Page 12 of Friends With Benefits

“Uh…you want to go?” He glanced at Matt.

“Well…”

“Let’s just stay a little longer.”

She sighed. “Okay. Sure.”

But when they continued to talk and ignore her, she started to get annoyed. He’d seemed so nice, but this was just rude. Then she slowly realized Matt had shifted his chair closer to Jason and the two men sat so close they were almost touching as they talked. In fact…theyweretouching. Jason reached out and put his fingers on the back of Matt’s hand where it lay on the table. The brief gesture spoke volumes as realization suddenly kicked in.

He was gay!

Shit. She was striking out again.

She leaned forward and smiled at Jason to catch his attention. “I really do need to go,” she said apologetically. “But you don’t have to. I’ll just catch a cab home.”

“Are you sure?” he asked perfunctorily. He didn’t want to leave. Well, at least one of them was having a good night.

“Absolutely,” she assured him. “It’s fine.”I’m getting used to taking a taxi home from dates.

Chapter Six

This time Kerri called Mitch, and she didn’t wait until afternoon. She called him from her studio before her Saturday morning class started. She knew she’d woken him up by the sleepy sound of his voice.

“Thanks a bunch, buddy!”

“Who is this?”

“You know damn well who it is,” she snapped. “And I’m pissed.”

“I take it the date didn’t go very well?”

“Well, not for me. But I think Jason may have got lucky last night.”

“Huh?” He paused. “Jesus, Kerr, I haven’t even had coffee yet. Don’t confuse me.”

“He’s gay, you idiot. We went out for coffee after the movie and he ran into some guy he knew named Matt, and, well, they kind of hit it off…if you know what I mean.”

Mitch was silent for a moment. “I suppose it’s my fault that he’s gay?”

“Yes!” She paused a beat. “Well, okay, no, but you know what I mean. What the hell, Mitch…fixing me up with a guy who’s gay? That is very bad karma.”

“I told you I don’t know him that well. And anyway, why would he go out with you if he’s gay?”

“Actually, I think he wanted to go out with you,” Kerri muttered, twisting a strand of hair.

Mitch made a little choking noise.

“It’s just so disappointing,” she continued. “I didn’t want to get my hopes up too much this time, but jeez…”

“Okay, so are you finally realizing this isn’t going to work?” He sounded more awake now.

She sighed. “I can’t give up already. I’ve been out with two guys—two! Come on, Mitch.”

“Oh, no,” he said. “I’m not doing very well here. If you’re going to ask me for help and then get mad at me when I do it, I’m not going to play anymore. That’s it.”

She bit her lip and said nothing. She still needed his help even though things hadn’t been working out that well. “Okay, it’s not your fault,” she said reluctantly. “I don’t blame you. Really. I still want you to help.”

He was silent. “I’ll try one more,” he said heavily. “Three strikes and I’m out. Okay?”

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