Reservations

Thane couldn’t think straight. Did Levi have a problem with exclusivity? Is that what this was about? That made no sense. How was Levi even thinking straight? Shit! This couldn’t be happening. God damn, that kiss… They’d instinctively matched, touch for touch. That kind connection didn’t just happen every day. Thane should be on his knees, freeing that glorious cock right now. Not standing here hashing out every miniscule detail of their pending arrangement.

“I live across country, Levi. What’re you wanting? A one-on-one exclusive agreement?” Shocking even himself, he’d consider the idea, if that was what Levi wanted. “You’re gonna have to be damn good to keep me happy two thousand miles from here.” His words hit the mark, but not like he’d intended. Levi reached for the door.

“Exactly why I’m not interested.” Levi’s shoulders straightened. “I don’t do well with ultimatums, and I really don’t like rich douche-bag assholes who use money to keep their consciences clear. Goodnight.”

What? His brain had a hard time playing catch-up. “Wait,” he called out franticly as Levi yanked the door open and stepped into the hallway. Thane couldn’t go through another forty-eight hours like he’d just had. “If we test it out, and it works, you could fly…”

The door slammed shut before he could finish his sentence. Thane stood in disbelief. Well, that was a first. He threw open the door and trailed down the steps. He had to make this right. He wanted to explain. He needed to know why Levi had gone from hot and into him to cold and angry at him in the span of a few minutes.

Thane’s heart beat quicker when he spotted Levi at the bar. Julian leaned in closer to Levi as Thane hit the last step. Whatever Levi said along with the look his manager must have seen on that expressive face had Julian intervening. Julian pointed Levi out of the bar while coming straight for him. Both of Julian’s hands landed on his chest as Thane started toward the side of the bar Levi had just made a beeline too.

“Stop it, Thane. Not here,” Julian said with authority in his voice.

“Move, Julian. I just want to talk to him. I need to know what I did,” he growled, pushing his concerned friend’s hands off his chest.

“Thane, just stop. Let him go. I sent him home for the night. He’s not interested in the money. Stop being such a dense prick.” Julian stepped into Thane, blocking his path as Thane watched in regret as the exit door slammed shut.

Levi’s kiss still burned on his lips, and all Thane wanted to do was run after him and convince him to give his way a try, but the look on Julian’s face stopped him.

“Let him go, Thane. He’s not ever gonna be one of your guys,” Julian said, moving both hands to his shoulders and turning him back toward the office. “But there are plenty here willing to take his place.”

Defeat rested heavy on his shoulders. Thane allowed himself to be redirected and led back to the office. He looked back over his shoulder toward the door Levi had escaped through, his intoxicating taste still lingering sweetly on Thane’s lips. One single kiss and he’d been willing to give up everyone else. He didn’t want to imagine what else he’d be willing to give up just to have those lips wrapped willingly around his dick.

“Thane, let it go,” Julian repeated about halfway up the stairs.

“This is your fault. You hired him.”

Julian had no response. All Julian did was shake his head, which was no help at all. Dragging his hands through his hair, Thane pivoted and rushed back down the stairs. This time he went in the opposite direction Levi had taken. He had to get away from this club. Thane let out a deep sigh as he crossed the walkway leading to the building which housed his suite. He needed a break…and a drink. This was all too much.

Chapter 9

Levi lay on his back in bed, staring up, watching the ceiling fan turn. His arms were crossed tightly over his chest, his ankles crossed, dressed for the day. He hadn’t slept a wink all fucking night and now he just waited for six in the morning to hurry up and get there. To say he was wired was an understatement. He was stressed out. His scattered thoughts left him in an utter state of mental overload, and he absolutely refused to close his eyes. Any time he did, all he saw were the two most perfectly shaped lips descending to his and then the questioning stare and frantic state Thane had been in when he’d left.

Thane Walker had kissed him like he’d never been kissed before. From the way Thane’s tongue had shamelessly slid across his, to the way he held Levi in his arms like he never wanted to let go, the moment was branded on his heart forever. The fact that he’d been so bold to kiss Thane first had taken him by surprise. That was so unlike him. Now that he’d had all night to think about his response, he could see how Thane could have misinterpreted his weakness as approval.