Wednesday Briefs: Super Trooper #20 (3.6)

Good morning and Happy Hump Day! If it's Wednesday, then it must be time for more flash fiction from the Wednesday Briefers! We're a group of authors who bring you our finest flash fiction every week, 500 to 1000 words, inspired by one of our prompts.

The date continues! See what's going on with Chan and Evan in this week's chapter of Super Trooper. Don't forget to visit the other Briefers and see what's up with them! Their links follow my tale! Enjoy!

Super Trooper #20 (3.6)

Chan set his beer on the coffee table, set his plate beside it, then moved closer to Evan and enveloped him in a hug. Maybe it was impulsive of him, but the embrace just felt right. He heard Evan release a sigh and relax into Chan’s arms.

“What did I do to deserve this from you?” Evan said softly.

“It’s just for being you,” Chan replied honestly. He turned his face up toward Evan’s, trying to gauge the other man’s emotions. Evan’s eyes seemed a little wet. Was he genuinely unused to receiving affection from others? Chan vowed to himself that would change, at least while he was around.

They clung together for a few more minutes before pulling apart to finish eating, then cleaning up. Once the kitchen was tidy to the satisfaction of both, they returned to the living room and cuddled as they talked. There was so much Chan wanted to know about his lover.

“How long have you been a trooper?” Chan asked. His head against Evan’s chest, he could feel it rise and fall with every breath Evan took.

“It’s been ten years now,” Evan said, his voice a gentle rumble. “Let me think. I graduated from the Academy when I was twenty-one, so yeah, ten years now.”

Chan was surprised. He hadn’t realized Evan was that much older than he was. He’d thought maybe there was a few years’ difference, but the ten year age gap was a surprise. Not that thirty-one was old. And age didn’t matter. Balji was actually a few years younger than Chan’s mother, but no one gave that a second thought or considered it to be odd.

“Did you grow up knowing that’s what you wanted to do?”

“Since maybe the age of ten.”

Chan thought he felt Evan stiffen beneath him, and he fretted that he was asking questions he should not ask. But then Evan shifted his position and Chan realized he worried too much.

“What about you?” Evan said. “I don’t think I even know what you do for a living.”

“Oh, I’m the assistant manager of the Tucker Falls Savings & Loan,” Chan replied, hoping Evan wouldn’t find his job boring. Especially compared to being a state trooper.

“That’s impressive. I’m sure you’re very good at what you do.” Evan kissed the top of Chan’s head. “Is finances something you’ve always been interested in?”

Chan considered the question for a moment. “I’ve always liked working with numbers. They seem to come naturally to me. That’s why I chose an accounting degree. But I don’t expect to stay there forever. That’s not exactly what I was hoping for, you know?”

“What were you hoping for?” Evan’s hand gently stroked Chan’s back, and Chan had to resist the urge to purr like a contented feline.

“That someday I might own my own accounting business, one that specializes in payroll and bookkeeping.” Chan had never spoken his dreams aloud to anyone except his mother and Balji. Compared to what Evan did, that wasn’t exactly a glorious ambition, but it was his. He prayed that didn’t lower him in Evan’s estimation.

Evan’s next comments dispelled his worries.

“I think you would be wonderful at whatever you did,” Evan said. “I admire you for wanting to be your own boss. I’m sure you’ll succeed.”

Chan warmed at Evan’s words.  “I’ve been studying taxes too,” he admitted. “That way, I can also prepare tax returns for my customers.”

“I would definitely come to you to get my taxes done,” Evan said. “Whenever you’re ready, let me know. I’ll be your first customer.”

“Really?” No one outside of Chan’s family had ever shown such confidence in him. He glanced up to meet Evan’s gaze, saw the sincerity in his eyes.

“Really,” Evan affirmed. He kissed Chan gently.  

The music was soothing, and Evan’s embrace was warm and comfortable. Chan felt his eyelids begin to droop. So not what he’d intended. He was afraid Evan would be disappointed in him if he fell asleep before anything happened between them. Not that he thought Evan expected that of him every time they got together, but surely he hoped… Chan’s thoughts were beginning to grow hazy. Maybe if he got up and walked around, went to the bathroom or something… but he couldn’t seem to move. 

