Jude frowns. “Did you?”
“Not as a patron,” Ben says quickly. “You were arresting someone selling meth.”
“I see.” Jude narrows his eyes. “Doyouusually hang out at the Hawk’s Nest?”
Ben grimaces. “God no. A buddy of mine wanted to play pool and they’re the only place in town with pool tables.”
Jude nods. “I guess that’s true.”
“Anyway, you caught my eye that day. You handled yourself well.” Ben bites his bottom lip. “I was glad to see you in here tonight. Figured I’d come over and introduce myself. See if we have anything in common.”
Jude laughs. “Like what?”
Ben sips his beer, holding Jude’s gaze. Once he swallows, he says softly, “Really anything. I like meeting new people.”
“Fair enough,” Jude says.
“Do you like meeting new people, Jude?” he asks.
Jude leans toward the guy. “Depends on the people.”
Ben grins, running his gaze over Jude. “You’re just how I hoped you’d be.”
The guy isn’t subtle. He’s hitting on Jude pretty hard. I’m not sure how he knew from across the room that Jude might be gay. I’m also not sure why him flirting with Jude is pissing me off, but it is. He’s just so sure of himself. Borderline cocky. Is Jude into that? He doesn’t seem to mind. In fact, he seems pretty receptive to the dude.
And this is a problem for me, why?
Ben inches a little closer, dropping his voice. “Listen, I don’t want to be too forward, but would you want to grab dinner with me tonight?”
“Tonight?” Jude hesitates.
“Yeah. There’s a Thai place that just opened. It’s actually decent. Do you like Thai?”
“I do.”
Ben smiles. “Have you eaten yet?”
“Nope.” Jude laughs.
Ben’s smile widens. “Would you please join me then? I don’t like eating alone.”
“Why do I feel like if I say no you still won’t dine alone?” Jude smirks.
“True,” Ben says, touching Jude’s arm. “But you’re my first choice.”
I’m startled when my wolf snarls inside my chest so hard I grunt. I set my beer down carefully, jaw clenched, staring straight ahead at the rows of bottles behind the bar. Sweat breaks out on my upper lip as I struggle to push down what feels like jealousy. Ever since last night, my wolf seems to think it gets to run the show, and it’s becoming a problem.
“You okay, babe?” Kara asks, touching my shoulder.
It takes me a second to speak. “I’m fine.” I force my jaw to unclench. “Just zoned out for a second thinking about work.”
She watches me with a troubled expression. “You sure that’s all it is?”
I meet her gaze. “Of course.”
“Promise?” she asks. “You’re not mad at me for finding Jude another place to live, right?”
“No, babe. Not at all.” I force a smile, slipping my arm around her slender waist, I lean in and kiss her. It’s a nice kiss. Her lips are soft and warm, and she smells great. Her full breasts press against my chest and I pray my dick will get hard. Only when I slip my tongue in her mouth and she moans does my cock wake up a little. Not a lot, but a little. Frustration eats at me as I pull back.
