Page 9 of Whiskey Neat

“Indy?” the man says, an amused curl to his lip. “Is that your full name?”

“Uh… uh…”

“It’s Indiana,” Kit answers for me. “But don’t call him that or make movie jokes.”

“Noted.” The man steps farther into the space, stopping just in front of me. Up close, he looks like a doll, delicate and perfect, but somehow he still manages to exude sexual energy. “I’m Salem. No witch trial jokes please.”

“Salem.” I whisper it, mentally cataloging it for the spank bank. “Hi.”

“Hi. You’re the owner?”

“Uh, we all are.” I clear my throat. “Can we help you?”

Lowen leans in, repeating Salem’s questions, and it clicks in my brain that it’s the second time I’ve heard them.

“Oh, uh, we’re opening a bar. A gay bar.”

“Queer bar,” Lowen says. “All are welcome, except assholes.”

“Nice,” Salem says. “Willow Bay’s first, huh? Why’d you pick this town?”

“We went to the university,” Ridley says, while I keep staring at the beauty like a fucking creeper.

“And you came back?”

“We like it here,” Kit says. He nudges me again. “Are we hiring, Indy?”

Blinking slowly, I nod. Or maybe I don’t. I don’t fucking know. I just know that I have to learn more about Salem. “Do you live here?”

“For now,” Salem says. “I’m looking for a job, preferably close by.” He glances around the obviously run-down space. “But I’m guessing you’re quite a ways from opening the doors.”

“We start renovations today,” Lowen explains. “Our target date is April tenth.”

“April tenth?” Salem twists his pretty lips. “That’s two months. Do you need staff for anything? I can—” He glances around. “—do something.”

“Why do you want to work here?” I manage to ask.

“Honestly, there’s nothing else in town. It’s a long, tragic story why I’m in Willow Bay, but I’m willing to do just about anything.”

Just about anything? I have some ideas, which probably means hiring him is a very bad idea. I was planning to have a no-fucking-the-staff rule to keep us professional, but I can’t think of anything besides getting my hands and mouth on the man in front of me.

My cock swells slightly, reminding me just how long it’s been since I’ve shared my bed with a sexy little twink, and right now, my fantasies have Salem’s name written all over them.

“Do you have any issues working with queer people?” Bane asks.

“I am queer people,” Salem answers, glancing at me and batting long lashes. “I figured that was obvious. This type of establishment is long overdue in Willow Bay.”

“What kind of work experience do you have?” Lowen asks. “You look a little young.”

“I’m twenty-eight and I’ve been working in the city for ten years. Customer service work mostly. I don’t know how to mix drinks, but I wouldn’t apply to be a bartender anyway. I’ve worked in a few restaurants.” He smiles. “Besides, you guys can’t be much older than me based on your looks.”

Flattery. That will definitely work on Lowen.

“Indy just turned forty,” Kit says, squeezing my shoulders from behind.

“We all did,” Jerryn whispers, sounding confused.

“Forty?” Salem says. “Well, looks like time has been kind to all of you.”

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