“Every day you surprise me more and more. I never would’ve thought you’d like my decorating taste.”
“Well, there are a few questionable items, like the naked ninja warrior in the bedroom…” He arched a brow. “He’s obscenely well endowed.”
“Competition, Wolfie? He’s supposed to enhance one’s sexual prowess.”
“I hardly think I need to worry. Or am I already hearing complaints?”
“No, you don’t.” Spencer’s blue eyes smoldered with heat. “You wrecked me last night. I can hardly walk, you smug bastard. But…you don’t think it’s too quick?”
“I’ve known how I felt about you for years. It just took that long for my head to catch up to what my heart knew.” Wolf broke eye contact, his face hot, but being with Spencer had forced him to confront so much he’d denied for so long.
“Jesus, when you say things like that, I want to jump you.”
“And the problem with that is…?” Wolf rose to his feet and held out his hand.
***
“Only forty minutes late, guys. Wolf, were you working?” Chess closed the door behind him and Spencer. “I thought you’d be able to take a break.”
He shrugged. “Sorry. It couldn’t be helped.”
Spencer tossed his leather jacket onto a chair. “Yeah. You know how Wolfie likes to give it his everything. He pushes to the limit. Deeper and deeper until he’s all in.” He cackled. “He makes sure to take it slow until he’s satisfied he’s covered every possible angle. Chess, can I have a pillow to sit on?”
“Idiot,” Wolf muttered as everyone in the room howled with laughter.
“I love it.” Elliot wiped his eyes. “I’m not sure I’ll ever get used to this, but I’m going to enjoy every second.”
“Are we here to discuss my personal life or to have dinner?” Wolf grumbled, wishing the floor would open up and swallow him.
“Both.” Chess slung an arm around his shoulders. “Come sit down, and stop scowling. You know we’re happy for you.” The bell rang, and Chess gave him a hug. “That’ll be Bianca and Quentin.”
André’s sister and her boyfriend entered the apartment, and after greeting them all, she took a seat on the other side of Spencer. “I heard you’re on a sabbatical from Maximillian.”
“Is that what they’re calling it?”
Wolf winced at the bitterness in Spencer’s voice. After all Spencer had given to his job, to be tossed aside like a piece of trash angered Wolf on his behalf. Spencer might cover up his feelings with lighthearted jokes, but Wolf knew how hurt he was.
“I was wondering…while you’re not so busy, could I pick your brain? I’m trying to wrangle up designers who would match well with Webster properties, but I’m so busy with the overall upgrading of the hotel brand, it’s falling through the cracks. I need to call designers to see if there’s interest, but sometimes their people push me off. There just aren’t enough hours in the day.”
“Of course, sweetheart. Anything for you.”
“Thank you.” She kissed his cheek. “You’re a lifesaver.”
“I’ve been called that and more.”
Win set his beer on the table. “How’s the case going, Wolf? I know you can’t really talk about it, but—”
“You want to talk about it.” Wolf chuckled.
Win shrugged. “Seems like this time we believe in the same thing. We both agree that Kemp is a dirtbag.” Win cut his gaze to Spencer. “Sorry, Spence.”
Spencer waved him off. “Don’t mince words because of me. I have other words for him, trust me.”
“It’s a twofold case,” Wolf said, “but I’m glad that at least the young women are safe. One has been reunited with her family, and the other two are with organizations who are experts in helping with missing and exploited women. I’m on the board of their organization, and this is the work I consider my most important accomplishment.”
“Do they know who you are?” Chess rubbed his wedding ring, an unconscious gesture Wolf noticed since he’d gotten married. “I mean, who your father was?” His face fell. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean it to sound like that. I should shut up now.”
He couldn’t be angry with Chess who, along with Elliot, was the sweetest man he’d ever met. He knew the question was asked out of friendship and concern.
