Page 68 of Mistaken Prejudice

I rolled my eyes at him because A) my face was gorgeous, and B) the bastard knew I was gay.

“Ha-ha.” My laugh lacked amusement. “I’m being serious, you asshole. Please?”

He closed the water and grabbed a new towel before climbing the steps leading to the house.

“What would I get in return?” He rubbed his thick stubble.

“Whatever you want. Come on.”

“Are you offering me what I think you are? If so, it is completely inappropriate.”

Oh. My. God. This man’s humor would get him killed one day.

“Never mind. Forget it. Owing you anything is too risky.” I waved my hand and bent down to pet Puma, who came asking for attention with her tail wiggling behind her.

“You make me sound like a jerk.” Kai stopped behind me.

“Maybe because you are one,” Chief said, standing on the porch with his hands crossed over his chest.

Kai skipped past me and went over to Chief. It was hard to miss the hearts he had in his eyes whenever he was around the guy.

“And yet, you love this jerk’s dick.” He leaned forward and kissed Chief, who pushed him back and gave him a raised eyebrow.

“Excuse me?”

Kai laughed and spanked Chief’s ass. “I love yours too, so it’s mutual. Can I go and cook breakfast now?”

“Please do.” Chief sighed. “And save us from your talking.”

I knew he pretended to be fed up with Kai’s bullshit, but the truth was, he was happier whenever the dude was around. And not just because of his food.

***

When I reached my room, my heart felt heavy in my chest. I hoped Miles was still asleep because I wasn’t sure I was ready to face him yet. I was too nervous about the whole I love you thing, to calm myself down. What could I do? I was never in love before. Sure, I crushed over hot guys like Kai, but actually loving someone? That was all new and scary. It was scary because with love, also came the fear of being left with a broken heart. Or being left, to be precise.

As always, life proved how unlucky I was when the door to my room opened before I could even reach for the handle, and half-dressed Miles was in front of me.

Even hungover, he was flawless; his pouty lips, wavy dark hair, and long eyelashes. The only thing about him that ruined his perfection were the hickeys I left on his smooth skin.

“Andrei?”

I drifted my eyes away from the mark I left under his nipple and looked at him. “Did you say something?”

“Yeah,” he mumbled as he stepped forward and wrapped his arms around my neck. “I asked if you surfed?”

“Y-yeah.”

He tilted his head to the side, crystal eyes examining me. “Is everything okay?” he questioned, a soft smile on his lips.

“Yes.” I stepped back and moved a nervous hand through my damp hair. “Do you want to eat dinner tonight? I mean, to go out on a date. In a real restaurant.” What the hell was wrong with me? Suddenly I couldn’t talk? Chill out, Andrei. You’ve got it. I’m sure Miles loves you back.

“Oh.” He dropped his smile. “I can’t tonight. I’m sorry.”

My heart sank to my stomach, and my brain started thinking of reasons why he’d just turned me down. I could have continued standing there jumping to conclusions, but instead, I pushed him back into my room and locked the door behind us. I didn’t give him enough time to protest because I made him sit on my bed before he could even say a word.

“What’s going on?” he asked with worry.

I was still in my boxer briefs, so I had no pockets I could shove my hands into. Instead, I rubbed the back of my neck and let out a long sigh.