Reservations

“I’m so clumsy, and I’m really embarrassed,” Levi answered honestly.

“Of that peek of ass crack you’re giving him now?” Quinn teased. The words took a second to sink in and as soon as the comment connected in his brain, he shot straight up, adjusting his waistband to the good-natured jabs of his co-workers.

“What’s going on here?” Julian walked up on the scene, probably because none of the waitstaff was actually doing their job anymore.

“Levi’s got Thane in his section, and he’s got a chubby,” Chase cheekily explained while staring at his package. Julian busted out a laugh, looking back at Thane then over at Levi.

“Yeah. He can do that to a guy. Everybody, get back to work. You can lose the masks. It’s after ten,” Julian said off-handedly, sliding right in next to Levi.

Levi did try to get a hold of himself as he pulled the mask over his head. He’d been at the bar too long. Slow service wasn’t going to earn him any tips, especially where the owner was concerned, but damn, he couldn’t stop the pounding of his heart or clear the fuzz from his brain so he could think a little straighter.

“You okay?” Julian asked, sounding concerned. Levi dropped his head, looking down at his own unruly dick; the heat of embarrassment crawled up his face once again. He couldn’t hide the fact that his boss’s boss had caused this reaction.

“I’m impressed. I didn’t realize all that was going on down there. You should own it, he-man. Work it to your advantage. Just think about all the tips…” Julian’s words trailed off.

Levi finally had the nerve to lift his eyes and meet Julian’s amused stare. “I didn’t…” He started then stumbled over those words. “He’s really…” He stopped speaking and just blinked at Julian. “I can’t. I’m embarrassed.”

“You can and someday you’ll figure all that out.” Julian took the tray off the bar in an expert move, one Levi still hadn’t gotten the hang of. “Take a break. Go take care of that.” Julian nodded toward Levi’s uncooperative dick. “And I’ll take your tables until you’ve composed yourself, but hurry.”

Levi couldn’t even form enough coherent thought to utter a proper thank-you. He nodded at Julian, then turned and started for the breakroom. At the door, he couldn’t help but glance over his shoulder toward his table. The owner of the club sat staring at him, some of the amusement gone as he lifted his brow in question. Fuck. The guy made him all flustered. Hell, he couldn’t even control his own body around him it seemed. What a way to make a first impression, springing a boner in front of the owner. He so didn’t need to have a hard-on for his new boss. He really needed this job. As he stepped behind the drape, he hoped he hadn’t ruined everything.

~~~

Intrigued couldn’t even begin to describe the way he felt. Thane sat alone at the table, his drink in hand and his gaze focused on the new hire, Levi. He’d been frozen in the same spot for the last three hours, watching, mesmerized as customer after customer made their move and was politely shot down. Damn, that boy was good-looking, and the brooding attitude only seemed to fascinate anyone in the vicinity, including Thane.

It was late and only the diehards were left behind. Thane decided on his plan of attack, and he’d implement that plan as soon as Levi came back with a refill. Levi hadn’t made it easy. He was a reserved guy—hot as hell with those fuck-me green eyes, full lips, and all that smooth tempting skin, but he kept his distance. He didn’t speak unless spoken to. Never furthering conversation, only answering questions asked directly to him. He was coy and had the playing hard to get down to an art. He knew how to garner the interest and keep the focus straight on him by turning down every single advance tossed his way, not only by Thane, but by everyone else too. No wonder Levi was a top earner of the group. Thane’s interest had only skyrocketed with each passing minute, growing to an intense need to know everything about Levi in just a matter of a few hours.

Thane lifted the drink to his lips, draining the vodka before opening his mouth wider for an ice cube. He liked the idea of Levi turning everyone else down since he’d just decided the guy was the one he wanted to fill the paid companion spot Julian had vacated. Working at the club would complicate that though. He usually didn’t have a problem sharing, but he didn’t like to see it. He was selfish that way, shrewd enough to know he liked having his men focus their full attention on him, especially when he’d reserved their time. Those lines were going to be blurred if Levi kept this job.