Page 50 of A Hard Sell

“Mmhmm.”

“It’ll be fine.”

“Right. So you mentioned.”

“Totally…fine.”

* * * *

There was a knock on Luka’s door. He almost jolted right out of his skin even though he was sitting there, waiting. He took one more look at his immaculate condo, then smoothed his hair and tugged at his shirt before he swung the door wide.

Thomas was wearing jeans, boots and a peacoat, all black, with a thick gray scarf wrapped around his neck. The temperatures had plummeted after Thanksgiving, and it was now a chilly December. He looked warm and cuddly…and amazing.

“Hi.” Luka swallowed hard. “Come on in.”

“Thanks.” Thomas seemed extra-large as he stepped into the narrow entryway next to Luka, bundled up, holding a garment bag and a duffel.

“Let me take those for you,” Luka said, holding out his hands. “You can hang your coat in the closet there.”

He waited for Thomas, then led him down the hallway to the extra bedroom.

“Here we go, this is for you. And my room’s just there if you need anything.”Oh, my God.“You have the hallway bathroom all to yourself. I left out some fresh towels for you, and there’s more in the linen cupboard.”

He set Thomas’ bags down on his bed then stood awkwardly, not sure what to do with his hands. He had done his best to make the room cozy and inviting, adding another thick blanket to the foot of the bed, and even picking up some flowers at the corner store on a whim. He eyed them on the bureau now, regretting it. It was too much. The sunflowers mocked him.It’s adorable how hard you’re trying, their smug faces said.

Thomas nodded once. “Thank you.”

They stared at each other.

“I like the flowers,” Thomas blurted.

“Oh.” Now they both stared at the flowers. “You’re welcome. I mean…glad you like them. I just saw them outside the store on my way home.”

“You didn’t have to go to any trouble.”

“Oh, no, I didn’t. I like flowers.”

“Okay. Good.”

“Okay,” Luka said, aware that his voice was too loud again. “I’ll just leave you to…settle.” He turned to go, then stopped. “Um, you’re welcome to come, uh, hang out, if you want.”

“Okay.”

“Okay.”Jesus. Luka ducked into the kitchen to pour himself a glass of water to quell the heat in his cheeks. His kitchen was open to the rest of the main space, a large island separating it from the living room. Tall windows on the other side provided a view of the city. The lights were twinkling, with a few stars visible in the inky black sky.

He heard the closet door open and close, and got a glimpse of Thomas heading into the bathroom. Then Thomas joined him in the kitchen, looking shy and beautiful. “Hi.” Luka clutched his glass.

“Hi.”

Fuck. Are we just going to repeat words back and forth for four days?“Did you want to get started on thatBack to the Futuremarathon?”

“Sure,” Thomas replied.

“Can I get you a drink?”

“Water, thank you.”

They settled on opposite ends of the couch. Thomas was so…large and black in his light-colored space. Even his socks were black. He looked uncomfortable, sitting tall and straight, hands resting on his thighs. Luka wondered if Thomas was as nervous as he was.

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