Page 26 of Once in a Lifetime, Part 2

Ody’s smile dropped. “Don’t—”

“Max,” he repeated fast.

Ody pointed at him. “Then you’re Buck.”

Mano’s expression went flat.

Ody burst out laughing. “Yeah, Buck. I like that.” He leaned closer, grin widening. “Come on, boy, bring the slippers to your master.”

Mano leaned toward him too. “Say that again.”

“Go fetch something,” Ody said, still amused.

“You fetch something,” Mano snapped. “Chase a stick. That suits you.”

Ody laughed. “You’re getting a little too feral, Buck. You need training.”

“Try it,” Mano shot back. “See how that goes for you.”

The amusement between them lingered, but the mood shifted.

“I really want to see how this ends,” Ody said, quieter now.

Mano’s jaw tightened. “With me training you, pup.”

“Don’t be so sure, tough guy.”

Their eyes stayed locked. A smile lingered on Ody’s lips, while Mano’s gaze narrowed, his expression turning sharp.

“Your ice cream’s gonna melt,” Ody said.

Mano glanced down. It was already dripping over his fingers. He dragged his tongue up the melting ice cream.

Ody went still. Then he leaned in, close enough for his breath to brush Mano’s ear. “When are you gonna lick me like that?”

Mano choked, coughing hard as Ody laughed. He glared at him, eyes burning.

“What? I’ve been waiting forever. And clearly, you’ve got the technique.” Ody’s eyes dropped to his lips.

Mano shoved the ice cream into his hand and stood.

“Hey, where are you going?” Ody laughed. He hurried after him, one cone in each hand. “Mano, come on. Take your ice cream. I’ll behave, promise.”

Mano stopped just long enough to snatch it back, shooting him a murderous look before continuing ahead.

They reached the café and sat across from each other.

“Ody? No way!” A waitress stopped by their table, smiling wide.

“Eva,” Ody grinned. “How long has it been?”

“Too long. Athens really took you away, huh?”

“I know,” he said. “Is Taso around?”

“Yeah, I’ll grab him.” She disappeared inside.

Ody leaned back, looking at Mano. “Old friends.”