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Matt grins, amused by my wording. “Well, then maybe you should really define the relationship? Sex is good, you like him, you enjoy spending time with him... maybe you invite him for a date and see what he does?” he asks as if it’s the easiest and most obvious thing in the world. He’s one to talk, considering how many mistakes he made just because he didn’t want to openly tell Cassian how he felt.

“What if it weirds him out though? What if I am just a hook-up?” I squeeze a napkin, not at all soothed by the smooth jazz playing at the cafe.

I’m also all too aware that Matt isn’t the sharpest tool in the box, but unlike the many other acquaintances I have, he’s genuine, and cares for me. I can vent to him, and even if I take his advice with a grain of salt, he could come up with something great and out of the box.

Matt sighs and gives my foot a gentle poke under the table before shoving the last macaroon my way. “I mean... best to know early, right? So you can still have fun without getting too attached. But you know you deserve more than being someone’s booty call.”

I take a deep breath. “Okay. So, let’s say I want to invite him for a date. When you still dated girls, how did you go about it? Where would I take him? To the cinema?”

“Depends on the girl. If I didn’t know her well, probably out to dinner, or something, but if I knew she’s fine being alone with me, I’d probably take her out on a hike, or invite her to do something I’m good at. You know, to make a good impression.”

I grab Matt’s hand, struck with an idea. “Matt! You’re a genius! And you’re right. Why shouldn’t I invite him? We’re both guys. Why would I wait around like some dainty flower? I’ll take him horse riding. He hasn’t even met Snowley.”

My friend’s smile is wide and genuine, which means that my idea is fantastic. “Oh man, that’s great! You look real graceful on horseback too. That’ll throw him to your feet. Wear those tight riding pants, and you’re golden.” He leans in and taps my phone. “Come on, do it.”

I sit a bit taller and choose his number, but then go blank. How do I do this? “How about… ‘Would you allow me the pleasure of your company—’”

Matt’s face looks as if he’s bitten into a lemon.

I dump my phone back on the table in frustration. “Maybe this is a dumb idea.”

“No!” He rises and walks up to me, to grab my shoulders from behind like a coach about to give a pep talk to a boxer. “This is a great idea, just make it sound casual. You know? The point is to see if he wants to spend some time with you even when you two can’t fuck.”

I take a deep breath, and the massage is helping, so I make my second attempt. “Okay, more casual. ‘Hey, I was thinking we could do something else today. How about I pick you up after work?’” I glance up at Matt for either approval or a thumbs down. “I’m saying I’ll pick him up to show agency,” I add.

“Very good,” Matt says and squeezes my shoulders. “When he answers, tell him to bring comfortable clothes and shoes. It’ll create intrigue, but don’t tell him what it is. Then, dude meets your horse, and boom! Mind. Blown.” Matt adds the appropriate gestures next to his head as I send the message, sitting on pins and needles.

Matt goes back to his seat and steals the last macaroon after all while I sit there, staring at my phone while my stomach twists into knots. I shouldn’t expect instant responses every time. After all, Vex is a tattoo artist and might be working on a customer, but can’t luck be on my side the one time I choose to make myself vulnerable?

I stop breathing when I see that he’s typing, but when his response arrives, I’m like a pierced balloon, gradually losing air.

[I have a big commission first thing in the morning. It was a bit last minute, but it’s a famous person, so I want to accommodate them. Need to work on the design after I’m done in the studio, sorry.]

Matt’s eyes go wide at my expression. “Uh-oh… What is it?” he asks with his mouth full.

“He can’t. He’s got work stuff,” I grumble. I know I’m acting like a petulant child, but even though I believe that he needs to work tonight, it still feels like an excuse to not go out with me.

“What kind of work stuff?” Matt asks, but when I explain, he looks me in the eyes, as if he’d seduced hundreds of men already. “No, he is going with you today. Doesn’t have to be a long date. Don’t give up so easily. We need to tempt him.”

Maybe Matt’s right. Maybe I need to fight for it a bit more. Problem is… I’m not sure how.

“But he’s got the design to do…”

Matt spreads his arms. “So? He can work on it after your date. Or in the morning. What do you care? You are a prime piece of man and he’s lucky that you want to take him out. Let him figure it out. I know what to do. Come with me.” He gets up and gestures at me.

I’m confused, flattered, and still a bit upset, but I follow him.

Levi is behind the counter, but while he’s talking on the phone, he follows the two of us with his gaze. I pretend not to see it, but can’t help the sense of being accused of things I most definitely don’t intend to do in the disabled restroom.

Because that’s exactly where Matt’s leading me.

He steps in first, as if he doesn’t want any of the patrons to see us going inside together, but it’s hopeless, since the door is visible to half the cafe.

I shuffle inside as fast as possible. “Matt. I’m not joking. I’m not gonna let you hurt me just so I can send him a text that I need him to come help me.”

Matt stares at me in shock.

“I would never,” he protests, locking the small room. “We should just send him a tempting photo, so he knows what he might be missing out on!”