Page 37 of Sass

“You better have one before I finish the lot.” He pushed the remaining toasties my way, but I shook my head.

“I’ve had lunch.”

He studied me for a moment. “You made these just for us?”

I shrugged. “It’s my Saturday off and the store bell didn’t stop all morning. Figured you were busy, and it was the least I could do.”

“You made lunch... for us... on your day off?” His brows popped. “Honey, you need to get a life, but seriously, thank you.”

“You’re welcome. Drewdidmention you seemed a bit... stressed.” I left it at that.

His expression quickly shuttered. “Just busy. It’s been crazy.”

I nodded, not buying it for a second. “So, where’s Jack? Doesn’t he usually work Saturdays?”

Chris finished his toastie and wiped his mouth. “I sent him home early. He’s got exams coming up and has to study.” He binned the napkin and got to his feet. “Thanks again for the toasties, but if there’s nothing else, I really need to clean and restock, then go over the day’s takings before heading home.”

I stayed seated through the obvious dismissal. “Did you have any luck with your problem?”

Chris blinked like he had no idea what I was talking about, which only added to my curiosity about what was really up with him.

“Maybe,” he finally offered. “There was a new business that came touting for contracts not that long ago. It could amount to nothing. I called this morning but the owner’s away for the weekend. I’ll try first thing Monday.”

“That sounds promising. It’s more than you had last night, right?” It was like getting blood from a stone.

“Yeah.” He glanced behind me, up the hall. “I should really get going. Thanks again.”

I stood, bringing the two of us into close proximity, and pointed to his sock.

“Shit.” He reached down and freed his trouser leg. “Fuck knows how long I’ve been walking around like that.”

“You still look great. Here—” I’d reached up and smoothed his hair from his forehead before I could stop myself.

He froze, staring up at me.

“That’s better.” I dropped my hand and lowered my voice. “You got some lip gloss in those bottomless pockets of yours?”

He nodded, still staring.

“Then put some on.”

He pulled out a tube and slicked up while I tried not to imagine those shiny lips wrapped around my dick, along with a hundred other places on my body. Tried and failed. And by the small smile tugging at his newly polished mouth, Chris knew exactly what I was thinking.

“Feel better?” I asked when he was done.

“Much.” His grey eyes held mine. “Warpaint, right?”

“Exactly.” I hesitated. “You sure you’re okay? You seem a bit... off.”

He gave a slow blink, and I was on the brink of pushing him a little when his expression shuttered in that way I knew only too well, and a bite of bitterness entered his voice for the first time in days.

“I’m fine. This friendship thing we’re trialling is a long way from me sharing all my personal shit with you. Make no mistake, I’ll enjoy fucking you when the time comes, but you won’t catch me crying on your shoulder.” The sting of his words must’ve shown on my face and a flash of regret passed behind his eyes.

I raised my hands and took a step back. “Message received. But if you decide you do want to talk, I’ll be around for a bit. Call me.”

His jaw worked like he was fighting some kind of apology, but then he straightened his shoulders and his expression smoothed. “Like I said, I’ll be fine. I just need to blow off some steam. I haven’t been out this week, something I plan to rectify tonight.”He looked me over. “Unless you’re offering, that is?”

I said nothing, knowing full well he was baiting me. And it was working, at least judging by the unreasonable surge of jealousy curling in my gut.

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