Page 32 of Jared

“Yes, I just don't want to go in blind.”

“Well, maybe you ought to tell him that. The guy is hurting. He's trying to give you space, to let you catch up to the same page he's on. But let me tell you, he's having to fight himself to do it. It might help if you actually told him it's not an if or a vague when.Be specific, dude.”

“I'm not trying to hurt him,” Jared whispered, eyes cast down. “Do- do you think it'd help if I asked him to read this with me?”

“Probably.”

Jared nodded, eyes bright with unshed tears. “Then that's what I'l do. “

“You'll do what?” Steve abruptly reappeared.

“I thought you were going to the bathroom,” Desmond said.

“Closed for cleaning. I can wait.”

“Oh.”

“I was just saying to Desmond that I'd like you to read this with me. That way we can talk it over and... and decide together when we're ready.”

A warmth suffused Jared as he watched a smile light up Steve's expression. Steve reached across the table for his hand. “I'd like that.”

“Geeze. What would you guys do without me?” Desmond asked.

“Have some peace and quiet,” Steve replied.

“And more bacon. I saw you sneak that piece off my plate.” Jared leveled a mock glare at his friend.

Desmond looked wounded. “I see. I help you guys and that's the thanks I get. Told off over a teeny piece of bacon.”

Jared and Steve broke out into a laugh, Desmond joining them. Steve waved to their waitress. “Can we each get a side order of bacon?”

“Sure thing,” she said.

“That's more like it,” said Desmond.

13

This was what he needed, Silas decided. Enough of the petty bullshit. Steve was never going to notice me like that, especially now that he's found his mate. What was I thinking? If the future alpha is happy to let his mate take his time and room with his friend, who am I to judge? Two bedrooms there, both obviously occupied. Besides, Steve's wolf would have scented another guy on his man if they'd been up to anything. Just me and my jealousy, again. Time to find my own man. No more wanting guys I can't have and getting bent out of shape over them.

Silas sipped his cocktail absently, swirling the straw about. When a tall, muscular god of a man slipped up to the bar next to him and flashed him a brilliant smile, he knew his luck was about to turn.

“Hi there,” the man said. “I'm Jeff.”

“Hi yourself, Jeff. I'm Si.”

Jeff turned to the bartender as he approached and ordered himself a beer, then gestured towards Silas' drink. “And another of those for my friend here.”

“Thank you,” Silas beamed.

Jeff waved his thanks off. “Don't worry about it. Is it always like this here? My first time here. My buddy and I heard about this place and thought we'd check it out.”

“Yeah, it's always hopping like this.”

Jeff grimaced. “This is more my friend's scene than mine. I like it a bit quieter.”

“I must admit I come here to forget things myself. I like to get to know people in a more one on one setting,” Silas said.

A man detached himself from the crowd on the dance floor. “Not gonna dance with me?” he pouted at Jeff.