Page 80 of Men of Fort Dale: The Complete Series

David thought back, just as mystified as Christian.

The only significant thing that happened was the monthly check-up visit from one of the clinic workers.

Normally, David would go to the clinic, but since he sometimes forgot, Christian had taken it upon himself to bring one of them to David’s office.

“Oh yeah, speaking of, how was Troy?” Christian asked.

David snorted at the thought of the chipper doc. “The same as usual, though quieter.”

“Well, we chatty folk have our quiet days too.”

“Today must have been his. When should I expect yours?”

Christian stuck his tongue out. “I reserve those for my days off.”

“Ah, so a special occasion then.”

“Yeah, it’s not like I get much time off.”

David inched closer to the desk to lean on it. With Christian watching him, he was suddenly more aware of what he was getting ready to say and felt a strange nervousness. Quietly, he reminded himself what he was offering was nothing unusual, especially considering what Christian had done for him.

“How’s our schedule looking for the rest of the week?” David asked.

Christian hummed thoughtfully, turning his attention to his screen. “Not our worst week. I’d say we’re doing pretty well. Though the Staff Sergeant was by again.”

David winced. “From Maelstrom?”

“The very same.”

He sighed. “I suppose I should have expected that. I’ve been getting reports that the team hasn’t taken well to their newest member. Or rather, their newest member and the team leader aren’t getting along. The rest are getting dragged along for the ride.”

“That bad?”

“Yes, apparently, there was an issue during training. Well, a few, but one of them required a visit to the docs, who were not too pleased.”

“Oh, that sounds nice.”

“Yes, very nice.”

It was a problem he’d foreseen, but it had once again prompted Philip to call him and warn, not so subtly, that he had been against the new addition to the team in the first place.

David wasn’t bothered, and he’d assured Philip everything was under control and he didn’t need to worry.

There were bound to be bumps in the road when bringing two different groups together, especially when strong personalities were involved.

David shrugged lightly. “I have something in mind for them anyway. I’ve just been letting them...get acquainted. Once the last of the paperwork has gone through, I’ll give them something to focus on besides how much they don’t like one another.”

“Mm, another dastardly plan?”

“Something like that.”

“I’m sure they’ll love it.”

David leaned forward. “So, I did have a reason for asking.”

Christian looked up, blinking. “Oh, what’s that?”

“Is there any point this week when things can be shuffled around so we can get out of here a little earlier than usual? Or better yet, a lot earlier?”

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 a perfectly 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.