Page 104 of Pucking Them
Worried, I study him. “Hey, are you…?”
D’Angelo takes a long drink. “Wasn’t Lucy meant to be joining us tonight? I’m beginning to suspect that we’ve been suffering a mass hallucination, and she’s in fact, not real.”
Neve quirks her brow, before giving him the finger.
She grabs a beer, sliding it to me.
“Thanks.” I tilt my head. “We would love to meet the woman who can coax you into spending your free time running through a forest with a paintball gun. I mean, when you’re ready.”
Neve has never introduced us to any of her partners. I know this is a big step.
Neve pushes her glasses up her nose. “Lucy works most Friday evenings. I want you to meet her as well, RH. You’d get on. Lucy is also a chaos goblin.”
I attempt to look outraged. But unfortunately, that’s fair.
When I glance over at Michael, I am surprised that his eyes are closed and his head has slumped forward. “Is he asleep?”
How is that possible with the loud rock music, laughter, and the din of Merchant’s Inn?
How shattered is he?
Cody turns to look up at his husband.
He cups Michael’s cheek. “Hey, Mike?”
Michael startles awake. “I wasn’t sleeping.”
“Uh-huh.” Cody smiles softly. “I shouldn’t have asked you to come out with me tonight. I know the long hours you’ve been putting in at the hospital. Want to go home?”
“Yes, but also no. I don’t like admitting defeat. I’m sorry for ruining your evening. I know that you need to destress.”
“What you need matters too. How about we get you to bed, before you crash out here?”
Michael gives a sheepish smile. “Now, I truly do feel like the old man of the group. But I’ve been sleepwalking for days now. Dead on my feet.”
“The Zombie Doctor,” Shay jokes.
Cody grins. “Who knew that I found zombies so hot.”
“That’s a kink too far for me.” Michael leans his cheek against Cody’s. “I’ve missed you.”
The tenderness between them makes my heart clench.
Cody grew up surrounded by so little warmth, seeing him cocooned by it now, fills me with overwhelming relief.
“Sorry, guys.” Cody glances around us. “I’ll see you at work, yeah?”
“Of course. Get some sleep, Mike.” I smile.
When D’Angelo stands, however, to allow Cody and Michael to exit the booth, he can’t help doubling over, clutching his side.
He supports himself on the table; his knuckles are white.
Instantly, Michael is alert like he wasn’t sleeping only moments ago.
He stands, approaching D’Angelo and assessing him.
“What are you doing?” D’Angelo asks, warily.
