Temptation and Reason

Chapter 3

The next day, Pete caught himself thinking about Patrick as he went about his daily routine. He was in the middle of making his after workout smoothie when his phone rang. Reaching across the counter, he grabbed the phone and answered without looking at who it was.  

"Hello," Pete said before popping a piece of mango into his mouth. 

"Hey, Pete. It's Patrick." Pete went to gasp in surprise at Patrick's voice and felt the mango slip down his throat. He pulled the phone away from his face and started coughing to get the mango dislodged from his throat. After getting it out, he took a second to catch his breath before putting the phone back to his ear. 

"Hey Pat.." He pulled away to prevent coughing into the receiver. 

"Pat? Is that because you're coughing or a new nickname?" Patrick asked teasingly when Pete put the phone against his ear again. Pete cleared his throat quick.

"Sorry it was a cough. I wouldn't make that your nickname."

"What would your nickname be for me then?" Patrick asked curiously. Pete thought for a moment. 

"I'm not sure. Patty? But makes me think of the hand game Patty Cake, so probably Pattycake." Patrick chuckled through the phone and hummed in approval. 

"So, is eight alright for our date tonight?"

"Yeah that's fine," Pete answered. He surprised himself at how quickly he responded. He wasn't one to be so eager for dates. It only led to a meaningless night with someone in his bed. 

"Great. I'll pick you up later then." They said their goodbyes before hanging up. Pete watched in phone in confusion. What was it about this man that got him to agree so fast. He shifted uncomfortably, not liking how easily he let his guard for someone he just met. 

"You'll be fine." Pete looked up and saw Ryan leaning against the doorframe with his arms crossed. Pete had long gotten used to see Ryan's wings pressed against his body. What he didn't like were the white feathers he found lying around everywhere. Brendon's wings didn't let out nearly as many feathers.  

"What are you talking about?" Pete busied himself with his smoothie. 

"I know what you're doing." Ryan came over and sat at one of the stools at the island. "Why don't you give Patrick a chance? You might be surprised about what could happen."

"What could happen? I have another boy toy? Another person to waste my time on for a little while? Or do you think I'd have what you have?" Pete studied Ryan's face, knowing his intent for this conversation. "Newsflash, I don't want anyone. I like being alone."

"You and I both know what you think when Brendon and I are together."

"That's you two. You make it look so easy and I'm just.." Pete's tough demeanor dropped for a second. He shook away the thoughts. "It's not for me." His face once again going hard. 

"You can't be afraid to get hurt. Just give it a chance."

"Is that what happened with you and Brendon?" Ryan smiled as he thought of Brendon. 

"In a way, yeah." Pete looked around, surprised that Brendon wasn't glued to Ryan's side. 

"Where is the devil anyway?"

"Oh he's..." Ryan stopped, his smile disappearing instantly. He hesitated before carefully choosing his next words. "He's taking care of some business." Pete eyed Ryan as the man refused to make eye contacted. Before he could ask anything else, Brendon walked in. 

"Hey Petey boy." He went to Ryan and kissed his lips softly. "Hello beautiful." Ryan looked up at Brendon, desperation written all over his face. Pete watched Ryan's wings sink low when Brendon shook his head. He knew if he asked what was wrong, his question would be strategically dodged. He opted for something to brighten the mood.