Page 85 of Gin & Sin

“Hey,” he says, acknowledging me with a nod. “Water heater good?”

“Yes, thanks.”

He looks at Lowen again. “Busy night.”

Lowen nods back, standing slowly. “Cabin fever got the best of everyone. Are you meeting someone?”

Ooh. Yeah, there’s jealous curiosity in that tone.

“Nope,” Oakley says, as his eyes roam up and down Lowen’s lithe physique. “Just came to grab some dinner and maybe adrink.” Oakley glances around. “Not sure there’s anywhere to sit though.”

“We’ll find you a spot,” Lowen says.

“Thanks.”

The two stand gazing at each other like they’re alone. I wonder what’s keeping them apart, but it’s none of my business. Lowen leads Oakley off, and just as they move out of my line of vision, Kit appears. My stomach does a somersault. He’s not wearing his Moby’s t-shirt, but instead, a tight-fitting black sweater.

With a big smile on his face, he sits across from me. “Hey, gorgeous.”

“Hi, Kit. What’s going on?”

“A date. I hear this is the hottest place in town.”

“A date?”

“Yeah.” His smile softens. “Is that okay, Professor?”

“It is.”

“Good. It’s not the most romantic setting, but the food is legit.”

I chuckle. “It’s more than good enough for me.”

Kit notices the business card and snatches it up before I can. He looks it over and his eyes narrow. “What is this?”

“A guy gave it to me. He said he’d like to take me out some time.”

“I see.” He hands the card back to me. “Was he attractive?”

I nod. “Yes. Young too. Not that long ago I would’ve never thought a man like him would look at me, but I don’t think that anymore.”

“Why?”

“Because you looked at me and you’re leagues ahead of that guy.” I take the card and tear it in half. “I’m not interested in him.”

Kit exhales slowly. “No? Who are you interested in?”

“Just you, Kit. I have a lot of things I want to say, but not here. Not now.”

“Me too, Stewart. It’s good stuff too.”

Is Theo right? Could Kit really be ready to try this with me?

He reaches across the table, taking my hand before lifting it to his lips and pressing a kiss to it. Very romantic. “I have something to give you.”

“Okay.”

Kit reaches into his back pocket, huffing a laugh that sounds terribly nervous to me. He produces something small and metal and places it in the palm of my hand. Oh my god.

---