“Bien. It’s time he knows without a doubt where we stand. I don’t know how we’re going to make it permanent, but—”
“We can worry about that later,” Priest said as the light changed and he pressed his foot to the gas. “What’s important is that we’re on the same page before we talk to him. And we are, aren’t we?”
The love Julien had right then for the man beside him, and the man they were going to be seeing soon, was something he knew he’d never be able to deny. “We are. I want to know how he feels, Joel. If he feels the same way we do. I also want to see that smile of his daily. I was miserable when it was gone.”
“I know what you mean,” Priest said, as he pulled into a side street and found a parking spot. As he turned the engine off, he leaned over and brushed a kiss across Julien’s lips. “How about we go inside, find our princess, and make him smile again?”
Julien hooked his hand around Priest’s neck and deepened the kiss, knowing without a doubt that what was about to happen here tonight would most certainly make their princesse smile. “Oui. Let’s go and find him.”
* * *
AS ELLIOT PULLED his car up to the curb, Robbie peered out the window at the unfamiliar bar, and then looked back at his friend with a skeptical expression.
Priest had been pretty damn secretive about all of this, not telling Robbie where he was going, giving the directions to Elliot on when and where to drop Robbie off once they were done with their makeovers. All Robbie knew was that he was meeting Julien and Priest here—wherever here was.
“Are you sure you got this right, El? I thought we’d been to most of the bars in town.”
Elliot flashed a grin and nodded. “We have. And I’m not sure how we missed this one, but yep, this is the place. And right on time, too. Thank God. Your Priest isn’t exactly someone I’d like to keep waiting.”
Robbie thought of the man he’d once believed was intimidating and gruff, and a grin hit his lips. “Nah, his bark is much worse than his bite, trust me.”
“Why do I get the feeling you wouldn’t much care if his bite was just as bad?”
“Because you know me better than anyone else.”
“Yeah, and I wouldn’t let you get out of this car if I thought you were heading into some seedy bar where you might be accosted by strange men. Well, at least, I wouldn’t now, since you’re dating and in a relationship.”
Robbie shoved Elliot in the arm, laughing. “Uh, thanks. But seriously, this place is legit, right?”
“Totally legit. I even looked it up.”
“And didn’t tell me? What kind of best friend are you?”
“The kind you are going to love so much more because I brought you here tonight. Now go.”
Robbie eyed his friend one last time. “El, you really are the best, you know that? Thanks for looking out for me, tonight and last week.”
“Anytime, Bianchi. But I think one of your dates for the night just spotted us.”
Robbie turned in his seat to see Julien had just stepped out the front door of the bar and was looking in the direction of Elliot’s car.
“By the way, did I mention that I hate you for that?” Elliot said, but Robbie wasn’t paying any attention to him. He was too busy drinking in the sight of Julien as he stood off to the side of the main door. He had on a grey fleck peacoat over a slightly darker cardigan, tight brown trousers, and just…wow.
“You did, but feel free to tell me again. I’ll never grow tired of hearing it.”
“Get out of my car before I kick your smug ass.”
Robbie laughed, and then pulled his eyes away from Julien long enough so he could lean over and kiss Elliot’s cheek. “Thanks for making me beautiful for Thursday night.”
“Oh, please, like you needed much. At least you didn’t ask for the peroxide and fake tattoos like you used to.”
“Hey, don’t be poking fun. You forget—I remember your year with the beard.”
“Yeah, yeah, whatever, Bianchi. You better get going, because I have to say if you don’t, I just might race you over there.” Elliot’s eyes drifted past Robbie’s shoulder back toward Julien.
“Don’t you dare,” Robbie said, and then shoved open the door and got out. “I’ll see you Thursday.”
“You better believe it,” Elliot said. “There’s no way in hell I’m missing the chance to eat out JULIEN.” When Robbie glared at him, Elliot chuckled. “My bad, eat out at JULIEN.”
“Don’t even, El. You know I’m a dirty fighter when I wanna be.”
“Yeah, I do. Have a good night, Bianchi,” Elliot called, and Robbie had a feeling that maybe he would. He felt more relaxed than he had in days.