I knew no woman could fill in for what I needed. Not after the way August had invaded my body.
I wanted that again. I couldn’t have it with him, but why not someone else? It wouldn’t be the first time I fucked a complete stranger. Why should it be awkward because this time it would be someone of the same sex?
Zero awkwardness required.
I returned to the same gay bar where Winston and I had gone before. It seemed decent enough, and the men there hadn’t picked up on who I was. As much as I didn’t care if anyone speculated about my sexuality, I didn’t want to intentionally broadcast my liaisons with all of Cincy.
As soon as I took a seat, a bartender sidled up to the bar. It was not the same one as last time. Good. That one had left something to be desired. Or maybe I only felt that way because he’d hit on my straight friend and not me.
“Hey there, handsome, what can I do for you?”
I already liked this new bartender. He wore a tight black muscle shirt, and when he spoke, a glint of stone flashed from his tongue. His left eyebrow was pierced too.
He was probably a bit too loud for me, but flirting didn’t cost. It was just the pickup I needed before I moved on to bigger fish. I’d already spotted some serious prospects.
I ordered a gin and tonic, which he promptly delivered while telling the other two bartenders assisting tonight that he was taking his break. His break involved him leaning across from me at the bar.
“So, why do you look so down?” His eyes darted to the expensive watch on my wrist. “I can’t see you having a ton of problems.”
It was one of the oldest misconceptions that people had. Apparently being rich exempted you from having real problems.
“I’m not really here to talk about my problems.” I’d already lost interest and scoped out the bar.
“Yeah, what are you here for, then?”
I turned to him again, sizing him up. Maybe he’d do. He seemed interested enough, and he certainly had the muscles to hold me down and fuck me like August had.
Shit, there I went thinking about him again. I swallowed the drink and groaned at the burn going down. At least my belly was warm.
Damn, how much had I drunk at Winston’s? I already felt light on my feet.
“Need me to fill you up?”
From the way he lowered his voice, he was talking about more than just refreshing my drink.
“Hey, can I get two more glasses of vodka on ice, please?”
At the familiar voice, I spun around. August hadn’t noticed me. He stood close to me but seemed oblivious to my presence.
My face heated up in anger. I didn’t like being ignored. How could he not know I sat next to him? Should I turn away completely so he wouldn’t recognize me or show myself?
“Sorry, man, I’m a little busy here trying to get some action.” The bartender nodded toward me. “It’s my break. Ask one of the other bartenders to get you your drink.”
The noisy din of the bar fell away as we stared at each other. August looked surprised. At least I had that edge on him. I’d been aware of him first, albeit for half a minute. It was a whole lot of time to pretend seeing him here again after we’d almost kissed in my office didn’t make me want to finish that interrupted kiss.
“Charles.”
Damn it. He always said my name with such seduction.
“August,” I said, then turned back to the bartender. “You were saying you could fill me up?”
His grin turned lascivious. “I’ll get that for you.”
He took my glass and moved off, leaving me alone with August.
“Hooking up?” He sounded so relaxed about it I wanted to rattle him.
I shrugged. “Yeah, why not?”
“Still curious, then?”
“You said it, not me. I wouldn’t be satisfied for long.”
I managed a chuckle, which seemed humorous enough. Score one for me not being truthful with him. That I was way more than curious and the bartender was pale in comparison to him.
I couldn’t know that since I hadn’t slept with the bartender. Yet. But I knew it. I just didn’t wish to analyze how I did.
“You wanted more, all you needed to do was ask,” he whispered. “You know where to find me.”
The bartender returned with my drink and glanced from August to me. “Hey, I saw him first.”