Page 6 of French Martini

“Care to tell me about it?”

“Nah. What about your cousin?”

Kreson frowns before sitting back in his chair. The noise of the busy restaurant nearly drowns out any attempt at conversation, but I’m thankful for the distraction.

“Oak, come on. I know I’ve been in my own world with Tony, but I’m still here. I’m still your friend. I think. I’m feeling pretty shut out.”

Blowing out a breath, I scrub a hand over my face. “Sorry, man. It’s not intentional. There isn’t much to talk about. Work is work, you know?”

“What about last night? You said you were hanging out with friends?”

A smirk tugs at my lips as I remember how perfect Lowen felt in my arms, just like I knew he would. I woke up with a bad case of blue balls, but it was worth it to spend the night next to him, and hopefully, gain his trust. He’s a skittish thing, and bailing before he woke up felt like the right call.

“Oak?”

I blink and look back at Kres. “There’s this guy. He started out as a client.”

“Ooh, now this is interesting. You’re seeing someone?”

“Not like that. I like him, but he’s not open to anything.”

“Why?” Kres raises a bushy brow. “How could he not like you?”

I huff a laugh. “He doesn’t like anyone. He went through a nasty and very public divorce. His walls are sky high.”

“Oh, got it. It’s not like you to chase after someone unavailable.”

“Yeah, I know. I can’t seem to shake it though. Something about him just lights me up. Last night he wanted to kiss at midnight, then I took him back to his, and we spent all night just making out and rubbing. It was like being teenagers again, too afraid to take the next step.”

“Did you like it?”

“Yeah. It was actually one of my better nights.”

Kreson dumps another packet of sugar in his coffee. “Now what?”

“That’s the big question. Ball’s in his court, and if I know him, he’s gonna act like nothing happened.”

“What was this morning like?”

“I took off before I could find out. Hardest thing I’ve done in a long time. His bed is like…” I shake my head before chuckling. “It’s incredible. Very luxurious.”

“Hmm. Is he high maintenance?”

“Not to me. He’s smart—brilliant, actually—funny, gorgeous. Sure, he’s particular, but he’s just good at what he does. Other people probably think he’s a diva, but to me he’s just…” I shrug. “He’s Lowen.”

Kres tilts his head. “Are you in love with him?”

I scoff, swirling my coffee cup. “No. I like him, but that’s it.”

“I’ve never heard you talk like that about anyone except Brant.”

“Ugh. Hearing his name makes my stomach sour.”

“Sorry. I shouldn’t have mentioned him while we’re waiting for food. Does Lowen know about him?”

“No. We’ve never talked about anything deep. It’s been professional except for last night.”

“And he instigated it?”

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