“Fine.” Jude sensed her disgruntled mood and decided to leave her to it. “I’m going to walk the dog.”
The fluffy terror circled around and around in the hallway, and when he picked up the leash, she began to bark.
“All right, come on. Just a quick one tonight.”
Foxy paraded down the street as if she owned it, did her business daintily, then gazed across at the coffee shop he’d taken her to for her drink.
“Not tonight, monster. I’m hungry.”
Once he returned her to Edith’s place and reassured himself the elderly lady was settled in for the night, Jude left them. He changed clothes, ate his sad dinner of a turkey sandwich, and without giving himself time to think, pocketed his keys and cell phone and left the building.
The streets were a little less crowded than when he came home from work as it was dinnertime, and the sidewalk cafés were full. Meandering along Prince Street, he debated stopping in at a few to see some familiar faces, even if they were only the bartenders. He might refuse to admit his loneliness to anyone else, but he couldn’t fool himself. Maybe he could connect with someone this time.
But instead, his steps took him to Sixth Avenue, and before he knew it, he stood on the corner of Charlton.
“You’re an idiot,” he muttered to himself, and as if to prove his point, he walked down Charlton Street, wondering which apartment Mason was looking at. The block consisted of apartment buildings alongside some pretty brick town homes. How could Mason afford the rent?
He didn’t have to wait long. The front door to one of the apartment buildings opened, and Mason walked out with an extremely good-looking man around his age.
As if he had something to hide, Jude faced away from them, but their conversation, thanks to Mason’s enthusiasm, was loud enough for half the block to hear.
“It’s great. I love it.”
“Excellent. And I’m sure you’ll love it being so close to work.”
“Yeah, I’m hoping that continues, but even if it doesn’t, I have other prospects.”
“I’m not surprised. You don’t look like someone who waits around for anyone to make up their mind.”
“When I see something I like, I go for it.”
“Does that include people?”
Jude’s jaw tightened, and his breathing grew short.
“What do you mean?”
“How about dinner this weekend? I’d love to go out and get to know you better.”
I bet you would, Slick. You want to know what he’s like under you.
“Sure, cool.”
“I’ve got your number, so I’ll give you a call. And I’ll tell the owner you’re all set. All I have to do is run your credit check and talk to your references. You gave me two.”
“Yeah. Try Warren first, but if he’s unreachable, Jude Staubman is my current boss.”
“Sounds good. Talk to you soon, and hopefully I’ll see you this weekend.”
“Bye.”
Their footsteps grew faint, and Jude expelled a breath.
“Were you going to let me know you were here, or did you plan to slink away?”
Jude nearly jumped out of his skin at the sound of Mason’s voice at his shoulder. Schooling his features, he turned to face Mason. The quizzical look in those honey-gold eyes reflected the light of the setting sun, capturing him with their beauty.
“Wh-what? What’re you talking about, slinking away?”
