Chapter 2

He pushed his empty glass across the bar and wasn’t exactly surprised when a voice behind him said, “I’ll get your next one.”

“Not necessary,” he said automatically. “But thanks anyway…”

He turned around as he spoke, to give his would-be admirer the courtesy of eye contact during the refusal, fleeting as it might be. The words faded away, however, when he saw not the leatherman he expected, but the kind of expectant blue gaze and shy smile he might have found hanging around one of the college campuses in town.

The young man wasn’t one of Power’s usual. Blond hair flopped across his forehead, the scruff framing his strong jaw and full, sensual mouth only slightly darker. Though his navy pullover highlighted broad shoulders and a defined chest, he looked too cerebral to live in a gym to get that body. Intelligence lurked in his eyes, and combined with the modest tilt of his head, gave Christopher the distinct impression of a dedicated scholar.

A very hot scholar.

“I’m the designated driver tonight,” he said, suddenly wanting to give him a better explanation for turning the offer down. “But I do appreciate the thought.”

He nodded at his own glass. “What about some ginger ale? Or Coke?”

Accepting the offer paved the way to further intentions, even if the young man wasn’t drinking alcohol himself. Christopher knew he should refuse if he wanted to discourage him, but the only good reason he could come up with to turn him down now would be to see if his ass looked as good as his front when he walked away.

He could always check it out after one drink, though.

“Diet Coke, then.” He stuck out his hand, too many years of practice to prevent him from doing so. “I’m Christopher.”

“Gage,” he said, taking Christopher’s hand in a firm grip. “I’m actually glad you don’t want another beer. Now I won’t feel like such a freak for ordering a soft drink at a bar.”

“Are you driving for someone, too?”

“Oh, no. No, nothing like that. Who are you driving? A friend? A…boyfriend?”

“Friend.” He looked automatically for Rev, wondering if he’d managed to find the respite he needed. When he didn’t pop up right away, Christopher turned back to Gage and slid sideways, making room for him to come closer, justifying it by telling himself Gage would have to pay for the drinks anyway. “There’s no telling where he’s gone off to, though. What about you? Are you here with friends?”

“Actually, I just moved to the neighborhood. So I’m sort of scoping everything out. Trying to get the lay of the land.”

“I should be the one buying you a drink, then, not the other way around. Though if some of these other guys find out you’re new to the area, they’ll probably duke it out over who gets to be on your welcoming committee.”

Gage smiled a little self-consciously. “Do you think so? Nobody’s ever been willing to fight over me before.”

“Clearly, you’ve been hanging around the wrong people.” He was all too aware Gage hadn’t taken a seat yet, or even moved closer to accept the invitation Christopher had already extended. Christopher might not have wanted the company when he’d first approached, but now that he’d had the chance to speak to him for a minute, he didn’t want to lose it. At least, not right away. “Come here. Let’s get you your refill.”

“Oh, right. Thanks.” He slid onto the stool, his leg brushing against Christopher’s as he settled. “Ask anybody back at home, and they’ll tell you I’m definitely hanging around the wrong people.”

“Well, I don’t have anybody back at home to ask, now do I?” Unable to resist giving Gage a small smile, he gestured for the bartender to come over. “I’ve just got you.”

“If that’s what you want.” Gage grimaced and shook his head. “That didn’t sound as good as I thought it would.”

Christopher watched Gage while he ordered their drinks. His nervousness was adorable, especially accompanying the face he pulled. The disparity between the boldness in offering to pay for Christopher’s and the lack of confidence in his own words was intriguing, even more so because Gage had absolutely no reason to be unsure of himself. Christopher hadn’t been kidding about the other men in the bar descending on him like flies to honey. If Gage even blinked in someone else’s direction, Christopher had no doubts that guy would come running.

It was entirely possible he saw Christopher as safe compared to the other patrons. A lot of guys were physically imposing, in standard leather gear or ensembles meant to exude power. Christopher hadn’t had time to change after leaving Bonham’s. All he’d done was take off his tie, open the top few buttons of his white shirt, and pull it free of his waistband. He still wore his suit jacket, even. That practically screamed sedate and boring.