20. Chapter 20

Chapter 20

Jesse

The bass thumped through the walls of the club, vibrating the bar under my fingers as I poured another round of drinks for the group at the end. The place was packed, as it always was on Daddy/boy Night. I'd worried that adding the second one would be too much and would slow things down, but that didn't seem to be the case. If anything, it was busier than ever.

I glanced around, keeping an eye on the crowd. I'd always considered it my job to keep an eye on things on nights like this. But with the new security we'd hired after the Sebastian debacle, there wasn't really much for me to do besides serve drinks, which was a good thing because, tonight, my attention was on one boy and only one, Andy. I'm pretty sure if Shae hadn't been working the bar with me, the night would've been a disaster as busy as we were.

Andy was out there, laughing with his friends, his eyes sparkling under the lights as he moved to the music. He wore a pair of red short-shorts and a red and white colored cropped shirt that clung to his lean, muscular frame. This was the first time he'd shown up to the club dressed in anything that sexy. He looked incredible, and he knew it.

Every so often, he'd glance over at me, a playful smile tugging at his lips, knowing full well that he was making it impossible for me to focus on anything other than him.

Mika and Caleb flanked him, and both of them also dressed to impress. Mika, in particular, seemed to be enjoying the attention he was getting. I was glad to see that the encounter he'd had with that asshole hadn't dulled his sparkle in the least. Caleb, as always, was more reserved. He was out there dancing, but he never strayed far from the booth where Keith sat, keeping a constant watch over the boys.

As I handed off the drinks and wiped down the bar, I couldn't help but steal another glance at Andy. He was dancing now, his body moving fluidly to the beat, his hips swaying in a way that made my heart race. The way his muscles flexed under his shirt was mesmerizing, and I could see more than a few pairs of eyes on him, appreciating the view.

A twinge of jealousy flared in my chest, but I tamped it down. Andy was mine, and he made that clear every day. Still, the sight of him out there, so free and full of life, stirred something in me. I wanted to go over there, pull him close, and remind him who he belonged to.

Andy caught my eye again, and this time, he winked, a mischievous grin spreading across his face. The brat knew exactly what he was doing, and he was enjoying every minute of it.

I shook my head, trying to focus on the task at hand, but it was no use. My mind kept drifting back to Andy, to the way he was moving out there, to the way his friends were laughing and egging him on. Mika, especially, seemed to be getting a kick out of watching Andy try to distract me.

"Looks like someone's having fun tonight," came a voice from my left.

I turned to see Keith leaning against the bar, a knowing smile on his face as he watched the same scene I was.

"Too much fun," I muttered, though there was no real bite to my words.

Keith chuckled, shaking his head. "He definitely knows how to get your attention."

"Tell me about it," I grumbled, though I couldn't help the fond smile that tugged at my lips.

"Andy's a good guy," Keith said, his tone more serious now. "But you already know that."

"Yeah," I agreed, my eyes softening as I watched Andy. "I do."

Keith nodded, giving me a pat on the shoulder before heading off to reclaim his usual seat. I wondered why he went back to the booth instead of out on the dance floor to join his boy. If I wasn't stuck behind this bar, that's exactly what I would do. If Andy insisted on coming to Daddy Night now that we were together, I might have to rethink this whole thing and schedule another bartender for these events.

I tried my best to focus on the job while sneaking glances at Andy, who was having the time of his life out there. At one point, he and Mika ended up dancing back-to-back, their bodies moving in perfect sync, and I had to clench my fists to keep from abandoning my post and joining them.

But then, as if sensing my struggle, Andy suddenly broke away from the dance floor and made his way toward the bar. He always looked good, but tonight, he had a swagger that I hadn't seen in him before now. He slid onto a barstool directly across from me, leaning forward on his elbows, a playful smirk on his lips.

"Having fun watching, Daddy?" he teased, his voice low and sultry.

"Not as much as you're having out there, brat," I shot back, though I couldn't keep the grin off my face.

He chuckled, reaching across the bar to toy with the edge of my shirt. "I'd be having more fun if you were out there with me."

"I've got a job to do, slugger," I reminded him, though my resolve was weakening by the second.

"Maybe you could take a break," he suggested, his fingers brushing against my arm, sending a jolt of electricity through me.

