Page 64 of Just Business

Both of Michael’s eyebrows hit his hairline. “Have you dated anyone since...?”

“Since you? No.” He was on his feet in a heartbeat, despite the protest in his leg. But he needed to move.

“E...” Michael didn’t even need to finish the sentence.

“I don’t know, Michael. I have no idea what I’m doing. You know I’m shit at these sorts of things.” He paced to the door, turned, and paced back. There, against the wall, was the cane he’d used to fuck Justin. And there was the spike of desire and elation at having done so. He faced Michael and waited.

And waited. Michael straightened but didn’t rise. “I honestly came by to see if you were okay. Taking on a sub for more than an evening is unusual for you. But this...” He huffed a laugh. “This is agoodthing, E.”

“Is it?” He sat against his desk, not willing to give up the inches he had on Michael. Not inhisoffice.

Another chuckle.

It was a strange, wonderful predicament. He relaxed and let go of the walls. “I haven’t felt like this with anyone. Not since... Noah. And that was puppy love. This is richer, more expansive. I can’t even describe...” His gaze strayed to the door again. “I can’t get him out of my mind. He’s infuriating. Brilliant. Amusing.”

“Hotter than sin?”

“I don’t believe in sin.” Eli focused on Michael. “But yes. That, too.” He paused. “I suppose people noticed.”

Michael laughed. Loudly, too. “Noticed? Jesus, Eli! Youkneltand kissed his tattoo. Youcuddledwith him on a couch, and thenyou took him home. Yes, people noticed.”

Eli’s cheeks burned. “We spent the rest of the weekend together.”

“Good.”

Good?“That’s it? No comment, no quip?”

A grin—one that always warmed Eli even in friendship—graced Michael’s lips. “If it makes you happy, E, it’s good.”

It did make him happy—giddy, even. But... “I’m not sure Justin feels the same way.”

Michael’s expression slipped. “What do you mean?”

“He nearly left Saturday morning. I don’t know why.”

Michael shrugged. “Nerves? Youarea bit intense. Give it time.”

“I know. It’s just—what if it doesn’t work?” Even thinking the words drilled a pit into the depth of his soul. Had he gotten attached to Justin’s snark and smile so soon?

Michael studied his hands. “You’ve been there before.”

He had, with the man who sat before him. It hadhurt, that breakup, because there were so many thingsrightabout Michael. They’d settled into a good friendship, and that had allowed Eli to be there to help when Michael’s world—personal and work—had fallen apart.

“I don’t want to go there again.” It had been bad enough with Michael. With Justin? He rubbed his eyes. “There are so many unknowns.”

Michael shook his head, but the smile had returned. “Oh, Eli. That’s part of the thrill.”

And the terror. “I’m not in love.”

Michael stood. “You’ve always been such a horrible liar.” It took three steps for Michael to cross to the door on his long legs. “One of your best qualities.” His smile was heartwarming, then he was out the door and crossing the hall to Sam’s office.

In Michael’s wake sat Justin. Meeting his gaze only made Eli’s heart race faster. The world wobbled and tilted. Michael had been right, as usual. He really couldn’t lie for shit.

Chapter Twelve

Justin shut his apartment door and threw his keys onto his kitchen table. A night at home—such as it was. That had become a bit rare over the past five weeks. He’d spent quite a few nights at Eli’s—it was closer to work and school. But he needed to do some laundry, balance his pitiful excuse for a bank account, and call his parents.

None of those he wanted to do in Eli’s pristine house.