Plus, the thought of someone else seeing him in a towel made Sven want to punch things.
“I’m from here, did you know? And I didn’t grow up with anything like I have now. My parents were regular, working-class people who spent all their time running my brother and me around to different activities.” He stopped talking and took a deep breath. His eyes were focused on some distant point not in the park, not even in that moment. “They were great.”
“I’m sorry you and your brother lost them.”
“Me too.” He finally went quiet.
They walked for another half hour before Sven reminded Geoffrey they had an appointment with Quinn. “We need to head back so we can get your security system installed.”
“You know I never agreed to having some elaborate thing put into my house, right?”
Sven stopped walking. “You didn’t hire Ward for the full security package?”
“No, I did.” He nudged Sven’s arm with his shoulder. “I’m just messing with you. Come on, we’ll stop and grab some burgers on the way home. I’ve heard your stomach growling twice now.” He laughed. “I’m hungry too and I bet I only need to eat about half what you need.” Geoffrey moved ahead of him.
It didn’t take them long to reach the parking garage, and Sven spotted a problem before Geoffrey reached his SUV. Without hesitation, he grabbed Geoffrey’s arm and pulled him to the wall. He pressed him into it, his body in front so he could scan the entire area. Alert to any movement, he pulled Geoffrey close to his back with one hand, while digging his phone from his pocket with the other.
“Well, this is certainly an interesting turn,” Geoffrey mumbled into his back. His hands clutched Sven’s waist. “Since I can’t imagine you to be the public sex type, I take it there’s something wrong?”
“Look at your car.” Sven dialed Rowe.
More muttering came from behind him. “You think I can see through this tree trunk of a body you have? Not that I’m complaining. Or wanna move. Ever.” The fingers on his waist tightened. “Fuck, you smell good.”
Sven grunted, knowing he smelled like sweat. He grabbed a wandering hand as his boss answered the phone.
“Quinn is running a little late,” Rowe said in lieu of a regular greeting. “He hasn’t made it to Ralse’s place yet, but Royce is still th—”
“We’ve got trouble.” Sven scanned the parking garage as he interrupted, still hanging on to Geoffrey’s hand. There was one couple walking to their vehicle two lanes over, but he didn’t see movement anywhere else. “Someone slashed the tires and busted out Geoffrey’s windows.”
“Why aren’t you in the company SUV?”
“Long story.” Sven glared down at Geoffrey as he peeked out from behind him to look at his car. “Told you we should have taken mine.”
“Your SUV looked like it was snarling at me,” Geoffrey grumbled.
“Sven!” Rowe snapped into the phone. “Are you telling me that you let him talk you into taking a different vehicle? Geoffrey? Really?”
He opened his mouth to try and explain—although he wasn’t even sure how to answer—but Geoffrey tapped his arm.
“Look,” he said, reaching around Sven to hold up his phone. His hand was shaking, but Sven could easily see the pictures.
“Rowe, Geoffrey is getting messages on his phone now. Pictures of the two of us at the park we just left. We’re in the garage under The Banks. Second level.”
“Shit.” Rowe yelled something in the background but Sven couldn’t tell what so he must have put his hand over the phone. He came back fast. “I’ve got you on GPS and have the cops on their way. Gidget is going to need Geoffrey’s phone. I’m also sending Noah to pick you two up and get you back to Geoffrey’s. So hang tight.” He clicked off.
“Sven?” Fear coated Geoffrey’s voice, deepening it.
“Just stay there. You can put your hands back on my waist—” he broke off when a hand landed on his ass. “My waist, Geoffrey.” Geoffrey always had slippery hands, but the more Sven got to know him, the more he realized that Geoffrey got comfort from touch, too. Comfort and safety. The panic in his voice let Sven know he needed security right now. He pulled him closer, nearly choking when Geoffrey made one of the most sensual noises he’d ever heard as he melted into Sven’s back. Oh God. The last thing he needed was a hard-on with the cops. And Noah. He closed his eyes briefly. Noah would never let him live that down.
“Okay, just your waist. But I should be honest and say I’m really fine. I’m not going to be, though. Honest, I mean. Not when you’re letting me touch you.” Slender fingers squeezed his sides. “You do a lot of sit-ups a day, don’t you? Shit, Sven.” His hand slid over Sven’s stomach, causing him to suck in a breath.