Page 52 of Addiction

“Ten.”

He hops off the treatment bed, making his way toward me. “Five. Four. Three. Two.”

“I’m in.”

He chuckles. “Down to the last second.”

“Absolutely. But are you sure you’re okay with this?”

“I wouldn’t be asking if I wasn’t.”

Excitement races through my body, and the biggest grin spreads across my face. It’s not house calls and driving out in the community, but it’s a massive step up from working at the clinic. Most importantly I’ll be working alongside Asher. “Okay. Then I’m definitely in.”

He holds out his hand. “Pleasure doing business with you, Mr. Johnson.”

“You too.” I take his hand and, instead of shaking it, I pull him in for a hug. The move surprises us both, but the second I feel him close, his arms instantly lock around my body.

“Thank you, Asher. Working in a place that has been developed in Pete’s memory and being around his family is everything. You have no idea what this means to me.”

“I think I have an idea,” he says, pulling back to look at me.

“What are you doing now? Fancy heading to Hot Tuna for a bite to eat?”

“Sounds good.” He nods to my waist and grins. “You might want to lose the tutu.”

“But I like wearing it. And you did say I look pretty.” I take the tips of the fabric between my fingers and do a little curtsy, causing Asher’s grin to widen as he steps away.

“Lose it or you’re going on your own.”

“That’s mean,” I protest, taking it off and placing it in the box at the side of the treatment bed. “Didn’t you know that gay men love glitter and sparkles?”

He clears his throat. “I wouldn’t know.”

As he heads out without me, I grab my cell and car keys, smiling to myself because life feels pretty good right now.

* * *

“Well, if it isn’t my two favorite people,” Mark says, entering Hot Tuna.

Asher and I are sitting at the bar, talking to Grayson who is on the other side while Ryan is busy serving other customers.

“And which two is that because there’re three of us,” Grayson asks.

“You and Wade. Asher is just… well Asher.”

“Dickhead,” Asher mutters.

“Aww, I’m sorry. Did I hurt your feelings?” Mark mocks, wrapping his arm around Asher’s neck and rubbing his knuckles into his hair.

“I’ll hurt you in a minute if you don’t get the fuck off me.”

“Big man talk, huh? I can still throw a punch remember.”

“So you keep saying. Although, I’m yet to see you try.”

“I don’t need to try; I’ll bring you down if I have to,” Mark teases, tweaking Asher’s nipple and causing him to flinch.

“You kids done yet?” Grayson asks.