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

cook well

and ended up buying takeout food or just eating salad in the

evening. Leading the way, Braxton told the hostess, “We want to

sit at the bar.”

She gestured to the direction and the two men walked into a

poorly lit area which held a few tables and a small illuminated

bar. They occupied side by side stools at the bar and both men

loosened their ties and collars as they unwound. Behind the bar

was a television, airing pre-season baseball and the room was

noisy with chatting and laughing.

“What can I get you guys?” The bartender placed coasters in

front of them.

“I’ll have a vodka and cran.” Braxton picked up the narrow

bar menu which was on the counter in a stand.

“Same.”

Braxton glanced at Fabian, wondering if he would have

ordered that drink if Braxton hadn’t first. He shook off the

suspicion that Fabian was aiming to please him out of boss-

employee duty and read the light fare.

They were on time for happy hour so Braxton pointed out

several dishes to share. “Everything is good here.”

“I like it all.” Fabian leaned his elbows on the counter and

met Braxton’s gaze in the mirrored glass beyond the row of

bottles.

“Good. So do I.”

Two drinks were placed before them and Braxton ordered a

selection of meat, seafood and chicken appetizers.

“Let me just hit the men’s room to wash my hands.” Fabian

held his up, as if indicating they needed it.

“Okay.” Braxton raised his drink and sipped it, staring at

Fabian’s ass as he walked off. I want you. But do I just want you once or…?

~

I’m a nervous wreck!

Fabian relieved himself at the urinal and washed his hands at

the sink, making sure he looked decent. He removed his tie and

opened a few of the buttons of his shirt, then folded his necktie

and stuffed it into his pocket. He ran his hand over his hair,

wondering if the attraction between them was going to be their

downfall or their paradise.

He took out his phone and thought of calling Naomi for a pep

talk, then shut it off completely and met his eyes in the mirror.

“It’s a drink. Calm down.” Yeah, but he ran his fucking finger

over my stiff dick!

Fabian shook his head. If I let him screw me tonight, he’ll

never go out with me again. It’s the hunt! The stalking of prey he gets off on. No. No way.

When Fabian returned, Braxton appeared relaxed, elbows on

the counter, sipping his drink, staring at the big screen television.

The urge to dig into that shaggy dark hair affectionately was

powerful. He resisted the temptation and sat down, picking up

his drink, seeing an assortment of Asian influenced tapas-style

dishes.

“I thought you deserted me.” Braxton gave him a sad smile.

“That maybe you had some thoughts about who you were about

to share food with and escaped before it was too late.”

“You’re joking, right?” Fabian hoped so.

Braxton didn’t answer, his drink nearly finished and his gaze

back on the television. Dodgers pre-season baseball. Fabian

enjoyed some sports but wasn’t a rabid fan. He used chopsticks

to taste the fried pork gyozas after dipping it in the accompanied

sauce. “Mm.”

“Yeah. It’s all good.” Braxton held his glass up to the

bartender for another one. “You mind if I get a buzz? I’ve had a

long week and it’s not even Friday yet.”

“Be my guest. I’d like to see you drunk.” Fabian finished

chewing and threw his drink down his throat to keep pace,

placing his empty with Braxton’s.

“What kind of a drunk are you?” Braxton leaned on Fabian’s

shoulder.

“Unfortunately, a horny one.” He heard Braxton chuckle.

“I’m always horny. That’s why I’m so fucked up.” Braxton

pushed the meat off a skewer and ate one of the chunks.

“I need to get fucking laid.” Fabian tried the chicken and said,

“I can eat all of these plates myself. I get so hungry from all the working out I do.”

“What’s your workout routine like?” Braxton indicated to the

bartender to get another drink for Fabian as well as his new one

was served.

“Run, then work out in the gym at my apartment complex.”

“You rent?”

“Unfortunately.”

“Jesus. Get a repo. Renting is just tossing money into the

trash.”

“I wish I could. When I lost my job and all I could get was

temping shit, I had to give up my condo. Sold the fucking thing

at a loss.”

“Fuck.” Braxton stared at Fabian’s profile.

“Everyone was hit, Braxton. I tried to make it but I couldn’t.”

Braxton took another sip of his cocktail and said, “I nearly

went under too. It was fucked up. I had to fire two employees

and Brianna and I made it through until things picked back up,

but it took its toll.”

Fabian watched the game for a minute, trying to determine

which player had the nicest ass in the tight white pants.

“If you stay with me, I’ll give you a raise in a few months.”

“I’m not going anywhere, Braxton. So stop worrying about

me leaving.”

“You promise? Like make a vow?”

Fabian turned to look into Braxton’s eyes. The sincerity was

so intense Fabian got a lump in his throat. He held up his right

hand. “I promise never to leave you. Ever.”

Braxton opened his mouth to comment but he stopped

himself and just stared at Fabian, appearing dubious.

Fabian noticed Braxton’s eyes water. He rested his hand on

Fabian’s muscular thigh. “I would not make that promise

lightly.”

“I’ve known you four days. And it’s not like I have that in

writing.”

When the bartender brought over Fabian’s drink, he asked the

man, “Can I borrow a pen?”

The bartender placed one on the counter.

Fabian turned over the coaster and on the blank side he wrote,

‘ I, Fabian Rhys, will not leave Braxton Todd, no matter what

happens between us.’ He signed it and slid it over to Braxton.

Braxton reached for the pen and flipped his coaster over,

writing. When he gave it to Fabian, Fabian read, ‘ I, Braxton

Todd, will not fire Fabian Rhys for any reason, period.’

“You think this is binding in a court of law?” Fabian smiled

and reread the script, liking Braxton’s masculine handwriting

and signature.

“Yup…hey,” he said to the bartender, “Can you witness these

contracts?”

“What?” the man laughed and walked closer to see the

coasters.

“Witness us signing these contracts so they’re legal in court.”

Braxton handed him