Elliot’s free hand twisted in his hair, and Win hated the darkness in his eyes, where only moments earlier passion blazed hot and fiery.
“I promise I’ll do it tomorrow.…I’m not lying. One day won’t make a difference.…Stop it. Please.…First thing.…I don’t know exactly what time.…No, I’m not raising my voice.…I’m sorry. I will.…I will. Yeah.…Uh-huh. I’ll talk to you tomorrow.”
The only sound now was Elliot’s heavy breathing, and then the bed creaked when he stood and reached for his clothes.
“Hey. What happened?”
Face tight and pale, Elliot shrugged and stepped into his briefs, tucking himself away. With the prospect of sex gone—at least temporarily—Win rose from the bed and dressed as well. He followed Elliot down the steps. The man couldn’t seem to get away from him fast enough.
“Elliot. Hold up. What’s wrong?” Afraid he would leave, Win put his hand on Elliot’s shoulder, only to feel the muscles turn rock-hard with tension.
“Nothing.”
“I don’t need to be a detective to call bullshit and know you’re lying.”
“I don’t want to talk about it. It’s just—you wouldn’t get it.” Dejection rolled off him in heavy waves.
Win had always had a good relationship with his parents, but he’d seen enough family strife in his days on the force to know how badly things between parents and children could fuck someone up. Win slid his hands around Elliot’s waist and spoke into his neck. “Try me. I’m a good listener.”
“It’s stupid.”
“What’s stupid is standing here in the hallway when we could be talking about it. Now come on.” With an arm still around Elliot’s waist, Win guided him to the kitchen. “Sit and I’ll make some tea.”
Elliot said nothing and sat at the table, a faraway look in his eyes. Win brewed two mugs and set them on the table. He plunked himself in front of Elliot and pointed.
“Drink some, and then we’ll talk.”
Elliot curved his hands around the mug, and his eyes met Win’s.
“Does this still fall under the friends-with-benefits rule? Seems like we’re veering off-course.”
Win reached out and covered Elliot’s hand with his own. “How about just friends right now? I think that’s much more important. Don’t you?”
