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Bookem ran over to him as soon as he got out of his truck and aggressively licked his hand while Duke patted the big Dane around his flank. “Good to see you too, Books.”
Walking inside, he saw that the place looked great. The decorations looked tastefully done. Charlie had on a suit with a nice button up shirt. His daughter and her family were around him talking, along with a couple of the guys. As soon as they saw him, Charlie waved him over. Duke cut a quick look at Judge, giving him a head nod in acknowledgement. The way Judge looked at him gave Duke an immeasurable surge of satisfaction. It added a little pep to his step. Judge must have thought he looked good because his eyes scanned him up and down, but Duke acted like he wasn’t the least bit fazed.
Duke gave Charlie a big hug, asking him if he liked the decorations. Charlie was modest, but the gleam in his eyes told Duke all he needed to know. Charlie was proud and stunned that all of it was for him. Duke kissed Charlie’s daughter on her cheek and Clara thanked him for everything he’d done for her father. Duke shook Clara’s husband’s hand as well.
Ignoring Judge’s eyes on his back, he turned and went to the buffet that had been set up by the caterers and checked to see if everything was in order. He’d just popped a carrot stick in his mouth when he heard Judge right behind him.
“Wow. Don’t you clean up nice.”
Duke spun around. He kept his face impassive as he wiped his hand with one of the “Congratulations you’re retired!” beverage napkins. Duke looked at Judge’s usual black t-shirt and jeans and smirked back at him. “Thanks.”
Judge looked uncomfortable, so Duke broke the strained silence. “So where’s Michaels?”
“Work. Of course. He might make it over later.”
“Good. I’ve only had the pleasure of meeting him once. How’s everything going at the house? All the renovations done?”
Judge drank out of his red Solo cup before he answered. “Yeah. It’s awesome, man. We’d love to have you over.”
Duke smiled broadly. “Work’s been insane, but I’d love to see what you’ve done with the place.”
“Just like I thought. Good enough to eat.”
Duke saw the frown crease Judge’s face before Duke turned towards Vaughan’s passionate voice. Duke’s smile was shy and he knew he was turning a shade of rose, especially when Vaughan shouldered past Judge and stood directly in front of Duke as if his sole purpose for being there was to be near him. He gave Duke another European kiss, on both cheeks, lingering like he’d done before to whisper in his ear. “Two minutes alone with you, please.”
Duke cleared his throat and Vaughan stepped to the side. He looked stunning as usual, but Duke expected nothing less. His short hair was moussed and actually parted on the side. It made him look so distinguished, Duke wanted to put his arm around the man’s waist and pull him close to his side. Instead, he pointed to Judge. “Vaughan. I don’t know if you remember Judge Josephson.” Duke pointed to Vaughan. “Judge this is Vaughan Webb, Quick’s son. He’s recently come to Atlanta after passing the bar to work in the DA’s office.”
“No shit,” Judge deadpanned. “You’re a lawyer? You don’t look like one.”
Vaughan’s laugh was dry. “I’m not sure exactly how a lawyer looks.”
“You just look a bit young.”
Vaughan nodded once, his lips tight like there was a lot he wanted to say to Judge.
Oh boy. This isn’t good. Judge and Duke weren’t lovers anymore, but Judge had made it clear that Duke would always be a special friend to him. Now Judge was acting like Duke needed protecting.
There was so much Vaughan wanted to say to Judge that he was literally biting his tongue to the point of pain. He didn’t like it at all when he’d come in to see Judge looking at Duke like he was a piece of prime rib. The guy had chosen another man over Duke. He didn’t get to be greedy and feast his eyes on Vaughan’s man too.
Since his father was consumed with congratulating Charlie, Vaughan took the opportunity to make his presence known. Duke had responded visibly to his kiss and he took it as a victory. Now Judge was giving him shit. The big bastard. If Vaughan were still in high school and weighed an extra hundred pounds, he’d invite Judge outside to the parking lot.
“Well, I’m not sure what you think a lawyer should look like, but I assure you; I am one.”
“Hottest lawyer I’ve ever seen,” Duke added, and Vaughan thought his chest would burst with pride. If he had been concerned about Duke hiding them, he wasn’t anymore. Now he needed some alone time with him. He turned towards Duke and mouthed, “Your office.” He left without saying anything else to Judge. He was irrelevant to Vaughan. He actually should be Judge’s new best friend, because it was his stupidity that gave Vaughan the opportunity to be with Duke. If he and Duke were still sleeping together, Vaughan would have had to waste precious time trying to convince Duke to leave him. He gave that very little thought as he headed to Duke’s office and closed himself inside to wait.
