Page 7 of Tender Wild

He asked as if the wolves were options in a catalogue. “None of them,” he lied.

Cesar set down two pink drinks in front of them, and Jared grabbed his immediately, taking a long sip through the straw. The sweet, tangy liquid cooled his throat and calmed his nerves a bit.

“So,” Percy said, taking a sip of his own drink, “who’s your wolf?”

Jared nearly choked. “I told you—”

“Honey, your eyes have been darting to that door every five seconds since we started talking.” Percy’s voice dropped to a conspiratorial whisper. “Trust me, I know thirst when I see it.”

Before Jared could deny it again, the door swung open, the sound of multiple bikes rumbling outside. His heart did a little flip-flop dance in his chest. He casually glanced over his shoulder, trying to appear completely uninterested while secretly hoping it was Miguel.

Then he walked in, leather jacket slung over one shoulder, and looking devastating in black jeans and a faded gray T-shirt that clung to his chest in all the right places. His dark hair was windswept, falling across his forehead in a way that made Jared’s fingers itch to brush it back.

Jared straightened, trying not to look too eager while simultaneously fighting the urge to run his hands through his own hair, check his breath, and adjust his shirt all at once.

“Looks like your ‘none of them’ just walked in.” Percy smirked then took a sip of his drink.

Miguel glanced around, then his eyes landed on Jared.

For a split second, something like genuine pleasure flashed across his face. Then it vanished, replaced by a casual smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes.

Jared slid off the stool, leaving Percy and walking over before he lost his nerve. “You’re a hard man to get ahold of.”

One corner of Miguel’s mouth curled upward. “I didn’t know you were going to be here.”

A pause that lasted a beat too long, those dark blue eyes flicking away for a second and then back again.

“So...” he started, just as Miguel said, “I should—”

They both stopped. Miguel gestured for him to continue.

“Wanna grab a drink?” Jared blurted, his stomach tied in knots. “I mean, if you’re not busy. No pressure.”

Miguel hesitated, eyes darting to the exit. For a second Jared thought he might refuse. Then his shoulders relaxed a fraction.

“Sure,” he said.

As they headed to the bar, Jared snuck glances at Miguel’s profile. There was tension in his jaw, a tightness around his eyes. Something had happened.

But Miguel didn’t volunteer any information as they settled onto stools. He ordered a whiskey, knocking it back in one swallow before signaling for another.

Jared sipped his Cosmo, struggling to recapture the easy banter they’d shared over texts. Miguel seemed different in person this time. More guarded, less open.

“So.” Jared grasped for a topic. “Nice weather we’re having.”

Miguel snorted. “Seriously? We’re talking about the weather now?”

“Hey, it’s a classic for a reason,” Jared argued, relieved to see Miguel’s shoulders relax slightly. “Though I guess discussing motorcycles would be more on-brand for this place.”

“True.” Miguel’s eyes crinkled at the corners. “I really wasn’t expecting you to be here.”

“Oh, you know,” Jared said with forced casualness. “Just in the neighborhood. Thought I’d stop by.”

Miguel’s lips twitched, like he was fighting a smile. “In the neighborhood, huh?”

“Yep. Totally coincidental.” Jared puffed his cheeks. “So, uh, how’ve you been?”

“Fine.” Miguel rubbed the back of his neck. The movement pulled his shirt tight across his chest, and Jared had to physically force himself not to stare.

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