Andy had been adamant about going out for dinner after their steamy session in the bedroom. He’d insisted that they needed to get out of the penthouse. Matt knew it wasn’t just about wanting a change of scenery; Andy didn’t want to be alone with him where things could escalate further. Out here, among other people, Andy felt safer from Matt’s advances.
But even here, Matt couldn’t stop his mind from wandering to thoughts of Andy on his lap, feeding him bites of dessert between kisses. He knew it was exactly what Andy was attempting to avoid.
“So,” Matt said after a moment, breaking the comfortable silence between them, “anything else you’d like to try?”
Andy’s eyes sparkled as he glanced at the dessert menu. “Maybe… everything?”
Of course, it’d be everything, and Matt chuckled in amusement before turning his attention to his own food. His palate relished the rich, earthy notes of the truffle adorning his Wagyu beef. The meal was exceptional, but it was the anticipation of what would follow that truly whetted his appetite. His mind couldn’t help but dance with images of Andy later that evening, their bodies entwined in a passionate encore.
The hum of conversation and clinking of fine china filled the room, yet all it took was a familiar voice to draw Matt’s attention away from his culinary reverie.
“Well, well, look at what we have here,” a voice carried across the dining space with a tone of playful surprise.
Matt glanced up to see Tory, the embodiment of carefree elegance, and in his arms hung a woman whose beauty rivaled the artistry on their plates. Her eyes raked over Andy with unabashed interest.
“Fancy meeting you here,” Tory continued, a teasing lilt in his voice. “And with such delectable company, no less.”
Matt quirked a brow, his lips curving into a sardonic smile. “Jealous? You know I’ve always had impeccable taste.”
“Impeccable taste?” Tory scoffed, his gaze sweeping over Andy’s casual attire. “Since when do you bring your conquests to a place like this?”
“Who said anything about a conquest?” Matt countered smoothly, his fingers toying idly with the stem of his wineglass. “Maybe I’m turning over a new leaf.”
Tory barked out a laugh. “You? Commitment? Now I’ve heard everything.”
The woman in Tory’s arms leaned in, her eyes gleaming with interest as she appraised Andy. “He’s cute,” she said, a playful lilt to her voice. “Maybe we should invite him over for a nightcap?”
Matt’s pointed stare was immediate and unmistakable. His stormy eyes bored into her, sending a clear message: Andy was off-limits. The possessiveness in his gaze was as fierce as the dragon tattoo that coiled around his shoulder.
Tory burst out laughing, the sound rich and unrestrained. “Oh, you should see your face, Matt,” he chortled, shaking his head. “Don’t worry, sweetheart,” he said to the woman at his side, “tonight will just be the two of us. Our friend Matt here seems to have staked a rather exclusive claim.”
Andy finally tore his attention away from the gourmet feast before him, curiosity piqued by the interaction. “Who’s this?” he asked, directing his question at Matt but looking at Tory.
Tory flashed a smile, all charm and easy grace. “I’m Tory Masuda,” he said with an amused twinkle in his eye. “Matt’sfriend since we were teens—along with James Maxwell, Mark Sinclair, and William Bosworth. The big shots of Vegas, as some like to say.”
Andy nodded slowly. “I’ve heard of them,” he admitted. “They’re quite the legends around here.”
“Ah, but have you heard of me?” Tory pressed, preening like a peacock. “The most dashing, debonair, and downright delightful of the bunch?”
A sheepish grin tugged at Andy’s lips. “Actually, yeah. My best friend’s brother is kind of obsessed with you, practically worships the ground you walk on. Says you’re the coolest guy around.”
“Does he now?” Tory’s brows shot up, his interest piqued. “And who might this enamored sibling be?”
“Ethan Collins,” Andy supplied readily. “He works at The Maxwell’s casino as a dealer. You should meet him sometime.”
Interest piqued in Tory’s dark eyes. “Ethan?” he echoed thoughtfully. “I think I might need to meet this paragon of admiration sometime.”
Matt watched the exchange with a mixture of amusement and mild exasperation. Trust Andy to charm even the most boisterous of his friends with that disarming, unassuming manner of his. As if sensing his gaze, Andy’s eyes flicked back to him, a silent question in their depths.
Matt’s lips curved into an amused smirk as Tory and his companion finally took their leave, the air around them charged with Tory’s usual exuberance. Andy’s gaze lingered on their retreating figures before turning back to Matt.
“He’s nice, isn’t he?” Andy said, his voice tinged with genuine fondness.
Matt raised an eyebrow. “You think Tory’s nice?”
Andy’s cheeks flushed. “Well, yeah. He seems like it. Don’t you think so?”
“And I’m what? Chopped liver?” Matt quipped, feigning offense.
