but gave up seconds later. “Big feelings don’t have to mean love, do they?”
“It could be brotherly love, I suppose.”
Riley made a face. “It’s definitely not the kind of love you’re supposed to have for a brother.”
“But you do admit it’s love?”
“I guess.” The feelings were so huge and complicated, he couldn’t put them into words.
“Then the questions you have to ask are simple. Does he feel the same? And what do you want from this?”
The first, Riley understood. But the second…
“What do I want?”
“Yeah. Like are you thinking fling, relationship, white picket fence and two point four kids? What do you want from him? And what does he want?”
With a sigh, Riley rested his chin on his hand. “Well, I don’t think he feels the same way. Even if he did, I already know what he wants.”
“And what’s that?”
“For things to stay the same.”
“He said that?”
“Uh-huh. Because he’s my boss. He thinks there’s a power imbalance, and he doesn’t want to take advantage.”
“So he’s okay sleeping with you, but he draws the line at an actual relationship. Charming guy.”
“No, that’s not… I’m saying it wrong.”
“The hunky detective is starting to sound like a hunky jerk.”
Riley groaned, letting his chin slip from his hand so he could rest his forehead on the table. “He’s not. That’s the problem. If he was a jerk, it would be easy to walk away. But he’s a good guy. A really good guy.”
“That’s a contradiction in terms, Riley. He can’t be a great guy and be happy to string you along once he’s getting casual sex from you. It doesn’t fit.”
“I told you. That’s not how it is.”
“Then there’s something missing from this picture.” Mateo’s eyes lit up suddenly. “Maybe he loves you but thinks you don’t love him? So he’s acting all cool and detached when really he’s being torn apart inside.”
Riley felt a brief flutter of hope but quashed it ruthlessly.
“I think I’d just be looking for something that isn’t there.”
Mateo patted his hand. “Then let’s drown our sorrows with dessert. I think I saw cheesecake on the menu.”
Riley laughed and let himself be distracted by the promise of cheesecake. It was better than ruminating on his non-existent love life.
He glanced up to find Brendan hovering in the doorway of his office that afternoon.
“Hey.”
He offered the alpha a small smile. “Hi. Need something?”
“Are you busy Friday night?”
Riley didn’t even have to check his calendar. He wouldn’t see Mateo for another month at least, the betas were in class, and friends were otherwise thin on the ground.
“Nope. My schedule is clear.”
“Great. How does dinner sound? Eight o’clock? I’ll pick you up from the front hall.”
“Sure.”
Before he could ask for more information, Brendan’s phone rang and he stepped back into his office. Riley wondered which case it was for. Brendan had taken on a few new clients that week, and he hadn’t gotten caught up on all the details yet. In a way, he was excited to get to play a couple with Brendan again. Even if it couldn’t happen in real life, at least the two of them could still enjoy each other’s company. It was a lot of fun roleplaying with Brendan. He never forgot the small details, like pulling Riley’s chair out for him or putting a guiding hand to the small of his back as they were led to their table.
Riley sighed as he found himself getting caught up in his daydreams again. He was hopeless, and so were his dreams.
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Brendan had been nervous about asking Riley out, so he was quietly pleased when the omega readily agreed. Friday night came, and he met Riley by the front door.
“You look good,” he said, taking in the omega’s maroon shirt. “That color suits you.”
Riley flushed and hid a smile. “Thanks. You scrub up well yourself. Is this okay for where we’re going?” He gestured to his outfit.
“It’s perfect.”
They headed out to the car, Brendan talking to fill any awkward silences.
“The restaurant isn’t far. I think you’ll like it. They serve a mix of cuisines, but their specialty is Spanish.”
“Sounds good. I’m starving.”
Riley buckled his seatbelt, and Brendan navigated out of the parking space and onto the road. It was quiet for a Friday night.
“So, what’s the play?” Riley asked.
“Play?”
“Yeah. Who are we staking out? Is it a cheating spouse or someone screwing over their business partner?”
Brendan was so startled, he almost drove through a red light. The car braked to a stop with a jerk.
“Uh… This isn’t for work, Riley.