“Humph. His house won’t stop me from telling him to his face how I didn’t appreciate being called an idiot because he doesn’t think I can fix my own car. If he doesn’t give me a tour, I can show my own self around,” Alex stated.
He reached for the knob and opened the door. It turned as he expected. On poker day, whoever was hosting left the door open until everyone arrived. It saved them from having to keep answering the door. Alex stepped inside and looked around, and he and Robert headed toward the sound of voices. Alex stopped at the entrance to the sunken living room, glancing up at the high ceiling. It gave a feeling of space, and the rich brown tone made it seem welcoming.
“Did you see…?” Alex lowered his head and met amused, dark-green eyes. “Robin, is that Maestro standing between Hector and Miguel?”
“Yes. Why—”
Alex cut him off. “I know him. And I can’t believe you didn’t warn me who he is.”
Alex couldn’t take his gaze off the man who had haunted his dreams for over two years. His shoulder-length, jet-black hair with red-tipped edges looked as it had the first time Alex saw him. It was all waves and in sexy disarray around his carved features, which balanced out the feminine nature of his haircut. The lip, nose, and left eyebrow piercings gave him a rebellious edge, but it was the look in his eyes, which seemed to sparkle with wicked intentions, that gave him a bad-as-you-want-to-be look that told you he was trouble and knew it. That look had haunted Alex for a long time and made him wonder what would have happened if he had accepted the invitation in those compelling eyes.
“How do you know him? Wait. What do you mean, warn you?”
Alex turned his head to Robert. “I can’t believe you don’t remember. We saw him at Bacchus Sloan the first day we met there for lunch.”
Realization dawned on Robert’s face, and he looked at Maestro, then back at Alex. “I’ll be damned. He was the waiter. The one you couldn’t keep your eyes off.”
“That’s not true. I was paying attention to you,” Alex protested.
“But you were paying equal attention to him.” Robert shook his head. “I didn’t even realize. But then again, I was distracted by meeting Miguel.”
Alex nodded in understanding. On the day he was referring to, Robert had met Miguel when Miguel stopped to help Robert change a tire. Alex turned his head, and Leslie… Maestro… was still watching him. That same day, he had met Maestro and hadn’t realized it. Alex remembered the conversation he’d had another time they ate at Bacchus Sloan, with another waiter who mentioned Leslie was the brother of the owner of Bacchus Sloan. Mackenzie strolled over and joined the other men. Alex had met a few of Mackenzie’s family, but never that green-eyed waiter. He’d been tempted but never asked Mackenzie about his brother.
The reasons you stayed away from him have not changed. At the thought, Alex stiffened and refused to look at him again.
“Now you have a second chance to act on the attraction you denied back then.”
“I’m not going to say a word to him.”
“Why?” Robert sounded confused.
Alex couldn’t resist another peek. Leslie’s smile widened, and then he winked. Before he could think about it, Alex was heading across the room.
LESLIE HANNIGAN straightened as the tall, lean man stopped in the doorway and tilted his head back, studying the ceiling. Robert was standing next to him, and Leslie glanced at him briefly before turning back toward the man who’d been on his mind far too often since he first saw him years ago. He hadn’t known Alex Hayes was the man he had served when he’d subbed for his cousin. Even in jeans and a T-shirt, Alex carried himself like he was dressed in an expensive suit. “Classy” and “sharp-witted” came to mind when he thought of him. From their conversation, and seeing him now, it was still the same way. Alex’s angular face was framed by slightly curly, auburn hair. Alex lowered his head, saying something Leslie was too far away to hear. The smile on Alex’s face made the dimples bracketing his mouth appear. Pale-gray eyes met his, and the startled look in them made Leslie smile. He also saw the recognition in Alex’s gaze.
“You’re not paying attention, Leslie.” Hector poked him in the shoulder.
“No. I’m staring at Alex.” Leslie continued his study.
“Robert is finally here.” Miguel moved.
Leslie touched his arm to stop him from going to Robert. “Let them come to us.”
“I know that tone. What are you up to, Leslie?” Mackenzie joined them.
