Page 4 of Deadly Promise
Not his usual playlist, but something about the raw energy felt right tonight.
Every table bulged with bodies. Laughter competed with shouted conversations as patrons leaned into each other’s space, drinks sloshing dangerously close to edges.
The air smelled of beer, whiskey, and the particular musk of too many people having too good a time.
Hayden’s gaze locked onto the massive oak bar dominating the left wall. Behind it stood Ash—all six-feet-something of his new boss—spinning a bottle between his fingers before pouring with perfect precision.
The same man who’d interviewed him last week on Zoom, whose casual confidence had left Hayden struggling to form coherent sentences.
Ash caught a sliding pint glass without looking, flashed a brilliant smile at a customer, then barked something at a server that made the guy snap to attention. The contrast between his charm and command made something twist in Hayden’s stomach.
Palms sweaty, he approached the bar. “Ash?”
Ash looked up, recognition flashing across his face. “Hayden and Teagan.” His smile seemed genuine despite their lateness. The man was a mountain, easily matching Liam’s height but with broader shoulders that strained against his gray T-shirt.
What were they feeding these men in Crimson Hollow?
“I know it looks terrible showing up late, but our car—” Hayden started.
“Liam radioed ahead.” Ash waved off the explanation. “Let’s get your paperwork sorted in my office so you can start earning those wages.” He stepped from behind the counter. “This way.”
When had Liam called Ash? Hayden was pretty sure he would’ve seen the guy making a call in the truck. Weird.
Following Ash through the crowd, Hayden felt eyes on him. He glanced back to find Liam watching him with undisguised interest from across the room. What concerned Hayden was his overwhelming attraction to Liam, which made him feel guilty since he was in a relationship with Teagan. Yet, he couldn’t deny how much he liked Liam’s eyes on him.
That bothered Hayden. A lot.
Not once since he and Teagan had decided to be together had Hayden even looked at another guy. Why would he when he had the man of his dreams?
The office door opened to reveal a space that made Hayden blink twice.
Three potted ferns crowded the windowsill, their fronds stretching toward venetian blinds. A jade plant with coin-shaped leaves occupied the corner of a polished oak desk, its surface neat except for the plant and a manila folder. The walls, painted a soft cream, muted the bass thumping from the bar, creating an unexpected pocket of calm.
Wow.
“Forms are on the desk in that folder,” Ash said, gesturing toward his desk. “Find me when you’re done, and we’ll get you started.” He slipped out, pulling the door closed behind him, leaving them alone with the muffled thump of bass from the bar.
Chapter Two
Two. Liam had two mates. Although he’d heard of it happening, he never thought it would happen to him. One blond, one with jet-black hair. Two. That number kept circling his brain. What were the odds of him finding one mate, let alone two?
And what was he supposed to do about it?
“Your turn’s coming up.” Aiden nudged him with an elbow, holding out the darts.
Taking them mechanically, Liam lined up his shot. The dart sailed wide, embedding itself in the wall a full foot from the board. Plaster dust drifted down.
“Jesus, what’s wrong with you tonight?” Aiden retrieved the dart, examining the fresh hole in the wall. “You usually clean my clock at this game.”
Another throw. This one at least hit the board, though nowhere near where he’d aimed. The crowd noise faded to background static as Liam tracked movement near the bar. Both men had emerged from Ash’s office, Hayden already chatting with a customer while Teagan hung back, fingers drumming against his thigh.
“Earth to space cadet.” Aiden snapped his fingers in front of Liam’s face. “Seriously, man, what’s going on? You look like someone just told you Christmas got canceled.”
Liam’s final dart bounced off the wire and clattered to the floor. “Those two guys I brought in? The ones who just started?”
“Yeah?” Aiden bent to grab the fallen dart. “What about them?”
“They’re both my mates.”
