“Come on. We’d better get up and shower. It’s time to finish cleaning up.”
Jeff bit his lip.
“The paperwork has to be put back in order, and we have a business to open.”
Nodding, Jeff got out of bed. Craig knew he had to say something else. He wasn’t good at this lovers thing yet, so he needed a moment to think. “Oh, uhm, it’s important we get everything in our business lives organized if we’re going to start a life as partners together too.”
Seeing the light return to Jeff’s eyes, Craig knew he’d found the right words.
“In that case, I’d better shower alone, or we’ll never get anywhere.”
Lowering his head, Craig silently agreed. “Shit. I still haven’t figured out how to make this expressing myself thing work just right.”
Waiting his turn for the shower, Craig lay back on the bed, staring at the ceiling. Hearing the sound of Jeff whistling as he turned on the shower, Craig smiled. Life was good.
Chapter 10
CRAIG wasn’t sure if he was spending more time fine-tuning the online profile pages or glancing over at Jeff, who had his head buried in the fresh, clean printouts of the Excel spread sheets he was working on.
Neither man spoke of the previous night’s terror or its ultimately positive aftermath. Craig was sure he hadn’t made a mistake, yet there was niggling suspicion he might have misconstrued Jeff’s ultimate message. Did he really want to be Craig’s boyfriend, or was it just residual fear taking over, making him crave the security of Craig’s care and comfort?
After two hours of continuous silence, Craig was having more and more trouble concentrating. The profiles were perfect. If any two people had at least seventy-five percent of their responses coincide, their preliminary contact information would be forwarded to the other party with a recommendation they arrange a meeting. Then it was up to them to accept or reject making direct contact, with the prospect of pursuing a relationship.
Jeff seemed to continue working diligently, his responsibility was to ensure all the financials were in order and the columns added up accurately. Everything had to align perfectly to guarantee submissions would all be accurately accounted for. There were a variety of parameters to take into account, from people paying in one lump sum, to monthly payment plans. Discounts for those who only used the service once and additional charges for those who continually needed to change or update their profiles.
Craig had never seen Jeff take any job this seriously. He hated to admit that what he thought was only a pipe dream was about to become reality, for the most part due to Jeff’s determination and dedication to their project. When had Jeff become the mature one in their friendship, or was it more than friendship?
“You know, if you keep staring at me, it makes it hard to focus on my work.”
Blinking, Craig smiled. “I thought you’d gone mute on me. I don’t think we’ve ever been together this long without you talking.”
“Sometimes talk gets in the way.”
“I’m beginning to realize that, but I have to ask you a question.”
“Fire away. I’m almost done here.” Jeff still hadn’t turned to look directly at Craig, and it was unsettling.
“Did last night, well, actually early this morning, really happen? Are we?”
“Yes, it happened.” Jeff finally gazed into Craig’s eyes. “And in answer to your second question, I’m not sure. Do you think we can be together, truly together, without killing each other or, at the very least, driving each other crazy? I’ve heard that getting too close can ruin a good friendship, and I’d hate to see that happen to us.”
Shrugging, Craig wasn’t sure how to answer without his disappointment spilling out all around them.
“Let me finish a few more things, and then I can input the final payment codes. After that, we’ll talk.” Jeff bit his lip and returned to his paperwork.
Knowing Jeff would be getting on the computer again, Craig had a thought, but he had to act quickly. He started keyboarding so rapidly his fingertips started to redden from the ongoing activity.
“What are you typing over there?”
“Nothing. Answering some emails.”
“Must be some pretty intense answers. What the hell are your friends asking you?”
“Forget about me and my emails. Just finish what you’re doing and come over here.” Craig returned to his special project, hammering away at the keys until he was done. Finally, after about thirty minutes, he made his final keystroke and waited, watching the screen as if it would give him the secret to eternal youth, wealth, and beauty.
“Done! I’m ready to finally get all this on the computer, and we can go into business. Then the promotion phase for The Male Room can begin.” Jeff waved his arm in the air. He was such a flamboyant character, and Craig realized, for the first time, just how endearing that quality could be.
“You’ll have to wait a minute. I’m waiting for the results.”
“What are you talking about? What results?” Jeff furrowed his brow, clearly not catching on.
“Yes! There it is. The first completed match.”
“We don’t have any clients yet, so how can we possibly have a match?” Jeff put his palm against Craig’s forehead. “Are you running a fever? You sound delirious.”
“Let’s just say I was testing a theory.”
Jeff tilted his head.
“Skipping the payment section, I completed two profiles as accurately and honestly as possible to see what our program would come up with.”
A small grin started to appear on Jeff’s face. “I think I’m beginning to see now. So what are the results?”
“Check it out for yourself.” Craig surrendered his seat to Jeff, who read the detailed profile comparison between the two candidates.
“It would seem this couple has a ninety-five percent compatibility score. It looks like one is more into sports, and the other is more introverted.” Jeff stood up and faced Craig, brushing his hand against Craig’s cheek.
Leaning into the touch, Craig let his eyelids fall shut. “Such an incredible match. Wonder if those two will ever
