Just a Bit Wrecked (Straight Guys 11)

Colin didn’t even bother hiding his condescending sneer. “We don’t have to make it public. We can talk to him and pressure him into withdrawing. I’m sure he cares about his business reputation. He wouldn’t want to be known as someone who makes underhanded deals.”

Andrew laughed. “So you’re suggesting we threaten him? That’s your professional advice? And you call yourself a lawyer? Ian Caldwell isn’t exactly a man you threaten.”

Colin flushed and opened his mouth, but whatever he was going to say was cut off by a cold, “Enough.”

Everyone’s gaze turned to their host.

Derek Rutledge’s expression was rather sour as he pinned Andrew with a hard look. “What are you suggesting, then?”

Andrew’s hand gripped Logan’s knee under the table, but outwardly, his face was calm and confident. “I’m suggesting you talk to him.”

“Talk to him,” Derek repeated flatly.

Andrew let out a laugh. “I know: a wild concept, isn’t it? Talk to him and apologize. Have you even tried?”

Derek’s jaw clenched. “I have nothing to apologize for. If my actions caused harm, it wasn’t intentional. The engagement wasn’t my idea.”

“Then tell him that,” Andrew said. “Explain to him what really happened. What do you have to lose? Caldwell has something of a temper, but he isn’t unreasonable. All of this seems like a case of a misunderstanding.”

“I agree,” Shawn said. “Maybe it’s worth a try, Derek. If Miles is in love with the guy, surely he can’t be that bad.”

Derek’s expression was rather pinched, but he didn’t outright refuse. “I’ll think about it,” he said tersely, getting to his feet. Everyone followed suit.

Andrew’s goodbyes to the Rutledges were rather stiff. He said nothing to Colin and strode out of the house without waiting for Logan to finish thanking the Rutledges for their hospitality.

But the moment Logan shut the front door behind him, he was yanked to the side, shoved against the wall, and suddenly had Andrew trying to tuck himself under his chin, breathing oddly. Hyperventilating.

It took Logan a moment to recover from his surprise.

Then, he wrapped his arms around him, and Andrew made a small sound—something pained but relieved too. Lips pressed against the hollow of Logan’s throat. “Sorry,” Andrew murmured into his neck. “It was just—it was hard for me to be around them, especially Colin. I know they all wish Vivian were here instead of me.”

Logan frowned. “I’m sure they don’t.”

Andrew let out a humorless laugh. “Right. Did you see the way Colin looked at me? I’m sure he blames me for not saving her.”

“Colin… What’s the story there?” Logan said, threading his fingers through Andrew’s curls.

Andrew sighed, stroking Logan’s chest absentmindedly. “He was basically Vivian’s childhood sweetheart. They were apparently on something of a break when I first met him. He made a move on me at a corporate party—he’s bi—and I might have been… a little rude when I said I wasn’t interested in men.”

Logan could imagine it all too well. “And then what?”

“Well, he didn’t take it well.” Andrew pulled back a little, running a hand over his eyes. “A month later, Vivian and I started seeing each other, and imagine my surprise when she introduced me to her best friend-slash-ex. It was a little awkward, to say the least. For multiple reasons.”

Logan knew he probably shouldn’t have laughed, but it was funny, especially the face Andrew was pulling.

“Ha-fucking-ha,” Andrew deadpanned, but the corners of his mouth twitched, and then he was laughing, too.

And Logan stared.

He had never seen Andrew laugh. Not like this: with pure mirth on his face, his eyes bright and soft, and his smile blinding.

He was beautiful.

It was the first time he thought of Andrew as beautiful. Handsome, hot, attractive, lovely—yes, but never beautiful. Beauty came from within; it wasn’t just a physical attribute.

But fuck, he was beautiful, all laughing eyes, wild curls, and cherry red lips.

And Logan loved him.

He loved him.

“What?” Andrew said, smiling. “Why are you looking at me that way?”

Later. He could freak out later.

“No reason,” Logan said hoarsely, pulling Andrew closer and kissing him.

Andrew’s lips parted for his tongue immediately, and the world around them faded away—until the slam of the door made them flinch and break the kiss.

Logan turned his head and found himself looking at Colin’s sneering face.

“Not a homo, huh?” Colin said, glaring at Andrew. “You didn’t waste time after Vivian’s death.”

Andrew jumped away from Logan as though he’d been burned. “I—It isn’t what it looks like!”

Logan suddenly felt cold, and it had little to do with the chilly November weather.

Colin scoffed and stalked toward his car. He slammed its door hard and took off, leaving a deafening silence in his wake.

It isn’t what it looks like.

Logan bit the inside of his cheek so hard he tasted blood.

It shouldn’t have hurt.

It shouldn’t have mattered.

It wasn’t like he hadn’t known that Andrew would never want people to find out about them. He’d known. He’d always known he shouldn’t allow himself to get attached to a “straight” guy. He’d known it would only lead to heartbreak if he was stupid enough to fall for Andrew. He’d known.