Page 20 of Lethal Seduction

“That is incredible,” Tina says, bumping Patrick’s elbow with her own. “You were dying to go to her comeback tour.”

Patrick recoils from her elbow but nods. “You’re a lucky man.”

Shoot your shot, Michael. Just do it. “I have an extra ticket… you know, if you’d be interested in going with me?”

A squeal erupts from Tina and her eyes go wide. We both turn our attention to Patrick. What’s he going to say?

“No,” he says. “I couldn’t. I bet you have a significant other simply dying to go, and who am I to get in the way?”

I clear my throat and shake my head. “Honestly, I don’t.”

Tina looks from me to Patrick and back. “Michael,” she says, swatting at my arm. “I think what my friend here is trying to determine is… if you had a significant other, would they be a he or a she?”

“Oh,” I say. I hadn’t even thought about that. This entire scenario could be quite awkward for Patrick since I didn’t really give them a clue as to my orientation. I’ve been told by so many people they had no idea. That, I didn’t ‘act gay’. Whatever that means. “Definitely, without a doubt…he.” I shift my attention to Patrick.

He smiles and there’s a twinkle in his eyes that hadn’t been there moments before. He’s even more attractive now than when I’d noticed at the coffee shop. The way the light seems to glint off his green eyes and light brown skin. His dark, black hair is too short for curls, but I can tell if he lets it grow out a little, he’d have some gorgeous wave to it.

“So, what do you say, Patrick?” I ask. “Would you do me the honor of accompanying me to Lady Dame’sIt’s Never Too Late, comeback tour?”

“I would love to.” He blushes and looks away. Gosh, he’s cute.

“Fantastic,” I say. “Let’s exchange numbers so we can make arrangements. The concert is coming up in a few short days, you know.”

We exchange numbers and Patrick and Tina say their goodbyes and walk away. My belly tingles with excitement. It’s been far too long since I looked forward to a date with anyone I haven’t met on a dating app. This could be what I’ve been waiting for.

Then my cop brain kicks in, usurping my ability to think solely with my dick. Something nags at my inner thoughts, bringing me back to the man who was watching Patrick and Tina. Had I stopped a crazy person from hurting them? And if so, who was it and why the hell would he be after these two? They seem perfectly normal to me. No reason to think they’re involved in something shady or illegal that could put their lives in danger.

11

PATRICK

“Well that settles it,” I say with as much finality as I can muster into my voice. Sure, I’m disappointed that it’s been two days and I haven’t heard from Michael, but I can’t hold on hoping for something that isn’t going to happen. “I’m not going to the damn concert, Tina, and that’s final.”

"Oh, come on, Patrick. It's not like you have to suck the guy off on the first date. I can't believe you're having second thoughts!" Tina is as upset as I've seen her. "It's been what? Two days since he asked you out? How can you already have cold feet?"

"Bestie," I say. "You're going to need to simmer down so I don’t end up with a migraine. You know I don't like telling you what to do, but I'm concerned you might pop a forehead vein or something." I shake my head and put on my pouty face. "And that's not a good look for anyone."

She sighs and flops back onto her chair. The break room at work has been empty for the past thirty minutes, which is odd, but also very much welcome. We've been able to carry on conversations unhindered by the watchful eyes and listening ears of our coworkers.

Gossip is gold here at the club.

Tina grabs my hand. "If you truly don't want to go out with that tall, handsome, well-built hunk of meat... then I support you. But if you're hanging onto some weird idea that nothing can ever compare to that high school fling you had years ago... well, I cannot excuse that."

"You're not wrong," I say. "It's impossible not to think back to that night at prom." My memories come flooding back. The thing is, it wasn't just that night. Ricky and I shared many days and evenings together, exploring our bodies, learning new things to do with our tongues. I sigh.

Tina slaps me hard on the arm.

"Hey, what the hell did you do that for?"

"Snap out of it," she says. "You know I can always tell when the blood starts to pool in your shorts."

I shift, pulling the crotch of my tight uniform out enough to let my boys breathe. "You have no idea what you're talking about. Can we change the subject, please?"

"Not until I have confirmation you're going to go on this date. First of all, he seems like a really nice guy. Even if you don't have romantic sparks, what's the harm in being friends?"

"I don't need friends... I have you."

"Aww," she says and grabs my hand again. "I love you."

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