Spencer stretched out his feet, maneuvering them in between Wolf’s. “I can’t believe he would force you. Seems unethical.”
“I doubt he will. I hadn’t advised him of our relationship until now.”
“Did my father ask about me?” The words fell from his mouth and sat between them. Spencer cringed, having not one goddamn idea why he’d asked. Or cared.
Wolf hesitated, and if there was one thing he knew about the man, it was that he was rarely at a loss for words.
“He doesn’t give a shit, does he?” Wolf opened his mouth, but Spencer put up a hand. “No, stop. You don’t have to pretend.”
“I never have to pretend with you. He’s a stupid, petty man who isn’t worth a second thought.”
“Or even a first. Should we order dinner?” Spencer pulled up the app on his phone.
“It’s a little early.” Wolf shifted away and sat up. “I was thinking…maybe we could go to my place and pick up some more of my things? I’d do it myself, but I don’t want to be alone if there’s any press still hanging around.”
Damn. Seeing Wolf vulnerable got him every single time.
“I think that’s a great idea.”
***
The next day, dressed in his most elegant and subdued suit, Spencer strode into Maximillian for what he knew would be his final time as an employee, and damned if he didn’t get a little emotional.
He smiled and waved at the people he’d seen every day for so long, then rode the elevators to the top floor. Matty was at his desk, leafing through fashion magazines and taking notes. When he saw Spencer, his eyes bugged out, and he jumped up from his chair.
“Oh, thank God you’re back. It’s been crazy around here. A zoo. I can’t tell you how much I’ve missed you.”
They hugged, and Spencer was more determined than ever to take care of the people he loved.
“Come inside with me a moment. I have to talk to Christo.”
Eyes dancing, Matty followed him. “I just bet you do.”
Spencer shut the door and sat on top of his desk. “What’re you talking about?”
“Oh, come on. I have to say, though, it was perfect. Couldn’t have happened to a nicer guy.”
At a loss, Spencer folded his arms. “Matty. Tell me what the hell you’re talking about.”
“Oh, my God.” Dumbfounded, Matty stared at him. “You have no clue.” He hitched his chair forward, eager to spill the tea. “Well. Yesterday some guy came into the store and asked Donald to show him some ties. Turns out”—Matty’s eyes sparkled with glee—“Donald ended up bound and gagged in the dressing room with his pants undone. He’d been missing for about half an hour from the floor, and when Paul opened the dressing rooms to put one of his customers inside, they found Donald lying there.”
Spencer sat with his mouth hanging open. “Get the fuck out.”
“I’m dead serious.”
“Did Donald say what happened? Did the guy hurt him?” Much as he couldn’t stand the man, he wouldn’t want him to be assaulted or hurt.
“Only his pride. You know Donald and Paul are close, but I got the info from Paul. The guy said he wanted to try his ties on in private and made a pass at Donald. Donald was all in, let the guy tie him up, and then the guy left him there.”
Spencer burst out laughing. “Karma, baby.” He sobered. “What did Christo say? Does he know?”
“Know? Someone sent him pictures. They must really hate Donald to do that to him. It’s evil, but I can’t say I feel sorry for him. He’s a little rat who spread rumors about you, so I say he deserves everything he gets.” Matty thrust out his jaw, and on impulse Spencer leaned over and kissed his cheek.
“Thank you. So, is Christo around?”
“Yeah. He’s been in his office all morning doing damage control.”
“About that? Yeah, it’s embarrassing, but it’ll blow over.”
