Page 21 of Primary Seduction

“Okay, do you have a partner?”

Max snorted into his mug, trying to hide his laughter. Karen was determined to get everything out of Trent. He wondered whether he should stop her but decided to let her ask a few more questions before he “rescued” him.

“Um, not now.”

“Oh, so you had one before. When did you break up?” Karen leaned forward and rested her elbows on the table.

“Five years ago,” Trent’s voice hardened, and Max knew he annoyed, so he decided to step in.

“What are your intentions with Max?” Karen asked before Max could stop her.

“Jesus Christ, woman. You’re as bad as a lawyer, and I should know.” Trent shook his head and drank more of his coffee.

“What? I just want to make sure Max is looked after,” she insisted.

“All right, Karen, back off. Thank you for caring, but I can take care of myself. I have done for many years. Trent is a friend, nothing more, so get off your high horse and be nice.” Max drained his mug and stood. “We better go if we want to see more places.”

Trent almost jumped out of his seat in his eagerness to leave and Max had to bite back another smile. He walked around the table to Karen and pulled her in for a hug. “Thank you, hun. I appreciate it but he’s a lost cause, I think,” he whispered to her.

“Why?” she whispered back.

“He’s straight.”

Karen pulled back and looked at Max, shock showing in her face. “Really? I never would have guessed with the way he looked at you as you walked through the gallery.”

Max felt his heartrate increase with the thought that Trent might want him, but he knew it was hopeless. He had to get over this stupid fixation, and he hoped that today’s expedition would help with that.

Karen hugged him again, squeezing him tight. “Keep hope. I’m not convinced.” She patted his cheek when they parted, and they all walked out to the main gallery area. They said their goodbyes and stepped out into the chilly street.

“Sorry about that. She’s a bit like a mama bear sometimes.” Max shoved his hands as deep into his pockets as they could go.

Trent was silent for a moment, then he said, “It’s okay. I can understand why she’d want to protect you. It’s just difficult sometimes having people I don’t know asking questions.” He paused. “It feels…”

“Intrusive?” Max finished.

Trent nodded slowly. “Yeah, a little.”

“Sorry. I’ll tell her to back off sooner next time.”

Trent laughed. “I’ll believe that when I see it. You’re just as inquisitive, you know.”

Max laughed too. He looked at his watch. “Come on or we’ll be late.” Max grabbed Trent’s wrist and began dragging him down the pavement towards the Museum of Classical Archaeology.

****

Trent

“Late for what?” Trent asked as he scrambled to keep up.

“For the tour,” Max said as if that would enlighten him.

“Whattour?”

Max glanced back at him with a smirk. “You’ll see.”

Trent didn’t like that smirk. He didn’t trust Max at that moment. He carried on walking because he was curious to what Max was referring.

They entered the museum, and Max led the way to the desk. He spoke to the lady behind it and got a nod in reply. She pointed to her right, seemingly giving Max directions. He turned and waved for Trent to follow him.