Page 1 of Tall, Dark, & Ginger

ONE

RIDLEY

I sit slumped in a chair,watching Florian and Wren at the bar, laughing about something I can’t hear. We’re all here early so Wren can serve up some new specials he’s been working on, but I don’t want food. Not even food as good as his.

I’m restless as fuck, and I have been for weeks, I just don’t know why. Actually, that’s a fucking lie. I know why. I need to get laid, but I can’t seem to seal the deal lately. Longer than lately. It’s been too damn long and my hand isn’t cutting it anymore. No amount of solo jacking is getting me through this.

It doesn’t help that the hottest ginger I’ve ever seen is living in my house, walking around in his boxer shorts and nothing else when he thinks the rest of us are still asleep, singing to himself in the guest room, and very happily letting the rest of us cook for him on his days off.

This relentless fucking crush has only gotten stronger the last few months, and it’s killing my vibe.

“Why the face, man?” Kit asks, scooting his chair closer to me.

“Am I making a face?”

“You look like you drank sour milk.”

I huff a laugh. “Nothing like that.” Rubbing my forehead, I turn my attention to my friend. “Just thinking about shit. I know you’re all tied down now, but do you know of any good apps for hooking up?”

Kit’s eyebrows rise in surprise for a second. “Since when do you have trouble finding a hookup?”

“I need something with substance but nothing serious, you know? Like a guy Stewart’s age.”

“Or Wren’s age.” He nudges my arm with a smirk on his face. “Let’s get to the real issue here.”

“That obvious still, huh?”

“Dude, let’s just say I’d like to play poker with you.”

“I can’t get over him, man. He’s not just gorgeous, he’s smart and funny. He’s kind. It’s just that he’s broken as fuck, and even if he was ready for a relationship he clearly doesn’t see me as an option.”

“We don’t know that.” Kit squeezes my shoulder, and both of us look up as Jerryn and Bane join us. “Hey, guys.”

“It’s so nice out,” Jerryn gushes, settling into a seat. “We took the scenic route walking here.”

“Yeah, it’s nice,” I agree.

“What’s going on?” Bane asks.

“Dating advice.” Kit chuckles. “Our friend is hung up.”

Bane shoves my arm. “Why don’t you just tell Wren you like him?”

Blowing out a breath, I shake my head. “He’s not into me. I’m not a total dumbass. He doesn’t look at me like that at all. I’m his boss, nothing more.” I pick at a cuticle. “Besides, he hasn’t been out of that shitty relationship very long.”

Jerryn’s gaze is fixed on Wren as he sets glasses on a tray. “I don’t know about that, Rid. I see his eyes linger on you sometimes. He seems to like being around you.”

“No more than the rest of you. I promised myself I wouldn’t be a creep.”

“Hey, guys.” Wren’s voice cuts through my sullen mood, and when I glance up, the warm smile on his face makes my insides twist. “Florian cooked up a drink special I think you’ll like. Especially you, Rid.”

“Why me?”

“You don’t like super sweet drinks. This one has a nice spicy bite to it.”

He sets a tall glass in front of me, filled with ice and a two-tone drink that’s almost clear at the bottom and amber at the top.

“It’s called a Tall, Dark, and Ginger,” Wren says with a grin. “It’s rum, ginger beer, lime juice, and bitters.”

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