Sooo comfortable.

“Do you go to church?” he heard Evan ask, his voice coming almost from a distance.

“No, don’t go to church,” Chan mumbled sleepily. “You?”

“No, I don’t. Maybe we should…”

But Chan never heard what Evan was about to suggest as sleep claimed him for its own.

to be continued

Now go see what's up with the other Briefers!

Cia Nordwell

J Alan Veerkamp

Carol Pedroso

Book Review: Lust in the Caribbean by Noah Harris

Lust in the Caribbean   

American release date: August 6, 2017

Format/Genre/Length: Kindle/LGBT Romance/332 pages

Overall Personal Rating: ★★★

Being a young gay man in the year 1710 is not easy, as Thomas Treadwell can attest. He yearns to be free to be who he is. Shipping out on the Virtue, under Captain Temperance Stone, Thomas discovers that he is not alone in his desire for relations with the same sex. The ship’s head becomes the place for men to hook up anonymously in the night in order to save face during the light of day. But when Thomas is careless and gets caught with another man, there is hell to pay as Captain Stone orders the two men to be whipped to death!

Thomas watches helplessly as his previously unknown hook-up is beaten first and dies. But just as it’s Thomas’ turn to face death, a look-out fortuitously announces the arrival of another ship. Not just any ship, but a pirate ship called Manhunter, infamous for its figurehead which resembles a muscular naked man with a golden appendage, and because it is rumored to contain an all-gay crew!

The pirate ship, with its erotic take on the traditional Jolly Roger flag, hauls up beside the Virtue,  which it clearly outguns. Captain Stone has no choice but to surrender, after first ascertaining the safety of his crew’s “booty” among the gay pirates, who claim they don’t need to ravish anyone, they have plenty of “booty” on their own ship.  The pirates board the ship and their captain, Captain Seawolf, discovers Thomas lashed to the mast and discovers why he is being punished then offers him a chance to go with the pirates, which Thomas reluctantly accepts. He doesn’t really wish to do so, as he doesn’t agree with piracy as a way of life, but he also knows if he stays behind, he will die. Quite the quandary.

And so the adventure begins….

Lust in the Caribbean can be looked on as one man’s journey to be himself despite living in a time of great hypocrisy and prejudice. But primarily it is a sexual adventure, as Thomas revels in the freedom of living openly as a gay man among the pirates. There is a lot of sex in this book, believe it, as well as adventures, as the pirates go from situation to situation.  And what is a pirate story without treasure? Plus, once Thomas learns the secret of some of the crew, he is told he can never leave, but by then will he want to?

Great literature? No, it’s not. The writing is rough at times, and is filled with blatantly purple prose, and it would definitely benefit from better editing. Not to mention, I would say, if given the chance to speak with Mr. Harris, please don’t say sex juice ever again. Ever.  That. Is. Not. Hot. The author certainly knows how to tell a tale, though.  The story definitely held my attention. The characters are fairly well-written, and he does know how to write sex scenes. I suspect the major reason he hasn’t been dinged for bestiality, though, is that he manages to veil it in the guise of the main character keeping his eyes closed and not seeing what or who he is actually copulating with under the full moon. Oh, and did I mention there’s a merman or two? That being said, this is definitely only for mature audiences.

If you’re looking for a story with a lot of sex, this one won’t disappoint. I’ve seen smutty books that aren’t nearly as well written. If you’re looking for great fiction, go somewhere else. For what it is, I considered it to be satisfactory indeed. I might have to check out some of the author’s other writing.

Book Review: Spy x Family, Vol 1 by Tatsuya Endo

Spy x Family, Vol 1      

Author: Tatsuya Endo

Publisher: Viz Media

American release date: June 2, 2020

Format/Genre/Length: Paperback/Manga/Action & Adventure/220 pages

Overall Personal Rating: ★★★★★

Twilight is the best spy in Westalis, a master of disguise. He lives and works undercover in the neighboring country of Ostania. As he reads the information on his next assignment, he’s shocked to learn that he is required to have a wife and child (neither of which he currently has). The target in question, a very dangerous man who is a threat to the peace between east and west, is very reclusive and the only way to reach him is through the elite private school his son attends. As if this wasn’t bad enough, the deadline for admissions is fast approaching. Twilight only has a week to find a wife and child and enroll that child at Eden Academy!

