Blood & Thunder (THIRDS 2)

Lou’s face went beet red, and Dex wished he’d ordered Bradley’s “special” instead of beer.

Over his shoulder, a gravelly voice sealed the deal. He should have expected it, really. “That makes two of us. But I guess I should be glad you approve.”

Lou held his hand out to Sloane, a wide smile on his face. “You clearly know who I am. Thank you for not punching me.”

Sloane accepted the handshake with some hesitation. “I’ll admit, I was tempted, but I guess if you hadn’t dumped Dex, he wouldn’t have given me a chance.”

“He’s an amazing guy.”

“Having second thoughts?” Sloane cocked his head to one side, his expression guarded.

“He’s happy, and that’s all I ever wanted for him.”

Dex noticed the way Sloane peered at Lou. Did he not believe Lou? Then again, he didn’t know Lou and therefore had no reason to. “You were flirting with him.”

“Before he told me he was seeing someone. Look, I know you’re probably expecting me to be the evil ex who comes swooping in trying to dig my claws into him, take back what I think is mine, and all that campy drama, but I’m not. I respect him, and I would never come between him and someone he cares about. I had my chance, and I blew it. So take it from me. Don’t blow it. I would, however, like to be his friend. Would that be acceptable to you?”

Dex had to admit, he was surprised. Not that he had anything against being friends with Lou. He was a good guy, despite the dumping, but Lou had been adamant about Dex not contacting him, and Dex had obliged, deleting Lou’s details from his life. He recalled Lou’s answer on having second thoughts, or rather the fact he hadn’t given Sloane a direct answer. Had Lou been having second thoughts? He’d never tried to get in contact with Dex. Not that it mattered. There was only one guy who made Dex’s toes curl, and that guy was currently giving thought to Lou’s offer. What the hell?

“Remember,” Lou added with a wicked grin, “I know everything about him. Like his fear of goats.”

Dex’s jaw dropped. “Seriously, Lou? That’s what you’re going with?”

“Deal.” Sloane held his hand out, and Dex watched, stunned, as his ex-lover shook hands with his current lover. With an arched eyebrow, Sloane turned to Dex. “So, goats, huh?”

“Have you seen their eyes? The way they climb up the side of mountains or perch on branches like gravity doesn’t apply to them? They’re evil! Evil I say!” An image of the hairy beasts with their freaky eyes made him shudder. Sloane and Lou both laughed, and Dex let out a groan. “I think I liked it better when you wanted to punch him.” Sloane ignored him, giving Lou a pat on the shoulder.

“Let me buy you a drink.”

This couldn’t be happening. Why was this happening? This night had started out so well. “Why? Why are you buying him a drink? Are you going to ask him stuff about me? What happened to getting to know someone? The thrill of the chase. The mystery.”

“Overrated,” Sloane replied sweetly, not bothering to look at Dex. “So, this zombie thing he has going on in the morning before he’s had coffee. How long do I have to get away with something before he’s awake enough to know what’s happening?”

“What?” Dex squeaked. That was his most guarded secret. How could Lou betray him like this? Dex pinned his ex with a glare, which only resulted in a knowing smile from Lou.

“Ah, the Waking Dead.”

Sloane let out a laugh and Dex gasped. He quickly recovered and slammed a fist down on the bar. “You can’t tell him about the Waking Dead! I forbid it! I’m demanding you adhere to the ex-boyfriend code of honor.”

“There’s no such thing,” Lou stated. “So, the Waking Dead. From the moment he gets his ass off the mattress until he takes the first sip—providing he hasn’t showered, you’re in the clear. After the first sip, you have exactly twenty-three minutes.”

“Oh my God, you timed me?” Could this night possibly get any worse?

“Of course. How else do you think I got you to say yes to the white antler chandelier?”

“I knew it!” Dex thrust an accusing finger at Lou. “I knew there was a reason I couldn’t remember saying yes to that hideous monstrosity. I’d like to say, this is not cool, and you’re both dicks.” He sulked all the way to their table where most of his team had regrouped. “Rosa, I need your maternal bosoms.” He flopped down onto the chair and let Rosa wrap him in her embrace, his head pressed against her breasts as she petted his head. Ash’s expression would have been hysterical if Dex wasn’t so busy being miserable.

“Let me get this straight.”

“Did you intend that to be a pun?” Cael asked in amusement, obviously knowing what Ash was about to say. Hell, they all knew what Ash was about to say.

“Quiet, you.” Ash turned to address Rosa. “So because he’s gay, he can get all up in your boobs and that’s okay?

What is it with gay guys and boobs? You don’t even enjoy them!”

“Not true,” Dex said, snuggling against Rosa. “They’re very comfortable.”

Rosa rolled her eyes, her attention returning to Dex. “Aw, poor baby. What’s the matter?”