Win closed his eyes for a second. There’d be no turning back if he went through with it. Then he recalled how hurt Elliot had been after being mistreated by his shithead boyfriends, and that list he’d seen, and got an idea.
He retraced his steps. “What’s up?”
“Share with me? Please? I got chicken parm, and they always give a huge order. Like double the food anyone could eat.”
“Did you order from Mama’s? They have the best chicken parm.”
“No, I always order from Alfredo’s.”
Win wrinkled his nose. “Never had it.”
“Guess it’s time you tried, huh?”
They stared at each other for a moment, and then Win nodded. “Okay. Let me change, and I’ll be over in a few?” He had a couple of things he wanted to bring with him.
“Sure. I’ll set the table. I usually eat on the couch, watching television, but…”
“But nothing. I love eating on the couch and watching movies while I eat.”
A wide, delighted smile was all he needed to know he’d said the right thing.
“Okay. Great.”
Win went home. He stripped out of his clothes, leaving them in a heap on the bathroom floor, then trimmed down his beard and took a shower so quickly, the water barely had time to hit his skin. Dressed in sweats and a T-shirt, he debated for a hot second before he tossed some things from the kitchen into a bag, shoved his feet into a pair of slides he kept by the front door, and swiftly crossed the grassy lawn between their houses. At the first ring, Elliot opened the door.
“The Chinese food came too, but I’ll leave it for later. I have the Italian set out, so we can dive right in.”
“Good.” He hadn’t been kidding when he said he was hungry. The calories from the sandwiches he and Forrest had eaten around noon had burned off hours ago with the adrenaline rush of the arrests.
Now his blood ran hot and fast for a different reason.
Following Elliot, he admired the firm ass in those sweats and had to hold off from hauling the guy to him and kissing him. Jesus, he’d gone from celibate to his tongue hanging out in the span of a week.
Slow your roll. If you’re too eager, he’ll think you’re his boyfriend.
The platter had been split between two plates, and Elliot had put a pitcher of water and some beers on the coffee table as well.
“Damn, that is a ton of food.”
“Told you,” Elliot said, a little smugly. “It’s the best.”
“Let’s see.” The smell of garlic and spices hit his nose, and his mouth watered. “I’m ready.” They dived into the meal, and Win moaned around his fork. “Oh God, this is amazing.”
“Mmph.” Elliot was too busy chewing.
They finished, and with the plates cleared of food, they lounged on the couch, legs stretched out. Elliot was barefooted, so Win kicked off his slides as well.
“What did you bring in the bag?”
Sated and pleasantly tired, Win hummed. “Well, I figured if you were supplying the dinner, I’d bring dessert. It’s nothing fancy, but I wanted to show my appreciation.”
He dug into the bag and pulled out a box of cookies from an Italian bakery. “I always like to keep a box of cookies around. And if you don’t like cookies, I brought these too.” Out came the five-pound bag of jelly beans he’d aimlessly munch on while doing paperwork at home.
“You brought cookies and candy?” Elliot made no move to touch either the box or the bag.
“Thought it would be fun to pretend we were at the movies. Maybe it was stupid.”
“No,” Elliot said softly. “Not stupid at all. Nice. Thank you.”
