Resisting Double Trouble (North Bay Pursuits Book 8)

by Kenzi Bond

  When Drake and Malcolm had agreed that the boys could keep in touch, they hadn’t realized how much they would enjoy hearing from the boys. Beau and Dean were smart, and fiercely loyal to those they considered friends. Drake and Malcolm had learned all about the foundation they ran and the huge responsibilities the boys carried as being the face of the foundation.

  Malcolm entered the room. “What’s new with the boys?” he asked.

  Drake read the highlights to his brother, laughing when Malcolm visibly flinched at the description of Brandon’s burns.

  “And that, dear brother, is why I have never been to a nudist beach,” Malcolm commented. “When’s that fundraiser again?”

  “Two weeks,” Drake responded. The boys had invited them to the annual black-tie fundraising event. At first, they had no intention of going, however, Jackson and Lucas had personally called and invited them.

  “I’d like to go. Just to put in an appearance. We don’t have to stay long. What do ya think?” he asked Malcolm.

  “I was going to talk to you about that. I think we should go. I’m proud of the work they do. And to be honest, I’d like to see them.”

  “That’s settled, then. I’ll let them know we’ll be there,” Drake said as he sent off an email. Flushed with excitement, he imagined seeing them again after all this time.

  Often, Drake found himself rereading earlier emails. He skimmed through his inbox, stopping to read ones he particularly liked.

  Hi guys

  What’s new with you today?

  Dean’s been reading the books Drake recommended. He’s been reading me the highlights. He loves the series, Tales from Verania.

  I hope I’m not being forward, but we love hearing from you both. It makes us feel like we’re part of your lives when you tell us about your day. Before you go saying ‘we’re only friends,’ what we have is more than just friendship.

  With love

  Beau & Dean

  That was the first time they had signed off “with love.” Malcolm and Drake hadn’t signed off the same way, even if Drake felt the same way. It was more than just friendship. Throughout the day, he was often thinking of things he wanted to share with the twins. The emails were a daily occurrence. Sometimes, there were no words, only images taken by the boys. Aside from his brother, he had never felt so close to another person.

  Over time, Drake had realized he genuinely liked the twins, especially Dean. Drake knew that Malcolm felt the same way about Beau. They often spoke of the change in the relationship they had with the boys. It wasn’t sexual, at least not totally, but the boys had come to mean so much to them. It had been almost two years since he’d first met the boys, and every day he had to fight his growing need for Dean.

  He also found he was protective of the twins. Just the other day, Dean had mentioned being hassled at a clothing store. The salesperson was a so-called Christian who had refused to serve them based on what she had read and believed about the boys. Drake had wanted to go down to the shop and set her straight. How dare she refuse to serve the boys? He had an overwhelming need to defend Dean and protect him from the nastiness of the world. Hadn’t the boys been through enough?

  It would be so much easier if they exchanged phone numbers or joined a chat room. Malcolm and Drake held back in an attempt to keep that last bit of distance between them. It was getting harder and harder to not admit they cared.

  The incoming message sound came from the computer. His heart picked up pace as he saw a response. Who was he kidding? Emails hadn’t helped them remain just friends. Instead, it had formed a deep foundation as they opened up about themselves.

  That’s fantastic! We are so happy you will be there on the night. We can’t wait to see you both. It feels like years since we saw you face-to-face.

  Anyway, have to go now. Joel and Kasey have just turned up. Going to catch a movie.

  Talk to you soon.

  Love Beau & Dean

  Drake wondered what movie they were going to see. Drake and Malcolm hadn’t been to a movie in years. It was only the other day that Drake suggested they go see the remake of The Lion King. Unfortunately, Malcolm had a pessimistic view on remakes, believing the moviemakers lacked new ideas if they had to retell an old story. Just the other day, Malcolm wanted to know why Hollywood insisted on doing them. Were they lazy, or could they not come up with anything new, he had asked.

