Page 14 of Clueless Romeo

"My lips are sealed," I swore but wondered why he trusted me with the information. "So, if I did offer something like casual dating, you'd be interested?"

I wasn't sure why I asked because I didn't have any clients that were only in for hookups. Only a handful of same-sex couples have walked through my door in the past five years.

He hesitated. "I might be."

Wheels spinning, my mind was already mentally flipping through profiles on my computer. "Noted."

"Noted?" He cocked a brow.

What had I meant? It was a habit to consider how to match people when they started telling me what they wanted. But being honest with myself, I knew I'd be looking for someone he'd break his no-strings rules for. The perfect man for CJ. How difficult could the job be? "I just meant I'm listening."

He swiped his hair away from his forehead. "Just forget I said anything. I drank too much, and I don't even know why I told you at all."

"Maybe it was easier telling someone you don't know well," I suggested as I settled back on my barstool.

"Maybe. But I'll probably see you often enough that you won't be a stranger for long, and now you know everything. Probably not the best idea I've ever had," he countered.

"Either way, I'm not going to say anything," I assured him.

CJ scooted off the stool. "I hate to run, but I need to call it a night. I have a lot I have to get done tomorrow."

I wasn't sure that was the complete truth. More like he was pulling a 'duck and run' after the admissions, but I glanced at the time on my phone and groaned. I hadn't meant to drink so much or stay out so late. "The morning is going to hate me."

CJ chuckled, and it brought a small smile to my lips that he wasn't dwelling as hard as I'd thought on what he'd said. He may have had several beers, but he wasn't hammered. He'd remember the conversation, and I just hoped he wouldn't regret it. But there was a possibility that he already did. That was okay because I'd fix it. I'd been telling the truth. It had initially shocked me, but it didn't change how I viewed him. If anything, he became more intriguing.

After we cashed out with Olive, we walked back out into the cold, heading home. Once we made it to the porch, I glanced at him, smirking. "If you change your mind and want me to help, just let me know."

He snorted as he unlocked his door. "Never gonna happen. NightCupid."

My smile widened as he pushed the door open. "Night, CJ."

As I entered my lobby, I knew sleep would be hard to come by. I couldn't stop thinking about my time with CJ and whether he'd change his mind. Selfishly, I wanted him to because the challenge might just make me love my job again. Plus, I wouldn't mind hanging out with him more, either.

Five

CJ

With the helpof two burly delivery drivers, the commercial equipment was moved into the store. With each delivery, the shop jumped several steps closer to opening to the public.

The wire-grid display panels were now mounted on the walls, ready for boxes of peg hooks to hold the displays of jerseys, t-shirts, sweaters, and tank tops that called to the allegiance of fans to the local teams. A cash wrap counter faced the front door with a built-in glass display case that would soon hold mugs, keychains, and other team keepsakes. We also offered our customers the option to place customized special orders from blank materials that would be sent to a larger production branch. Hat racks that would hold flat and curved bills were now in place, and crates of replacement parts were maneuvered to the storage room. All that was missing was the actual merchandise that would be arriving within the next few days. Setting up our store gave me an undeniable high, but I was also wiped out.

After the long-ass day, the hot spray of the shower felt amazing on my aching muscles as the scent of citrus mingled in the steam around me. I was exhausted, not just because of the physical taxation on my body. Last night I'd tossed and turned in bed for hours, obsessing and worrying over having to face Roman again. It wasn't like I could avoid him forever.

Pressing my forehead to the warm tiles, I groaned under my breath as I replayed the conversation. I couldn't believe I'd confessed my deepest secret to Roman—a guy I'd known for all of four hours. I'd never even told my best friend, who was gay, and I knew he wouldn't judge me. He'd be surprised, but Archer would have jumped straight on board. Instead, I'd chosen to tell Roman. There was just something about him that drew me in.

The sudden pounding on the bathroom door jolted me from my thoughts.

"Don't use all of the hot water," Caleb yelled.

I sighed in frustration. One of the many downfalls of living in the small apartment in the dated home was the old water heater. It was impossible to accommodate all three of us without waiting hours between showers. "Go away."

"C'mon." Caleb knocked again. "We have to meet Christa's parents in an hour."

Annoyed at the less than helpful asshole, I shut off the water and snagged the fluffy blue towel hanging over the shower rod. "I'm out, you dick."

"Fucking thank you." His footsteps faded as I tied the towel around my waist, whipped back the curtain, and stepped out in front of the fogged mirror.

I swiped my hand over the glass and stared at my reflection. The light-blue eyes I'd shared with Caleb my entire life now blinked back at me. Even though the image in the mirror was the same as always, I felt different. My skin was flushed from the heat and embarrassment as Roman's words, once again, replayed in my head. He wanted to help, though I didn't understand why. He'd made it clear that he only worked with clients looking for their forever, and I wasn't remotely interested in anything serious. His offer just added to my confusion.

---