“What did you think you were going to see?”
Joon shrugged. “I don’t suppose it was realistic he’d start thinking about you coming back in—damn, I love those pants—and have to whip it out and—”
“You are disgusting.”
“That’s why you love me.”
He submitted to a hug, kissed Joon on the cheek, and headed for the door.
“Don’t wait up.”
Joon flipped him off. “Asshole.”
His stomach was rumbling as he settled back into Darren’s car.
“Sounds like dinner should be our next stop,” Darren teased.
“You were just my appetizer.”
“I’ll be your dessert too.”
Chance shivered. “You’re getting the hang of this sexy-banter thing.”
“Do you still trust me to surprise you?”
“I’d trust you with anything.”
Darren stiffened. “Seriously?”
“Darren, do you really think I would have gone out there with you if I didn’t?”
“No, I guess not. I’m going to take you to one of my favorite places. It doesn’t look like much, but the food is amazing, and I’ll make sure yours is mango free.”
They ended up at a place in Mission Beach that was tucked down a little side street, which looked like it wouldn’t be home to anything but a sketchy liquor store or some dilapidated condos. Darren turned into an alley and parked in a tiny lot behind a building that had seen better days.
“What is this place?”
“The best tacos you’ve ever had.”
Chance frowned. “Are you sure?”
“You said you’d trust me.”
“All right.” How bad could it be?
They entered through a squeaky screen door at the back.
The crowd inside was wildly varied. A family with young kids sat a table near the door. A group of guys Chance’s age were huddled together near the bar. An older couple occupied a high-top, and the neighboring table was filled with a few couples who looked to be in their midthirties.
“Darren!” the bartender called out.
“How are you, Manny?”
“I’m always good when I’m making people happy with my food. You need a table?”
Darren smiled at Manny, a relaxed expression Chance rarely saw. “I do.”
“There’s one up front. I’ll be there in minute. You want your usual?”
“Yes, and one for my friend too.”
The man nodded enthusiastically. “You got it.”
“What’s your usual?” Chance asked as they weaved their way to what appeared to be the only available table.
“It’s their signature tequila cocktail. I want you to taste it, but if you don’t like it, Manny will bring you whatever you like.”
“This place has a signature cocktail?” Chance asked.
“With house-made syrup and bitters.”
“No shit?”
“I never kid about food or alcohol.”
“Neither do I.” Hipster Mexican hidden away in an alley. Who would’ve guessed?
Manny brought the cocktails a few moments later. “I hope you’re planning to order food as well.”
“We are, but we may need a few minutes.” Darren glanced at Chance, who shook his head.
“Go ahead and order for both of us. I get the feeling you know the menu well.”
“Everything at Manny’s is good,” Manny said. “But this one, he knows all of Rosa’s most perfect dishes.”
Chance loved this place already. “I can’t wait to try them.”
Darren gave him a soft smile, and he could tell how pleased he was that Chance approved of his choice. Then Darren turned to Manny. “We’ll share the seafood sampler platter and the smoked-fish torta.”
“Excellent,” Manny said. “You will also have the ceviche to start.”
Darren grinned, actually fucking grinned. “If you say so, then I know it’s the right thing to do.”
Manny patted Darren’s shoulder. “This man, he listens to me. That is why he is always happy when he leaves.”
“Then I’ll follow his example,” Chance said.
“You’ve found a good one, Dare. Don’t mess it up.”
Dare? After Manny walked away, Chance narrowed his eyes at Darren. “You said no one else calls you that.”
“I don’t let Manny call me that; he just does.”
Chance snorted.
“It means you’re special that I don’t mind if you call me that, okay? It’s reserved for people I really like.”
“All right. I’ll accept that.”
“Good. Now taste your drink.” Darren waved his hand toward Chance’s glass.
Chance took a sip and savored it, having the feeling this was supposed to be an experience. He also liked the way Darren watched him as he swallowed slowly.
“Keep that up, and we won’t last through dinner,” Darren said.
“This is amazing.”
“I told you.”
Chance took another sip, a bigger one this time. “It’s one of those drinks that goes down way too easy.”
“That is a risk. I’ll only have one since I’m driving, but feel free to indulge. I’ll take care of you.”
“Yeah, I know you would.” Chance loved having that certainty.
Manny returned with the ceviche, and Chance loved how Darren’s eyes brightened when he tasted it.
Still chewing, Darren motioned toward Chance’s fork. Chance tried it too and realized Darren’s reaction wasn’t exaggerated at all. “This is the best ceviche I’ve ever had.”
Darren looked thrilled that Chance understood Manny and Rosa’s genius. “Now that you’ve eaten here, you’re not going to want to go anywhere else for Mexican.”
“True. You’ve ruined me.”
“I’ll ruin you for more than that once we get home.”
Chance contemplated asking for dinner to-go. “I’m counting on it.”
Once the rest of the food came, they didn’t talk much. They were both consumed with enjoying all the different flavors, from the octopus-and-squid tacos to the smoked fish.
