Arik nodded and looked that direction. He could feel he was losing the connection they’d shared, and no matter what anyone else thought, they had shared a connection. Kellus turned away. His full attention focused on the pending announcement. People began to gather all around them. At a loss of what to say, Arik reached out again, grabbing Kellus’s wrist.
Kellus looked over his shoulder, then down at Arik’s hold. The artist’s gaze had zeroed in on the placement of his hand. Arik hadn’t meant to be so bold but he couldn’t let the man walk away. Desperation made him tighten his grip on Kellus’s wrist and blurt out, “I hate eating alone. I’ll wait for you over there.” He pointed toward the place they’d started—Oddfellows. That hesitation he’d grown to hate was back on Kellus’s face. “Eat with me. My treat for showing me around and maybe we could talk business. I’d like to get those pieces commissioned.”
Instinct more than anything had Arik stepping into Kellus. Not exactly in his personal space but close, and he whispered, “Don’t overthink it. Just a business dinner. That’s it.”
Kellus’s startled gaze hit his. The overhead speakers called Kellus to the front, but he never turned away from Arik. He just gave a simple nod. For some reason, that had been a monumental decision for Kellus. He could tell by the range of emotions that painted the guy’s face. Arik took the win, and released his arm.
“I’ll be right over there.” He pointed to the table they had sat at earlier and made his way over, took a seat, and waited. He prayed nothing spooked the man too much. If he got the chance, he’d get to the bottom of whatever problems Kellus kept placing between them. Today had cemented his desires. Kellus was the complete package: smart, funny, and easygoing. From the sexy tilt of his head, to the gleam in his eye when his artist looked over to explain a particular style of art, to the sway of his hips as he casually walked down these streets. The man’s personable approach to everything he did seemed to just do it for Arik. He wanted Kellus, and maybe, if he were lucky, he had picked up on the few subtle hints that Kellus returned his interest. That was all he needed for now. He’d figure out why Kellus had been so hesitant later.
~?~
God, he was nervous as hell. Kellus tucked his fingers inside his pockets and remained quiet, chastising himself the whole walk over to Pier 247 and through their joint decision whether to eat inside or out on the deck. Even as drinks were ordered, Kellus only spoke when asked a direct question and never gave much in his reply. He was so off balance he’d even ordered a Long Island Iced Tea to help calm his nerves. He had tried to keep away from alcohol since his diagnosis; he’d gone overboard on healthy living to keep his body strong. All that was blown out the window with this simple decision to have dinner with Arik Layne. He was a fucking mess. This felt too much like a date, and he’d never been on a real date in his life. Not even with John.
Okay, slow your roll, Hardin. This wasn’t a date. Arik was a new friend, a possibly huge client, and they were just having a friendly dinner together. Good. He gave a deep, relieved sigh.
Who the hell was he kidding?
Fuck no, Arik wasn’t a new friend. For whatever fucked-up reason, Arik was clearly interested in him. There was no mistaking that, even for a moron like him. Arik’s hand at the small of his back, getting every single door they went through, and all other small signs made Arik’s intention very clear. Even when Arik spoke, pointing something out, his eyes were always on Kellus, never looking away. It was so unimaginable. Arik Layne being interested in someone like him. What the hell?
By doing this, Kellus had just guaranteed he’d have to be honest with Arik. The sooner the better.
Fuck, he was nervous. He’d never told anyone but John about his status. Why had he ever agreed to any of this?
The anxiety roiled within him. Since his standard go-to response for nerves was to stay quiet, that was what he continued to do. Arik didn’t seem to mind. He filled in the silence. God, why was that such a turn-on? John would always get so angry when he grew silent, even make the whole situation worse by ridiculing him publicly. Arik didn’t seem to notice at all.
“Do you have a favorite?” Arik’s eyes stayed on the menu as he spoke.
“I haven’t had anything bad here.”
“How about we share some appetizers. I’m always game for a little taste of everything. How about you?” Arik asked, his handsome face beaming up excitedly at him. “Let’s do the crawfish and shrimp nachos, the boudin balls, the crab cakes, and…”