months in Dybukowo, the fancy café across the square held way more appeal. Its minimalist decor and hipster name suggested they might even have a real espresso machine.
“And he said he’ll give you all that fruit for free?” Adam asked, his gaze passing over the church tower emerging from beyond the cutesy architecture. He was dressed in jeans and his favorite soft hoodie, so the priest who’d later hear his confession would have no idea who Adam was.
“Yes, they’d had an overabundance of cherries this year, so he’d rather offer them to someone than let them rot.”
When they passed a group of young women in black clothes and combat boots, Adam couldn’t help the tingle of pride when Emil made all their heads turn, because while the girls might not know it, this guy was here with him. He wasn’t surprised though to hear Emil’s name called out in an attempt to draw his attention. A man like him wasn’t a frequent sight around here. He listened to the right music, was tall and handsome, had daring tattoos, and could grow out a lush mane of dark hair. A real treat for every metalhead girl. But Emil politely greeted them back and followed Adam.
So maybe this wasn’t a date, but as they approached the large parasols casting shadows on tables in front of the café, it damn felt like one.
“You’ll still need cash, right? For the other ingredients.”
“Yes, but potatoes are cheap. If I play my cards right I’ll get them at a discount from Mrs. Janina’s cousin.”
Adam frowned as he sat down in the comfortable chair in the shadow. “Potatoes? Why would you infuse liquor with potatoes?”
Emil laughed out loud and pushed at Adam’s shoulder. “Adam! Come on. For the vodka, I’m not making virgin cocktails.”
Adam looked around, but no one seemed to have heard them. “What? I thought you were going to just buy some.”
Emil sat in the chair opposite Adam and cocked his head. “We’re talking about five hundred bottles of liquor. It’s not exactly mass market production, but even if I bought cheap vodka, I’d have to spend fifteen thousand zloty at least. I don’t have that kind of cash.”
But Adam did. He wasn’t in any way rich, but he did have savings that would have covered the liquor and left a bit to spare. His mouth dried, but as he watched Emil play with a leather cuff he wore as part of his going out outfit, the sense of tenderness spreading in his chest made him lean forward. “I could lend you the money. You know I don’t really have many expenses anyway, since the parish pays for my keep.”
Emil snorted, but his gaze remained focused on Adam as the waitress brought them menus. “What are you talking about? I can handle it. Not to mention that I know what I’m doing. Granddad passed his recipe on to me, and I’ve been helping him make vodka since I was twelve. I even have distillation equipment in the shed. I’ll get the free cherries, and worry about the bottles in due time.”
Adam licked his lips. It was one thing to distill spirit for one’s own use, but to sell it? “Isn’t that illegal? Are you sure you want to take that risk?” He did not want to even touch upon Emil’s legendary bad luck, but worry was stuck at the back of his mind like a ragged splinter.
Emil shrugged. “No one checks this stuff around here, Adam. I make a batch every year, and the chief of the Border Guard is my best customer. He was friends with my granddad, actually.”
Adam tapped his hands against his cheeks and slumped in the chair. He had no arguments to win this battle. “Okay, fine. Just tell me if you need money,” he said, but when Emil’s eyes settled on him from across the table, heat shot up his neck, and he opened the menu. “I-ah... I was thinking that you’re doing so much for me. Will you let me buy lunch as a thank you?”
Emil smirked and wiggled his eyebrows. “Is this a date?” At least he had the sense to lower his voice despite there being no other patrons seated close by, but under the table, Emil snuck his steel-toed combat boot between Adam’s feet.
Arousal was potent like blood in clear water, and Adam spread his thighs slightly wider, not wanting to put pressure on his cock, though the way Emil was looking at him had goosebumps