To Die For - Davidson King Page 0,1

Ma asked. “You find someone to settle down with?”

I didn’t hide that I was gay from my family. They actually didn’t care, but what they did want was for me to find a nice guy and have a steady relationship. I had no desire to tie myself to someone. I liked variety, and I loved fucking. Even if the guys out there weren’t doing it for me anymore like they used to, and I wasn’t hopping into bed with just anyone.

“Nope, nothing yet, but I’m keeping my eyes open.”

Frances snickered. “You treat men like a buffet. A little of this, a little of that…never ending.”

“Frances, watch your mouth.” Ma waved her off. “Max will find his perfect match.” She winked, and I was glad the conversation ended.

As I helped clear the table, my mind wandered to the club. I wasn’t being completely honest with my family about finding someone. There was a guy, but he was unattainable and no matter how many offers I gave him, he always turned me down. Everyone at the club called him Sparkles, although I knew that wasn’t his real name.

I wasn’t sure if it was the game I felt we were playing or just how amazing he was—his hot-pink hair, glammed-up face, lithe body, outrageous fashion, and quick wit—but I wanted him, and lately I found myself comparing everyone I fucked to Sparkles.

“I gotta go.” Teresa kissed my cheek. “Have a nice night at work.” I nodded, my hands covered in soap as I washed the lasagna pan, keeping me from hugging her back. “Hey, Max?” I turned, and her face was so serious, I shut the water off.

“What’s wrong?”

“Nothing. Listen.” She inched closer, her chocolate brown eyes so much like our mother’s. “I love you like no other. If you never want to commit to someone, that’s up to you, but be happy. Don’t let anyone make you live their life, okay?”

“I won’t, I promise.”

Her lip curled, and mirth glittered in her eyes. “If you ever do find someone though, I will give them holy hell.”

I lifted my hands from the soapy water, and with a thrill, slapped the suds across her face.

“Oh. My. God. I hate you.”

I was laughing so hard, I didn’t notice her moving closer until she had the faucet sprayer in hand and had turned the water on.

“Sweet lord!” our mother shouted. “I will beat you both with a spoon if you don’t act your age.”

At that point Teresa and I were laughing uncontrollably, and we didn’t notice Barney had walked in. He’d just started to ask what was so funny when he slipped on the water and landed on his butt. After that, there was no way Ma could hold her stern expression.

We had a full, loud house with no boundaries, but this was my family and I loved them like no other.

Joker’s Sin was buzzing tonight. Atlas was known for his themed nights and as I scanned the crowd, seeing everyone dressed in disco wear, I had to chuckle. I wore a John Travolta Saturday Night Fever outfit, and that was as disco as I got. Running around the bar all night, I needed to be wearing something that wasn’t cumbersome.

Joker’s Sin was designed with the bar spanning the circumference of the stage, which raised up directly behind it. To get to the stage, you’d have to get past me and my bartenders, and that just wasn’t happening. We certainly got a workout sometimes, but I loved it.

I had five bartenders tonight, all part-time except Shane. He worked full-time like I did, and since he’d joined us about six months ago, I’d been able to cut out early a few times and leave him to shut the bar down. He was a good guy with bright-red hair and gray eyes. He was hot—there was no question, but there were a few reasons I didn’t try and dip into that. For one thing, Atlas warned me if I fucked where I worked again, I’d lose my job. That was a big reason. Also, redheads didn’t really do it for me. He had a great smile and customers loved him, but I felt more brotherly toward him, and I saw no sense in ruining that. He was also Toby’s best friend.

Toby ran the floor and was Atlas’s partner in life. No way was I going to upset the calm order for a piece of ass.

“Excuse me, can I have a strawberry martini?” I looked up from making a mojito