Page 36 of Employing Patience

“My goddamn employee.”

“Where?” Mack immediately—and obviously—spins in his seat to look. And of course, Joey takes that exact moment to spot us. His eyes flick over the group before landing on mine. Then he lifts his thumb to his mouth, licks it, and casually drags it over his exposed nipple.

I pull my gaze away.

“It’s suddenly hot in here,” Keller teases, still watching Joey. Then his whole face falls. “What the hell is he doing here?”

I brave a quick look back Joey’s way and see Will join him. He passes over a drink, and the two of them laugh over something.

Something funny.

Something together.

“He shouldn’t be in a place like this,” Keller says, about to stand up.

I yank him back down beside me. “A place like what?”

“Like …” He gestures to me and Mack. “A place with horny old dudes who’ll want to get in his pants.”

I lift my glass to my mouth, pretending to take a drink as I mutter, “Like you, you mean?”

“Fuck off.” Keller scowls. “I’m just looking out for him.”

“Looking out for his dick!” Mack shouts without an ounce of subtlety.

To take the attention off Keller, I reach for my fly. “What’s that? You want to see a dick?”

“I know I do.” Joey drops into the seat beside Mack.

“Well, that’s one of us,” Mack says. “My answer might change later, depending on how desperate I get.”

“What does that mean?” Joey asks.

I make a slashing motion at my throat, but Mack doesn’t notice.

“If I don’t find someone to hook up with, Art’s going to help me move on himself.”

Well, fuck. I can’t read the look Joey sends my way.

Will hovers by Joey’s side, trying not to look at Keller.

Keller doesn’t let him succeed. “Will.”

His gaze snaps to Keller. “Ah, hey. How are you? I’m, uh, out with a friend.”

“Where’s Molly?”

The change in Will is immediate. “How should I know? Packing?”

“He doesn’t leave for months.”

“I’m allowed to have other friends.” Will sulks.

Keller doesn’t answer, just watches him before dropping his gaze and finishing his drink. “I’m going to dance.”

“Are we going to do that?” Mack asks me.

“Sure are. Now.” I stand and send a wink Joey’s way. “Have a good night, boys.”

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