Page 15 of Absent Without Leave
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Jake follows Aiden down the stairs and they stroll casually into the bar. They don’t touch, they’re not holding hands, they don’t even exchange a glance as Aiden goes behind the bar to speak with Rick. Jake takes a stool at the end of the bar.
A lovely redhead takes the seat next to him. “Hi.”
“Hi,” he says and smiles. She’s a woman on a mission, and he’s going to have to dash her hopes. She looks familiar, though. Red hair, big blue eyes. Ah. “You related to the Thompsons?”
She smiles and nods. “How’d you know?”
“Very distinctive eyes. I met your brother, I think, about a month ago and saw your sister a few days after that.”
“Oh.” She holds out a hand. “I’m Leah. Younger than Rachel, older than Ben.”
“Nice to meet you, Leah. I’m Jake.”
“Have we met? You look familiar. Are you a friend of Aiden’s?”
“You could say that. I graduated the year after Aiden. Played on the baseball team in high school.”
“Hey, you ready?” asks Aiden, joining them, but still not touching.
This weekend, they’re going to do a lot of touching, both in and out of bed.
“Got my shifts covered. Hey, Leah.”
She’s looking from one to the other, resignation bringing a twist to her lips. “So when I said friend, really, you’re boyfriends?”
Aiden beams and Jake likes the way that sounds, and he definitely likes the way Aiden looks.
“Barely, but yeah,” says Aiden.
“You gay men are gonna be the death of my love life. First Scott and now Jake.” But she winks and smiles. “Congrats, Aiden. I’m glad you found someone.”
“Thanks, Leah. You will too.” Aiden hugs her and she disappears into the crowd.
Jake swivels on his stool and tugs Aiden into the vee of his legs by his belt loops. Aiden rests his hands on the curve of Jake’s shoulders. “I’m ready whenever you are.”
“What the hell?”
Aiden jumps but doesn’t turn around. “Sean, go away.”
“I’d heard Jake was back. Didn’t really think he had the guts to show his face back in this bar after what he did to you, Aiden.”
Aiden pivots and faces his brother. “Despite your interference, what he did to me is none of your business, Sean. Kindly get the hell out.”
Jake hears a soft thud and glances back to see a handled pint glass sitting next to him. He nods in Rick’s direction. “Here’s your beer, babe,” Jake says, handing the glass to Aiden.
Sean’s face turns a mottled Pepto Bismal color.
“Thanks, but I…” His eyes widen in realization, and he takes the glass and a sip.
“Tell me something, Sean,” says Jake. “What did I ever do to you that was so awful that you had to show up at Aiden’s apartment that night?”
“What?” Sean gapes. “N-nothing. I was trying to protect Aiden. After what Joe did, he…I—”
“That’s complete and utter bullshit, Sean,” says Aiden, tracing the edge of the glass with his forefinger. “So, what, did you have a crush on Jake back in high school, and you’re pissed because he wants me now?”
“Fuck you. I’m not gay and you know it.”
