...Charlie went speechless and his throat tightened. Devon was offering something; Charlie didn’t know if he liked what it was, but damn it, he didn’t deserve anything better. A booty call buddy was all Devon offered.

“Bad ass, for sure.” Charlie stalled as his brain battled over his answer. “Well, see there’s a problem. I live at the shelter. I have my own room, but I’m not supposed to have anyone sharing it, you know. No girlfriends, and especially no boyfriends. The priests would be a bit put out about that, and I’m not willing to risk my job. I bottom, but I like to fuck, too, although I guess I could settle for a blowjob. And I’d insist on protection. That about cover it?” Charlie felt like he’d just closed a deal on a used car. All that was left was the price.

Devon looked him up and down. “I might make an exception for you.”

“Exception?” Charlie frowned.

“Let you top.” Devon’s gaze danced away.

Charlie didn’t know if he believed the man or not, but he couldn’t deny the attraction.

Charlie didn’t know what he thought about Devon, but he did think he’d gotten in over his head. Devon was up to something, and it didn’t smell good. A man like Devon, one with secrets, could get a man like Charlie…killed, if not worse.

For Charlie, dead wouldn’t be so bad, but falling for a man like Devon? That would be worse than death. Devon was trouble, and Charlie had avoided trouble for a very long time.

But he still craved it, just like he craved a little blow, late at night, when he’d wake up from a bad dream about Lloyd. Just a little, to take the edge off, to calm him down.

That way lay demons Charlie had fought and vanquished. Why would he go there again?

Charlie signaled for the waitress. “Check.”

Devon pulled out his wallet. “I’ll pay.”

Charlie shook his head. “How about we just split it? It’s not like this was a date.”

“Right.” Devon didn’t look happy as they put their money on the small metal tray. Charlie left a nice tip for the waitress. Devon left one also.

At least the waitress made out okay.

Charlie had the feeling she’d be the only one making out tonight.

He rose, and Devon followed him outside. They stood next to the building, under the faint light of the restaurant’s overhang.

“So, what do you say?” Devon had his hands stuffed in the pockets of his jeans.

“No, thanks.” Damn, it was hard to say no.

“Really? You’re going to give all this up?” He held out his arms and grinned, flashing that dimple. Did he know it was there? He had to know.

“Devon, you’re trouble. I don’t need trouble. Got enough to last me a lifetime.” Charlie shook his head. “Best if we just say goodbye.”

Devon’s smile fell, and Charlie knew the man didn’t hear no often, if ever. Something inside Charlie did a little fist pump. He might not ever fuck Devon, but Devon wasn’t going to forget the guy who refused him.

Charlie started walking back to the shelter, just six blocks away on Tulane Avenue.

“Wait! Don’t go,” Devon called out to him.

Charlie stopped and turned back.

Devon trotted down the sidewalk and came to a stop right in front of him. He cupped Charlie’s face in his large, warm hand and stared into Charlie’s eyes.

“Damn, I can’t let you go.” Before Charlie could open his mouth to speak, Devon covered it with his, pushing Charlie into the side of the brick building next door.