Page 215 of The Hopelessly Bromantic Duet

I tingle with happiness at the news. “Seriously?” I pray he’s not taking the piss out of me.

William’s expression shifts to somber. “I’ve started going to meetings. And I found a therapist. It’s early days, but you know how it goes.One day at a time,” he says.

“I’m so happy for you.”

William’s smile is small but proud, as if he’s not taking anything for granted. “Thanks. And listen, I don’t mean to turn the moment all serious, but sometimes you have to be. You sticking around for me did it. It was a wake-up call, everything you did to help me. No one else told me to get my act together.”

Was I that harsh? “Did I saythat?”

“Pretty much, mate,” William says, clapping me on the shoulder. “And it worked. So, yeah, thanks.”

I’m honored and humbled. But I won’t take the credit. “You’re the one doing the hard work. I’m here for you if you need a shoulder to lean on.”

Then he turns to TJ. “Don’t let him get away.”

“I don’t plan to,” TJ says, and I like the sound of that. “Also, I’ve got a shoulder for you too if you need it.”

William swallows, eyes shining with emotion. “Thank you. Truly, just... thank you.”

“What are friends for,” I say.

“There’s a bunch of us having dinner,” TJ says, and it’s like he can read my mind. I was going to ask William along too. “I booked us a private room at this sushi place. Want to join us?”

“I’m there,” William says.

***

Thirty minutes later, William joins us in a stylish private room at the sushi restaurant with the rest of the guys—a table for six. We dine on salty edamame, gleaming yellowtail, and glittery seaweed salad. There’s sake for some of us, but William declines, opting for a green tea.

Over the first round of sashimi, Christian shares tales from the set of his recent action-adventure pic, then he asks Luke and Jason what’s cooking in their sports world.

Luke runs a hand through his hair, preening as he shows off his thick golden-brown locks. “The annual charity auction is coming up soon, so we’re laying down the bets on which player goes for the most dough,” Luke says, all brazen confidence. “My money’s on...me.”

Jason snorts, rolling his eyes.

Christian chuckles. “You doubt him?”

Luke answers for Jason. “Yes, he doubts me. But I plan to show the first string QB that a second-stringer can clean up.Make it rain, make it rain, make it fucking rain,” he says.

“Luke struggles with confidence,” TJ says.

“I can see that,” Christian says, then looks to William across the table. “And tell us—how the hell did tonight come together? That was like a surprise jump out of the cake at a bachelor party.”

“I wish there were cake. Can we get some, please?” William asks, turning on the cheeky charm as he meets Christian’s gaze.

“I’ll get you cake,” Christian says, just to William.

Well, that didn’t take long at all. I nudge TJ’s side. He winks at me.

The rocker blushes briefly, then says, “It all came together quickly. When Stone Zenith calls and invites you as his special guest, you sayyes, and how high do you want me to jump.”

“And how high does he want you to jump?” Christian asks, and we might as well not be here for all the flirting between these two men.

“Apparently all the way around the world. He invited me on his European tour,” William says, almost like he wants to addcome with meto Christian.

Luke shoots a wide-eyed stare at Jason. Jason just shrugs to say,yeah, they should totally get a room.

Fine, theyshould. But someone needs to cut the sexual tension between them, or the room will get a hard-on too.

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