Line of Fire by Simone Anderson Page B

promise.”
    “I—”
    “Save it. Figure it out, Christian. Do you want me or a fuck-buddy? Because you’re treating me like a fuck-buddy.”
    “I don’t date fuck-buddies.”
    “Yeah, well, you’re not dating me either. I’m not sure why you changed your mind about tonight, but somehow I doubt that’s the smartest move you’ve ever made.”
    They pulled into the parking lot of the movie theater and sat in tense silence.
    “I’ll find my own way home tonight. I’m not spending it with you,” Hayden said flatly. Looking out across the lot, he saw Alexa and Brian get out of his friend’s bright red Mustang. “They’re waiting for us. Are you coming or not?”
    “Hayden, wait. I’ll take you home.”
    “I’m going to watch the movie. I’ve been wanting to see this one. You can join me or not. That’s your choice.” Hayden got out of the truck without waiting for Christian’s answer.
    “Hayden, wait!” Christian yelled.
    They both came to a halt a dozen feet from the entrance to the movie theater when they saw Alexa standing with her arms crossed looking incredibly pissed off. Hayden swallowed. Brian stood several feet away, in a similar position, looking slightly amused.
    “Alexa, what’s wrong?” Hayden asked looking from Alexa to his friend and back again, unable to figure out what was going on.
    “You two,” she said flatly. “You almost ruined my dinner, and you’re not going to ruin the rest of my night.”
    “We—I—” Hayden began.
    “Before you say anything, I know you two are seeing each other. I also know that one of you doesn’t want anyone else to find out.” Alexa glared at both of them.
    “How the—” Christian started to ask.
    “Biggest bunch of bullshit,” Alexa shouted interrupting him. “Figure out what you want and what you’ll regret when you lose it.”
    “How—Brian?” Hayden stammered.
    “Dude, you two are on your own. I know better than to piss her off,” Brian smirked.
    “And keep your attitudes in check,” Alexa continued ignoring what anyone was saying. “Because I’ll be damned if the rest of this night sucks because you two can’t figure out that no one who counts gives a rat’s ass who you love or fuck. So long as that person doesn’t already belong to someone else or is underage.” Alexa turned and walked away, looping her arm through Brian’s.
    “I should—”
    “You can think about it later. Let’s try to enjoy tonight. Movie theaters are dark. We can sit in the back,” Hayden replied, not entirely sure why he was trying so hard to convince his boyfriend to stay with him. His gut told him if Christian walked away now, they were done. He was a SEAL. He was not going to lose the man he wanted. Not without a fight.
    Christian nodded, and they walked into the theater. Again, Christian insisted on paying. It felt almost like a real date. He hoped Alexa’s words made some sort of dent in Christian’s logic. Heaven knew that nothing he’d said over the past couple of months had worked.
    After purchasing drinks, they headed to the theater. They were early enough to get a seat in the back. One that let them watch the movie without feeling exposed. Once in the theater Christian’s hand slid down and over his ass before coming to rest on his lower back. Hayden arched into the touch. He couldn’t help it. He wanted to know that he wasn’t wasting time with the wrong man.
    “You two first,” Alexa said. “I always wanted to be surrounded by big, strong men.”
    Hayden laughed, and Christian sputtered.
    “I’m man enough for you,” Brian growled.
    “Yes, but most, well some, women fantasize about being the center of attention for several hot men,” Alexa shrugged.
    Christian led the way into the short row, leaving a seat between him and the wall breaking up the top few rows. Hayden sat next to him, with Alexa in between him and Brian. Christian’s fingers intertwined with his, and Hayden pulled Christian towards him, giving his