As if summoned by our attention, the man with the glasses excuses himself from his group and makes his way to our table. Up close, he’s more attractive than I initially thought—not in a flashy way like Bobby, but solid, dependable, with sharp eyes behind those glasses.
“Hey, Bobby,” the man says. “Didn’t know you’d be here tonight.”
“Eddie! Hi!” Bobby’s voice jumps half an octave. “Yeah, just hanging out, waiting for my brother.”
Eddie’s eyes shift to me, openly curious. “And you are…?”
“Jacob,” I offer, extending a hand, which he shakes firmly.
“Eddie Morgan,” he says. “You a friend of Bobby’s?”
“You could say so. I’m dating his brother.”
“Oh.” Eddie’s shoulders visibly relax. “Riley, right? I think we met here once.”
“Right,” Bobby confirms, his cheeks flushing pink.
Eddie nods, glancing between us. “That’s… great.” He shifts his weight, seeming unsure what else to say. “So, Bobby, are we still on for Saturday for the… thing?”
Bobby blinks. “Thing?”
“Yeah, you know… the thing we discussed.”
“Oh! Right! The thing. Um, yeah, we’re still on for that.”
I watch this exchange with growing interest. I have no idea what they’re talking about, but Eddie’s clearly fishing for conversation, and Bobby’s clearly enjoying the attention. There’s something happening here, which is so fascinating to watch. Like a train wreck.
“Great, well, I’ll text you about the time on Friday, if that’s okay.”
“Yes! That’d be great.”
Before Eddie can say anything else, the door to the bar swings open, and my entire focus shifts. Riley walks in, scanning the room until his eyes find me. He’s still in his work clothes minus the white coat—dark slacks and a blue button-down with thesleeves rolled up to reveal his forearms. My pulse quickens just looking at him.
He spots us and makes his way over, sliding into the booth next to me. “Sorry I’m late,” he says, dropping a quick kiss on my lips. “Procedure ran long.”
“Everyone survive?” I ask, resting my hand on his thigh under the table.
“They did.” Riley notices Eddie standing there. “Hi there. Eddie, right?”
Eddie nods. “Yeah, good to see you again.”
Riley’s eyes dart from Eddie to Bobby’s flushed face and back again. “You too.”
An awkward silence falls. Eddie breaks it first, gesturing back to his friends. “I should get back to my game. But, uh, Bobby—I’ll text you about that thing we discussed. See you around.”
“Definitely,” Bobby breathes.
Eddie gives us all a nod before heading back to the pool tables. Once he’s out of earshot, Riley turns to Bobby with raised eyebrows. “What was that about?”
“What?” Bobby attempts innocence. “We’re just friendly.”
“Mmhmm.” Riley doesn’t sound convinced. “Then why are you blushing?”
“It’s just hot in here,” Bobby says and stands abruptly. “I need to use the bathroom.” He points at Riley. “Don’t say a word until I get back.”
As Bobby disappears toward the restrooms, Riley turns to me, a smile playing at his lips. “So, how’s it going with my brother?”
“Good,” I say honestly. “He’s cool.”