“Tell you what?”
“Whatever it is you’re not telling me.”
“I don’t know what you mean.” Patrick walked into the booth and began organizing merchandise that wasn’t out of order.
Brian followed. “I’ve known you too long, Patrick. You can’t hide stuff from me.”
“I’m not hiding anything.”
“Swear.”
“What?” Patrick turned around to find Brian holding out a Bible, a grin on his face. “I’m not swearing on the Bible.”
“So, there is something.”
“No.”
“Tellme,” he whined.
Patrick chuckled. “Good Lord, you’re annoying.”
Brian smiled at him sweetly. He wasn’t drop-dead gorgeous, but Patrick found him uniquely cute. He often wondered why God hadn’t orchestrated a romance between them. They were perfect for one another. Both devoted to God and living a “godly” life.
Unlike Derek.
Maybe it wasn’t fair to make a judgment call on Derek, as he just met him, but Patrick was almost certain he knew exactly what Derek wanted from him—knew it from the moment he looked in his eyes.
So, why did you agree to go out with him?
Patrick had no answer. Or maybe he did, and just didn’t want to admit it.Temptation.It was so sneaky. A person could be going along strong, walking the straight and narrow with confidence, unwavering—and suddenly get blindsided. No warning. One minute on your feet and the next lying face down in the dirt with no idea how you got there.
So, hurry and get up, dust off—and turn down the date when he calls.
When he calls? He wouldn’t. Patrick had seen the look on his face. If he knew there would be no sex between him and Patrick—he would cancel the date. Hadn’t he already—by leaving without so much as mentioning it again?
It’s better if he doesn’t call. Pray that he doesn’t.
“Earth to Patrick.” Brian snapped his fingers in his face.
Patrick blinked. “Huh?”
“You were about to tell me something.”
“I was?”
“Yes.” Brian smiled.
He wouldn’t give up until Patrick gave himsomething.Patrick didn’t make a habit of lying to Brian—or anyone—so he told him the truth. “The guy who ran into me and spilled my soda… we hung out for a few minutes and talked. That’s all. Nothing exciting.”
Brian squinted, studying his face. “Hm. Are you sure that’s all? ’Cause you kind of got thisglowabout you.” He pressed his lips together. “How cute was he?”
Patrick groaned and rolled his eyes. “I don’t know. Average cute.”Thatwasn’t the truth. Derekwasdrop-dead gorgeous.
“You going to see him again?”
“What?” Patrick laughed but it sounded hollow to his own ears. “I talked to him for like a second.” For an instant, Patrick was back there, walking and talking with Derek. Why had this guy made him feel so good? He was a total stranger—out cruising forsex.If he’d run into some other cute boy, he would’ve reacted the same, come on to him the same. Patrick wasn’t special, he was justthere.
So, why are you smiling?He quickly pulled back the smile, but it was too late.
