Page 54 of Mann Hunt
The waitress dropped off their food. She leaned in towards Declan and asked, “Is there anything else I can get you?”
Charlie quickly replied, “No. We’re fine, thanks. And you can bring us the bill.”
Chapter Seventeen
It had been a long day. Charlie flopped himself down at his desk. Declan had retired to the couch.
“If I haven’t mentioned it already, keep track of all of your hours. Even last night when you got me home from The Greek,” Declan said. “You don’t officially have any bookkeeping experience, do you?”
“No, but I found Mrs B’s spreadsheets. I can use them as templates.”
“Perfect. Just let me know how much I owe you each week, and I’ll transfer you the money.”
They both sat in silence, staring into nothing until Declan said, “I hope I didn’t do anything…awkward last night.”
“No. You were a perfect, drunken gentleman.”
Declan laughed, primarily out of relief. In his hazy memory he remembered wanting to do something. “How the hell did you get me upstairs?” he asked Charlie.
“Oh, you helped, but don’t be surprised to find impressions of my bony shoulder on your ass.”
“It’s late. Why don’t you head home? Your folks’ll be wondering what you’ve been up to.”
“And that’s a question I don’t think I’ll be answering.”
Declan smiled then said, “You’re a wise man, Charlie Watts.”
* * * *
As Charlie drove home, he realised that, aside from his brief text, he hadn’t spoken to his parents in two days. They were probably worried, although not worried enough to text or call him. Charlie pulled up in front of his parents’ house. His mind whirled from the events of the past few days—saving Mr Attwal, finding out that he’d be staying on longer due to Mrs B’s heart attack, the disappearance of Ian Mann… Then there was Declan.
He remembered watching him flail about like a child, trying to undress himself. He thought of Declan lying there, nearly naked. He could still see that massive chest rising and falling with each breath. He remembered running his fingers along his abs, like they were the keys of a piano. And…he remembered holding his hand over Declan’s crotch. He could still feel the heat rising from the bulge in his briefs.I wish I’d touched it. It was probably the only time I’ll get a chance. Stupid, stupid, stupid! And now this Luke guy has slept with him. Declan will never be attracted to me—but he kissed me… He said I was cute.
It was all too much. Charlie got out of the car.
He walked to the front door of the house then opened it. The sound of the television came from his grandmother’s room. She was watching a rerun ofCoronation Street.Charlie poked his nose in.
He pointed at the TV. “Ken Barlow sell his house yet?” he asked, in reference to one of the show’s characters.
“Not yet. They’ll stretch that scintillating storyline for the rest of the season,” Gran answered, then smiled.
Their eyes connected for a moment, and her smile withered. “What’s wrong, love? I haven’t seen you in a few days.”
Charlie plopped himself down on the floor beside her, and leaned his head on the arm of her recliner. “It’s my new job. I’m working for a detective.”
“That’s good, isn’t it?”
“I think he’s my Constable Winslow…but I don’t think he sees me.”
Charlie’s grandmother ruffled his hair. “Ah. Have you said anything to him about it?”
“No.”
“Well, give it time. Do something that will make him notice you.”
“I get him coffee, and I got the office security system up and running.”
“No one is going to fall in love with someone because they know how to file.”
