Love is Always Write Anthology Volume 5

believe it when Jackman stood his machine to the side and, after knocking off some of the dust that had accumulated over his jeans, casually strolled over to stand in front of him.
    "Hi."
    Oh, God! Mike wasn't sure how rude it was to gawk at the man's chest, but shit, the sweat soaked T-shirt he wore barely stretched over that broad expanse. He blinked and slowly raised his gaze to meet dark brown eyes that were fixed on him with amusement.
    "Are you all right?"
    The question threw Mike, but then he realized it shouldn't have considering he was standing there with his mouth hanging open and his eyes halfway to bugging out of his head.
    "Um, yes, fine," he managed to get out, wondering if his dignity would dare to follow him after this.
    "Are you interested in construction?"
    "What?" Mike lost his concentration observing the way Jackman licked his lips as if tasting something he liked.
    "You seem to slow down every time you pass by here. I was wondering if it was because of what we're doing."
    "Oh, no, it's not the construction." Oh damn. Maybe he should have said it was, that way he'd have an excuse to listen to those deep melodious tones as Jackman talked, and to continue to watch the way he moved his mouth. Or maybe it was just better that he get out of here right now and make sure he never passed this way again.
    "So why do you slow down?"
    Don't say it, don't say it! "Because of you."
    Mike put his runaway mouth down to pure intimidation. Well, no that wasn't right. Jackman was not trying to intimidate, he just gave off this aura of sheer power and confidence, which made Mike feel weak and submissive. Dropping his gaze, Mike just stood there, like a frightened rabbit trapped within the gaze of a prowling fox.
    "So would you like to go for a drink?"
    Startled, Mike's gaze flew back to Jackman's. "Really?" Shit, why did his voice sound so eager and pathetic?
    "Well, I think it would be a nice way to get to know one other. I prefer dates than just hooking up."
    A date. Jackman had just asked him out on a date. That big, hulking, giant of a man, who looked like he could crush stone with his bare hands, had asked him, a scrawny pipsqueak who couldn't lift his own weight even if he tried, on a date.
    Mike nodded before his brain could come up with an excuse as to why that was a silly idea. "Yes, please."
    Jackman smiled, the lift of his mouth softening the hard planes of his face. "Good. How about Smith's at six?"
    "Um…." Mike pulled out his phone and quickly tapped the screen a few times. At Jackman's tilt of the head, Mike realized he was probably coming across as a nerd, which he wasn't, well not really. "Six is fine," he said, forcing a sound of confidence into his voice.
    "Thank God for that, because I didn't think I could have waited another day to see you again."
    "See me?"
    "Yeah. Every morning I've watched you walk by, and this time I decided to find out what had you so fascinated." Jackman's smile turned into a grin. "I'm glad it was me."
    Embarrassment had Mike blushing, but he managed to hold the beautiful brown gaze that was as warm as the early morning sun peeking through the buildings.
    "Hey, Steve, are you still trying to convince that guy to go out with you?"
    Steve rolled his eyes, but otherwise ignored the taunt. Mike, however nearly dropped his phone.
    "They know you're gay?"
    "Of course they do. It's not as if I could hide it."
    Mike wasn't sure what Steve meant, because as far as he was concerned, Steve looked as far from gay as anyone could get! His thoughts must have shown on his face because Steve laughed, the deep rumble from his chest sounding like a distant roll of thunder.
    "I'll show you," he said, his smile once again capturing Mike's attention. "When we're alone," he added with a wink.
    Mike mutely nodded, suddenly feeling a little overwhelmed. Steve came across as a really confident and compelling guy, and Mike wasn't sure if he could handle anyone like that. All his past relationships had been with guys like him, shy and awkward. But he hadn't had any luck with them, so maybe he needed to give himself the chance to try someone different.
    "Then I'll meet you at six." It was a statement, not a question, as if Steve didn't expect Mike to change his mind. Steve smiled again, and then headed back to the construction zone. With a quick grin he picked up the heavy jackhammer, and with an ease born of both familiarity and strength, started it up and began the fascinating task of macerating