Page 44 of Outcast
“In how to get hustled?”
Bailey grinned. “Would you believe it was beginner’s luck?”
“No.”
Holden snorted. “Nice try, kid. You’ll have to find a new victim.”
“Maybe that lost little lamb who just came in,” Axel suggested with a nod toward the door. “He looks like he could afford to lose a few bucks.”
We all looked toward the door, where Emory had just stepped inside. He was wearing jeans and a snug T-shirt—both too nice for him to really fit in with this crowd, but miles better than a suit—and my mouth watered at how damn good he looked.
Emory paused, scanning the bar. I suddenly imagined it through his eyes: the dingy floor in need of a mopping; the flimsy card tables scattered around the room; the scuffed-up bar and grungy bartender who looked as likely to start a bar fight as serve you a drink.
Why did I invite him here instead of going into town? Stupid.
Emory’s gaze landed on me then, and he smiled shyly.
“Well, hello,” Axel said, cutting his gaze toward me. “The lamb isn’t so lost after all.”
“Does he have news about the loan?” Holden asked, obviously confused.
“Nah. I invited him for a drink.”
“The loan?” Axel said. “You mean that guy’s ourlender?”
“Emory Gold,” Holden confirmed, “of Gold Community Bank.”
“Whoa,” Bailey said. “Are you like trying to seduce him to save the business?”
“What?” I scoffed. “No.Don’t be ridiculous.”
“You’re the one making eyes with the freaking loan guy,” he muttered.
“Why don’t you all get lost?” I suggested as Emory got closer. “I don’t need you scaring him away.”
“Fine. I need another Coke, anyway.” Bailey hung up his pool cue.
“Be careful,” Holden murmured. “Emorydoeshold our fate in his hands. Don’t forget that, okay?”
I nodded once. The way I saw it, Emory’s job had nothing to do with him and me and whatever happened tonight. I planned to make him a happy man—whether our pants came off or not.
Axel was the slowest to leave. He had an irritatingly cocky smile on his face as Emory reached me.
“Hey, Gray,” he said, gaze flicking between me and Axel. “Am I interrupting? We can meet up some other time.”
“No, my brother was just leaving.” I glared at Axel. “Right?”
He chuckled. “Yup. But if you get bored with this guy, come find me.” He winked.
He fucking winked at Emory and walked away.
Asshole.
Emory watched him go, shifting to cross his arms over his chest. “Does he know…?”
“He knows I’m gay.”
I left out the part where I’d only told him tonight. If I hadn’t, meeting up with Emory would have been a hell of a lot more awkward. I had no desire to hide my interest in him.