"Go ahead, boss, you're pretty much useless back here tonight anyway," Shae teased, and Andy chuckled.

"Alright," I said, giving in. "But just one dance."

Andy's face lit up with a smile that made my heart skip a beat. He hopped off the barstool and grabbed my hand, tugging me around the bar and out to the dance floor. As soon as we were there, I pulled him close, our bodies pressed together as we moved to the music.

It felt so good to be near him, to feel the heat of his skin, to watch the way his eyes sparkled when he looked at me. The rest of the world faded away, leaving just the two of us, lost in the rhythm of the music and each other.

At some point, I spun him around so his back was against my chest, my hands resting on his hips as we swayed together. He leaned his head back against my shoulder, sighing contentedly as I pressed a kiss to his neck.

"You know you're driving me crazy, right?" I murmured into his ear, my voice husky with affection.

"That's the idea," he replied, his voice breathless. "Is it working?"

"Oh, it's definitely working," I assured him, giving his hips a gentle squeeze.

He chuckled, his hands covering mine as he melted further into my embrace. "Good. Because I'm having a lot of fun."

"So am I," I admitted, relishing the feel of him in my arms. "But you're still gonna pay for distracting me."

"Oh?" He turned his head slightly, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "And what are you gonna do about it?"

The playful challenge in his voice sent a thrill through me, and I leaned in close, my lips brushing against his ear. "You'll find out later."

When the song ended, I reluctantly pulled away, pressing a final kiss to the back of his neck before stepping back. "I've got to get back to the bar, but you stay out here and have fun, okay?"

Andy nodded, though there was a hint of disappointment in his eyes. "Okay, but don't take too long."

"I won't," I promised, giving his hand a squeeze before heading back to the bar.

As soon as I was back in my spot, I couldn't help but watch him again. He returned to his friends, laughing and dancing like nothing had changed, but every now and then, he'd glance over at me, his eyes full of that same playful challenge.

The night continued on, the energy in the club never dipping as people danced, laughed, and enjoyed the freedom that Daddy/boy Night offered. This right here was exactly what I'd wanted when we'd opened this club, and now that I had Andy here with me, I couldn't imagine anything better.

Andy

After I returned to the dance floor, I tried to focus on the music, on the laughter of my friends, but my mind kept drifting back to Jesse. I wished he didn't have to work, and we could just enjoy ourselves. Maybe I should remind him about my cowboy boots and his promise to take me dancing. I almost wore them tonight because they would've been perfect with this outfit, but a deal's a deal, so he didn't get to see my boots until he met his end of the bargain.

I wasn't sure what had gotten into Mika tonight, but he was in high spirits, twirling around with an energy that was infectious. He caught my hand and spun me around, making me laugh. It was good to be here with him and Caleb, to let loose and have fun, but I couldn't shake the thought of Jesse standing just a few feet away, watching over us with that protective, loving gaze of his.

"You're glowing, you know that?" Mika teased, leaning in close as the music pulsed around us.

"Am I?" I shot back, trying to play it cool, but the grin on my face betrayed me.

"Uh-huh," he said, winking. "I think someone's got it bad."

I chuckled, shaking my head. "Maybe I do. Can you blame me?"

"Nope, not one bit," Mika replied, his tone turning a bit more serious. "You're lucky."

"I know," I said, my voice softening. "I really am. You'll find your Daddy one of these days, Mika. Some Daddy is gonna come along and sweep you off your feet, just you wait and see."

"I hope so. My luck's been shit so far. But seeing you and Jesse and Caleb and Keith together gives me hope. I mean, seriously, Andy, I've known you for, what, almost a year, and I've never seen you happier."

I couldn't argue with that. Being with Jesse had changed everything for me. He made me feel safe, loved, and most importantly, he made me feel like I could be myself—no pretenses, no walls. Just Andy. Just his boy.

"Okay, enough of that. We're here to have fun, so let's dance." I turned my attention back to the dance floor, letting the music wash over me. But even as I tried to lose myself in the rhythm, my thoughts kept drifting back to Jesse. I couldn't help but steal glances at him behind the bar, watching as he expertly mixed drinks, his strong hands moving with practiced ease.

