Page 15 of Love Spell

“Does a runner?”

“But Timmy went after him.”

“You bet he did.”

No, it was Dave and Chandler, that prick with the fuchsia ties, newly a senior, built like Jack inThe Nightmare Before Christmas.Chandler was the kind of condescending, elitist, gay man who tarnished the whole identity.The kind of person who’d vote Tory without a qualm if it suited his financial interests.Noah would take a crude, slap-you-on-the-back, thinks-he’s-funny frat boy like Dave any day over a snake in the grass like Chandler.

Noah had been relieved Chandler couldn’t be at the boy’s night yesterday.Now, though, it meant Dave had the satisfaction of recounting all the sordid details.

“Making a dash for the toilets,” Dave went on.

“And it wasn’t for a piss.How long were they out of sight?”

“More than five minutes.I’d say close to ten.”

Chandler whistled softly.

“Right?”Dave laughed.

“So who was doing what on next sighting?Red faces?Tucking in shirttails?”

“Noah ran from the hall and beelined it out the front door.Jacket buttoned, but face like a boiled lobster.”

“Dusty knees?Scuffed?”

“Damn, I didn’t notice.Ask Arthur.He watches for that kind of thing.He’s the one who figured out Timmy was fucking AAM’s solicitor.”

That acronym apparently stood for Anunnaki Asset Management, and rumour had it their boss was into Ancient Aliens kind of stuff, not real archaeology.

“Everyone knew that.”Chandler’s tone was dismissive, exasperated with Dave’s obtuseness, as Chandler was perpetually exasperated by everyone’s obtuseness.“Even AAM eventually, or he’d still be around.Then what happened?Timo follows him?”

“Nope.Took a few minutes before Timmy emerged and joined us at the table.”

“Looking?”

“Normal.Neat as a pin.”

“Acting like nothing happened?”

“No … That was the funny thing.He kept looking at the door.Didn’t say a lot, had another drink, but I don’t think he ate anything.Maybe a few bites of appetisers.”

“You don’t say?That almost sounds … serious.”He drew out the word with malicious relish.

“That’s what Arthur said.I’d say it was a simple case of blue balls.”

“When’s the next family night?I’ll be sure not to miss it.”Chandler’s tone held the silken swish of a tiger crouching in long grass.

“Friday probably — but do you think the Yank will show?”

“Why not?”

“I’m telling you, he didn’t look happy.About sprinted out of there.Not all guys want to irrigate their tonsils with another guy’s dick, you know.”

“You’re so old-fashioned, Dave.That kid will want the attention, you mark my words.Does it matter which way he swings if he’s serious about this game?And what simpler way is there into any business than sleeping with the boss?”

Dave huffed out a breath.“Better him than me.When are we going to get some women in this business?”

“Because a sexual harassment suit would help your trading prospects?”