“You didn’t try to tap that sweet ass? You’re slipping, Mike. Now if he’d shown an interest in me….” Kevin leered and rubbed his crotch.
“He’s just a kid,” Mike protested.
Patrick laughed. “Yeah, like we’re buying that. He’s twenty-one, Mike. You’ve fucked twinks younger ’n him.”
“For fuck’s sake, I gotshoesolder than him!” Mike didn’t want to get into this. Yeah, he had the hots for Tommy, but that didn’t mean he was going to act on it.
“Oh. My. Fucking. God.” Patrick’s voice was hushed. “Would you look at that.”
“What’re you….” Kevin’s voice trailed off. “Ohmy.” He stared at the far end of the bar.
Mike shook his head. “What the hell are you two going on about?” He caught sight of Tommy’s head above some of the customers, and relief flooded through him. “I’d wondered if he was go—” The words died in his throat as Tommy came aroundthe bar. “Dear Lord,” he said weakly. Tommy was dressed in a pair of black leather pants that fitted him like a second skin, a white athletic shirt that clung to that stunning torso—and itwasstunning; Mike could see every inch of it—and a black leather jacket that finished off the whole look beautifully.
Mike could have sworn that every head in the place turned in Tommy’s direction. Not that he blamed them one little bit. The kid was sex on a stick. It was like everything was happening in slow motion: the way Tommy moved, slow and graceful; the slow roll of his hips as he walked; his arms swinging at his sides, hand holding a bunch of flowers….
Wait—flowers?
Tommy perched on his stool and looked Mike in the eye. “Hey.”
There was that gorgeous shy smile.
Kevin gave Mike a hard shove and propelled him forward. Mike glared at him and then walked slowly across to where Tommy sat.
“Hey.”Fuck, he looks amazing. Mike was trying not to stare, butdear God, Tommy was just stunning.
Tommy placed the flowers on the bar. “The usual, please, Mike.”
He nodded and picked up a glass. “You eating?”
Tommy shook his head. “That’s kinda why I’m here.” He inclined his head toward the flowers. He swallowed and then lifted his chin to meet Mike’s eyes. “Those are for you.”
“Me?”
Tommy liked that dazed look on Mike. Damned if Bethany hadn’t been right; the flowers had been a good idea. Mike pickedup the bunch of mixed flowers, gazing at the red roses, pink carnations, white chrysanthemums, huckleberry, and lemon leaf.
“I can’t recall the last time someone gave me flowers,” Mike admitted, smiling. He glanced once more at the bouquet, fingering the silky rose petals. “These are beautiful. Thank you.” He lifted his chin and regarded Tommy. “To what do I owe the pleasure?” He grinned, his eyes traveling up and down Tommy’s body. “’Cause I have to say here, looking at you surely is a pleasure.” His lips parted, and those blue eyes locked onto Tommy’s.
Oh hell. That sent a tingle down his spine.
Tommy breathed deeply. “I wanted to ask if you’d like to have breakfast with me when you’re done here.”
Mike’s smile sent warmth spreading throughout his body.
“I’d like that. I’ll be through here about one, one thirty. That all right?”
Tommy nodded, trying not to let his relief show. “That’s fine. I’ll just be right here, drinkin’ my Cherry Coke.” He grinned. Now that part was over with, he could relax a little.
Until breakfast time at least.
“Well, if that’s all, I’d better get on with my work before Kevin starts bitching.” Mike winked. He picked up the flowers. “I’ll stick these somewhere safe ’til I’m finished.” Mike gave Tommy one last lingering glance and then went to serve some customers.
Tommy spent the rest of the night sipping Coke and watching Mike, who in turn was watching him. Tommy’d have that prickly feeling at the back of his neck, and when he looked up, sure enough, there was Mike, serving customers, chatting with Kevin or doing whatever, his eyes fixed on Tommy or sneaking a glance in his direction.
And he wasn’t the only one. Guys all over the bar kept staring at him, some smiling, others leering. It was downright creepy. He tried to ignore them and kept his focus on Mike. He loved watching those muscles in Mike’s arms bulge when he strained them. He loved listening to him chat with the customers, laughing and joking around with them. But most of all? He loved it when Mike would turn and look at him, that measured gaze taking Tommy in from head to foot.
Part of him was relieved his change of clothes had had the desired effect, but that careful scrutiny was having another effect entirely.
It made his heart race faster and his breathing more rapid.
