Brad threw his head back and laughed. “That’s what Josh said. I’m supposed to be meeting him here.”
“Well come on in,” James welcomed. He finished wiping down the table he’d been cleaning and dumped the trash before heading to the counter.
“So what’s your poison?” James asked as he passed.
Rocking back on his heels, Brad hummed while searching the menu above the counter.
“We’re going to need to order…” Luca trailed off as he took in their newest customer. James snorted as Luca’s eyes widened. Yeah, James got it. Brad could stop traffic on a normal day but dressed casually in faded light jeans and a gray sweater that made his blue eyes pop was enough to stop anyone in their tracks.
Brad blinked rapidly then looked up Luca up and down. Without a word Brad returned his gaze to the menu. Like he was dismissing Luca.
“Fuck!” Luca muttered quietly as he shook himself.
James was shocked by Brad’s reaction to Luca. Working together at the fire station, they’d gotten along well. Brad was nice and funny. Seemed to have a life plan firmly in place. The dude must be used to being checked out. James had done so himself. Luca might have been obvious in his reaction but did that bother Brad that much? Huh, he wondered what was up with the newest member of the crew. Not that James wanted to get involved inthatdrama.
The door opened and Josh stepped inside. James relaxed. Josh and Luca were good friends. If something was off, Josh would surely pick up on it. Maybe James was just seeing things that weren’t there. He did have other things on his mind.
“I’m here to brighten your day!” Josh announced loudly as he spotted James.
“Yippy,” James deadpanned. This was the man that James had considered reaching out about his questions on age regression? A self-proclaimed Daddy. Josh couldn’t be more different than Jacob. Which was good for James. He liked Josh but there was no attraction between the two of them.
“Hey, man.” Josh slapped Brad on the back.
Brad turned his head and nodded. “You’re late.”
Josh laughed and waved off Brad’s comment.
Luca had recovered and leaned against James’s shoulder as he grinned at Josh. “Do you have something for me?”
“It’s nice to see you too,” Josh said with a pout.
James laughed as Luca rolled his eyes. “Did you talk to him?” Luca pressed.
“They’re all on the way. He’s even sending signed special editions,” Josh replied. “He said to tell you that he can’t wait to meet you.”
Luca squealed then leaned over and smacked a loud kiss to Josh’s mouth.
“Dude!” Josh jerked back with a scowl. “That’s like getting a kiss from my brother!”
“Do you often kiss your brother on the mouth,” Luca teased as he danced back. “Just for making me happy, your coffee is on me tonight.”
“Special editions,” Josh said slowly. “Sprayed edges and foiled covers. That should get me at least a month’s worth of free coffee.”
Luca’s grin was wicked. “I’m more of a what did you do for me lately person. So, since you’re now telling me about the books, you can have one free coffee. Maybe once the books come in you can have another. But don’t be greedy.”
“Books?” Brad finally added to the conversation but his tone held an edge of something dark.
“Yes, books,” Luca replied haughtily. “I’m hot and I can read. Surprise!”
James choked and nearly swallowed his tongue at Luca’s sassiness.
Josh snorted. “Do you…have you two met?” he asked.
“Of course not,” Luca said when a frown. “Where would I have met a man who thinks he’s so good-looking that the rest of us mere peasants should drop to their knees to worship him.”
Oh! This was not good. They had to have met before and from the sound of it, Luca and Brad were not going to be friends.
Brad smirked. “Some men look better on their knees.”
