“About boxing teaching you to anticipate your opponent’s moves?” Morgan sucked on his neck, and Leo thought to hell with the shower. He and Morgan could have a quickie right on the bench, then go home to his place.
“So? What am I thinking right now? What’s my next move?” Leo slipped his hand under the elastic waistband of Morgan’s gym shorts.
“Dude, even I can answer that question from over here. My delicate sensibilities are screaming,” Peter called out.
Leo sprang away from Morgan, who turned tomato-red, hurried over to the bench, and sat facing the wall, his back to them, while Leo hurled death glares at a grinning Peter standing by the entrance.
“What the fuck, man? Are you spying on me? What the hell are you doing here anyway?” He balled his hands into fists, and ready to tear his friend apart, stomped over to Peter. He didn’t even stop to consider why the urge to protect Morgan rose, thick enough to choke him. Naturally, Peter didn’t shy away, but leaned against the doorframe, dark eyes twinkling, grin growing wider by the second.
“Let’s analyze those questions. No, I’m not spying on you. In case you forgot, this ismyplace. So when I see lights on at night in my garage and you don’t answer my texts, I’m sure as hell going to mosey on over and see what’s going on.” He peered over Leo’s shoulder. “Hey, Morgan, no need to be embarrassed. We’re all friends here.”
Morgan lifted a hand in acknowledgment but remained seated on the bench.
“I don’t want him to feel weird,” Leo hissed.
“Mmhmm. Don’t thinkweirdis exactly the right word for what he was feeling. And you were just as into him. I’m glad for you.”
“Glad about what?”
Lips twitching, Peter stroked his beard. “So it’s gonna be like that, huh? You’re gonna be all stupid about it.”
Pressure rose in his chest, constricting his breathing. “What the fuck are you talking about? I brought him here to teach him some boxing moves.”
“And then you put the moves on him? Don’t give me that big bad Leo the Lion stare. I’m not afraid of you. From the first I could tell he was different. When was the last time you brought someone over to my home? Don’t bother to answer, ’cause I’m gonna tell you. Never. So go ahead and growl, but I know what I see. Marla thinks he’s great, and you know she’s a great judge of character. He’s been helping her with preparing the kids for school and everything.”
“Yeah? She married you, though.”
“Deflect all you want, but I’ve seen enough to know Morgan’s no ordinary guy.”
“You don’t know shit. We’re just fooling around.”
“Sounds to me more like you’re fooling yourself.”
Leaving Peter laughing, Leo flipped him off and strode away to sit by Morgan’s side. “Don’t pay attention to Peter. He’s being a dick.”
“It’s okay.” Facing him squarely, Morgan lifted his chin. “I have nothing to be ashamed of. Do you?”
With the challenge between them, Leo again admired Morgan’s guts.
“No. Peter can be his stupid self, but we both know what we’re doing—just two guys letting off some steam. Fucking around. I’m not your type.”
Morgan’s eyes narrowed. “Yeah. It’s not like you’re boyfriend material.”
“Hell to the no. We both know I’m not the right one for you.”
“I agree. I’ve been thinking about dating again, and now I’m sure I’m ready. I guess I have you to thank for helping me see the light.”
A giant knot tightened in Leo’s chest, and his heart beat furiously. “Glad to be of service. Let’s go home, and I’ll give you that massage if you’re still interested.”
“No reneging on a promise. You made me sore, so now you have to fix me.”
They gathered up the equipment, and Leo slung the duffel bag over his shoulder.
Peter waited for them by the door. “Morgan, Marla said to thank you for the school information, and if you want to stop by this week, she’d love to see you again.”
Leo shot Morgan a frown, but Morgan ignored him and smiled at Peter.
Why the hell did Morgan have to get so cozy with Peter’s wife?
