4. Rourke
Chapter four
Rourke
I couldn’t believe I walked away from Colin like that in the club. Granted, I was already pissy because I hadn’t wanted to go and let a friend talk me into it. Maybe not even a great friend, but I wanted to get out of the house. The construction was almost finished, but it was still entirely too chaotic. I wanted it done before Christmas, though I didn’t know why. It wasn’t like I would be doing anything special. I’d call the family up north, but that was it. Damn, I was pathetic.
Regardless, I couldn’t leave things with Colin like that, thinking I was a total jerk. I wasn’t even sure why I cared so much, but I liked him. He was sweet. Maybe not innocent, but perhaps na?ve. At least for some things. And it seemed like he was trying to find someone to solve his problems. He had to figure that out on his own, but I could help. Or at least go out with him. Daddy-instincts engage!
I was ridiculous. But later that next morning, I called around to find his number. Which was next to impossible. Nobody knew who he was. Except Vic, but I wasn’t calling that douche. So, I did the next best thing. I called Braxton. Afterglow was closed for remodeling, but I’d bet money he had Andy’s number along with his other regulars.
“Oh, yeah. Andy’s not a member, but he’s around a lot. I know who he is.”
“I figured you would. I’d appreciate his phone number. I’m trying to get a hold of a friend of his.”
“Sure. Phone numbers are okay to release. I’ll text it to you. It’ll take me a minute or two to dig it up.”
“Thanks, Braxton.”
“No problem. But I expect to see you when Afterglow reopens!”
“Absolutely.” That would be an event to attend for sure. “Looking forward to it.” Braxton had lined up a few new investors to make the necessary changes to the club. And I think it helped him a lot, emotionally too. He actually sounded happy for a change. I was glad to hear that.
But I was happier when the text came through, and I immediately called Andy.
“Hello?” He sounded confused.
“This is Rourke. Rourke Lazarus.”
“Oh! Rourke. Wh-What are you calling me for? You sure you’re calling the right Andy? This is Andy Drake?”
“Is this the Andy with the cute friend, Colin Turtle?”
“Uh…yeah. It is?” He sounded unsure.
“I want to get a hold of Colin. I didn’t like how I left things at the club last night.”
“Club? Last night?” Now, he sounded completely confused.
“You did go to the Underground with Colin last night, didn’t you?”
“Uh…yes, sir. But, but, I, uh, didn’t know you were there.”
Andy sometimes subbed for people. Some I knew. He was well-liked in the community, though I personally thought he could be overdramatic. Also, if he didn’t know I was there, it meant Colin hadn’t told him. And I felt bad for that. “Yes. I was. And I wasn’t very nice to our boy. So. You going to give me his number?”
“Yes, sir. But he’s at work. I gave him an extra shift today.”
“When is it over?”
“One.”
“Perfect. Text me his number, and I’ll call him after one.”
“Suure…”
“Thanks.”
Then I waited. Impatiently.
I stormed around the house under the guise of checking out the work being done. I didn’t actually give a fuck what the contractors were doing, but I needed something to occupy my time. Until I could call Colin.
That boy was already getting under my skin. And I didn’t seem to mind. I was pretty sure he was interested in me too. But something was holding him back, and I sure hoped it wasn’t my reputation. I would find out one way or another.
I walked back to the pool house and changed into swim trunks, still needing to kill a little more time. The pool was being tiled, but the hot tub on the far side was operational, so I got in. A good soak would do me good. But I couldn’t have been in more than five minutes before I got out again. I took a shower and sat on the sofa, staring at my phone. The second the time changed to one, I pulled up Andy’s text and tapped Colin’s number.
It rang. And rang. I was probably calling too soon. I left a message. “Hey. This is Rourke Lazarus. I got your number from Andy. I didn’t like the way I left things last night, and I want to talk to you. I’ll call back in about fifteen minutes.”
Then, more impatient waiting. This was killing me. If he was already messing with my head like this, would he be too much for me to handle? Nah.
I saved his number into my phone.
Fifteen minutes later, I called again.
“Hello. This is Colin.” His voice practically purred. Or maybe that was only me reading into things.
“Hi, Colin. It’s Rourke.”
“I figured. From your voicemail. I was cleaning up. At work. You know?”
“Yes, Andy told me you were off at one.”
“Goes late sometimes.”
“Mmm…indeed.” He was quiet after that. “I don’t like the way I left you like that last night. I didn’t want you to take it personally. I was in a bad mood that had nothing to do with you.”
“Yeah. Figured something like that. It didn’t seem your kind of place. You know?”
“It isn’t. But you didn’t seem comfortable there either. Though, you looked good.” I closed my eyes, remembering the fancy top he wore that teased a peek at what was beneath but didn’t deliver. And his long hair pulled in front of his shoulder on one side. I would so like to get my hands in all those silky strands.
“Oh, thanks, but yeah. I didn’t have a good time. I…don’t like clubs. And I don’t like dressing up. Honestly, you may not want to know this, but I’d prefer gym shorts or jeans and a baggy tee.”
“Colin, I want to know everything about you. And I mean the real you. Not the toy you let Andy dress you up as.”
“Yeah. I think I’m done with that but…”
“But what?”
“Never mind. Anyway, I’m not mad at you or anything. But I have a lot to do this afternoon.”
“Oh, okay. I understand, but when are you off next? I’d like to take you to dinner.”
Silence.
“Colin?”
“I, uh, yeah, sure. That would be fun. I’m off tomorrow, so dinner tonight would be great. Do you want to meet somewhere?” He was adorable. Meet somewhere. As if.
“No, I want to pick you up. Let’s say seven to avoid the traffic.” In Tampa, afternoon traffic was a real thing. “Give me your address.”
“Oh, uh. Do you know where Andy lives? You can pick me up there.”
“No, I don’t. But if you feel better about me picking you up there, that’s fine. Send me his address.” I couldn’t imagine why he wouldn’t let me pick him up at home. “You don’t have anything going on with Andy, do you? I was under the impression that you were just friends.”
“No, no. Nothing like that. We’re only friends for sure.”
When he didn’t offer any other explanation, I made a mental note to find out what was going on with him. In person. “Great. Text me the address, and I’ll be there at six thirty.”
“Uh, you said seven.”
“Did I?” I knew I had, but I couldn’t wait to see him. “But six thirty works, right?”
He exhaled loudly. “It does. That’s fine. Don’t come earlier though, or I won’t be there. See you tonight.” Then he clicked off.
Well, my boy had some spunk in him after all. Good to know.