Wolf shook off his hand and gave him a faint smile. “Thanks for the compliment, but I don’t think so.”
“Why not? It’s just a drink.” His open, friendly face gazed into his, and though Wolf felt zero attraction, he relented for the simple reason that if he went home after work, all he’d do would be to sit and think about his father’s parole hearing and his own fucked-up life.
“I don’t know. I work pretty late.”
“Isn’t that funny? So do I. I couldn’t possibly make it until nine thirty, ten even, at the earliest.”
“You’re making it hard to say no.” Despite himself, Wolf smiled.
“That’s me. I can charm the skin off a snake. What’s your name?”
“Wolf.”
“Just Wolf?”
“Just Wolf.” He had no intention of telling his life story to a stranger. He hadn’t even confided in his best friends.
“Intriguing.” Anthony’s eyes crinkled. “And didn’t your parents get that name right.”
Except Wolf wasn’t really Wolf. His real name was Victor Lupo Junior. When he’d turned eighteen, the first thing he’d done was march into the courthouse and legally change his name to Garrett Wolf. Garrett was his mother’s maiden name, and Lupo…Lupo was Italian for Wolf. Different enough that no one would make the connection, yet still close enough that he’d never forget. He held himself to the highest standards, always striving to help the helpless…the victims…the ones who had no voice. The ones his father had hurt and destroyed. Wolf had to prove he wasn’t the same man as his father, and when he’d seen his father taken away in handcuffs, Wolf had made that decision: the less he had in common with his criminal father, the better.
Chapter Seven
Spencer waited by the entrance to the runway show. When he spotted Chess and André, he hurried to greet them.
“My two favorite newlyweds. I’m honored you made it out of the bedroom, and look how marvelous you look in the clothes I sent you.”
He’d had his assistant Matty send them pieces he’d picked out for them from Todd Christianson’s new spring line, and as expected, the clothes looked as amazing on them as they did on the models he’d seen over the past several months.
André hugged him. “We had to come up for air at some point, so why not take a break for a few hours? Don’t worry, though. I’ll make sure to have Chess out of these clothes within five minutes of returning home.”
Spencer cackled. “I knew I liked you best.”
Chess smacked André’s shoulder. “Why do you encourage him? Seriously, Spencer, this is incredible. And you’re in charge of putting it all together?”
With a satisfied smile, Spencer nodded, his gaze sweeping over the inside of the tent. “Me and my assistants. Now let me see you both. I knew that slate blue would set off those pretty gray eyes. And André’s looking like a billionaire in Todd’s black silk blazer and blue T-shirt.” He tweaked the lapel. “Such a hottie.”
“Stop making eyes at my husband.” Chess pretend-frowned and wagged his finger. “Hands to yourself.”
“Spoilsport. What’s a friendship without a little sharing?”
“I love hearing you call me husband.” André leaned over and kissed Chess. “I’ll never get tired of hearing it.”
“There’s Elliot.” Spencer waved, and Elliot’s face brightened. He was wearing a slim-fit dark-green shirt and tapered charcoal pants, while Win was a step behind in a camel-colored cashmere Henley that clung to his muscular forearms, and black cargo pants.
“Rawr.” Spencer kissed Elliot first, then Win. “Every time I see you two, you get hotter. I swear you need to come with fire extinguishers.”
“Silly.” Elliot snorted. “What a scene.”
Win’s eyes grew wide. “I’ve only ever seen little snippets on television, and one time a buddy on the force was assigned to the detail on Fifth Avenue. He told us all about the beautiful models he got to see.”
“Now you’re lucky that you have me to show you all the hot guys. What?” he asked as Elliot took him by the arm and steered him aside.
“Did you invite Wolf?”
“You saw the text.” Irritated, he pulled out of Elliot’s grasp. “It was an invite for all of you. I even sent him clothes.” Inwardly, he grinned. He knew Wolf wouldn’t show, but he hadn’t been able to resist sending him the tiger-striped long-sleeved T-shirt and black suede pants. Damn, but he would love to see him fill those out.
“I’m sorry. I was hoping…”
