Stop acting pitiful and don’t let jealousy eat at you for something you can’t control. Move on and appreciate what you do have…a solid friendship.
Of course, that was easier said than done.
Cam, carrying a full cup of punch, approached Nolan where he stood along the wall and out of the way while people watching.
“They’re pulling keys now,” Cam announced, offering Nolan the cup.
Nolan shook his head. He was already buzzing and didn’t want to get too carried away. Especially when he had no idea how the night would end. “Let me go take my turn then.”
Cam stopped him from heading in that direction by grabbing Nolan’s forearm. “Are you sure you want to hook up with someone you haven’t seen or met first?”
Nolan raised his eyebrows. “You’re the one who suggested it. And I’m sure I’ve already met whoever ends up picking mine. We got up close and personal with a lot of people on that dance floor. Did you throw a key into the bowl, too?”
Cam shook his head. “No, I slipped mine into Hope’s pocket.”
“That outfit has pockets?”
Cam did a double-take, then burst out laughing. The punch had certainly loosened up his former co-worker tonight. It was nice to see him acting more relaxed and easy-going than when they had worked together.
Out of the two of them, Cam had always kept any emotions locked down tight in the past and was more the typical Type A personality when compared to Nolan, who always leaned more toward Type B.
Nolan and Hope had more similar personalities than she and Cam. Since life was short—and could’ve been cut much shorter during their former line of work—Nolan didn’t want to be so unbendable or uptight all the time. He wanted to enjoy life while he lived it. Another reason he wanted to retire earlier than planned.
The job had been turning him bitter. He had wanted to stop that path before it became too late.
When he walked over to the small crowd still gathered around the key bowl, Cam and Hope followed.
As the last of the group reached in one by one, pulled a key, and found their new partner, they immediately headed off to do…whatever, since the party was winding down.
“Am I supposed to pull a key or do I just wait for someone to pull mine?” Nolan asked, barely loud enough to be heard over the music. Thankfully, it wasn’t as deafening as earlier.
“There are only a few keys left and one is yours. See who pulls it,” Cam suggested, stepping behind Nolan and squeezing his shoulders.
Nolan’s stomach churned as he waited for someone to do just that. He’d never been on a blind date nor hooked up with some random stranger before. And while he didn’t mind putting himself out there, he hoped it wasn’t a complete disaster.
Nolan held his breath as the next person stepped up and pulled a key. The male guest held it up and it was clearly marked with Nolan’s initials.
“Well, that isn’t good,” Cam grumbled, stiffening behindNolan and releasing his shoulders. “He’ll have to pull another key.”
“It’s fine,” Nolan assured him. “That was a risk I took when participating.”
Cam stepped around Nolan with his brow furrowed and confusion filling his face. “Nolan…”
Nolan kept his expression blank. “What?”
“You don’t have to do this.”
“It’s a resort based around sexual fantasies. Why wouldn’t I take advantage of it?”
“Because…” Cam shook his head. “It’s another man.”
“I can see that.”
“You’re not gay.”
“You’re right, I’m not,” Nolan confirmed.
“Are you sure you’re okay with this?” Hope asked.
