Page 14 of Key Change

“Not in my car. Besides, you can’t. You’re unlicensed. Pretty sure getting caught driving without a license is the last thing you need.” She lifted an eyebrow. “If you get picked up for that you won’t be allowed to drive for even longer.”

Margot was right, but he’d hoped to sneak in some practice driving before redoing his test. He needed to redo all the tests, including the written one, because his license had lapsed for so long, but at least he didn’t have to go back to being a learner, unless he failed the practical. Which he worried he might.

“I know.” He needed a license, and he wasn’t stupid, even though Margot had implied that he was for getting caught in the first place. “I’ve read the book, and I’m ready for the written test.”

“Booked a date?”

He’d been stalling because he wanted to practice. Since that wasn’t going to happen, he might as well book it. “On my list for tomorrow.”

The lie rolled off his tongue. It wouldn’t be a lie tomorrow, then at least, he could check off some progress. He didn’t count applying for jobs as progress. A job interview would be progress, and he was starting to worry he wouldn’t get one. He’d been sending out applications for two weeks and hadn’t gotten a single bite.

The doorbell rang.

“Don’t get into trouble.” Margot smiled, but there was concern in her eyes. Was she worried about what he’d do? Thiswas the first time he’d gone out—Hayden’s party didn’t count since Margot had insisted.

“I won’t, but I’m not promising to be home by midnight, either.” Hopefully, he wouldn’t be home at all.

He answered the door. Cillian was on the step, looking gorgeous in jeans, a fitted black shirt, and more eyeliner than last night. His hair was messier, and the shirt had one extra button undone, revealing the deep V of his throat and chest. He looked as if he’d rolled out of bed and barely bothered getting dressed. His dick jumped to attention, imagining Cillian rolling out of his bed. While he’d hoped to get Cillian out of his clothes tonight, he hadn’t thought it a real possibility. Now…

He swallowed. “Hi.”

Was that the best he could do?

“Ready?” Cillian grinned, aware of the effect he was having.

Why had Anthony not put sex on his list of things to do when he got out?

Because he’d been thinking about ways to pull his life together and sex was more like icing than a necessity. He’d never had a sweet tooth, but he was starting to see the sweet appeal. From the way his blood rushed from his brain to his dick, he should’ve jerked one out in the shower. No one had touched him in too long, and he did not want to make a fool of himself.

He supposed he could always go home before anything happened. As if. Cillian wasn’t there because he needed a date. He was there because he wanted to get naked and suspected Anthony wouldn’t say no. He doubted any man ever said no to Cillian.

Cillian’s gaze skimmed over him, assessing his choice of clothes.

“Am I dressed okay?”

Cillian had said dress casual, and while they were both in jeans, Cillian looked capable of sliding into most places witha smile and a nod. Anthony gritted his teeth and drew in a breath. He’d climb back up. He was not going to sit in the corner and wait for life to happen to him. This time, however, he wasn’t going to grab every opportunity. He swore to weigh the risks going forward, knowing those he’d taken in the past had been acceptable at the time. They’d made him the dark-hearted, money-hungry monster the media had portrayed him as. The ringleader of a hedonistic circle of men funding their drug fueled parties with stolen money.

It wasn’t completely true. They were equal partners, and they’d worked damn hard.

“Perfect.” Cillian’s smile widened. “Um… Do you have a curfew?”

“No. And no tracking device, either. I’m not a danger to society.”

“I was teasing,” Cillian said, holding out his hand. “Come on.”

Anthony closed the door, not catching what his sister called out. He had a horrible feeling it involved something about safe sex. He was prepared, though, because he wanted to remain healthy. One of the first things he’d done after being released was have a full set of blood tests done. He was in the clear, which was a relief.

He took Cillian’s offered hand, and they walked to his car. A sleek, dark blue hatch. Nothing about it screamed “look at me,” but he was obviously doing very well for himself, or he had family money.

Maybe both. People didn’t accidentally fall into Hayden’s social circle; they had to measure up and have the right social standing. Or have something that added to Hayden’s place in the world. Anthony had never done a résumé check on his friends.

“So where are we going?” Was it going to be crowded was what he really wanted to ask. He’d kind of hoped for a nice quietdinner for two, but that was too much too soon, which was why Cillian had downgraded the evening.

“I know a nice little pizzeria, and I thought we could have something to eat before heading around the corner for drinks. That okay?” He unlocked the car.

“Sounds great.” It sounded like the kind of thing that could end early if Cillian changed his mind. Anthony didn’t mind too much as it eased the pressure on him. He gave Cillian’s hand a squeeze and then released it. “Thank you for giving me a chance.”

“Oh, I vetted you most thoroughly today.” Cillian gave him a sly smile, and Anthony wasn’t sure if he was being serious or not.

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