‘Yeah, why not? It’s not like we get much of a chance to burn the midnight oil these days.’
Wyatt ordered two double brandies at the bar, then returned to the circle of chairs.
They sat in silence for a few moments and then Wyatt said, ‘You seem really happy.’
‘Happiest I’ve ever been.’ Titus nodded slowly. ‘Finn is the one. Before him, I don’t think I believed in such romantic concepts, but now I do. I can’t imagine wanting to be with anyone else, ever.’
‘He’s a good guy.’ Wyatt swirled the amber liquid in his glass, the dim light from the lamps catching on its surface, then took a sip, savouring the gentle burn of the brandy as he swallowed.
‘We fit.’ Titus stretched out his long legs. ‘With Finn, everything makes sense.’
Wyatt raised his glass. ‘Here’s to the ones who complete us.’
Titus leant across the table and clinked his glass against Wyatt’s. ‘Yes, indeed.’
They drank and then Titus set his glass on the table and rested his elbows on his knees. ‘So what about you?’
‘Me?’ Wyatt said, surprised.
‘Yeah… I know you’ve had some brief flings over the years, but has there been no one special?’ His gaze rested on Wyatt’s face, steady but gentle. ‘Is there anyone now?’
Wyatt cleared his throat and ran a finger around the open collar of his shirt. ‘Not really. I mean… Like you said, there have been women but no one special.’
‘Never?’ Titus sat back and crossed one long leg over the other. ‘I always had the impression there could have been someone in the past and that you never got over her.’
Wyatt blinked, caught off guard. Titus was a good friend, and they talked about lots of things, but this topic had always been one he’d avoided. It hurt far too much to talk about what he’d done and why he’d done it. He gave a small shrug. ‘I… I guess I’ve been waiting until I met someone who made everything make sense like Finn does for you.’
Titus picked up his glass and ran a finger around the rim, then licked his lips. ‘Wyatt… You’re a dear friend and I care about you. I’ve known you a long time now, and I don’t think you’re being completely honest with me.’
Titus had never pushed before. Maybe because they lived on opposite sides of the Atlantic, or maybe because Wyatt had always deflected with a joke. But tonight, with the fire low and the brandy warm, there was nowhere to hide.
Wyatt’s cheeks grew warm and he shifted on his seat. ‘Titus… I… You’re right. About this, I haven’t been completely honest, but my background is complicated and?—’
‘I know about your family and how difficult that’s been for you. Well, what you felt you could share with me.’ Titus’ eyes were kind and his expression was open. He was inviting Wyatt to confide in him.
‘There was someone. A woman. Over a decade ago, and I-I never got over her.’ Wyatt stared into his glass. His jaw clenched.
Titus waited. The silence stretched out between them, comfortable and encouraging confidence. Wyatt gazed down at the floor as the weight of his past settled over him like a darkcloud. He shook himself to move it away again and looked up, meeting Titus’ gaze.
‘She was everything and for that reason, when I graduated from university, I had to let her go.’
‘What happened?’ Titus asked.
‘Our relationship fell apart. Not immediately, but over a period of time. She was based in the UK; I was back in New York. I neglected her, and the distance between us grew. I told myself it was for the best, that she deserved better than me and better than I could give her.’ His chest squeezed as the pain pierced it like a jagged knife. ‘I’ve never stopped thinking about her or wondering if she’s well. I-I’ve never stopped thinking about what might have been, but… it couldn’t have worked, and it wouldn’t have been fair on her.’
‘So she’s the one who got away?’
Wyatt inclined his head. ‘She was the one who got away, but I guess I pushed her too. It was my fault, and I’ve never forgiven myself for letting her go even though I knew it was the only way.’ He gave a wry laugh. ‘Sorry… this isn’t the type of maudlin conversation you need from your best man on such a happy day.’
‘Don’t do that, Wyatt. There’s no need. We’re friends, and I’m here for you whatever’s going on in my life. I appreciate the honesty. Have you ever thought about trying to find her again?’
Wyatt bit down on his tongue and exhaled.
‘You already have?’ Titus’ voice rose, and he frowned. ‘Oh…’ His eyes widened and his brows climbed his smooth forehead.
‘What?’ Wyatt asked, swallowing the rest of his drink and gripping the tumbler between both hands.
‘It’s… I can see it now. The way you both froze when you saw each other. The way she wouldn’t look directly at you. The way you kept looking at her anyway. But how?’
