Page 5 of Need Him
Gareth
Since the last time he’d spoken to the manager, Gareth had kept out of his way. Whenever he saw him approaching, he went in the opposite direction unless he had no other choice. He didn’t need another tongue-lashing. Having been working there for a week, he’d heard softly spoken conversations about the man, and he’d asked questions, but most employees were closed-mouthed about him. It made Gareth more intrigued, but he kept pushing it aside. He didn’t need the hassle of messing with his boss.
On his next night off, he arranged with Victor and Preston to visit Bound, and the moment he entered, his entire body relaxed. He grinned at his friends and made a beeline for the bar, ordering three bottles of water.
“God, I need this,” he said, snapping his bottle open and taking a sip, all the while looking around to see if he could spot anyone who might be interested in his specific need.
“You’re not the only one,” Victor replied. His friend leaned his elbows back on the bar, opening his body to those who were looking his way. The boy in Victor knew the image he gave, and several men gave him a once over. Victor had the classic good looks of tall, dark and handsome with muscles that shouldn’t exist with being an editor who spent much of his time on his ass. It wouldn’t take him long to find someone to ease him that night.
As for Preston, the man had been in a foul mood since they’d picked him up. He’d refused to talk about it, but Gareth knew he would head for the impact play area sooner rather than later. The need to let those feelings loose would overwhelm him otherwise.
Gareth didn’t see anyone who caught his eye straight away. “Let’s hope there’s something for everyone tonight.”
“I’ve seen mine. I’m out,” Victor said, bumping fists with Gareth and striding across the room.
“I’m not looking,” Preston mumbled, turning to the bartender and requesting a whiskey.
Gareth raised his eyebrows at him, then turned to his side to study him closer. “What happened? And don’t give me the ‘nothing’ crap. Something’s got you riled. What is it?”
Preston snorted. “Life.”
He threw the whiskey back the moment it landed in front of him, stopping any chance of him being able to play that night. Gareth frowned.
“Come on, man. What happened between yesterday and today?”
Preston pushed off the bar and faced him. “What? You mean he hasn’t taken a billboard out yet?” He shook his head.
Gareth rubbed his forehead, feeling the creases. “Who? What billboard?”
Preston blew out a breath, holding his finger up for another drink. “My boss is engaged.”
He said the announcement without a flicker of emotion, and Gareth wondered what it mattered that Preston’s boss was getting married. Until he watched Preston rub his left pec straight over his heart as if it ached.
“You’re in love with him.” Not a question.
Preston swallowed hard. “I… We… I never even knew he had a girlfriend. I’m such an idiot.”
Gareth winced. Crushing on your straight boss was never a good thing. “No, you’re not. You have no control over who you fall for.”
Preston snorted again. “If only falling was all it was.” He shook his head.
“What do you mean?”
Preston dropped his head into his hands. “I’ve been sleeping with him for four months.”
Gareth stared at his friend, making sure his face didn’t show any of the surprise he felt. It was the last thing he needed. “Shit.”
“He’s made me into the other man, Gareth. I swore I would never be in that situation.”
Gareth narrowed his eyes as heat surged through him in defence of his best friend. “That asshole is not worth it, Preston. You can do much better. It’s not your fault.”
“Do you know what the worst thing is?” Gareth waited. “He even looked me in the eye and smiled when he introduced her. The night after we’d been together.” Preston threw back another whiskey.
“Right, man. Let’s get wasted.” He tapped the counter, getting the bartender’s attention. “Could we keep these coming? We need to forget, please, Mr Bartender.”
The bartender, who Gareth knew was called James, smiled and gave a single nod. “Your wish is my command.”
“Park your ass, Preston.” Gareth requested a pen and paper from James and wrote something down.
