In response, Enrico's demeanor became less challenging and more apologetic. "Sorry. What happened confused me."
Mitch couldn't believe what he was saying. "It confused you?" he snapped. Then he realized what he just admitted and he took a deep, trembling breath. There shouldn't be any confusion. None of this should be happening.
His tone conciliatory, Enrico told him, "I wasn't trying to do anything bad. Sometimes you just want to see what will happen, if there will be a spark or a bonfire. And I guess I just wanted to know what it would be like to kiss you."
His simple confession shook Mitch inside. "But you have no right," he breathed, feeling too hot.
"You kissed me too," Enrico said evenly, like it was a simple, undeniable fact.
And it was, but Mitch still tried to justify it. "I was just..."
"Confused," Enrico finished for him.
"Reacting," Mitch said. Talking to Enrico was so frustrating. Mitch didn't know how to regain control of this conversation, set some boundaries.
"I don't know what you're worried about? We're alone now and I haven't done a thing," Enrico pointed out with a shrug.
Mitch glared at him. "Don't make it sound like I'm afraid of you. Look, we need to work together. Can I count on you to be professional?"
"Yes," Enrico said dourly. "I would never want to push you into doing something you end up regretting. I was acting out of pure selfishness."
Mitch groaned. "So you think you could seduce me any time you want, but you're generously letting me off the hook?"
"I didn't say that," Enrico said and looked at Mitch like he was crazy and hearing things.
"Fine. Let's call a truce," Mitch said. He felt like a draw was the best he was likely to get from Enrico.
Just as he was throwing up his hands, Sammy came thumping on the porch planks, all of which were now fixed.
"Rico, are you gonna eat dinner with us?" she asked.
"No, sorry. I have work to do at the café," Enrico told her, sounding perfectly sensible all of a sudden.
Sammy accepted his answer with a sad pout. "OK."
To cheer her up, Enrico asked, "Should I say hi to everybody over there for you?"
"Yes, and for Natalie and Veronica too," she said.
"OK. Consider it done," Enrico told her then he eyed Mitch. "I'll see you Monday."
"Sure," Mitch told him then he remembered. "Wait. You need a ride."
"I'll walk to Grandma's and take her car into town," he said as he headed out.
"Are you sure? I don't mind giving you a ride," Mitch called after him. He wanted to make sure Enrico knew that.
Turning to walk backwards for a few steps, Enrico shot him a quick smile and waved as he made his way down the driveway.
Watching him go Mitch wasn't sure if their talk really resolved anything. That might have been because Mitch knew Enrico wasn't the problem. He was.
That night alone in his bed proved it. His night was all sweat drenched sheets and endless dreams of Enrico hard and slick in his arms, kissing him, riding him, not letting him get a moment's rest.
Chapter 10
During the weekend Rico went to see his parents. That was kind of an ordeal but it wasn't all bad. He did worry that he missed Mitch so much.
Mitch was just a guy he worked with. He shouldn't be wishing for the weekend to end so he could see him again.
