Tyler would rather flirt with the customers who tipped him or the friendly bartenders who made no secret their mission was to get in Marcus’s bed. All of them seemed safer than his enigmatic, desirable, but hedonistic boss. He vowed never to fall prey to Marcus’s undeniable appeal.
Right now all he wanted to do was go home. Tyler cherished the little downtime he had, where he could relax, kick back in sneakers and jeans and enjoy being himself. Although, after the upheavals in his life these past few years, Tyler couldn’t feel quite certain of who he was anymore.
“I’m sorry you had to go through that, especially after the earlier incident with Ortiz. This isn’t how I normally run my business.” The gentleness in Marcus’s voice surprised Tyler but set his internal bullshit meter on high alert. Was Marcus truly concerned about him as a person, or only because his business would be affected?
“Uh, well, thanks. I’m glad you saw my side of it.”
“Did you think I wouldn’t?” Marcus’s dark brows drew together, and he frowned.
Tyler shrugged. “I don’t know you well enough to know what to expect from you.” Swallowing hard, he put aside his pride and appealed to Marcus. “But I need this job, so I’m thankful you believe me.”
“I’ll call a car and send you home.”
“It’s okay.” He didn’t want to be beholden to Marcus. “I’m fine taking the train.”
“No. You’re my responsibility, and I take care of my own.”
Unblinking, Marcus held his stare. For one crazy moment, Tyler wondered what belonging to Marcus would be like. An unexpected bolt of lust shot through him, licking like a flame through his bloodstream.
It had been forever since Tyler desired anyone sexually. His cluttered, nonstop life precluded relationships or any time for even the most casual hook-ups. Tyler had no business imagining Marcus naked, his thick cock jutting straight up, begging to be sucked. His breathing grew heavier, and his heart slammed in painful beats. He wanted a taste of him. Badly. He shifted in his chair, willing away his sudden craving.
A knowing light glowed in Marcus’s eyes, and a faint smile ghosted over his lips. “Don’t worry. You’re safe with me. I only bite when asked. Besides.” Marcus’s stare intensified, sending Tyler’s pulse rate into overdrive. “I’m sure we’ll get to know each other much better in the coming months.”
Bastard.The idea that Marcus had a view inside his head rattled Tyler. If Marcus thought Tyler would end up underneath him at some point, he was sadly mistaken. Tyler had priorities in life that didn’t and never would include Marcus Feldman.
He stood so abruptly his chair toppled over and crashed to the floor. Marcus didn’t flinch; he merely relaxed in his own chair with the same insufferable smile that only increased Tyler’s confusion and anger.
“I don’t need your help, and no, we won’t get to know each other better. You’re my boss, and you pay me to work for you. That doesn’t include fucking me.”
Marcus raised a dark brow. “I wasn’t aware I asked.” Tyler’s face flamed, but Marcus continued on blithely, as if he was having a polite conversation about the weather. “But I’ve seen you in action, and I believe in never say never.” He smirked at Tyler and lazed back in his chair.
Shaking with repressed anger, Tyler balled his hands into fists. What was it about this man that made him lose control? But his job came first, so he tamped down his antagonism and bit back the stream of curses he longed to hurl.
“Thank you for your help tonight. I appreciate it, and I’ll see you tomorrow.” He gritted out the words like spitting tacks.
“You most certainly will.”
Marcus’s mocking voice followed him all the way home.
Chapter Three
‡
“So how areyou two lovebirds doing?”
The familiar pink blush spread over Zach’s cheeks even as he gave the waiter his order, and Marcus grinned. He might love Zach and wish him the best in life, but that didn’t mean he couldn’t enjoy teasing him about his relationship with Sam.
“We’re fine and so happy you called to get together.” Zach handed the menu back to the waiter, then leaned into Sam. “I said to Sam this morning I missed you and was going to call, right?”
Sam smiled down at Zach. “Yeah.”
“Did you see Julian’s pictures? He and Nick look like they’re enjoying themselves at the Amalfi Coast.” Marcus tapped the screen of his phone.
“Yeah, they’re having an amazing time. One day I’d like to go to Italy.”
“I’ll take you.” Sam brushed his fingers along the side of Zach’s neck. “We can go on our own honeymoon.”
Zach’s blush deepened, and he tipped his head into Sam’s shoulder. For the first time, instead of making a cutting remark, Marcus studied his friends. The two of them were a perfect unit; Marcus couldn’t be happier for Zach, knowing how much he craved love and being loved, but the concept of one man and monogamy seemed as far-fetched to him as traveling to the moon. And much less desirable.
