Running a hand through my damp hair, I slide it out of my running shorts.
London.
At the park with your girl. Want to catch up for lunch?
I smile at the message and tap out a reply.
My place. You eat Mexican, right?
Um, only always.
I chuckle and slide my phone back in my shorts.
“By the look on your face, I’d say you’re about to get laid, bud.” Dex winks at me.
Motherfucker will never grow up.
“Shut it, Dex, or I’ll do it for you.”
Laws shakes his head, padding for the coffee cart in the clearing of Central Park.
“Getting serious, Milo?” Griff asks, stretching his leg on the railing behind the benches flanking the paved park area.
“When was it not?” I raise a brow.
“Dude, relax. Everything is always life-and-death with you, bro.” Dex squats, rolling his head on his shoulders.
“Yeah, there’s a reason for that, bud.”
“A reason for what?” Lawson asks, handing me a bottle of water.
“Old Mr. Safe and Serious over here.” Dexter’s gaze shifts to Laws.
“Leave him alone. Just because you two ingrates argue for a living.” Lawson gives them a warning look.
“The best in this chaotic jungle, I might add.” Dex’s grin should be illegal. The guy is all sunshine and fucking sunflowers, yet he’s the greatest manipulator the city’s law sector has ever seen. Griff, well he just litigates until only ashes remain. He’skind of hardcore. If anyone deserves the Mr. Serious title, it’s him. Swear the guy’s never smiled.
Lawson chugs his water like he’s dying of thirst before tossing the bottle in the trash can on the sidewalk. “Well, guys, I’m out. As much fun as you three are, I’d rather spend my limited downtime with someone much prettier than you lot.”
“What’s wrong with my face?” Dex feigns a shocked expression, and Laws chuckles.
“He has a point,” Griff says in a matter-of-fact tone.
Yeah, I’m all but done here, too.
“See you jokers next week.”
“Same time, same place bud.” Dex waves as I wander for home.
I check my phone one last time before deciding home, sooner rather than later, is where I want to be. This rain is needed, but it’s got my shirt sticking to me.
Six minutes later, I slide my key into my door. This man needs a hot shower and to dry off. I’m in the bathroom a beat later, peeling the wet clothes from my body. Turning on the water, I roll my neck on my shoulders and step in. The hot water is sublime over my muscles. I groan and tilt my head back, letting the water cascade over my face.
I straighten as the sounds of keys clinking echo down the hallway.
The only people who have spares are Lawson and London. I know which I’d prefer to see right now.
Footsteps pad for the shower, and I see the smaller figure close in.
