André held out a hand to Wolf. “I’ve been told to call you Wolf, and from what I hear, you’re as tenacious in the courtroom as your namesake.”
“Everyone deserves a fair trial and a chance.” Wolf studied him with his classic unwavering gaze.
“I agree. And I’m glad they have someone like you, who obviously cares so much. I’ve read some of the decisions in your cases. If I ever need a defense attorney, I know who to call.”
“Happy to help, especially as I know you’ll be able to pay my fees.”
They all laughed, and finally André held out his hand to Spencer. “Spencer, I made sure to wear my best suit. I wouldn’t want to be found lacking.”
Chess shook his head and rolled his eyes as Spencer’s approving gaze ran over André’s body.
“Oh, trust me, you did not disappoint. I’m liking the whole package.” He grinned. “In every sense of the word.”
André burst out laughing. “Chess warned me you’d be outrageous, so I’m glad you didn’t disappoint either.”
“I never do,” Spencer murmured, and as they slid into their seats, he whispered in Chess’s ear, “If you have to tie him to the bed to keep him, do it. He’s absolutely fucking perfect.”
Later that night as they got ready for bed, Chess kissed André’s cheek. “Thank you for making the evening so special. I’d hoped you and my friends would get along—”
“Don’t thank me. They’re important to me because I can see how much they care for you and how close you all are. I meant it when I said I want to be a part of your life. And once you meet my family, you’ll see that your friends don’t hold the patent on intrusive and slightly crazy.”
“Chess?” André’s voice snapped him out of his reminiscing.
“Sorry. I was thinking about something else.” He blinked and said to Spencer, “You made it out here so quickly, it’s likeyoudrove a Ferrari.”
André slid his sunglasses up. “Is Spencer visiting? Not that I mind. The more the merrier. God knows we have the room.”
Spencer slipped his arm around André’s waist. “I have a fashion show this weekend in East Hampton at one of the country clubs, so I figured I’d come out a little early and hang out with my favorite millionaire. And my best friend too.” Spencer winked at him, and Chess couldn’t help but laugh. “Plus, you tell us you’re engaged and you think I’m not gonna want to start talking plans? This is the perfect opportunity.”
“How lucky can we get?” André deadpanned.
Spencer grinned. “Aren’t you, though?”
Chess wasn’t certain if the sarcasm just sailed over his friend’s head or if he chose to ignore it. Either way, he was happy to see Spencer, and since André had to work with Kyle, it would be nice to have company. For all his outrageous talk, Spencer was his best friend and tremendous fun.
“Come on inside. André is going to have to work again, so we can go to the pool or the beach. Your choice.”
“I am all for a chair by the pool. In the shade, of course. Do you have SPF 50 or higher? I have an appointment with my esthetician next week and don’t want to get burned. And can we get those little cocktails with an umbrella?”
His voluble chatter made Chess smile. Spencer always had a way of brightening his day and turning his mood around. “All right, gorgeous, let’s go. I’ll set you up in a room, and you can change into a bathing suit.”
“Thanks. And maybe I can get a snack?” He threw his arm around Chess’s shoulder. “I took one of Maximillian’s private cars from the city and thought there’d be at least a bottle of water, but no such luck.”
The coolness of the interior of the house was a welcome relief after the sticky heat of the afternoon sun, and Chess was anxious himself to change and jump into the pool.
Footsteps tapped on the tile floor. “André, sweetheart, where the hell have you been?”
Spencer stopped in his tracks. “Kyle? What the hell are you doing here?”
Chapter Twelve
André’s gaze shifted from Kyle to Spencer. “You two know each other?”
“Spencer? Spencer Hawkins?” Kyle couldn’t seem to take his eyes off the man.
“In the flesh,sweetheart.” The teasing note had faded, and Spencer’s mouth pulled down in a frown. “You’rethe lawyer André is working with?”
Bewildered, André gazed at Spencer first, then Kyle, who’d recovered from his shock to present a smile that didn’t reach his eyes. “How is this possible? Kyle’s been in Europe for years.”
