My so-called best friend shook his head at me. “You’re forty-five-years-old and still need a wingman? Are you scared he’s going to reject you again?”
I scoffed. “No. He didn’t fucking reject me, he just doesn’t want to be around me. Just thought you and I might could have a drink. That’s why I came over tonight.”
He smiled at me. “You know as well as I do, that’s bullshit. You’re here to see him. Go on out, and I’ll check in on you after I’m finished. Go talk to him.”
I grinned when a great idea came to me. “Maybe I’ll offer him a job. I need another bartender. How much are you paying them? I wanna offer him more money.”
That got his attention. “You’re not taking one of my best bartenders, asshole.”
Now it was my turn to laugh at him. “Then I guess you better get your happy ass out there and have a drink with me.”
Alejandro ran his hand down his face. “Fine,” he grumbled. “It’s like having two kids. But I gotta finish payroll first.”
“Hurry up,” I said as I walked out, “or I’m definitely offering him a job.”
“You’re supposed to be my friend!” he exclaimed as he went back to work.
“Yeah, and you’re supposed to be my wingman. For life.”
I chuckled as I walked back out toward the bar, feeling lighter than I had in weeks. Alejandro was the best friend I’d ever had, and I trusted him with my life. So maybe I should take his advice. It wasn’t in my nature to hold back on anything that could fix a situation in business. And I wouldn’t let it happen now.
I wanted Nick.
Badly.
Straightening my spine, I looked around for him. Climbing onto the bar stool, Ben smiled at me. “Hey Preston. What can I get ya?”
“Nick,” I said without hesitation.
Ben laughed, not surprised by my blunt response. “Well okay. Let me go get him.”
I donned my most confident look. “Tell him Preston James wants him.”
Ben looked at me and smiled. He knew what I was saying. “Okay. I’ll be right back.”
I shifted on my barstool and glanced over at the European soccer game playing on the big screen. Alejandro really had done a great job renovating this place when he bought the building next door. Maybe it was time I did something like this. God knows I had the money. What was I waiting for?
Ben returned to his spot behind the bar as I contemplated the future of my restaurant.
And without Nick.
I furrowed my brows.
“The boss needed him for a minute. He’ll be right out. Said to tell you to hold your horses.”
I scowled at him. “Who said that?”
“I did.” The reply came from behind me as I watched the object of my desire round the bar. He was a beautiful man to look at.
Nick walked up to where I was seated, then leaned forward on his forearms. His bright blue eyes drew me in closer.
He studied me a moment, the hint of a smile inching up his face. “What do you want from me, Preston James?” He held my gaze captive, and I didn’t think I could look away if I wanted to.
I ran my index finger over my bottom lip and leaned a little closer. Looking him in the eyes, I answered his question. “I want you.”
Nick’s brows furrowed. I knew what he was thinking. But as we stood there looking at each other, he hadn’t pulled away.
Was that curiosity I saw in his eyes? If that was the case, I had him right where I wanted him. Well, not exactly, because I wanted him under me. A hot, sweaty mess as I drove him crazy with my cock.
