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Cross My Heart

Page 58

by Darcy Archer

“In a heartbeat.” Tyler laughed at that. “I am prepared to get away with pretty much anything you’re willing to allow. Especially debauchery.” Still, for all his sexy banter, he seemed troubled by something he wouldn’t share.

Josh kept his foot on the gas and eyes on the road for home, excited to take his man out properly. Best to let Tyler find the words when the time was right.

They pulled up to the house, and Josh took his time locking the truck. By the time he reached the door, Tyler already had it open and ushered him into the empty living room.

Josh looked around. “Nadia’s still on her call?”

Tyler glanced across at her office door. “Probably.” He unbuckled his belt.

“Then you better get a move on.”

“That’s what I was thinking.” Tyler smiled slowly as he pulled the belt free and popped the top button on his jeans. “I’m pretty dirty.”

“So”—Josh refused to take the bait—“take a shower.”

Tyler skinned out of his shirt and leaned against the arch. “What if I need help washing my back? Or my front.”

“Well, God gave you giant hands for a reason. You’ll manage.” Josh shook his head and bent his face to the cat’s exploratory sniffing. “Besides, I think Mr. Poops needs to tell me something important.”

“I may be a while. I feel extra filthy.” Tyler undid more buttons. Now his tighty-whities were showing, and his hand traced the top of them idly. “You want to come help?”

“Tyler, if we get wet now, we’ll never make it out the door.”

Tyler kicked off his jeans where he stood, revealing a whole lot of rippling muscle and bulging briefs. “I’ll be good.”

“Then I’ll be better. Go wash.” Josh blinked and looked back at the cat before he did something foolish.

Tyler groaned and left. “Evil,” he said.

To his credit, Tyler was showered and changed in less than ten minutes. When he emerged, the sight of him in jeans and a burgundy button-down shirt stole Josh’s breath. “Presentable?”

Josh didn’t trust himself to speak, so he just nodded.

“Hey…. We could stay in. You want a shower? I still feel dirty as hell.”

“Tyler.” Turning before he said anything dumb, Josh led the way back outside.

Tyler jogged to catch up with him. “Just so you know… I’m wearing those briefs you liked under this.” He kissed Josh’s surprised face, then hopped into the passenger seat.

“Now who’s evil?”

“Don’t look at me. I’m nice. I’m the nice one tonight.” Tyler kissed Josh’s hand and put it on top of his packed zipper.

Josh let himself feel the full heft of him before snatching his hand back. “Rude.”

“Maybe. But if I were being evil, we would not be wearing pants. Where are you taking me?”

Josh laughed and swatted at him. “To a kennel.”

“Oh, honey… we’re eating dogs?”

“No, nutjob, you are a dog. We’re eating Greek.” Josh pulled away from the curb. “Mediterranean diet still in effect, yes? I mean, you’re healthy for now, but let’s keep you that way.”

Saganaki was the only Greek food in town, and Josh figured it was healthy enough for Tyler. He’d made the reservations while Tyler cleaned up.

When they arrived, the place was cuter than he’d expected. And mostly empty. Maybe four booths and twelve tables.

“Mr. Fantana! Such an honor.” A squat dark man with a gigantic mustache barreled toward them. “This is my restaurant. I am the owner, Stavros. I had no idea. We’re most honored, sir.”