Craig. “It’s good to see you too. Maybe we can meet up again at one of Graham’s events.”
Craig's face was as blank as Louis had ever seen it.
Louis had to hold back a gasp. Craig had been in Seattle and hadn't made any effort to come see him? That hurt like a blow to his heart. Why hadn't Craig come to see him?
"Yes, I was with my employer in Paris," Craig said.
Louis breathed easier, realising that Craig and Holden’s encounter had been nothing more than a chance meeting.
"I remember," Holden purred.
But now Louis knew Holden was just trying to wind him up, and there had been nothing between him and Craig. What Louis knew and Holden didn't, was that Craig wasn’t interested in younger boys. Craig had always preferred older men as he felt they were more of a challenge. Holden had to be in his mid-twenties, if that, and was definitely not Craig's type. If Joseph fancied himself to be a daddy, why was he tomcatting after Craig? Did he think he could dominate the man?
Louis felt the anger build up inside him again. Craig was his, and no twink was gonna get his hands on Louis’s daddy. He knew he was being somewhat ridiculous because Craig had always been a one boy man. He had never been in an open relationship. Craig demanded his boy's complete attention, and Louis had freely given it. Somehow, he didn't see Joseph Holden being content with one man for very long.
"Louis?"
He looked up to see Craig raising an eyebrow at him.
"I think you have a ten-fifteen meeting?"
Louis nodded. He didn't have any meetings planned as he’d intended to take part in this one, but he’d accept the get out.
Craig opened the door and, ignoring Holden, nodded at Jamie and ushered Louis out.
Louis stalked over to the bar, poured himself a double whiskey, and knocked it back.
"You won't be biking home if you carry on like that," Craig warned.
"Just one," Louis growled.
Craig grinned at him. "You know Holden was just trying to wind you up."
"And he succeeded," Louis admitted wryly.
"He's not my type," Craig declared.
Arrogant bastard.
Louis set out the cups to make fresh coffee. “I know that.” He took a deep breath, holding back the words threatening to spill out. “Do you think he could have arranged the attack?”
Craig sat on one of the bar stools. “What do you think?”
Louis wanted to yell at him to answer the damn question, but he took a deep breath and said, “No. Holden is an asshole, but he keeps his assaults for the boardroom.”
“I agree,” Craig said, and Louis breathed easier.
Louis handed Craig an espresso and poured one for himself. “He’s all about the powerplay.”
“He’s young to be running a business like that,” Craig observed. “Good coffee. Another?”
Louis took his cup and got a fresh one, filling it with the fragrant brew. “He inherited it from his father. He’s a better businessman than his father was, but he’s got to learn to temper his arrogance or he’ll lose business. He’s competitive, but no one wants to deal with assholes all the time.”
Craig gave a wry smile. “Welcome to my world.”
“I think you know how to handle the assholes.” Louis groaned, knocking his head on the bar. “I didn’t just say that, did I?”
“I think you did,” Craig assured him, “and you’re right. I’m very good at handling assholes.” His voice dropped to a low growl which went straight to Louis’s dick.
Louis sighed. “Can we start this day over again?”
“Uh…Mr. Romero?”
He turned to see one of the wait staff smiling tentatively at him. “Hi, Trina, call me Louis. What can I do for you?”
Trina looked between him and Craig, who took the hint.
“I need to talk to Jace and Padraig.”
He vanished, and Louis turned back to Trina. She was a willowy blond with huge blue eyes, and one of the best wait staff he’d employed. Other clubs kept trying to poach her, but she’d been fiercely loyal to Louis.
“How’s Stacy?” He’d occasionally taken care of Trina’s five-year-old daughter when her mom was out of town and she didn’t want to lose a shift.
Trina gave him the wide smile she always did when anyone mentioned her daughter. “She’s great. Loving kindergarten of course.”
“That’s great.” He sobered. “You aren’t leaving me, are you?”
Her eyes went comically wide. “What? No! What makes you think that?”
“Phew.” Louis pretended to wipe his brow. “What can I do for you?”
Trina came closer and to his surprise gave him a quick hug. “I’m glad