More Than Words - Jerry Cole Page 0,8

unique to them that would still be a remembrance of the day.”

Bennett cocked his head, chewing and swallowing the bite of his food that he’d just taken.

“So, what do you have in mind, exactly?”

“Well, there were enough pictures of us with the guests that we thought it’d be nice if we sent them a photo in which they are with us in some way. After we finish, I’ll take you to the office and show you what I mean.”

“No problem.”

Thankful that the conversation was back on mundane topics, Bennett finished the meaty, cheesy goodness on his plate and drained the water in the bottle. He helped Chandler clear the table and pack the dishwasher then followed him and Ry back to his office where Chandler opened his laptop and pulled up the file with his wedding pictures.

“So, I described the pictures I wanted to use for the souvenirs to Ry and we’ve agreed on these. Some people will get the same picture, obviously, but some will be very individual.”

Bennett sat at the desk and scrolled though the shots Chandler had chosen. They were all great shots, and he nodded as he took them in. Then his eyes snagged on the picture of Chandler’s friend, his fellow groomsman Jordan O’Leary, and his breath hitched. Fuck, but the man was gorgeous! He tried not to let his reaction show as he perused the picture.

Jordan was holding Chandler in a one-armed embrace, the look of warm affection as plain as the nose on his face. The smile he slanted at his friend was beautiful and sexy all at the same time, his eyes alight with humor, the corners of his lips curved upwards invitingly. Bennett had an overwhelming urge to lick those corners and he barely restrained himself from groaning at the thought.

“These are fine,” he said, clearing his throat. “What size do you want to go with?”

They chose the picture size, listed each guest, and added the picture to be included in their card. Then Chandler turned to him with a sly grin and said,

“Now, about dessert…”

Bennett laughed loud and long, and Chandler’s eyes twinkled as he turned away.

“I’ll go serve up some wedding cake. You go get Ry.”

Bennett found Ry on the phone when he walked into his office. He waited for him to finish his conversation, then said, “Chandler says dessert’s ready.”

Ry smiled; his sightless eyes turned toward where Bennett stood in the doorway.

“You should probably try it, you know,” Ry said as he reached for his cane.

Thor, Ry’s guide dog, ambled over to his master as Ry began to step away from the desk. Bennett had always admired how smoothly Ry moved around his home, as smoothly as anyone who could see did. But he was distracted from that by Ry’s words.

“Try what?” he asked, a frown furrowing his brow.

“Dessert before lunch.” Ry’s chuckle was amused. It was clear he also remembered Bennett’s greeting.

Bennett sighed. “Been there, done that,” he said in defeat. “I’m off the treadmill now.”

“I wasn’t talking about sex with random hookups, Ben,” Ry said. “I was talking about making love with someone who belongs to you. You know, like your lunch belongs to you. Or the food in your fridge. And all the desserts you buy. You can have them whenever you want because they’re yours.”

Bennett knew what Ry was saying. In fact, he was eager to pick up what his friend was putting down. But there were no prospects.

“Where the hell would I even begin to look for someone to fill that role?” he asked, somewhat exasperated, as they walked into the kitchen.

“To fill what role?” Chandler asked, looking up from pouring wine into goblets. “Are you finally going to get a full-time executive assistant?”

“Ben wants to know where he can find a man to call his own,” Ry offered helpfully as he settled into his usual seat at the table.

Bennett felt Chandler’s eyes on him before he looked up. “Really? I thought Ry said you were Mr. Playboy Extraordinaire or something!”

For some strange and unknown reason, Bennett felt his cheeks burn with…embarrassment? Shame? Regret?

“A man can grow.” He sounded defensive, even to his own ears, but he couldn’t help it.

“Never said you couldn’t,” Chandler replied quickly. “What brought this on?”

He clearly wanted to get away from that moment when he knew Bennett had felt the weight of a judgment Chandler had probably not meant. Bennett knew he was being overly sensitive. He’d never had a problem before this with being called a playboy.