Twilight’s first stop is an orphanage to find a child—a rather shady orphanage at best. But perhaps that will suit his purposes better. He has no experience with children, but reasons that he must find the smartest one he can, so the child can pass the entrance exam to the academy. He finds a girl working a crossword, but she seems too young for the school. She is quick to assure him she is six years old. Little does he realize that Anya is a telepath! Twilight chooses her and is relieved to find no paperwork involved—he is told to take her and go.

Now… to find a wife.

At City Hall, in the capital city of Berlint, Yor is different from the other women she works with. Quiet, and somewhat naïve, she is the object of constant criticism in the guise of helpful hints, such as improving her appearance so she can find a man. Her brother Yuri worries about her, and calls her often. To relieve his mind, she tells him she has a boyfriend and is going to a party that weekend. What no one knows is that Yor is actually an assassin, and a darn good one! But how is she going to find a “boyfriend” to take to a party on such short notice?

Three people are on a collision course with destiny! Each one has needs—Twilight a wife, Yor a boyfriend, and Anya a family. When chance—or is that Fate?—brings them together, they decide to form a family. Will they be able to fulfill Twilight’s mission and gain Anya admission into Eden Academy? And if they do, how long can they maintain their cover… and how long will they want to?

This is the first volume of the series. I confess that it was love at first sight when I saw the cover! And reading the description only made me want it even more. I pre-ordered the first three volumes, the first of which just came out. I love the artwork, and I love the premise of the story, which did not fail to deliver when it arrived. It’s an action adventure story, but there is a lot of humor in these pages as well, and more. The characters are all well drawn, even if the plot is rather basic. It’s not a series about spies as much as it is about people. I see the two countries involved, Westalis and Ostania, as thinly veiled disguises for East and West Germany. (I mean, come on, Berlint?) But that doesn’t really matter. The spy action is secondary to the character development, watching these three interact, each using their unique talents for the benefit of the other two.

Of course, being the romantic that I am, I’m hoping that by the end of the series, Twilight (whose real name I hope to learn) and Yor will fall in love for real and they both embrace Anya as their daughter, so that they become a real family. Only time will tell!

Also take note of Twilight’s co-worker, Franky, who is a hoot and lots of fun.

Great start to the series, looking forward to volume 2!

Good morning and Happy Hump Day! If it's Wednesday, then it must be time for more flash fiction from the Wednesday Briefers! We're a group of authors who bring you our finest flash fiction every week, 500 to 1000 words, inspired by one of our prompts.

Chan and Evan are enjoying some quiet time together. Good food, good music, who knows where that will lead? See what's happening in this week's chapter of Super Trooper. Don't forget to visit the other Briefers and see what's up with them. Their links follow my tale!  Enjoy!

Super Trooper #19 (3.5)

Chan could have stayed where he was forever, safe within Evan’s warm embrace. But his stomach chose that unfortunate moment to signal its discontent with an embarrassing gurgle. He felt his cheeks go warm.

Evan smiled sweetly and kissed his cheek. “Another country heard from.” He laughed. “Guess we need to do something about that, don’t we?”

They disentangled from one another and headed back downstairs. Evan pulled out the various containers from the bags they’d carried them in and laid them out on the counter. Then he brought out two bottles of beer from the fridge. They each made up a plate and carried everything into the living room, next to one another on a mocha-colored sofa that faced a second television, a large flat screen in the middle of a dark wood entertainment center. Once they were settled, Evan picked up a remote control.

“Watch something or listen to music?”

“Music, please,” Chan replied without hesitation. He wondered what kind of music Evan preferred. Probably country western, since he went to Partners. Although Chan went there too and it wasn’t his first choice of music, so he shouldn’t make assumptions about Evan based on that. Chan was pleasantly surprised when Evan selected a quiet jazz station, turning the volume down so that it was audible but wouldn’t interfere with conversation.

