Chad
The sports bar with the red sign above the door. Their names are Mark, Drew, and James.
“You want a beer?” Drew asks.
Briefly checking my phone, I see that John still hasn’t responded, but I also know I have a full day on the farm tomorrow and need to drive home. Plus I’m really hoping John and I can take things even further physically tonight.
“Nah, I’m good. Thanks, though.”
We watch the game, chatting more about hockey while I wait for my food. I’m having a really good time, and I’m glad I decided to stop here for dinner. Daisy sets down a bag with to-go containers in front of me with the check, so I pull out my card and set it down as I hear my new friends say, “Oh shit, what are you doing here?”
I turn toward the door and meet John’s glare.
He brushes them off completely, gaze locked on me. “You get your food?”
“Just waiting to pay,” I confirm. John picks my credit card up off the bill and throws down some cash instead, handing my card back to me. “Come on.”
“You should stop by the farm this week, guys! I’ll be there every day, but we’ve gotta go now!” I wave and smile as John leads me out the door with one hand on my lower back and the other holding my food. “Did you miss me that much?” I ask when we get outside.
“You can’t just hang out with strangers at the bar, Chad,” he mutters, avoiding my question.
“Why not? I live here now. How else am I supposed to make friends?”
John grumbles something incoherent and then asks, “Did you have anything to drink?”
“Only water while I waited,” I answer with a shrug. “They asked if I wanted a beer, but I said no.”
His shoulders seem to relax as he sighs. “Just… just meet me at my house, okay?”
“Okay! I’ll follow you,” I agree easily. I’m not sure what’s up with John’s reaction, but he came all the way to where I was, paid for our dinner, then hurried me along to get to his house faster. I couldn’t be happier as I climb into my car and follow him.
Even though Blake is far away right now, it feels like I’m sneaking around with John while keeping a huge secret fromhim. I wonder if that’s how John feels about Liam. I want to ask him if we can tell people we’re seeing each other now that the wedding is over, but I’m also so nervous with all the rules we have. He said we’re not dating, so I’m guessing that means he isn’t ready to tell anyone.
The second we pull up at John’s house, I’m jumping out of the car. He still has my food and carries it inside as I follow.
“I missed you all day,” I tell him honestly.
“Well, I work all week every week. I can’t just hang out with you,” John reminds me.
“Maybe you could teach me how to do what you do, and I can come on jobs and help? Wouldn’t that be so much fun!” I say, lighting up at the idea.
“You can’t just become an electrician, Princess. It’s a long process with an apprenticeship and?—”
“Ooh, I can beyourapprentice! Add it to the rules of our arrangement,” I suggest, loving that idea. I bet we’d look great with matching tool belts. I’ll have to look into that, but right now, I have other priorities. “So, can we have sex now?”
John pinches his nose as he sets the to-go bag on the counter and lets out a sigh. “What the fuck am I going to do with you?”
“Anything you want,” I answer, waggling my eyebrows.
“Eat,” he instructs, opening the bag and taking my food out. He even places it in front of me.
“Yes, sir.” I sit where he wants me to and nod at the other sandwich. “I didn’t know if you’d be hungry, so I got a second order for you.”
“I ate already,” he dismisses, but he still sits with me.
I smile and take a bite, working on a plan in my head.
“All done,” I announce, pushing the food away.
