2. Oakley
TWO
OAKLEY
“As you can see, my cousin’s skill set more than meets the position requirements.”
A sharp nudge in my ribs gets my attention. “Ouch.” I rub the offending spot. “What the fuck, man?”
“You’re not listening to me, Oak. You’ve had that position open for three months and I have someone.”
It takes me a second to realize I didn’t hear a damn word Kreson said.
“Sorry,” I mumble, taking another sip of scalding coffee. “My head was somewhere else.”
“Care to tell me about it?”
“Nah. What about your cousin?”
Kreson frowns before sitting back in his chair. The noise of the busy restaurant nearly drowns out any attempt at conversation, but I’m thankful for the distraction.
“Oak, come on. I know I’ve been in my own world with Tony, but I’m still here. I’m still your friend. I think. I’m feeling pretty shut out.”
Blowing out a breath, I scrub a hand over my face. “Sorry, man. It’s not intentional. There isn’t much to talk about. Work is work, you know?”
“What about last night? You said you were hanging out with friends?”
A smirk tugs at my lips as I remember how perfect Lowen felt in my arms, just like I knew he would. I woke up with a bad case of blue balls, but it was worth it to spend the night next to him, and hopefully, gain his trust. He’s a skittish thing, and bailing before he woke up felt like the right call.
“Oak?”
I blink and look back at Kres. “There’s this guy. He started out as a client.”
“Ooh, now this is interesting. You’re seeing someone?”
“Not like that. I like him, but he’s not open to anything.”
“Why?” Kres raises a bushy brow. “How could he not like you?”
I huff a laugh. “He doesn’t like anyone. He went through a nasty and very public divorce. His walls are sky high.”
“Oh, got it. It’s not like you to chase after someone unavailable.”
“Yeah, I know. I can’t seem to shake it though. Something about him just lights me up. Last night he wanted to kiss at midnight, then I took him back to his, and we spent all night just making out and rubbing. It was like being teenagers again, too afraid to take the next step.”
“Did you like it?”
“Yeah. It was actually one of my better nights.”
Kreson dumps another packet of sugar in his coffee. “Now what?”
“That’s the big question. Ball’s in his court, and if I know him, he’s gonna act like nothing happened.”
“What was this morning like?”
“I took off before I could find out. Hardest thing I’ve done in a long time. His bed is like…” I shake my head before chuckling. “It’s incredible. Very luxurious.”
“Hmm. Is he high maintenance?”
“Not to me. He’s smart—brilliant, actually—funny, gorgeous. Sure, he’s particular, but he’s just good at what he does. Other people probably think he’s a diva, but to me he’s just…” I shrug. “He’s Lowen.”
Kres tilts his head. “Are you in love with him?”
I scoff, swirling my coffee cup. “No. I like him, but that’s it.”
“I’ve never heard you talk like that about anyone except Brant.”
“Ugh. Hearing his name makes my stomach sour.”
“Sorry. I shouldn’t have mentioned him while we’re waiting for food. Does Lowen know about him?”
“No. We’ve never talked about anything deep. It’s been professional except for last night.”
“And he instigated it?”
“Yep.”
“That’s a good sign, right?”
“Maybe. He’s a hard one to read.”
“What’s his last name?”
“Ainsley.”
Kres crinkles his brow. “Lowen Ainsley? Like The House of Durand and Ainsley?”
“You know about that?”
“Hell yeah. My sister is obsessed. She’s been collecting every magazine and design book they appeared in for years. I spent a hundred and fifty bucks on some fancy book she wanted for her birthday a few years ago.”
“Huh. I heard he was pretty famous in France.”
“Not just France. All of Europe and rich people in the states. He’s a big deal. He lives in Willow Bay?”
Snickering, I nod in thanks as the server refills my mug. “Long story, but yeah. He and his friends bought an old dive bar and renovated it.”
“Huh. Bette will lose her shit if she finds out.”
“I don’t think it’s a secret, but he doesn’t strike me as the type to enjoy a lot of fanfare.”
“If I get a book can you get it signed for her?”
“Probably.”
“Sweet.” He scrunches his nose. “Sorry. Back to you. What are you gonna do now?”
“Nothing. Wait and see what he does, I guess.”
“I’m gonna say it because no one else will. If he doesn’t see what a catch you are then he’s not worth it. You deserve someone amazing,” Kres says seriously.
“I know. Thanks. It’s not like I’m waiting around for him. I’m still living my life.”
“Yeah? Then when’s the last date you went on?”
I direct my gaze to my coffee cup, really wishing those pancakes would show up right about now.
“As I thought.”
“It’s pretty slim pickings out there. I’m forty-two years old, divorced, and addicted to my job. I’m not exactly a hot commodity on the apps for anything other than a hookup.”
“I suppose if you’d rather wait around for Lowen to throw you a bone I can’t do anything about that.”
“It’s not just him. I’m good right now. I went hard after the divorce and now I think I need to figure things out. If and when Lowen is ready for more, maybe I will be too.”
Kres nods, reaching across the table to squeeze my hand. He’s been my friend for nearly a decade, since he joined a crew I was on and decided within a month that physical labor wasn’t for him, but we bonded. He’s still in the honeymoon phase of his latest relationship, and I’m happy for him, but it has put some distance between us.
I look up with relief when the server appears with a tray. My stomach was about to eat itself.
“Keep me posted, huh?” Kres says.
“Of course. Now tell me again about this cousin.”