“If you don’t like this, we can find something else,” Evan said.

“No, no, this is perfect,” Chan assured him. “Very nice.”

They ate in contented silence for a few minutes. Everything was delicious, especially the pot stickers and the duck noodles.

“I’m surprised I’ve never tried this kind of noodles before,” Chan said. “I will definitely order this again. Thank you for turning me on to this restaurant. It’s very good.”

“I hoped you’d like it,” Evan said.  “We’ll definitely go back there.”

Chan liked the sound of that, hinting again at a future between them.

Evan was very adept at using chopsticks, Chan noticed. He could feed himself with them but he wasn’t near as good as Evan was. Which he proved by dropping rice down the front of his shirt. Evan quickly leaned over with his chopsticks and picked up the offending rice, then fed it to Chan.

God, he could get used to this so easily.

“I’m a little clumsy,” he apologized, but Evan waved his words aside.

“You’re fine. Gives me an excuse to feed you.” He winked at Chan.

“You don’t need an excuse,” Chan blurted out without thinking. He was horrified with himself until he saw that Evan seemed to have no problem with what he’d said, judging by his pleased expression.

“How was your day?” Chan asked. “Well, day and evening.” He couldn’t imagine working a shift that straddled both day and night. Thank goodness the savings and loaned closed at five. Of course, he also didn’t have to deal with crazy drivers, either. No telling who was carrying a gun these days.

“Pretty quiet for a Saturday, actually. Here, try this beef broccoli.” He dipped his chopsticks into the dish, then offered it to Chan.

“That was delicious,” Chan said. He carefully picked up some of the duck noodles and conveyed them to Evan, who opened his mouth and accepted them.

“I see what you mean, those are very good,” Evan said, once he swallowed. “How was your day?”

“I had a very good day,” Chan said. “I took the children to the park and let them play.” Belatedly he realized Evan had no idea who these children were. No wonder his eyes just got huge.

“Not mine,” he hastened to assure Evan, waving his pair of chopsticks in the air. “My little brother and sisters.” That seemed to relax Evan again. Chan couldn’t even begin to imagine having children, as that would entail a relationship with a woman. And that was so not happening.

“I’d love to hear about them.” Evan picked up a pot sticker, attention focused on Chan.

“They are very good kids,” Chan said. “Laksha is the oldest, she is eleven. She is very smart and she loves to read. Kamal is seven and can be very mischievous. Madhu is only two and a half but she already has everyone wrapped around her little finger.”

“Quite an age difference there,” Evan observed. “Would you like another beer?” He picked up his empty bottle as he started to rise.

“I am good, thank you,” Chan said. “My mother has been married twice. First was to my father, but he died when I was just a baby. Later she found Balji and married him and they had my siblings. I try to spend time with them as often as possible.”

Evan waited until Chan was finished speaking before he went into the kitchen, disposed of his empty and got out a new one. He resumed his seat by Chan. “Your stepfather, do you get along with him?”

“Oh yes, he’s a very good man. Very good father. I could not ask for a better one,” Chan replied with enthusiasm. “He has made my mother very happy, and for that alone, I love him. But he also gave me my brother and sisters, and I love them very much.”

Chan reached for his own beer as he spoke, but his eyes were fixed on Evan. For just a moment, he thought he saw something in Evan’s eyes. A sadness maybe? Whatever it was quickly passed, and Chan tucked the thought away for another time.

“They’re lucky to have an older brother like you,” Evan said.

Chan half expected, or maybe half hoped, that Evan’s next words would be “I’d like to meet them sometime”. But that didn’t happen.

“What about you? Do you have brothers and sisters?” Chan asked.

Evan shook his head. “Only child.”

“Did you have any pets?”

Another shake of the head.

What a lonely way to grow up, Chan thought.

to be continued

Now visit the other Briefers and see what's up with them!

