off-limits. For all I know, he might hate me for putting him on display tonight. He could decide it’s all
too much for him.”
“The two of you weren’t bullshitting about him being brand new?” Levi asked, disbelief evident
not only in his voice, but also in his wide eyes. “Shit man, you’ve got a natural on your hands.”
“Yes, but we all know those who are little to the core also sometimes fight it the hardest.” And
fuck wasn’t that the truth when it came to Corey. The only reason he’d felt so comfortable tonight was
I hadn’t given him time to second-guess my request and he was quickly surrounded by boys like
himself. It was already after last call, and I was preparing myself for him to backtrack as soon as the
last customers were out the door.
“Well, I hope it works out for you.” Levi patted me on the back as he glanced over my shoulder. “I
hate to break up their playdate but it’s well past my boy’s bedtime. If things work out, why don’t you
give me a call and we’ll get him and Teo together again sometime?”
“I think Corey would like that, but it’ll depend on getting him to take some downtime.” If the
situation were different, I would order him to rest but I had to be respectful of everything he had going
on in his life. Baby steps were the only way I’d truly gain his trust, starting with fitting some little
time into his chaotic schedule. Even a bit of playtime and a nap here, before work, would do him a
world of good.
“If anyone can lay down the law, we all know you’re the man to do it,” Theron remarked. The
lights flashed and the music cut off, signaling closing time. Finally. I loved helping out at the club, but
it was rare I felt this eager to go home. “Guess that’s our cue. Do you guys need any help cleaning
up?”
“Nah, I think we’ve got it.” As much as I trusted Theron, I knew Sam refused to start his money
counts until everyone who wasn’t an employee was gone. Ignoring me, as usual, Theron started
gathering glassware from around the room. I watched him, wondering why he was so eager to hang
around.
It didn’t take long to find the answer. I’d have to give him shit for the way his attention snapped to
the door when Sam appeared. He looked radiant and exhausted. “Everything okay out there, Sam?”
“Yeah, I was just…” His gaze drifted to the boys who were still playing on the floor. He’d been
running himself ragged tonight, trying to do his usual duties while also flitting around the bar gathering
feedback about the playroom. It would be a miracle if he managed to fall asleep before sunrise.
