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a lifesaver. And thanks for last night. In case I didn’t
    say it then.”
    “No problem.” Louie cocked his head and studied him. Again Peter
    experienced that disquieting feeling, but he couldn’t seem to look away.
    “You’re looking pretty alert for a man who couldn’t walk straight last night.”
    “Tylenol and a gallon of coffee are all that are keeping me together.”
    They stared at each other until the silence became uncomfortable. “Uh, how
    is Demetra feeling? I was going to call her but….” Peter waved his phone.
    Louie broke eye contact. “She’s, um, she’s better.”
    “She probably just needed some rest. I’ll call her later.”
    “Rest,” Louie repeated, all the while slowly backing away. “Yeah.
    Well, see ya around.” He pivoted, only to draw up short and start when he
    encountered a skulking Annie.
    “Hi, can I get you a table?” she cooed, practicing what Peter surmised
    was a sultry smile. He groaned. Sometime in the last sixty seconds, she’d
    also lost a button on her black shirt, revealing an impressive display of
    cleavage. Louie didn’t even blink.
    “Thanks, but I’m not staying,” he said.
    “Are you sure? I could tell you about the specials. You might find
    something you like.”
    “Annie,” Peter warned, drawing his finger across his throat in the
    universal gesture to cut it out. “We don’t have any specials.”
    She looked Louie up and down before dropping the act and putting
    her hands on her hips. “This isn’t working for you, is it?”
    “Not one bit,” he replied with a grin. “Sorry.”
    “I thought so.” She sighed and walked away in a huff. Peter heard her
    mutter, “All the good ones are gay.”
    Peter’s face heated. “I’m sorry about that. She’s not usually so….”
    Louie chuckled. It was deep and rich and made the hair on Peter’s
    arms stand up. “Don’t worry about it. It’s good for the ego.”
    Somehow Peter didn’t think Louie had to worry about self-esteem.
    Not looking like that. He suddenly didn’t want Louie to leave and that
    worried him.
    Happy | Chris Scully
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    “Hey,” Peter called before he could stop himself, then was left
    scrambling for something to say when Louie turned around and stared at
    him expectantly. “I, uh, looked you up in the yearbook this morning,”
    “Yeah?”
    He couldn’t stop his grin. “Nice pompoms.”
    Louie narrowed his eyes menacingly, but beneath those well-shaped
    brows, they sparkled. That lone dimple flashed briefly. “Really, mullet man?
    You want to go there?”
    Peter ran a rueful hand over his shaved head and chuckled. “Yeah, I
    guess I’ve changed more than this place.”
    “It suits you.”
    “First time I’ve heard that.”
    He thought Louie might have blushed a little. But at least he was
    smiling and not looking at Peter like he was gum on the bottom of his shoe
    anymore. Maybe Louie had just expected a little more gratitude. After all,
    he had gone out of his way for him. Twice. He really should return the favor.
    “Do you want something to eat? On the house.”
    Louie seemed surprised, judging by his expression. “Rain check? I’m
    looking at a couple of apartments this afternoon.”
    “Oh, sure.” Peter shrugged. Why the hell was he so disappointed?
    “Guess I’ll see you around, then.”
    “Yeah. Come by. Any time.” His eyes trailed after Louie’s departing
    figure, lingering too long for his own comfort on the slim hips and well-
    muscled legs, but he couldn’t seem to help himself. He thought he might be
    in trouble.
    Why now? And why Louie Papadakis of all people?
    “Well, well. Look at you,” Annie cooed, sneaking up on him once
    again.Startled, Peter’s hand flew to his face. “What?”
    “I think that might be an actual smile.” She cackled at her own joke.
    “Of course, I can’t remember the last time I saw it, so I can’t be sure. If I
    didn’t know better, I’d say someone made you happy.”
    He froze, gut clenching. “I