Page 83 of Need Him

“I hear you’re looking for me?”

Ben glanced at the guy’s feet, confirming the purple shoes, and grinned up at him. “I am. What’s your name?”

“Scott Chambers.”

“Okay, Scott. I have a boy who’s interested in meeting you, but he’s super shy and nervous. Something happened in a previous relationship, which I’ll leave him to explain if he wants to. It’s made him jumpy, to say the least.”

“Is this, by any chance, the tall ginger-haired guy?” the man asked.

Ben nodded. “How did you know?”

“I tried to talk to him earlier, but he ran. I’ve been trying to find him.”

Ben pressed a hand to his chest. “I’m glad I don’t have to try to persuade you. He’s amazing. Would you like me to introduce you?”

“Yes, please.”

“Yes! Follow me.”

Ben turned and bumped into Gareth again. He chuckled. “Sorry. It’s not like you aren’t big enough for me to see.”

“You’re distracted. It’s fine. I’ll leave you to your matchmaking.”

“Do you not want to come with me?”

Gareth pecked him on the lips. “I think the two of you will be more than enough for your friend to deal with. I don’t want to overwhelm him.”

“You’re right. I’ll find you in a little while.” He glanced over his shoulder, seeing Scott with a grin on his face. “What?”

“You two are perfect for each other.”

Ben grinned. “We truly are. Come on.”

He led the way through the crowds to where he’d left Andy, hoping the man hadn’t moved. Luckily, he hadn’t. Andy’s eyes widened when he saw them coming towards him, and Ben rushed to him.

“Breathe, Andy. Breathe through this, and I’ll introduce you. You don’t have to say anything if you don’t want to,” Ben said, sliding an arm around his friend’s shoulders and holding a finger up to Scott, asking for a minute.

“What if he, um, he, um, doesn’t like me?”

“We find someone better matched. This is not a contract, Andy. It’s a conversation, and if you want me to be, I will be beside you throughout the entire thing.”

“Please.” Andy nodded. “Stay.”

“Okay. Shall I bring him over?”

Andy inhaled shakily. “Yes.”

Ben tilted his head, indicating for Scott to join them. “Andy, this is Scott. Scott, I’d like you to meet Andy.”

Scott crouched beside Andy on the opposite side to where Ben was. He didn’t touch Andy or reach for him. He just smiled and said, “Nice to meet you, Andy. I’ve been looking for you.”

“Looking for, um, me?”

Scott nodded. “I wanted to talk to you. See if we had anything in common. Would you like to do that?” Andy bobbed his head. “Perfect. Is it okay if I sit down?”

“Please.”

Ben whispered to Andy, “Do you still want me to stay?”