Hardwood - K.M. Neuhold Page 0,19
why haven’t you?” He cocks his head and looks at me with curiosity.
“It probably sounds strange, wanting to tell Val first.” I sort of blurted that same thing in the text I sent him earlier but having the chance to explain it somehow makes me feel a little better. “After everything I put her though, I figure she deserves at least that much.”
“That makes sense to me,” he says, squeezing my arm and then pulling his hand back. I almost want to grab his hand and put it back. How long has it been since anyone has touched me, even in the most casual way? At least Livi is always good for a hug or two.
We chat for a little while about nothing important, and then I realize my drink is nearly empty.
“I’m going to go get a refill,” I tell him, gulping down the final sip. “You want another?”
“I’m good for now.”
I head up to the bar and order another drink, leaning against the rough wood of the bar top while I wait.
“Hey,” a low voice says next to me. I turn my head to find a man leaning against the bar beside me, looking me up and down shamelessly, interest clear in his eyes.
“Sorry, I’m not gay,” I say automatically. “Wait, yes I am.” I laugh and shake my head. “Force of habit.”
“So, you are gay then?” he checks with a chuckle.
“Yes, but I’m…uh…” I glance over at Watson.
“Here with someone?” the man guesses.
“Kind of? I think we’re here as friends, but I’m also getting a bit of a vibe from him, although I’m not entirely sure I’m ready to jump in headfirst, then again, what am I waiting for, right?” I ramble, and he grins at me with open amusement.
“Sounds like you have a lot to unpack. Why don’t you let me buy your drink, and if you’re ever in here again when things are less complicated, you can return the favor.”
“Okay, thanks,” I agree.
He pays the bartender and then shoots me a wink before walking away. I preen a little as I take the drink off the bar and watch him disappear into the crowd. I’ve been here twice now and both times I’ve been hit on, that’s not too shabby for a dude in his forties. Then again, neither of them knew about my complete lack of experience with another man; that might’ve dimmed the interest a bit. After all, as soon as Watson found out I’m in the closet, he went from flirting with me to wanting to be friends.
It’s good though, I need a friend more than I need to get naked and sweaty with another man, to kiss and touch and feel another hard cock pressed against mine, to hear the deep rumble of his pleasured groans as I wrap a hand around his erection and pump him in my fist…wait, that got a bit off track. I shake my head to clear the images, and discreetly reach down and adjust my half hard cock before it can become too obvious.
When I get back to the table with my drink in hand, Watson is grinning at me devilishly.
“Look at you, getting all kinds of attention.”
I blush a little at the comment. “I’m sure that guy hits on everyone,” I say, waving it off.
“He does, but it still counts,” he assures me.
“Good, otherwise I’d have to find someone else in here to hit on me so I could get a good streak going.”
He chuckles. “It wouldn’t be hard, I mean, you’ve seen you, right?”
“Oh yeah, I’m a catch,” I say sarcastically.
“Hell yes, you are,” he agrees firmly, with no trace of joking. “Any guy in here would be lucky to have you.”
“Thank you.”
“That’s what I’m here for,” he says, bumping his shoulder against mine playfully.
“To assuage the egos of men just coming out of the closet?” I joke.
“Exactly. It’s my calling in life,” he deadpans. “That and teaching children a love of music.”
“I mean, you can’t spend all day soothing shy gays,” I reason.
“Exactly, my powers are occasionally needed elsewhere.”
I grin and take a sip from my drink. My attention wanders over to where Mia and Jordy are dancing. They look like they’re having a blast. I haven’t danced since my wedding twenty years ago.
“We should dance,” I say, surprising even myself. Watson’s eyebrows shoot up, but the smile on his lips tells me he doesn’t hate the idea.
“Okay, let’s dance.”
We both set our drinks down on the table, and Watson grabs my