Page 34 of Killer Notes

“You don’t need to—” he abruptly stops, sniffs, and mumbles, “Raspberry.”

Then my stomach emits a loud gurgling sound.

Why not just fart in front of the man, too?

“Danny.” The restrained way he says my name has me swallowing hard.

“I’m sorry for fighting with you. Now I need to eat,” I say, before rushing back inside the house. Fleeing could be construed as cowardice, but I don’t care. I apologized, and the topic of Siles is now open for discussion. I hope I can keep the food down while talking about that fucker.

The wordeatmust be a trigger for Saint, because he barrels in after me, tail wagging, and tongue hanging out like he knows he’s going to get a treat from me.

“Danny.” Tobias steps inside and slides the screen door closed.

“Ask any questions, and I’ll answer them,” I quickly say as I pull out deli meat, since it’s now closer to lunch time. “Want some? I’m making a sandwich and I—”

“Please stop. Come and talk to me,” he says, interrupting my ramblings. Tobias takes my hand and leads me to the couch. His touch is warm and gentle.

Okay, I can do this.Just rip off the band aid, Danny. Feel the pain and then move on.

I’m nervous about talking up the past, and it doesn’t help that Tobias’s warm, strong hand is still holding onto mine. Or that his thumb is gently stroking the back of my hand. Does he know he’s doing that?

The feather light touch sends a charge of electricity straight to my groin. It’s like he’s stroking my cock, and in my current position, there’s no way of hiding what’s growing in my pants.

If I don’t get a hold of myself, Tobias will notice what’s tenting between my legs.

And won’t that be an awkward explanation.

Instead of focusing on my stiffening dick, I keep my eyes on the man’s stubbled chin, pull my hand out of his, and tug down my shirt to hide the protrusion in my yoga pants.

Tobias stands, his crotch at eye level.

Not helping.

“I have to put this out here first and say I’m sorry for coming on so strong. You had no idea what’s in those case files and I should have asked you about it sooner. And I apologize for calling you a whore, I did not mean that. But princess…”

Without thought, I huff out a laugh. Now what do I do with that?

“I also have to be fully transparent with you, Danny, in order for us come to an understanding. I’m attracted to you,” he blurts out.

I think my brain just broke down, because I swear Tobias admitted that he’s attracted to me.

“Say again?” I blink, staring up at his face.

“You know what I said, Danny. I’m attracted to you, and I know you are attracted to me. In any other circumstance, I’d engage, but we aren’t and we can’t,” he insists as though I understand every word that’s coming out of his mouth.

I study his face long and hard, attempting to see any sign of a lie. If the implication of what he’s confessing is true, then… “You’re gay?” I squeak out.

“Is that all you got out of what I just said to you?” Tobias stares at me like I’m a strange three-headed alien.

“Well, yeah.” I stand, my eyes fixed on his face. “I didn’t… um, you were… I thought maybe but…”

“Gay, yes. I’m gay, Danny. I’ve been gay since birth,” Tobias says with exasperation.

“Me, too,” I chirp, and instantly regret it.Me too? Brilliant, idiot.“I mean, I didn’t know you were gay.”

“Can we move on from our sexuality, please?”

“Shit. Sure. I’m sorry. Go on.”