“We decided we’re better off as friends. He doesn’t believe in relationships and has no interest in being monogamous.”
“I see.”
Funny how comfortable he was sitting with Gary. But it was the ease of being with a friend, nothing more. Wolf had as much desire to kiss Gary or have sex with him as he did Elliot or Chess.
“I think I’d better head home. I’m sorry this evening has turned out to be a disappointment for you. I know we were both hoping for a connection.”
“Finding a new friend is never a disappointment, Wolf. You have my email. I really enjoyed talking with you. I hope you’ll want to keep in touch.”
They shared a smile.
Later that night, while checking his messages, he saw one from Spencer in their group chat.
Spencer: The store is having a big tenth-anniversary party next month, and I want you all there. Feel free to bring your plus one. The more the merrier!
Elliot: Sounds fun. Hopefully Win can come.
Chess: We’ll be there.
Wolf hesitated. He had to go, even though he was certain seeing Spencer flirting with everyone around him would hurt.
Wolf: I’ll be there too.
Spencer answered almost immediately.
Spencer: I’m honored, Wolfie. You can bring a date too. Ha-ha.
Wolf: Maybe I will.
Elliot: WTF? IS THERE SOMETHING YOU’RE NOT TELLING US???
Wolf: I’m sure there’s lots. Good night.
He smiled to himself.
Chapter Thirteen
The evening of the party had arrived, and Spencer couldn’t remember when he’d last had a full night’s sleep. Between all the arrangements, decorations, and the models walking through the store in the newest exclusives for Maximillian, he’d been running on empty.
“Putting together something like this is nuts. Who the fuck woke up and thought, ‘Gee, let’s throw the party of the year with a month’s notice.’” He did the final walk-through around the space. Masses of pink and white peonies surrounded the step-and-repeat, and he stood by the mannequins showcasing Todd Christianson’s exclusive line. He tweaked a sleeve here, straightened a hem there. Everything had to be perfect.
Carson Mitchell, the stager to the stars who’d come to help his uncle, the head of Maximillian, threw him a harried look. “You think? When Uncle Rory told me, I laughed at him, but what he failed to tell you—and that I was made privy to—was that he’d already floated the idea with all the bigwigs in the industry. Only us, the working stiffs, were the last to know.”
“Fucking asshole,” Spencer muttered to himself, his stomach sinking with dread when he heard Carson snicker. “Shit. I mean—”
“Don’t apologize. I felt the same way myself, and because I knew he needed me, I had leeway to tell him what a dick he was being.”
While Spencer agreed with Carson, he’d heard enough horror stories of the loose-lips-sink-ships variety and knew better than to say anything out loud. When he didn’t respond, Carson chuckled.
“I get it. But know I’m on your side.”
Spencer continued to walk through the store with Carson trailing after him. If he’d learned anything in life, it was that the people who told you they’d be there never were. The only ones he could trust were Elliot, Chess, and Wolf.
Wolf…
What the hell was the man talking about, coming with a date? Had he really meant it, or was he simply being a dick? With Wolf, it could be one and the same, and that thought made him smile. Despite how frustratingly closemouthed and annoying Wolf was, Spencer was bound to him as closely as if they shared the same skin.
Though knowing Wolf, he’d probably make up some excuse and not show at all, which…maybe it would be better that way. Since they’d kissed on the day he’d seen his father, Spencer hadn’t been himself. He’d thrown himself into the usual merry-go-round of parties and clubbing, but no one held his interest, and he’d ended up alone, frustrated, and horny. His dreams were a mix of the erotic and sensual, always involving Wolf, and oftentimes he’d wake up aching and in the throes of an orgasm he couldn’t control.
