Marry Me G. Hauser (the chimp paradox .TXT) 📖

they had discussed him.

They entered the elevator and it stopped at nearly every floor

on the way to the parking level. Brianna backed up, nudging

Braxton against Fabian, who was squeezed into the corner. He

and Fabian exchanged stares. “Sorry.” Braxton indicated having

to lean on him.

“I’m not,” Fabian mumbled, looking down.

Braxton kept gazing at Fabian’s profile wondering if this man

was as attracted to him as he was to Fabian. And if so, what a

terrible idea it would be to touch sexually, and ruin a perfectly

good working relationship.

Braxton looked up at the descending numbered lights while

confined in the tight space, feeling the heat from Fabian’s

shoulder, wishing they were ‘spooning’ again. No such luck.

He checked the time on his watch and knew he’d be late.

Though he hated to be, and was usually very prompt, these

‘dates’ were an annoying low priority and he didn’t need this

type of aggravation in his life at the moment.

The elevator door opened and Braxton waited as the crowd

thinned and he could exit. He felt Fabian right behind him and

closed his eyes for just one second, imagining asking him out.

He resisted the urge and stood at his car door, turning to see once again Fabian had parked right beside him and was smiling at

him.

“Have a good night, Braxton. I’ll take care of everything for

you. Just enjoy.”

“I’d rather be out with you.” Braxton kicked himself as he

said it and grew angry at his lack of control.

“What?”

“Nothing. Thanks. Have a good night.” Braxton entered his

car and quickly backed out, seeing Fabian’s curious expression

and knowing he may be opening Pandora’s Box. The last thing

Braxton wanted to do was ruin this amazing employee’s great

work.

~

Fabian watched the gold Porsche drive off and stayed still

trying to think about that last comment. The attraction was

mutual. Not only was he getting the vibe strongly from Braxton

now, he was hearing it from Brianna, the little imp. She was

subtly pushing Fabian towards Braxton, but doing it in such a

way, it was covert, nearly subliminal.

Reminding himself that if he did have sex with Braxton, he’d

end up a notch to the bedpost and furious if it was one fuck and

that was all, Fabian climbed into his car and tried to block out

the thought.

~

Braxton entered the restaurant and was immediately

recognized by the hostess. In what felt like instant replay,

Braxton heard her say, “Mr Todd, come right this way, your

party is waiting for you.”

Last one. Last one…

Braxton was led into the dining room. There, seated at a small

table for two along the far wall, was a young woman. He

recognized Virginia from the evening at the auction. Her face

brightened up with delight and she wriggled in her chair. The

host gestured to Ms Steinman and Braxton reached out for her

hand. Instead of a manly shake, he got a limp touch, and he

shook the tips of her fingers awkwardly, releasing it as he sat

down.

“Can I get you anything to drink, Mr Todd?” the hostess

asked.

Braxton noticed the young woman had nearly finished her

cocktail and said, “I’ll have just ice water, thank you.” He

spotted the menu on the table under his arm.

“Another?” Virginia held up her glass to be refilled.

“Coming right up.” The hostess smiled and said, “Enjoy your

dinner.”

Braxton waited until she left and looked over the menu.

“You should have a fireball cocktail. It’s knocked me on my

ass.”

Looking up at her in surprise, Braxton said, “I hope you’re

not driving.”

“Nope.” She smiled at him dreamily and peered at his menu

upside down while hers remained closed under her elbows.

“What are you getting?”

“I don’t know. Have you decided?” At least she was sweet,

even if she was young and slightly naïve.

“Yeah. The risotto. I don’t eat meat.”

He nodded, wondering if when he ordered the steak she

would lecture him on animal cruelty. He decided fish was less

controversial. He’d had enough aggravation from work and

wanted a light atmosphere while he dined.

“My brother is gay.”

Braxton looked up at her just as the waiter brought her a

second ‘fireball’ and him a glass of water.

“Have you decided? Or would you like more time?”

Braxton pointed to Virginia. “Let the young lady go first.”

“Of course.” The waiter gave her his attention.

While she ordered, Braxton read over the selections and

requested the salmon, handing the menu to the man.

“Any starters?”

Virginia asked Braxton, “Do you want to share something?”

“Most of the starters are meat.” He tried to smile. “I’ll just

have a side bibb lettuce salad.”

“Me too,” she said quickly and the waiter took both menus

and left.

Once he did, Virginia sipped her new drink, looking tipsy.

“Howard is my brother and he’s seeing a man named Tyson.”

“That’s very nice.” Braxton drank his water, wondering if an

hour of his time would do it and he could politely leave after

that.

“I love gay men.”

“I wish more people did. It would be a simpler world.”

“I don’t get why so many people are so hung up on it.”

“Neither do I.”

“Do you have a boyfriend, Braxton?”

“Not at the moment.”

“Want me to fix you up with one of my brother’s friends?”

He laughed softly, happy she wasn’t out for a wedding ring

and a long term relationship from him. “I think I can manage to

find a man myself.” He thought of Fabian.

“You should. You’re dreamy.” She leaned her chin on her

palm and stared at him with a silly grin.

“And you’re drunk.” He gave her an admonishing wag of his

finger.

“I would love a three-way with you.”

He choked on his water and used his cloth napkin to cover his

mouth.

“I’ve had them before. I set my straight boyfriend up with

one of Howie’s friends. They ended up a couple. You know how

much gay men love straight boys.”

“Oh, God.” He kept coughing to clear his throat and loosened

his collar.

“Just say the word, Braxton, and I’ll have a straight young

stud ready to please you.”

His eyes widened in shock and he blushed. “I appreciate the

offer, but no thanks.”

“Your loss. I know some incredible hot jocks that would suck

you or let you suck them.”

“Ms Steinman?”

“Yes, Mr Todd?” She batted her lashes playfully.

“Can we change the topic?”

“We could but it would be a very dull dinner.”

He caught her naughty smile and laughed. “So, what do you

do for a living?”

“Boring!” she teased and whacked him