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“Maybe when he sees a lady… he’ll escort one.”
Llew diverted his attention away from the overzealous minx that was practically humping his leg, and focused on the beautiful man approaching with another guy in tow. The man’s voice wasn’t overly deep like his own; it was smooth and melodic. Sounded like he could be a singer or a poet. He walked with an unhurried gait that was a mixture of “I’m in charge” and “You’re on my time, not the other way around,” and Llew found it sexy as fuck. His tall friend chuckled behind him, sauntering over to purchase their tickets. Is he on a date? No, their demeanor definitely said friends.
“Mind ya own business Smith Jr., I saw him first.”
Smith Jr.
The man hooked one thumb in his pocket, not the slightest bit fazed at the remark. But Llew was thrown. Was this guy actually gay or was she being a smart aleck? He came even nearer to them and Llew got a nice whiff of his spicy, bold cologne when a cool breeze blew his way. It was an interesting contradiction, because the man’s entire persona gave off a cool and composed vibe.
“Mosey along, Sallie Ann. Don’t make me ring ya daddy. He told me keep an eye on you while he’s gone, and I agreed. He’d be rather put out if I didn’t follow through on my promise.”
She reluctantly let go of Llew’s arm, letting loose a long drawn out huff of childish annoyance. Llew didn’t bother watching her walk away. She was irrelevant. He tucked his hands deep in his pockets as he eyed the man in front of him with a strange fusion of curiosity and wistfulness.
“Sometimes a person has gotta run interference with that girl. She’s usually not that bad, but her daddy is outta town, so ya know how young girls can be.”
Actually, not really.
“Hi. I’m Shane Smith Jr.” He stuck out a large, calloused hand, and it took Llew a couple seconds to process the information that he was going to touch him. Llew shook his hand and watched the man’s eyes; his own mouth still shut tight. They were light brown and full of humor and amusement. Right away, he figured this was obviously a guy who had few, if any, worries in his life. Wait a minute… Smith… Jr. Is he the owner of…? He released the strong grip he had on Shane’s hand and wished he’d held it a little longer.
“And you are?”
Llew swallowed before answering. “Llew.”
Those eyes twinkled again, and dark brown brows rose up in question. “Llew… just Llew.”
It was humiliating when a man was ashamed to tell someone his full name. But doing so meant that they would soon be able to figure out who he really was. Know what he was classified as. He didn’t want this man to know, god help him he didn’t. But lying wasn’t an option. Fuck it. “Llewellyn Gardner.”
So many broke eye contact with him at that point in the conversation, and Llew was more than intrigued that Mr. Shane Smith Jr. was staring at him just as hard as before, and he was returning the stare. He didn’t know why he was looking at him that way, but he sure didn’t mind it.
“Now that’s a name.” Smith smiled beautifully.
“Movie’s already started, Shane. You coming or what?”
Llew looked up, having already forgotten that Shane wasn’t alone.
He cleared his throat. “Um. Nice meeting you. Don’t let me hold you up.”
“Did I hear you was looking for work?” Shane drawled, ignoring his friend.
Llew turned back towards him. “Yeah. I just got into town.”
He smiled that beautiful grin, reached into his back pocket, and pulled out a worn brown leather wallet. “You don’t look like a stranger to labor.” He aimed a simple white business card at him and Llew quickly read the elegant script:
Smith Construction ~ One Plaza Way
Shane Smith Jr., Owner & Operator
252-636-9999
“Come on by.” He paused and grinned at Llew again before adding. “If you’re interested, of course. I’m actually in the process of hiring some additional crew. I gotta lot comin’ up here soon, gonna need some tough guys to get it done.”
Llew wasn’t sure if this guy was flirting or not, he’d been in a place for so long where flirting didn’t exist, he’d forgotten what it looked like… what it sounded like. The way Shane Smith Jr. was smiling at him, it sure seemed like flirting. Llew could imagine himself with a strong man like this. A man who was gorgeous, but didn’t know it. Not overly fashionably outfitted in fancy clothes; he was dressed like a working man, but he wore the look well. He was simply confident, followed his own counsel, and not easily persuaded. But Llew wouldn’t dare get his hopes up. As soon as word got out that there was a newly registered sex offender in their quaint little town, Smith Jr. might be leading the lynch mob to run him out of there.
