Page 103 of Whiskey Neat

“That was so beautiful,” he says. “Thank you.”

I half sob and half laugh. “You’re thanking me?”

“It was an experience. A moment. At the risk of sounding over-the-top, it’s never been like that for me.” He wipes the tears from my cheeks. “I am so damn in love with you, Salem. I’m blown away by it.”

Another wave of tears pushes forward, but I blow out a breath to stave them off. “It was the same for me. The best by far.”

Indy rolls us to our sides, gazing at me with a warm smile on his lips. “Move in with me.”

I gasp. “What?”

“Move in, Salem. Live here with me. Let’s build a beautiful life together. We’ve both earned it.”

My bottom lip quivers again. “Dammit, Indy. You’re totally ruining my tough facade.”

He brushes a lock of hair behind my ear. “I want to wake up with you and fall asleep in your arms. I want all your highs and your lows. I want your laughter, and if you have any tears to shed, I want to be there to wipe them away. I want to do this with you, and I’m all in. Are you?”

I take a second to search my heart, looking for the warning pings I’ve ignored a thousand times with other men, but all I’m getting is love.

“I’m all in.”

The smile on his face could light a city block. “How about we celebrate with my finest whiskey?”

“Perfect. I’ve learned to appreciate a top shelf whiskey neat.”

“The best stuff should be savored and enjoyed for all its nuances. Just like you.”

“Okay, Romeo.”

Indy grins. “Too much?”

“Just right.”

THIRTY-FIVE

INDIANA

“Come on, everyone,” Lowen calls, waving us toward him. “It’s time.”

I blow out a breath and squeeze Salem’s hand. “Fuck, I’m nervous.”

“I get it, but there’s no reason to be. It’s gonna be great.”

Nodding, I press a kiss to his cheek. “You’re right.”

We follow Lowen and everyone outside. Oakley and his crew are here, as well as our new wait and kitchen staff. A crowd greets us, to my surprise, and a man with a camera steps forward.

Lowen smiles. “Hi, Rick. Thanks for being here.”

“Happy to participate,” Rick, the photographer, says.

“What’s this, Low?”

His pretty smile lights up his face. “Oh, just a little article in tomorrow’s business page in the New Onyx Times.”

“Seriously?”

“Let’s just say my name has a little pull stateside too.”