Page 52 of French Martini

Sam smiles, but it’s one of his forced ones. “My friends insisted we come to Willow Bay and try out this ‘amazing gay place.’” He makes quote marks with his fingers. “I mean, it is a vibe and all, but I’m not sure it was worth the hour drive. What are you doing here?”

“Getting dinner. The food here is fantastic. Rivals any place in the city.”

“Hmm. Remains to be seen. We’ve only had drinks so far. They do score high for eye candy though. Everyone here is gor-geous.”

“True.”

“Speaking of.” Sam loops his arm through mine, and I tense. “Who are you meeting, handsome?”

“Uh, eating alone, but—” I feel him before I see him, and when I turn my head to my right, Lowen is there, his expression tight and possessive, sending a zing of heat straight through me. “Hey, kitten.”

The glare goes to my face briefly before his laser focus shifts to where Sam is touching my arm. Sam, obviously not a fool, removes his arm.

“Hello,” Sam says sweetly.

Lowen nods, but it’s curt, and if looks could kill…

“Lowen, babe, this is Sam, the friend I told you about.”

That apparently was not the right answer. Lowen looks downright vicious as a dazzling but dangerous smile appears on his pretty face.

“Oh? What brings you to Moby’s? Oakley?”

Sam folds his arms across his chest, not even remotely intimidated by my kitten’s claws. “No. Just a coincidence. Nice to meet you, Lowen. Oakley talked nonstop about you during our shopping trip.” He nudges my arm. “You were right. He is prettier than me.”

I see the flash of surprise on Lowen’s face, but it’s gone quickly.

Sam reaches out and grabs Lowen’s wrist, pulling him closer. “Could you give us a minute, Oakley? Us girls need a quick chat.”

He tugs Lowen away before he can resist, and I watch helplessly as the two of them speak quietly together near the bar. Lowen glances at me once, his features much softer now, then he nods, but flinches as Sam throws his arms around him in a big hug. Lowen reluctantly returns the hug, then nods as Sam flounces over to his friends, waving at me.

Lowen walks back to me, his cheeks flushing pink with each step. “You must think I’m ridiculous,” he says when he reaches me.

“Not at all.”

“Jealousy is a form of insecurity, you know. I learned that in therapy. I’m not sure why I’m acting like this lately, but I imagine it’s knowing that I have to face Alain soon.”

I was hoping he’d admit that he has more than a passing thing for me, but I can work with this.

“Totally understandable. Want to tell me what Sam said to you?”

“No.” He pats my chest. “Found you a spot at the bar if that’s okay.”

“It is. Thanks.”

Lowen shifts so he’s fully facing me, blocking my path to the bar. He runs his fingers over my chest, his blue eyes bright behind his thick lashes.

“I’ve been thinking about what you did earlier all day.”

“Yeah? How do you feel about it?”

“I… liked it. I feel like I have a dirty secret walking around bare under my jeans.”

“I have a dirty secret too.” Leaning in, I brush my lips across his cheek, smiling as his breath catches. “I took them out of my pocket several times today. They smell like you.”

“Jesus,” he whispers. “You’re still coming over tonight, right?”

“Absolutely.” Looping my arm around his waist, I tug him close and he digs his fingers into my pecs. “I can’t wait to feel your cock in my mouth.”

---