No matter how grim his life might be, Wolf could always count on Spencer to fill him with laughter.
“I am aware. Just that it’s only six, and you’re not usually home till after seven.”
“Wolfie, are you disappointed?” Spencer kissed his neck. “Planning a rendezvous with some hot corporate lawyer?” Spencer rubbed his cheek to Wolf’s. “I had a feeling it would be a rough day for you with the TV special tonight, which is why I made sure to be home early before everyone else got here so we could have some alone time.”
“That was sweet of you.”
Taking him by the hand, Spencer led him to the couch, where he had a bottle of Scotch, a bucket of ice, and a charcuterie board set up. They sat, and Spencer wrapped his arms around him. “I’m very sweet. You just never noticed.”
Foreheads touching, Wolf cupped his cheek. “Trust me, I noticed. I noticed everything about you. It’s how I knew I had to stay away. Because if I’d let you in, I couldn’t have ever let you go.”
“If you’d let me in, I wouldn’t have ever left.”
Spencer kissed him, and Wolf clung to him, still incredulous as to how this one man made all the difference in his life.
“Are you okay? Really?” Spencer peered closer. “You seem a little off.”
He huffed out a sigh. “I spoke to your father earlier and told him I’m no longer representing him.”
“Good. He doesn’t deserve you.” Spencer toyed with his fingers, and after a few seconds, asked, “Did he say anything else?”
Wolf’s heart squeezed. He understood. Spencer didn’t want a relationship with his father, but it still hurt to know he was there and not reaching out.
“I asked him how he had your work phone number and why he called you that day.”
“You did?” Spencer ducked his head. “What did he say? He must’ve needed something and figured he’d scam me.”
Wolf slid his fingers through Spencer’s waves. “Actually, no. He said the four walls were getting to him and he wanted to talk to you.”
Spencer wrenched away from him. “Lying bastard. He wanted money or something else.”
“I told him that just because he’s your father, it doesn’t mean he can walk into your life after ignoring you all these years, thinking you should accept him. That being a father means more than blood. I told him you didn’t have one good memory of the two of you together.”
Wetness glittered in Spencer’s eyes. “I have none. Not one single time I can think of where we shared a laugh, or like you once said about your father, an ice cream.”
“And yet look how that turned out.”
“Wolfie, look at me.” Spencer grasped his hands. “You can remember those good times and still be angry with him. He was a terrible person, but he still loved you. I know he would be proud of the man you are today.”
“I don’t want to hear that bullshit. He never loved anyone but himself. Twenty years he was away and never tried to contact me?” He let go of Spencer and finished his drink. “I don’t need my ego stroked.”
Spencer raised a brow. “Well, damn. That’s a pity.”
Wolf stood and reached out a hand. “I said my ego. We don’t have much time before the guys get here. Hurry up.”
Spencer laughed and took his hand. “I’ve created a monster.”
“And you love it,” Wolf murmured as they walked into the bedroom.
“Don’t hear me complaining.”
***
“The guys will be here any minute.” Wolf lazed on the couch. “Do you need any help with the food? I already put the drinks out.”
Spencer set two platters of sandwiches on the island separating the kitchen from the living room, then moved the plates and napkins to one side. “No. I have a fruit platter for after, and those chocolate-chip cookies you like from Levain.”
“Like a party.” He rubbed the back of his neck, still damp from the shower he and Spencer had taken after their quick romp. Pleasure hummed through him, yet he couldn’t help growing tenser with each passing minute.
