Page 34 of Throw Down

“You don’t do hook-ups,” Nate pointed out sharply.“You always fall head over heels the second a guy shows interest.”

Briar forced out a laugh, but it sounded thin and brittle.An image of Derek, sweaty and rugged and raw, flashed through his mind.

“Maybe it’s time I grew up,” he retorted flippantly.

Nate cracked his neck, looking like there was a lot more he wanted to say, but in the end, he bit his tongue.He dropped a hand on Briar’s shoulder and squeezed once, grounding him.“Just be careful, okay? I don’t want to see you get hurt again.”

“Me neither,” Briar agreed, saying it with such fervent gusto that Nate was forced to laugh.

Briar smiled, but as he turned back to his reflection and adjusted his collar, he noticed that it didn’t reach his eyes.

* * *

Sweetwater wasn’t exactly known for its bustling nightlife or culinary scene, but if there was one thing they knew how to do right, it was steak.Briar chose Rawson’s because it was the only nearby restaurant that managed to straddle the line between greasy-spoon and fine dining.

The steakhouse operated out of a historic building nestled between a quilt shop and a touristy home décor boutique.A huge covered porch was made of weathered timber and filled with patio tables, all glowing in the soft light from old-fashioned lanterns.Perfect for a romantic evening—if only Briar could summon up some enthusiasm.Right now, he’d rather be in bed with Netflix and some instant noodles.

He must have blinked and missed the eastern Oregon spring; the weather had segued from winter storms right into summer heat.The night was balmy, carrying the savory scent of grilled char, and Briar was already sweating as he approached the entrance.

He tugged nervously at his collar, feeling out of place.The tables were occupied by plenty of familiar faces, but nobody he could greet by name, and they all seemed to be staring at him.It was probably the outfit—or maybe the young, lanky stranger who greeted him as he approached.

“Peter?” Briar asked with growing trepidation.

His date had chosen a table beside the entrance where they would be exposed to the view of all passers-by.He stood out even more than Briar in a tailored dress shirt and vintage bow tie.His beard was tapered and so neatly groomed it looked like a topiary bush, and he was nervously tapping a wooden vape pen against the side of his thigh.It looked nothing like the masculine scruff he’d been sporting in his profile picture.

“Briar?” Peter asked, sounding surprised.His handshake was too firm, as if he were trying to assert dominance.“You look nothing like your photo.”

Briar’s smile felt like it was frozen in place.“Likewise,” he murmured, and then was startled as

Peter pulled out his chair for him.“Uh, thanks.”

“No problem,” Peter said, waving dismissively.“Since I’m the one who made the first move, I feel like it’s my duty to play the gentleman this evening.”

“But not every other evening?” Briar teased.

“Well, I usually date women, so of course I’m a gentleman with them.”

Briar felt his blood run cold.“You…didn’t your profile say you were gay?”

“I am, at the moment.” Peter handed him a menu, his face bright with a rehearsed smile.“It’s the modern age, after all.I feel like I should give everyone a chance for equality’s sake.”

Briar blinked, nonplussed. If he'd wanted a man who wasn't sure how he felt about other men, he'd have stuck with Derek.But he was saved from formulating a response when the server arrived to take their drink order.Peter ordered a craft brew, but Briar was feeling so unsettled that he stuck to a diet coke.

Before she could leave Peter grabbed the server by the wrist and said, “Excuse me, sweetheart.Do you have any vegan options?”

The server, a young woman with a messy bun of bleached hair, stared at him for an uncomfortably long time.When Peter only returned her gaze expectantly, she replied flatly, “It's a steakhouse.”

“Yes, yes. I just hoped you’d have at least one option for those who choose not to partake.My tip always reflects how well a restaurant accommodates its patrons.But that’s fine. I’ll settle for something grass-fed.” Peter waved her away with a dismissive gesture.

Briar nearly shriveled right there in his chair.He tried to shoot the server an apologetic look, but she’d already hustled away, putting space between them in record time.

When they were alone again, he chided, “You shouldn't grab people that way.”

“Grab who like what?” Peter asked blankly, and then changed the subject before Briar could reply.“I’m glad to see you dressed up for me.Even though we’re just men, we should make an effort with each other, don’t you agree?Although I did think gay men were supposed to be more fashionable.”

Briar stared hard at his menu to avoid looking at him and didn’t answer.

“I mean, your ensemble is fine,” Peter continued.“I appreciate you trying to impress me.You just stand out a bit in this rustic setting.”

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