Page 17 of Saddles & Suits

“I’m not,” I protest. “Why would you say that?”

“Because this is not a profit and loss statement. You’re not trying to decide whether you should change suppliers or expand the stable. Relationships are aboutfeelings, Seb. Jeez, even I know that, and supposedly I’m still a teenager.”

“I thought you were twenty?”

I make a weird yelping noise and twist in my chair so quickly that I nearly fall out of it. Dave and Jack both laugh as I clutch the table to keep from sprawling on the floor.

“Thanks for that,” Dave says. “I’m going to treasure that memory for a long time.”

I ignore him. “Hey,” I say to Jack. “You’re… uh, a little earlier than I expected. How was the drive?”

Jack smiles at me, and something clutches in my chest.Fuck. I’m in trouble.“For whatever reason, there was hardly any traffic. What are we having for dinner?”

“Steak and mashed potato,” Dave announces. “Just let me know when you want it, and I’ll put the steaks on.”

I stop listening as Jack says something about washing up and making a call. It says a lot about the power of denial that I never realized the effect Jack has on me. It’s only after my new crush has left the kitchen that I can focus fully.

Dave’s smirking, although not unsympathetically. “You are so screwed, man. You should have seen your face just now.”

Horror strikes. “Didhesee my face?” I’m not ready for that. I need time to come to terms with what I’m feeling.

“Nah.” Dave shakes his head. “But when you weren’t looking, he smiled at you like you were the second coming.”

Well, that’s good.

Isn’t it?

Dave laughs again, which means I must be wearing my thoughts on my face. Fuck. I’ve always been shit at bluffing, and clearly that extends to my wannabe love life.

“I might need a drink,” I mutter.

“Beer’s in the fridge. Why don’t you bring one to Jack, too?”

I’ve taken two bottles out and am closing the fridge door when I remember Jack was going to wash up. “Isn’t Jack having a shower?” I ask suspiciously, and the cheeky look on Dave’s face tells me everything I need to know. “Dick.” I put one of the beers back in the fridge.

“Hey, I would’ve drunk that, if you’re too chickenshit to take it to Jack.”

“You don’t deserve it. And if I decide to pursue this, it won’t be by invading Jack’s personal space, uninvited, when he’s naked and wet.”Jesus.My mouth goes dry at the thought, and I take a gulp of beer.

“If I decide to pursue this,” Dave mimics. “Seriously, have you ever been laid? What’s with the repressed grandpa attitude?”

I sit down at the kitchen table and huff. I refuse to admit that Dave might be right. I’m mature and responsible, damn it. “I’m trying to be adult about this.”

“Mate, adults have sex. That’s what R ratings are for. ‘Adults only’ ring a bell?” He turns up the heat under the saucepan on the stove. “I cannot wait to tell everyone this shit tomorrow. You’re never going to hear the end of it.”

“Yeah, thanks.” I stare at the beer bottle held between my hands. Should I be more spontaneous? Leap in without considering all angles?

No. There’s more on the line here than just sex. Jack’s my boss. More important, Jack’s myfriend, and I don’t want things to be weird. Better to take my time, even if it means I’m going to cop shit from everyone. I would’ve copped shit from them either way.

A hand lands on my shoulder, and a moment later, a plate with a single gourmet chocolate on it is placed on the table beside my arm. I narrow my eyes on it, then twist to glare at Dave.

“Where did that come from?”

Dave shrugs. “I bought a box last time I was in the city, and I’ve been hoarding them. They’re part of your dessert tonight, but I thought you could use one now.”

How can I be pissed at Dave when he goes and does shit like this? “Thank you. And thanks for sharing. You could have kept them all for yourself.” Dave’s weakness for Koko Black chocolates has only ever been rivaled by Warwick’s. I’m not much better—I always make sure to avoid the boutiques when I’m in Melbourne, in case I bankrupt myself buying all their stock.

Dave just smiles and goes back to the stove, and I pick up the chocolate. It’s one of my favorites, the Gianduja truffle, and I close my eyes as I bite in, savoring the creamy melt-in-your-mouth hazelnut and milk chocolate.

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