Page 4 of Feral Heart
“I’m Lamie.” Did I just say that? He squeezed his eyes shut, wishing he could restart this entire day. “I mean Jamie. I’m Jamie.”
“Are you okay, Jamie?” Cesar asked, voice intimate and concerned.
He couldn’t believe his crush was actually touching him. No, holding him against his chest. He wanted to turn and gaze into those amazing eyes but was terrified his honey bunny might let go.
“I—” He couldn’t think with Cesar so close, those hands on him.
Keeping Jamie’s back pressed to his chest, Cesar guided them forward into the breakroom, closing the door with the heel of his boot. They didn’t stop until he lowered Jamie into a chair. Instead of taking a seat beside him, Cesar crouched down and took Jamie’s hands in his. “Look at me, cariño.”
Biting his lip, Jamie met that incredible ocean-blue eyes, the skin crinkling around them.
“Hello, guapo.” Cesar smiled as his thumbs brushed across Jamie’s knuckles. “We doing better now?”
“You buy a lot of food every week.” Jamie grinned, despite everything. “You’re not eating it all yourself, are you?”
Today had been a light load. There’d been times when Cesar shopped with two carts. More than a few times Jamie was tempted to ask if he was hibernating for the winter, even though it was still hot outside.
Cesar’s warm and open laugh eased Jamie’s frayed nerves. “I’ve got a whole pack of hungry men to feed.”
“Oh.” Jamie tried thinking of something intelligent to say, but he was too mesmerized by Cesar’s tropical-blue eyes. “Can you cook?”
“Why don’t you come by the tavern and see for yourself? You know Sin and Steel?”
“Yes!” Jamie’s grin widened. “I walk right past it on my way to work.” He leaned in and whispered conspiratorially, “There’s a lot of motorcycles parked there.”
He’d never spotted Cesar at the tavern, or he definitely would’ve found an excuse to go inside. That might sound a bit stalkerish, but Jamie was past caring.
“Then promise you’ll come see me, colibrí.” Cesar slid his hands up and down Jamie’s arms, the touch somehow calming.
Curling his fingers, Jamie felt nervous excitement building. “I promise.”
Chapter Two
Jamie shifted from one foot to the other outside Sin & Steel, fingers drumming a rapid, uneven rhythm against his thighs, wondering if he’d made a mistake coming here as he glanced around. The place looked way more intimidating up close than it did when he walked past on his way to work. Was this actually happening? After pining over his jellybean for months, Jamie was finally going to talk to him.
Not at the checkout counter, not a simple “thanks,” but he would spend some actual time with Cesar. He wiped his palms on his jeans for the third time in two minutes. A couple of tattooed guys walked out, music thumping louder before the wooden door squeaked shut behind them.
A motorcycle revved to his left, one of the shiny bikes in the row that probably had enough horsepower to launch him into orbit. The smell of hot motor oil and cigarette smoke hit his nose, mixing with something amazing that had drifted outside when the door opened. He closed his eyes and inhaled, only to get a huge whiff of exhaust fumes instead.
Three guys in leather jackets walked past him toward the entrance, all broad shoulders and swagger. One glanced over with a look that said, “You sure you’re in the right place, kid?” Jamie tried for a casual nod that felt more like a bobblehead having a seizure. The guy grinned, shook his head, then followed his buddies inside.
Just go in. What’s the worst that can happen?
Actually, scratch that thought. His brain was way too creative when it came to worst-case scenarios. Like what if his jellybean had only been being nice? What if this was some elaborate prank? What if he walked in there and made a complete fool of himself in front of a bunch of bikers who looked like they could bench-press his entire existence?
A gleaming motorcycle rolled past him, the rider moving slowly out of the parking lot before making a right and roaring away. Jamie watched the taillights grow bright, then the guy made a left, heading in the same direction as his apartment building.
Grant was probably sitting on the couch, right now, waiting for Jamie to come home so he could pounce. The thought made him shudder as he glanced back at the door.
To heck with it. Jamie had always been adventurous, and Cesar had asked him to come. No more stalling. Squaring his shoulders, he stepped inside.
The music hit him, loud enough to feel in his chest. Wow. The place was packed with men just as muscular as Cesar, all broad shoulders and confidence, tattoos on display, voices carrying over the bass. Jamie barely noticed them. His brain was too busy ping-ponging between Where’s my sugar? and Holy crap, that food smells mouthwatering and Where in the heck is the bar?
The lighting was dim except for the colorful glow of neon beer signs lining one wall. Jamie weaved through the crowd with quick, darting steps, pausing to let someone pass then hurrying forward in jerky movements before practically sliding up to the bar and gripping the edge.
A guy with dark hair and scars on one side of his face was working behind the polished counter, serving drinks.
“Hi! Excuse me!” Jamie waved at him. “I’m looking for Cesar. I just got off work, and it took me a minute to walk here, but I’m—” He paused to breathe, realizing he was word-vomiting. “Sorry. Do you know where I can find him?”
