Order (Tattoos and Ties Duet #2)(51)

“You too. You seem to have a knack for getting the bartender’s attention. Can you get me a glass of pinot noir?” The handsome guy lifted an almost empty wine glass in Alec’s direction by way of a salute.

“Sure, I can. Hang on.” Alec turned back to the bartender who still happened to be in front of Jack.

“I heard. I’m pouring now.” The glass was instantly handed to Alec who carefully extended it to Sean. “You need anything?”

“Probably a glass of water.” The turning might be too much, the dizzy feeling increased substantially.

“You need anything?” the bartender called out to Janice.

“No, I’m good.” She raised a hand to the bartender, but spoke to Alec. “I’ve got to get back to the door. My guests are starting to leave. I just wanted you two to meet. Sean is a stockbroker and my next door neighbor—I said that already. You both had dates that were no-shows.” She looked like she let the obvious, not-a-secret-at-all cat out of the bag. “Sorry. See? I’ve had too much to drink already. I’ve said too much, but I think you two have a lot in common, and I’m ducking away before I say how much I’d love for you two to date.” This time her oversharing was purposeful going by the faux surprised look she gave, and Eva laughed as she practically jumped off her seat.

“We’re going too,” she said, grabbing her purse.

“It was nice to meet you,” Jack said, again sticking out his hand to shake Alec’s.

Janice ducked away with Eva and Jack following, and Alec shook his head at her silliness. When he got bumped, he realized he was taking prime real estate away from other guests trying to get to the bar. Alec grabbed his glass of water and started to step away, bumping straight into Sean who had moved in closer.

The movement may have been natural, but the stance was purposeful, something a solid player would do, one that Alec himself had probably done in another time of his life. The wine sloshing out of Sean’s glass did nothing to dampen the sexy let’s-fuck grin aimed right at him. Sean was Alec’s height and build, handsome in that forbidden, sinful way with all his well-groomed dark good looks. Alec had always had a weakness for dark-haired guys, and Sean was the cream of that crop. Texas sure had a way of growing some hot-ass men. No doubt the guy could probably burn up his bed, and if Alec were single, they wouldn’t be standing there wasting time.

“Sorry,” Alec said, slipping to the side to give them room when Sean didn’t move. He’d gotten so close he could smell his Clive Christian cologne. Oh hell, this Sean was damn good at the instant seduction. Alec had always had a preference for that particular brand. That dark sultry gaze followed him, and Sean did little more than turn, not moving a step out of the walkway to the bar. He was suave and smooth; again thoughts of his own past came to mind. Suddenly, Alec regretted drinking so much. His playful happy had sent the wrong vibe, and he quickly blurted out, “I have a boyfriend.”

“So do I,” Sean said indulgently, taking a sip of his wine. “I think Janice’s guest list included couples. Where’s your guy?” His voice was as smooth as his looks, stirring Alec’s traitorous dick.

“Working.” Alec gave his prepared explanation then took a long drink of water. Luckily, the guy’s dark piercing stare released him, and he was able to take a literal as well as a figurative step backward. Juggling both glasses in his hand, Alec downed the vodka then slipped the empty glass on the bar. He kept the water, looking around for a clock. He found a small one hanging on the wall behind the bar. It was a little after eleven and his fun evening out had come to a crashing halt. Alec’s gaze again connected with Sean’s, and it held. He had enjoyed the simple gathering, more than he probably should have, and that was mostly likely due to the way he limited his surroundings to his home and that awful job.

The guy smirked as he looked Alec up and down. “You’re new at this—the relationship thing?”

“I guess so,” Alec answered truthfully.

“We’re open. We’ve found it’s the best of both worlds. My place is close. Wanna get out of here?” Sean had absolutely no shame in his game. He said the words like they were the most normal suggestion in the world, something Alec should take pleasure in accepting.

The old Alec wouldn’t have let this much time pass before heading out the door. The new Alec was glad he and Key had defined their relationship rules early on. Many men had no problem sharing. Alec apparently wasn’t one of them.

“No,” he said flatly and stepped aside again, setting the water glass on the bar top. “We’re exclusive, and I was just about to hit the road.”

“Too bad,” Sean said in what sounded like true disappointment. “That changes, you know where to find me.”

The guy was unfazed and in control, much like the old Alec. It would be so easy to take this guy up on his offer. Easier to have someone like Sean in his life. Instead, he left the guy standing there and motioned for the bartender to cash him out. Alec pulled his wallet, pocketed his credit card, and quickly scribbled out a tip and his name across the bottom. The bartender had stored the removed portions of his costume behind the bar and slid those to him.

When he turned away, Sean was still standing there. “This isn’t part of the pickup? You’re serious?”

“Absolutely serious and exclusive.” Alec found power in those words. One thing he learned about Sean, the man knew exactly where to stand to be in Alec’s way, forcing Alec to move around him again to leave.