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Who the fuck died and made you aCelebrity Rehabepisode?
I chuckled. “Nah. It’s all under control.” Other than his fifteen heads, which were currently swimming in my vision. “You good?”
“Yes. Good,” he said distractedly, looking around us. “Wanna grab another one downstairs?”
“Another what?” I blinked.
“Drink.”
What was up with this dude? He was a grown-ass man, and not a bad-looking one. I bet he had plenty of lady friends. And buddies he could drink with. Why was he hell bent on humping my leg?
“Rain check.” I started swiveling back toward the door, feeling another headache forming behind my eyelids. “If you couldsmellmy last few hours on my breath, I better call it a day.”
He took another step in my direction, now standing uncomfortably close. I only felt comfortable being so close to people I was interested in putting my dick in. Charlie was in no danger of ever falling into that category.
“I have a proposition for you.” He snickered awkwardly.
“Sorry, pal, I’m as straight as a mummy’s life line.”
“Did you think I ...” Charlie’s eyes flared with horror. “No, no ... just ...no.”
“Why, I’m offended, Charles.” I put a hand to my chest. “I’m sure you’ve seen worse-looking men.”
“You’re a handsome devil indeed.” He took a step back, just in case. “But I don’t swing that way either.”
“How can I help you then?” I was beginning to lose my patience.
He gulped, and I could tell my short attitude was making him wary.
“I’m going to the British Virgin Islands next Friday for two weeks to scout some filming locations, maybe hit a few waves while I’m there. I was supposed to take an old friend of mine, but her daughter gave birth four weeks early today. I have a spare ticket. Thought you could use a little vacay.”
Was he offering me a two-week holiday with him? Could this guy get any weirder?
“I ... uh ...”Could use ditching New York, but not with you.“I have a busy few weeks with work.”
He nodded, his spine shriveling, making him a few inches shorter. I knew he didn’t buy it.
“That makes sense. Just thought I’d put it out there.”
“Thanks, though.”
“Yeah. Sure.”
He ducked toward the stairway, and I didn’t know why, but I felt like the biggest pile of shit known to mankind. There was something broken about this man. What was his deal?
Not your circus, not your monkeys,I reminded myself. See, this was exactly why I didn’t get an apartment or stay anywhere for too long. Getting attached was inevitable. I had to physically stop myself from jogging down the stairs, having a beer with Charlie, and asking him if he was okay. Fuck, even the thought of taking him up on his offer for that trip had crossed my mind before I mentally torched it with gasoline.
Resolute, I turned back to the door and threw it open.
Duffy wasn’t home.
Wherever Duffy was, she didn’t return all night. I knew, because my pathetic self decided to stay up and wait for her. I told myself it was because I was platonically worried for her. And I was. New York was a dangerous place. And who knew if she’d even made it home from the courthouse?
I could’ve texted and asked her where she was. But I didn’t. I wasn’t sure if it was my desire to give her space or my need to prove to myself I didn’t have feelings toward this woman.
At four o’clock, I threw in the towel and passed out. I didn’t wake up until eleven. When I opened my eyes, I was still alone.
Whatever you do, don’t be a dick and check her bedroom.
