A Milkshake in a Bar!!

Later that night, Xavier and Jayden arrived at a gay bar.

The moment they stepped inside, loud music surrounded them. Colored lights swept across the crowded room as men danced, talked, flirted, and laughed. Some were seated around small tables, while others moved freely to the rhythm of the music.

Xavier stopped just inside the entrance. His eyes moved around the room before dropping to his clothes.

He immediately regretted letting Jayden choose his outfit.

His tight-fitting top clung to his body, while his short trousers exposed far more of his thighs than he was comfortable with.

He tugged at the hem. It rode back up almost immediately. Xavier frowned. “Jayden.”

Jayden looked at him. “What?”

“Are you sure this is okay?”

Jayden looked him over from head to toe and smiled. “Of course.”

Xavier tugged at the hem again. “I can barely walk in this thing. I feel like I'm going to expose myself every time I move.”

Jayden laughed. “Stop adjusting it. You're only making yourself more noticeable.”

Xavier shot him an annoyed look before touching his face. “And the makeup? Don't you think it's too much?”

“Relax. You look great.”

“I look ridiculous.”

“You're overthinking everything.” Jayden leaned closer and lowered his voice. “Besides, if there's ever a raid, nobody will recognize you easily.”

Xavier stared at him. "It's the worst excuse I've ever heard.”

Jayden laughed and grabbed his wrist. “Come on.”

He pulled Xavier toward the bar before he could complain again.

They took two seats and ordered wine. Xavier wasn't much of a drinker, so he kept his alcohol intake light while Jayden seemed perfectly comfortable with his own glass.

For a while, they simply sat there, watching the crowd. Eventually, Xavier turned toward his friend. “Didn't you say we were going to have fun? We've been sitting here the entire time.”

Jayden smiled as he took another sip. “Rule number one: you don't chase anyone. Let them come to you.”

Xavier scoffed. “That's your strategy?”

"It has never failed me." Jayden shrugged and pointed toward a man. “Look over there."

Xavier followed his hands and saw a man sipping a white liquid. "What type of drink is meant to be white?" Xavier frowned. "Is that... a milkshake?"

Jayden stared. "In a bar? No way. No one does that."

Before Xavier could respond, Jayden's phone suddenly vibrated.

He checked the screen and sighed. “My boyfriend.”

Jayden stood and stepped away from the bar to answer the call.

Xavier watched him disappear into the crowd before turning his attention back to the room.

Almost immediately, he noticed several people looking in his direction. Heads turned as they passed him.

A few men even smiled at him. Xavier shifted uncomfortably in his seat.

One man eventually approached. “Hi.”

“Hey.”

“Are you here alone?”

Xavier glanced toward the direction Jayden had disappeared. “Not exactly.”

The man smiled. “Can I buy you a drink?”

Xavier politely shook his head. “Sorry. I'm celibate."

The man's expression froze. “Oh.”

Xavier nodded solemnly. “Yes. Very much so.”

The man stared at him for a second before giving a slow nod. “Right. Got it.”

He turned and walked away.

Xavier watched him leave before muttering under his breath. “That worked.”

A few minutes later, Jayden returned. He picked up his wine, took a sip, and immediately coughed.

Xavier turned toward him. “What happened?”

Jayden wiped his mouth with the back of his hand and scratched his head awkwardly. “My boyfriend wants me to meet him.”

Xavier stared at him. “Now?”

“Yeah. He called to make sure I was still coming.”

“But I thought he dropped you off at home.”

“He did. I left our date early because you needed me, remember? Now he's waiting for me.”

Xavier's expression fell. “So you're leaving me here?”

Jayden gave him an apologetic smile. “I know it sucks, but I can't keep him waiting all night.”

“Are you kidding me? You're the one who brought me here!”

“I know.”

“You can't leave me alone in a place where I don't know anyone.”

“Relax. You'll be fine.”

Xavier narrowed his eyes. “You're seriously abandoning me?”

Jayden laughed. “You might actually have more fun without me.”

“I don't know anyone here.”

“You'll make friends.”

“Jayden, I could kill you right now.” Xavier glared at him so intensely that Jayden burst out laughing.

“If eyes could kill, you'd already be planning my funeral.”

“Maybe I am.”

“Have fun.”

“You're the worst.”

Jayden grinned and was about to leave when a waiter approached their table.

“Excuse me.”

Both men looked up. The waiter placed a receipt on the table. “Your bill has already been paid.”

Xavier blinked. “What?”

“Someone covered it for you.”

Jayden glanced around. “Who?”

The waiter pointed toward the other side of the bar. “There.”

Xavier followed his gaze.

His eyes landed on the same man Jayden had pointed out.

The stranger now had one leg crossed over the other. A pair of glasses rested neatly on the bridge of his nose, giving him an air of sophistication.

He looked untouchable. And, unfortunately, incredibly handsome.

Xavier's gaze lingered.

There was something about the man's presence that made it difficult to look away. His features were striking, but it was the effortless confidence in his posture that caught Xavier's attention.

“Damn…” Realizing he had been staring for too long, Xavier quickly looked away.

But curiosity got the better of him. A moment later, he glanced back.

The stranger was already looking directly at him and their eyes met.

Neither of them moved until the man's lips curved into a faint smile. He lifted his glass.

Without saying a word, he mouthed across the distance, "You're free to join me."

Xavier's heart skipped.