A Bid For Love

bar down in DuPont Circle." The gleam landed directly on Asher. "Namely, Remington's."
    Asher answered the look with a raised eyebrow. "And the significance of that?" He really hated Noah's attempts at humor. More so all the time.
    "Remington's? Isn't that the country-western gay bar down on--" Holly smiled suddenly, her eyes going to Asher and then to Scott. "Ooh, black hats and tight jeans. Definitely. I think I'm going to enjoy being in the van for this one."
    Scott grinned, broad and impish. "Honey, I think you might have to fight for viewing space." He winked at Eva. "You joining Holly in the drooling?" But Asher knew exactly what Scott meant.
    Oddly, the thought of his lover transfixed by the sight of Asher in western wear had a certain appeal. Still... "I'm sure Noah will look quite fetching."
    Oh, Noah's twitch just made all the innuendo bearable. "At any rate, we've got intel from one of Holly's snitches that Turnbull has a meeting with a potential buyer tonight at Remington's. We're going to be there to catch all the details so we can slam the lid on this guy once and for all."
    "So we're hoping to take him down the minute he completes the sale then? No waiting for Surveillance to record it all and send it off the Assistant US Attorney." Asher cracked his knuckles softly. "Works for me. I'm bored with reports and knocking on doors for arrests."
    "Well, there's no guarantee this is the actual trade-off." Scott crossed his arms over his chest, leaning back just enough for his arm to brush Asher's. "Not exactly a great place to haul a vanload of weapons. But we'll get the place and time for the actual deal." The brush turned into a nudge. "Better brush up on our Boot-Scoot Boogie, buddy. It's been years since I line danced."
    "I fear I don't have that particular step in my repertoire. Perhaps Noah remembers the moves." Asher grinned across at other agent. "I'm sure he'd cut quite the dash at a place like Remington's."
    Noah's twitch this time could have been termed a full-blown flinch. Scott snorted. "Please. It's got to be you. I'm sure as hell not sitting in a gay bar trying to look inconspicuous with Noah in a half-seizure every time somebody walks by and gives him a once-over." Strong fingers suddenly twined with his, and Asher tried to keep his gasp to himself as Scott raised their hands for a brief kiss across Asher's knuckles. "You at least can manage to sit still and smile. I'll teach you the dance this afternoon."
    Noah's flinch couldn't be described any other way as Asher's convulsive swallow did nothing to aid his ability to speak.
    "Oh, you've got that right." Eva snorted. "Asher isn't much better, though. Right now he looks more like one of those bug-eyed Japanese carp than a willing lover." Her laser glare fastened on Asher.
    How incredibly tempting to throw all caution to the wind and show her just exactly how willing he could be with the right partner. The urge to just take Scott's face in his hands and kiss his lover senseless had to be quashed into a squeeze over the Texan's hand. Scott's eyes held perfect understanding, a gift he'd never had with anyone. "As we're not in the club at this moment, I believe I can manage to sink into character before it's needed. I simply assumed Noah wished a front row seat."
    The other man shivered ever so slightly as Eva rolled her eyes in an amazingly unladylike fashion. "I think I might be more useful behind the bar." Noah turned back to the plasma. "So Scott and Asher are our couple, I'm pouring drinks. Holly, I need you in the van keeping an eye on our perp. Henderson and Knotts from Demoine's unit are joining us for backup as a second couple. Surveillance is also backing us up." He glowered at their still clasped hands. "You have until eight tonight to get ready."
    "Let's go have a dance lesson." Scott grinned and tugged at Asher's hand. "Then we need to go find a Western shop. I love it when the Bureau picks up the tab."
    "Scott, I need a minute before you go." Noah's tone indicated far more than business. "Conference A."
    Scott rolled his eyes, but grinned and gave Asher's knuckles another kiss before releasing Asher's hand. "Until later then, baby." He sauntered off, while Noah followed with a full glower ruining his pretty face.
    Oh, no. Asher wasn't about to let this conversation go unheard. He waited until Noah and Scott disappeared into Conference A, then ducked into Conference B, making use of a tried-and-true method of surveillance: a thick,