Cia Nordwell

J Alan Veerkamp

Carol Pedroso

Book Review: The Way of the Househusband, Vol 3 by Kousuke Oono

The Way of the Househusband, Vol 3     

Author: Kousuke Oono

Publisher: Viz Media

American release date: May 19, 2020

Format/Genre/Length: Paperback/Manga/Comedy/160 pages

Overall Personal Rating: ★★★★★

Miku arrives home to find Tatsu in a panic and their home in disarray. When she questions him, Tatsu says it’s the black bullet, a hitman with a lot of balls. But he swears he’s not going down without a fight!

When Masa goes to the store with Tatsu, he’s surprised to see his former boss pa Christmasy apron and a Santa cap! Tatsu tells Masa it’s for the neighborhood kids club Christmas party. The kids are somewhat taken aback by Tatsu’s appearance. He certainly isn’t the traditional Santa they expected! Tatsu’s got it all covered, as he puts his own spin on the festivities!

Miku comes home from work, exhausted, to find that Tatsu intends to pamper her with a variety of foods calculated to give her the boost she needs. However, she questions his methods when he pulls out a blindfold. Will this have the effect he hopes it will?

Tatsu is looking to make some cash in a hurry. Something to utilize his particular skill set. Can he serve his customers to their satisfaction?

While browsing the clearance section of the grocery store, Tatsu runs across the wife of the Torii group, who apparently works there. She recognizes him and they catch up on old times.

While Miku and Tatsu are shopping together, Miku suddenly drags him off to show him that there is a live Policure show going on! When the call goes out to the audience for a volunteer to come to the rescue and afterwards have their picture taken with the members of the show, Miku is too shy to volunteer. What else can her loving husband do but offer to go in her stead?

Masa has acquired an item he isn’t sure how to handle, so he comes to Tatsu for advice. Together, can they figure out how to use a toaster oven?

Tatsu encounters his old boss, whom he hasn’t spoken with since he left the family. The boss has something he wants to discuss with Tatsu. Will he suck Tatsu back into the yakuza life?

Masa comes to Tatsu’s apartment, meeting Miku for the first time, in order to bring Tatsu’s birthday present. When he sees the state of the apartment, he offers to help Miku surprise Tatsu when he comes home later that evening. Together, will they make this an occasion to remember?

I am so in love with these books, and with Tatsu! I’ve already pre-ordered the next volume! Tatsu is so adorable! I love him and Miku together. I would love to see more of their past lives, and how they became a couple, see what changed Tatsu from yakuza to house-husband.

The story is very funny, and also touching. The artwork is fabulous, and the characters memorable. I’ve seen some reviewers call the series one-note. I prefer to think of it as variations on a theme, all of them good, and very much fun to read. I would love to see an anime made from this!

Can’t wait for the next volume, although I’ll have to. I think it comes out in September.  lol

Wednesday Briefs: Super Trooper #18 (3.4)

Good morning and Happy Hump Day! If it's Wednesday, then it must be time for more flash fiction from the Wednesday Briefers! We're a group of authors who bring you our finest flash fiction every week, 500 to 1000 words, inspired by one of our prompts.

Evan has just got off work and met up with Chan. Their evening together has just begun. See what's happening in this week's chapter of Super Trooper. Don't forget to visit the other Briefers and see what's up with them. Their links follow my tale! Enjoy!

Super Trooper #18 (3.4)

A warmth stole through Evan at Chan’s words. He knew he was smiling again, but he couldn’t help himself. He wanted to believe… wanted to follow his gut instinct which told him there was something real between them. Something they could nurture into maturity and—dare he hope—into something solid, something lasting.

He couldn’t remember the last time he’d dared to dream of a future with anyone. Past experience had led him not to expect a happily ever after, at least none where he was concerned. Nothing in his past had prepared him for being part of a relationship, and he’d always voided such entanglements before, and yet here he was… on the brink of possibly the most wonderful event in his entire life. And how his heart ached for it.

He kissed Chan tenderly, then saw him to his car. Made sure he was buckled securely before leaning in through the open driver’s window for another kiss… or two. Realizing they would get nowhere fast like this, he reluctantly drew back.

“Don’t speed,” he warned Chan with a knowing smile.