  Drake hadn’t responded. He’d heard it all before. The worse thing was he felt the same way. Only his problem with remakes was that they made him feel old. Especially when he’d seen the original.

  Malcolm claimed that the remakes were often duds compared to the originals. Drake could see his point. He loved Stephen King adaptions. One of his favorites was the classic Carrie. The first one with Sissy Spacek was a masterpiece. The remake with Chloe Grace Moretz just didn’t measure up. Even worse, they’d now adapted it and made it into a television series.

  Drake felt restless. He wanted to be the one taking Dean to the movies.

  “They excited?” Malcolm asked.

  “Yep. I think I am, too,” Drake admitted. He wondered if he should tell his brother how much. “What does it say about me that the highlight of my day is hearing from Dean?”

  Malcolm walked over, placing his hand on Drake’s shoulder. “Yeah, I know what you mean. I went on a date last night…”

  Drake was surprised. He hadn’t known his brother was dating anyone. “How’d it go?” he asked.

  Malcolm sat down in a huff. “His name was Evan, and it was a total disaster. I kept comparing him to Beau. He was nice to look at, blond and blue-eyed. I decided I preferred dark eyes. He had a fit, strong body, but I found myself thinking he was too buff. He was loud and pushy, even tried to order for me. Then he insisted I should have the white wine, when I hate wine. Not once did he listen when I tried to tell him what I liked. I walked out when he said the waiter was the type of guy who gave gays a bad name. Too effeminate.”

  “What a dick. I hope you tipped the waiter before you left.” Malcolm gave him a scowl as if to say “what do you reckon?” “So where are you going to go from here? Are you going to keep dating?” he asked.

  “Nope, I’m done for now. My heart just isn’t in it. I’m starting to think…no, I can’t say it,” he said, looking at the floor.

  “Malcolm, you know you can tell me anything. What are you thinking?” Drake asked.

  He looked up. “I think no one will compare to Beau. I feel like one of those lonely women who fall in love with someone over the internet. Can you really know a person? Then I think of every message and feel like I will never be complete until I at least see if we could be more. I can talk to Beau for hours and never get bored. He makes me happy.” Malcolm shrugged. “I know you feel the same way about Dean. You two can talk for weeks about books. Nobody gets your passion for reading like he does. I tell myself they’re not kids anymore. They’re going to be nineteen soon. Maybe it wouldn’t be so bad if we asked them out on a date?”

  Drake didn’t know what to say. He had been thinking the same things. He and Dean had exchanged so many emails, there wasn’t much he didn’t know about him. Throughout the last year or so, they had shared everything, holding nothing back. They knew each other’s thoughts, feelings, and more importantly their dreams.

  “Maybe it’s time we stop resisting?” he said with hope filling his thoughts.

  9

  Beau

  B

  eau scanned the room, looking for Malcolm and Drake. They promised they would be there, but so far he hadn’t spotted them.

  The annual charity ball drew prominent people from celebrities and movie stars to politicians and business men and women, all wanting to speak to Beau and his brother. The only people Beau wanted to talk to were Drake and Malcolm. He tried to focus on Roseanna, one of the popular Instagram influencers attending.

  “You boys are amazing. From a life of sex slaves to running this charity. And so handsome, too.”


  Beau cringed. Once again, someone believed the news that was told about them. He and his brother were never sex slaves. As she licked her lips and gave him a smile meant to entice, Beau wondered if the thick red lipstick she wore tasted as horrible as it looked.

  “Do you boys ever get lonely?” she purred.

  Beau took her hand, giving it an air kiss. “Our charity takes a lot of our time; we don’t have time to be lonely. It’s been wonderful speaking with you, Roseanna, but I see someone I need to catch up with. Do enjoy yourself.”

  He quickly walked away before she could detain him. Seeing Dean talking to Jacinta Hannity, one of their best patrons, he hurried over. “Jacinta, it’s lovely to see you,” he said as he kissed her soft cheeks. The woman was the owner of a magazine conglomerate dedicated to the empowerment of women.

