Page 18 of Whiskey Neat

I nod, understanding the deeper question he’s asking. “We’ve been tight since sophomore year, and it just worked out that we all reached a point in our lives and careers where we needed a change.”

Salem nods, picking up the pen and tapping it on the desk. “How lucky for me and Willow Bay. Six gorgeous queer boys running a bar. Delicious.”

Staring into his eyes, I’m wondering whether my luck is running good or bad. Salem is temptation with a capital T.

“We should get started.”

“What are the rules about fraternization?”

“What?”

“Fraternizing? You know, fucking your coworkers.”

My throat tightens with all the filthy words swirling in my head. I could bend him over this desk right now, get him dirty in more ways than one as I unravel him piece by piece. He clearly wants me to.

“We’re still working it out.”

“Can I make a suggestion for the policy?”

I nod, leaning just a little closer.

“We’re all adults working here, right?” Salem asks, continuing without waiting for a response. “I think it should be allowed as long as all parties are consenting and mature.”

“How would we gauge maturity?”

“Guess you’d have to go with your gut, Indy.” He bats his long lashes at me as his tongue darts out to wet his lips.

Fuck. Me.

“I confess I have a vested interest in the policy.”

“That so?”

Salem stands, barely reaching my shoulders. He drags a finger down my chest, his eyes fixed on me as I have to bend my neck to hold his gaze. Heat radiates between us and my cock twitches in my jeans. I’m desperate to get my hands on this sexy man.

“I happen to have a thing for big, brawny men with unusual names and pretty green-blue eyes.”

“Messing around with your boss comes with potential complications.”

“What’s life without a few complications?”

He drags soft fingers under my chin, and I imagine the beard burn my scruff would leave on his flawless skin as I took him apart.

“You may have noticed I’m pretty up-front about getting what I want.”

“I noticed.”

“And I don’t think I’m alone in my interest. Am I wrong, Indy?”

Even the way he says my name makes my knees a little weak. This is the part where I could put some professional distance between us, and probably should, but I seem to be frozen. He’s got me completely under his spell and I don’t hate it.

Salem presses himself against me, rising on his toes and parting his pretty lips. My resolve weakens as I’m drawn into his orbit, but just as our lips are about to touch, a man tumbles straight through the drywall beside us.

Salem shrieks, jumping out of the way as dust fills the space. The construction worker on the floor pulls himself up as others rush to his aid.

“Dammit. Water damage,” he mutters, brushing his jeans off and pulling a chunk of damp drywall away from the hole. “Lost my balance. Sorry about that.”

“Are you okay?” I ask.

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