the bar ... and
saving me. I can't imagine a more perfect business partner."

"You did your share," Steve graciously said. "I couldn't have done
it without your knowledge of the bar business and taking care of
the operational details."

Rod grinned, left the room, and immediately returned.

"What was that all about?" Steve asked.

"The guy who left the room was your business partner. The guy who
came back in is your pleasure partner, your adoring lover, and your
companion who is eternally grateful for filling nights with joy."

"Thanks," Steve said. "But you didn't need a dramatic exit and
entrance to say that."

"Wrong, my friend! You said we must never mix work and play. I
wanted to leave business behind out there in the hall. I'm ready
for play, serious play, with hot, steamy sex. How 'bout it, stud?"

Steve showed no reaction, which worried Rod but he was relieved
when Steve stood and took off his shirt in an amateurish but
seductive mimic of the dancers at the bar. Rod's cock began to
swell. Steve continued the strip tease until he was completely
naked and half-hard. Rod's erection was at full mast, throbbing,
and leaking. Steve gave Rod a devilish grin, and said, "I'm yours,
big boy. Rape me."

*******

Three months later The Man Cave was consistently full of
appreciative patrons who spent lavishly because of the excellent
service, congenial atmosphere, and spectacular entertainment. It
had become the talk of the town. The gay community flocked there.
On Friday and Saturday nights, a capacity crowd was normal. Except
for a handful of puritanical protesters one evening, there were no
glitches in stunning success of the bar.

To celebrate their success, Steve and Rod treated themselves to a
rare weekend off, confident that the staff would capably manage the
evening's operation. They flew to Cancun on Friday morning, enjoyed
a luxury suite at a resort, swam or relaxed at the beach, and--of
course--made passionate love frequently. On Saturday night, Steve
surprised Rod with a pair of commitment rings that he had purchased
in Miami and brought with him. Rod was in tears as he accepted his
ring and Steve's solemn promise to love, honor, and cherish
forever. They returned to Miami Sunday night as a couple, each
happier than the other over the success of their business but
positively elated over the pleasure he received from and gave to
his life partner.

The former owner of a debt ridden, dingy bar who questioned the
sanity of a stranger's wildly optimistic plans, offered no
objection when his business partner and lover suggested they open
franchise establishments throughout the country.

They kept their business and personal lives separate but neither of
them had any doubt about which had become more important.

The end

AUTHOR'S NOTE: My thanks to Iatia for his meticulous editing, his
continuing support and encouragement, and his treasured friendship.