“Yeah, that won’t stop me from getting laid if I want to. No need to worry,Dad.”
He holds up his beer glass, studying the amber liquid. “That insult doesn’t work because we’re basically the same age.”
“It still works,” I grumble. “Because you’re nosey and bossy just like a parent.”
“I’m not nosey.” He look like he’s trying not to laugh. “I’m concerned. I don’t want you to leave Golden Peak because you get chronic blue balls.”
“Jesus,” I grate out, glancing around. “Do you mind not talking about my balls in public? Or… or at all.”
He laughs loudly. “Are you blushing?”
“If I am it’s because I’m embarrassed being seen with you in public.” I shake my head and take a sip of my beer. It’s not helping my attraction to him having him talking about my balls. This is definitely dangerous territory.
“Okay, okay. I’ll let you find Steve on your own, if necessary.” He’s still smirking.
“Trust me, I can find better options than Steve if I want.”
He frowns. “Oh, yeah? Like who?”
“None of your business. Are you already drunk? This conversation is completely inappropriate.”
“Maybe if we were on the clock, but we’re not.” He jabs a finger at me. “Right now, we’re just two friends shooting the breeze.”
“We’re not friends. We’re work partners.”
That doesn’t go down well with him. He immediately turns to face me, a deep scowl between his dark brows. “We can be both, Jude. Do you not know that?”
I can’t help laughing at his offended expression. He’s fucking adorable right now, which just makes everything so much more frustrating. Why does he have to be straight? Itwould be so much more fun if he were gay. As if on cue, his phone rings and Kara’s name flashes up on the screen again.
Annoyed at her persistence, I turn away and mumble, “You’d better get that. Otherwise you’re going to end up with a chronic case of blue balls yourself.”
Chapter Six
Liam
My irritation that Kara called me backagainis completely unfair. She’s my girlfriend. She has every right to wonder what the plans are for tonight. Especially after I turned down sleeping at her place last night.
Still, I’d be lying if I didn’t acknowledge exasperation that she hastwicenow interfered with my getting to know Jude better. She has every right to call me, but her timing really is terrible. It’s hard to talk about personal stuff with Jude when we’re on the clock. Off the clock is my only real chance to dig deeper. When we have a drink, he loosens up a little.
But even if all of that is true, Kara has done nothing wrong by calling me. I need to take her call.
Sliding off my stool, I answer my cell. “Hey, babe, what’s up?”
“There you are.” She laughs. “I was beginning to worry. I called you earlier but you didn’t call me back.”
Guilt nudges me. “Oh, yeah, sorry about that. I was… uh… in the middle of something.”
“I was about to head over to The Fox & The Kettle with some work friends,” she says brightly. “I wondered if you wanted to meet us there.”
My guilt grows and I laugh awkwardly. “Funnily enough, I’m already here with Jude.” There’s a strained silence from her end and I quickly interject, “I was just about to call you to tell you to come join us.”
Obviously, it’s a lie designed to protect her feelings. If anything, I’m annoyed that my time with Jude is being ruined. But I can’t let her think I don’t want to spend time with her. Of course I do. I adore Kara. It’s just that I really want to get to know Jude, and I know he won’t talk much if she or her friends are around.
“Are you sure you were going to call me? Maybe you guys would rather hang out together without me there.” Her tone is testy, which isn’t like Kara.
I laugh. “Of course not. Get your beautiful ass over here.”
“I don’t want to intrude.”
