Page 20 of The Hot Shot

“I don’t think you are,” Dee said, cutting me off. “Trust me. Walker doesn’t trust easily or care but you… You’re an exception to the rule. Now less time with the warnings and maybe a drink before we close up and you two can then go and talk?” Dee smirked at Walker and lifted her chin. “I’m sure he’ll get you anything you want.”

“I doubt that,” I muttered, trying to keep my voice low.

“You know you only have to ask,” Walker whispered back.

* * *

I couldn’t help but be engrossed as I watched Walker working in his element whilst I slowly sipped a beer. I know the place wasn’t full of people—I bet that would be the icing on the cake for him to be able to say that he had managed to do it all by himself—but he still continued cleaning and taking care of the place. Instead, the spark that showed as he moved around with finesse wasn’t as radiated as I knew it could be. It wasn’t like the fire that combusted the moment he held me that night and fucked me. It was more like a simmering ember that had become wet and was unable to find the spark to completely ignite.

“Are you finished with that drink because I was thinking of locking up and then we could maybe head back to mine?” Walker asked. “Unless you’d rather stay.” He reached my table with his cloth in hand while Dee unloaded a set of glasses from the dishwasher. “The last customers have left and I can’t see anyone turning up for the last thirty minutes of serving time so with being the boss, I thought I could close up.”

I opened my mouth to speak about the end of the night and how it could always bring in a last-minute party but I wasn’t here in my business state, so I kept it firmly shut and instead let out a nod. I picked up my half empty beer glass and slid out of the booth I’d pushed myself into to admire Walker as he worked away and headed up to the bar to give Dee my now empty glass. I wasn’t about to cause them any more work when I could help them. I wasn’t that type of guy; I had manners.

“I’m ready when you are. Do you want a hand with anything?” I asked before Walker bit down on his lip, making a shiver travel up my spine. “I could clean the tables…”

“I think you’re going to snap his restraint soon.” Dee chuckled as she took the glass from in front of me and handed it over, placing it in with the last load. “I think we’re done anyway. I don’t fancy having a front seat view of you two starting to strip so I’m going to head off.”

“I can at least wait until I get home.” Walker chuckled as he grabbed the coats from the door and switched the lights off out back. I thought I may freak out more at the blunt admittance from Walker in front of Dee but I wasn’t. I knew that he trusted her and we were alone so my identity remained hidden. “Ready to be escorted back?” he asked her.

“Woah, I can get back home on my own,” Dee said, flitting her gaze between both Walker and I as we shared a smirk together. It was as if we were both reading one another’s thoughts. Dee could protest all she wanted but it was pointless. We were both heading past her property and she hadn’t ordered a cab or for someone to meet her already. “Just because I’m a woman…”

“It has nothing to do with that.” Walker widened his eyes like she’d smacked a blow hard to his chest. “You’re my friend, my best friend and I’ve never had an issue with you gallivanting off alone—ever, even with company. I’d be the same for any of the staff working. I just have a thing about safety.”

“Okay, if you’re sure,” she replied.

“He’s right. Staff morale and safety is key but you’re his friend, too. He’s always going to want to make sure you’re safe. It doesn’t matter that I’m here,” I said truthfully, knowing that Walker was being true to himself. “He just has too good a heart to not care.”

“I knew you’d be good for him,” Dee replied. “Even that first night I spotted you, I knew you were meant for him after saving me from Sarah. Not many would have stepped foot into her clutches.”

“Sure, they would,” I said, shrugging my shoulders and looking between the two of them. It felt like I was missing something. “She’s not the nicest woman around and I pity anyone who ends up stuck in her claws.”

“Completely,” Walker commented as he indicated for us to exit and therefore putting an end to the conversation. “Shall we get going?”

“Yeah. I’m ready if you are,” I said as I stepped outside into the cool air.

I stepped to the side of the large doors, waiting for the duo to join me as Walker brushed his hand past my side, making my breath hitch. I watched as he locked up the place before he linked his arm with Dee. How I wished I could be the one in his grasp, locking arms at the elbow or better still, linking our fingers together but alas I wasn’t. I was the guy standing two steps behind, cowering and uncertain about whether this was a good or bad thing and what people’s opinions would be if they recognized me out.

Could I really go through with this and get completely lost in the man in front of me or was I just a lost cause, stuck in a shell while always looking out as each of my friends and family finally began to settle down? Would it ever be me?

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

WALKER

He actually came.

I know that he said he’d be here but anyone can write something in a text message. To actually follow through on his words though showed me that as scared as Sebastian was to commit, he had already done the hard part and taken the first step. Now all we needed to do was discuss what boundaries had to be put in place and where the lines should stand between us; just so they don’t get pushed too far. Just so I don’t push them too far and mess this up before it even has a chance to begin.

I could feel the waves of nervous energy pouring off him as we left The Hot Shot but I knew immediately I couldn’t reach out and comfort him in the public. I knew that would be a hard line for Sebastian to cross so I waited and played the patience card, linking my arm with Dee’s, using her strength to keep me in check. I knew that when we were alone I would need to find a way to keep a leash on myself because I couldn’t keep using Dee as a third wheel for every outing we went on. That would be stupid and Dee would most likely kill me if I made her do that.

It only took a brisk fifteen minute walk to reach Dee’s place but when the sexual tension and frustration was heavy in the air, it could have been hours for all it mattered. We both watched Dee head inside and I knew I’d be in for a lashing from that wicked tongue of hers by acting like a gentleman and ensuring she was inside before we left. She always acted like I was making a spectacle of myself—she needed to get used to being treated like a lady.

“My place is only five minutes away if we walk at a steady pace,” I said as I turned to face the man of the hour. I gulped back harshly, ensuring to keep my voice low even though the street we were on was deserted. You never knew who could appear from around the corner at any given moment. “Are you still okay to head back with me? I’d understand if you’d changed your mind.”

“Walker, I’m here… I’ve not run off anywhere, have I?” I said as I stepped closer to his side. “I’ve had plenty of opportunities to but I didn’t. I’d like to just be alone with you and talk before—”

“Before?” I questioned, cutting him off. I licked my lips as I drifted off into a devious mindset as he began to walk away from me down the street. I couldn’t help but gawk at his ass in those tightly, cladded jeans that I just wanted to undo and shuck off down his legs, revealing his cock for my pleasure. Damn, I needed to get him back to mine and talk as I felt my own length begin to harden at the thought of getting him naked. “It’s the next left,” I said as I jogged a few steps to catch up with him.

* * *

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