Page 17 of Coming Clean

They finished the tour ofthe second floor and went on to the third. By the time theyfinished, Jeremy was seriously impressed. How had he and Sabrinadone so much so fast? “You should write a book of cleaning secrets.I’d love to know how to clean the whole house thisfast.”

“It did take most of theday,” Connor pointed out.

“Yeah, but look at theplace.”

“I’m glad you’re pleased.”Connor smiled widely enough to show dimples.

Jeremy could think of manymore ways Connor could please him. When they returned to the firstfloor, Sabrina was heading out the door with her supplies in hand.“It was nice to meet you,” she said. “Hopefully I’ll see youagain.”

“Nice meeting you too.”Jeremy usually said the phrase as a rote response but this time hemean it sincerely. “Have a good weekend.”

“I will. A friend and I aregoing to see A Midsummer Night’sDream tomorrow night at theamphitheater.”

“Oh, that’s my favoriteShakespeare play.” Jeremy couldn’t believe he hadn’t realized itwas on this summer’s performance calendar.

“Then come with us,” shesuggested.

“Sabrina.” There was awarning in Connor’s tone.

“What? He just moved here.I’m trying to be nice.”

“I only moved from BlackMountain, but I appreciate the offer.” And for once, Jeremy reallydid.

“We tried to get Connor tocome but he claims he doesn’t understand Shakespeare.” She held herhand up to her mouth and stage whispered to Jeremy. “He’s not asdumb as he likes to pretend, though.”

“You should try it,Connor,” Jeremy insisted.

Connor shook his head.“It’s not my thing.”

“Shakespeare isn’t meant tobe some lofty thing for the intelligentsia. In his day, the playswere just regular, everyday entertainment, like asitcom.”

Connor frowned. “But itdoesn’t make any sense. All those weird words, and the rhyming andshit.”

“I teach Shakespeare. Ipromise I could help you understand it.”

“You mean you’re going togo?” Connor asked.

“I would if you wanted someinsight.” Jeremy realized how presumptuous he sounded, probablyexactly what Connor expected of a snooty professor.

“If you promise to make itinteresting, I’ll go.” Connor looked oddly shy, his cheekspink.

Jeremy would be willing tomake the evening very interesting indeed, but he doubted Connorwould go for that. He should have told Sabrina he already hadplans. Connor wasn’t just hot, he was intriguing, and Jeremy couldeasily fall for him. That would be a big mistake. “Um…”

“Chickening out?” Connorasked. “Realizing maybe not everyone gets Shakespeare?”

Connor knew exactly how toget to him. “Absolutely not. The only people who don’t getShakespeare are people who haven’t been introduced to itproperly.”

“And you’re the man to dothat?”

Jeremy could introduce himto a whole new world. “I am.” The words came out low, husky. Jeremyhadn’t meant them to, but instead of the odd look he expected fromConnor, the man simply stared at his lips, eyes wide.Oh, fuck.

Sabrina cleared her throatand Jeremy looked her way, glad for the distraction. “So both youboys will be joining us then?”

“Um…” Connor lookedeverywhere but at Jeremy.

“Yes,” Jeremyreplied.

Sabrina beamed. “Perfect.The show starts at seven but you need to get there early, like six,to get a good seat. I always bring a picnic and have dinner therewhile I wait.”