“Sounds like a classic love story,” Steele replied mirthlessly. He looked at his watch again and almost dropped his beer when the door buzzer sounded. He jumped up and ran to the door, ignoring his partners’ laughter behind him.
He swung the heavy door open, ready to pull Tech into his arms, when his smile fell and an annoyed grumble followed.
“I’m sorry, were you expecting someone else?” Syn rasped humorously, stepping inside, a long-haired Adonis behind him. “Aren’t you all gussied up and spit-shined? Did you shave, too? Aww. This is serious, fellas,” Syn teased.
“I hate you guys,” Steele grumbled.
Syn laughed loudly, his deep chuckle echoing in the huge loft. “Steele, this is my partner, Furious. Furi, this is him.”
“Nice to meet you, Steele. Heard a lot about you. Cool name, by the way.” Furious shook his hand and Steele returned the shake with equal strength.
“Likewise,” he replied simply. Ruxs and Green were right. This guy was porn worthy, that’s for sure. Steele knew Furi was out of the adult industry now, and he’d never disrespect his sarge’s partner by asking where he could find some old footage of him. Furi was just that fine.
“I thought we’d swing by since we were in the neighborhood.” Syn’s midnight eyes mocked him, walking inside and placing the twelve pack he’d brought with him in the refrigerator, quickly making himself at home.
Steele knew not much got past Syn regarding the team. But how he’d found out about their date so fast was beyond him. Tech had to have squealed. Still, nothing could bring his mood down. He sat on the stool beside Syn, watching him try to hide his smug grin.
“I’m glad you guys got it worked out, for real. Tech’s a good guy, man,” Syn acknowledged.
Steele agreed. But he didn’t need Syn to tell him that. He already knew. Oh, he couldn’t wait to have the man all to himself, tonight. No one to interrupt them while they were talking, no one a few feet away, listening and teasing. He’d give him what they’d both wanted from day one.
This time when the door buzzer rang, he was a little cooler. He didn’t run to the door, but he didn’t make Tech have to ring it twice. He was early, which meant Tech couldn’t wait any longer, either. Steele smiled, pulling open the metal door. “Oh, fuck no.” Frowning angrily, he slammed it back shut.
The door reopened. “Now, that was rude.” Day grinned, sauntering inside. “Is that how you’re going to greet our Tech?”
“What is this? Are you guys serious?” Steele fussed, staring incredulously at his lieutenants.
“Slam the door in my face again and watch what I do to you,” God said, shoving past him. “I was invited for eggrolls. If you don’t mind.”
“Yeah, everything ain’t about you, Steele.” Day pffted.
Steele leaned against the front door, looking at his co-workers. What had he gotten himself into? Was his date going to be on the local news too? The door buzzed again and Steele’s heart began to hammer in his chest, but he still played it off. “Who is this, the chief of police?” He scowled at his team before opening the door.
“Were you expecting the chief?” Tech asked, standing there looking more stunning than he’d ever seen him look.
Steele’s gaze raked him up and down. From his casual brown leather and suede oxfords, up his long legs encased in denim to his extremely soft-looking beige sweater. Was it cashmere? It looked cashmere. Steele loved the Burberry plaid collared shirt underneath. He wanted to rip those preppy clothes off him so he could get to that enticing smell. Tech’s style was matchless. He felt underdressed now, in his best jeans, which meant no holes or tattered fringe at the bottom but still kind of faded on the knees, and a solid green, button-down shirt. At least he’d thought to steal a pair of Ruxs’ leather boots out of his closet instead of wearing his combats. If Ruxs had noticed them, he didn’t comment. Tech looked like Ivy League slumming it with a trade school student. Steele loved it. He wasn’t insecure in the least. Tech was crazy about him… he was sure of that.
“You look great… come on, let’s go.” Steele yanked his leather coat off the hook, gripped Tech’s shoulder, and tried to hurry and close the door behind him.
“Hey! Hey! Hold up!” He heard yelling behind him before he could fully shut the door.
Tech turned around, looking confused. “Is that Syn? Who else is in there?”
“Um, no one. That was the TV. Let’s go.” Steele tugged Tech around his waist, almost dragging him.
Syn opened the door with a huge smile. “Hey, why you rushing off?”
Tech maneuvered out of Steele’s hold. “Syn, what are you doing here? Is Furi in there?”
“He sure is. Come on in.” Syn hooked his arm around Tech’s lean shoulders and pulled him away from Steele, giving him a gotcha look over his shoulder. Steele flicked Syn off while he trudged back inside.