The Right One - Felice Stevens Page 0,52
in a lazy smile. “I haven’t had any complaints about my interactions.” He got the reaction he was looking for when Morgan turned bright red.
This seemed like a good moment to make his exit, so he rose from his seat. “I have to go. Nice to meet you both.” He nodded to Chris and Sean. “See ya, 5C.”
***
He left Morgan’s apartment and headed straight outside to the back and his bike. Without another thought, he hopped on it, buckled his helmet, and took off for Peter’s. God knew, he had some excess energy he needed to work off, and with Peter at the park, he wouldn’t be bothered with incessant questions about Morgan and what was happening between them.
Unfortunately, his timing was off, and Peter was at the bags when he walked into the ring.
“Dude, you’re alive. I wasn’t sure after yesterday.”
Averting his eyes while he wrapped his hands, Leo forced himself to play along. “I managed.”
“I know you did, ’cause you had Morgan around. Only reason I left. Tell me what’s the deal.”
“Deal? Don’t know what the hell you mean. Now, do you wanna talk or spar?”
He thought Peter would let it go, but too much had happened at the barbecue, and Peter wouldn’t be put off.
“You’re gonna play it like that? With me of all people? Goddamn it, I want you to trust me. I’m your best friend. You’re like my fucking brother.”
Burning-hot shame seared him. “Same. You know it.”
“Do I? I’m not so sure.” Peter frowned. “I know almost as much about you as I did when we first met. That’s not right. That’s not friendship.”
“I-I don’t know what’s going on. I’ve got a lot on my mind lately with the new building and stuff. I promise I’ll try to be better about it.”
“You’re a bad liar. You’re not gonna change, and I’ll still love you because that’s how it is between us. But lemme tell you one thing. That guy is a good person. Don’t fuck him over. You brought him to my house, and he met my wife. That means something to all of us.”
His head hung low, and he couldn’t meet Peter’s eyes. “I know. I’m trying. Don’t you think I want to?”
He found himself crushed in Peter’s bone-cracking embrace. “Do you even know what the hell you want? I wish I knew what was going on inside that head of yours.”
“Me too,” he whispered. “Me too.”
* * *
FIFTEEN
* * *
“He seems interesting.” Sean sprawled in Chris’s lap on the sofa. “Tell us more.”
“Interesting isn’t the word I’d use to describe Leo,” Morgan replied, wondering if he could get drunk and pass out so as not to have to answer his friends’ questions.
“I have other words, if you’d like to know. Gorgeous, hot as fuck, and so into you.” Sean cackled. “That man is fine with a capital Hot Damn.”
“Shut up,” Morgan muttered.
“He’s right, you know.” Chris’s fingers played over Sean’s scalp. “And it’s obvious the feeling is mutual.”
“Oh, for God’s sake, that’s ridiculous. We’re total opposites, and he drives me crazy. The man is rude and obnoxious and nothing like my type.”
“Yeah. I can see. So why was your wallet next to his bed?” Chris’s wide grin split his face. “Explain that one if you can.”
“Uhhh…” Morgan searched frantically, then gave up. If he couldn’t be honest with his best friends, then who? “Temporary insanity?” He laughed. “I could never hide anything from you guys.”
“Why would you want to? Damn, man. You sure know how to flip the switch. From white-bread Jeffrey the Jerk to Leo the Luscious? Mmm-mmm. Those eyes alone are a killer, but add in the muscles and tats? I’m surprised you can walk.” Chris howled. “I’d be down for the count for days.”
“Okay, well, let me just crawl into a hole right now and die of embarrassment.” Morgan ducked his head and studied the shining hardwood floor.
“Hey, come on, you know we’re kidding. We love you, and we’re thrilled you’ve met someone.”
“Whoa, wait a second. This isn’t a relationship. It’s something that just…happened. We don’t even really like each other. I’m sure it was a one-time thing.”
Sean sat up. “Why?”
“Didn’t you hear me? We argue every time we see each other. He annoys the shit out of me.”
Sean’s hazel eyes sparkled. “That kind of sex is the best. If Chris and I argue, I get so turned-on, I can barely walk. Making up takes hours.” He waggled his brows.
Morgan rolled his eyes. “You’re crazy.” But he could still feel