Chance caught Darren watching him several times, which made him exaggerate his already porn-quality reactions to the deliciousness.
He took another bite of the smoked-fish torta and groaned loudly enough that a woman at the next table turned to stare. Darren sank his teeth into his lip. They were going to have a lot of fun after dinner.
“Everything is amazing,” Chance said when he’d finished chewing. “But this smoked fish is the best.”
Darren nodded. “No matter what I order, I always get something smoked fish, either tacos or this torta or a special.”
Chance wiped his mouth and took a sip of water. He’d considered getting another cocktail when he finished the first one, but he wanted to have all his wits about him when he got Darren in bed. “Thank you for all this. I would never have known this place existed.”
“It’s my pleasure.” Darren let his eyes roam over Chance. “Watching you enjoy all this is as good as eating it myself.”
Chance raised a brow. No way was that true.
“Almost as good?”
“That I’ll buy.”
Manny came back to their table. “Dessert?”
Chance was stuffed, but he was also tempted to find out what Manny had to offer.
“We have the best churros in town.”
Chance loved churros, but he tried not to look too greedy.
“Dare, I think your friend would like those very much,” Manny said, chuckling.
“Then we’ll have to have some.” Darren looked at him, and the promise in his expression sent heat through Chance.
“One order to share? Or two?”
“Let’s share,” Chance said.
Darren nodded in agreement.
“I’ll be right back,” Manny said.
The churros were as good as Manny had said, so they didn’t last long. When they were fin
ished, Chance held Darren’s gaze while he licked the sugar and caramel sauce from his fingers. Darren’s eyes widened, and he sucked in his breath.
Chance smiled when he’d finished. “I’d do yours, but that might be more than the other patrons can handle.”
Darren seemed to be considering it anyway.
“Let’s go home,” Chance said. “We can watch a movie and snuggle while our food settles and then…”
“By then I’ll be desperate.” The words came out low and breathy.
“Me too.”
As if he knew how eager they were to be on their way, Manny appeared with their check.
Darren snatched it from him before Chance could suggest they at least split the tab.
“Darren, you don’t—”
“I’m not going to argue about this.”
“Fine, but someday you’ll have to let me have my turn.”
“Someday.”
Chance didn’t think he truly meant that, but he wasn’t going to argue any more right then.
***
Once they were at Darren’s house, they settled on the couch with glasses of Darren’s top-shelf bourbon. It proved to be just as smooth as he’d promised. Chance insisted Darren sit between his legs and lean back against him. He wanted to be able to tease him while they watched another of his favorite movies. He pushed up Darren’s shirt, running his hands over his torso, brushing his thumbs over Darren’s nipples, teasing the skin just above his waistband, until Darren’s breaths were coming rapidly, and his heart was pounding wildly under Chance’s caresses. He kissed Darren’s neck and traced the line of his shoulder with his tongue. When Chance unzipped Darren’s pants, Darren turned the TV off.
They never made it to the bedroom, which meant Chance was able to confirm that Darren’s couch was, in fact, as sturdy as it looked.
CHAPTER ELEVEN
For the past few weeks, between Darren’s travel schedule and Chance’s classes and research demands, Darren had only been able to see Chance occasionally and never for very long. But they had plans to spend almost the entire weekend together, and now that it was Friday, that was all Darren could think about. He closed his laptop in frustration. He doubted he was going to get any more work done.
He walked over to the window overlooking the bay. He definitely needed to take Chance over to Coronado one day, but right then he just wanted to take him home to bed.
He pulled his phone from his pocket and sent a text. I miss you.
Chance’s response came only seconds later. I miss you too. Three more hours and I’ll be there.
I don’t want to wait three hours. Are you home now?
Yes, but I’m working.
Can I tempt you away from work?
You’re really used to getting what you want, aren’t you?
Yes.
Chance sent a not-impressed-with-you emoji followed by: How tempting can you be?
Darren called him.
“Can’t tempt me by text, old man?”
Darren rolled his eyes even though Chance couldn’t see him. “Stop being an asshole.”
“Hmm. You’re not off to a good start.”
Darren leaned his head against the glass. “I want you.”
“That’s marginally better.”
“I want you to fuck me.” Even though his office door was closed, Darren kept his voice low.
Chance made a sound like he was clearing his throat. “You mean…?”
“I mean, I want your cock in my ass while you tell me exactly what to do.”
“Fuck.”
Darren smiled. “Tempting enough?”
“Hell yes.”
Darren considered how much work he could blow off. “I can be at your apartment in an hour.”
“Make it forty-five minutes.”
“I’ll be there.” He could delegate. People were always telling him to.
“Darren?”
“Yes?”
“My roommate will be here.”
“I don’t mind meeting him,” Darren said as he walked back to his desk.
“He’ll flirt with you.”
“Will that make you jealous?” Darren should not like that idea as much as he did.
“Maybe, but…”
Darren didn’t like how serious Chance’s tone had gotten. “What?”
“He knows about us.”
“You mean that we’re…dating?”
“Is that what this is?”
