Page 50 of Boyfriend of the Hour

He shrugged. “I only laugh when I think things are funny. When I was younger, I used to do it when I thought it was appropriate, but it seemed to make people even more uncomfortable. It’s better this way.”

Curious. Most people would laugh, even if it was just out of awkwardness. Oddly, I kind of liked that Nathan didn’t. It was honest and open. More than most people.

“Fair enough,” I said. “So, what does that have to do with rent?”

He sighed again. “I have an arrangement. With my family. I’d prefer not to go into it. But my parents worry about my socialization when I live alone, so I’ve promised them that I would always have a roommate while I live in New York. Or until I have a significant other to fill that void.”

“So, you want me to, what, fill the void?” I asked.

How fucked up was it that even mad at him again, I still wondered what it would take to fill the “significant other” void in Nathan’s life instead of the roommate one?

What kind of person charmed a man like Nathan Hunt? What kind got to go tobedwith Nathan Hunt?

Down, girl. Not the time.

Nathan shrugged. “In a manner of speaking. You can live here. And if you want, provide instruction on how to be better. With people.”

“Why do you think I can do that?” I was dumbfounded. Of all the things I thought he would ask, this hadn’t even occurred to me.

“You’re terrible at making drinks, Joni. Genuinely awful. It took you three full weeks to get my drink order correct consistently, and I only ever get scotch neat.”

“Gee, thanks,” I said. “And that was sarcasm, in case you missed it.”

Nathan just kept going like I hadn’t spoken. “But no one ever seems to mind because you’re so friendly—or maybe just charming. Your boss doesn’t care, none of the bar patrons ever ask you to redo their beverages, and you still earn excellent tips despite the poor service. It’s obviously because you’re very good with people.”

I perked up. “That’s true. Iamgood with people.” It was one of the few skills I could still claim.

“Well, maybe we help each other, then.” Nathan’s brown eyes softened on the other side of his lenses. “I can help you with aplace to live. You can help me fulfill my promise to my family. Everyone gets what they want.”

“They call that a win-win,” I told him.

He offered another smile that did funny things to my stomach. “Yes, I know that.”

I beamed. “Good. That’s lesson one, then. It’s a…a…what did you call it?”

“An idiom?

I grinned further. “Yeah, that.”

Nathan’s dimple appeared again. He looked like he wanted to laugh but wasn’t sure how. I wanted to hug him.

“Thanks,” he said. “I’ll take notes.”

We stood together in the doorway of my soon-to-be bedroom, like both of us were waiting for the other to speak.

I stuck out a hand for want of something better to do. “All right. Bedroom for friendship lessons. It’s a deal, sir.”

Nathan examined my hand for a moment, then stood up straight and took it in one of his. His paw practically swallowed mine, but his touch was gentle. Especially when his thumb brushed over my knuckles, tracing the bones within.

“It’s a deal,” he repeated softly.

I shivered and moved closer, almost like being tugged on a string.

Nathan’s eyes dropped to my mouth.

Unconsciously, I licked my lips.

Slowly, I started to lean in, but before anything else happened, Nathan cleared his throat and stepped away.