Page 15 of Common Goal
Ilya smirked. “Okay. But she divorced you?”
“It was mutual.”
“Yes. And now you hang out here?”
Eric almost never blushed, but he came dangerously close just then. “To keep Scott company, like I said.”
Ilya nodded in the direction of Kyle, who was now behind the bar. “Lots to look at.”
Eric clenched his jaw. How the fuck was Rozanov so perceptive? He really seemed like he didn’t give a shit about anyone around him, but his powers of observation were sharper even than Eric’s. “I guess.”
Unfortunately, Kyle chosethatmoment to finally visit their table. “Good evening, boys. Kip, when you’ve finished the lap dance, your booth in the corner needs another round.”
Kip slid out of Scott’s lap, cheeks pink. “It wasn’t a lap dance!”
“Hunter probably thought it was,” Ilya quipped.
Scott glared at him. “Fuck off, Rozanov. I know what a lap dance is.”
Kip hurried away to check on his table, and Kyle turned his attention to Rozanov. “I don’t believe I’ve had the pleasure.” Eric didn’t like the glimmer in Kyle’s eyes as he drank in Ilya’s admittedly attractive face and body.
“Kyle,” Scott said, “this is Ilya Rozanov. Ilya, this is my friend Kyle.”
Ilya reached across the table and shook Kyle’s hand. “Kyle.” He held his hand for, Eric felt, longer than necessary.
“What can I get you, sexy?” Kyle asked in that effortlessly flirtatious tone of his.
Ilya pointed at a chalkboard beside the bar that advertised the drink special that hadn’t changed in over two years. “I would like a Scott Hunter. Please.”
Scott groaned. “Just bring him a beer, Kyle. He’s being an asshole.”
“Have you had it?” Ilya asked Eric.
“No.”
“I want to try it. And bring one for Bennett.”
Eric caught Kyle’s gaze and shook his head. “I don’t—”
“I can make one without alcohol,” Kyle offered.
Ilya looked delighted. “Yes! A virgin Scott Hunter.”
“Jesus fucking Christ,” Scott grumbled.
“You don’t have to,” Eric said. “I’m fine.”
“I never got to make you that mocktail the other night.” Kyle placed a hand on Eric’s shoulder. “I was watching you show off on television earlier. Let me show you whatI’mgood at.”
Eric swallowed so hard the rest of the table must have heard it. There was that fizzy feeling he’d been chasing. “Okay.”
Kyle grabbed their empty glasses, then left with a wink at Ilya. Eric hated how jealous he was of that wink. Ilya didn’t even react beyond his usual infuriating half smile.
Scott stood up. “I’m gonna hit the men’s room.”
He lingered a moment before leaving, which left him vulnerable for a Rozanov attack. “Are you hoping for company?”
Scott scowled. “No.” He turned and left, and Eric had to bite his cheek to keep from laughing. His amusement didn’t last, because as soon as Scott was gone, Ilya started on Eric.
