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)
If Cole hadn’t been so disciplined, he would’ve already attempted to run the flat of his palm down Spencer’s long spine. After he looked his fill, he glanced up to find Spencer’s eyes on him.
“Should I stand here a little longer, or have you seen enough?” Spencer cocked one brow.
Cole was amused and a bit embarrassed.
A knowing smile graced Spencer’s peach-colored lips, but Cole didn’t read too much into that look, into the flirting. Spencer’s job was to entertain and schmooze the guests who could afford this kind of establishment. It was all an act, a very well-rehearsed performance.
Like the way Spencer turned away from Gerald and locked that pretty blue gaze on him. He walked around the back of his love seat, never breaking eye contact until he was standing behind him.
Cole’s breath hitched when Spencer leaned over his shoulder close enough that his lips teased his sensitive ear.
Fuck, you smell good. Cole wanted to turn and lick Spencer’s cheek.
Spencer’s ivory skin smelled like clean cotton and warm summers, as if he refused to wear a fragrance befitting the season.
“I apologize if I’ve offended you. I didn’t mean to be so obvious,” Cole answered. He turned his nose toward the delectable scent that lingered around Spencer’s collar. “But you are an exceptionally beautiful man.”
“Thank you.” Spencer’s voice was husky, his breath sweet as though he’d just eaten a piece of candy.
There were several servers watching their exchange, but in his opinion, Spencer wasn’t doing near as much flirting as the other waiters. But it was clear these servers were paid well to show a man a nice, mostly innocent time.
Is that what Spencer’s doing with me? Earning his paycheck? Cole began to wonder how many times a night he played men.
Their entertainers for the evening returned with Gerald’s single malt. Spencer presented it to him, along with a selection of imported cigars from Lyndon’s tray. His assistant batted his long lashes when Spencer caressed his cheek, thanking him with the silent gesture.
Heat spread below Cole’s belt watching them. He wanted Spencer to touch him like that, to keep whispering in his ear and lavishing him with attention and praise.
Cole wasn’t a needy man. He’d long ago gotten used to being alone. He didn’t understand what the hell this urge was to clutch the man in front of him—a man who was supposed to be his for the evening.
Cole
Cole decided he was going to set himself apart from the rest and try to get to know Spencer—with genuine effort—maybe even beyond tonight. He wasn’t sure or right about many things, but he was positive he could turn Spencer’s act into the real thing.
There’s something in those damn eyes when he looks at me.
“I took the liberty of having Lyndon bring our rare brand of Cubans we have available tonight.” Spencer faced Gerald. “I believe you’ll enjoy a bolder flavor, Mr. Paddock. If I’m right, you’ll find the Double Corona to be quite tantalizing to the palate.”
“Sounds good.” Gerald accepted the cigar.
Lyndon set his tray on a side table and assisted Gerald with clipping and lighting his cigar.
Spencer returned his attention back to Cole, finally. He came over and sat close to him on the love seat, real close.
“And what did you choose for me?” Cole asked.
Spencer made a sexy show of dragging his gaze down Cole’s torso. He leaned in and stroked the silk fabric of his tie with skilled fingers before carefully loosening the tight Windsor knot at his throat.
Cole couldn’t take his eyes off Spencer’s face while he worked his collar open until he was comfortable. He’d grown so used to the constriction around his neck he didn’t notice it anymore.
“How’s that feel?” Spencer asked in a hushed tone.
Cole was eating up every bit of the excessive friendliness Spencer was giving him.
And he was. Cole was so relaxed he wanted to close his eyes and get lost in this fantasy all night.
How can this all be a fucking gimmick?
How could Spencer look at him with such heat and not feel it in the same places he did?
Cole cleared his throat. “It feels good. Thank you.”
“Wonderful. That’s what I wanna hear.”
Spencer crossed his long legs and turned his body toward him. He gazed at Cole as if he was the only one who mattered.
“I want you to feel that way all evening, Cole.”
Damn. He wished he could have this comfort when he went home each night.
Cole draped his arm across the back of the leather cushion and ran his fingertips over the delicate fabric of Spencer’s sweater.
The reaction was subtle and controlled, but Cole saw it. His touch had an effect. A good one.
Spencer ran the back of his hand down Cole’s tie, his eyelids heavy, his drawl lazy. “I have a feeling you’re a fragrance man, Cole.”
Spencer held his hand in the air. Lyndon appeared out of nowhere and slid a gold foil-wrapped cigar in between his fingers, then disappeared.