Page 128 of Studs Up
“It’s a friend.”
“I didn’t think you had friends,” he gave me a cheeky grin but I wasn’t in the fucking mood.
“Right,” Ethan cleared his throat. “Listen, let me know if anything changes and I’ll get you connected with a buddy in fraud.”
“Thanks,” I said but didn’t mean it.
We stood.
“I’d be polite and invite you over for dinner but you’re one of my wife’s hall passes.”
What an awkward thing to say. Women sent all kinds of things to the front office. I heard a rumor that Charlemagne got underwear, but to be someone’s hall pass? No thank you.
“No offense to your wife,” I said. “But she is definitely not my type.”
“Hey, my wife is gorgeous,” he feigned offense.
“I’m sure she is,” I said and then I went a little too far. “But she’s not my friend.”
“Oh,” Ethan said and then his face slackened as he connected the dots. I mentally kicked myself. “Oh.”
He looked me up and down as if seeing me for the first time.
“Oh,” he said again. “Seriously?”
“Yeah.” Might as well lean into it.
“Well thank fuck,” A broad and delighted smile spread across his face. “Then you have to come over for dinner.”
“Look, it’s not something I’m spreading around.”
“Fine, fine,” he was still smiling. “But you know if that changes, the invitation is open.”
“Wonderful,” I said dryly.
He walked me out, passed all the offices and cubicles of detectives and cops milling around, chatting or doing paperwork.
At the door he stopped me.
“Seriously though, if he ever gets to the point he’s ready to nail this guy, let me know. I’ll help you out.”
“I appreciate it,” I shook his hand again.
“And Reed,” he gripped my hand. “If you find out and beat the shit out of the guy, that will not make things better.”
I glared at him because that’s exactly what I’d do.
The hopelessness of being no closer to getting Holden out of his was cold and dark.
Holden
Unpacking hurt. After a perfect escape and a glimpse of a life with Nolan had me missing him more than ever.
The last thing I took out was the list and carefully unfolded it. Nolan made a new addition.
Step four: Nolan loves me.
I sat on my bed for a long time, reading the list over and over. This relationship had blossomed from intense fucking to Nolan Reed being the love of my life in the most unexpected way.
