“We are,” Jeff answered with a smile, pulling back his hand. “But the best relationships are built on friendships.”
Chad wasn’t sure what to say to that, so he ignored it. “I’m stuffed. Going to put the rest in the fridge. Take some for lunch tomorrow.”
“Yeah, me, too. Stuffed, I mean. What are your hours at the station?”
“Since I’m on desk duty for the foreseeable future, my hours are pretty much like basic office hours. I go in at eight and get off at five.” He sighed and lifted his casted arm. “I’m assigned to a computer, but with this, my typing is going to suck. And it wasn’t that great to begin with.”
Jeff smiled. “What will you be doing on the computer?”
“Entering information about incidents, handling anything the two detectives need…things like that. Nothing too exciting. Oh, and lucky me, I get to answer the phones if there is an overflow. Although in atown this small, there really isn’t a great many calls.”
Jeff helped Chad clean up, then they headed into the living room. “I need to leave early tonight. I have so much to do for tomorrow. Hope you understand.”
Chad tried not to let the disappointment show on his face. “Sure. No problem. I should get to bed early anyway. Since I’m not taking those pain pills anymore, I’ve been having trouble getting comfortable in bed.”
“Hey, you can still take Tylenol or Ibuprofen. That should help some.”
Chad nodded. “I guess I’m just being stubborn and not wanting to take any meds. But I think you’re right. I’ll probably give in and take some Tylenol tonight.”
Jeff moved closer, standing directly in front of Chad. “Good,” he whispered as he ran his fingers through Chad’s short hair. “I don’t like you being in pain.”
Chad started to step backward, but Jeff grabbed his waistband and held him in place. For a thinner guy, he was pretty strong. “Chad?”
“Yeah?” His voice was quiet. Raspy. His heart thundered in his ears and he briefly wondered if Jeff could hear it.
Jeff leaned in closer and cupped Chad’s neck, pulling his face down to meet his. Chad closed his eyes as he felt the soft brush of Jeff’s lips against his. Just a quick brush. Then another.
When Jeff pulled away, Chad opened his eyes, surprised. His body was vibrating from those sweet, chastekisses and he wanted to grab Jeff and claim his mouth. But he was still resolute in his decision that he didn’t want to hurt Jeff. Anything he did would be just for the night and Jeff deserved better than that.
“Jeff,” he whispered.
“Good night,” Jeff whispered back, pulling away and heading out the door. He turned for a second. “I left your keys on the end table over there.” He pointed to the far end of the sofa.
“Thanks,” Chad croaked, his voice suddenly thick.
And that was it. Jeff left. Chad wasn’t sure how long he stood there before he finally made himself move and get ready for bed. He had a big day tomorrow and he didn’t have time to dwell on why those kisses had rattled him so much.
His mind had other ideas, though, and when he finally fell asleep, he dreamed of a prince with dark hair and chocolate brown eyes.
* * * *
Chad’s stomach was in knots as he made his way into the station early the next morning. He hadn’t slept that great, and when he woke up, the first thing on his mind was Jeff. He wasn’t sure what he was going to do about that situation. He cared about him. As a friend. And if he lived in his old city, he would have suggested they be friends with benefits, or just have a torrid weekend fuck session. But not here. Not in Apple Grove. Not with someone as kind as Jeff.
He knew he was treading uncharted territory as far as his experience was concerned. For the first time that he could remember, he wasn’t the one doing the chasing. Also new was the worry he felt about hurting Jeff. It was always on the edge of his consciousness.
“Officer Charming! Good to see you back!”
He flashed a smile at Cynthia. “Hey there. Glad to be back, even if I’m tied to a desk.”
“Oh, we’ll keep you so busy you won’t have time to feel sorry for yourself, Officer.”
He chuckled at her and made his way to the main room in the back. Old metal desks lined the walls and several stood together in the middle of the room. Phones were scattered throughout the room on several desks, but most desks lay empty. They didn’t have the staff to keep every desk filled. Chad took a deep breath and smiled at the familiar smell of stale coffee.