Leslie pushed Mackenzie to the side so he could have an unobstructed view of Alex. He wasn’t watching Leslie anymore. Leslie leaned against the wall, sliding his hands into the front pockets of his jeans. He knew Alex would look their way again and he’d get him to come over.
“Why are you staring at Robert?” Miguel demanded.
“Chill, Miguel. He already said he’s staring at Alex. He’s probably in awe at meeting him for the first time. Alex is a handsome man,” Hector said.
“He is,” added Simon, Hector’s partner.
“Looks don’t mean shit to Leslie,” Mackenzie retorted.
“We know that. But he sure seems to be taken with Alex’s looks,” Simon teased.
“It’s not his looks I’m taken with. It’s his sharp tongue.”
The men around him laughed. He’d already filled them in on their conversation the night before. Alex glanced at him again, and Leslie winked. He lifted his beer, and took a sip to cover his smile as Alex headed toward him. Robert trailed after him, looking amused. Alex stopped directly in front of him.
“If you take my car, I won’t call the cops. I’ll deal with you myself.” Alex narrowed his eyes.
Leslie glanced down at Alex’s clenched fist, then reached out for it. He moved slowly enough that Alex could have moved if he didn’t want Leslie to touch him. Alex stood still. Leslie lifted Alex’s hand, uncurling his fingers, then shook it.
“Nice to see you, Alex.”
“I’ve met you before.”
“I know. That’s why I said nice to see you,” Leslie replied.
“I’ve seen you and I still want to deck you.” Alex frowned.
Leslie studied him. “That’s not all you want to do.”
Alex stiffened and tried to pull his hand away. Leslie held it, rubbing his thumb along the top of Alex’s.
“When did they meet before?” Hector asked.
“At Bacchus Sloan, the day I met Miguel. Leslie was our waiter,” Robert said.
“Is this the one…?” Mackenzie began, and Leslie turned his gaze to his brother.
“Yes.” He glanced at the other men around him and stated firmly, “Leave it.” Then he focused back on Alex.
“The one what?” Alex demanded.
Leslie studied the rigid way Alex held himself, then shrugged. “You’re not ready to hear it yet.”
Alex jerked his hand away. “That urge is getting stronger.”
“They say aggression is a way of acting out your sexual frustrations,” Leslie replied.
The others around them chuckled. They were used to his blunt ways.
“Maybe. But then again, it could just be your presence makes people prone to violence.” Alex’s eyes crinkled at the corners.
“I’ve been told that a few times.” Leslie laughed and Alex joined in.
“I completely understand why. And if you think you’re going to pull on me what you did to Del, don’t try. I’m meaner and I don’t mind spending time in jail,” Alex warned.
“When I saw you, I decided not to take your car.”
Alex looked surprised, then suspicious. “So you were going to steal it.”
“He doesn’t steal it. He borrows it, then gives it back! Or, supposedly that’s what he does,” Del called from where he sat, playing a hand of poker.
Leslie’s smiled widened. Del didn’t believe that for a minute and was still trying to work out ways to get him arrested.
“As Del said, I was going to borrow it, but I’ve changed my mind.”
> “Okay. That’s a good thing. My car is not leaving my garage,” Alex sounded adamant.
“It won’t,” he assured Alex.
“Your mouth is saying you won’t, but your eyes are saying you’re up to something. I can already tell, you’re going to be trouble.”
“I could say so many things about your noticing my mouth, but I’ll resist.” Leslie winked. “And I am trouble, but of the very best kind. I keep my word. Your car won’t leave your garage.”
Alex lowered his lids and he licked his lips, but he still wore the suspicious expression. “Wh—”
“Come play, Alex!” Bernie called.
Alex glared at Leslie, then turned and went to join the game. The other men followed, except for Mackenzie, but Leslie could see they were curious. But they wouldn’t push yet, since he’d told them to butt out.
“This time you’re not going to be stupid enough to let him walk away.” Mackenzie paraphrased what Leslie had told him on more than one occasion.
He’d told Mackenzie enough times about his lost opportunity with Alex, and each time Leslie promised what he would do if he got another chance: ask him out.
