The waitress came forward, placing both their drinks on the table. “And I recommend the hushpuppies. They’re a crowd favorite.”
Arik looked over at Kellus for his approval, and he nodded. That seemed all it took. The waitress repeated the order, and Arik made sure all the sauces that came with the dishes were right, then handed over the menus. Kellus kept telling himself that this was just dinner, nothing more. But it sure felt like a date. They had chosen to eat outside on the deck and had been seated in a darkened corner, facing a quieter side road. It was more secluded than the other tables nearby. For some reason, that seemed too romantic, causing Kellus to lift his glass, drinking about half the contents down in one long gulp.
“You seem nervous. Is it me? Am I doing something wrong?” Arik asked very directly. His drink sat untouched, his arms folded on the table as he stared intently at Kellus.
What did he say to that? He started to shake his head no, but Arik’s brow lowered.
“I know that’s not true. For whatever reason, I’m in tune with you. I just don’t know how to ease you. I’ve tried coming at you in my normal way. I tried backing off. I’ve tried subtle. What am I doing wrong?”
Kellus’s heart pounded in his chest, and his face heated as Arik continued to stare at him, waiting for an answer. His body’s reaction to those words was to go all warm and fuzzy, then tighten up like a bowstring. His dick hardened, putting him in a very precarious spot as he drained the rest of his drink.
As Arik waited for an answer, Kellus chomped on an ice cube and decided some of the truth might be okay to say. He wasn’t sure he was strong enough for any more rejection in his life even though he had to start letting new people in or he would become a recluse and live the rest of his life alone.
Taking a deep breath that he hoped would calm his nerves, Kellus finally answered. “I’m not sure where to begin.”
“Anywhere. Just start anywhere. I can keep up.” The corner of Arik’s lip lifted in a crooked grin that didn’t help to steady the pitter-patter of his heart.
“Would you like another drink?” the waitress asked. He should say no, he had to drive, but liquid courage seemed to help loosen his tongue.
“Please.”
When she left, he looked back and Arik still had that very patient expression on his face.
“I’m coming off a bad breakup.”
“I’ve heard that,” Arik said. Kellus shook his head, a little confused. Who had Arik talked to? Who even knew the depth of the relationship he and John had had? Whatever look he had on his face made Arik explain, “I’ve been interested in you since I saw you in the lobby when you brought the piece for the resort. I thought you were the delivery driver.” Arik smiled so broadly the lines at the corner of his eyes crinkled as he continued. “So imagine my surprise when I found out the hot delivery driver was in fact the artist Kellus Hardin. I might add, my very favorite artist. And you, Mr. Hardin, are as handsome as you are talented.”
Those words caressed his heart. He gave himself that moment to absorb those kindly spoken words. It had been a long time since anyone had said anything like that to him. Kellus looked down, fiddling with his napkin, a smile ghosting across his lips. He liked Arik thinking those things about him.
“How fresh is the breakup? Do you still want him?” Arik asked, encouraging him to continue, and he did after barking out a bitter laugh.
“Not even a little bit. I can’t seem to get rid of him.”
“The guy from the other night?” Arik’s brows lifted in question.
“Ah, yes. I’d like to pretend that didn’t happen. I’m very sorry about that.”
“Is that the reason you put me off?” Arik inclined his head with a hint of a smile parting his full lips. He supposed that might be Arik’s best attempt at trying to look innocent. Kellus silently stared at the beautiful man across from him. He was pretty sure the guy possessed the patience of Job after having to deal with him. The contrast from the hardened business mogul to this patient, kind man was a little hard to digest, and he’d googled him enough this week to know Arik Layne had quite a hard reputation across the entire world.
Luckily for him, the service was fast tonight, saving him from answering as the waitress placed the food in front of them. His drink came immediately after.
“So what’s that guy’s story?” Arik asked while dishing the nachos, first onto Kellus’s plate, then on to his plate, not pushing him to answer the other question.