Chapter 12 #2
Truth be told, Jack had laughed more than a few times.
But, with all of that talking, the one thing they never talked about?
The same thing that was making the boxers he was wearing now a bit tight.
Benny. In the kitchen. With his candlestick.
Being attracted to someone? Not a bad thing.
Being attracted to the only other person who knew that their fake relationship had an expiration date?
Probably not a good thing.
Yet, there Jack was, pushing off sleep long enough to think about him.
Benny was cute, sexy, and funny too. He was awkward, constantly worried, and needed to be liked.
He'd also once called Marcus Robertson his soulmate and, no matter what he claimed, that feeling?
Well, Jack couldn't imagine it just simply went away.
Jack sighed into the darkness.
“He must be something special, is all I'm saying.”
Jack couldn't argue that.
He slipped his hand beneath his boxers.
Benny sure was something, all right.
* * *
The morning wasn't hot.
It was a downright bitch.
Benny stepped out onto the front porch and felt like he'd just walked into a steam shower.
The temperature was hanging around ninety-seven, but the heat index said it felt like one hundred and two.
Benny could say a few words about what it felt like, but he was trying to hold onto some semblance of composure, trying to look unruffled and lightly desirable.
Especially since he was staring at a very-desirable man.
But what he needed?
What he wanted?
Well, that was to go back inside and push some ice cubes down his drawers.
Instead, his gut was going cold while his body was beading with sweat thanks to how Jack had greeted him.
“Cancel your plans for the day, because we're going out on the bay in a really weird double date with Felicity and Marcus, and for some reason, Carol and Ruby are coming too.”
Jack gave him two thumbs up with mock enthusiasm.
Benny made a noise that probably only dogs could hear.
“Come again?” he managed.
Jack's fake cheer disappeared as he went past him and into the house.
“Those damn Robertsons, I swear.” He muttered it under his breath. “I went to the store so Dixon could look at tampons—don't ask—and the next thing I know, your boy Marcus has me cornered in the shampoo aisle.”
Benny was glad for the AC again but still felt hot hurrying after Jack into the kitchen.
Callum was already out of the house doing something with Justus, so he didn't have to remind Jack to keep his grumpiness down.
If they wanted their shenanigans to work, he'd definitely need to stop saying stuff like “your boy Marcus.”
Jack threw his hands up and did a loud, long grumble.
“I used to be able to walk around town no problem, but now I step foot anywhere near Main and everyone wants a piece of me.” He turned to face him.
“Us, I mean. They want us to go hang out on their boat with them. Heaven forbid they actually come to the bar and do it. But, Marcus said it would be nice to hang out in the sun before we get the life drained from us during the festival.”
“And you said yes. Before asking me. Again.”
The bartender had the good sense to look somewhat apologetic.
“What can I say? I now officially believe in the Robertson charm. It and all its steamrolling glory.”
Benny felt his eyes narrow.
And felt no humor whatsoever.
“I had things to do today. Important things,” he pointed out.
“I don't have time to go boating with Queen Bee and your ex on the bay.
We don't have the time. There's still the last coat of paint at Roger's, making a party plan for the bar, making a plan for the parade, and—” He threw his hands up.
“Oh my God! The pageant! I keep forgetting that we're in it! Did I tell you that the mayor wants to meet us tomorrow afternoon? Holy shit sticks, Jack!” Benny dragged his hands down the sides of his face as panic rocketed through him. “We don’t have time to go boating with the mother flipping Robertsons!”
Jack sure had a set of brass ones on him.
He actually chuckled.
“Listen, it's not that bad,” he tried. “They'll probably have fancy beer and snacks and want to leave after an hour because they don't want their precious skin to burn.
Before then? Why don't we use the time to see if we can't get the scoop on what they're doing for the parade and pageant?
See how over the top they're planning on going so we can figure out how to be better than them. Then you and I can talk strategy.” He paused. “What do you say?”
Benny would have been nervous to go out with Marcus by himself. Add in Carol and her lackey Ruby, Felicity, and then Jack?
Benny definitely wasn't inclined to say yes.
Jack must have seen that.
He smirked.
“Think about it this way…” Jack pushed off of the counter and sauntered—actually sauntered—toward him. Benny fought the urge to reverse. Jack leaned over when he was close enough to make the biggest splash.
Jack’s voice went husky.
“We go to this thing, and you get to see me shirtless this time.”
Benny didn’t say it then, but he sure did think it.
Boating didn’t seem that bad anymore.