Total pages in book: 21
Estimated words: 20243 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 101(@200wpm)___ 81(@250wpm)___ 67(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 20243 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 101(@200wpm)___ 81(@250wpm)___ 67(@300wpm)
“It’s okay.” Cole plastered on a tight smile. “People still mistake me for him, and it’s been two years.”
“Only because he was basically your twin—you were one year apart, Cole. And you’ll distinguish yourself soon enough. The new series you’re designing is amazing, not to mention the literary collection.” Gerald nodded toward Spencer. “Just ask your biggest admirer.”
Cole nodded, but he didn’t add anything, and Spencer found himself wanting to erase his sad smile.
“Have you eaten? We can order food if you like.”
“You have something you want to recommend?” Cole asked.
“We have a tapas sampler platter that gets rave reviews, and I hear the holiday charcuterie tray is delicious, though I haven’t tried it.”
“Are you hungry?” Cole asked him instead.
“A little, I guess.”
“Then let’s eat.”
This time, Cole’s smile reached his eyes.
“You choose whatever you enjoy most.”
Spencer blushed but gathered himself quickly. “I like the fruit and cheese platter the most. It has one of the best aged blue cheeses I’ve ever tasted.”
Cole’s eyes were fixed on his mouth. Before Spencer knew it, he was leaning in closer, Cole’s moist lips beckoning him to take what they’d been dancing around all evening.
They paused a breath away from each other, inhaling anticipation, perhaps both waiting on the other to seal the deal. It meant Cole wasn’t a taker. He just waited. He didn’t act as if he was entitled to Spencer.
And fuck did he find that attractive.
A throat clearing nearby severed their connection. Cole’s friend was staring at them, and so were most of his coworkers… and boss.
Damnit. Spencer’s cheeks warmed.
“Well, I think you’re in capable hands, my friend. I’m going to head home now and try to enjoy my last moments of peace in my house before the in-laws swarm in like hornets tomorrow.”
Gerald stood, and Lyndon motioned for the doorman to bring his jacket and overcoat. After his assistant helped him into it, he accepted Gerald’s outstretched hand and told him he was more than welcome for the service and to come back soon.
“I’ll come see you anytime, Lyn.” Gerald smiled, rotating his neck. “Those knots are almost nonexistent now.”
“Gerald, settle the tab with the company credit card, and be sure to sign us up for the platinum membership.” Cole’s gaze met Spencer’s, desire pooling in his hazel-brown eyes. “I have a feeling it won’t be our last time here.”
“All right, then.” Gerald chuckled. “Merry Christmas, you grinch.”
Cole stood and accepted Gerald’s one-armed hug, which turned into a full embrace.
“I know I’ve been a grumpy asshole all month. But the… the holidays without Coleman just feels wrong and…”
“Hey. I get it. I do,” Gerald professed.
Gerald shook Spencer’s hand next.
“See that my friend goes home happy, will ya?”
“Sorry, but it’s not that kind of establishment,” Spencer teased, shooting Cole a sideways glance.
Gerald laughed. “You know what I meant.”
“I do.” Spencer nodded. “It was a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Paddock. I hope you enjoy the rest of your evening, and have a happy holiday.”
Augh. I hate that stupid line. If I wasn’t in customer service, I’d never have to fucking say that.
“Thank you. You as well, Spencer.”
Whatever.
Lyndon followed Gerald toward the lobby to finalize the transaction and to make sure their new platinum customers were signed up properly.
“I’m going to make sure Chef puts everything I want on the platter. I’ll be right back,” Spencer said, though he didn’t move for a long, tension-filled moment.
Cole touched his cheek, his thumb grazing his bottom lip. “Don’t disappear out the back door on me.”
“Not a chance.”
Spencer
Spencer stood on shaky legs, his mind fuzzy. He walked through the lounge with his head high as though he had everything under control.
A prior customer Spencer used to service scowled when he tried to walk by. The attorney grasped his hand in a grip tight enough to be punishing.
“Mr. Klein, is there something I can have your attendant get for you?” Spencer was polite but firm when he extracted his wrist from the man’s fist.
The young hotshot lawyer sat forward and leveled Spencer with a hard glare. “Yeah, he can get me you.”
“I’m sorry. I’m not available this evening,” he answered as nicely as he could.
“I can see that.” Mr. Klein craned his neck to look in Cole’s direction, who was also watching the exchange. “So, I’ve been demoted to Mr. Klein, huh? What happened to Will?”
“William, I apologize. I was just checking on your dinner order. It should be arriving shortly,” Renzo said from behind Spencer. “Let me have Jerry get you a fresh scotch.”
Renzo was another seasoned staff member who’d worked at Sergio’s almost as long as Spencer. Renzo and his assistant, Jerry, performed well together and were both phenomenal at making men feel admired, even the ones who didn’t deserve it.
After Spencer became manager and made the decision to take fewer customers, William Klein, Esq, had been the first one he’d passed off to Renzo. The man was far too handsy no matter how many times he’d been warned by Sergio and security to be respectful.