Page 40 of King of Pain

“Wow,” he says, running a hand down his face. “Kinda feels good to say it, ya know? I know I’m saying it to an accepting audience, and there will be experiences that aren’t great, but… yeah, that felt good. Wait, I did say that to an accepting audience, right?”

Jen gapes at him for a beat before bursting into laughter. “Hold up.TheChance Sullivan being unsure of himself? Stop the presses. But yes, sweetie, you’re in good company. Thank you for sharing that moment with us.”

Chance groans but chuckles along, and they start teasing back and forth. Their banter fades into the background as my thoughts begin to spiral. He’s gay. Hewasflirting with me. Not just casual flirting for fun, but probably—no, definitely—hitting on me.

And the strangest part? The realization doesn’t upset me. If anything, I think I’d be more upset if he wasn’t. I’m also realizing I definitelydo notwant Jen pushing hot customers his way. No, I don’t like that at all.

The thoughts hit me like a lightning bolt. What am I even doing here, letting myself think like this? I’ve worked so hard to keep my walls up, to avoid letting anyone get too close.

And yet, Chance has been barreling through my defenses since the day we met, hasn’t he?

The idea that his attention, the way he’s teased me, the way he looks at me, might actually mean something? It stirs something in me I don’t think I’ve ever felt before.

“Hey, Ant,” Chance calls, snapping me out of my trance. “You okay? You look like you’ve got something on your mind.”

I nod quickly, grabbing the nearest record and pretending to examine it. “I’m good. Just thinking about inventory.”

Chance raises a brow, unconvinced, but doesn’t press. Jen, however, catches my eye and smirks like she knowsexactlywhat’s going on.

“Alright,” she says, grabbing her clipboard and heading to the back room. “You boys hold down the fort. I’ve got some paperwork to tackle.”

As she disappears behind the door, Chance leans back against the counter, his grin returning. “Well, that was… not what I had on my bingo card for today. I know Jen was speaking for the both of you, but are you sure you’re cool with it?”

“Of course,” I say, my voice steadier than I feel. “I’m happy for you.”

He nods, his blue eyes holding mine for a moment longer than necessary. “Thanks, Ant.”

The way he says my name, the easy affection in his voice, it’s enough to make my pulse quicken. And suddenly, I don’t want to run from it.

As the shift winds down, Jen leans against the counter, her usual sass replaced by something softer. “You know, Anthony,” she says, her voice quieter than usual, “you’ve got this wall around you. I’m not saying it’s a bad thing. Hell, I’ve got one, too. But every now and then, I catch a glimpse of what’s behind it. And I just… I want you to know I see you. And I know someone—or something—hurt you bad.”

I wince, the words a direct hit.

Jen’s gaze is steady, her usual rapid-fire energy gone. “You don’t have to tell me anything,” she continues. “But I’m here, okay?”

I nod, swallowing hard. “Thanks, Jen.”

She pats my arm, the moment passing as quickly as it came. “Now, get this last bit of inventory out to the floor so we can close-up and go get something to eat. I’m starved.”

I laugh, but as I carry the stack of albums to the shelves, her words linger. Because she’s partly right—I was hurt. Not by someone.

Bythem.

As much as I’d like to forget, some scars don’t fade.

TRACK NINETEEN

Dare Me

Chance

Today’s shift is steady but manageable. I’m mid-shift, restocking the temporary Halloween section up front and my thoughts drift where they always do, to Ant. It’s been over two months since I laid eyes on the most beautiful man I’ve ever seen. Two months of hanging out, working shifts together, and sharing laughs.

He’s been opening up to me a little more with every interaction, and it only makes the pull I feel toward him stronger.

I’m completely lost to my thoughts of Ant when Jen’s voice breaks through my daze sounding like she’s got the world’s most important secret.

“Chance!” she calls, waving me over from the front counter.