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Shane was now more determined than ever to show Llew that he was special; important to him now, and he could make roots here. They could work together; take Smith’s Construction to new levels now that Shane had a master designer working with him.
Yes! That’s it. Llew could submit some of his designs and Shane could corner an entirely different market. His company would provide an additional service. Not only bidding to construct already designed projects, but also bidding on sites that needed designing and construction. This was so exciting. He’d talk with Llew about what his future plans were, he wouldn’t want to seem like he was using the man. Regardless, if Llew only wanted to work construction, that would be fine with Shane, as long as he stayed with Smith’s.
When he pulled up to the Days Inn, he had to sit in his truck for a few minutes to will his erection down. He knew Llew was already in his room, having ridden down with Jack a few hours ago. Shane had to meet with the zoning director that morning and wasn’t able to drive Llew himself, but he planned to spend more time with him tonight.
He stretched his back, grabbing his small backpack from the passenger seat and went to the hotel’s front desk. Jessie was already there with the hotel manager specifying that no one had permission to make any charges to the room. God, Shane loved her, she was the best at her job. He kissed her on her cheek, knowing that she’d have everything arranged for them in the morning.
He dropped his bag off in his room, and went to check in with his foreman. He knocked twice on the door to the room next to his and Jack opened right up.
“You made it.”
“Of course. How’s everything going? Everyone here?” Shane asked quickly, not bothering to step all the way inside.
Jack laughed, and shook his head at him. “Yeah, Smith Jr. Everyone is here, including Llew.”
Shane tried to hide his grin at the mere mention of Llew’s name. God, if Jack only knew how hard he’d already fallen. “I wasn’t just talking about him.”
“Yeah, whatever.” Jack sat back against the headboard and picked up the remote control. “He’s not half bad, Smith. He’s quiet as hell, gotta practically drag more than a one-word response out of him, but when he does talk he’s very intelligent and interesting.”
Shane stared at Jack, not quite sure what to say. He’d had a few conversations with Llew, but nothing too deep. He realized he wanted to get to know Llew a lot better than just knowing he wasn’t a rapist. That was not enough to make a successful relationship.
“Smith Jr!” Jack yelled, waving his hand in the air.
“What? Huh?” Shane snapped back to reality. “Did you say something?”
“Uh, yeah. I said the guys are going to Buck’s on Ward Blvd around eight, you coming?”
“Oh. Maybe. I’ll see. I’m kind of tired, might turn in early.”
“I bet. You gonna turn in early, alright.” Jack laughed, throwing a pillow at him. Shane caught it and threw it back.
“Get your mind out of the gutter. I’m gonna have a talk with Llew about advancement in the company.”
“What?” Jack sprang to his feet. “Are you serious? Advance him to what?”
“I’m not sure yet. What’s the problem?” Shane sat in one of the chairs against the window. He certainly hoped his foreman wasn’t thinking Llew should be held back because of his record. “I know you’re not thinking like the other bigots in Henderson.”
“Shut up. You know I’m not. But he’s only been employed a week, man. You can’t have him moving up to supervisor now or even anytime soon. How the hell do you think that’s going to look? Especially once everyone gets wind that ya’ll are sleeping together.”
Shane shook his head, but stopped when Jack waved him off. “Smith Jr. I’ve been your best friend since pre-school; you think I can’t tell when you’ve gotten laid? Jesus.”
“Fine. But he’s way overqualified to be some entry-level laborer. I’ve seen his sketches, his blueprints, fucking designs I’ve never seen made by architects with master’s degrees. I don’t want to lose him. He could be beneficial to this company Jack.”
“Beneficial to the company or booty for you, Shane?” Jack said snidely, with his big arms folded over his chest.
“You know what? Fuck you,” Shane snapped, standing up to leave.
“Wait. Smith Jr., wait. I’m sorry. That was out of line,” Jack said, holding his palm against the door to prevent Shane from leaving. “That was fucked up. This company has been your whole life. I know you wouldn’t stoop that low. I just don’t want you to have to go through all that bullshit that’ll surely come of you dating Llew, and then next thing you know he’s practically running the company with you.”
