Page 8 of Stick By Me

I rolled the window down. “Be right there. Grab a table?”

He nodded. “Sure, see you in there.” He jogged away to meet up with Jonah.

“Is the guy gay?” Axel asked. “And is he hot-as-fuck?” He snorted.

“Stop it, Axel.” I sighed. Shit, if I told him Archer was queer, how would I explain how the conversation even came up? I might be outing myself. I wasn’t going to do that, and nothing was going to happen between me and Archer anyways. “I don’t know.”

“Oh, well find out,” Axel said. “Wouldn’t it be funny if you were having lunch with Milo’s old hookup?”

“Axel, stop. I’m sure it’s not the same guy. There are a lot of guys on a hockey team.” Remy scoffed.

“Yeah? How many?” Axel asked.

“I don’t know. But I’m sure there are a bunch,” Remy said. “Leo, go enjoy your lunch. I’m sure they’re nice guys. Maybe score some good seats for a game?”

“You want to see a hockey game?” Axel asked.

“With your brother. I know it’s not your thing, lover boy. Me and Leo haven’t hung out in a long time.” Remy breathed in deeply. “Right, Leo?”

“Right.” A smile tugged at my lips. It would be nice to go to a game with Remy and he was right. Since him and Axel had been together, we’d only hung out at home or at one of the band’s shows.

“Fine.” Axel huffed. “Go score some tickets.”

“Okay then. I’ll see you both soon.” I hung up the phone and climbed out of my car, then stretched, looking out over the tan stucco building housing the restaurant. What were the odds Archer had hooked up with Milo? Guess I’d find out soon enough.

CHAPTER FOUR

ARCHER

The hostess sat us on the patio under an awning at a table with a bench seat that backed up to the short wall enclosure. The weather was perfect today, sunny and not too hot for once. Fall was finally here. I picked up my menu and perused it.

“You like him, don’t you.” Jonah smirked at me. “I mean, I don’t blame you. The guy’s hot in a nerdy, adorkable way.” He hooked a brow.

“Yeah, I like him. He’s a nice guy. Smart, too.” I scanned around us into the shops of the outdoor mall, the milling people, and decorative fountains with fake grass areas between them, all hidden under tall palm trees.

“So, you going to ask him out?” Jonah’s smirk widened. “You wanted to start dating men and not just hooking up with them, right?

“He doesn’t date men.” Furrowing my brows, I set my menu down. It was just my luck. Meet a decent guy and then find out he’s hiding himself. “Plus, he hasn’t really accepted his sexuality.”

“Then why did you invite him here?” He rubbed his brow. “I figured you were going to ask him out.”

I huffed. “I don’t know. I blurted out the invitation and thenwhen I found out he’d only hooked up with guys and always dated women, I couldn’t take it back.” I focused on him. “That would be rude.”

He leaned in and tapping the table between us, said, “Maybe he’d dateyou. Maybe he hasn’t found the right guy yet. Maybe you’re the right guy. Ever think of that?” He snapped his brows up.

Pursing my lips, I dropped my gaze to my menu, resting on the tabletop. “I don’t know.” Leo had the potential to fuck with my heart. Even though I’d only known him for a few hours, that much was already apparent. He calmed something in me.

“You’ll never know if you never try.” He straightened up, his gaze looking off behind me, then waved. “Hey, man. We’re right here.”

“Oh, great. It’s such a nice day, I’m glad you picked the patio.” Leo strolled to a gate in the enclosure, swung it open, then walked to our table.

“Have a seat next to Archer there.” Jonah held out his hand.

Of course, Jonah would have us sitting together. I scooted over. I was pretty sure at some point, he’d find a way to leave us alone, too. Yeah, I knew him too well. I scanned over Leo in my shirt, my pulse quickening. God damn, it was doing it for me.

“Sure.” Leo slid in next to me. “Are we day drinking, or are you two not allowed that with your fitness routines?” He rested his forearms on the table and wove his fingers together.

“It’s not a game or practice day. We’re allowed to have a few drinks.” I lifted my chin at Jonah. “You driving us home?”

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