With Shayne’s thoughts fully entrenched in the possibilities, it took a minute to process Lincoln’s question. Once he did, the words stillmade little sense until he followed the other man’s line of gaze and spotted Grady and Henley camped out on his front porch. He knew they’d turn up eventually. They were his best friends. It was their job. For the first time in his life, Shayne resented it a little before pushing it away.
“Yeah.” Grady was still wearing his uniform, gun and all, proving he’d come straight from work. Henley’s workout pants and muscle shirt said he hadn’t missed today’s workout with the team, but the twelve pack resting on his knees let Shayne know he was more than ready for the weekend. There was no way Shayne was avoiding this visit. “My best friends, actually,” he added, hoping to hide some of his disappointment. He’d been looking forward to luring Lincoln inside. It wouldn’t happen now. “You should come meet them.”
Lincoln chewed on his bottom lip and Shayne half-expected to get shot down. Instead, Lincoln nodded toward the house. “Your policeman friend looks familiar.”
It took every ounce of Shayne’s willpower to keep from snorting. “You obviously don’t follow sports.”
A rueful expression touched Lincoln’s features. “Sorry.”
Shayne shook his head. “Don’t be. It’s refreshing. People usually recognize Henley first. He’s the one with the beer,” he explained. “You’ve probably seen Grady, the cop, around the hospital. He’s forever telling us stories about having to take people by the ER before running them in. They bleed in his car and it pisses him off.”
“Probably. I see a lot of faces in the ER,” Lincoln admitted as he pulled his keys fromthe ignition, making Shayne’s night. He obviously intended to take Shayne up on his offer to meet the guys. “And why am I supposed to recognize Henley?”
“One of hockey’s greatest offensive players before blowing out a shoulder. Of course, the Blue Fires are still more than happy to have him, since even at half what he used to be, Henley’s better than everyone else.”
Lincoln flashed a grin as he threw open his door. “Offensive player. Got it. See. I can be taught.”
Shayne winked, opening his door as well. “Wingman, if you want to get specific.”
“Save it for our next date,” Lincoln said over his shoulder as he climbed from the truck.
Even limping and measuring every breath hoping to save his ribs from his lung’s wrath, Shayne couldn’t beat back the smile pulling at his lips with Lincoln at his side. Henley waseyeing Lincoln with open curiosity. Grady looked bored with life as usual. “Hey guys. I figured you’d turn up.”
Grady held his hand out. Shayne accepted, allowing the other man to pull him forward, lightly bumping chests with him, getting as close as men did for bro hugs. “I dropped by the hospital yesterday, hoping to see you. Some red-haired chick said you were in x-ray. I’d planned on hanging around, but I got called back out on patrol. Don’t worry though. I ticketed the ass who plowed into you.” Shayne was torn between humor and horror. A low rumble of laughter sounded behind him.
“Told you he looked familiar.”
Grady’s piercing blue gaze moved passed Shayne. His expression never changed, but Shayne could practically feel Grady’s discomfort. Shayne came to his rescue. “Grady, this is Lincoln. Lincoln this is Grady—the ass whoticketed you,” he tacked on to even the score.
“I deserved it,” Lincoln said as he shook Grady’s hand, surprising Shayne and pissing him off a little. His anger wasn’t aimed at Lincoln, only his words.
“Like hell,” Shayne growled. “I’ll take care of it. How much was it?”
A derisive snort left Lincoln in response. Grady’s gaze moved between them. His expression never faltered, but they’d known each other long enough that Shayne still recognized the moment everything clicked inside his mind. He’d also known Shayne long enough to realize there was no way Lincoln could win. “It’s one-eighty-five,” Grady said as Lincoln opened his mouth, obviously intent on arguing.
“Done.”
“Wait,” Lincoln said, trying to jump in.
Shayne ignored him. “I have an interviewscheduled in Seattle with the Flight Wings on Tuesday. I’ll swing by the department before I hit the airport and leave the money with you.”
“Sure thing,” Grady agreed. “And good luck with the interview.”
Henley jumped in. “I still can’t believe you got released. That’s some real bullshit there.”
Shayne shrugged, showing an indifference he was far from feeling. He didn’t want to talk about it. His pride begged for mercy. Instead, he chose to coast past the topic. “Henley, this is Lincoln.” Henley dipped his chin and Lincoln returned the gesture. Neither man spoke. Shayne wondered if he’d ever adjust to the vast difference between the version of Lincoln he spent time with and the side Lincoln showed the rest of the world. He kind of liked that Lincoln reserved something for him alone. Of course, Shayne was a greedy bastard. He nodded at the twelve-pack in Henley’s hand. “Is that for me, or is this a party?”
“Fuck you. This is mine.” He paused, eyeing Lincoln for a moment, and making Shayne want to groan. “However, I am willing to share with your sexy doctor.” Since Lincoln hadn’t said anything about his profession, it was more than obvious Shayne had been gossiping, but he still refused to act ashamed. Meeting Lincoln was the best thing to happen to him in a long time. Lincoln blushed. It was hot.
“I’ll have to pass, but it was nice meeting you both.” Lincoln glanced at his watch before focusing on Shayne. “Saturday night is the busiest night for the ER and I’m on duty tonight. Sorry to run out on you.”
Everyone except Lincoln disappeared for Shayne. The way the other man’s lips twisted in apology made Shayne twice as hungry for his kiss. Shayne couldn’t tear his gaze away from Lincoln’s sexy mouth. Unfortunately,Shayne could tell by the way Lincoln shifted his weight nervously from one foot to the other, he hadn’t forgotten the other two men’s presence. Possibly he would let Shayne press, but Shayne had too much respect for Lincoln to risk embarrassing the man. That didn’t stop the aggravated growl inside his head.
“I’ll text you later.” Damn. Even Shayne heard the desire dripping from his every word. Grady cleared his throat. It was an uncomfortable sound. Lincoln’s expression turned blatantly sexual at the heat in Shayne’s tone. His gaze never wavered from Shayne’s.
“I’ll be waiting with…” An evil smile twisted Lincoln’s lips, but he didn’t finish.
“Whoa.” Henley’s whisper came out low at Shayne’s back, but Shayne didn’t miss it. Going by the humor flashing in Lincoln’s eyes, hehadn’t either. With a nod in Grady and Henley’s direction, Lincoln headed for his truck. Shayne watched him go, hating his friends a little more with every step. Henley managed to hold his tongue until Lincoln pulled away from the curb. “Holy shit, Shayne. I’m almost sorry for showing up tonight. That dude is a closet freak. I guarantee it.”
