Salem laughed. Damn. He felt like an idiot twice on one coffee date. “I’ll bet this entire experience has leftyou twice as confused about why JD wanted me.”
Shaw’s smile disappeared. Heat flared in his expression. “Not at all. I imagine he saw exactly what I do; a sexy, highly intelligent person with tons of fire and backbone. That would’ve been irresistible to him. I know it is for me.”
Well, fuck. It seemed he would be staying for coffee after all. Miracles never ceased.
Chapter Two
Itwasn’tuncommonforthe three of them to exist in silence together. Life felt comfortable. They didn’t have to talk. Tonight was different, though. Quest looked Dodge’s way. A small smile appeared on Dodge’s lips. They knew each other too well. They were too much alike.
“We should go out. It’s been a while since we cut loose.”
Salem snorted at Dodge’s statement. “You two cut loose damn near every night.”
“I meant as a family. Come to the titty bar with us.”
The look Salem gave Dodge had Quest fighting back a laugh. No one could goad Salem into shit like Dodge. There was no way Dodge wanted to go to a strip club. He hated anything that sexually exploited others. “I don’t want to go to a titty bar. What if I asked you to go dancing with me at a gay club? We don’t have thesame idea of fun.”
Dodge shrugged. “I’d go dancing with you. I don’t give a shit if it’s a gay club.”
“Okay. How about this?” Quest said, jumping into the conversation. “Let’s flip a coin. Heads, strip club. Tails, gay dancing.”
Salem snorted again. Quest knew that could mean anything with Salem.
Dodge dug a coin from his pocket and flipped it in the air before anyone agreed or argued. “Gay dancing, it is.” He shoved the coin back in his pocket.
Quest hid a smile. He knew damn well that coin had not come up tails. Quest stood. “Well, get your shoes.”
Salem didn’t immediately move. He motioned at Dodge and Quest. “You’re just going to go in shorts and a tank top?”
Quest and Dodge shrugged.
With a sigh, Salem stood. “You’re right. Every guy there will take one look at you and drool no matter what you’re wearing. Let it be on your heads, then.”
Quest headed for the door before Salem thought things through and changed his mind. “I’ll drive so you two can drink. I’m still hungover from last night.”
Salem scoffed. “Since whenhas that stopped you?”
“Many times, I’ll have you know.” He flashed a smirk Salem’s way. “Plus, I have a feeling I’ll need to stay sober to protect you.”
Salem shook his head as they stepped into the garage. “Definitely. People will trample all over me to get to you.”
There it was. The second comment in one conversation. How could anyone resist the constant ego stroke or the hint of jealousy? Dodge held open the door of Quest’s Ram quad cab. After Salem climbed into the passenger seat, Dodge climbed into the back.
“Where am I headed, exactly?”
“The Three-Legged Cowboy is decent.”
A chortle came from the backseat. “The Three-Legged Cowboy.”
“Hey. You boys wanted gay. We’re going gay.” The smile in his voice couldn’t be missed.
Quest fought not to laugh. Following Salem’s directions, Quest easily found the nightclub. Neon lights lit the building like Christmas. Music poured from the club into the parking lot. People practically burst from the seams. Dodge jumped out and opened Salem’s door. The pair always took care of each other. Quest wasn’t even sure if they noticed how much each did for the other, like it was second nature. Quest waited for the pair. They headed for thedoor together. Heads turned their way. Gazes swept their bodies. Open, hungry stares followed them as they stepped inside. Quest paid the cover charge.
They barely made it three steps inside before a guy in a leather harness blocked his path. “Hey, gorgeous. Can I buy you a drink?”
Quest motioned over his shoulder at Salem. “I’m with him.”
The guy’s leer moved past him. “What about your other friend?”
