Page 76 of One Chance to Stay
“Just stop talking,” Jason groaned. “He’s being cute and inviting you over.” He pushed himself upright, eyes blinking wide, before he shook his head. “Nope. Nope. Bad idea. I’m gonna go sit over there in the corner.”
“We should probably help Simon get him home.” It wouldn’t be the first time I lifted a passed-out man and put him in a taxi. This would be a first for Jason.
“Lightweight,” Seamus said.
Jason slid down the wall. The goofy smile stapled to his face said he wasn’t in any pain. One more tasting and I’d be on the floor, using him as a pillow.
“And after?”
Seamus had a face made for poker. Since I couldn’t read his intentions, I imagined them. It’d start with casual conversation and… nah, I’d be throwing off my boots the moment I walked in the house. I’d have him naked halfway up the stairs, and then we’d cross things off the bucket list until we passed out.
He glanced down at my growing tent.
“Glad we’re on the same page.”
“Is it true?” asked Agatha. She and Gloria had canvas bags hanging from each shoulder. Both clanked as they stopped by the table. How long did they think the snowstorm would last? They had more alcohol than Spectrum on restock night.
“Is what true?” I yammered.
“We’re going to see you tomorrow?” asked Agatha.
“Tomorrow?”
Gloria’s giggle came out more like a cackle. “He reallyissmitten.”
“The bonfire?” asked Agatha.
“Oh. I knew that. I thought…” Nobody would believe whatever lie I came up with. “Will I see you there?”
“You’ll see all of Firefly,” Gloria said. She gave her bag a shake. “Depending on how long we stay up tonight.”
“You’re a terrible influence,” Agatha said. The two continued chirping as they exited Harvest & Wine. “Don’t tucker yourself out, gentlemen.” The Quilting Guild might as well be run by evil masterminds. I made a mental note to never cross those women.
I didn’t want to say goodnight, not without our clothes strewn about his house. The last sleepover had been sweet, and I wouldn’t have changed a thing, but right now, I wanted less than sweet. Unfortunately, duty called. Evelyn would owe me in a big way.
“Can we revisit this conversation tomorrow night?”
I waited for the frown, a grimace, even a downward turned lip. His eyes remained soft, and it made it even harder to resist. He gave a slight nod.
“Evelyn will be pissed if you wear him out.” Both our faces lit up, the blood rushing from my penis to my cheeks. Simon patted me on the back as he headed toward his boyfriend. I wanted to strangle him. Not quite murder, but a vigorous shaking. I guess that meant the cat was officially out of the bag.
“You okay with this?” I whispered.
“Getting there,” he said.
“Seamus, can you give me a hand?” Simon’s head fell back as he let out a loud sigh. “I need help to get a very drunk boyfriend in the car.”
“It’s not my fault,” Jason said.
“Give them a hand, I’ll grab your whiskey. Means you’ll have to come see me tomorrow.” Bribery wasn’t beneath me. “Maybe they won’t be the only thing you take home,” I whispered in his ear. Then I’d be able to surprise him with his very own rhinestone-encrusted flask.
It took two attempts to hoist Jason up. He was drunk enough to be useless, but not so drunk that he didn’t laugh at their attempts. Grabbing their jackets, Jason nearly teetered onto his ass. This is not how I imagined date night ending.
“How long have you two been together?”
I spun about to see Reed with Julie behind him, arms wrapped around his waist. She rested her head on his shoulder. When I didn’t answer, she gave a slight giggle.
“Honey, remember when you looked at me like that?”