The roommate Darren could handle. This conversation, not so much. “It’s more than fucking, though the word ‘dating’ hardly does it justice.”
“That sounds…right. I didn’t mean to tell Joon, but he saw us at the auction, and when I came home the next morning, he guessed. I’m not good at lying.”
“It’s okay. I don’t mind, and I don’t want you to lie.” Chance’s roommate knowing about them hadn’t changed anything. Not like it might if he took Chance to a charity function or introduced him to one of his work friends—acquaintances, that was what they really were.
“All right, but…”
“What’s wrong?” He hated hearing such uncertainty in Chance’s voice.
He heard Chance draw in a breath and then exhale. “I know we haven’t said anything about exclusivity, and Joon is—”
“I have no intention of doing anything but smiling politely at his flirtation. You’re the only man I want right now, and even if that changed, I wouldn’t sleep with your roommate.”
“Okay. Thanks. You’re the only man I want too.”
“Then I suppose we can consider this an exclusive relationship.”
“Yeah?” Chance’s voice shook.
“Is that what you want?”
“It is.”
“Me too.” Darren brought up the report he needed to finish before he left. “I’ll see you in forty-five minutes.”
“I’ll be ready.”
“So will I.” At least he hoped he would. His heart was beating wildly. He hadn’t been exclusive with anyone in years, but right then he couldn’t imagine ever wanting anyone else.
***
Chance heard a knock at the door as he was tossing things in his duffel bag. He raced out of the bedroom, but Joon reached the door first.
The bastard was wearing a tight T-shirt and barely there gym shorts. He looked like an offering to the Goddess of Slutty Twinks.
There’s no reason to be jealous. Chance never felt like this. What was wrong with him?
“Well hello, Mr. Walsh,” Joon said, his tone as flirtatious as Chance had expected.
Chance seethed irrationally. Darren is mine. Ugh. Chance had never been the possessive type. Of course, he’d never been in lov— No, he wasn’t going there. He was so not ready to use that word in connection with Darren, not even in his head.
Darren held his hand out for Joon to shake. “Call me Darren.”
Darren’s smooth voice had its usual effect on Chance. He could only imagine what it was doing to Joon.
“I’m Joon Kim. Please do come in.” Joon stepped back and ushered Darren into their living area.
Darren was wearing one of his perfectly tailored suits. Suddenly the apartment felt much smaller and shabbier.
“I’ll grab my things,” Chance said, wanting to get Darren out of there as fast as he could.
“Chance, where are your manners?” Joon scolded. “We should offer him something to eat.”
Chance had learned that most Koreans took hospitality very seriously. Joon always offered food and drink to a guest, even one who wasn’t expected to stay.
“I would love that, thanks,” Darren said. What was he doing?
“Darren, I thought—”
“I have plenty of time.”
Joon shook his head. “Chance is usually more polite than this.”
“Joon.” Chance tried to put a warning in his tone, but Joon just smiled at him.
“You make him a little nervous.” Joon gave Darren a blatant once-over. “I can unders
tand why.”
Chance was going to kill him. “I’m not nervous. I just think…”
“I’m perfectly content to stay for a few minutes.” Darren watched him, a grin on his face. The bastard was enjoying this.
Darren slipped off his jacket and glanced around.
“I’ll hang it up for you,” Chance said, grabbing it.
“Finally, some civilized behavior,” Joon said.
“Where’s your restroom?” Darren asked with only the hint of a smile.
Despite Joon’s implications, Darren’s studied manners seemed just as out of place in their apartment as his suit.
“It’s at the end of the hall, but—”
Darren raised his brows.
“I wasn’t… I mean, we weren’t… It’s a mess in there, and you have to lift up on the handle before pressing down. I’m sorry.”
Darren stepped closer, cupped Chance’s face in his hands, and pressed a gentle kiss to his lips. “Stop worrying.”
As soon as Darren headed down the hall, Chance rounded on Joon. “What the hell are you doing?”
“Offering our guest some food. It’s what I do.”
“I know, but Darren doesn’t belong in a place like this.”
Joon narrowed his eyes. “He doesn’t belong with you. Is that what you’re actually saying?”
Damn him for being perceptive all of a sudden. “I don’t know.”
“Does he look upset?”
Darren had impeccable manners, so that didn’t mean anything. “He’s not going to say the place is shit; he’s just not like that.”
“Do you think he’s got some delusion about how grad students live?”
“No, but…”
“But what?”
“Remember how I said we agreed to keep things quiet, ignore the rest of the world?”
Joon nodded. He looked displeased, but Chance wasn’t sure why.
“That was partly because we both know how ridiculous it is for us to be together.”
“It’s not ridiculous.”
“When I first told you, you said—”
Joon waved his hand as if dismissing his earlier statement. “That was before I understood how things were between you.”
“What do you understand?” It wasn’t like he’d told Joon much else about Darren.
“The way he looks at you.”
“What?”
Chance heard the toilet flush, and Joon placed a finger to his lips.
A Chance at Love Page 10
