Page 192 of Double Daddies
I sit and think about all the work that needs to be done this weekend. Things are piling up but I have the sudden urge to throw it from my desk. “Fuck it. I’m in.”
Elijah grins. “That’s my bro. Let’s get fucked up.” He slaps me on the back, his expression shifting to one of his typical mischief. “Remember, we’ve got a board meeting tomorrow. Can’t have you looking too rough.”
I roll my eyes. “Yeah, thanks for the reminder. That’ll be at the forefront of my mind as I’m downing drinks.”
The bar is bustling when we arrive, the air thick with the smell of beer and fried food. Hayden waves us over to a table in the corner, and we settle in.
“Bosses’ night out,” he says, lifting his pint glass in a salute. “May we forget about work for at least a few hours.” Hayden Johnston comes from old money and took over his father’s business a couple of years ago. He’s not as ruthless as I am in business, but he’s smart, efficient, and knows how to get a job done. We’ve been doing business with him for the last couple of years, and he’s become a close friend.
I nod, taking a sip of my drink, the ice-cold whiskey a welcome contrast to the heat of the room. The place is packed, and I can feel the hum of conversation all around me.
Nicolas joins the group, pulling up a chair. He’s the youngest of us at thirty-one, but he’s got an old soul. Nicolas is a brilliant architect. His designs are all over the world, but his main home is here in the city. He's been a friend of mine since the military and has helped me design a couple of buildings for Phoenix Tech.
“Look at us.” Nicolas laughs, clinking glasses with me. “A bunch of grown men, still hanging out like we’re in college. What would your shareholders think, Ezra?”
I smile, shaking my head. “They’d be shocked to see me in a place like this. It’s not exactly a five-star restaurant.” I gesture at the bar, which is well-worn and comfortable, if a little rough around the edges.
Elijah takes a long drink, setting his glass down with a satisfied thunk. “That’s the point, isn’t it? You're a damn CEO, but you still have to take a break now and then.” He winks, his eyes sparkling with mischief.
I roll my eyes, but I can’t deny that being here, away from the pressures of Phoenix Tech and the board, feels good.
“So, what are we going to do about the barista?” Elijah asks, leaning back in his seat and looking at me expectantly.
“What?” I stare at him, my face a picture of innocence. “What do you mean?” I know exactly what he means, but I'm not aboutto admit it. Not yet, anyway. The thought of her—the way she moves, the way she smiles—has been on my mind all day.
“I mean, are we going to make a move on her?” Elijah asks, his voice dripping with suggestion.
I take a sip of my whiskey, the liquid burning down my throat.
“Hold up. What girl are we talking about here?” Hayden asks, his curiosity piqued.
“A little raven-haired vixen that works at a coffee shop near our office,” Elijah explains, his grin widening. “She’s got Ezra’s gears turning.”
“Sounds like trouble.” Hayden chuckles, eyeing me.
“Only the best kind.” Eli winks.
“You sure you can handle her, Ezra?”
I roll my eyes. “It’s not like that…” I begin, but I’m cut off by Nic.
“Has someone captured the interest of the St. James most eligible bachelors?” Nicolas asks, his tone laced with a mix of curiosity and amusement. “This, I’ve got to see. Tell us more.”
Elijah leans in, a smirk playing on his lips. “Oh, there’s not much to tell,” he drawls, his words slow and deliberate. “She’s just... different. Something about her, you know?”
Hayden raises an eyebrow. “Different, huh? Is that code for ‘she’s completely out of your league’?”
Elijah laughs, the sound rich and full. “Maybe a little. She’s definitely not like the others.”
Nicolas takes a sip of his whiskey, his eyes twinkling. “So, you're both into her, huh? And you think she's into both of you?”
“Doubtful. Look at these ugly mugs,” Hayden chimes in, laughing.
“She’d be insane to pass up either of you. But both at the same time? That's a tall order.” Nic throws back a shot and places it back on the table.
“Is it, though?” Elijah asks, leaning forward on the table. “You ever been in a polyamorous relationship?”
“No, but I’ve heard about them,” Nic admits. “I can’t even deal with one woman.”
