Page 72 of The Bartender Special

It hadn't been horrible.

Truth be told, Jack had laughed more than a few times.

But, with all of that talking, the one thing they never talked about?

The same thing that was making the boxers he was wearing now a bit tight.

Benny. In the kitchen. With his candlestick.

Being attracted to someone? Not a bad thing.

Being attracted to the only other person who knew that their fake relationship had an expiration date?

Probably not a good thing.

Yet, there Jack was, pushing off sleep long enough to think about him.

Benny was cute, sexy, and funny too. He was awkward, constantly worried, and needed to be liked.

He'd also once called Marcus Robertson his soulmate and, no matter what he claimed, that feeling?

Well, Jack couldn't imagine it just simply went away.

Jack sighed into the darkness.

“He must be something special, is all I'm saying.”

Jack couldn't argue that.

He slipped his hand beneath his boxers.

Benny sure was something, all right.

* * *

The morning wasn't hot.

It was a downright bitch.

Benny stepped out onto the front porch and felt like he'd just walked into a steam shower. The temperature was hanging around ninety-seven, but the heat index said it felt like one hundred and two. Benny could say a few words about what it felt like, but he was trying to hold onto some semblance of composure, trying to look unruffled and lightly desirable.

Especially since he was staring at a very-desirable man.

But what he needed?

What he wanted?

Well, that was to go back inside and push some ice cubes down his drawers.

Instead, his gut was going cold while his body was beading with sweat thanks to how Jack had greeted him.

“Cancel your plans for the day, because we're going out on the bay in a really weird double date with Felicity and Marcus, and for some reason, Carol and Ruby are coming too.”

Jack gave him two thumbs up with mock enthusiasm.

Benny made a noise that probably only dogs could hear.

“Come again?” he managed.