Page 9 of Quid Pro Beau

I am certain that’s not what he’s doing and I’m just a dirty, horny little horndog. So before I can ask him for any number of the sexual favors currently scrolling through my brain, I just blurt out, “Not that I can think of.” Then I smile.

“Well, think on it and let me know. Should we,” he holds his hand out with his phone there, “exchange numbers or whatever?”

“Oh yeah, great idea.” I hand him my phone and it dings just as he hands it back to me.

“Now you have my phone number. Feel free to save it under ‘handsome devil’ or ‘the hot one,’” he says.

I laugh. “Sounds good. I’ll see you tomorrow, I guess.”

“Definitely. Have a good night, Daisy.” He glances at the dog. “Keep her safe, Mouse.” Then he turns and leaves.

chapter five

Beau

ROMEO: This motherfucker.

EVAN: Who?

ROMEO:

ME: Fuck you. Quit taking pictures of me, you stalker.

LIAM: Heh. What did he do?

ROMEO: Left his motherfucking dog with Daisy.

EVAN: Oh shit, you scared me. I thought this was our regular group chat. I take it we’re keeping this from Flynn?

ME: Nothing to keep from him. Daisy said she was feeling nervous being in a new town, so I left Mouse there to keep her safe.

LIAM: You just gave her your dog.

ME: Technically, she doesn’t know Mouse is my dog.

ROMEO: This oughta be good.

ME: I didn’t lie. Mouse hated it at the sanctuary.

EVAN: It’s why you adopted him. To get him away from all the noise.

ME: Exactly. Now Daisy is doing the same.

LIAM: You are an idiot.

ME: I don’t see how. I left her with a guard dog. It’s not like she would have taken him in the cabin if I’d just offered her my dog.

LIAM: Right. Because that’s fucking weird.

ME: Whatever. End justifies the means.

ROMEO: What end are you hoping for here, brother?

ME: Just being friendly and offering our buddy’s sister a way for her to feel safe. You guys are making this a big deal.

I am one hundred percent lying to myself. I know this. But I still think I made the right choice.

LIAM: Pretty sure you’re just lying to yourself.