Although it was not a question, Leslie replied anyway: “No.”
“He’s going to resist getting involved. As far as I know, he hasn’t dated anyone since moving to Mapson.”
“You know me when my mind is set. I don’t give up.” Leslie continued to watch Alex. “I don’t plan to just date him. I’m going to convince Alex Hayes to be mine.”
Mackenzie laughed loudly. Alex lifted his head, and Leslie smiled his best “I’m harmless and innocent” smile as he walked over to sit beside him.
“Trouble,” Alex muttered.
“Proud of it.” Leslie leaned back, already plotting the ways he would entice the stubborn man by his side to let him into his life.
Chapter Two
LESLIE RANG the bell again, glancing around at the porch he stood on. The sound of the door opening brought his attention back to the man suddenly in front of him. Alex glared at him, running his hand through his hair. The sleepy look on his face made Leslie long to touch him.
“What the hell are you doing here?” Alex’s voice was deep and growly.
“Here.” Leslie held up the to-go tumbler with the logo of his garage. He also shifted to give space in his sweats for his erection.
Alex glanced at what he held and shook his head. “I don’t drink coffee.”
“It’s tea. Adagio, the brand you prefer, and the flavor is hazelnut with two sugars.” Leslie moved the container side to side.
Alex took the mug out of his hand, flipped open the top, and inhaled. “You’re trying to get on my good side.” He sipped the hot beverage and made a pleased sound.
Leslie blew out a breath, restraining himself from reaching out and kissing him.
Alex sipped again, glancing at him over the top of the cup. “Who told you what I drink and how I prefer it?” Alex continued to drink as he waited for an answer.
“Robert. He said hazelnut, caramel, or vanilla would get you in an agreeable mood.” Leslie sipped from his own mug, which was filled with coffee.
“Hmmm… he’s partially right. Hazelnut or vanilla gets me in a good mood. But if you want me to be putty in your hands, get me caramel.” Alex smirked, then winked.
Leslie wished now he had gone with the caramel. He cleared his throat and focused on why he was here. “Give me your car keys and open the garage.”
“Excuse me?” Alex paused as he lifted the mug to his lips.
“I could just let myself in, but then my trying to get you in a good mood would be wasted.” Leslie gestured to the mug.
“Yeah, and it would make me angry. But I’m still not understanding why you are here at eight o’clock in the morning.”
“I wanted to catch you at home before you went to brunch at Bacchus Sloan.”
“You’re talking in riddles. Tell me clearly what you are doing here.” Alex glanced beyond him. “What the hell is that big moving truck doing parked in front of my house?”
Although Alex’s voice was mild, Leslie wasn’t fooled. He tried his innocent smile.
Alex’s eyes narrowed. “That smile isn’t going to work on me. What’s going on?”
“Just keeping my word. Your car won’t leave your garage, but I need some stuff while I fix it.” Leslie gestured behind his back for his men to wait.
“But you’re not going to be working on my Hemi.”
“We can stand here debating the point, but I warn you, I’m going to have my way.” Leslie slid his hands into the front pocket of his sweats and rocked back on his heels.
Alex studied him, then sighed. “You really are going to be a pain in the ass.”
“Yes. Now, access and keys.”
Alex pivoted and went into the house. In moments he returned and handed Leslie a single key with a small black box on it.
“That was too easy. You already decided to let me help you.”
Alex shrugged. “After thinking about it last night, I decided to overlook your rude mouth and accept your help. I was going to call you later to come get the car.”
“Again with my mouth. You seem to be focused on it.” Leslie licked his lips.
Alex watched the movement, then averted his gaze. “Umm… you don’t need to set up anything. Just take the car.”
“Nope. I’m keeping my word. This is only the key for the Clone. Where’s the one for your Matrix? Come on. Hurry up.” Leslie snapped his fingers.
“Keep doing that, and I’ll break them,” Alex warned.
“Violence again.”
“At least this time it took longer than last time.” Alex chuckled, then sobered. “Why do you need the keys for my Matrix?”
