Total pages in book: 120
Estimated words: 112850 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 564(@200wpm)___ 451(@250wpm)___ 376(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 112850 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 564(@200wpm)___ 451(@250wpm)___ 376(@300wpm)
“There’s a lot to unpack there. Let’s stick with the first. Why do you need an excuse to come to a bar?” I said. “That’s what we’re here for.”
Slade’s resulting chuckle caressed over my heart as if it were meant to do that very thing. “You don’t make it easy, that’s for damned sure.” The glass lifted again, tilting past his lips.
My gaze tracked every single one of his moves, the hunger building inside me had my heart thumping, my mouth watering, and my cock harder than it had ever been.
“Not the first time I’ve heard such a thing, but why am I makin’ anything hard for you?”
Hard. Jeez. The center of my entire being ached at the strain in my pants.
Instinctively, I reached for the bills to begin facing them. I ended up turning them all the same direction but only gathered the bills together in a single stack, not organizing the dollars like normal.
“It’s usually easier to let a guy know I’m attracted, at least in my world. A cock of the brow, a nod of the head, and we go find someplace behind the scenes.”
The register gave a loud beep as it finished processing, guiding my attention there.
No, that wasn’t quite right. My gaze went the direction of the beep, but Slade held all my attention. Heat zipped up my neck, into my cheeks with record speed. A quick heavy puff of breath escaped the slight opening of my lips.
What did I say to that? Please let something sassy come to mind.
It didn’t. My thoughts raced while quicksand seemed to suck any intelligence out of my body.
Sex hadn’t been on the table, not really, in more years than I remembered.
“Did I get it wrong?”
My silence held as I zoned into the bills.
From the periphery of my vision, Slade lifted the glass, taking another nice-sized drink. We were again in a silent game of wits. Which of us who spoke first owned the matter.
Still, my words didn’t come as I spread my palms along the edge of the bar top, considering what might be being offered.
“He grows more intriguing,” Slade said.
“Explain again how you figured me out,” I said. I tilted my head his direction.
“I told you I didn’t know except when Wyatt got all in your face about it and you didn’t flatten him where he stood. I would’ve.”
“Wait,” I said, drawing my arms up again over my chest, this time in an effort to hold myself together. “You aren’t out?”
Slade’s grin faltered, his palm resting on his heart. “I hoped it was a half-truth that you didn’t know who I was even after you were told. No, I’m not publicly out, and I don’t plan to be. Times are different on each coast, but that doesn’t reach the entire middle of the country. They’re my audience.”
“You’re only lookin’ for a secret hookup?” I asked the obvious.
Slade’s head swung from side to side. “Maybe more than a single hookup. You’re a handsome guy. I’m here for a couple of months. We’ll see what happens. But it helps that you’re hidden too. You’ll keep my secrets with yours.”
Every emotion I’d ever had released, descending over me like a warm, heavy blanket. The complications were staggering.
“Color’s draining from your face. What’s that mean?”
I said nothing, only continued to stare at him for another untold amount of time. I reached for the beer I’d poured Louis, downing it in a few long gulps. A cold bottle of Heineken came next, twisting the cap, tilting it to drain in five long gulps.
Chapter 8
Slade
Mace was never too far from my thoughts for the guys’ entire trip. I wanted him in many different ways and not all were sexual. The need to be in his air space knocked away any confusion, allowing me to come to Mace with my metaphorical hat in hand, hoping he’d take my offer. Instead, I watched this guy visibly tank before my eyes.
Had I pushed too hard?
Should I probe what was happening or leave it alone and wait?
I inhaled deeply, waiting for some response, any response. The panicked, shuddering exhale released slowly, trying to go unnoticed.
Live in the now.
Seize the moment.
Carpe diem.
Mace was a damned sexy guy. A manly man. Strong, strapping. The small things I’d missed were on full display for me now. Mace’s tight nipples pressing against his T-shirt. The way the bulge in his shorts took a slight turn, the head pointing at me. The glint in his eye when his guard slipped away. The way his lips quirked at the corner of his mouth when he tried not to smile. The way his arms and shoulders tensed, the muscle and cords built by heavy lifting, strained as he fought against his most basic urges.
Something felt right about us.
Mace scooped up the scattered bills that lay on the counter and turned to an unnoticed bank vacuum tube adhered to the back wall. The cash was dropped into a cartridge, placed at the opening of the shoot. Mace pushed a button, and the fast suction swooshed the money into the ceiling.