at a jewelry store.
Most servers approached their customers with their assistants close to them, real close, but he and Lyndon preferred a more subtle dance. Still a tango but not as aggressive. Before he got to Mr. Burbank’s chair, he already overheard him complaining about the lack of service though he’d only been there a few minutes.
“Good things come to those who wait, Cole,” Spencer said calmly, choosing to address his new customer with the name he’d already been given permission to use.
Spencer tried not to react as Cole turned slowly and graced him with a beautiful, very surprised smile. Shit. He’d been meaning to stay impassive and treat Mr. Jewelry Tycoon like all the other—usually closeted—men that frequented Sergio’s who didn’t mind staring at Spencer’s face and body half the night before going home to make passionate love to their wives. But again, Cole’s eyes shone with something different. It was void of the typical haughtiness that Spencer despised. Most men there just wanted the fantasy of feeling powerful, and Spencer was damn good at providing that… without compromising his morals.
“I take it from that bright smile that you didn’t know I worked here.” Spencer chuckled and slowly walked around the sofa until he was only inches from the side of Cole’s armrest.
“No, I didn’t. But I won’t say I’m disappointed that my manager played me so masterfully.” Cole side-eyed his friend but quickly returned his gaze to Spencer’s. His glare was bold and passionate, not greedy, as he fully took in Spencer’s designer uniform. “I didn’t think I’d see you again. I don’t particularly believe in fate, but I’m beginning to.”
Spencer smirked. “I’ve seen your manager in here a couple times before. I’d hardly say this is serendipitous.”
“Honestly, you can call it whatever the hell you want,” Cole said, his voice laced with desire. “It’s been a stressful day, but it’s finally looking up.”
Gerald’s deep chuckle pulled Spencer’s attention away from Cole’s handsome face as he remembered he had two customers, not one. But he felt as if could exchange flirty banter with this man all night long. Cole Burbank was charming, and funny, but he could also be serious in the most appealing way when it came to something he desired. And fuck if Spencer didn’t recognize the attraction right away at that store, even noticed it in himself. Cole was young to be a Burbank—Spencer thought the heir to that industry was older, sterner, but he hadn’t done that much research to be sure.
Spencer slid one hand into his pocket and motioned subtly in the air with the other. A signal only Lyndon would respond to. “But I’m not going to bore you with my beliefs. I’d rather you tell me why your day was so stressful.” Spencer lowered his tone. “See if I can ease some of it for you.”
“I wouldn’t mind that at all,” Cole responded.
“But first.” Spencer turned just as he felt Lyndon’s warm body close against his back. His assistant stood there with a Lexington snifter glass atop of his tray with exactly two fingers of the finest cognac they served already poured inside. Spencer remembered what Cole said he’d be drinking if he was alone in his hotel room. “A Remy Martin Black Pearl for you.” Spencer slid the short stem of the glass between his middle and index finger and placed it Cole’s waiting hand, their fingertips grazing purposely along each other’s.
It took some effort, but he cocked his head toward Gerald and examined him as if he had a secret talent of reading men. Business men. “And for you, Mr.…”
“Paddock, Gerald Paddock, store manager of Burbank Jewelers,” the man finished assertively.
Cole rolled his eyes and grumbled something Spencer couldn’t make out, but he didn’t have the luxury of being that rude to a paying guest. Instead he nodded and extended his hand. “It’s a pleasure to meet you. I’m going to treat you like my VIP tonight since you brought me such a fine gift this Christmas.” Spencer cut his eyes toward Cole, and he liked the faint blush he wore just about his collar and low on his firm jaw.
Gerald laughed loudly, drawing the attention of few nearby customers. “You’re welcome. But don’t put all the special attention on me. I’m just trying to be a good friend. No one should be alone on Christmas.”
Spencer swallowed as he hid his true feelings about that powerful statement. He didn’t want to think about how silent his nights were this