two-by-four. “Is that why you came last night?”
Tucker gasped. “No. I don’t pay my debts with my body. How can you ask that?”
“Then what are you getting at?” Gerome pulled away, wondering what he had been missing.
“Nothing. I was just saying thank you.” Tucker stared at him. “Why would you think there would be anything else?”
“Because everyone wants something,” Gerome said.
Tucker glared at him and then smacked him on the shoulder.
“What?”
“Sometimes you are such an ass,” Tucker said with a smile. “I said the same thing about you, and now you can’t accept that I would be nice to you without wanting something in return.” Tucker climbed out of the bed and began gathering his clothes.
Gerome hesitated, trying to discern whether Tucker was angry. Normally he wouldn’t care. He found himself watching his body language and his lips, but they were no help.
“Do you want breakfast?” Gerome asked.
“It’s late, and you’re right. I need to check on Cheryl to make sure she’s ready for work. I’m watching Joshie today, and there will be things that she’s going to need.” He pulled on his pants and tugged his shirt over his head.
Gerome climbed out of the bed, not bothering with his clothes, and stopped Tucker by hugging him tightly. He didn’t apologize, because he wasn’t sure if he should, if he needed to, if Tucker wanted him to. Dammit, he felt like a fucking teenager on a first date, and it sucked big-time. Tucker turned in his embrace. “Stop by after you’re done with work if you like.”
“I will,” Tucker promised and kissed him. Hopefully Gerome had his answer. “I’ll see you later.” He patted Gerome’s butt as he stepped away. “Damn, are you made of rocks?”
Gerome chuckled and struck a pose, flexing his arms and shoulders. He did it to be funny, but Tucker stared a second and licked his lips. Then he left the room, and Gerome shook his head, making his way to the bathroom to start his day.
“GEROME!” TUCKER called just as Gerome stepped out of the shower. He grabbed a towel and raced, dripping, into the living room.
“What is it? What’s wrong?” He was ready for action, even in only a towel.
“Bobby Ramone is out in front. I saw him on the sidewalk.” Tucker went to the window, and Gerome pulled him back. He peered outside but didn’t see anyone.
“He isn’t there now.” Gerome wasn’t sure what to say. “You stay inside with the doors locked and call me right away if you see or hear anything. Don’t open the door for anyone, and I’ll check things out on my way to work.”
He didn’t like this at all. It made sense that Bobby would continue to hunt Tucker down. Losing that brick of money was going to drive him crazy. It was stupid of him to have asked Tucker to try to retrieve it, and Tucker should have turned away from the offer, but it had been too tempting. Gerome understood that.
“Okay. Will you see that Cheryl gets to work okay?”
Gerome nodded. “I need to leave in half an hour. I can drive her in.”
“Thank you,” Tucker said softly. “Ummm….” He swallowed and his eyes widened. “You’re practically naked.” His cheeks grew red. “There isn’t enough time, though….”
“Not that you didn’t see everything last night,” Gerome teased. “I should go get dressed.”
“You don’t have to. If you went into work like that, the ladies would be beating a path to your door.”
Gerome chuckled as he left the room. “And so would the police. Somehow I don’t think wearing a towel is appropriate outdoor dress.” Still, he was fully aware of Tucker. He left the room before he could rip off the towel and show Tucker just how much he liked the idea of staying here with him.
Dressing didn’t take long, and he walked Tucker back across the hall. He made sure Cheryl was ready and left with her.
Gerome watched carefully as they turned out of the parking lot, but he didn’t see anyone hanging around. He hoped Tucker’s imagination wasn’t running away with him.
“Are you ready for this?” Gerome asked.
Cheryl nodded, her leg bouncing. “It’s been a while. It will be nice to make some money again. I hope I look okay. Richard didn’t say what I should wear, and I tried for something similar to the way Andi was dressed, but I don’t have very much, and… well, it’s clean. I guess that’s the most important thing.” She was clearly really nervous.
“Richard is a good