Spencer approached him first. “I’m sorry. All we saw was the wedding announcement, andsome of us”—he glared at Wolf—“didn’t follow through on their research. Asshole,” he muttered, sending daggers toward Wolf, who had the grace to look abashed.
“I’ll admit it was wrong of me not to go further after finding your wedding announcement, but—”
“No buts, Wolf. I don’t want to hear excuses.” Elliot retraced his steps and took Win’s hand, his eyes snapping fire. Win had never seen him this angry. “I love Win, and we’re working through everything like adults. And I’ll be damned if I’ll let either of you two—who’ve never been in a relationship and ridicule me for wanting one—think you have the right to make decisions about what’s best for my life.”
Win’s stomach dropped at Elliot’s declaration, and he sneaked a startled glance at him through his lashes. In the highly charged, emotional atmosphere, it was possible he hadn’t realized what he’d said.
But damn. Win wished they were alone so he could explore Elliot’s outburst further, and he decided that if these two wouldn’t leave on their own, he’d not so gently force them out the door.
He didn’t have long to wait.
“Well? I haven’t heard a real apology. No ifs and becauses.” High color suffused Elliot’s cheeks as he pinned a now deflated Spencer and shamed Wolf with his gaze. “Don’t jeopardize fifteen years of friendship because of ego.”
Never had Win been so proud of anyone, and he wanted to gather Elliot in his arms and kiss him until they both lost their breath.
Spencer stood before him. “I’m sorry. I should’ve allowed Elliot the time and space to come to us if he wanted to explain. From everything I’ve seen, you’re a good guy.” He faltered for a moment, shocking Win. Even in the short while he’d known Spencer, he didn’t seem to be a man who was ever at a loss for words. “I’m really sorry about your husband. That must’ve been terrible, and accusing you without full knowledge…” Hand extended, Spencer offered him a tentative smile. “I’m sorry I hurt you, and if Elliot loves you, I know we’ll love you as well.”
A painful sound escaped Elliot, but Win clasped Spencer’s hand. “Apology accepted, and I’m glad Elliot has such a close and caring group of friends he can count on.”
A grim-faced Wolf approached him. “I’m willing to shoulder the full weight of blame here. It was inexcusable of me to raise the alarm as I did, with only my suspicions.”
Win frowned. “What suspicions? We met once for less than ten minutes.”
A wintery smile touched Wolf’s lips. “You don’t know me, but I’m extremely protective of my friends. I’m tired of seeing Elliot get hurt by people who don’t deserve him.”
“You’ve got to be kidding me,” Elliot blurted out. “I don’t need your protection. I’m not a child, and if I fuck up, it’s my problem to fix.”
But Wolf merely shrugged. “For the past few weeks, I’ve been involved in an incredibly complicated murder trial and haven’t had a moment to myself. Since that night we met, I’ve been meaning to research you, and when I found myself with a free moment I googled your name. When your wedding announcement popped up, I saw red and texted Elliot.”
“As an attorney you should know that even facts aren’t always black and white. There are a million shades of gray—isn’t that what your defense is when you present your case in court?”
“Touché, Detective. I do believe Elliot has finally met someone worthy.” Wolf smiled, and it was the first natural, full-blown smile Win had seen on Wolf’s face. It probably won over the majority of the jurors he came before, both men and women. And while Win could appreciate his glittering eyes and strong jaw, nothing about the man moved him. Not like Elliot.
“I’d like to think I’m the lucky one. And while this has all been tons of fun…” He raised his brows and took Elliot’s hand in his. “I’m more concerned with finishing what Elliot and I need to work on rather than standing here and listening to you fumble your way through apologies. The only one I owe an explanation to is Elliot.”
Admiration rose in Wolf’s eyes. “Then we’ll leave you to it. Come on, Spencer. Let’s go.” He reached for his jacket.
“I’m ready. Are we going back to your place for a quickie?” He pursed his lips and made kissing sounds.
“Fool.”
After some brief murmured words to Elliot that Win couldn’t make out, Wolf left, followed by Spencer calling after him, “Wait for me. I’m coming with you. Don’t you dare leave me behind.”
Win closed the door and turned the lock, their presence already forgotten. Much more important words needed to be shared.
Love.The word rolled around on his tongue like an old friend, tasting sweet and pure. Necessary and right. Like Elliot.
With a frightened expression, Elliot worried his bottom lip. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to say that.”
Two long strides brought him to stand before Elliot. Once upon a time, he’d thought forever meant only one person could own his heart.
“What, that you love me?”
Miserable, Elliot hung his head, cheeks red.
“That’s a shame.”
“What? Why?”
He slipped a hand around Elliot’s nape, bringing their cheeks together. The thunderous pounding of his heart filled his head, leaving him almost faint with a combination of nerves, fear, and desire. “I was about to say I love you too, but I don’t want to do this all by myself.”
