“Mmm-hmm.”
Mack’s voice lowered an octave. “And the book I was reading the night before…”
“The night before you left,” Jeff whispered against his ear. “I’ve never moved any of it.”
When Mack turned, Jeff cupped his face.
“Like I said, I love you, Mack.”
A rough growl escaped the big man, and a few minutes later, they were both naked.
Chapter Nine
Monday, January 27, 2020
Mack was finishing up his opening checklistwhen Chris arrived, walking into the bar, his gaze quickly scanning as though he expected to find a monster lurking.
“Chris,” Mack greeted.
“I didn’t realize you weren’t open yet.”
“Yeah, well, it’s not a twenty-four-hour joint.”
“I should’ve done my research, Michael, I apologize.”
“Mack,” he corrected the young man. “Not Michael. Only one person calls me Michael and I intend to keep it that way.”
Chris’s brown eyes settled over him, wide and bright, clearly surprised by the assertive response. “I apologize.”
“Sounds to me like you do a little too much of that,” Mack noted as he put the last wineglass in place. “Can I get you somethin’? Seltzer water? Beer?”
Once again, Chris scanned the room.
“Are you expectin’ someone?”
“Well, I … I thought Daniel was meeting me.”
“Ah.” Mack nodded. “Are we seeking his approval for the offer?”
Chris’s gaze slammed into his. “No. Of course not.”
“Good.” Mack nodded to the papers in Chris’s hand. “Then shall we get started? I do open in an hour.”
Chris managed to get his things laid out on the bar, but based on the way his hands were trembling, his anxiety level continued to rise.
“I’m happy to say we received a very encouraging offer,” Chris began.
“Skip the spiel, kid. I’m acceptin’ the offer.”
Those confused eyes landed on Mack once more. “I’m not sure I understand. You don’t even know what it is.”
“It doesn’t matter. I set out to sell the house, you got me an offer, and I have to assume you’ve got my best interest in mind because of your relationship with my son.” Mack wiped the bar top, purposely looking away from the man.
“I’m sorry.” Chris cleared his throat. “Relationship?”
Mack looked up, raised his eyebrows. “You’re friends, are you not?”
“Friends.” Relief swept across his face. “Yes, of course. We’re friends.”
