Page 20 of Seal the Deal
“Because you know me so well,” Andrew deadpans.
“I know enough. You’re—” but he’s cut short by the return of their waitress bringing their drinks and taking their order before leaving them alone again.
Andrew reaches for his water, taking a large drink that draws Nicholas’s attention to the hollow of his throat where the top button of his pale pink polo shirt is undone. It’s kind of a hideous shirt, but the color accentuates his bronze skin, making Nicholas wonder what he’d look like without the shirt on. Beneath the boring clothes and nit-picky personality, he’s actually kind of hot—not something Nicholas needs to be thinking right now.
Trying to drown out thoughts about licking the hollow of Andrew’s throat, he gulps down a much too big drink of his cognac.
“Don’t get drunk,” Andrew instructs. “We have things to discuss tonight.”
Nicholas hadn’t planned on getting drunk over dinner since he drove, but Andrew telling him not to do it makes him suddenly want to do it. Keeping eye contact, he lifts his drink to his lips and smirks before taking another much smaller sip.
“You look tense, highness. Maybe you need a drink.”
“I enjoy the occasional drink to accompany a meal or for a special occasion, not as a coping mechanism, and definitely not over a business meeting.”
“A business meeting,” Nicholas snorts. “This isn’t a business meeting.”
“We’re meeting to discuss the formation of a joint venture to aid you in acquiring a temporary boyfriend for still undisclosed reasons.” Andrew straightens the silverware in front of him, moving his water cup into the exact same position it was before he took a drink. “Therefore, business meeting.”
“You wound me, highness. Here I thought we were on a date.”
“I would hope you’re more punctual when you’re on a real date,” Andrew says, rolling his eyes.
“Hey, I’m a good fucking time on a date.”
“Uh huh,” Andrew hums, reaching for his water. He takes a small sip before returning it to the same place. “I’m sure.”
“I am,” Nicholas argues, unsure why he cares what Andrew thinks of his dating prowess.
“I’m sure you absolutely astound your dates with punctuality and manners.”
“Anyone ever tell you that you’re a sarcastic fuck?”
“My brother tells me that at least once a week.”
“The heart of gold brother?”
“No, my…other brother.”
“How many brothers do you have?” Nicholas questions.
“Three. Alec is the baby of the family, though not really a baby since he’s getting married this summer. Then Jason is two years younger than me and Charlie.”
“Charlie,” Nicholas repeats. “Wait, Amanda’s pain in the ass client?”
“You’re the pain in the ass client,” Andrew counters. “But also yes, that’s him.”
It occurs to Nicholas that he normally ignores everything about Amanda’s other clients, and he suddenly wishes he paid more attention when she complained about this Charlie fellow.
“When you said you and Charlie, are you two?—”
“Twins,” Andrew finishes.
“Fraternal?” Nicholas asks.
“No,” Andrew answers. He sits up just that little bit straighter, jaw tensing.
Interesting.
