“She’s taken photos of famous people that end up on magazine covers.”
“Already covered the photography.”
Dammit. What else did he know about Wren? What did she know about him?
“Ellie likes her a lot.”
Waylon pinned him with a stare. “Did I ask whatEllieknows about her?”
“Fine. Fuck you. I know that she’s...”
Warm. Funny. Intelligent. Fucking adorable. Someone I like taking care of. Someone I could see myself with years from now.
“…Different. She fits me, you know?”
“Fitsyou? What, like the top she keeps stealing from you?”
“Again, fuck you.”
“Brother. I’m just looking out for you. You sure you know what you’re doing?”
“Yeah. I do.” Elias held his brother’s gaze. “Now, what the hell is really wrong?”
“Fuck.” Waylon nodded slowly. “Yeah. Okay. If this is the real thing, I’m happy for you, brother. Don’t ever think otherwise. But dammit, first it was Bear and Ellie, then T-Wolf and Rochelle. And Shane’s all hung up over April and won’t even come out to Cocks and Strippers without the whole group. And Ben’s just a big nerd. The meat market’s never been his scene so he’s no good to me.”
“No good to you?”
“Yeah! He doesn’t know how to reel them in.” Waylon gave Elias’ shoulder a good-natured shove. “But you, you’re my wingman, brother. You’re not supposed to get all domesticated, too. Besides, I don’t want to lose my wingman to a life of Sunday brunches and Netflix binges while I’m still out there having fun.”
Oh. I get it now.
Elias shoved him back. “You won’t lose me.”
Waylon grinned, a glimmer of his usual good humor returning. “Yeah, you say that now. But if you coulda seen yourself walking in. Giving her that kiss before we all went back here.” He shook his head. “Like I said, happy for you. Truly. Butif it doesn’t work out, you know where to find me Friday and Saturday nights. That’s never gonna change.”
He’s gonna hate me saying this.
“Never? Brother, it’s been how many years since?—”
Waylon crossed his arms, all humor gone from his eyes. “Breaking the other protocol now. We don’t talk about that. Abouther.”
Elias lifted his hands, palms out. “I know. But I’m just saying?—”
“You aren’t saying a damn thing I need to hear, okay? My life is great, just the way I want it. Love my job, love my house, love my nights out.” He smirked. “Love my freedom.”
Elias picked the sheet of paper back up. “Roger that. I hear you loud and clear.”
I’m hearing that after all this time, you’re still hurting, brother.
“So.” Waylon gestured to the door. “After you. She’s waiting. Better hurry before she changes her mind. Way above your paygrade, I’m telling you.”
Elias couldn’t hold back his smile. “Yeah, she is.”
“Take her someplace nice, huh? Maybe get to know her?” Waylon smirked. “What flowers she wants for the wedding, what colors, shit like that. She’ll appreciate it.”
“Shut up, man.” Elias shoved Waylon ahead of him into the hallway.
“What? You said I get to pick out the flowers and honeymoon and shit. And I look great in a tux. Just mad I didn’t go ahead and buy that one I rented for the last wedding. Now I gotta turn around and rent it again.”
