Page 16 of Key Change

He wanted to. Over dinner, he’d noticed the way the corners of Anthony’s eyes crinkled when he laughed; that he wasn’t afraid to talk about what had happened, though he didn’t give too much detail, either. He’d also learned that one of his friends was still in prison, and that he wasn’t supposed to see either of them. Cillian couldn’t imagine being told not to see his friends—his real friends, not his society friends—but if Anthony did, he risked going back to jail for another year.

What would Bevan make of Anthony?

Bevan was Cillian’s ex. They’d dated—well, they’d slept together frequently at uni—and had remained friends. Bevan would tell him to go for it; that he was overthinking one night of fun. He hadn’t been on a decent date in six months, but he didn’t want to hook up and have his love life sold to the highest bidder. He wanted some fun.

But if he was having fun with Anthony, did that make it better or worse if he asked for help with Hayden? Yes, that had been his initial plan, but that wasn’t why he’d agreed to dinner.

“You’re looking very serious,” Anthony said.

Shit.Now he had to say something.

He had to decide… or let Anthony decide.

Cillian smiled and leaned forward. “I was wondering if we should bother going to the bar next door when we can go back to my place for a drink.” Though he had a reasonable assortment to offer, he doubted Anthony was interested in checking out his liquor shelf.

Anthony’s eyes widened, his smile faltered, and then the shocked expression disappeared as fast as it had appeared. Had he not expected sex as a possible outcome?

Anthony took a drink of his wine, stalling for time.

Maybe Cillian had misread the situation. Maybe he liked Anthony more than Anthony liked him. Fuck, getting knocked back by a man, who by his own admission hadn’t gotten laid in a decade, was a new low.

Anthony put down the glass, looking at the wine, not Cillian. “That sounds very tempting.”

He waited for the but… There was definitely a but.

Sure they hadn’t discussed anything, but there were plenty of ways to have fun naked. Anthony must remember what to do in bed. He hadn’t forgotten how to kiss—not that they’d kissed again.

Or was something more serious going on?

Had he caught something in prison, which meant they needed to be extra cautious?

Or was dating a musician with an unstable income not worthy of Anthony Davidson?

He’d stolen sixteen million without blinking. Cillian didn’t know what one million looked like unless it was in cattle—andthat was a lot of cows. His brother would inherit the farm, not him. For which he was grateful, as the last thing he wanted was to be trapped back home, getting up at dawn to run the farm.

Wow, it really was him.

Cillian eased back, regretting saying anything. He should’ve broached the subject of Hayden instead of thinking with his dick. Stuck to business instead of trying to mix business and pleasure. He should know better, but apparently he never learned.

Anthony made several glances at him, appearing unsure. Cillian felt that down to his toes.

Right, this night was done. He’d take a cold shower, and next time they met, he’d bring the conversation around to Hayden. Hopefully without discussing his little issue.

Cillian lifted his hand and signaled to the waiter for the bill.

Where there had been easy conversation, now there was tension-filled silence like a note stretched too far and leaving the listener gasping.

Anthony reached for his wallet.

“I’ve got this.” Right now, he was the one with the money.

That Anthony’s parents cut him off after he’d been sentenced was shocking. They refused to speak to him now he was out. If not for his sister, he’d be on the streets. It made Hayden’s animosity toward Anthony that much worse.

Anthony had shrugged it off, mentioning how his parents had encouraged them to be competitive, which included competing against each other for monetary rewards and parental love. Cillian’s family wasn’t perfect, but his parents loved them all and encouraged them to follow their hearts. Nan too. Perhaps that came from growing up under his grandfather’s boot. Perhaps his grandfather’s parenting skills were also the reason his uncle was sitting in prison.

They’d cut his uncle off, but murder differed from stealing. Or at least it was in Cillian’s family.

“We can split it,” Anthony said.

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