Page 52 of The Hopelessly Bromantic Duet
And really, what use am I to the world in liquid lust form?
When I went for a run this morning along the river in the rain, I worked through the roomie quandary. I asked myself what I’d do if I were writing the story of a guy falling for his roommate who was stuck with a lease he couldn’t break.
Two miles in, skin wet, shirt soaked, I formulated a badass plan to move Jude back to square one in the friend zone.
Let’s call it Operation Wingman. All I have to do is enlist him as my comrade in arms.
19
THE ROOMIE PACT
Jude
My sex life is a whodunit, and I’ve added up the clues. A night of banging will solve the crime of too much horniness in 5E. Then we can focus on our careers and being the best roommates ever.
Now all I need is to find the right moment to present my solution to TJ.
My mission on Sunday afternoon, as we wander through Samuel Johnson’s home? Keep the mood light to prime for the pump.
“Perhaps your hero needs to rescue a damsel in distress from a book thief,” I suggest as we survey the research library.
TJ shoots me a side-eyed glance. “Is henickingall her rare books?”
“Sure. Let’s go with that,” I offer playfully.
“Something to think about, that’s for sure. But why did you assume the romantic subplot involved a man and a woman?”
“Same reason my agent sends me out for auditions for straight and gay roles. I don’t want to be pigeonholed early in my career. I want to play any part. I figured you’ll want to make yourmark writing both types of romance into your mysteries.” I take a beat. “How did I do?”
He gives a small smile that disappears in a second. “You’re right.”
As we turn down the hall, TJ doesn’t seem keen to continue this book talk. Weird, since he’s been chattier after he shared the details of his novel three nights ago. Today, though, he sounds like he’s elsewhere. I might have to table my proposition.
But as we head toward the door, TJ clears his throat. “So, when I went for a run this morning, I had an idea for you and me.”
And we’re back in business!
This could indeed be a perfect lube for my brilliant proposal. “I had an idea too. Something that might help our situation,” I say, eager to make my pitch.
“Cool,” TJ says, a smile on his face as we exit the house.
“I bet we’re thinking the same thing,” I say.
“I bet we are too,” he says.
“So, tell me your plan.” I’m dying to hear how deliciously it’ll match mine.
TJ stops, straightens his shoulders like he’s girding himself to say something hard.
But I’ll help him along. “Why don’t we—” I begin, right as he says, “We need to meet other men.”
My head pops.
Wait.
What?
Did he just saythat?