Bound in Blood by J. P. Bowie Page B

other corner table in LA could boast so many hot-looking men. And it wasn’t over yet. Ron answered the door again and admitted two more handsome strangers introduced to Chris as Joseph Meyer and Micah Fitzgerald.
    How many more hotties are going to show up ? he wondered.
    “That’s it, no more,” Roger said, smiling at him. “The gang’s all here.”
    Chris stared at him. Did he just read my mind ? “Did you just read my mind?”
    Roger chuckled. “Yes. Didn’t Carlos tell you I moonlight as a clairvoyant?”
    BOUND IN BLOOD
    J. P. Bowie
    63
     
    Good-natured laugher rippled round the table, but Carlos didn’t miss the warning look Marcus cast at Roger. It seemed that Roger’s impishness could get a little out of hand at times.
    “Christopher is from Santa Barbara,” Jean-Claude said, changing the subject from things paranormal.
    “Nice,” Micah remarked. “A bit conservative though.”
    “Tell me,” Chris laughed. “West Hollywood’s at the opposite end of the spectrum in comparison.”
    Ron brought another bottle of wine to the table. “This vintage has passed inspection by Christopher who is heir to a vineyard in Santa Barbara.”
    “Wow, impressive.” Roger held out his glass for a refill. “What label should we look for?”
    “Mountain Ridge Fine Wines,” Chris replied, a trace of pride in his voice. “The cabernet won honourable mention in Great Wines Magazine last year.”
    “I’ll tell the boss to order some for the bar,” Ron said. “He’s always looking for new brands.”
    “I’m going home for the weekend, so I’ll bring a bottle for you and him to sample.”
    Chris looked around the table at the handsome men and found himself relaxing in their company. He’d been a little nervous of meeting Carlos’ friends, but they seemed so nice and friendly. He couldn’t help but notice how bonded the couples were. If Micah sat any closer to Joseph, his lover, he’d be in his lap, while Ron and Jean-Claude traded small smiles with one another across the table. Roger was a kidder, but easy to like, and Marcus—well, his sexy smile and husky voice would turn anyone’s head—even Chris’—if he wasn’t already smitten with Carlos. He turned to smile at the man in question and took his hand.
    Funny, that his hands were always so cool to the touch, and now, when he thought about it, all the men he’d shaken hands with had that same coolness—all except Ron whose hands had been as warm as his own. Strange… He was suddenly aware Roger gazed at him with mischievous eyes.
    “Cold hands, warm hearts,” Roger murmured.
    “You did it again,” Chris exclaimed. “How do you do that?”
    Roger’s expression changed to one of innocence. “Do what?”
    BOUND IN BLOOD
    J. P. Bowie
    64
     
    “You read my mind, again. You weren’t kidding when you said you were clairvoyant, were you?”
    “ Roger .” Marcus made an imperceptible movement with his hand, and Chris laughed suddenly.
    “That’s the darnedest thing.” He flushed slightly with embarrassment. “I’ve totally forgotten what we were talking about. I’m sorry.”
    “You were telling us about the cabernet from your vineyard,” Joseph said, leaning forward with seeming interest.
    “Oh right. Well, it’s not mine. I mean, it’s my parents’ vineyard, but I’m very proud of what they’ve done.” He wondered why Marcus was looking daggers at Roger, not that Roger seemed worried about it. He was smiling sweetly at Marcus who gave a loud sigh of resignation. Well, he must have missed something there, he guessed.
    Chris leant back in his chair as Carlos massaged the back of his neck with his strong fingers. Oh, but that felt good. The sensations rippling through his body created in him a need to be alone with Carlos, to show him just how much he loved him, and would miss him while he was in Santa Barbara.
    Carlos put his lips to Chris’ ear and whispered, “We won’t stay long. I have a need to be alone with