Perfect Fit(2)

His head tilted to the side as he studied me closely. “That name doesn’t suit you either.”

“It doesn’t?” Who was this guy?

“No. It’s a name you give to a boy and you are definitely all man.” I felt my body heat rise as his perusal continued until my body tingled from head to toe, as if he touched me everywhere instead of just looked at me. “I think Jag suits you better.”

“Jag?” I scoffed a little, I couldn’t help myself. No one had ever questioned what I wanted to be called, but this guy had. “And just who might you be? It’s obvious you’re acquainted with Clark in there.” I liked to use Clark instead of Grayson because that is what Chase called Gray until he learned his real name. I used the name Clark to irritate Gray and it worked out pretty nicely.

“Clark? Oh yeah, that’s what Chase called him before he learned his real name.” The blond simply shrugged his shoulders slightly. “I can see the resemblance to Clark Kent.” The mysterious man walked closer and held out my wallet to me, which I accepted and placed back inside my suit coat pocket. “My name is Miller Brexler and I’m Clark’s best friend. You must be the fuck buddy.”

Hearing myself being called that hurt me somehow, even though I knew my place in Chase’s life. In actuality, the sexual aspect of our friendship was a rare occurrence. Chase wasn’t dialing me up every day, every week, or even every month. Hell, there were years that went by when we weren’t physical with one another. I’m sure our relationship was a hard one to grasp, but I didn’t feel like I owed this guy an explanation – no matter how sexy I found him to be or that he got my mind temporarily off of my troubles. Besides, Chase and I were over the minute he laid eyes on Gray, he just didn’t realize it at the time. I would accept the loss of his touch as long as I could have him as a friend. He was all I had. “Yeah, that’s me.”

“What are you going to be doing now that this avenue is closed?”

“Do you mean who am I going to be doing? Are you looking for a Dial-A-Dick friend, Miller?” I had gotten close enough to feel the heat that came off of his body, but I couldn’t say when exactly that had happened. It was if my body had moved on its own volition, reacting to the chemistry between us. “Would you like to submit a resume?” Miller’s nostrils flared slightly, which told me that I wasn’t the only one who felt the connection.

“As tempting as I find the idea, I think I better pass.” He raised his hand as if to touch me, but let it fall back to his side instead. “I think us hooking up might complicate things for our friends and their budding romance.”

I released a deep breath, unaware that I had been holding it. Had I wanted him to say yes or no? I just met the guy and it wasn’t like he had the only available ass in town. Still, I felt a keen disappointment over his answer even though I knew he was right.

“Alright then. It was nice to meet you, Miller. I’m sure our paths will cross again, yes?”

That crooked smile of his appeared again and it made me want to kiss it clean off his face. “Definitely. Drive safely, Jag. I’m going to head back inside the bar to make sure Gray doesn’t get into any more fights.” Miller began to walk backwards a few steps like he wasn’t ready to look away from me yet. He offered me one last crooked smile before he turned around and headed back to the bar.

I turned around and began walking to my car, even though I wanted to continue to watch him. His subtle reminder about my scuffle with Gray brought me right back to reality and reminded me how much I had hurt Chase. The self-loathing I felt was enough to erase the warm and tingly feelings that Miller gave me.

I pulled out my phone once I reached my car and tapped out a quick text to Chase. I knew he’d be working and I didn’t expect a quick response; I could only hope I’d get any response from him eventually.

I’m sorry for what I said. I didn’t mean it. I’m truly happy for you, even when I don’t know how to express it. Please call me when you have a free moment so I can grovel properly – J




I didn’t expect him to answer right away, but I didn’t think he’d ignore my calls and texts for a few weeks either. They were the loneliest days of my life and I feared I had truly lost his friendship forever. Then I ran into him and Gray at a charity ball and I refused to go away until he listened to my apology. It was also the same night that he and Gray had their first dustup and Chase turned to me, needing his friend.

I hated to see him hurting so badly as I drove him home that night from the ball. I hated even more hearing the anguish in his voice and the sobs that wracked his body as he cried against my chest. I knew in that moment that the only way I could make up for the times that I had hurt him was to do whatever I could to make sure he and Gray worked out their problems.