Page 44

“She did. She said I needed to know how to cook something.” Michael tossed the empty packets and carton into the plastic bag. “Have you heard from Jamie?”

“Lately? Yes.”Why lie?“He stopped by with information about the community center. He seemed to think it would be best for the LGBT center. Why?”

“I passed him on the road.” Michael shied away from Tristan. “He likes you. That’s why he’s going out of his way to help.”

“He doesn’t seem to like you.” Tristan stopped Michael and turned off the burner. “Why?”

“Let’s eat.” Michael turned his back on Tristan. “Where are the plates?”

“In the cupboard,” Tristan said. “Nice diversion, by the way, but it won’t work. What is it about Jamie that makes you tense?”

“Nothing.”

“Right.” He ducked around Michael, forcing Michael to look at him. “I spilled my guts. Now it’s your turn.”

“There’s nothing to tell. He hates me.” Michael folded his arms. “Plain and simple.”

“Why?” He refused to let Michael off the hook just yet.

“You really want to know?” Michael shook his head. Before Tristan could answer, Michael did. “I turned him down.”

“Are you serious?” He hadn’t meant to blurt that. “He’s got an attitude because he was turned down?”

“Don’t act shocked. It wasn’t my brightest move, but I don’t regret it.” Michael tugged plates from the cupboard. “How much do you want?”

“I’ll get it. Thanks.” Tristan took the plates from Michael. “I’m shocked because he’s pushy. Whether you’re not smart for what you did is debatable. I think it was a good move. You’re not a viable pair because he’d steamroll you. You deserve to be cherished and he seems like he just wants a score.”

“He does.” Michael balled his hands. “You like him. Don’t you?”

“I’m attracted to him, but his attitude sucks. It drives me crazy.” Tristan embraced Michael. “I like simple people and my drama in my books—not my life. I like you. You’re too cute for words and have the sexiest dick.”

Michael shook his head, but didn’t say anything.

“What?”

“You’ll get sick of me. You’ll move on,” Michael whispered.

“Don’t be so sure.” Now that he had Michael in his arms, he wasn’t about to let go without a fight. Giving his heart away wasn’t his style, but he’d practically offered it right up to Michael. Yeah, he’d found his soul mate. Now to convince Michael they belonged together for more than a few weeks.