Page 8 of Past Lovers

Dale smiled. “I didn’t want to move out, but I’d promised the wife an upgrade a long time ago. I’m glad he bought it. But it’s still too much for one person—and since he doesn’t seem in a rush to fill it with a family, it’ll be good for you to be there.”

Clay smiled. “I’m lucky to have a place to land. And it’s not like we haven’t been roommates before.”

“True.” Dale leaned forward. “Now get to work… and make me some more money so I can tell the Stainsburys to go suck it one day.”

Clay chuckled as he rose. “I’ll do my best.” He headed for the door.

“Nice shiner, by the way,” Dale called as he walked out and nearly ran into Adam speeding in.

Adam caught himself and turned to eye him.

“She do that?”

Clay laughed. “Yes and no. I’ll tell you all about it tonight.”

Adam winced. “Okay.”

Clay smiled and headed to his office, glad to finally be free of the shrew he lived with.

He slid a hand into his pocket, caressing the one thing he’d managed to get his hands on before he left. The only thing that had mattered to him…

Clay drew it from his pocket as he landed in his chair. Staring, he ran his fingertip over the surface, the fluorescent light above glinting off it.

Finally. I’m free…

Chapter Three

Later that night…

“Thanks for giving me a place to crash,” Clay said, dropping his duffel beside the kitchen island. “I appreciate it.”

Adam nodded and went to the fridge, fishing out two beers. “No problem.” He opened both before handing one off to Clay.

Clay’s fingers glanced against his, sending a wave of need through Adam. A need for more than a passing touch. Adam bit the inside of his jaw, trying to ignore his wayward thoughts.

He’s your best friend… stop lusting after him.

“Your dad said something about you considering a permanent roommate. Is that true?”

Adam hesitated. He’d like nothing better than Clay there permanently, but he wasn’t sure that was possible. “So what’s the deal with Melanie?” he asked, trying to figure out if he was on duty or not. He hated turning Clay’s head back toward her time and time again, but he knew his little secret could come back to bite him one day.

And the thought of losing Clay’s friendship felt akin to not being able to breathe.

“She left me for someone else,” Clay said before taking a draught from the bottle.

She left him? Interesting.“Anyone you know?”

“Stainsbury.”

Adam winced. “CarlStainsbury?”

Clay nodded.

“So that’s why dad was in damage control mode today. He didn’t give me many details… just said you and Carl had gotten into it.” Adam leaned back against the counter, relief filling him. If Melanie had been the one doing the leaving, it appeared he didn’t have to use his tools of persuasion.

Thank god.

“So, you never answered my question,” Clay said. “Was that on purpose?”

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