Art sniggers, and I have no idea why I thought these guys would help. “I hate you both.”
Art and Griffin both offer to take me out that night, but I refuse because apparently, I’d prefer to torture myself. So instead of heading out with them to a gay bar and picking up, I go home, shower, then change into sweats and hesitate over a shirt. Beau sees me shirtless a lot, and I sort of want Lee to catch Beau checking me out like I often do, but … my damn conscience wins. I tug a T-shirt over my head and cross the hall to Beau’s room.
He’s staring into space, button-up shirt hanging open, and I let my gaze roam down his wide torso, lingering on the light hair that runs from his stomach down into his pants.
When it comes to Beau, there’s something there. But feeling a certain way and acting on it are two different things. It’s not fair on Beau for me to mention I’m interested when I can’t commit to anything.
Would it have been different?
If I’d known Beau had feelings back then, before dickweed, would I be happy now? Or would we have ended anyway? Would I have even looked at Beau like that when he was Marty’s friend?
I’m not someone who likes regrets, which is just another reason why the end of my relationship hit so hard. All that wasted time and emotional investment spent on someone who didn’t deserve it.
I don’t for a second believe Beau wouldn’t though.
But Kyle was the same in the beginning, so who knows?
And Lee’s the one who gets to be Beau’s focus tonight, so I need to suck it up and shut up about it.
I knock on Beau’s door, finally catching his attention.
“You’re still. I think it’s a miracle.”
He lets out a self-deprecating laugh. “Lost in thought.”
“Everything okay?”
“Yep.” His voice does that thing where it gets louder when he’s trying to be convincing. “I’m not sure whether I should have the shirt on yet or not. He’s picking me up in half an hour. Will I break out in a nervous sweat between now and then? There’s a high chance.”
“You’re nervous?” I’m not expecting that since Beau hasn’t appeared all that thrilled by the upcoming date.
“Yes, but I’m always nervous when I’m faced with a night of peopling with near strangers.”
“I thought you and Lee have been texting?”
“We have, but—” He shakes his head.
“But?”
Beau forces a smile that is fake as shit. “No buts. Tonight will be fine.” He buttons up his shirt, and I farewell the view.
Once he’s dressed, I plant my hands on his shoulders and steer him from the room. “You need a shot to relax.”
“Yeah, that sounds perfect, actually.”
We do a shot of scotch each, and Beau pours out a second, but I take it before he can. The burn is just what I need, and when I open my eyes to find the flat look he’s giving me, I taunt him.
“Tastes good.”
“You’re not the one who needs to calm down though.”
“Maybe not,” I agree. “But we want you relaxed, not loose. Don’t give up the goods too easily.”
He hums but doesn’t answer, which is annoying. Even though I have no right to know what his plans are or even if they do end up hooking up. I still want to tell him not to though. The thought of Lee touching him makes me want to break something.
There’s a knock at the door.
“Shit.” Beau checks his phone. “He’s early.”
“Pushy fucker.”
“No, no. It’s fine.” But Beau’s face is a splotchy pink. “I’m not even ready yet.”
“You go, I’ll let him in.”
“Okay, thanks.”
Beau darts into the hall, and I frown after him for a moment. The nervousness, him wanting to look good …
I set my jaw and move to open the front door.
And fuck a duck in a pickup truck, Lee looks good. His hair is styled, and he’s dressed in a polished way I could never pull off. The friendly expression is what really pisses me off though.
“Hi, Payne. I’m here to pick up Beau.” He glances hopefully over my shoulder, and I cross my arms, then lean against the doorframe.
“Leeroy, right?”
“Just Lee.”
“Oh, yeah, the dude from Marty’s.” I take my time to look him over, making sure my expression gets more and more unimpressed the farther I look.
I’d never thought I could be a dick like this, but hey, it’s coming surprisingly easily.
Lee shifts. “Can you let Beau know I’m here?”
“He knows. He’ll be out soon.”
“Ah. Can I wait inside for him?”
“Nope.” I don’t offer more than that. But, hey, if I can throw Lee off his game, Beau will look like a Disney prince in comparison to my attitude. “So, where are you taking Bo-Bo?”
Lee tries to hide his annoyance with me, which further supports this nice theory everyone keeps throwing around. “Dinner and a movie. Then maybe a walk along the boardwalk.”
“Wow. How long did it take you to come up with that?” Because of course the weather is perfect for their date.
I see the exact moment he works out that I’m fucking with him, but it’s not like he can call me on it. Not without knowing whether Beau values my opinion or not.
He shrugs, going for casual. “Good food, a dark cinema, and starlight.” His grin catches me off guard. “It hasn’t failed me yet.”
Beau’s bedroom door closes, and a minute later, I hear him walking up behind me. My glare is locked on Lee, and his stare is challenging me to say something.
“Sorry, I wasn’t ready,” Beau says when he joins us.
“Of course you weren’t.” I point out. “That’s what happens when people are early.”
“I’m early when I’m excited.” Damn, he’s smooth. Everything from his words to his soft smile.
Beau turns to me. “Why didn’t you invite him in?”
“I did. He said he was more comfortable out there.” Let’s see him get out of that one.
Lee’s mask doesn’t slip though. “I didn’t want to encroach on your space without you being the one to invite me in.”
“Oh.” Beau looks flustered. I hate it. “That’s … considerate.”
“You want to let my date past, buddy?” Lee asks.
I reluctantly step to the side so Beau can leave, and Lee immediately leans in to kiss him on the cheek.
“You look incredible.”
“Ah, thanks.” After a few seconds, Beau’s eyes shoot wide. “And you too. You look good as well. Sorry. Sometimes my brain just stops working and … umm, yeah.” He laughs awkwardly, sneaking a glance back at me. “You don’t have to … you know.”
Hover. Be here. I rest against the side of the door. “I’m good.”
“It’s fine anyway,” Lee says, and I track his hand as it comes to rest on Beau’s lower back. “We were leaving.”
Beau nods. “See you later, Payne.”
I stand there, watching them walk down the hallway, knowing I shouldn’t have interfered but also knowing I couldn’t have held back.