and in love.”
“Disgusting,” Eric agreed. They both laughed.
“Seriously, though,” Eric said, looking a little ashamed of what he’d said about his friends, “I’m thrilled for them. Especially Scott. I’ve known him a long time, and he...well, he’s definitely earned his happiness.”
Kyle spotted Kip and Scott in the crowd. Scott had his arm wrapped firmly around Kip’s shoulders, and both men were beaming. “He got a good man,” Kyle said wistfully. When his gaze returned to Eric, he found sympathy in the other man’s eyes. It was startling.
“He did,” Eric agreed.
Kyle rolled his eyes, which was the immature thing he did when he didn’t want to deal with feelings. “Anyway. I should gather up some of the empties.” He grabbed a tray and gave Eric a parting wink before entering the drunken fray.
* * *
Eric watched Kyle maneuver his way through the crowded bar. He watched his slim hips sliding this way and that, avoiding tables and people. He watched his long fingers plucking bottles and empty glasses from tables. He watched the way Kyle’s lips would stretch into a playful smile whenever anyone spoke to him.
He watched him for probably far too long. Until a hand on Eric’s shoulder broke him out of his trance.
“Who do you have your eye on?” Eric’s teammate and friend, Carter Vaughan, had managed to sneak up on him, which wasn’t easy. “There aren’t a lot of single women here tonight, but I wouldn’t rule Matti out as a possibility.”
“What are you ever talking about?”
“Like, I’m straight. A thousand percent. And I’m committed to Gloria a million percent, but I’ll admit it: Matti Jalo turns my head sometimes.”
“I’m not looking at anyone,” Eric lied. “I just zoned out for a minute.”
“Well, that I believe. As long as you’re not thinking about last night’s game. This is a party, Benny!”
“I’m not.”
Carter raised both eyebrows, then took a sip of his beer.
“I’m not,” Eric insisted.
“Okay. You having fun at all?”
Eric shrugged. “Sure. I’m glad they’re finally getting married, y’know?”
“It should have happened a year ago.”
“I think it’s smart to wait. You should know for sure it’s the person you want to spend the rest of your life with.”
“I’m pretty sure Scotty knew within a week.”
Eric couldn’t argue with that. His own marriage had taught him that rushing into a commitment to someone was a bad idea, but even he saw the hearts in Scott’s and Kip’s eyes when they looked at each other.
“How are you holding up?” Carter asked. The playful glint in his eyes softened to something more like concern. “Is this hard for you?”
Eric took a moment to consider his question. He liked to consider every question before answering. “A little. Maybe. Not that I’m not happy for Scott, but I’ve been thinking about my own wedding, I guess.”
The teasing sparkle was back in Carter’s eyes. “You can remember back that far?”
“Shut it.”
“I forget. Was Holly a war bride? Was she your nurse after the Germans shot you?”
“All right, I’m going home.”
Carter nudged him. “Seriously, though. I’m sorry if this is rough for you.”
“It’s been a year, almost. I’m over it. Really. I don’t miss Holly, but I do miss...” Eric shook his head.
“Regular sex?” Carter guessed.
“Companionship,” Eric finished with a glare at Carter. “Holly and I didn’t spend much quality time together the last few years, but it was still nice to have someone to talk to at night. When we were both home.”
“I’ll bet we can find someone who wouldn’t mind being your companion,” Carter said, making the word sound dirty.
Eric’s gaze found Kyle again, his tray now heaving under the weight of empty beer bottles and pint glasses. Eric could see the bulge of his bicep straining the fabric of his white T-shirt. He had an athletic figure—not jacked like the other bartender, but slim and toned. Eric wondered if he played any sports, or if he just worked out a lot.
“I think I’ll head home,” Eric said, because checking out the very young man tending bar was definitely a sign that it was time to leave.
“Gotta rest those old bones,” Carter joked.
“Yeah, yeah.” Eric retrieved his long, black wool coat and olive-green cashmere scarf from the back of a barstool.
As he was wrapping the scarf around his neck, Kyle returned and plunked the heavy tray down on the bar. He brushed the strands of blond hair that had fallen over one eye back into place with his fingers. “You’re leaving?”
“Yes.” Eric glanced at his watch, as if the time was any