Bill turned away, saying under his breath, “I was only trying to help. It’s just the way I am.”
He was almost to the living room when Erik put a hand on his shoulder.
“I’m sorry. I had no right to blow up at you. You didn’t deserve it.”
Rather than saying it was all right, Bill replied tartly, “No, I didn’t.” He wasn’t certain why he took that tack, other than maybe, by not playing down what had happened, he might get Erik to open up to him. Because it’s obvious something is bothering him, and I’d be willing to bet it has to do with why he left Denver. He smiled, briefly, before saying, “The offer’s still open.”
Erik hesitated, then gestured toward Bill’s office. Bill nodded and they went in, closing the door behind them. Rather than sitting, Bill rested one hip against his desk while
