They stacked the dirty dishes and pushed them aside. Elliot picked up the remote. “Want to watch a movie?”
“Sure.”
“What do you like?”
“I don’t get the chance to go out, so anything’s good. Something light—definitely not any cops and robbers or heavy action. I live that every day.”
A pucker formed on Elliot’s forehead. “Really? You don’t have to say that.”
“I’m not. Whatever you want.”
Elliot chewed his lip. “Okay.”
He put on a romantic comedy, and Win recalled seeing it with Kevin years earlier. He’d fallen asleep during the first half, but this time he vowed to stay awake.
He managed to keep his eyes open, but only barely…and then Elliot was shaking him by the shoulder.
“Hey, Win? Wake up.”
“I am. Sorry, just a little beat. Long day.” He yawned and rubbed his eyes. Elliot sat beside him. “I swore I wouldn’t do this.”
“I understand. As long as you weren’t bored.”
Elliot’s smile was sweet, and Win didn’t think before reaching for him. “Impossible. Who could be bored with you around?” Elliot leaned forward, and their mouths met. Pleasure bloomed through Win, and he fisted Elliot’s T-shirt and dragged him close…closer…until his head spun. He pushed his tongue into Elliot’s mouth, desire surging when Elliot sucked on it. Every nerve ending fired at the sexy little sounds coming from Elliot, and Win kissed him deeper, thinking about Elliot naked and breathless under him. Hard as a rock, Win kissed Elliot again, seconds away from free-falling and crashing.
Shit. He was losing control without setting the rules first.
With a restraint he didn’t often use, Win pulled away from Elliot’s soft, clinging lips. “Wait. I-I think we should talk.”
“Talk is overrated.” Eyes glazed, chest heaving, Elliot swallowed. “I like what we were doing better.”
His palm cupped Elliot’s chin. “I agree, but I still need to.” He scooted away, putting some necessary distance between them. “I like you.”
A smile lit up Elliot’s face. “That’s good. I like you too.”
“Hold that thought. Because I think we can help each other. From what you’ve said, you’ve had trouble with guys using you. And you said you fall too hard, too quickly. And I’m not looking for a relationship.”
Elliot’s glow faded. “Oh. So…I’m not sure what you’re talking about.”
“What I’m talking about is me liking you and you liking me. Having fun together without it getting serious.”
“In other words, being a booty call. Whenever you want sex, you call.” Hurt replaced desire in Elliot’s eyes.
That made his proposal sound crass, which hadn’t been his intention. “No, because we can also hang out without having sex. Go to lunch, dinner, and so on. Think of it as friends with benefits. I like you, and I think you’re a sweet, fun guy.”
“Yay me.” Elliot twirled a finger in the air. “I’m sweet and fun. I guess I should be thankful you didn’t add in the kiss of death and call me nice.”
“There’s nothing wrong with being nice, Elliot. I spend most of my days chasing the bad guys. You don’t want to be like them.”
Eyes cast downward, Elliot shrugged. “Maybe not like them, but I’m tired of being predictable and everyone assuming I’m always going to act a certain way.”
“Maybe that’s something you can work on and I can help you with.” Wanting the heat of Elliot’s mouth again, Win kissed him until his resolve to keep it light wavered and he whispered, “Let’s be unpredictable together.”
