A month without sex? Unheard of for him. Maybe he was coming down with the flu. He should double up his elderberry drops.
A hand touched his shoulder, and given his past with being jumped by bullies on his way home from school, he whirled around.
Carson stood there, wide-eyed, his hands up. “Whoa, hey. I just wanted to say you’ve done an amazing job. I don’t think I’ve seen you stand still for a minute. Everyone tells me this is standard operating procedure for you. You give your entire self to every project.”
Unwilling to sound breathless, he waited for his heart to stop pounding. “Uh, okay, yeah, well, I don’t believe in doing things halfway or half-assed. I go in guns blazing.”
“Full ass?”
Carson cocked a brow, and Spencer recognized that familiar gleam. The man had been sending out signals all week, which Spencer had ignored because of his heavy workload. Technically, he was off the clock now, and if he wanted to have a little head-to-head combat in his office he could. It would certainly take the edge off.
But instead of taking Carson by the hand and leading him someplace private, Spencer took a step away and folded his arms. “Let’s just say I’m ready for this night to begin.”
Seemed Carson wasn’t a man who took a hint. He closed the short distance between them and cupped Spencer’s chin in his hand. “I’m more interested in seeing how it ends.”
He leaned over to kiss him, and Spencer, who never found himself at a loss for words, was so shocked, he allowed it for a moment before pushing Carson away.
“Don’t do that again. I never said you could kiss me.”
“I thought you were such a free spirit.”
“Nothing in life is free,” he said bitterly. “I learned that years ago. There’s a price to be paid for everything. I have to go.” He pushed past Carson, head spinning, and ignoring the man calling his name, crossed the floor of the store and managed to make it to his office. His hands shook as he locked the door behind him.
His phone buzzed in his pocket, and not recognizing the number but figuring it was likely about the party, he answered it.
“Spencer Hawkins?” The gruff, authoritative voice sent a chill through him.
“Yes?”
“This is CO Dubinski. Your father is being transferred to maximum security for his protection, and we wanted to give you the information you’ll need to contact him.”
Spencer stared at his phone in disbelief. He hoped his laughter didn’t hurt the man’s ear.
“Listen. You have my number as next of kin. That’s the only contact I want. You can take him and put him away, or leave him where he is as a punching bag. I don’t care. As far as I’m concerned, he can rot. Now, I have a party to plan, okay? Thanks. Bye.”
And before the man could respond, he clicked out of the call and threw the phone across the room. It bounced off his desk and spun out on the floor.
“Fuck. I better not have broken my phone over that worthless nothing.” After checking it to make sure it was working, he glanced at the screen to see he had less than two hours until the start of the night’s festivities. Time to shower, change, and become the Spencer he showed to the world.
***
On his second glass of champagne, Spencer spotted Elliot and Win walking through the front doors, holding hands. He flew to their side, brushing past the journalists and photographers.
“Don’t you two look amazing? Such hotties.” He kissed their cheeks and left his arm on Win’s shoulders. “My sexy detective made it. Hold on tight to him, Ello. Someone might think he’s a model and try to touch the goodies.”
Win chuckled. “You’re good for my ego.”
“Right this way to the step-and-repeat. Have your picture taken, and then off to the bar for drinks. Wander around, see if there’s anything you like. I get a fabulous discount, so don’t be shy.”
“I doubt we can afford it even with your discount, but maybe a little something.”
“Anything.” Spencer hugged Elliot. “You deserve it.”
“Can anyone get in on those hugs?” Chess grabbed him. “Look at you. Another amazing event. You’ve got a second career as a party planner, and I take credit for your first job as our wedding planner.”
André kissed his cheek and waved hello to Rory Maximillian, who joined them. “Make sure you treat Spencer right. He’s one of my dearest friends, and I’m sad he doesn’t work for us.”
“I saw him first.” Rory clapped Spencer on the back and held him firmly.
