Page 139 of The Husband Game

“I like.”

Charlie wore a lace dress that hugged every inch of his body. It stopped below the knees and was sleeveless, showing off the lean musculature of his arms.

It was a deep rich shade of purple and there was a little bit of a sheen to it, like it was slightly metallic. He wore nude heels with it and his eyes were made up to look especially big tonight.

He looked so beautiful; Dustin had to take him in his arms. “I like this look on you a lot.”

“Yeah?”

“Mmhmm.” Dustin bent down and kissed the bare cap of Charlie’s shoulder where it peeped out from the lace. “You look very elegant but all I can think about is what you have on underneath.”

Charlie laughed. “Not a whole lot, to be honest. It’s pretty form-fitting.”

“I see that.” Dustin ran an appreciative hand down his back to cup his ass. “How’d you find something that fit you so well?”

“I went to that tailor you recommended. Thanks, by the way.”

“He’s good, huh?”

“Very.” Charlie stepped back, eyeing Dustin. “Did he do your suit?”

“Yes. It’s custom though.”

Charlie pursed his lips and twirled his finger, directing Dustin to do a little spin. He did it, showing off a little.

“Definitely worth it,” Charlie declared when he was done. He narrowed his eyes. “Wait, we coordinate. How’d you pull that off?”

Dustin smirked. “A little Birdie might have told me what you were planning to wear.”

Dustin enjoyed fashion. Maybe not the way Charlie did, but he liked to look good and over the years he’d developed a good relationship with his stylist and tailor. He gave them vague ideas of what he wanted and they made the magic happen.

This evening, the magic consisted of a slim-fit black suit with the slightly glossy lapels of a tuxedo jacket. He’d paired it with a plum-colored sweater underneath to give it a more modern edge. Along with low black boots and a coordinating pocket square, he thought he looked pretty good.

And if he looked good enough to be on Charlie’s arm tonight, that was all thanks to them.

Charlie stepped closer, running his hands across Dustin’s chest. “Mmm, soft. Cashmere?”

“I think so.”

“I like it.” Charlie’s gaze was appreciative.

Dustin smiled down at him. He seemed to be doing well tonight. He seemed lighter than he had all week.

Things hadn’t been strained between them, exactly, but their interactions had felt heavier.

They were still having sex and it was good—it always was—but Dustin could feel an invisible emotional wall Charlie had slammed into place after his revelations about his rocky relationship with his parents.

He wasn’t surprised.

Dustin could definitely see a pattern starting to emerge. Charlie got freaked out, then retreated.

Was he concerned about Charlie’s eating disorder? Absolutely.

But Jamie had texted him yesterday to let him know Charlie had told Taylor he was struggling.

That was reassuring.

As much as Dustin wanted to be the person Charlie went to when he was having a hard time, he needed his best friend and his therapist too. As long as he was talking to them, that was what mattered.

---