Suppressing the smile at hearing Drew say out loud he thought he was hot, Zach said, “I don’t think you’re as far out of my league as you think you are, Drew. In fact, I’d say you’d definitely be drafted.”
Drew rolled his eyes at the extended sports metaphor but didn’t reply.
“If it makes you uncomfortable, we can tell them we’re just friends,” Zach offered.
“Well, wearejust friends,” Drew said, sounding almost bitter about it.
“So what’s the problem?”
Drew’s face flushed crimson and after a long pause he admitted in a small voice, “I don’t want to have to watch other people trying to pick you up.”
“Is that so?” Zach tried not to sound smug about it, knowing it would just further embarrass Drew, but he was extremely pleased about the sentiment. He gave Drew’s knee another squeeze. “Don’t worry, you’re the only one I’ll be going home with.”
“Yeah, because we physically can’t be separated,” Drew muttered.
He grinned widely but didn’t respond. It seemed like the evening was going to be alive with opportunity. He’d all but lost the desire to keep his hands to himself, and now he had concrete proof Drew wouldn’t be opposed to him getting a little handsy. He leaned back in his seat and began to plot.
A Sinful Evening Out
The bar was dimly lit, the music was loud, and there was a crowd of people. Drew surveyed the room, looking for his friends, acutely aware of Zach at his side. The demon was dressed in a sharp suit, and despite it being more formal than the usual dress code for such an establishment, he didn’t look out of place at all. Drew’s mouth had watered when Zach had emerged from the bathroom, and to cover his arousal he’d made a remark about not wanting to know exactly where Zach kept his wardrobe since he’d not arrived with a suitcase. Zach had laughed and winked and then ushered him out of the apartment, plucking Drew’s phone from his hand and bringing up the rideshare app to order them another ride. On the drive over they had discussed what they’d tell Drew’s friends about how they knew each other, settling on Zach being a new neighbour so they could explain arriving and leaving together.
Catching a glimpse of Gwen in the far corner of the bar, wearing a sparkly red dress and towering heels, Drew began to head in that directionand then faltered when he also caught sight of Edward. He hadn’t known his old high-school bully had been invited along tonight, and if he had, chances were he’d have turned down the invitation. He’d been looking forward to having a few drinks and relaxing, but with Edward here, he’d be constantly on guard for the next verbal attack, the next arrogant and cutting remark.
Zach stopped with him, his eyes following Drew’s, and one of his hands came to settle on his lower back. “Problem?” he asked.
Sighing, Drew shook his head. “No, it’s fine.”
Zach didn’t look convinced. “You worried about that douche?” He tilted his head in Edward’s direction.
“I just wanted to be able to relax,” Drew said. “Don’t worry, I’ve gotten quite good at ignoring him over the years.”
“Years?” Zach asked, his eyes narrowing. “You have a history with him?”
“Yeah,” Drew said with a nod. “We used to go to high school together. He’s gotten better since then. Like, he doesn’t get physical anymore, but he just never gives me a break.”
A flicker of flame danced over Zach’s whiskey-coloured eyes like it had that morning when he was challenged by Simon. “He hurt you?” he growled. “Put his hands on you?”
Biting his lip, Drew nodded. “Mostly just pushing and shoving, but he gave me a black eye once when he shoved me into a pole.” He saw Zach’s nostrils flare and hurried to add, “But as I said, that kind of crap has stopped now.”
Zach took a deep breath to compose himself, and the flames died away. In a much calmer voice, he suggested, “How ’bout we hit the bar first? Get a drink before we join them?”
Drew quickly agreed. Dealing with Edward would be easier with a bit of booze in his system.
Zach had a knack for getting served quickly, and Drew couldn’t quite figure out if he was using his magic to influence the bartender or if peoplewere simply naturally drawn to him. He supposed he didn’t care much when they didn’t have to stand and wait for ten minutes in the queue. He tried to order the cheapest beer they had on tap, conscious of how little he could actually afford to blow on a night out, but Zach wasn’t having any of it. He ordered them both two glasses each of expensive bourbon, and they downed one quickly before moving away from the bar with their second drink.
“Okay, let’s do this,” Drew said, straightening his back and moving with false confidence towards the corner in which his friends—and Edward—were sitting on stools around a high cocktail table.
He was greeted with smiles and hollers from most of the group, and he grinned back at them, but Edward noticed Zach immediately and a predatory look stole over his face. His lips twisted into a sneer and he slid off his stool, stepping towards them. “Well, well, well, look what the cat dragged in.” His eyes fell on Zach, assessing. “Who’s this? I didn’t think you could afford to hirecompanyfor the evening, Phillips.”
Drew swallowed hard and tried to keep his face blank. “He’s not a hooker, Edward. This is Zach . . . a friend of mine.”
Edward let out a short bark of laughter. “Yeah, sure, Phillips. You’re not the sort to have friends like this.”
Beside him, Drew was sure he heard Zach growl again, but when he glanced over at him, he didn’t look upset. Then one of Zach’s arms snaked around Drew’s waist and pulled him close. “Okay, you got us. We’re not exactlyfriends,” Zach said and leaned over to press a kiss to Drew’s cheek. “We’re quite a bit more than that.”
Drew felt himself blushing, but at least the dim lighting would hide it. What was Zach doing? They’d agreed on a cover story and it didn’t include fake dating! He reached down to pinch Zach’s arm, but all Zach did was pull him even closer against him.
“You’re seeing each other?” Dom asked, eyeing Zach. He then winked at Drew. “Damn, Drew,he’s hot. Nice!”
