The first thought that flickered through Graham’s mind was that Thad had been forced to park farther away because of a lack of available spots. He’d gotten to the party before Graham tonight though, and Graham hadn’t had any trouble parking close.
When there was a gap in traffic, Graham turned, cruising up beside Thad.
His expression was wary, and he walked faster, darting quick glances over his shoulder until Graham got the window down and called out, “Hey, Thad!”
“Uh, hey,” Thad said, frowning at him as he slowed. “What’s up?”
“Why are you walking? Where’s your car?”
“In the shop. Some exhaust issue.” Thad stopped and so did Graham, putting on his flashers as some asshole swerved around him and laid on the horn, nearly taking out his side mirror. “I was going to take the MBTA home.”
“You want a ride instead?” Graham had heard nightmares about the city’s public transit system.
“Uh, sure,” Thad said, sounding surprised as he leaned his elbows on the open window. “I mean, I don’t mind walking or hopping on the train. It’s a nice night. And my place is way out of your way …”
Graham shrugged. “It’s fine. I’m heading over to Madison’s anyway.”
Thad rolled his eyes. “Dude, then why the fuck are you offering me a ride? What kind of buddy would I be if I kept you from getting laid?”
Graham bit back the urge to make a comment he knew he shouldn’t say aloud. “It’s fine. It’s still pretty early and she’s got a thing tonight. Some event she had to attend for work. We weren’t getting together until later anyway. I was going to chill there until she got home.”
“Sure, okay,” Thad said, sliding into Graham’s car.
Graham’s heart leaped when their forearms brushed.
“Any big plans for tomorrow?” he asked as he turned off the flashers and merged into traffic again.
“Uhh, medicals and testing for training camp?” Thad said, buckling himself in. “Same as you. I mean, not same as you. I’ll be recording while you sweat your balls off but …”
Graham laughed. “Right. Yeah. I meant, like … after.”
“Don’t you guys usually do a big lunch or something. Like the whole team? I thought I heard Connor planning it anyway.”
“Right. Yeah, we are definitely doing that. I meant afterthat.” Graham slowed to a stop at the light and glanced over.
Thad was staring at him with a puzzled expression. “Why?” he asked slowly. “You want to hang out?”
Graham shrugged. “Yeah. I mean, if you’re up for it.”
“Probably.” Thad pulled out his phone. “Gotta check my calendar.”
“Hookups booked solid?” Graham teased as the light turned, the engine revving with a quiet growl as he accelerated again.
“Something like that.”
Thad looked out the passenger window as Graham focused on driving.
They both fell silent, and Graham wanted to say something, wanted to apologize or figure out the exact right words to make this awkwardness between them go away.
Hehatedthis.
Thad stared out the window of Graham’s luxurious white Mercedes, the smell of the buttery leather and Graham’s cologne mingling together.
He shouldn’t have gotten in Graham’s car.
Only, he’d been relieved it was Graham who’d driven up. The sight of a car cruising up to him had made him tense, bracing himself for a confrontation.
Hypervigilance, his therapist, Harlan Sparks, had called it. Due to years of being on edge while he was incarcerated. Constantly on high alert for any signs of potential violence.
