Wood: A True Lover's Story

“If you want another lamp, then get one,” Bishop said, then immediately switched directions. “What’d you think of Trent?”

Wood glared up at Bishop. His friend at least had the audacity to look guilty. Wood got up and tossed his sketch pad in the chair as he stood face-to-face with Bishop. “Why the hell didn’t you warn me?”

“Because I know you don’t like it when guys try to push your buttons. And that’s definitely Trent’s MO.” Bishop gave him a pleading expression. “Come on, Wood, he’s not that bad. He only pokes and jabs at people he likes. He’ll grow on you.”

“Mmhmm. Like mold,” Wood grumbled.

Bishop smiled bright and warm at him, knowing Wood always gave in when he did. He stepped back and observed his ex-cellmate. Damn, Bishop looked good. He was dressed in a nice outfit that he was sure didn’t come from the thrift store like his own. Bishop’s body had always been impressive, but since he’d been out, Wood knew he’d been working his ass off getting his landscaping business off the ground. The manual labor looked to be paying off. Although— “What’s up with the gut? Your abs were like bricks last time I saw you. Now you got a pudge, man.”

Bishop laughed loudly and patted his mostly flat stomach. “Shit, man, that’s Eddie. I told him he’s feeding me too much.”

“Hmmm,” Wood hummed, shaking his head at the lovesick expression on his friend’s face. “It’s the way to a man’s heart, right?”

“Sure as hell is.” Bishop smirked. “Speaking of food. Come on, let’s get to the oceanfront. I’ve been thinking about a seafood dinner all day.”

“Sounds good. Let me get my coat.” Wood picked up his pad and took it to his bedroom, and Bishop followed behind him.

“So how’d it go last night?”

Wood blew out a long breath of exhaustion. “Wasn’t exactly a When Harry Met Sally moment.”

Bishop stayed on his heels while he went to his closet and pulled out his scarf and a thick beanie. He ignored the almost desperate vibes coming at him from behind when he turned off his light and left out of his room.

“Trent really is a great guy once you get past his guard. And trust me, it’s in place for a reason. But if you can ignore the blustering and earn his respect, he’ll start to trust you. With his trust comes his loyalty. And if you’re lucky enough to earn that, then he’ll be the best man in the world to have in your corner.”

“Better than you?” Wood asked, realizing he was intrigued by the sudden challenge.

“Ten times better,” Bishop said, then clutched onto his shoulder. “You’re not thinking of leaving, are you? Come on, Wood. You’re used to dealing with mouthy men who simply… need a friend.”

Wood spun on Bishop once they were in the living room. “That guy doesn’t need or want a friend. And even if he did, he doesn’t want me… he wants you.”

“Trent has me.” Bishop frowned.

“Does he?” Wood asked seriously.

“Yes! But I want you both. I mean, I want you two to get along so we can all chill together. Double up and stuff. Trent won’t hang out with me and Eddie because he says he doesn’t want to be a third wheel.”

Wood scowled. “Are you insane? What the hell you mean double up? Me and him are not a— He thinks I’m freakin’ Father Time. He asked me if I had any dietary restrictions.”

The front door opened just as Bishop let out a loud bark of laughter. Trent grinned when he walked in as if he was pleasantly surprised to see him there. Then his smoky eyes landed on Wood and his smile fell from his lips faster than Lucifer fell from grace. It was hard to miss the slightly annoyed glare as he scanned Wood’s “dressed nice” outfit.

“Been a long deployment, huh, sailor?” Trent asked snidely. “Looks as if you’re planning to have more than just dinner tonight.”

Wood narrowed his eyes, and Bishop hurried to speak as if sensing the discord. “Trent, go clean up real quick and get changed. We’re gonna take Wood to his old shop, then get some food at Rudee’s.” Bishop greedily rubbed his big hands together. “Come on, that’s your favorite.”

Trent looked back and forth between them, his gaze lingering on Wood a few seconds longer, then shook his head. “Y’all go on.”

“Trent,” Bishop said, seeming surprised.

“I’m just tired, all right? I worked all day.” Trent walked by with his bag and whispered in Wood’s direction, “Hope you have a good time.”

“Damnit,” Bishop hissed. “Why won’t he snap outta this?”

“Not everyone likes change. Especially when it’s forced on them.” Wood added his two cents whether Bishop wanted to hear it or not.

“Let’s just go. The shop’ll be closing in an hour.” Bishop left out before him, and Wood turned off the lights and locked the front door.