Tommy fought hard to hold back his sigh of relief. “Yeah. We’ll have lots of time over the holidays.”
They chatted for another ten minutes or so, while she regaled him with stories of who was getting up to what in Americus. Little got past his momma. She and the rest of her female friends at church could gossip ’til the cows came home, something thathad always struck Tommy as decidedly unchristian. He finished up the call and made his way to his next class. Now that he’d gotten the call out of the way, he felt lighter. It wouldn’t be long before Saturday night arrived and he’d be in a certain bar once again, trying to blend into the background while he kept his gaze on a certain bartender. A month after he’d first laid eyes on Mike, and he was still no nearer to being able to say a word to the man. He was content enough to eat his dinner and drink his Cherry Coke.
One day he’d find the nerve, but not yet.
“I see your stalker’s here again.”
“Huh?” Mike frowned. “What are you talking about now, Kev?” He concentrated on the drink order for Dave and his friends over in the corner.
Kevin grinned and flicked his head toward the rear of the bar. “You know exactly who I’m talking ’bout. Mr. Cutie Pie over there with the muscles. Y’know, the one who’s been sitting on that barstool every Saturday night for the last five weeks?” He arched his eyebrows. “Don’t give me that ‘butter wouldn’t melt’ act. I seen you looking.” His grin widened. “G’on, tell me I’m wrong.”
Mike wasn’t about to give him the satisfaction. “You’re wrong,” he stated emphatically.
Kevin stared. “Hell, you’re a poor liar.” Then his eyes gleamed. “In that case,youcan take him his burger, tater tots, and Cherry Coke. Maybe you could even get him to say a few words beyond ‘Hey.’ ’Cause I swear that’s all I’ve ever heard out of that pretty little mouth of his.”
Mike snickered. “I think if I spoke to him, he’d piss his pants.”
Kevin guffawed and went off to the back of the bar. Inside Mike was cursing himself. He’d been careful not to glance too openly at the guy. Those queens he worked with were too damn good at spotting when one of them was taking an interest in a customer. And fuck it, hewasinterested in the painfully shy but sexy young man who hadn’t said a word.
“And then there’s the fact that every time he comes in here,” Kevin continued, appearing beside him as if there hadn’t been a break in conversation, “I watch him look ’round the bar ’til he sees you.” That grin was still in place.
“Are you still going on about him?” Mike demanded. “Sure you’re not the one here who’s fixating?”
Kevin held up his hands. “I just call it like I see it. I think he’s only here to ogle you.”
“Well, he’s gonna be disappointed if he turns up in a couple weeks’ time, isn’t he, ’cause I won’t be here.”
Kevin’s brow furrowed. “Since when do you not work on weekends?”
“Since I’ll be in LA, that’s when.” Mike returned his grin. “Remember?”
“Oh, yeah, you’ve got a shoot. I’d clean forgotten.” He faked a sad face. “Aw, how you gonna cope without seeing that gorgeous bod?” He leered. “Then again, don’t worry your head about it. I’m sure me or Patrick can take care of him.” He waggled his eyebrows.
Mike groaned. “For fuck’s sake, just leave the kid alone, okay? He’s not hurting anyone.” Mike had seen enough to know the guy wasn’t going to be a problem. He preferred this quiet observation to the occasional gropings of fans when he made appearances at Hustlaball or Southern Decadence. The kid appeared to have good manners.
“Here’s his order.” Kevin handed him the tray containing the Angus burger, tater tots, and Cherry Coke. “I’m sure he’ll be delighted to get it from you.” That shit-eating grin just wouldn’t quit.
Mike shook his head and took the tray. He walked over to where the young guy sat, his eyes widening as Mike approached. “Here you go,” Mike said cheerfully, setting the food down in front of him.
The young guy blushed furiously. “Th-thanks.” He lowered his gaze and commenced picking at his tots.
Mike retreated to a safe distance and watched him while he ate. He liked the look of those wide shoulders, the reddish-brown hair, not too short, the barest hint of scruff on his jawline and those striking green eyes. His skin was creamy where it showed, which spoke of a lot of time spent covered up. With his coloring, that was understandable. But that body was speaking even louder to Mike’s dick, which was definitely interested, judging by the way it filled as he feasted on the delectable view before him.
His attention was forcibly drawn away when someone pinched his ass, good and hard.
“You aresobusted.”
Fucking Kevin.
Chapter Four
Mike spottedthe guy with theScott Masterssign as soon as he emerged into the Arrivals hall at LAX. His driver was a young guy dressed in a smart jacket, shirt, and pants, who nodded politely and took Mike’s bag from him. They walked through the busy airport to the parking bays, the driver making small talk. It turned out he was new to the job, and then he surprised Mike by adding shyly that he was a fan.
“Yeah?” Mike gave him a smile. “That’s great.” He peered at the name badge adorning the driver’s lapel. “So, is this all you do, Sean, collect guys from the airport? I’d have thought with your looks, you might be one of Rock Hard Men’s models.” He certainly had everything going for him—blond hair, blue eyes, and a killer smile, not to mention a slim, lean body.
The blush on Sean’s cheeks was adorable. “You think? Wow. I don’t know what to say.”
Sweet kid. He had to have been barely legal.
