Page 84 of Gin & Sin

“I’m asking you out, handsome. I’m Gentry, by the way.”

I must look like an idiot, my mouth opening and closing as my scrambled brain looks for words. This very hot man wants to take me out? Two months ago I wouldn’t have imagined a situation like this.

“If it’s too awkward to answer me, that’s okay.” He pulls his wallet out of his back pocket and produces a card. “My personal cell is on there. What’s your name?”

“My name?”

Gentry chuckles. “You have one, right?”

“Uh, yes, of course. Stewart.”

“That’s nice. You date men, right?”

I nod. “Yes.”

“Sweet. Hope I hear from you, Stewart.”

Then he’s up and moving into the busy restaurant, leaving me stunned. Before I can finish processing that interaction, Lowen slides into the vacated chair.

“Hi. Kit will be right out. How are you tonight?”

“Fine. Good.” I clear my throat. “Did you see that guy who was just sitting here?”

“Yes. Do you know him?”

“No. He asked me out.”

Lowen smiles, glancing down at the card on the table. “What do you think of that?”

“It’s weird. I wasn’t sure I would be appealing to anyone at my age. Especially younger men.”

“But now you know you are.”

“I thought Kit was a fluke. He is, just not in the way I thought.”

“What do you mean by that?”

“He’s far more than I anticipated. I was looking for someone to break the seal with, you know? All I wanted was to experience sex with a man. I didn’t expect to find someone so…” I shake myhead as Lowen tilts his. “So everything. He’s kind and thoughtful and… sexy. He’s helped me see myself in a new light.”

“That’s a good thing.”

“It is.”

“But you still want to date? You want to explore what else is out there?”

His questions cause a swift internal rejection and before I can stop myself, I blurt, “No.”

Lowen’s expression softens. “No?”

“Please don’t tell Kit. He should hear it from me but… Shit. I shouldn’t ask you to keep a secret. You’re one of his best friends.”

Lowen puts his hand over mine. “You can talk to me. I doubt you’re about to say anything that would be upsetting.”

“No.” I study Lowen’s eyes for a moment, deciding to confide in him. “I want this to continue. I want to see where it goes. I’m not at all interested in anyone else.”

“Good.” He sits back in his chair, his eyes shifting as the door opens and Oakley, the burly contractor, enters.

I can literally see the moment Lowen’s guard goes up, but his body leans in Oakley’s direction. I know enough about psychology to understand the war of emotions Lowen is waging right now. Oakley’s eyes settle on Lowen and his face lights up as he confidently walks in our direction.

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