“I won’t if you won’t,” Chan replied with a knowing grin. “I’m following you, remember?”

They both laughed, then Evan returned to his vehicle, and they finally headed toward his apartment.

Evan lived in a town house located in a nice part of Tucker Falls. He’d rented other places before he’d moved there, but he liked this one pretty much. The town house had two levels as well as a large basement. He slept in one of the two bedrooms and used the other one for storage. His computer was set up there, as well as a TV and a video game console, although he didn’t play very often. But sometimes he got the urge to take out frustrations, and that was a safe way to do it. Especially on nights when having a one-night stand didn’t cut it.

Once they’d both parked in front of his unit, Chan met Evan at his car and insisted on taking some of the bags from him. Evan didn’t argue, although he could have easily handled them all himself. He liked how helpful Chan was, how thoughtful. That was something he’d seen too little of in his life. At least until he became a trooper.

Evan unlocked the front door, glad everything was clean and in its proper place. “Here, you can put those here,” he said, indicating the island in the kitchen, which was just through the living room.

“Let me show you around before we eat, so you know where everything is.” He hoped he didn’t sound as nervous as he felt.

First floor consisted of a good-sized kitchan and a living room/dining room combo. Evan didn’t have a table, since he never had guests and always ate his meals in the living room. Near the kitchen was a half bath, with a full bath upstairs.

“You have a very nice home,” Chan said as he followed Evan up the stairs to the second floor.

 Evan turned once they reached the top. “Thank you,” he said. “I hope you’ll be very comfortable here.” And come back often.

“I’m sure I will be, with you,” Chan said sincerely, taking one of Evan’s hands in his own.

Evan’s heart fluttered at Chan’s touch. They stood there for a moment, content not to move, before Evan showed Chan the extra room and then his bedroom.

“Oh my,” Chan exclaimed as he took in Evan’s room. Evan didn’t have a lot of furniture, just a queen-sized platform bed, and a matching dresser and bedside tables. The bed was comfortable and sat lower to the ground then some he’d looked at. That had taken some getting used to, but now he loved it. A sudden thought struck him. Would it be an issue for Chan?

“Oh my,” Chan repeated in an awestruck voice. “This looks so… comfortable.” Approaching the bed, he leaned down and pushed on the mattress, lightly at first, then a little more firmly, before taking a seat at the edge of the bed. “Very comfortable indeed.” Without warning, he began to blush and dropped his gaze to the floor. “I’m sorry, I am being forward.”

Evan fell to his knees before Chan. He tilted his head up so he could look into his eyes. “Don’t be sorry. I want you to feel comfortable here.”

Chan leaned in to Evan and laid his head on his shoulder, snuggling against him. He breathed a soft sigh of contentment. “I am already comfortable here. As if we have already done this before, although I know that can’t be. I don’t know how to explain this feeling any better than that.”

But Evan didn’t need any further explanation, for he felt the very same way. He wrapped his arms about Chan and held him for a long moment.

to be continued

Now see what's up with the other Briefers:

Sarah Hayes

Cia Nordwell

J Alan Veerkamp

Wednesday Briefs: Super Trooper #17 (3.3)

Good morning and Happy Hump Day! If it's Wednesday, then it must be time for more flash fiction from the Wednesday Briefers! We're a group of authors who bring you our finest flash fiction every week, 500 to 1000 words, inspired by one of our prompts.

Evan is just getting off of work and ready to spend the evening with Chan. See what's going on with him in this week's chapter of Super Trooper. Don't forget to check on the other Briefers and see what's up with them! Their links follow my tale! Enjoy!

Super Trooper #17 (3.3)

“Hey Evan, wanna go grab a beer? Watch some sports?”

Evan finished handing in the last of his paperwork to the desk clerk, then turned to his fellow trooper. “Hey Nathan. I would, but I’m already doing something tonight. Maybe another time?”

“Doing something?” Nathan Harding was a little shorter than the average Texas State Trooper, but he made up for it by having a very muscular build and a very friendly personality. It was said that the people he pulled over for speeding never even got mad at him, and had nothing but nice things to say about him. Nathan’s thick brows shot up inquisitively. “You mean like a date doing something, that kind of doing something?”

