Total pages in book: 134
Estimated words: 123877 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 619(@200wpm)___ 496(@250wpm)___ 413(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 123877 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 619(@200wpm)___ 496(@250wpm)___ 413(@300wpm)
Beckett turned, angling toward his empty table but made no move to head that direction.
“Then come have a drink with me over there,” Beckett drawled, suddenly completely at ease with Julian. He wondered if all his preparations had worked. Could he dare hope that the enticing outline of Julian’s cock in those snug-fitting pants was due to him? The tempting sight had caught his eye when he first arrived, and he had to lean into Julian’s personal space to avoid a busboy with a tray full of dirty glasses. Julian’s cock only grew more pronounced with each second Beckett spent in his company.
Beckett’s own desire grew. A growing warmth seeped through every nerve ending in his body, but that was nothing new where Julian was concerned.
“You think because we danced together, that means what?” He watched Julian drop a cloth napkin on his lap, covering the bulge in his tailored pants. Beckett saw a slight hint of a flush on Julian’s cheeks before he lowered his eyes, his hand going to the dog’s head.
Maybe the beers gave Beckett courage. If he could break through Julian’s resistance toward him, he wouldn’t have to play a part in deceiving Julian into learning self-defense. Whatever the reason, Beckett couldn’t find it in him to back off and give Julian space. Especially after all the half-discoveries he’d found out about Julian this evening. Beckett’s new bottom line: if Julian needed a friend, then he’d allow Julian to friend-zone him. At the very least, he’d be closer to the man while providing the emotional support Julian needed.
Beckett lifted a brow, giving Julian a playful but knowing look. “You need some help with that?” He boldly tilted his chin to Julian’s lap, hoping to ease the tension between them.
“Shit,” Julian hissed and pushed the barely touched salad plate away as he slid off his seat. “You’re definitely persistent. Trust me, Marlboro Man, you don’t want to rope me. I’m not what you’re looking for. Go find yourself another stud to lasso.” Julian’s hand flew out toward the table of men who’d just offered to buy Beckett’s drinks for the night. “All you’ll have to do is turn toward the room and give that swagger of yours, and you’ll have so much ass backing up on your big guy you won’t be able to shoo them away.”
Instantly, Beckett lost all his bravado and pushed off his seat. “I was trying to tease you. I didn’t mean anything by it. I’m not any good at flirting.”
Julian stood to his full height, tucking his shirt neatly into his pants, eyeing Beckett closely until he burst out with a long laugh, definitely a laughing at Beckett kind of mockery. Julian gently slapped his thigh, and the dog got to his feet.
“Have a good night,” Julian said and patronizingly patted Beckett’s forearm.
No, this couldn’t be happening. Beckett quickly dug his money clip from his pocket and tossed out a ten-dollar bill, then another, remembering he’d bought that dude a drink to impress Julian.
“Five more bucks,” the bartender called out, forcing Beckett to pull his money clip back out as Julian slipped behind a curtain. He tossed a twenty on top of the bar, reeling at the idea that a drink and a tip cost him forty dollars, and started after Julian.
Beckett jogged up the steps to where Julian ducked behind a curtain. When he crossed that threshold, everything about the over-the-top elegant club disappeared as he hit a long sterile hallway with a swinging door at the end. Beckett pushed through and found himself at the edge of the Reservations kitchen with another door on the opposite side of the room swinging shut. Beckett took off that way, dodging the kitchen staff who were hard at work. Beckett kept going through the far door, spotting Julian as he turned a corner.
“Hey, Julian. Stop. Let me apologize,” Beckett called out. Julian halted, his shoulders tightening, but he did stop and turn a surprised look Beckett’s way.
“Good night, St. Clair. Go enjoy yourself with your much-deserved posse out there,” Julian said, nodding him back toward the club, a brilliant smile hovering on his lips. One of his fake smiles, something designed to create a false sense of ease. Julian disappeared behind a service door without another word. Beckett closed the distance with long strides.
“What if I told you I’m here for you,” he said, out of breath, turning the corner into what looked like a break room. Luckily, Julian was alone. “And if you’re not here tonight, then there’s no reason for me to stick around.”
Julian bent over one of the tables in the middle of the room where a monitor sat on a table and began tapping the screen.
“I’d tell you that you’re wrong,” Julian said distractedly without looking at Beckett as he worked something on the screen. “I’m not interested in dating anyone, and as much as it pains me to say… I no longer just fuck guys for a good time.”