Page 16 of Covington Acres

His mama smiled. “I’ll leave the two of you alone.” She slipped out of the kitchen.

Fuck. They were in trouble now.

“What was that about?” Vince asked.

“You don’t want to know,” Colby replied before taking a bite of his half of the ham and cheese.

It was aFriday night, and he and Vince headed to a brewery in Chelsea Colby liked. They usually went out to dinner once a week, alternating who chose the place.

“They have a great beer selection here,” he told Vince as they were seated.

“You gonna pick for me?”

“Since I have better taste? Yes, I will,” he said playfully.

Vince was across from him, wearing a short-sleeved, button-up red shirt. He kept the top couple of buttons undone, and Colby noticed the cut of his pecs. Vince adjusted the black, backward ball cap he often wore, not noticing that for whatever reason, Colby was watching him.

“We should go with something dark tonight,” Vince said, pulling Colby’s attention away.

“A stout?” Colby eyed the menu, trying to find one he thought Vince would like.

“Sure. You’re the expert.”

“I wouldn’t say I’m an expert.” Colby chuckled. He just knew what he liked.

He looked over the beer menu, and when the waiter returned, Colby ordered them both a milk stout, wanting something different.

“What was that with your mom earlier?” Vince asked, and Colby gave a humorless chuckle.

“I’m embarrassed to say.” From what he knew of Vince’s ex, he was a wealthy, sophisticated, businessman type. He was a big-city guy who liked to travel, and though Vince had been with Holden and Holden wasn’t like Gregory, Holden still held a world of experience Colby would never have. He had seen things Colby would never see. Done things Colby would never do.

“It’s me. You don’t have to be embarrassed about anything with me.”

No, he really didn’t, did he? “She thinks I’m bisexual and with you. I told her we’re not together, but I’m not sure she believes me.”

Vince smiled. “I’m honored she would think that.”

“Yeah, well, I guess I’m honored she thought I could pull you.” Colby laughed, waiting for Vince to join in. When helooked across the table at his friend, Colby saw his forehead wrinkled like he was confused.

“I promise, you could pull me. You could probably pull anyone you want. You’re fucking gorgeous, and even more importantly, you’re the best kind of man. If you were queer and I ever planned to get into a relationship again, I would snatch you up.”

Warmth flooded Colby’s belly. His chest maybe swelled a little too. Who wouldn’t like the idea of someone like Vince thinking they were attractive? That if the situation were different, he would maybe want to be with Colby. They were talking in hypotheticals, of course, and Vince was likely trying to make him feel good, but still.

“Ah, but you forget I don’t want a relationship either,” Colby teased. He wasn’t sure why they kept joking this way, how the conversation tended to lean toward them dating or fucking or being married, but it was all in good fun.

“True. I guess it’s just your pesky sexuality standing in our way. That, and I could never risk losing you as a friend.”

His skin tingled, though Colby couldn’t put his finger on why. Just that Vince made him feel good. Vince always made him feel good. “Don’t think that’s possible. Not anymore.”

Vince grinned.

Colby grinned.

Then they both started laughing.

The waiter approached and interrupted them, setting their beers down. “Are you ready to order?”

“Sorry, we haven’t even looked at the menu yet.” Colby opened it. He noticed Vince do the same.

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