Page 72 of A Hard Sell

Luka pushed open the door to the Bitter Exchange and froze.Shit. This is weird.

Thomas stumbled into him. “What are you… Oh.”

They gaped at the formerly dingy pub, now transformed into a pink and red wonderland of hearts and crepe paper streamers. Balloons bobbed from every surface.

“I…” Luka was at a loss for words.Jesus. I brought Thomas here on Valentine’s Day.“This is…unexpected.”

Thomas burst out laughing. “Yeah.” He gestured forward. “Shall we?”

Luka laughed too, the awkwardness melting away. “After you.”

They made their way to the bar where Kazio was glowering.

“Happy Valentine’s Day, Kazio,” Luka said, taking a seat on a stool. “I have to say—”

“Yes, yes, I know,” Kazio interrupted. “Tasha thought it would be funny.”

Luka and Thomas shared a grin. “It is pretty funny.”

Kazio sighed. “Bloody Mary?”

“I don’t know,” Luka said thoughtfully, studying the chalkboard above. “Got any Valentine’s Day drink specials?”

Kazio glared at him while Thomas snickered. “A Bloody Mary is red, isn’t it?”

After they got their drinks, they found a small table in the middle of the room. The place was busy, with other patrons equally confused by the decorations. Luka pushed the balloon bouquet aside so he could see Thomas.

“Well, cheers,” Luka offered, clinking glasses.

“Cheers.”

They each took a drink.

“So…it’s great that you get to stay longer,” Luka ventured, trying to sound offhand.

“Mmm.” Thomas placed his glass on the coaster and turned it so it was square with the table. “And now I won’t miss your show.”

Of course that’s the thing he’d be happy about. So sweet.“I guess you don’t normally stay in one place so long?”

Thomas shook his head, then looked up. His eyes were molten. Luka’s stomach jumped.

“I need to thank you, Luka.”

“Thank me? For what?”

Thomas tilted his head. “For many things. Your incredible work, first of all. But mostly, your friendship. I don’t really have any friends, and it’s been nice, having someone to talk to and hang out with.” He folded his hands. “So thank you.”

His stomach in his throat, Luka reached across the table and squeezed Thomas’ arm. “You don’t need to thank me. I like being your friend.”

Thomas cleared his throat, then picked up his drink. He took a long gulp, then wiped one finger at the corner of his mouth.

Fuck.Luka licked his lips, wanting, with every fiber of his being, to suck that finger.He’s your friend,he told himself as Thomas smiled at him.He’s your friend.

He is yourfriend.

His head, heart and dick were at war and, frankly, it was fucking exhausting.

The only solution was to order another drink and engage Thomas in a game. “So. Here’s my question. How many people here legitimately wanted to go on a date for Valentine’s Day, and how many are distinctlynoton a date, came here to avoid the whole thing and are now stuck in Cupid’s lair?”

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