Love to Hate You

Chapter 2

EZRA'S POV
The strip club is packed with people but I can only keep my eyes on Jasper. His short curly hair, blue eyes, and muscular body are a welcoming distraction. I pour and hand out drinks, while rejecting advancements from women and men. None of them caught my eye like Jasper did. I think I make him nervous. Which I find funny because he has no issues with confidence and is constantly flirting with people. Flexing his muscles and winking like a fuck boy.
"Nice tattoos. Did they hurt??" A female sat at the bar. She has long legs and a beautiful smile. However, her question was dumb and automatically annoyed me. I kept a friendly smile on my face though.
"Yes, they hurt but it was worth it. What can I get you??"
"Just a beer. Thanks." She smiles, perking up her breasts by squeezing her arms together.
I couldn't help but grin at her attempts to capture my attention. I hand her the beer.
"What's your name, sweetheart??" I ask.
"Beth. What's yours??"
"It's Ezra. What brings you to a place like this??"
She leans in flirtatiously.
"A good time. Want to have a good time with me??"
I lean into her ear and say, "You are really beautiful but I'm gay."
I step away and her face was shocked.
"You don't even look like you are. I'm so sorry. I must be really drunk." She laughed.
I wondered what exactly gay is supposed to look like. I glance over to Jasper and he's ogling at some chick's breasts while she openly flirts with him. I roll my eyes. It's time for a smoke break.
"I'm heading out back, Jasper." I pat him on the back and he tenses up.
I walk out back and light a cigarette.
I hear the door opening behind me.
"What the fuck is wrong with you??"
I turn to face an agitated Jasper. I take a long drag of my cigarette and puff out smoke.
"I'm not sure what you mean." I calmly reply.
He shoves me and points a finger in my face.
"Stay out of my way."
I take one last drag of my cigarette and blow smoke in his face. I flick the cigarette to the ground and stomp it out with my boot. I tilt my head to the side and look into Jasper's blue eyes.
"Why are you so offended??" I said, brushing one of his curls away from his forehead.
The act made his eyes go wide and his eyebrows furrowed. Suddenly there was anger in his expression and he swung a fist towards my face but I dodged it at the last second.
"I'm not some homo fruity boy!!" He spat.
I was still so calm. I actually smirked.
"I never said you were but you're the one in my face right now." I say, eyeing his lips.
At the realization of how close his face was to mine, he frantically took several steps back.
"Nice form by the way. Your fist almost caught me. Sorry you missed." I say with a sly grin.
I open the door and head back into work. I wonder what Jasper would have done if I kissed him like I wanted to. I'll gladly take a punch to the face.

                         JASPER'S POV
I stood outside in the back of the strip club stunned. Ezra wasn't even bothered by my confrontation. I got violent with him at work. Fuck, I hope I don't get fired. I run after Ezra to make sure we're cool.
"Hey!" I reach out for him.
He turns around and folds his muscular arms across his chest. This guy could have easily fought me back. Why didn't he??
"I prefer whatever hostility you hold against me  to be left outside." He said.
"Actually, I wanted to apologize. I could have handled things differently." I said.
"There's nothing to apologize for. Misunderstandings happen." He says and walks away.
After work, I decided to follow him but he hopped on his motorcycle and caught me looking at him.
"Need a ride??" He smirks.
"Uhh.. No! I'm good." I stammer.
"It'll be easier to follow me, if you accept the ride. I got an extra helmet."
Oh my god. He knew I was following him the whole time. The embarrassment. What do I say now?? How do I play it cool??
"I've got a girl to meet. Cindy from the coffee shop." I say casually.
"Alright. Well, have fun with Cindy then." His motorcycle roars and speeds off.
I exhale, feeling relieved. Why was I nervous??
"Hey, Jasper!! What are your plans for tonight??" Marcus calls out to me.
"Nothing, why??" I reply.
"Dude, come out with us!! We're going to a pool party!!"
"Yeah, alright. I'll head out with you guys."