“So you think…Karine…will wind up at MATH?”
“I think she’ll have two very competitive offers. I’ve seen what the young woman’s capable of—any crew will be lucky to nab her.”
“But an environment dominated by women might be more welcoming.”
“Oh, Spike doesn’t put up with any misogynist bullshit from his workers. He’d love to add a female mechanic to diversify and perhaps attract a few more women customers.”
I arched an eyebrow. “To steal from MATH?”
He chuckled. “They’re pretty busy. Keep up, Big Bro.”
“I do. Honestly. But business is always so competitive.”
“True. But people will always need mechanics and, to my ever-loving relief, they’ll always want books they can hold in their hands. Now, shall we join them?”
“You realize we need our heads examined.”
He cocked his head. “You not into gorgeous women? I mean, each to their own—”
Shit.“No, I love women. All women. Just…the objectification…”
“Sure. Except the dancers have free will. They choose to be there.”
I certainly hoped they did.
God knew, I didn’t.
Chapter Four
Cooper
The entry to the bar was more crowded than I expected. Naturally, in that crush, I positioned myself behind Lachlan so I could pinch his ass.
He shot me a glare.
I grinned unrepentantly. By agreeing we’d duck out for the adult part of the entertainment, we’d sort of come to a truce. And he’d certainly piqued my curiosity. He’d said a few things that made it clear he was, at the very least, bi.
But Taryn had never said anything. Neither had Steph. And while I believed Taryn capable of discretion, my baby sister couldn’t keep a secret to save her life. Hence me being pretty sure I would’ve known if Taryn had ever said anything about Lachlan being bi or gay.
Maybe I shouldn’t be teasing him. He might be gay, but firmly in the closet. I don’t have the right to out him.
Probably not—but teasing him was more than half the fun.
Once we were inside, our group was led to a circular booth at the back corner. I made certain Lachlan, and I were on the edge. That put me between him and Spike.
Yummy.
Focus.
Right.
Once all our drinks had arrived, l leaned in and whispered in Lachlan’s ear. “I checked it out, and there’s a private room down the hall for us—”
He sputtered and sort of spewed some of his diet cola.
“You okay, Lachlan?” Taryn passed some napkins our way.
He glared at me before smiling at his sister. “Just fine. Went down the wrong way.”
