Page 4 of Daily Grind
And yet, ex-girlfriends.
But no negative quips about Todd or his husband. Or Sam Anderson’s little queer consulting firm above his head.
Bi? Pan? Not that it mattered. Rob hadn’t come here to pick up a date—just a cup of coffee. He examined Brian’s back. Powerful shoulders,verynice arms, and a trim waist. Went well with his lovely long face, sandy hair, and pretty brown eyes.
Brian was very much like the coffee he’d drank. Bold and spicy. And yes, a taste of that cream, too, please. He hadn’t had a date, let alone a roll in bed in… far too long. CirroBot had eaten his relationships along with his life for the last few years.
But now they were in Pittsburgh, and the company was settled. He’d handed over much of the responsibility—and part of the ownership—to a board of directors.
He certainlycouldhave more than one cup of coffee, especially since what he wanted was a taste of that nice tall Americano.
Even if Brian proved elusive as a bedmate, the man was witty and easy on the eyes. He also knew this city, which Rob decidedly didnot. Recommendations on new and interesting non-tourist attractions would be most welcome.
Perhaps they could help each other with the whole workaholic problem.
Rob shifted on the barstool and watched Brian work his business. He smiled at each of his customers. Conversed as he made their drinks. Most topics were inoffensive—weather, sports—but Brian also knew several of the people in line, and well, too. His manner changed subtly, then. His grin became open and light played in his eyes. He had a delightful exchange of witticisms with a bearded gentleman, a more serious discussion with a younger woman about her college classes, and an animated chat with a mother and her little boy.
Rob turned in his seat and examined the shop and patrons more closely. In a way, it reminded him of a pub but without the beer and sports. Lots of locals. Younger people working on school assignments. Couples having chats. An older gentleman reading a newspaper.
The mother and son sat down nearby and the child proceeded to devour a cookie while reading a library book.
He was very good not to get crumbs on the pages.
“Still interested?”
Rob turned back to the luscious man that was Brian. “Very.”
“In another drink?” Breathless voice, and a hint of nerves pinched Brian’s eyes.
“That, too.” Rob slid the cup back over.
Brian took it and swallowed, his Adam’s apple bobbing. “Coming right up.”
That, too.
Brian was efficient, but also careful and precise. That showed pride in what he made, be it a simple coffee or something complicated. Oh yes, the man was the owner. Rob saw that now. Couldn’t be anything else.
In short order, Brian deposited another cup in front of Rob. Fresh ceramic.
“Cheers,” Rob said and took a long draw. Great espresso, a hint of pepper and the sweetness of the cream.
Brian was staring at him, his lips parted, his cheeks flushed.Thatwas the look of a man who needed more than a niceconversation. Unfortunately, the same expression was coupled with another that looked like fear. Closeted? Hard to believe, given the people he knew.
So, press on.
Rob eyed Brian. “You said you weren’t from this neighborhood. Which one, then?”
Brian sank onto the stool behind the counter. “I grew up in Bloomfield.”
Rob nearly choked on his next sip. “I live in Bloomfield.”
A white flash of teeth. “Close to work.”
He nodded. “I bike in, believe it or not.” In a suit, even. Because why not? Though his fellow execs warned him that would end once the summer heat kicked in.
“Nice!” Brian straightened. “Do you like to bike? There’s a ton of trails in the area, now.”
“So I’ve heard.” Another taste of the coffee. He dabbed his finger at some cream that had dripped over the edge, sucked it off, and watched Brian squirm. Fuckingdelightful, that. “I’d love to check some of them out.”
