Page 51 of Cheap Shot

“I fuckin’ wash it twice a goddamn day.” Crawford set his empty bowl on the counter, one of the chopsticks falling and clattering onto it.

“Have you triedshampoo?” Sebastian asked.

Crawford crossed his arms over his chest. “Fuck off.”

“I don’t hate the tattoos though,” Sebastian admitted.

“Yeah?”

“Yeah.” Sebastian cleared his throat. “Wouldn’t mind seeing them sometime.”

Crawford lifted a brow. “You tryin’ to get me naked?”

Sebastian shrugged. “If you’re into that.”

“Are we talking about me fucking you?”

“We could be.”

Crawford wet his lips. “Yeah, we could do that sometime. I’m not used to the—well, whatever the fuckthisis.”

Sebastian laughed. “I’d say friends with benefits but we’re definitely not friends.”

“You’ve got that right.”

But therewassomething almost … friendly about this conversation. At least compared to their past interactions. It was mellower. Like they were both less prickly. Less on edge.

“If you wanna fuck me, I’m up for it. Just let me know ahead of time,” Sebastian said. “I prefer to … prepare for that. If you know what I mean.”

“I know what you mean.”

“Just wanted to be sure.”

“You do whatever makes you comfortable,” Crawford said with a shrug. “I’ll bring the condoms.”

Sebastian almost said, “It’s a date,” but he caught himself at the last moment. “It’s a deal,” he said instead.

“Alright.” Crawford straightened. “I’m gonna get out of here. Thanks for the noodles, or whatever.”

“Sure.”

To his surprise, Crawford gathered his bowl and chopsticks, leaning over Sebastian to set them in the sink.

He smelled good and the heat of his body felt nice. Sebastian had to clench his fingers tightly on his own chopsticks to keep from reaching out and drawing him closer.

He shoved the last few noodles into his mouth, set his dishes in the sink too, then hopped down.

Crawford had already shrugged on his leather jacket and was heading for the door by the time Sebastian caught up.

Crawford gave him a skeptical look, then twisted his shoulders sideways to fit as he walked down the narrow stairwell. “You following me? I’m not gonna fucking steal any of your plants or anything on the way out.”

“No, but I’ve gotta lock up behind you. What the fuck do you think has happened every night in the past?”

“I’d’ve locked up if you’d asked,” Crawford said as he ducked through the door at the bottom and walked toward the front of the shop.

Sebastian returned the skeptical look.

“I would’ve!” Crawford protested. “I’m an asshole but I’m not gonna let you get robbed.”