Evan knew why Nathan looked so surprised. Evan tended to keep the few liaisons he’d had on the down low because he didn’t feel it was anyone’s business. He never discussed his private life, although he was open about being gay. He just didn’t feel the need to talk about picking up men at Partners. Plus those trysts tended to be short-lived in duration, just a means to an end, nothing to brag about.

Tonight, on the other hand…

He felt his lips curl up into a smile before he could even think of a proper response. He couldn’t help himself. He’d been thinking about Chan a lot today… and probably looked as goofy then as he did now. For once, he didn’t care. He felt too good to worry about what someone might think of him.

“Yes, I have a date,” he confirmed.

Nathan pumped a fist into the air. “Hot damn, that’s what I like to hear. Yeah, definitely another time, bro. Bring your guy too, okay?”

“Okay,” Evan easily agreed. “What about you? You seeing anyone?”

“Not right now, but you know how that is. Hope springs eternal, eh?” He winked at Evan then turned to the desk clerk and handed her his own forms. “Looks like I’m free tonight, sugar. How about you and me spend some time together, if you know what I mean?”

The desk clerk, whose name tag read Christina, gave him an are you kidding me look as she set his papers down on the desk in front of her. “I do know what you mean and you just keep that hope alive, trooper,” she told him, then addressed Evan with a sincere smile. “Have fun on your date, Evan.”

Evan had seen this act before. He knew she was just trying to rile up Nathan, and her ploy was succeeding. She seemed to be the one person who didn’t automatically succumb to Nathan’s charms, but Evan also knew she wasn’t immune to them either.

“Thanks, Christina,” he said before offering her a quick thumbs up. “Just remember this! Never surrender!”

“Thanks, bro!” Nathan pretended to moan. “What do you think she is, the Alamo?”

Evan had to laugh as he saw Nathan give her his best and most sincere puppy dog eyes. He knew Christina was more than able to handle herself.  His work done for the day, he strolled out of the station with a spring to his step that belied the lateness of the hour. When he reached his patrol car, he paused long enough to text Chan. Just got off, what sounds good to you?

You came the immediate reply. Evan felt his cheeks warm, but in a pleasurable way.

Feel the same way he texted back. What sounds good for dinner?

Anything but chicken.

That produced a chuckle from Evan. He was sure there was a story there. After a few more texts, they finally decided on Chinese food and arranged to meet in the parking lot of one of Evan’s favorite restaurants. Evan assumed he would have to wait for Chan to drive in from his apartment, but they arrived at roughly the same time.

Seeing Chan step out of his car, Evan couldn’t help the wolf whistle that sprang to his lips, surprising him. He’d never done such a thing before, but damn, Chan looked so fine. A pair of khaki trousers that clung to him but not too tightly, and a short-sleeve shirt that might have been some shade of orange, which brought out a warm glow in Chan’s golden skin, even under the harsh glare of the parking lot lights.

“I’ll change when we get to my place,” Evan promised.

“You would look good in anything,” Chan said as they linked hands and entered the restaurant together.

Half an hour later, they carried their dinner to Evan’s patrol car.

“I should have picked you up,” Evan said. “Then we could have ridden together.”

“I’ll be right behind you,” Chan assured him. “Besides, it’s better that I drive myself the first time. I’ll remember how to get there again more easily after I’ve done it once.”

Evan felt pleased that Chan intended to do this more than once. That made up for not being able to be close to him on the drive. Which was silly, he reminded himself. They would be able to sit together to their hearts’ content shortly. And he didn’t mean as a prelude to sex. If that happened, great. If not, also great. He just found himself yearning for Chan’s company, no matter what they did.

Chan helped him to pile the bags in the passenger seat of the patrol car then closed the door. Immediately, Evan pulled him toward him and kissed him softly. “I’m so glad you waited for me,” he said.

“I would wait for you as long as it takes,” Chan said breathily.

to be continued

Now go see what's up with the other Briefers!

Cia Nordwell

J Alan Veerkamp