“Get dressed. I’m starving. And tell Gabriel the last weekend in September works.”
“Alex, baby, don’t be so?—”
I step into him fast, cupping his scruffy cheeks with both hands, holding his face firmly between my palms until I know I have his full attention.
“I’m going to say this once, so listen very carefully.” I pause, locking my gaze to his. “I do not. Want. To fuck. Noah.”
He blinks, once, but stays silent.
“Do I think he’s pretty? Yep, sure do. He’s fucking breathtaking. Did my dick thicken while watching him dance around a goddamn pole? Yep, that happened too. I was undeniably aroused watching him move. He’s anincredibledancer.”
I slide my fingers around the back of his neck, drawing him closer, tilting his head so my lips are near his ear. “But did Icome in my pants when he wrapped his legs around his partner and pushed his dick into his groin? No.No, I did not.”
I pause, letting the words settle before I add, low and certain. “You, Elijah, are the only person I will ever come for.”
Our equally strong wills clash in silence, each refusing to budge. He’s stubborn—I’ve always known that—but I also know the heart behind it. Beneath the steel spine, he’s soft in places that matter. He’s kind. And he loves me. And because of that, he’ll let this go.
“Okay,” he concedes, just as I knew he would, brushing those pillowy lips against mine.
“But if you change your mind?—”
I catch his lower lip between my teeth, gently. “I won’t,” I whisper, sealing it with a kiss that says everything I need to.
6
ELIJAH
Fashion Week isin full swing, and Alex and I have barely seen each other. He’s been on the go morning, noon, and night, hopping from show to show and squeezing in as many fashion events as he can. I wish I could join him, but this is one of Bourbon Bar’s biggest nights of the year, and I like to personally welcome our guests and make sure everyone is having a good time.
After stacking the last of the glassware under the bar, I wipe my hands on the dishtowel and think back to my conversation with Alex. I’m disappointed he showed no interest in having Noah join us in bed. I think he would have enjoyed a threesome—Gabriel certainly did—but that was our thing. I have to keep reminding myself that Alex isn’t like Gabriel. And I don’t even know if Noah would have gone for it anyway. Still, something tells me he would have been willing. The attraction between them is obvious. I’ve seen it with my own eyes.
“Elijah,” Emilio calls over. “Nate and Daniella just arrived, so we’ve got the bar covered. You’ve been working nonstop. Why don’t you take a break, my friend?”
I look up and grin, feeling truly lucky to have him, not just as my employee, but as a friend. “Gracias, amigo. Ana and Emilee should be arriving shortly. Could you whip up something fruity for them?”
“No worries. I’ve got it covered. I have the perfect nonalcoholic drink in mind,” he says, wiping down the bar with a joyful flourish.
The girls are stopping by for a brief visit before meeting Alex for the finale of New York Fashion Week. He’ll be on stage with Marc Jacobs as they bring the iconic week to a close.
I step outside just as Steven pulls the limousine into the lot. He throws me a peace sign over the steering wheel while circling to the back of the building.
My phone rings. I switch it to speaker before answering.
“Hola, Gabriel.”
“Elijah, mi amor. How is our handsome fashion model? He’s had a busy week, sí?”
Gabriel’s infatuation with Alex is almost comical—he clearly enjoys busting Alex’s chops, though it’s as mildly disturbing as it is entertaining. For Alex, adjusting to Gabiel’s antics has been… well, a massive undertaking.
“I’ve seen him in the tabloids more this week than I have in my own home,” I gripe.
Gabriel chuckles. “Ana’s so excited about tonight’s event. I wouldn’t be surprised if she steals the whole show. You know our daughter, Elijah—pretty sure she’s outdressed everyone there.”
“Oh, I have no doubt,” I say with a laugh, checking the time.
NYFW is known for its ultra-chic—and sometimes downright funky—outfits, so I’m fully prepared for whatever Ana and Emilee have chosen. Emilee’s dad is a fashion model, after all.
Enjoying the fresh air, I lean back against the building.
