Page 33 of Tobias

“Because we’re us,” Luca says, leaving out theduh. “We had to know who he was before he came here and took over the bar.”

“So, you stalked him?”

“That’s a harsh word.” Benton frowns.

“Yeah, Tobias. It was just research.” Luca grins, but he knows what he did was stalking.

My phone buzzes, pulling my attention. I check it, and it’s a notification from Foxy’s for a date from someone named Roger. I accept it, then tuck my phone into my pocket.

“So, how’s your boyfriend?” I look up and meet Nathanial’s chocolate brown eyes. They’re such a contrast to his light brown hair.

“He’s not my boyfriend.”

“Uh-huh…” He takes up the seat on the other side of me, so I swing my stool to look at him. He isn’t going to let this go until I give him some info.

“He was a client,” I explain.

“But you brought him here.”

I nod. “He’s… struggling with some things.”

“His sexuality, I assume.” I smile but don’t respond. There isn’t a rule against sharing this sort of information with people, but it’s rude. “That man likes dick.”

I huff out a laugh. “Oh, don’t I know it?”

“Doesheknow it?”

“Yeah, I think he does.”

He nods carefully. “You like him.”

“I just said he’s a client.”

“That you brought here…”

“Am I having Deja vu?”

Nathanial chuckles, reaching for the drink Pete just brought him and taking a sip. He puts the glass down after taking a long sip from the two small straws, staring at it for a long moment before darting his eyes towards me.

“Can I ask you something without you getting upset?”

“I could never get upset with you, Nathanial.”

And that’s true. Nathanial has a special place in my heart. Without being offensive, he’s like the lost little puppy you find out in the rain. Even when he pees on your floor, you can’t be mad about it. He means no harm, he's just unapologetically himself.

“Except that one time…”

“I miss that shirt,” I argue, finishing my drink. Pete is already dropping me off another.

“It was a contest, Tobias. And you didn’t get it off quick enough,” Nathanial argues.

“You didn’t have to tear it open.”

“What can I say? Those abs are hot.” He runs his hand over my stomach, and I chuckle.

“Ask your question,” I say with a huff.

“Do you plan on being a professional date forever, or will you settle down again?”

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