“I’m sure luck only played a small part,” Alec said. “How did you get started?”
“I attended Duke University’s Center for Documentary Studies at the same time Tyler went to medical school there. In fact, I just learned he grew up one county over from me. Our high schools were rivals.”
“Small world, huh?” Alec said.
The conversation hit a lull, and the low-grade tension climbed another degree. At this point, Alec would have gladly given away a kidney just to have the conversation over.
Looking as unruffled as ever, Tyler said, “What high school did you attend, Dylan?”
“I didn’t,” Dylan said easily. “By age fifteen, I was living on the streets.”
The words bowled over Alec’s discomfort, and he whipped his gaze to Dylan, almost wrenching his neck in the process.
Dylan used to be a street kid?
Mute, Alec stared at the hint of a grin on Dylan’s lips.
Logan managed to clarify the question on Alec’s mind. “You were homeless?”
“Yep.”
Alec struggled to process the news. In fact, the nonchalantly delivered admission had clearly caught the entire group off guard. Tyler’s face looked blanker than usual as he remained silent, as if the information didn’t compute. Or maybe he simply couldn’t understand Dylan’s cheerful delivery. Tyler hardly ever lost his cool. Alec had spent two years admiring his composure in the face of adversity. And Dylan appeared to be enjoying Tyler’s expression. Obviously Dylan still considered Alec’s ex-boyfriend a challenge.
Logan interrupted Alec’s thoughts. “That must have been tough, Dylan.”
Dylan hiked a shoulder. “Got my GED, some technical training, and then on-the-job experience before opening my own shop restoring vintage motorcycles.”
“My brother and I are hardcore Ducati fans,” Logan said. “Tyler and I met when Steve wrecked his bike and Tyler stopped to help.”
“I’m curious…” Tyler flicked his gaze to Dylan. “How did you meet Alec?”
Alec’s chest froze. Tyler knew.
His ex definitely knew Alec and Dylan were faking.
Alec could tell by the look on Tyler’s face. Those coolly assessing eyes landed on Dylan’s palm cupping the base of Alec’s neck, and an uncomfortable heat flooded his stomach. A gentle squeeze of Dylan’s fingers followed, mostly likely meant to be reassuring, but the pressure created all sorts of images of those hands closing around other areas of Alec’s body.
Concentrate on Tyler, not the hand at your neck.
“Dylan’s been helping me get the Harley into shape,” Alec said.
Tyler held Alec’s gaze. “About time you developed an interest outside of work.”
And defeating Proposition 8, Tyler didn’t add, probably because they’d had that debate a number of times before.
“I’ve been trying to convince you of that for over a year,” Tyler went on.
Alec refused to let Tyler claim any ownership over the decision to buy the Harley. “You also spent two years trying to get me to accompany you on your daily run, partake of your morning spinach smoothie routine, and commit to an organic, vegetarian diet,” Alec said drily.
“You didn’t take me up on any of those ideas either.”
“Maybe I just needed the right incentive,” Alec said.
“Namely, me.” The cocky smile that slipped up Dylan’s face should have been a warning. “Although…”
The look Dylan sent Alec set him on edge.
Dylan continued, gaze lit with amusement. “I had a devil of a time getting this relationship kick started.”
Alec repressed the urge to roll his eyes, his lips twisting wryly instead. “It was the sex swing that finally sold me.”
Dylan tipped back his head and laughed while Alec admired the smooth skin of his neck, the faint stubble on his jaw. Christ, he really was gorgeous.
“And yet,” Tyler murmured, “you two seem like such an unlikely pair.”
Obviously annoyed by the continued challenge in Tyler’s tone, Dylan narrowed his eyes, and Alec’s stomach grew tight. Oh God. This wouldn’t end well.
“That’s funny.” Dylan crossed his arms, his voice so low only the four men could hear. “Cuz ever since Alec and I met we’ve been fucking like Energizer bunnies on Viagra.”
Alec almost choked on his tongue. “Excuse us.”
He gripped Dylan’s elbow, dragging him to the far end of the room, weaving through the crowd as he went. Once they reached the other side of the living room, and safety, Alec leaned against the wall.
“You really don’t know when to shut up, do you?” Alec said wearily.
“I told you,” Dylan said. “It’s a gift.”
Alec let out a humorless bark of laughter. He supposed he should be grateful Dylan had behaved for so long. And Alec couldn’t decide which was worse, Dylan’s mouth, the fact that Tyler saw through their facade, or the effect Dylan’s presence had on Alec’s body. Alec absently watched his ex lean over to whisper in Logan’s ear.