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Christian cocked his head before turning his attention back to the computer. After a moment, he nodded. “Yeah, looks like Wednesday would be best. If I move things around a bit, Tuesday and Thursday will be a bit stuffed, but we could get out two hours early if we wanted. Why?”

David reminded himself silently that there was nothing wrong with what he was going to say.

David hummed. “Well, I’ve been thinking, considering what you did for me.”

Christian interrupted. “I told you, don’t worry about it.”

“But I am worried about it, and you’ll like it.”

“Is that an order?”

David continued as though he hadn’t been asked that. “It’s going to be tricky to find a way to pay you back that won’t get you all...puffy.”

“I do not puff.”

“But I think a good start would be treating you to what I hope is a good meal, with what I know are some good drinks.”

Christian’s prepared protest stopped short, and he looked quizzically at David. “Wait, dinner?”

David chuckled. “Yes. At my home, Wednesday night?”

“Are you cooking?”

“Believe it or not, I’m pretty good in the kitchen when I want to be...and have the time. I can make you something delicious, and you can come over and enjoy yourself.”

Christian stared at him for so long David began second-guessing himself. He’d been pretty sure it was aperfectly reasonable offer without sounding inappropriate or presumptuous. He didn’t think it was either since, quite frankly, he didn’t know if there was anything to presume. David quickly reminded himself that even if there was something to presume, nothing would happen.

Just a nice dinner.

Christian’s face broke into a wide grin. “Alright, I can agree to that.”

“Please, don’t let me twist your arm,” David said dryly.

Christian opened his mouth, then closed it with a snicker. “I’m not responding to that.”

“Why?” David asked suspiciously.

“Because I’m not getting accused of sexual harassment in the workplace.”

David couldn’t help but widen his eyes, which made Christian laugh even harder.

“I’m kidding, c’mon. I would love to come over to your place and have dinner. But I’d rather do it because you want to, not because you feel obligated,” Christian told him.

Was that the reason behind his initial hesitation? David couldn’t help his scoff.

“I don’t invite people home very often, and if I felt like I needed to give you something, it wouldn’t be a visit to my home. Truly, I’m grateful for what you did, and I would like to do something nice in return, even if you’ll only allow this one small thing.”

Christian smiled in a way David thought was coy. “Okay. What time?”

“Would eight work for you? It’ll give me time to get home, start cooking, and have everything ready,” David offered.

“Eight it is.”

“Good.” David smiled, delighted at how pleased Christian was.

It was only dinner.

CHRISTIAN