There was a collective uproar of sound from everyone gathered. A lot ofwhat the fuckkind of exclamations. I wasn't sure if everyone was upset or simply surprised.
Who the hell is Skylar?
"You've been doing what?" Noah practically shouted. "What happened to denying his husband any kind of pleasure? I seem to remember you were pretty clear on that."
Skylar is someone's husband?
Liam touched my shoulder and leaned close to my ear. "There's a guy at Owen's office, a real estate agent who Owen hates, Chad. Skylar is the guy's husband."
Okay. That didnotclear things up at all.
"It's nothing salacious," Owen responded. "He just checks in with me on Friday night."
"Checks in?" Liam asked.
"We talk about our week." Owen shrugged. "Mostlymyweek."
"How and when did this start?" Noah asked.
"He's texted me three times … that's it." Owen looked at the counter. "He's a good listener. He draws me out. Gets me talking about stuff that's bothering me."
"So … he what … texted you out of the blue?" Liam asked.
Owen exhaled. "Yes. Told me Chad gave him my number."
"We told you they might not be fucking with you." Noah leaned on the counter. "So, you're considering it. Hooking up with Skylar."
Owen shook his head. "We're just talking. I'm not even sure he wants more."
"He cornered you in the bathroom," Ethan said. "Rubbed up on you."
This all sounded way too complicated. I was more than satisfied with one guy in my life. Especially, one who didn't come with an extra guy. I wasn't sure what Owen was looking for.
Seemed like he didn't know either.
"It's no secret," Owen said," that I think Skylar is hot. That whole femme nerd thing he has going on is doing it for me, but he comes with a festering Chad-shaped growth."
"Sounds like he's trying to get to know you first," Daniel pointed out. "Maybe he hasn't decided if he wants to follow through on that aggressive move he made on you."
"No, he made his intention clear with that move," Brody responded. "Reminds me of the night I waited for Noah outside the pub and solicited him for sex. I was serious about wanting him."
Noah grinned, gripped Brody's bicep, and leaned against his shoulder.
"I think he wants Owen," Ethan agreed. "But he's decided to take his time with him."
"You're sure this isn't Chad messing with you?" Liam asked.
Owen pulled his phone from his jeans and called up something on it, scrolled, and handed the phone to Liam. "Does this look like Chad is even in on the conversation?"
Liam scanned the screen, dragging his finger from bottom to top multiple times as he read. His brow furrowed and he handed the cell back to Owen. "The guy is sophisticated, I'll give him that. It's hard to tell what his end game is, he's so focused on understanding you instead. My bet is hedoeswant to fuck you. And I do mean fuckyou. There's no way that guy is a bottom."
"My thoughts too," Ethan said and looked at Owen. "Told you."
Owen sighed. "I want to change the topic."
"We're going to trial against the guy who attacked Jamal," Brody said, taking the hint.
"Oh, perfect," Ethan replied and looked at me. "I'm sure that feels good."