  “Beau, it’s so lovely to see you again. I was just telling Dean how you’ve outdone yourselves this year. I see some deep pockets in this room.”

  Beau agreed. He was proud of the foundation and knew that tonight would bring in some much-needed funds. The small talk continued, as Beau occasionally scanned the room.

  “Am I keeping your from someone dear?” Jacinta asked.

  Beau blushed, embarrassed to be caught. “Sorry, Jacinta. Friends are coming tonight that we haven’t seen for a while. I guess I’m a little eager to see them.”

  Jacinta placed her warm hand on his cheek. “Don’t be sorry; you’ve given me much of your valuable time tonight. This old girl shouldn’t be so greedy.”

  Beau looked at the woman, who he knew was in her eighties. “It’s always a pleasure speaking with you. Trust me, I find your company enjoyable and not a chore at all. Maybe we can catch up and go to lunch?” he asked.

  “That would be delightful. I will leave you be, for now. I will be in touch.”

  As Jacinta walked away, he heard Dean give a soft gasp. Beau looked to where Dean was staring and felt time stand still. They were here. He had forgotten how handsome they looked with their dark hair and brown eyes. He gripped Dean’s hand as they walked across the room. As he reached them, he spoke. “You made it.”

  Malcolm raised his hand as if he was going to shake Beau’s hand, only to drop it and instead pull Beau in for a warm embrace. Being in Malcolm’s arms felt like coming home. He breathed in Malcolm’s scent, his arms holding on tight.

  Realizing he shouldn’t make a scene, he reluctantly released Malcolm. “I can’t believe you’re here.”

  Wrapped in Drake’s arms, Dean mumbled, “I don’t want to let go.”

  Drake chuckled. “I don’t know what your fans would think of that,” he said, looking around at the curious looks they were receiving.

  Dean released Drake. “I don’t care, I like hugs,” he said with a pout.

  Malcolm looked them over. “We’re sorry we’re late. There was an accident on the south interchange, and we got held up. I never expected to see so many people here. You told us it was a big event, but you must have over two hundred people in the room,” he said, sounding impressed.

  Beau and Dean told them about the charity and the work that they did. They were both proud of the foundation and were happy to share the story of the conception and the first event. Talking about the charity came naturally to the twins, who had given this speech many times. Only this time was different, as they wanted the men to approve of the work they did.

  “I knew most of the story from the media, but hearing you speak about the foundation so passionately makes me understand how amazing your two are,” Malcolm said. “When you speak, it’s easy to forget how young you both are and what you’ve accomplished.”

  Beau and Dean glowed under the praise. He wanted to wrap his arms around Malcolm again. He might have if they weren’t interrupted by the event coordinator. “Dean, Beau, it’s time for your speech. Everything is ready onstage.”

  Beau didn’t want to leave Malcolm, but the charity came first. “We’ll catch up again later?” he asked the brothers.

  “Go do your thing. We’ll be here all night,” Drake stated.

  Reluctantly, Beau headed for the stage. Taking his place beside Dean, his eyes found Malcolm’s in the crowd. Just seeing him made Beau’s body heat. After all these years, he had wondered if he had imagined the way he had responded to Malcolm’s presence. He didn’t have to wonder anymore, as desire mixed with love and friendship filled his mind and body. He didn’t care what anyone said—that was his man.

  10

  Beau & Dean Nineteen

  Drake

  H

  i Mal, Dean and I went on another date last night. Dom and Slade weren’t the worst we have ever gone out with, but we hated every minute of the night. Dean tried to tell Slade about the series he was reading. Slade changed the subject to football. You know how much we hate sports. Don and Slade spent half an hour discussing the recent game they watched, while Dean and I were bored out of our minds.. I tried to tell them about our foundation, and all Dom wanted to know was how much money we bring in each year. Did we have a good accountant? Who was looking after our investments?

