Page 10 of Whiskey Neat

Swallowing hard, I only nod in response.

“Why don’t you give us your number, Salem?” Lowen suggests. “We’re still figuring things out, but maybe we can find an early spot for you. We definitely want to hire queer people when we can.”

“That would be amazing.” Salem hands Lowen a card, but his eyes are on me. “I’m happy to interview or answer any questions you have. The QR code on the back links to my full resume.”

“Hey, Salem,” Ridley says, “what do you think of Moby’s Bar as a name?”

“Moby’s? Like the whale?”

Ridley’s face lights up. “Exactly like the whale.”

“No whales, just D,” Lowen says. “You know, drinks.”

Salem laughs and the sound is fucking magical. It’s as if his chest is filled with sunshine that spills out in his laughter.

“That’s epically good,” he says. “The college kids will love it. Everyone else can get fucked.” He covers his mouth. “Sorry. Hope swearing isn’t offensive.”

Ridley scoffs a laugh. “We’re a bunch of queer dudes. You think we care about that?”

Salem’s smiles shyly. “Good. I guess I’ll let you guys get back to work, but I hope to hear from you.” He licks his lips again as his eyes roam across my face. “Soon.”

He waves as he walks out, swaying his hips, and my reaction is like a snake to a charmer. Fuck me.

“Well, wasn’t that interesting,” Lowen mutters, grinning at me. “Someone’s got a crush.”

“A crush?” Kit says. “That looked more like someone got hit with a ton of bricks.” He slaps my back. “I get it. He’s pretty.”

“He can’t work here.” I shake my head. “I can’t. I’ll spend all my time trying to get in his pants.”

“What’s wrong with that?” Ridley asks.

“It’s totally unprofessional and potentially illegal. I’m one of the owners. Isn’t that harassment?”

“Only if it’s non-consensual,” Bane says.

“Power imbalance though,” Lowen says thoughtfully. “You just have to make sure you aren’t coercing him or insinuating anything about his job.”

“I feel strongly that we shouldn’t fuck any of the staff.”

Ridley scoffs loudly, opening his mouth like he’s scandalized. “I’m not agreeing to that. That’s one of the bonuses of this whole idea. A steady stream of ass.”

“I have to agree with Ridley,” Kit says. “But of course we have to be smart and make sure it’s not some skeevy environment.”

“Which we can easily avoid by not fucking the staff,” I repeat, rubbing my forehead. “Besides, we need to focus on running the business. Not pretty twinks.” I glance at the door as if he’ll somehow walk back in. “Fuck, he’s like a dream man.”

“Looks-wise, anyway,” Bane says. “I vote we hire him. He’s adorable, so guys will like him, he’s queer and we want to support our community, and he needs a job. What’s not to like?”

“I agree,” Jerryn says and I groan.

“You’ll be okay,” Kit says, patting my back. “Once you get a taste you’ll get over it and be able to move on.”

“And then he works here.”

“Be clear about your intentions,” Kit continues. “Besides, no one missed the way Salem was looking at you too. He wants some of what you got.”

“Agreed,” Lowen says.

“Yeah,” the other guys all agree.

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