Page 77 of Honorable Convictions
“Wait for me,” Noah demanded.
Pierson’s eyes met Mitchell’s, and he sent him a silent apology. Not up to a raucous gathering, he needed to recharge his social batteries. “Count me out, but I hope you guys have fun.”
“Are you sure you won’t come?” Mitchell asked, and although Pierson recognized the pleading in his gaze, there’d be other opportunities for him to grab beers with their coworkers.
“Sorry, I have plans,” Pierson said. The only truth to his statement was a date with a glass of wine, but he didn’t know how else to let them down without wounding feelings or fracturing any of the gentle new sprouts of friendship.
“Oh, what’re you up to tonight?” Mitchell asked, making Pierson wish he could kill him. His mate damn well knew Pierson had nothing truly planned, and now he had to come up with something stupid to do because the other fallen knights might catch him in a lie. Or perhaps he didn’t, and he might possibly irritate the man eyeing him with victory.
“There’s that new romance movie out tonight. I’m going to see it,” Pierson responded and had to bite his lip not to laugh at the wounded puppy look Mitchell gave him. They’d talked about watching it together, and Pierson had done his homework earlier to sketch out a fun night that he was going to suggest for Saturday, but the jerk had pinned him in a corner.
“The historical one?” Sophia asked.
“That two-hour-plus piece of shit the entertainment industry is forcing on us?” Noah demanded.
“Yes, it’s being shown nearby at a theatre with dining,” Pierson calmly responded while Mitchell nearly pouted.
“Are you going with a group?” Sophia asked. “Or shit…like a date or something?”
“No, I’m going alone.”
“Do you mind if I tag along? I’d love to watch it, and grabbing dinner together would be fun.”
Mitchell’s mouth was barely visible as he seethed, but he’d been the one to push Pierson into making plans. “Sure, we can go together. Would you like to meet at the theater?”
“Absolutely.”
“Are you seriously going to ditch us for a movie with Murphy?” Noah demanded.
“Yep, see you guys later,” Sophia retorted. “I need to get home to walk my dog and give him dinner before the movie. Have a great weekend, everybody.”
“I need to go too, enjoy Redmilla’s,” Pierson said.
“Let’s get the hell out of here,” Noah remarked.
“Would you please get laid or something? Your attitude is working my last nerve, Cavendish,” Mitchell commented.
“Sorry I’d rather spend my Friday night having a few drinks than watching some movie peddling a lie about romance and happily ever after.”
“I can’t wait for his mate to show up and kick his ass,” Peter interjected. “Have fun, Pierson. Text me to let me know how the movie is. It’s on my wish list, too.”
“I’ll do that.”
“Mine too, Malcolmson. Maybe we could go together,” Mitchell commented with a pointed look at Pierson, who was trying his best to move past the Juris Knights to get out of the building.
Peter laughed. “I don’t think you should be taking me. That boyfriend of yours might want to go to a romance with you. Is he coming tonight?”
“No, he has plans with a friend,” Mitchell replied. Pierson rolled his eyes as he finally edged past the group and headed for the door. Although he was going to hear plenty about his evening’s entertainment later, Pierson was confident he’d find a way to make it up to him.
∞∞∞
There was enough alcohol swimming through Mitchell’s system to make him floaty but not drunk as he waved his identification card over the lock of his front door. His senses automatically sought out Pierson, and he was pleased that his other half was already home. Feeling cherished simply because Pierson had left the foyer light on for him, Mitchell coasted his way to the bedroom but frowned when he found it unlit.
Although it was after midnight, he’d hoped Pierson would still be up. Being a fallen knight had many advantages, including excellent night vision, so Mitchell didn’t bother turning on a lamp as he stripped off his clothes and let them carelessly fall to the floor. Once naked, he climbed into bed and enjoyed the feel of silk on his skin.
His hands instinctively sought out his cuddling partner. “Why do you have clothes on?” he shouted into the darkness, making the body next to him jump. “Oops, sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you.”
There was a curse; then Mitchell had to ease forward as Pierson moved away. A second later, brightness filled the room, and Pierson rolled onto his butt. “Why the hell are you yelling?”
