“I’m not grouchy,” said Sam in a huffy tone. “I’m selective.” He glared at Henry. “And I don’t need your help to find a guy.”
For a few miles Henry said nothing, and only the music of some pop-rock station played.
“What is this crap you’re listening to?” He pushed the buttons of the radio until the music of Billy Joel filled the car. “There. That’s better.”
Henry chuckled. “Heather’s in control of the music when I drive; I could care less. Back to this weekend—we haven’t been out together in years, and now we have the whole weekend ahead of us. I want you to get back into life, man. Stop hiding and enjoy yourself.”
They pulled in front of the hotel, and Sam stared out the car window, contemplating his friend’s words, as Henry waited for the valet.
The sight of a nice ass leaning into his car caught his eye. Sam had no problem staring at it; round and tight, that beauty was practically in his face. For the first time in months desire hit him hard, heating his blood. The rest of the guy wasn’t too bad either—he straightened to his full height, hefting his small suitcase, then slammed the door and walked into the hotel. Sam didn’t get a chance to see his face, but he quickly assessed the stranger’s attributes from the rear. He didn’t seem too tall or broad, but his body looked tight and fit. Dark hair curled at the back of his neck, and Sam could practically feel his fingers sliding through those silky strands while he held the man down and banged into him.
“Hey, Sammy, are you getting out, or are you planning on sitting there all day?”
Henry’s loud voice knocked Sam out of his perverted fantasy. His cheeks heated, and he unbuckled his seat belt and gingerly got out, keeping his duffle bag in front of his body. The last thing he needed was for Henry to catch him with a hard-on. Shit. Was it possible Henry was right after all? Maybe he did need to get laid and get it out of his system.
The afternoon summer sun still beat warm against his shoulders, and he pulled his cap off his head to let the air circulate to his scalp. Sam couldn’t hear the sounds of ocean though; they were too insulated from the water by the hotel. He needed to take a walk on the beach tonight and clear his head. The mystery man with the great ass was gone, presumably into the crowd of the hotel. He and Henry stepped into the air-conditioned lobby, and he casually scanned the spacious interior while they walked to the registration desk, but there were too many people milling about for him to spot someone he’d only seen for a moment. What was he supposed to do, stop every guy and ask him to turn around so he could ogle his ass?
Maybe he’d find himself someone this weekend, but not if he stayed in his room. Perhaps he should go with Henry and mingle with people, even if he wouldn’t understand a thing they said. Sam tapped his friend on the shoulder as he was signing the credit card receipt for the room.
“I’ll hang out with you, if you promise not to bug me about dating.”
One thing about Henry, he never held a grudge. His face broke out in a wide smile. “Yeah? Excellent.”
After check-in, they agreed to meet in the Ambassador Room for the cocktail reception, then separated to change their clothes. He thought longingly of a shower, but knew he didn’t have enough time, so he quickly stripped, did a fast wash, then sprayed on a subtle cologne he hadn’t used in a while. He put on a black, short-sleeve, button-down linen shirt and a pair of tan slacks and left his room, remembering the Ambassador Room was on the third floor and Henry was meeting him there.
It felt strange going out in the evening without Andy, but for the first time there was no pang of sadness when thinking about his ex. Looking back, Sam supposed he might’ve been as guilty as Andy in neglecting their relationship, but instead of cheating, he’d immersed himself in his police work.
Traveling down in the elevator, Sam nervously jingled some change in his pocket and hoped Henry wouldn’t abandon him for work-related discussions with computer-savvy people immediately upon entering the room. He wouldn’t begrudge his friend the chance to network. Henry had left his job on Wall Street to start his own company, specializing in computer forensic investigations, which he took care of, as well as private investigations, which he hired Sam for on an as-needed basis.
Not seeing Henry yet, Sam spied the bar and made a beeline for its darkened interior, weaving in between the groups of people standing around chatting about apps and shit he didn’t understand. Damn, he hadn’t realized so many people would be attending this convention. Why not, he supposed, when it was Atlantic City and the weather was forecasted to be perfect, early-summer weather.
Sam leaned his hip on the bar, waiting his turn to order a drink. Since high school he’d played the “gay not gay” game whenever he was in a crowd and had time to kill. Scanning the crowd, he picked out several likely men, wondering if he was ready to spend the evening with someone. No one sparked his interest, and he shifted his attention back to the bar to order.
“A double vodka on the rocks, please.”
Now that was a drink for a person who’d had a rough day.
“That bad, huh?”
The man stared at the floor, not making eye contact with anyone. His jaw flexed tight, and his shoulders hunched tense. Sam sympathized with him; it was hard being alone at these functions.
When he looked up, Sam was struck by the pure blueness of his eyes. Coupled with the man’s dark, curling hair and fair skin, the combination was enticing, and Sam’s body stirred for the second time today. He hadn’t wanted anyone sexually in months. Until now. He couldn’t hold back a smile.
And the Gods were in Sam’s favor for once as the man smiled back up into his face, laugh lines crinkling outward from those mesmerizing eyes. There was an intensity that drew Sam closer; he must have been mistaken about the man’s uncomfortable vibe. He pictured the two of them naked and sweaty and hoped from the stranger’s sudden stillness, the man sensed it as well.
“Not anymore.”
Sam breathed out in relief. “I’m Sam. Sam Stein.”
“Zach Cohen.”
Sam extended his hand and they shook, Sam holding on to Zach’s hand for a moment. “Have dinner with me? Later?”
At Zach’s hesitation, Sam’s stomach dropped. He should’ve known a guy like him wouldn’t be alone.
“I’d love to.”
Chapter Three
