says, “I love you, and I want this to be the best time of your life. But … if he does anything to hurt you, I’ll inflict so much pain on him, he will wish he was never born.”
“Easy killer, he is a good man, and I don’t see him hurting me intentionally.”
“You are right. Besides, all you need to do is rock his word, and he won’t know what hit him.”
Damon did say I rocked his world and that gave me confidence to be reckless. “I already did that.”
Em looks up and shakes her head. “Will you be back by Sunday?”
“That or Monday. I don’t have school on Monday, but I have work, so we’ll see. I’ll text you over the weekend when I come up for air.”
“You may never come up for air. Damon doesn’t seem like the breathing type.” She winks and leaves for her room.
I pack for the weekend before I climb into bed. Like every night before, I check my phone before turning out the lights and find a message from Damon.
Bring the red scarf.
Yours,
Damon
Holy smokes, he wants the scarf. I jump up, grab it, and shove it into my bag. The thought of him and that scarf sends heat through my veins. Groaning, I fluff my pillow and throw myself into it. A long and sleepless night awaits.
Chapter Eighteen
I find another dozen roses and a lunchbox waiting on my desk. The card on the flowers only says, “Beautiful” on it.
The lunchbox stumps me. I open it and find a sandwich, chips, an apple, and a soda. At the bottom of the box is a cherry Tootsie Pop and a note that says:
For your oral fixation.
Damon
“That’s quite a friend you have there. Where can I sign up?” Trevor is like a bad rash, showing up when I least expect him, and impossible to get rid of.
“I’m not discussing my private life with you. Go read a book if you want dirt and smut. In fact, try Bound. You may enjoy it.”
“I read it and loved it. I like the section on—”
I cover my ears. “Lalalalalala, I don’t want to know.” My brain can’t fill with thoughts of Trevor and his lover when I want to imagine Damon.
“We need to get you hooked up with someone. You spend too much time trying to live vicariously through the fantasy life you’ve created for me.”
“I know, girl. I’ve been high and dry for far too long. Maybe I’ll hook up with someone on the opening night of Ahz. There will be a smorgasbord of eligible men, and I can’t wait.” He licks his lips provocatively.
I laugh at him because he’s funny, but he’s also smart and kind. Trevor has been a good mentor and friend, but he’s lonely and looking for love like the rest of us. He has to work on his game.
“Trevor, how do other men know you’re gay? I didn’t pick up on it until you wanted to put the moves on Damon. Where do you meet men?”
“There are clubs and online dating sites, but they get old. I’m not looking for a one-night stand. I’m looking for the one.”
“It’s tough these days. So many people are happy with a casual hook-up. My mom used to say men wouldn’t buy the cow if the milk was free. I get that, but don’t you want to try the milk to make sure it’s good? Anyway, I believe the perfect person will come along when the time is right. It seems to happen when you least expect it.”
“Do you think Damon’s the one?” He waggles his perfectly groomed brows.
“Argh, you’re impossible. Always prying. Always probing. I’ll say this: he’s an amazing man, and for me, he’s the one for right now. Now stop pestering me so I can call a man about a band.”
The rest of the morning, I track down information about the likes and dislikes of Reluctant Capitalists. I reach their manager, who was helpful but brief. The only thing he said is the band likes single malt whiskey, preferably Redbreast 12 Year or Bushmills 16, and light beer on tap.
I talk to the event planner from their last concert who says the band prefers a private bartender and waitstaff on hand. They like cashmere blankets and down pillows for resting before and after the show. As for food, they were flexible, but she got the impression they like unique foods. The Kogi food truck comes to mind and would be the perfect catering option.