“I’m in New York, not LA.”Wes took a deepbreath, his body suddenly filled with nerves.“That’s part of thereason I called.I wanted to tell you before you read about it on agossip site.Ryker and I are dating.Each other.Exclusively.We’rein a relationship.”Wes realized he was babbling.“And that’sit.”
There was a momentary pause before Greyburst out laughing.“Are you serious?Aren’t you the same man whoonce said relationships make you break out in hives?”
Grey continued to laugh as Wes rubbed hisneck and rolled his eyes.“Okay, okay, so I got burned once and itsoured me on anything long term.Or anything more than one night.But shit happens, things change,” Wes said.
“Shit happens?Wow, don’t tell Ryker that’show you described meeting him.”Grey chuckled, then cleared histhroat.“But seriously, I’m happy for you.I could see thechemistry between you two when we were at Mac’s, but I just assumedyou would stay away from each other, given the potential businessrelationship.”
“We couldn’t stay away.He’s amazing.Andit’s not just the sex.We talk about everything.We have thisinsane connection.I can’t explain it.But the sex is fuckingunreal.I just look at him and it’s all I can do not to rip hisclothes off.”Wes was getting hot again, and he yanked on his shirtcollar.Nearby passengers gave him the side eye.Shit, maybelower your voice and calm down.
Grey coughed.“TMI, Wes.Keep that toyourself.Anyway, are you set for your last stop in Portland?”
“I’m pumped up.More interviews, the lastwriters’ conference, and I’m done.When that’s over, I’m headedhome for a rest, and then back to New York to see my man.”
“Your man?Who the fuck are you?”Grey asked.
“I don’t know, but I feel fucking amazing!”Wes yelled.Heads all around him turned to stare.He mouthed aquicksorryto the other waiting passengers.
“…bothering you, has he?”
“What?Sorry, I didn’t catch that.”
“Wes, I need you to concentrate for a fewminutes while I’m talking.Can you do that?”Grey paused.“HasKieran contacted you again?”
Wes’s good mood suddenly shifted downward.“Not since a few days ago.Why?”he asked.
“He’s been e-mailing and calling my office,saying you’re getting back together.I know it’s bullshit, but he’sbeen aggressive.All this to say, watch your back.If he crosses aline, you may need to get a restraining order.It might also be agood idea to stick a PI on him to see why he’s resurfaced.My guessis he needs money.”
Wes scratched his head and leaned forward.“Yeah, that’s my instinct, too.I’ll reach out to Luca to get a PIon retainer just in case.As for the rest, I’ll be aware.Thanksfor looking out for me, as always.”
“No problem.Look, I’ve got a shitload ofwork piling up, but we’ll talk soon, okay?Safe travels.”
“Thanks.See you in a week.”
Wes was checking his phone again when anannouncement interrupted.“Flight number 671 to Portland is nowboarding.First-class passengers are asked to please proceed toGate 31.”
Wes sent a few more texts and boarded hisflight.He was getting seated when his phone pinged and a pictureof Ryker with Spock popped up.
Ryker:We miss you already xoxo.
Wes:I miss you more.
****
Ryker
Getting out of bed after a twenty-four-hoursexathon was not easy.Every muscle ached, in the best of ways, andRyker’s mind was all over the place.Wes had done something to hisconcentration because all Ryker could do was lie there andsmile.
Reality intruded when his phone beeped witha reminder about his video call with his agent at eleven.Butbefore that, Ryker needed to talk to Mac and Cal before hisrelationship became public knowledge.He decided a group text wouldbe the most comfortable way for him to get the conversationgoing.
Ryker:You guys busy?
Cal:Sorta.
Mac:Yes.
Of course, Mac was busy.The man was an evenbigger workaholic than Ryker.
Ryker:I have news.
