Page 26 of His Stepdad Wears Leather

Brody tensed, the word‘no’fighting to come off his lips. Biting his tongue, he watched as Chris turned around to eye him—as if the guy was searching for his approval.You don’t own him. He can dance with whoever the hell he wants to.

He shrugged, acting like he didn’t care when he absolutely did.

“Yeah, sure,” Chris mumbled moments after searching Brody’s face. He scooted off the barstool and let Casey take his hand.

Glancing at his watch, Brody saw it was nearly closing time. They’d be lucky to get much more than one song—not long enough for much of anything to happen. He surveyed the pair as they headed to the dancefloor and swayed to the music. The small crowd had thinned out more, so he had a bird’s eye view of the way Casey’s hands roamed over Chris’ back… and down further… to that perfectly round bottom—which he realized was covered with lace under his jeans.

The moment he noticed the pain in his jaw, he forced himself to look away.What the fuck is wrong with me?

He returned to help the other bartenders and the bar back—trying to ignore that perfect ass spinning around on the dancefloor. A few minutes passed, and the song changed. The colored lights bounced in time to that rhythm, slowing with the bass.

Brody’s gaze again drifted to the dancefloor. Chris seemed to be enjoying himself, considering the broad smile he wore. The guy was a good dancer, moving well. An image of that ass in red manties returned to his mind, and his cock thickened.

Chris turned, and Brody was suddenly transfixed in his heated stare. Lust twinkled in the depths, and an almost mischievous twerk came to his lips. Once Chris knew he was being watched, his body appeared to move differently. There was a seductive sway to his hips. More thrusting of the pelvis. His hands slid down his chest and to his flanks, framing his hardening cock. Brody could see the hard ridge pressing against the denim. He writhed his bottom against the intruder.

Fucking Casey.

Perhaps Chris was showing off. Was he trying to cause Brody to become jealous?

It was working, and it had no business doing that.

Brody poured himself a shot and downed it. Without stopping, he poured one more and downed it. When that didn’t seem to do the trick, he had a third.

“Bad night?” Carter asked.

“Strangenight,” Brody confessed. He frowned. “Why do you ask?”

The song ended… and the interior lights went up, illuminating the inside of the bar. Brody grinned inwardly, realizing there’d be no more torture to come. He eyed Chris and Casey as they likely said good night to one another.

“I’ve worked here five years, and I’ve rarelyseen you drink more than one shot in a night, andneverwithout a customer egging you on.”

Brody smiled. He had rules he lived by and they kept him sane and sober. He might have a beer or two, but he avoided the hard stuff for the most part—unless one of the regulars had a really special occasion and wanted to celebrate. Early on, when he’d first bought the bar, drinking had become a bit of a problem. He’d soon learned how to place limits on himself.

His gaze roamed to the dancefloor, where Chris and Casey were still talking—while others were streaming out the front door. What were they chatting about? And why the fuck did Chris have that big smile on his face? When Chris turned to whisper something to Casey, Brody’s jaw began to hurt again. Luckily, Chris headed for the bar—and Casey for the front door.

Chris sauntered closer, lapping up Brody’s attention. He leaned on the bar and batted his lashes. “Is it possible to get a water?”

Brody nodded and fixed him a plastic cup of ice water. Chris downed it.

“Thirsty?” Brody refilled the cup and slid it back over.

Chris grinned before taking another drink. He stared over the rim, need flaring in his eyes. “Iloveto dance.”

“I’m glad you had fun,” Brody purred, trying to control himself. He wasn’t that overbearing, territorial jerk—but he sure as hell felt like one.

Chris’ smile faded a little. “You didn’t mind me dancing with another man?”

Brody chuckled inwardly. “Don’t assume I don’t know what you’re up to. I’mnotthe jealous type, just so you’re aware.”Liar.Clenching his jaw, he continued letting lies drip from his lips. “If you’d rather spend the night with Casey, you can probably catch him in the parking lot before he leaves.”

“Oh.” Chris’ smile dulled and it was like a stab to his heart.

In the background, Lex and the other bouncers were herding folks out—all while the waiters and waitresses cleared the empty tables.

“I guess that means the offer of a place to stay is off the table?”

Brody frowned. “No… there’s a room and a bed with your name on it.”

“A room. A bed… but notyourbed? Is that the point you’re making?”

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