“Yes, well… It’s very rare, as I’m sure you know.”
Heath looked at the man next to him. The man he’d once thought hung the moon. He was taller by an inch or two, his body lean rather than broad, and though his mouth was nice,not too thin, it also wasn’t lush. It lacked the mischievous curl at the corners, too. That ever-present undercurrent that shenanigans could break out at any moment.
“Heath, I really am sorry.”
He sighed. He’d heard those words from that mouth so many times that they’d lost their meaning. “I know you think you are, but youalwaysthink you are. I truly am tired of forgiving you, only to have it bite me in the ass.”
“I deserve that.”
Yes, you certainly do!
“I think we can still be friends, but I’m not going to hold my breath waiting for you anymore. If you want to see me, you’ll make the time.”
“That is very fair.”
“Congratulations, by the way. On the marriage.”
The smile that curled his lips was gentle, almost serene. “I should have told her how I felt years ago, but I thought she was in love with my brother, and I didn’t want to get in the way.”
“You might have toldsomeonehow you felt about her.”Like me,he wanted to snip. It would have saved him years of pining.
“I never meant to lead you on, you know.”
He scoffed, hoping it sounded legitimate. “Nonsense.”
“I’m serious, Heath. I knew you were interested, and it wasn’t that I didn’t consider it. It just didn’t…”
“Click?”
“Exactly.”
“There’s been a lot of that going around.”
Christian gave him a curious glance. “Evan?”
“Yes.”
“I have to be honest, I’m a little surprised. I thought for sure you’d get on. Especially the way you two were bantering back and forth…”
“Did you think he was gay?”
He scoffed. “Not gay, no. But he’s always had an eye forpretty things, and it didn’t matter what body they were in. I just don’t think he put two and two together until he met you.”
“Did you just call me pretty?”
He had the decency to blush. “Heath, I know you think otherwise, but you are incredibly handsome. You’re also interesting, and funny, and more loyal than I ever deserved.”
“We got on, by the way. Very well, actually.”
Christian’s face turned serious. “What happened? Please tell me he didn’t hurt you. I thought for sure?—”
“He didn’t. Not intentionally. The thing with your father, though.”
“I’ve never named names, but I’ve told you the stories, Heath. It was worse for him.”
“He said he’s in therapy.”
“I heard. I can’t speak to it, because I can’t speak to him at all without it devolving into glares and grunts, but Evan is unstoppable when he puts his mind to something.”
