“Which is why we love you.”
Emmett blushed. “We’re heading about twenty miles north of the city. The park spans three thousand acres and is mostly forest. There are some hiking trails but it doesn’t attract as many visitors as other nearby parks, so it’s ideal for a Wolf Run.”
“The idea of running as recreation is beyond me,” Bryn said. “Especially in a cold, damp forest. If I have to get wet, I’d rather swim. Preferably in a nice warm pool.”
“I did some orienteering at school,” Emmett said. “I like maps and clues and you don’t have to run all the time.”
“Marginally better,” Bryn admitted.
“We have to head to the main parking area because it’s big enough to accommodate everyone and there are amenities there.”
“Is there a coffee place?”
“No, but there are some good places in Andover, which is only five or ten minutes’ drive away.”
“Five if Gunnar’s driving,” Bryn muttered. He settled back in his seat.
For once, traffic was with them, which Bryn put down to no one else in their right minds being out in the appalling weather, and they arrived in good time. Gunnar slid the car into a space in the already busy lot.
“Wolves must really like the rain,” Bryn said. He peered out of the window. “Oh. Oh wow. This day is improving rapidly.”
“Why?” Emmett leaned over the seat to take a look too. “Ooh!”
“You two want to put your tongues back in your mouths?” Gunnar gave Bryn a hard stare.
“What? I’ve never seen so many hot men in one place before and half of them aren’t wearing much. Do they not feel the cold?”
“Not so much. Wolves are hot blooded and they’re wearing running gear, they’re not naked.” Gunnar stripped off his top, exposing a skintight tee in some kind of shiny material, then pushed his seat back so he could shimmy out of his sweatpants.
Bryn had to force his eyes away from Gunnar’s crotch. “Is it warm in here? We’re steaming up.”
“One of us is,” Gunnar said. “I suggest you both stay in the car until the start. I’m going to say hi to a few guys I know.”
“You arenotleaving us in here,” Bryn protested. “I want to meet all the yummy…your friends. I want to meet your friends.” He pushed his shades up his nose then pulled on his gloves.
“What happened to not wanting to be out in the miserable weather?”
“Fresh air is good for me. You said so. Several times. And Emmett doesn’t get out of the office often enough.”
“No, I don’t!” Emmett agreed with enthusiasm. “This is a very…scenic spot.”
“You do realize that most of these guys aren’t gay, don’t you?” Gunnar got out of the car then fetched his runners from the trunk.
Bryn zipped his jacket and went to join him. “You said most, so that means that some are, right?”
“By the balance of possibility, they must be,” Emmett contributed as he joined them. “However, my gaydar has been on the fritz since I realized I like boys.”He shrugged. “It’s okay to look at the straight ones too, though, right?”
“No. No looking. No touching.” Warden’s gruff voice came from behind Emmett, making Emmett yelp.
“Hey, Warden, you okay to keep an eye on these two? I’m heading over to registration,” Gunnar said.
“Sure.”
Gunnar jogged away and Bryn made eye contact with his boss. “I was about to say you’re not the boss of me, but you kinda are, so…”
“So you and Emmett are going to behave yourselves.”
“Yes, sir,” Emmett squeaked.
