I was all up in my head when Ben called my name.
“Hey, Nick? He’s here.”
I looked up and met Preston’s soulful brown eyes as he walked toward his favorite stool at the end of the bar. My pulse never failed to pick up the pace when he was near.
I felt terrible about today, and I just wanted to hold him.
The closer he got, I could see his eyes were tired and not as bright as usual. But the way he looked at me couldn’t be mistaken for anything else. He loved me, and I felt the same way about him.
The guilt I felt for disappointing him bubbled up, and all I wanted to do was walk into his arms. So that’s what I did.
I set the tray aside and walked toward him.
Preston had just taken his leather jacket off and sat down on the stool. I closed the distance between us and watched as he swiveled to his left to face me. His loving gaze turned more apprehensive, and it hurt that I hadn’t claimed him as mine yet.
“Hey, babe.” Preston opened his arms, and I happily walked into them. His strong arms wrapped around me as I hugged him close. He always smelled so good.
“I’m so sorry about today. I should have told him I had an appointment. How can I make it up to you?” I refused to let go.
He chuckled softly and squeezed me tighter. “It’s okay, sweetheart. That’s the way business goes. You have to make the most of an opportunity like that, even if it disappoints me a little.”
I pulled back and looked at him. “I never want to disappoint you or make you feel like I’m choosing something over you.”
Preston gave me a tired smile and cupped my face with both hands. I ran my palms up his arms to cover them with mine.
“Nick, you were working for me. For us. It’s not like you went out on a date behind my back. I’d lose my shit if that happened. It’s okay.”
He pulled my face to his and took my mouth right there in the bar where everyone could see. And I didn’t care. The whole fucking world could look on while I kissed him back.
“Oh, god. They’re at it again. Benjamin, call the fire department or get the hose.”
Alejandro’s tone was teasing, but I thought I detected a hint of… something. Preston lifted his hand from my back and made his friend laugh. My guess is he shot him the bird.
We pulled apart, but he didn’t let go of me. Wrapped in his arms, I turned, only to be pulled onto his lap. I guess we were making a statement.
“You’re distracting my bartender again.” Alejandro walked around and leaned on the bar toward us. “I guess you two are finally gonna admit you’re together?”
Preston kissed my cheek. “Your guess would be correct. Right, babe?”
I nodded. “Very right.”
Alejandro grinned from ear to ear. “It’s about time. I’m happy for both of you.”
Ben walked up and slung his arm over Alejandro’s shoulder. “The last customers just left. Want me to close up?”
Alejandro turned his head to look at him. The look that passed between them was subtle, but Alejandro straightened and nodded. “Yeah, go ahead.”
Ben slipped his arm off his shoulders and winked at us. “About time.”
“Go ahead and clock out, Nick. I’ll help him close up.”
We both stared at Alejandro for a moment, wondering what all that was about. He finally sighed and shook his head, obviously frustrated.
“Don’t ask,” he said and stalked off toward his office.
We looked at each other. “Do you think…” I trailed off.
Preston knew what I was talking about. “Maybe. The attraction is definitely there, but I don’t think he’s acted on it.”
