Page 62 of Starfish and Coffee
“Am I?” Matt asked, the six-pack of beer still in his hand as he frowned at his wrist. “It’s six.”
“Is it?” Holly also looked at his wrist and let out a low whistle. “So it is. Nice watch.” Holding on to the door frame, she leaned past him to look out to the driveway. “Nice car too. Is that a Bentley?”
“Yes,” Matt said, getting the impression of being held off. “Would you like me to come back?”
“No.” Holly’s eyes were wide in false innocence. “Just admiring your car. You could probably feed a small country with the money you put out for it, but it is a beautiful vehicle.”
“It’s a company car,” Matt said defensively.
“Yes, but you own the company,” Holly said, her voice still bright and sweet, though the accusation was clear.
“I don’t own all of it.”
Holly arched an eyebrow. “You’re not a majority shareholder?”
Well, Matt couldn’t argue with that, and he didn’t have to. Holly was saved from further stall tactics when Alex came down the hallway, tugging a shirt over his head, showing off smooth, tan skin. Matt couldn’t help the way his eyes darted to the firm six-pack on display. His gaze ran over the trail of light hair leading beneath the lining of Alex’s jeans before he tugged his shirt down. Matt wanted to hate Alex for having such a beautiful body when he considered the amount of time he spent working on his own physique. Alex was one of those annoying men who could eat whatever he wanted, do a few sit-ups, run on the beach three times a week, and still look like a Calvin Klein model. Restaurant work hadn’t worn on Alex any more than time had.
“Hey, man.” Alex walked to the door and held out his hand. “You’re right on time. I forgot that bad habit of yours.”
Matt switched the beer to his other hand, then shook Alex’s hand. “Was I supposed to be late?” he asked, frowning at Alex, seeing his hair was wet, making it obvious he had just gotten out of the shower. “I brought beer.”
“Cool.” Alex leaned past Holly to look out at the driveway. He let out a low whistle eerily similar to Holly’s. “Hot car. Makes my Mini Cooper look like total shit sitting next to it.”
“It’s a company car,” Matt repeated, still feeling defensive about it after Holly’s speech.
“Yes, but you’re the one driving it. Lucky you.” Alex gave him a wide smile, making him look so handsome it nearly stole Matt’s breath. “It really is a sexy car. Makes me want one.”
“They cost about two hundred grand.” Holly raised her eyebrows at Alex. “Base model.”
“Or I’ll just admire yours.” Alex pushed the door open farther. “Come on in.”
Matt could tell Alex was feeling uncomfortable, but he still had that easygoing attitude that made him effortless to talk to and great to take to parties. Alex left everyone around him feeling relaxed and cool by association. It took deft observation and a knowing of the real Alex to see he was covering tension with easy banter. Matt saw the hard set to his shoulders and the way he rubbed at the back of his neck like he always did when there was more to be said but he had no desire to actually say it.
“Are you hungry?” Alex took the beer from Matt and walked into the kitchen. “I could cook.” He turned to Holly, as if needing confirmation, the tension still pouring off him in waves despite his outwardly cool demeanor. “Should I cook?”
“No, you cooked all day. We’ll order pizza and play some poker. You like pizza, Matt, don’t you? Of course you do.” Holly waved off the question as if ridiculous. “Everyone likes pizza. What do you want on yours?”
Matt stared at her, realizing he hadn’t had a piece of pizza in four years. “Um. Veggies.” At least then he’d have something good for him in the mix, and he’d just run a few extra miles in the morning. “I’ll pay.”
“Don’t be stupid,” Holly said as she gave him a playful frown. “We may not be driving a Bentley, but we can afford pizza. You’re our guest. We’re paying.”
Holly left to go order pizza. Matt was left alone with Alex, who had gotten to the point that even his naturally cool demeanor had given way to obvious nervousness as he opened a beer, hitting it against the edge of the counter. Matt watched the bottle cap bounce off the tile and then turned to see Alex take a long, gulping drink of his beer, making it disappear in a way that would have been impressive to college frat boys.
Matt put his hands into the pockets of his khaki pants and studied Alex in concern, wondering if there was more to his nervousness than he had originally suspected. “Are you really fucking Holly now? It seems like more than an act.”
Alex coughed, spraying beer over the clean kitchen tiles before he doubled over, gasping for breath. Matt rushed to him, patting his back as the fit of coughing shook Alex’s tense frame. Feeling guilty, he said in a rush, “I’m not good at this, Lex. I’m sorry. I just—”
“Holly invited you,” Alex interrupted him, another cough bursting out of him. He wiped his mouth and then took a drink of his beer as if trying to clear his throat. “And when have Ievergiven you an indication that was a possibility?”
“I don’t know.” Matt looked at him in anguish. “You’re nervous. I’ve never seen you lose your cool before. I thought maybe I was making things difficult for you.”
“You are.” Alex turned away from him to look out the window and stare at the ocean reflecting the last dying embers of sunlight. “But not because of Holly.”
“I can leave.” Matt choked on the words because leaving was the last thing he wanted. Despite the heartache, his body and soul were humming for the connection he shared with Alex. He had forgotten how powerful their attraction was, overwhelming enough to make him temporarily forget the past. “Do you want that?”
Alex continued to stare out the window as if lost in thought. “You should leave. It’d be in your best interest.”
“Why’s that, Lexie?”
