Boyfriend Chronicles 02 - The Boyfriend Mandate by River Jaymes Read Free Book Online

cut off when he winced. “Damn.”
    The stuntman grimaced, pressing a hand to his temple, and Tyler stared at him, trying not to worry. He tried not to care about the very remote possibility his ex-boyfriend had more than a simple concussion.
    “I’m not taking no for an answer,” Tyler said.
    Memphis opened his eyes. “Fine,” he said. “I’ll agree to the observation part anyway.”
    A sense of accomplishment hit, followed by an intense wave of relief.
    “So you’ll go to the hospital?” Tyler said.
    “No,” he said. “The reporters are relentless, and I have no intention of letting rumors about an injury spread. Last time that happened, it was a media nightmare.” And then he pursed his lips, his hazel gaze lit with faint humor. “But if you want to keep an eye on me tonight, feel free.”
    The surge of accomplishment in Tyler’s chest was suddenly tempered by a heavy, sinking feeling as reality set in. Memphis was counting on Tyler saying no. He was counting on Tyler’s need to avoid his ex-boyfriend outweighing the man’s well-being.
    Shit .
    “Not a problem,” Tyler lied. “I’ll do it.”
    The stuntman’s expression turned thoughtful. “The staff in the hotel where I’m staying can’t find out, either.”
    Jesus Haploid Christ.
    The trap he’d set for himself was getting deeper and deeper.
    Regardless, Tyler made sure his tone remained cool. “Then it’ll be easier if you come with me.”
    Several seconds passed by with no response.
    “Damn,” Memphis finally murmured. His brow bunched in surprise, he went on, all traces of a flirty tone and teasing look now gone. “I was just kidding before, you know. I didn’t think you’d really follow through with the observation thing.”
    Tyler decided not to dwell on why.
    Memphis tipped his head curiously. “You sure you want me to come home with you?”
    Not at all .
    “Absolutely,” he answered instead.
    Memphis studied him for a moment before a brief spark of amusement flared in his eyes again, increasing the weight in Tyler’s chest.
    “Okay, then.” The stuntman pushed off from the table, looking far more cooperative than before. “Let’s get going.”
    Good Lord.
    Tyler stared at his ex, trying to sort out his churning thoughts. He’d achieved his goal; he’d made sure Memphis would be taken care of.
    But now Tyler was left wondering if he’d just won…or lost.
    ~~~***~~~
    Leaving the site of the stunt turned out to be more difficult than Memphis had anticipated.
    The pounding in his head had turned into a mother-effing sledgehammer that left him nauseous. But he plastered a smile on his face as he said good-bye to the remaining spectators while trying hard not to puke or bleed.
    It wasn’t easy.
    Fortunately, Tyler’s nurse agreed to escort Patrick and his mom back to the city so Tyler could drive Memphis’s Jeep. Once he and Tyler were heading across the parking lot, things were beginning to look up. His headache had eased some, Patrick’s wish had been fulfilled, and Tyler hadn’t been offended by the kid’s obnoxious behavior, thank fuck.
    Memphis should have known his recent bout of good luck wouldn’t last.
    As they neared the row of cars where he’d parked, he spotted the journalist and let out a sigh. Memphis grabbed Tyler’s arm and pulled him toward the other side of the line of parked cars.
    “What are you doing?” Tyler asked.
    “Hopefully dodging the paparazzi,” he said, and the words got Tyler’s instant attention.
    “Mr. Haines!” a man’s voice called from behind.
    “Too late.” Memphis pressed his keys into Tyler’s hand and picked up their pace, feet crunching against gravel. “No matter what happens…” he murmured as he adjusted his baseball cap to cover his cut, “just keep driving.”
    The redheaded journalist caught up with them, a smirk on his face. “When is the he-man stunt guy going to make a statement about coming out of the closet?”
    Memphis had to grin at the