“Old-fashioned, sí?” Emilio asks, already reaching for the top-shelf liquor.
“You know me too well, amigo.” Gabriel chuckles, settling onto the stool beside me as I sit on mine.
I glance at the time, making sure I can steal at least five minutes. “So, how was Spain? And your parents—they doing alright?”
“Sí, Elijah. They send their love,” Gabriel says with a smile as Emilio sets the cocktail in front of him, then returns to polishing the glassware.
“So, we’re still on for dinner, right? I’ve been dying to introduce you and Alex to myvery sexyboyfriend.”
He winks over the rim of his glass, the ice clinking softly as he lifts it for a sip.
“Oh, trust me, we wouldn’t miss it. Alex is actually looking forward to it.”
Gabriel’s lips curl into an annoyingly adorable smirk.
“However,” I add with a pointed look, “the hot tub is off limits.”
He takes a slow sip of his drink. “Nowthat’sdisappointing. Did Alex not enjoy my company?”
“It wasn’t the company he was complaining about,” I tell him, even though it partly was. “I think it had more to do with you showing off in that tiny red Speedo.” That smirk of his widens into a full-blown, mischievous grin.
“Mmm… yes, the Speedo,” he purrs. “You know, I wore that foryourenjoyment, Elijah?” He smacks those smiling lips together, exaggerated and shameless—all flirt, no restraint.
“Gabriel,” I warn, though I can’t help the smile tugging at my lips. I do enjoy this side of him, even when he’s being a menace. “I’ve got to get back to work, but I’ll talk to Alex and give you a day and time for dinner. Steaks sound good?”
He leans back, spreading his thighs like he owns the place. “You know I like my meat, Elijah. And lucky for me, my boyfriend happens to enjoy eating it too.”
His coyness pulls a laugh from me, and I slap him lightly on the thigh as I rise from my stool. “Figured as much.” I chuckle, shaking my head. “Just bring your appetite—not the Speedo.”
“Got it! No swimwear,” he says with feigned seriousness before his grin stretches ear to ear. “I prefer to be gloriously naked anyway.”
5
ALEX
“Aaaand… it’s a wrap.”
I exhale as the photographer steps aside and begins breaking down his equipment. I’ve never been so happy in my life to finally be done with a photo shoot. What was supposed to have been a fairly short day turned out to be the longest one ever. The setup was entirely outside, and the weather was so out of character for the month of September, with record-breaking heat and high humidity. So much for the refreshing fall-like weather that usually accompanies this season. Clearly, that was not the case today.
I unzip my gym bag, take out a towel, and wipe sweat from my face. Even though fans were blowing in my direction the entire time I was on set, it hadn’t mattered; the overhead lighting was so strong—add in the damp, humid air, and it felt like I was baking in a tanning booth. To make matters worse, I had to model the winter clothing collection for Marc Jacobs. With thick layers and heavy snow gear, I’m surprised I didn’t pass out.
Steve, from Snap Photography, who’s usually a joy to work with and also happens to be one of my favorite photographers, was even in a foul mood. He was making me work harder than usual in this sweltering heat, and it was really pissing me off. It's sad because we usually work well together… but today, it just wasn’t happening. He scowled at me the entire time, and I gave it right back.
I breathe a sigh of relief as I step off the elevator and into the penthouse, wasting no time yanking my T-shirt over my head and tossing a quick nod to Elijah as I pass by, who happens to be standing in the kitchen drinking a glass of wine with?—
“Noah?”
I stop dead in my tracks.
There he is—my pretty dancer—sitting at the counter, dressed down in athletic gear, looking like a damn snack. Green designer joggers and a multicolored compression shirt complement his lean muscles. His hair’s pulled back in a messy bun. He looks hot as hell.
Actually, I think I just walked into hell.
Elijah glances at me, the faintest flicker of guilt crossing his face before he looks away.
“Hi,” Noah squeaks, avoiding my eyes. I’m so thrown off, I speak without thinking.
“Are you joining us for dinner?” The words are out of my mouth before I can stop them.
