“I’m glad you called me in here, Boss. I believe it’s time to hang up my hat. I’ve done this job for almost fifty damn years. I come in whenever my old bones can get me out of bed, and you’ve been real understanding.”
“You’re family, Charlie.”
“No. You’re the boss. But you’re also your father’s son. He was the loyalist, most dedicated man I’ve ever had the honor of calling a friend. You are a spitting image, Duke. That’s why you’ve humored this old bird as long as you have. But I hear what the guys are saying about me.”
“Damn that! I run this place. You can stay as long as you want to, Charlie.”
Charlie laughed. “There’s the Duke, Sr. I miss so much. Maybe I hung around as long as I did because I miss your father a lot and you remind me so much of him.”
Duke stood and came around his desk. Charlie rose and they embraced for a moment. “You’re welcome here anytime. You know that.”
“Yeah. I do know.”
“I’m gonna put together the best damn retirement package you’ve ever seen. So good, you’ll be able to retire in the Caribbean if you want to.”
“Alright then. I ain’t gon’ complain about that.” Charlie clapped Duke on his shoulder. He couldn’t believe how fate had worked it all out. He didn’t have to switch Charlie to light duty. He’d decided on his own that he was ready to retire. Now Duke needed to contact his insurance company to make sure Charlie kept his coverage and then he’d get his retirement benefits ready. But first… Duke had a retirement party to plan.
Duke sat at a gay-friendly bar a couple blocks from Quick’s house, undecided if he was going to accept Vaughan’s invitation. He’d felt so much better when he finally left the office, he didn’t want to go home and be alone. It was nearing seven, it wouldn’t look that pathetic if he popped up, he did all the time before Vaughan came home. Vaughan. Jesus.
It was clear that Duke had hit a nerve when he called Vaughan a kid. He hated how much he loved it when Vaughan got upset, too. It was sexy as shit. He couldn’t possibly take all the flirty innuendo seriously. Vaughan was more than ten years younger than Duke. There’s no way that could work out. Even worse was that everyone would think he was getting even with Judge if he got a young guy of his own.
Duke groaned and motioned for another Crown and Coke.
“Looks like you’re drowning your troubles,” the cute bartender said, setting down the fresh drink. The guy looked like he was just barely legal to serve alcohol. “What’s a handsome man like you doing sitting here all alone?”
Duke wanted to turn around to see if the guy was talking to someone else. Damn sure couldn’t have been talking to him.
“I like your hair,” the slim man said, leaning heavily against the bar, his black-outlined baby blue eyes eating up Duke’s face and chest. “Your hair looks silver, not gray. Maybe it’s the lighting, but it’s really hot. Reminds me of Max on that MTV show: Catfish.”
Duke frowned. “I have no clue what you’re talking about.”
The guy laughed, playfully hitting Duke on his forearm. “Probably not, but just know the guy has this silver and black hair that looks out of control and natural. It’s the hottest thing I’ve ever seen.”
Duke took another sip. “Well thank you. I think.”
“So, is your wife… or dare I presume… husband, coming to meet you soon?” The guy licked his lips and Duke thought he was dreaming. The kid really was coming on to him. Had to be young because that was the cheesiest pick up line he’d heard in a while.
“Um.” Duke chuckled. “No. No husband.”
“That’s a shame. A man as fine as you is thinking of going home alone.”
Duke pulled out his wallet and dropped enough to cover his tab and leave a considerable tip. “I can’t tell you how flattering this has all been. But I need to get moving.”
“You sure?”
Duke looked up into sincere eyes. This is unbelievable. If he was that irresistible, why had Judge chosen another? Refusing to go down that road just then, Duke nodded his head.
“Okay, then. I’m here until two if you change your mind. The name’s Sean.”
“Thanks, Sean. Catch you later.”
“Oh, I hope so, handsome.”
Duke left the bar thinking that if he got that scrawny guy in his bed, he’d break him in half. But Vaughan on the other hand… His thoughts trailed to something dirty and primal as he walked to his truck. He was going to accept Vaughan’s invite. He wanted to see if Vaughan was just playing with him like that sweet bartender wanted to… for just one night of fun in bed. Or if Vaughan was wanting more. He hoped it was the latter. Duke didn’t bed hop.