Operation Makeover by D J Jamison

Author:D J Jamison [Jamison, D J]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2018-10-24T16:00:00+00:00

17

The Italian restaurant was nice, which Cole had remembered. It was also romantic, which he hadn’t. White table clothes draped the round tables, many of which were tucked into alcoves for the illusion of privacy. A small candle flickered at the center of each table, reflecting off the wineglasses.

“Sorry,” Cole said. “Didn’t realize this would be so ... date-like.”

The kiss that got Cole hot under the collar — and other places — made the intimate atmosphere take on more significance than it otherwise might have.

Ridley accepted it with good grace. “I suppose a date is the least I can do to thank you for all your help. I’ll buy dinner tonight.”

“Ridley, it was a favor. Between friends. You don’t owe me anything.”

“Which is why I’m offering, as a token of gratitude,” he replied.

Cole looked at the menu, eyeing the twenty- and thirty-plus-dollar entrees. “You’re sure?”

“I’m sure, Cole. Let me do this.”

Cole nodded, accepting defeat. He also let Ridley coerce him into ordering a glass of Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley, which he gladly let Ridley sample, laughing when Ridley pulled a face after tasting it. The dry wine was a bit advanced for a new wine drinker, but when he suggested a Moscato or white wine for a sweeter flavor, Ridley declined.

“I’ll just stick with water. My dinner will be heavy enough as it is.”

They’d both ordered decadent, creamy pasta. Cole’s included bits of bacon, and he was sure it’d all go straight to his ass and thighs, but he’d happily work it off in the pool at the gym near his apartment. He’d never been one for pounding weights, but he was a swimmer in high school, and it had always been his favorite form of exercise. Well, that and dancing. But he hadn’t gotten out much since he met Travis.

Their “date” was going well. The food was delicious, the mood was intimate, and the company couldn’t be better. Then Cole had to ruin it by mentioning the J word. To his horror, he heard himself ask, “You’ve got the hair and the clothes now. When are you going to make your move with Jace?”

Ridley paused, fork hovering midair before lowering it.

“I don’t know. I don’t feel ready.”

Cole lifted an eyebrow. It was an involuntary reaction, and one Ridley didn’t miss.

He grimaced. “I know. I’ve been waiting my whole life for this, and now I’m just sitting here.”

“Why do you think that is?” Cole asked, not daring to hope that it had anything to do with him.

Ridley took the bite he’d neglected and chewed as he thought. Swallowing, he said, “The thing is, I’ve always been waiting. I was waiting for Jace to notice me, and I guess I always figured he was outgoing enough that if he was interested, he’d let me know.”

Cole bit the inside of his cheek, fighting down the disappointment. He’d known all along that Ridley loved Jace. It was silly to expect his feelings to change just because they’d spent a little time getting to know each other.

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