Forgive and Forget(12)

Tom swept past him, looking back over his shoulder with a smile that was nothing short of sinful. “They trying to protect your virtue?”

Oh my God. Joe sucked in his breath and found himself trailing behind Tom without any thought in his head. Tom settled on the couch, those intense eyes directed at him. Was Tom… flirting with him?

“Uh, yeah. Something like that,” Joe muttered, whether to Tom’s question or his own, he wasn’t certain. Could Tom really be flirting? Nah, he was most likely teasing. Maybe Joe was just hearing what he wanted to. Yep, that’s right. Tom wasn’t flirting with him at all. He better get a hold of himself before he did something silly, like invite a handsome stranger with amnesia to sleep under the same roof as him. No, wait. He’d already done that.

“Are you sure it’s okay for me to stay? I mean, I wouldn’t want your girlfriend, or boyfriend getting upset with you.” The smile was gone from Tom’s face, replaced by a sudden intensity in his eyes. His forwardness was certainly unexpected. Would Tom have second thoughts if Joe said he was gay? Joe didn’t hide who he was. He’d spent enough of his youth doing that. He didn’t exactly go around waving a neon sign that pointed it out, but he didn’t hide it.

“No. No boyfriend to get upset with me,” Joe replied, studying Tom’s expression. Tom’s lips curled into a smile, and Joe found himself liking it. “Will that be a problem?”

“That you don’t have a boyfriend? No.” Tom’s eyes sparkled with mischief. “Or do you mean being gay? That’s not a problem for me, Joe. I might not remember who I am, but I know what team I play for.” He raked his gaze over Joe and his cheeks went slightly pink before he lowered his eyes to his fingers. “Definitely not a problem. So, there’s no one special in your life?” Tom lifted his gaze to meet Joe’s.

Come on, Joe. What more do you want the guy to do? Change his online status? Announce it on the radio? Send out a smoke signal? Either way, it didn’t matter. Joe knew next to nothing about this man, much less his intentions. He needed to keep his wits about him.

A forceful knock startled them both. Cursing under his breath, Joe let in the chastity brigade. It was probably for the best. He really shouldn’t be entertaining any kind of risqué thoughts about Tom. The man’s name wasn’t even Tom, for heaven’s sake!

“Oh my God.” Elsie leaned into Joe, whispering hoarsely and loud enough for everyone to hear, including Tom. “He’s gorgeous!”

Donnie crossed his arms over his chest with a huff. “He’s not that good-looking.”

Elsie ignored him and made her way over to Tom, who smiled and seemed a little too amused for his own good. “Hi. I’m Elsie.” She narrowed her pretty brown eyes and stood on her toes. “You’re not a murderer, are you? Because Joe’s like a big brother to us, and if you hurt him, well, Donnie’s going to knock you out.”

Tom shook his head somberly, though Joe could tell the man was fighting back a chuckle. “I know it’s hard to believe, considering I don’t remember much of anything, but I think something like that is part of a man’s nature. I’m not going to hurt Joe. He’s already done more for me than most people would have. I owe him.”

“Oh, for crying out loud.” Bea faced Elsie and Donnie before jutting a finger toward the door. “You two get going. I expect you bright and early. Joe and I will take care of this drifter.”

“But—” Donnie attempted to protest, only to cower at the sight of Bea’s formidable eyebrow. “Come on, Elsie. I’ll walk you home.”

“Nice to meet you, Mr. Tom! Good night, Joe,” Elsie said with a cheerful wave.

Tom and Joe waved back before turning their attention to Bea. As soon as the door closed behind the youngsters, she stomped over to Tom with all her usual grace and subtlety, poking him in the shoulder. She opened her mouth to speak, then closed it before peering at him.

“Do I know you?” she asked.

Tom looked hopeful. “I don’t know. Do you?”

Was it possible Bea had met Tom before? Joe took a step toward her. “Have you seen him before, Bea?”

Bea looked Tom over, and after what seemed like forever, she shook her head. Both Joe and Tom sighed with disappointment. “Felt like maybe I had, but no. I’d definitely remember you.” She tapped the side of her head. “Sharp as ever. Must be the eyes. They remind me of that young fella who was in here this morning with his girl. The one who ordered all the pies.”

Now that Joe thought about it, Bea was right. Ms. Rotherford’s boyfriend had very similar silver eyes. He was tall with dark hair too. Dammit. For a moment there, he thought they’d caught a break. Seeming to get back to her original train of thought, Bea poked Tom in the shoulder again.

“Now you listen here, young man. That bump on your melon ain’t gonna be nothing compared to what I’m gonna do to you if you hurt Joe. You got me?” Tom nodded and took a small step away from Bea—who just took that as an invitation to take one closer. “Joe’s a good man, and I don’t care how handsome he thinks you are. If you hurt him, you’ll have me to deal with.”

Surely, Joe hadn’t just heard what he thought he’d heard? She hadn’t just said….

Tom’s eyebrows shot up, and he looked at Joe. “You think I’m handsome?”