Free Foxe Hunt by Haley Walsh Page B

mean…
    he’s not a trick.”
    “Hmm.” Philip silently drank his wine.
    Skyler jumped on the comment. “‘Hmm’? ‘Hmm’ what?
    What do you mean?”
    “Well, I’ve never before heard you say that anyone you brought home wasn’t a trick.”
    “He didn’t feel like one. He felt more important than a trick.
    But maybe it was the whole date thing.”
    “Maybe. Or maybe ,” he said, gesturing with wine glass, “it’s something about him .”
    Thinking about it, Keith did seem different. His being a teacher might have had something to do with it. His sensitivity.
    His good looks. He seemed a little domineering but that was okay.
    It was probably the jock in him. And that was a bit appealing, too, he had to admit.
    They talked a bit more, and Skyler ended up turning on the TV and flipping off the lights. Sitting comfortably on the 64 Haley Walsh
    sofa sipping wine with Philip was very nice for a change. It had seemed like ages since he and Philip had a chance to be alone without the rest of the S.F.C. being there.
    The doorbell. Skyler glanced at Philip and then the clock. It was 11:15. He rose and opened the door never expecting to see Keith standing there.
    “I took a chance that you’d be up.” Mute, Skyler stepped aside to let him in. “I thought maybe you wanted some company while you waited for your friend to call…”
    Philip switched on a light and Keith whipped his head toward the source. His eyes homed in on Philip. “I see you have company,”
    he said tightly.
    “Hi there!” said Philip, waving like an idiot. He slid his shoes on and stumbled toward Keith offering his hand. “I’m Philip Price, Skyler’s friend.”
    Keith took his hand warily and shook it once. “Keith Fletcher.”
    Philip’s brows disappeared into his hairline. His lips mouthed “holy shit” and his eyes did a quick appraisal of the taller man.
    Everyone stared wordlessly at one another for a moment, before Keith broke the silence. “Well I guess I should go. You and your…friend…seem to be busy.”
    Philip waved his arms. “Oh no! I was just going. It’s late. You stay.”
    “No, maybe I shouldn’t—”
    “Look, Keith. I’m sure Skyler would prefer your company—”
    “Are you sure?”
    “Oh, yes. Must be off. Thanks for the wine, Skyler.” He passed Keith and behind his back made a “call me” gesture to Skyler before he was gone.
    Skyler watched him depart and slowly closed the door. He turned and smiled wanly. “That was Philip.”
    “So I gathered. Sorry to interrupt what was evidently an intimate moment.”
    Foxe hunt 65
    There was that tone again that so irked Skyler. “Well, it wasn’t an ‘intimate’ moment. We were just watching TV.”
    “In the dark.”
    “It’s my place ,” he said, voice getting a bit louder. “I like watching TV in the dark.”
    “Far be it from me to tell you how to watch TV in your own place. I just thought you said you needed to be there for a friend.
    If you’re seeing other people then I’d appreciate a heads up, that’s all.”
    “Philip is not other people. He’s one of my best friends. And he was just keeping me company in case Jef , my friend in need , called. Which he didn’t. So chill.”
    Keith’s lips were pressed tightly into a thin line. “I see. Sorry.
    Maybe I should go.”
    “Maybe you should.”
    Keith gave Skyler what he could only describe as a hurt-puppy-dog face. But it didn’t matter. Skyler was royally pissed off. This jealous attitude was one thing that did not work for him.
    He went to the door and pulled it open. With shoulders slumped, Keith passed over the threshold. He stopped in the doorway and turned. “See you tomorrow.”
    “Yeah. Right.” He made sure he didn’t slam it in Keith’s face but he closed it with a certain flourish and threw the deadbolt.
    He listened as Keith thumped down the stairs and seethed, his back to the door. “Couldn’t commit, huh? That’s my problem?
    I think Keith Fletcher has far