Page 71 of Thoroughly Innocent Intent

“Pfft,” Shane snorts. “That was a gentlemanly greeting extended to the particular friend of my particular friend.”

“We are not particular friends,” Colt deadpans.

“What the hell?” Dante looks between them both, clearly confused.

“Language,” Shane singsongs, mocking Meghan. “It’s the way guys in London refer to their friends. I read it in one of Elliot’s books.”

“You read a book?” Dante recoils. “You don’t read.”

“Fine. I saw a TV show, but it was based on a best-selling book. The English soldier called his friends particular friends. It’s like a friend but better.”

“You have no idea what that even means, do you?” The sly grin on Colt’s face tells me he does know, and it’s not at all what Shane thinks. Elliot’s barely contained laughter says the same.

“Do you?” Shane challenges.

“Yeah, actually. It’s a friendship based on emotional fascination. I’m flattered. Didn’t realize that’s how you felt about me.” Colt rubs his chest, egging Shane on.

“I…what?” Shane looks to Elliot.

“You didn’t realize that soldier was gay?” She wipes at a tear threatening to fall since she’s holding in her laughter.

“They weren’t just really close friends?” Shane’s brows pull together.

“They were close all right. Watch the next episode.” Elliot gives in and starts laughing in full.

“I wanna know how the hell you know that?” Dante turns to Colt.

“Language,” Meghan barks over her shoulder as she stirs something on the range.

“I took history through film as a college elective. It was in one of the movies we had to watch.” Colt’s tone is indifferent, but the sparkle in his eye tells me he’s proud of his knowledge. I’m suddenly antsy to launch his foundation, so everyone else can see this side of him, and maybe find as much pride in their education as Colt finds in his.

“You got, like, a photographic memory or something?” Dante scratches his head.

“Nah, some things just stick. It’s an unusual phrase so we had a big discussion about it in class.” Colt shrugs.

“You remember that?” Dante looks horrified. “I don’t remember what I ate for breakfast.”

“You didn’t have any. Saving room for the big meal.” Meghan sets down her spatula and turns to pat Dante’s stomach.

“Oh yeah. So, Shane.” Dante turns to his friend with a wicked grin. “What’s so fascinating about Colt? Is it his big hands?”

“You jealous?” Shane arches an eyebrow. “Guy’s got more receptions than you this season.”

“Only cause he catches the short ball over the middle. He’s not fast enough to catch the deep ones.”

“So, you’re saying I should be fascinated with you, not Colt?” Shane arches a brow.

“Hell no. I’m saying I’m more fascinating.”

“What’s the difference?” Shane scoffs.

“Yardage.” Dante’s expression seems to say ‘duh.’

Colt sighs and shakes his head, and I hold my breath to keep the giggle from escaping. I’ve never seen grown men get so carried away over holding a title neither of them actually want. Then again, they do play a game for a living.

“Okay, you guys. Go be particular friends somewhere else. I’ve got food to cook.” Meghan shoos them all out to the living room, where they can watch the day’s games and hands me a glass of wine. “They eat, sleep and breathe football, so you’d think they’d appreciate a day away from it now and then.” She shakes her head. “At least it gets them cleared out of my kitchen.”

“Is there anything I can do to help?” I ask.

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