Free Island Heat by E. Davies Page A

reached the table, he found Eli leaning back in his chair. They were designed as tall stools with backs to make it more comfortable to stay and drink for longer. Everything on this island was designed for maximum profit, he was beginning to realize.
    “Here's your French Kiss,” Kevin murmured, sliding the drink and dessert in front of Eli. “On the house, for you, tonight. Since I invited you here.”
    “Oh, no,” Eli shook his head with a grin. “Not on your first night of business, you're not pulling that.” He winked and leaned forward to tuck a folded bill into Kevin's shirt pocket. It grazed against Kevin's nipple, and holy shit , that made nerves Kevin hadn't known existed light up.
    “I-- okay,” Kevin gave in, mostly because he was breathless. “This time.”
    “The next time you treat me to a French kiss, though... that one can be free,” Eli teased, his eyes slowly wandering down to Kevin's lips.
    Kevin tucked his serving tray under his arm, suddenly unable to forget how they'd very nearly gotten that far on their first kiss. He hadn't been able to resist pressing closer to Eli, seeking more of those warm, wet lips sliding against his...
    “Any time you want,” Kevin murmured, keeping his voice to barely more than a whisper.
    Eli slowly smiled. He looked around the restaurant casually as he leaned back in his chair and sipped his drink. The sight of his lips wrapped around that pink straw drew Kevin's attention for a moment before Kevin caught himself and looked back into Eli's eyes. “Delicious,” Eli approved with a slight nod.
    “Thanks.”
    Eli tried a bite of the lemon bar and his eyes lit up. “Oh, it's... sweet, but acidic. Very nice.” He licked his lips. “Makes you pucker up, just like the name. Genius.”
    Kevin blushed at the compliments. “Thanks,” he repeated for lack of anything better to say.
    “I know this is forward,” Eli began, and an overjoyed thrill ran through Kevin's body. Kevin had a good idea what he was about to say.
    “I don't mind,” Kevin assured him.
    Eli smiled. “Would you come home with me after you close up here?”
    Kevin didn't hesitate to nod. He might not have been completely sure what was going on with his sexuality, but he knew what he had to do to find out. He wanted to explore with this gorgeous guy.
    “I'll wait for you outside after you close, then,” Eli offered with a smile. The door opened to the street and he glanced over Kevin's shoulder to redirect Kevin's attention. “You'd better take care of your other customers.”
    “Okay,” Kevin nodded, resisting the urge to stare at Eli for a moment or two longer. He didn't know how he'd get this one past Troy, but he didn't care. He wanted to take up that invitation more than anything.
    ***
    It turned out to be remarkably easy to keep his evening plans to himself, since Eli headed out a few minutes before they closed when he started turning the bar and dessert cabinet lighting off. A few others had to be gently persuaded to leave, and then they brought their cash to the back office to reconcile tomorrow morning with clear heads.
    “I've got an invitation--” Troy began, looking at his watch.
    Kevin laughed. “Go on,” he waved his hand. “I'll lock up.”
    “Fuck, you're the best.” Troy reached out to half-hug Kevin and squeeze his shoulder. “It was great tonight. We're gonna be fine.”
    After the sudden rush of business they'd had just after suppertime, Kevin could believe it now. Many of them had kept buying expensive cocktails without caring for how much they were spending, and they tipped unbelievably well, too. Troy had been a little less surprised at how good the tips were, but Kevin wasn't used to working in places where he could even accept tips. The one job he'd had as a waiter had been an unpopular chain restaurant where he'd racked up a dollar or two at a time, not tens and twenties.
    Once Troy headed out, Kevin turned the office lights off and locked up, then walked