Page 22 of Pretty Poison

“Ouch.” Asher rubbed a spot over his heart. “I understand if you don’t trust yourself around me.”

“What?” Rocky said. “You’re the one who almost kissed me.”

“It was closure. Nothing more,” Asher said.

“Mmmhmmm.”

“I’ll be on my best behavior.” Asher crossed his heart for good measure. “If you don’t have any feelings for me, then I don’t see why it would be a problem. You still have a guest bed, right?”

“Your feet will hang off the end.”

“I’ve slept in much worse conditions, baby.” Rocky scowled at him for using the endearment and Asher grimaced. “It’s just a habit.”

“I only have one bathroom.”

“So? Are you implying we should conserve water and—”

“No.” He’d aimed for a firm voice, but it came out shaky with a hint of a whimper.

“Then, I don’t see a problem.”

Guilt and misery made Rocky feel like a cornered rat. From the moment they’d met, he had brought nothing but chaos into Asher’s life, turning his orderly world upside down. Offering him his spare bedroom for a few days was the least he could do.

“Fine, but no more trying to kiss me.”

Asher lifted his right hand to show his index, middle, and ring fingers extended in salute. “You have my word.”

“Put that away,” Rocky said. “You were never a Boy Scout.”

“It’s never too late to start,” Asher said, a smile tugging at his lips.

Rocky rolled his eyes. “And don’t flirt with me either.”

“I wouldn’t dream of it, but can you behave? What was it you once told me? You’re from the South, so flirting is in your DNA?”

“I was quoting Blanche Devereaux.”

“Who?”

Rocky snorted. “You really need to work on your pop culture knowledge.”

“I don’t have time for that. I’m always chasing someone.” His pointed gaze said present company included.

“Well, I’ll do my best to fix some of your inadequacies while you’re here.”

“Can it start with some of the Southern cooking you’ve bragged about for as long as I’ve known you? Dandridge is a vegetarian and a health food nut. It didn’t feel right ordering barbecue while staying there.”

Rocky chuckled. Now they were getting to the real reason he was vacating his partner’s place. “Come on. Let’s get you something to eat.” When Asher didn’t budge, Rocky narrowed his eyes. “What?”

“You weren’t planning on cooking food, were you?”

Rocky rolled his eyes and headed inside. “There’s nothing wrong with my cooking. I only faked my ineptitude because I’m lazy.”

“Uh-huh,” Asher said as he followed. “So, what drawer do you keep your takeout menus in?”

“What takeout menus?”

Asher walked straight to the drawer beneath the microwave. He laughed when he saw the vast array of menus tucked inside. “Glad to see some things are still the same.”