Page 25 of Someone Else's Wolf

"I appreciate it." I stuffed my hands into my pockets and tried to look casual. The parking lot was devoid of other people, but I still felt exposed — perhaps because I was showing too much emotion, or revealing how important he was to me?

Peter smiled. He looked around quickly, then drew me into a gentle embrace. It was less passionate than it would have been if we were alone, but still a hell of a lot more demonstrative than we'd ever been in public before.

Whoa. Maybe he feels the same way? Maybe he really did miss me.

He drew back, clapped me on the back with his big, strong, warm hand, and smiled, awkward and cute. "Come on. Let's go meet your deer."

"He's not mine yet. But we've been looking into jobs, and there are some good ones really close to my home. I wouldn't have to move at all, and he's fine with relocating."

"He's not going to live with you, is he?"

I laughed, because the idea was absurd. "He's pretty private. I don't think he could stand being around me all the time."

Peter didn't look entirely convinced of that, but he changed the subject. "And you really think you want to get into medical work?" Peter sounded perplexed by the idea.

"I'm definitely thinking about it."Because I want to keep you, genius. But I couldn't come right out and say that.

I led him to the appointed spot, a little picnic table where Kirk was waiting, hands in his pockets, leaning against the table as he stared out over the lake. He looked like an atmospheric loner, lean and long-legged enough to be on a movie poster. Something grim and Nordic, perhaps.

I cleared my throat as we approached, though I was pretty sure he was aware of exactly how close we were. "Kirk?"

He turned, raising a perfect eyebrow. "Yes? What is it?"

"Kirk, this is Peter." I kept my hand lightly on Peter's arm, hoping he didn't mind. He stared hard at Kirk, who stared back, looking haughty and repulsed. He stuck out his hand first, though, and when Peter accepted it, you could see him bearing down: the flex of Kirk's hard, trim arm muscles, the little jump in Peter's jaw, the slight wince. It was a long, eye-contact-laden handshake.

I cleared my throat. They released each other quickly, like wrestlers breaking a clench hold.

Peter shook out his hand and hissed. "Well, you're no weakling."

"Good to know." Kirk looked cynically at us.

Don't say boyfriend. I haven't even broached the topic yet. Don't you dare.

He didn't say it.

Peter spoke instead. "I have a partner already. I don't want to steal him from you or anything. I just — I want Shane, here, to be happy, and to make a good choice." He looked at me searchingly. "If you really don't want to be a cop anymore, I'm sure it's a good job." His voice trailed off uncertainly, then he gave himself a shake. "And it's none of my business what you do. Either of you." He studied Kirk disapprovingly. "Unless you hurt my friend, here. Then it is."

Friend.

Kirk snorted — a very deer-like snort — and rolled his eyes. "Pretty sure I'm not the problem here, Hoss."

"It's Peter, not Hoss." He looked confused.

Kirk raised his hands and stepped back, his mouth twisting in the way of someone who's very done with the situation. "Shane, I'm going for a run. Come find me if you want to talk." He gave me a significant look and stalked off, fiercely independent, closed off, and angry.

Peter gave me a helpless look. "What was that about? I'm a problem? He's kinda rude, Shane." He searched my face. "Why did you want me to meet him, anyway?"

I scratched at my chin. Being honest about what I wanted had seemed like such a good idea a short time ago. I took a deep breath. "I'd like to keep seeing you, Peter."

A grin split his handsome face. "Okay. Me too." He glanced around quickly, then pulled me into his arms.

"Somebody'll see," I grumbled halfheartedly.

"They'll smell more than that."

He kissed me. I kissed back, disappearing into a haze of hormonal bliss and the comfort of his strong arms. It felt good to be held. I loved the taste of his mouth against mine...

He drew back, a little grin teasing around the edges of his mouth. "Anyway, what does that have to do with this guy? Won't it be harder to keep seeing each other if we work apart?" He seemed honestly confused about that.