If Spencer had his way, he’d take the chance, but Wolf seemed determined to keep his distance.
“Are we? Still friends, I mean? We’ve said some pretty nasty things to each other over the years.” He was as guilty as Wolf, and he did have regrets.
Never one to shy away from uncomfortable situations, Wolf gave him a determined nod. “I apologize for the hurtful things I’ve said. Although I get the feeling you enjoy pushing my buttons to get a reaction.”
You have no idea, Wolfie.
“I’m sorry for picking on you as well. Not for everything, though. You do need to loosen up. That’smytake on how you’ve lived your life. You don’t like me sleeping around, but neither do you look like you’re enjoying your life, and that makes me sad.”
“I appreciate it, and I can assure you I do.”
His skepticism must’ve shown as Wolf arched a brow. “You don’t seem convinced.”
“Because you talk the talk but don’t follow through. Prove it. Make plans for dinner this week and show the fuck up. No work excuses.”
Wolf held his gaze and smiled. “All right.” He reached over to the coffee table, picked up his phone, tapped out a message, and waited. Spencer’s phone buzzed, and he checked it out. The message was to their friends’ group.
Dinner Wednesday night. I promise no cancelation.
A warm glow settled in Spencer’s chest that Wolf had listened to him and taken this step. It made him feel closer to Wolf than he had in the past four years, ever since they’d slept together.
An image flashed in front of his eyes.
The hard pressure of Wolf’s mouth on his…hot sweat dripping down their bodies…skin against skin.
Knowing now that they’d had their one-and-done and it would never happen again, Spencer could live with that and return to their light, teasing friendship. Truth be told, he’d missed it, and if having Wolf as a friend was the best he could get, he’d take it.
“I’ve never been friends with anyone I’ve slept with. Have you?” Spencer straightened his clothing.
“Uh, yeah.” Wolf avoided eye contact and ran a hand through his hair.
“Is it awkward?”
“It can be,” Wolf replied enigmatically.
Spencer narrowed his eyes, but it seemed Wolf had returned to his non-answer answers. The moment of true closeness had disappeared, and Wolf had retreated behind that impenetrable wall. Spencer wondered what it was he so desperately tried to hide.
Chapter Twelve
“To friends.” Wolf lifted his glass, and the four other men joined him.
They were having dinner at Club A Steakhouse, which was near Wolf’s office and across town for Spencer. Elliot and Chess had said they didn’t care where they ate. Wolf assumed they were simply happy that all of them could be together, and the smiles and hugs he received from them before they were seated proved him correct.
“I’m sorry Win wasn’t able to make it tonight.” Wolf took a sip of his Scotch. “I can imagine the case is still taking up much of his time.”
Elliot grimaced. “All of it. He’s exhausted by the time he comes home, and has no time for anything but eating and showering before he’s nodding off.”
“All that hotness in bed with you and he’s dead to the world?” Spencer made a disgusted face. “That’s a damn shame.”
“He makes up for it in other ways.” Elliot’s eyes grew dreamy.
“Oh brother,” Spencer muttered, and Wolf smothered a snicker and nudged Spencer’s foot with his.
“André was like that after a big business trip. Out like a light and snoring away.” With a fond smile, Chess gave his husband’s arm a squeeze.
André’s brows shot up. “Snoring? I don’t snore.”
Chess patted his cheek. “You do, babe, but you’re so adorable, it doesn’t matter.”
