Shit.He’d thought he was being so discreet.
“My, my. Everyone’s so interested in my sex life. Maybe you want some tips?” His feeble attempt at humor was met with a disappointed sigh.
“See? Your response proves you’re either hurt or hiding something.” Elliot frowned. “Or both.”
They exited the elevator and approached the glass doors withJULIAN CORNELL DESIGNSemblazoned across the front in bold, gilt letters. Before Spencer opened them, he stopped.
“It’s nothing. Just Wolfie getting his panties in a twist as usual, and he got rude, so I gave it right back to him.”
Oh, yeah. You’d love to really give it to him. Again.
“And you’re sure that’s all it is? Chess and I are worried about you two. It’s uncomfortable to see.”
“We just need a little break. Too much time together grates on our nerves. It’s not college anymore, and we’re two very different people who look at life from opposite ends of the spectrum.”
“I hate when you two fight.”
Spencer patted his cheek. “That’s because you’re a nice person and Wolfie is a shit. I’m fine with how we are. Now let’s go find Julian.”
Looking unconvinced, Elliot followed on his heels. Spencer entered the showroom, and Julian’s stylish partner, Melanie, waved at him. She hurried to greet them, her high heels clicking on the shining floor.
“Spencer, you look amazing as usual. I see you’re wearing Julian’s new casual line.”
He ran a hand down the fine weave of his pants. “I couldn’t resist. I might’ve gone a little crazy when I got the sneak peek a month ago.”
She beamed. “They lookfabulouson you.”
“I bet you say that to all the boys, Mel. This is my best friend Elliot, who’s doing the article on Julian. Elliot, this is Julian’s partner and prettier half, Melanie.”
“Nice to meet you.”
They shook hands, and from the corner of his eye, Spencer caught the whirlwind of movement that was Julian Cornell. He had a model on one side and one of his design team on the other, and they were in an intense discussion about what looked like the height of a cuff. Spencer left Elliot chatting with Melanie and sauntered over.
“If you ask me, I’m more interested in the inseam. As in, the tighter the better to show off the assets. If you know what I mean.”
Julian rolled his eyes. “Why am I not surprised? Spencer, how the hell are you?” They hugged. “Thanks for thinking of me for your friend’s article.”
“Don’t thank me. It was just a way to get into your studio, hoping to see your gorgeous husband again.” He put a hand over his heart. “Those hunky shoulders and dreamy blue eyes. Where is he? Do I need to light a match or something to get him to rescue me?” The last time he’d visited the showroom to place an order for their men’s department, Julian had introduced him to his firefighter husband, Nick Fletcher, who’d stopped by to bring him lunch. Years earlier, Julian himself had been a bit of a player, although he and Spencer hadn’t crossed paths at that point in their lives. Spencer decided if he had a man who looked like Nick, he might become monogamous too.
“You’re a dope.” Julian snickered. “Nick is working, training recruits.”
“Oh, too bad.” He brightened. “Tell him I’m available if he needs volunteers for the fireman’s carry. He can sling me over his shoulder anytime.”
“Idiot. I swear you’re exactly like Marcus used to be before he got married—you remember him from the last charity fashion show I did at Sparks? And I gather you haven’t decided to settle down and stop taste-testing all the models?”
“I remember Marcus. He used to be fun. Then he got married and became boring.” Spencer winked at the good-looking man lounging at Julian’s side. “And you see, Juli, the operative word you used issettle. I don’tsettlefor anything—clothing, food, and especially men. Why should I, when there are so many, and so little time in life to enjoy?”
“Carlo, go with Leigh and get that cuff raised by a quarter inch. I’ll be by to see it later.” Julian waited for the two men to be out of earshot to speak again. “You look tired.”
“And in more important news, Carlo’s ass in those pants looks amazing, don’t you think?”
“He has a steady boyfriend, so you’re out of luck.” Julian took him by the arm and steered him away from the hustle of the showroom to a quiet corner. “Spence, I’m being serious. Is everything okay?”
“You know, if I wanted to be told I look like shit, I could find my father. He’d be happy to tell me.” Julian’s unrelenting gaze forced him to give a not so sarcastic answer. “Stop worrying. I’m just busy with the show for Todd. Maybe I need a shot of turmeric. I’ll be fine.”
Julian quirked a blond brow. “Hmm. Why do I feel like that’s not the whole story? We’ve known each other a long time—six, seven years? If you have a problem, you know you can talk to me, right?”
Touched by his concern, Spencer didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. He didn’t think of Julian as a friend, but maybe he was wrong. About that, and so many other things. After all, Wolf was supposed to be one of his best friends, and look how that turned out.