  Needless to say, we left early. I heard Slade call us stuck-up snobs. I don’t think I’m a snob for wanting something more from a date.

  Oh well, maybe the next date will be better. What age can we visit Tallon Connections? We’ve heard good things about the club. You have every right to be proud of what you have created.

  Talk to you soon.

  Love Beau

  Malcolm bristled. It seemed like every time he saw a picture of the boys, they were out on a date. There was speculation for a while that Beau was in a relationship with the movie star Max Carter. Even though Beau had confided to Malcolm that they were only friends, Malcolm had been jealous. One particular photo had captured both Max and Beau laughing together. They looked so young and carefree.

  Malcolm wondered why he hadn’t told Beau that he had feelings for him. He took a breath and started to type.

  Hi Beau

  They are clearly not the men for you. Where did you meet them anyway? I hope you aren’t using Grindr or something. I told you how unsafe those apps are.

  Tallon Connections is doing great. We were contacted the other day by a couple that had met at the club when it first opened. They’re engaged to be married. It feels like we are doing something magical.

  Sorry to say but you have to be twenty-one to join. You still a few years to go.

  What’s the hurry anyway? It seems like you’re always on a date.

  Mal

  Hi Mal

  Is it so bad to want what other people have? We want to be cared for and appreciated for who we are. I am sure that somewhere out there, the perfect person is waiting to meet us.

  What about you? Have you been on any dates lately?

  Love Beau

  Dear Beau

  Don’t get with someone because you think you should be. With all the losers you have met over the last six months, maybe you should give it a rest.

  Drake and I would be happy to take you to dinner if you like.

  Mal

  Hi Mal

  You’re just being kind. We don’t want to go on a pity date. Unless you want to take us on a real date?

  Love Beau

  Malcolm stared at the cursor on the screen. This was his chance. All he had to do was say he wanted to take Beau on a date. That he cared for Beau. Why did he keep resisting?

  Hello Beau

  Not a date as such. Friends go out all the time. It will be nice to catch up.

  What do you think?

  Mal

  Malcolm cursed when a response didn’t come through. What did he think would happen?

  Malcolm brought up a gossip page and typed in Xavier Twins. The first image showed Beau and Dean from their date the previous night. The boys had looked stunning in matching dark-wash tight purple jeans and short-sleeved collared shirts.

  The article that went with the photo had Malcolm peeved.

  “Xav
ier twins were spotted last night with mysterious guests. Readers will recall that it wasn’t long ago that Beau was dating Max Carter. Friends close to Max report he has been left heartbroken. Dean was spotted earlier in the week with the drummer from the band Nevermore. Is that relationship over already? It seems like no one can keep the attention of the boys for long. This writer wonders who they will be spotted with next.”

  Malcolm stared at Beau’s smiling face. He looked to be enjoying himself, but Malcolm could tell by the smile that it was fake. In all the selfies Beau had sent, Malcolm could easily see the difference. When Beau truly smiled, his face lit up with joy.

  The thing that really had Malcolm upset was the age of Slade and Dom. It was hard to tell, but they looked much older than the twins. It cut deep that Slade and Dom didn’t seem to mind how young the twins were.

  An incoming message alert sounded. Malcolm quickly opened the email.

  Sure Mal

  Meeting up as friends would be nice. I’ll get back to you when we are free.

  Thanks

  Beau

  It didn’t take a genius to tell that Beau was upset with him. Malcolm didn’t blame Beau; he was acting like a coward.

  Drake entered the room looking lost. Sitting down, he glared at Malcolm.

  “Did you see the guys the twins went out with last night? I wouldn’t be surprised if they were our age. If I hadn’t seen how bored they looked in the photo, I would be seriously pissed,” he said.

  “Beau said all they wanted to talk about was sports and how much money the twins make. I’ve had enough—it’s time we take our boys on a date.”

  Drake smiled. “About time. I didn’t think I could sit back and watch them go on another date with someone else. You do realize that once we make our move, it will be us plastered all over social media.”