Total pages in book: 21
Estimated words: 20243 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 101(@200wpm)___ 81(@250wpm)___ 67(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 20243 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 101(@200wpm)___ 81(@250wpm)___ 67(@300wpm)
“You really wanna hang with a fuckin’ grinch on Christmas Eve? Or are you avoiding your in-laws for as long as possible?” he asked.
“Tell Anna and I’ll deny it after I slap you in the face.”
Cole laughed. “Fine. But do you even have a decent bar here?”
“Trust me. Sergio’s Cigar Lounge is the perfect club for you.”
“I won’t turn that down,” Cole agreed.
Besides, there was no need for him to rush back to an empty suite.
“Wow, pretty nice.” Cole took in the immaculate entrance.
An attendant in the lobby offered Cole a sweet smile while he helped him out of his overcoat.
They were shown to a secluded area and told to make themselves comfortable. The oversized leather love seat was positioned close to an ancient-style stone fireplace, so he didn’t need his jacket. To his side was a chestnut coffee table with a single lit votive candle in a crystal holder sitting in the center.
One minute in and he was already impressed with the ambience.
Gerald sat in a tufted, high-back chair across from him. He was grinning like a Cheshire cat because he knew he’d hit the nail on the head with this lounge.
They were soon approached by a young man wearing a crisp white shirt, black bow tie, and a dazzling smile. With his one arm tucked behind his back, he presented his tray of warm hand-sanitizing cloths.
“If you like, sirs.” The attendant’s voice was quiet but strong enough to be heard over the mellow Christmas jazz being played on the grand piano in the corner of the room.
He and Gerald both wiped their palms, then placed the cloth back on the tray.
“I’m surprised this place is open tonight.” Cole surveyed the well-stocked bar.
“I was surprised to get the email from my assistant.” Gerald nodded toward a couple of men sitting close on a couch a few feet away. “If anyone knows how to help a man de-stress after a long day, it’s Sergio.”
Cole raised a brow at the men in business suits sitting very close together. They were turned toward each other, appearing engrossed in a deep conversation.
A server in designer slacks and a sheer, collared shirt held together by a single button approached the men, interrupting their conversation. He ran his palm seductively along the back of the couch, stealing the couple’s attention.
It was understandable—he looked unlike any waiter Cole had ever seen.
The men leered in invitation, sipping the last of their drinks.
The sexy waiter reached his hand through the inch of space the men had between them and took their empty glasses from their hands.
He turned and placed it on a tray being held by a silent man standing behind him, perhaps his assistant.
Cole reclined against the supple leather with his leg crossed in a figure-four. He scanned the room, not staring at one face too long. He had to admit it was more luxurious than the lounge he frequented in Manhattan.
Cole didn’t spend much time handling business in the Virginia area, but he wished he’d known about this place the few times he did.
It was clear this bar catered to men with a particular taste.
A mature server in his late twenties, maybe early thirties, sauntered by, dressed in similar clothes, and gave Cole a soft wink. There were more servers just as fine as him in dark, sexy, but tasteful attire.
Hell yeah. This was his kind of place.
“You’re welcome.” Gerald smiled.
“You’re a good friend,” Cole chuckled. “How’d you find a place like this? You’re a straight, married man.”
“What the hell does my sexuality or marital status have to do with me enjoying a good cigar and a proper aged whiskey?”
“You know what the fuck I mean.”
“My assistant manager gave me a one-night VIP pass for two. He says they have a strict invitation-only policy, and even the staff have to sign NDAs before being employed.”
“Jesus, why?” Cole frowned.
“Because, brother, look around you. That’s a married senator over there being whispered to by one of the servers, and that gray-haired man with the twenty-something-year-old sitting on his lap is a judge in the appellate court.”
“Oh yeah?”
“Yeah. He’s also married, and that young man coming up to him happens to be his law clerk.”
Holy shit.
“These men aren’t just paying top dollar because Sergio has the best imported Cubans. They’re paying for discretion and a gentlemanly time.”
Mmmhmm.
“The service is like nothing you’ve ever seen. I’m telling you, bro, the way these guys cater to the members have their routines down to a science.”
Tomorrow was going to be a real kick in the nuts for him, so he should enjoy a little TLC for himself.
Cole scowled. “Wait a minute. If this place is offering other stuff that’s not on the menu…”
“No, I promise it’s not that kind of place. I know you’re not into that shit. You’re a romantic, Cole. I know what you’re looking for.”