The crowd surged to their feet, and Spencer hugged Todd’s shaking body close.
“You were fantastic. Amazing. I predict a sellout before the end of the night.”
They stood for several more minutes, taking bows and receiving hugs from the models, then walked off. It was chaos behind the scenes with the crush of cameras in Todd’s face. Reporters from the major New York networks, national and foreign press, as well as E!, MTV, Logo, along with some Spencer had never heard of. Todd tried to pull him in, and while he said a few words, afterward he took a step back. This was Todd’s night. Not his. He’d done his job, and now it was time for his baby bird to fly.
He left the staging area and worked his way to the runway and the seats. Some people had left, anxious to get to the after-parties, but his friends remained in their chairs, talking among themselves. When Chess saw him, he jumped up and ran over to him.
“It was incredible. You did a wonderful job.”
He accepted the hug. “I didn’t do anything. It’s all Todd.”
The three other men crowded around him, giving praise, and while he was thrilled they’d enjoyed the show, disappointment settled in his chest. Wolf hadn’t shown, and until that moment, Spencer hadn’t realized how much that hurt him.
Elliot shook his arm. “Spence?”
“Huh? What? I’m sorry. I zoned out for a second.”
“I wanted to know if we’re going anywhere afterward.”
“Of course.” He plastered on his brightest smile. “Tao Downtown. It’s where it’s at, baby.”
“Congratulations, Spencer.”
His heart kicked up, and he turned to see Wolf standing there, unsmiling, eyes wary.
Damn, he looks like shit.
“Came for the free bar but not the show, huh, Wolfie?” He quirked a brow, pretending a coolness he didn’t feel.
“Exactly the opposite. I saw it all, but my car was stuck behind a bus that moved like a turtle. I stood and watched by the entrance because I didn’t want to walk in after it started and cause a disruption.”
Chess joined their conversation. “Hi, Wolf. Or should I say, hey there, tiger. Rawr.” They all snickered. “Spencer sent you those, I’m gathering?”
“Oh, yes.” He frowned. “You all look fantastic. How did I get so lucky with this?” He took the shirt between thumb and forefinger.
Spencer raised his brows. “I picked what I thought represented each of you.”
“And this is the best you could come up with? I look ridiculous.”
“No, you don’t, Wolfie. You look hot. Uptight as usual, but hot. You’re an ass, and I picked an outfit that highlights your best feature.”
Knowing it would piss Wolf off, he ran an assessing eye over his tall, muscled form, his gaze lingering on the snug fit of the pants.
The humor faded, and Wolf hissed. “Stop staring at me.”
Knowing it would piss Wolf off even more, he took his arm. “Oh, what’s a little ogling between friends?” He put his lips to Wolf’s ear. “Not like I haven’t sampled the goodies already,” he murmured. To his surprise, Wolf’s breath hitched.
“Let go of me,” Wolf ground out, yanking his arm away and leaving his side. “I knew this was a mistake. I shouldn’t have bothered coming.”
“Well, we all make mistakes. Some are bigger than others, wouldn’t you say?”
Ignoring him, Wolf greeted the others, and Spencer forced himself to smile. Before, he’d been upset Wolf hadn’t shown. Now that he knew he’d made the effort, Spencer still found himself annoyed. Maybe if they both apologized for running out on each other, they could put aside the weird tension between them. It wasn’t as if he wanted to have sex with Wolf again.
His mind said no, but the mere thought sent his dick into half-mast.
God. Put a muzzle on it. So not happening.
“Let’s grab our cars and get to the party. Follow me. I know where they’re waiting for us.”