The way he looked tonight, so confident and in control, sent shivers down my spine. I knew he was watching me, too, his eyes never straying far, even when he was busy serving customers. That connection between us, that unspoken understanding, was something I cherished more than anything.

After a few more songs, I noticed that the same beautiful boy who'd been flirting with Jesse the other night was back at the bar. I trusted Jesse completely, but that didn't stop the little green monster of jealousy from rearing its head when the boy leaned in a little too close and said something that made Jesse chuckle. I quickly made my way over to the bar because that was my man he was throwing himself at, and I wasn't about to stay over here and watch him do it.

I kept my eyes on Jesse and felt a small burst of satisfaction as I watched him listening to Pip but scanning the crowd for me. I made a point to stay behind a small crowd that was moving in their direction so he wouldn't see me.

When I got close enough, I heard Pip say, "You know, I keep coming back here hoping one of these days you'll say yes."

I knew Jesse could handle himself. Still, he might think Pip was joking, but I knew his type, and while he may act all cute and shit, he was anything but. That boy wanted Jesse, and that made me want to hop up on the bar and announce to anyone who would listen that Jesse was my Daddy, and they all needed to keep their paws off.

"And what exactly are you hoping I'll say yes to, Pip?" Jesse replied, clearly amused.

"Oh, I don't know," Pip said, pretending to think it over. "Maybe a dance? A night on the town with yours truly?"

I saw Jesse shake his head and let out a playful sigh. "Here's your drink. I'm sure your friends are waiting for you."

Pip reached for his drink and let out an exaggerated sigh. "Fine, but a boy can dream, can't he?"

I swear I rolled my eyes so hard I almost passed out before stepping right up beside him. "Dream all you want, sugar," I said, my voice sweet but with an unmistakable edge. "But that's all you'll be doing because that man you're flirting with? He's mine."

Pip blinked, clearly taken aback by my sudden appearance. He glanced between Jesse and me, realization dawning on his face.

"Oh, hey. Sorry, I didn't mean anything by it. Just messing around," he stammered, his cheeks flushing slightly.

"No harm done," Jesse said smoothly, giving Pip a reassuring nod.

"Right… well, I'll just, uh, head back to my friends." He gave me a slight nod before slipping away into the crowd.

Once he was gone, I turned back to Jesse, feeling a little sheepish now that the moment had passed. "Sorry," I mumbled, my cheeks heating up. "I just… I didn't like the way he was looking at you. I don't want anyone getting any ideas."

He stepped around the bar and pulled me into a hug. "You don't have to apologize, but this is something we're going to have to talk about later." He pulled back, his expression turning a bit more serious than it had been earlier. "But, Andy, you've got to remember—this is my job. I have to be friendly with the customers. And I try to keep a good, playful relationship with the boys so they'll feel comfortable talking to me. It doesn't mean anything more than that."

I knew he was serious when he called me Andy instead of baby boy, so I refrained from making a joke or teasing him. Instead, I looked him straight in the eyes. "I understand that, Daddy, and I trust you completely."

"You do?" he asked, and I nodded my head. "Then what was all that about?"

"Honestly?"

"Always."

"I kind of wanted to show off a bit and claim you as mine. You realize every boy in here has wanted you for ages, right? I just kind of wanted to show everyone that you were off the market and that I was the one who bought you."

He raised one eyebrow and gave me that look. The one that told me he thought I was a bit over the top. "Bought me, huh?"

"Well, it seemed to fit with the off-the-market analogy." I shrugged.

He laughed softly, shaking his head. "You're trouble, brat."

"You love it." My grin widened as I watched the way his body relaxed again.

"I do," he said, his voice low and serious. "More than you know."

For a moment, the world around us faded, and it was just the two of us. But reality intruded as another customer approached the bar, and Jesse had to pull away to attend to them. I sighed, but I knew he had a job to do, and I wasn't about to get in the way of that.

Still, I didn't move from my spot. When he finished with the customer, he turned back to me, a playful smile tugging at his lips. "You gonna stay there all night, or are you gonna go back out and enjoy time with your friends?"

"I guess I'll go back out there. But maybe you could take another little break and dance with me?"

"I'm sure that can be arranged."