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Beck clapped the PI on the back as they strolled outside together. “So you and Zach had a good conversation?”
“We did. We understand each other now. And I told him he can come to me anytime the grief or the anger is too much. But honestly? He’s doing decent.”
“That’s a relief…but it sounds like what you’re saying is that he’s not doing great.”
“Nope, and he won’t be for a while.” Seth swallowed. “I apologized to him for being an asshole when he first left Messiah City. I think we’re square now. But I need to apologize to you.”
Relief filled Beck, even as Seth’s words choked him up. “Given everything you’ve been through, there’s no need. Feelings are feelings; they’re not right or wrong. They just are. You were dealing with shit I can’t even begin to fathom. When Zach first learned of his loss, I didn’t realize it would trigger yours. I could have been more understanding and less snarly.”
Seth shook his head. “You were worried about Heavenly and her feelings.”
“I was.”
“As you should have been.”
Beck nodded. “But I was worried about you, too.”
Seth pierced him with a surprised stare. “Me? I’m solid. I just…needed a minute.”
Solid? Mostly, Beck supposed. There were still holes in the big guy’s story, but just like the last time he’d thought about asking, now wasn’t the right moment. “Good to hear. So…should we see what these two clowns packed for their slick new bachelor pad?”
“I’m afraid.” Seth snorted. “If they brought blow-up dolls, I’m not touching that shit.”
“Oh, fuck, no.” Beck shuddered.
With a laugh, he and Seth approached the truck. River and Dean stood at the curb as Pike climbed from the cab.
“What took you so long?” River barked.
Pike lifted his chin. “Seriously? I didn’t have to show up today and I certainly didn’t have to borrow this truck to haul your crap across town.”
“You didn’t, but we truly appreciate your help,” Dean placated, scowling at River.
“You do. This asshole doesn’t.” Pike thumbed at River. “Anyway, I would have been here sooner, but some fidiot blew through a red light and caused an accident, so I had to take a detour.”
“It’s all good, man. I’m just glad you weren’t involved.” Dean slapped Pike on the shoulder as Hammer yanked the door up at the back of the truck.
Peering at the color-coded stickers on River’s boxes, Beck had to shake his head. He busted Seth’s balls all the time for anal-retentively arranging his socks and underwear. It looked like River was cut from the same cloth. “Another freaking perfectionist. No wonder he and Seth work so well together.”
Hammer smirked. “Are you surprised, Dr. Beckman? Surely you know that perfectionism is just another form of control.”
“I do, but I’d rather express mine with ropes and cuffs.” Beck grinned as he passed a chair down to Hammer for Raine.
“You and me both.” Macen chuckled, heading inside to settle his girl.
Short minutes later, Heavenly and Raine were tackling the kitchen while the others hauled furniture and assorted boxes off the truck and into the house. Each time Beck entered the place, his gaze stilled on Heavenly. And each time, as if sensing his presence, she flashed him a sweet smile or a flirty wink that warmed his heart.
After depositing Dean’s dresser in his bedroom, Beck and Seth retraced their steps, abruptly ducking into the kitchen to give River and Dean, who wrangled a heavy St. Andrews cross through the front door, plenty of room to maneuver. From the corner of his eye, Beck saw Heavenly pause and study the piece of dungeon equipment.
“What’s that wooden thing they’re carrying in?”
Her question reminded him that, while he and Seth had introduced her to a lot of BDSM play, she’d still never visited anything that remotely looked like a dungeon. Two months ago, she’d insisted they teach her about what went on at Hammer’s club, Shadows. They had…but they hadn’t.
He exchanged a glance with Seth, who winced. Yeah, Cooper was aware they’d held back. Beck had his reasons for hesitating. He should probably check with Seth about his, then discuss how they could fulfill their promise.
“She doesn’t know?” Jericho murmured just loud enough for Beck to hear. “Wow.”
Raine smothered a grin, then turned, sending him and Seth an arched brow. “Boys?”
