Ryder was making assumptions, but Antonio was all solid muscle and chiseled jaw. He gave off major alpha energy, but then so did most of his friends. Now they’d all turned into soft tops, though. He wasn’t sure what Antonio’s story was, or even if he had a partner—the man was very guarded about his personal life, which was understandable—but Ryder was a nosy bastard. Antonio was still staring at him.
“Fine. I’ll talk to him when he’s next over.”
“Why don’t you send him a message saying you’d like to find some time to talk when he’s next over. Just the two of you.”
“Are you joking? He’ll jump on his plane and come straight over if I say something like that.”
“And what does that tell you?”
“I hate you,” Ryder grumbled.
He didn’t hate him. He only hated how easily he could get Ryder to let down his guard. It was something that had protected him for a long time.
“Now, let’s talk about Felix,” said Antonio. “What are you planning to do for your first date?”
“Honestly, doc, I have no idea.”
“Ryder, are you with us?” asked Ethan.
“Sorry, what?”
“Are you even listening?”
“No.”
“At least he’s honest,” said Mason, chuckling.
They were at Epicure for lunch, although they were seated in one of the private dining rooms. Mason had insisted they take the time to catch up given they’d barely see him until Christmas. That reminded Ryder of something.
“I forgot to say, you’re both invited to mine for Christmas dinner.”
“Aren’t you going back home this year?” asked Ethan.
“Mama Quinn is coming here. My sisters both have plans with their new men, and she wants to do Christmas in New York.”
“Is she cooking?” asked Mason.
“Of course she is. Did you think I was going to?”
“I was hoping! If Mama Quinn is cooking, then I’ll be there.”
“Great. Ethan?”
“Oh. Sorry, I can’t. I have other plans.”
“What plans?” asked Mason.
Ryder suspected what Ethan was doing. He wouldn’t take that away from him, but he looked like a rabbit caught in headlights at Mason’s question.
“Deacon and Hunter are coming as well, as is Zeb.”
“What?” snapped Mason, turning towards him.
“Deacon and Hunter. I know they get all gooey eyes, but I’m sure Deacon will hold off from giving his boy a pounding at the dinner table.”
“You know that’s not what I was referring to. Why is Zeb coming?”
“Hunter asked me. Said he’d be on his own. Did you want me to say no?”
