Not that it’s any of my business,Ryker repeated to himself for the tenth time.
Then there was another picture of him withAshton Langley, the CEO of PrideAtlanta.They were sitting togetherat dinner, laughing and drinking wine.
Only a week ago that was me, laughing anddrinking wine with Wes.And then we kissed.
Ryker’s phone pinged, and he glanced downhopefully.When he saw Javier’s name, his mood soured again.Hemissed Wes’s fun and flirty texts.Stupid.Admonishing himself forsuch ridiculous behavior, he willfully ignored his heart’s truth.He rubbed his chest absently in the hopes of making the strangeache in it go away.Feeling this needy and wanting was fucking withhis head.He needed a diversion.
Javier:Hey, we still on for tonight at5:30?
Ryker:Yup, meet you at the Gambit.I’llgrab a booth near the back of the bar.
Javier:Sounds perfect, can’twait.
Good thing he was going to get somemuch-needed relief tonight.He’d agreed to meet up with a man namedHenry at the same pub around eight.He would get his mind off Wesand focused on someone else.A good sexual release, and all wouldbe right again in Ryker’s world.
A quick shower later, Ryker changed intodark jeans and a plain black t-shirt.He decided to leave his hairin a ponytail, then added eyeliner.
Before he left, he made one important phonecall.It went to voicemail.
“Hey, Cal, it’s me.Just checking to see ifyou’re okay.Call or text me when you get this, doesn’t matter whattime.Later, bud.”
After taking Spock for a walk, he fed thefur babies and was on his way.He arrived at the pub early andgrabbed the last booth at the back, motioning to the waitress.
“Hey, I’ll have a pint of the Devil’s Kissand two food menus, please,” he said.
“Sure thing,” she replied.
Ryker waved when he saw Javier enter,dressed up in slacks and a nice button-down.They both ordered thebacon cheeseburger and fries, then chatted for a bit about thelatest rescues at the shelter and the upcoming benefit.
Ryker leaned forward.“Look, I know you meanwell, but large events are not my thing.I get anxious in bigcrowds, and small talk with strangers is like tiny talk to me.Justthinking about it is making me twitch.”
Javier smiled and reached out to touchRyker’s hand.“But everyone from the shelter will be there.Itwon’t be like you’re with total strangers.As your date, I’d bethere with you.”
Ryker interrupted.“Javier, you seem like agreat guy, but I’m not interested in you that way.I like you, as afriend, but that’s it.I don’t do romantic relationships.Trust me,you’re better off.I’ve got baggage you don’t want to open.”Rykerpulled his hand away and rubbed his bracelets.
Javier shook his head.“Everyone hasbaggage, Ry.You know, we could just hook up, keep it casual.”
“That’s not what you’re looking for.If itwas, you’d have suggested it the first time we met.”Ryker pausedand let out a big sigh.
Javier nodded.“True.Well, I still hopeyou’ll attend the event.We’d love to have you there.”
“I’ll think about it and let you know.”Ryker rubbed his hand over his face.
“Are you okay?”
“I’m not sleeping well this week.”
“You mean since Wes left?”
“Yes.I mean, no!”Ryker paused and took adeep breath.“Yes, since then, but not because of Wes leaving.Insomnia is common for me.It’s been a stressful week,” Rykerbabbled, his face flushed.
“I see.”Javier smiled slowly.“Well, I’mgoing to take off.How much do I owe you?”
Ryker waved him off, picking up the bill.“I’ve got it.”
“Thanks for dinner.I’ll see you nextMonday, per usual.”
Ryker nodded.“Have a good night,Javier.”