“There was this sound that bugged me when you left. Something is off. I’m going to find it. Don’t worry. It’ll be ready by the time you’re ready to go to brunch.” Leslie glanced at the truck, then returned his attention to Alex. “Robert mentioned your garage is a two-car one, but only the Clone is in there. But I’ll still need more space. We’ll set up a storage shed right behind your garage.”
Leslie headed down the walkway to the truck.
“Wait. What shed? Leslie.”
“Don’t worry. You won’t even notice it.” He lifted his hand in the air, wiggling his fingers. “Now go and get me the other keys.”
Leslie ignored Alex’s muttering and joined his men by the truck.
“He doesn’t sound too happy with you, Leslie,” chuckled Terry Reynolds, his second in charge.
“He’ll come around.” He handed Terry the key.
“It’s a good thing you told the other truck to wait until ten thirty so he doesn’t see this shed you said he won’t notice.” Terry threw the key up and caught it.
“Although I live for your amusement, can you all get started?” Leslie pointedly looked at Mario, Windell, Kerry, and Curtis, members of his crew from the garage he’d brought with him.
They were his best for restoration jobs, and he wanted their opinions on the car. He’d called them late last night to ask them to come by and outfit Alex’s garage with what he would need for the restoration. Without hesitation, they had given up their Sunday to come by. Leslie knew he was in for some teasing, but he’d accept it good-naturedly, at least for now.
“Here.” Alex spoke from behind him.
Leslie turned and reached for the keys.
Alex held on to them. “Explain about this shed.”
“Just a place for parts and other things. Don’t worry. It has security on it.”
“Why do I have a feeling when you say ‘don’t worry’, I need to be very suspicious and wonder what you’re up to?” Alex asked.
“He already knows your ways.” Kerry laughed.
Leslie glared at the sienna-skinned woman. She smiled, not at all contrite.
Terry put his hand on Leslie’s back, then offered his hand to Alex. “He has no manners, so I’ll introduce my
self. I’m Terry, and I’m the man he couldn’t run Hannigan’s without.”
Leslie listened as the rest of the crew introduced themselves, expounding on how he couldn’t do without them. Alex shook their hands, then glanced at him.
“Your employees are as arrogant as you are.”
“We’re the best,” they all said together.
“Come on, let’s start getting set up.” Leslie moved to the back of the truck and lifted the cargo door. He pulled out his tool kit of screwdrivers.
“There is no way you need all this stuff,” Alex protested.
Leslie turned to him. “This is not stuff. These are tools of my trade and will be shown respect.”
“Uh-oh. He’s already going Maestro,” Terry said.
Leslie handed him the toolbox. “Don’t you have unloading to do? You know how I like my setup. Get to it.” Leslie focused on Alex again. “Come with me.” He walked away, not looking to see if Alex followed. Leslie stopped by his car and, before facing Alex, took out the kit he needed to work on Alex’s Matrix. “Look, Alex, I know what I’m doing, so let me do it.”
“When I finally met you face-to-face, you confused me, because you didn’t sound or act like the man I spoke with on the phone.” Alex studied him. “Now I see what Robin meant when he said you go Maestro. You’re like Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.”
“I take what I do seriously. I’m sure you’re the same with your marketing.” Leslie went toward the house.
“I am, but I have some diplomacy with it. Well, usually I try to. You, on the other hand, ride roughshod over people,” Alex said.
“Only when it concerns defenseless cars whose owners should know better,” Leslie stated.
“I can tell you believe that.” Alex lifted the to-go mug. “This is a good advertising tool, but it’s boring. Metallic-looking silver with a black lid. You should change it up and get some colors. Maybe even put pictures of the cars you’ve restored on it.” Alex glanced at the men passing by him, then at Leslie. “How much is all this going to cost me?”
“I’ll give you a bill at the end.” Leslie studied his mug and admitted he hadn’t really thought of being more adventurous with them. He’d ordered them for his workers and to have a few extras to hand out to customers. They had proven to be in demand, so he’d gotten some more. “Tell me more about what I should do with the mugs.”
Something in Common (Dreamspinner Press Bundles) Page 63