“I listen and keep it filed away to remember later, even if, at the time, I didn’t realize it was something important. Bernie and Bur have mentioned how you unwind after working. Now go do it.”
“Again, you’re ordering me around. I don’t like it,” he stated slowly, to make sure Del understood.
“I heard you the first time. I’ll try not to do it. Now go. I need to cook.” Del was abrupt, already cutting up onions.
“Is that your way of saying I’m sorry?” Harper prodded.
“I only apologize if I feel it’s something worthy of an apology. This isn’t one of those times. You told me your issue, and I said I would try. Now, why are you still here?” Del looked impatient.
“This is my house, and I can be wherever I want to be. You c—” Harper cut himself off, glancing across the island, realizing they had an audience.
The twins were sitting on the stools on the other side of the island, watching them, eyes wide with rapt attention.
“We’ll discuss this later.” Harper glared at Del briefly, then focused on the twins. “Let’s get you settled while we wait for dinner.”
Rey looked at Dar. “Adults say that when they don’t want kids to hear what they’re saying.”
“Uh-huh, and when they want to use bad words.” Dar nodded.
Del chuckled. The boys jumped off their stools.
“What the he—heck are you teaching them?” Harper pushed at his shoulder before going to the boys.
“Not me. They get that from Gerald. He’s as blunt with the kids as he is with anyone else. When they want to know something, we might soften the explanation for them because of their age. They go to good old Uncle Gerald, and he tells them like it is. They love him for it,” Del said.
“I’m going to have to talk with Gerald about that,” Harper replied, leading the twins to the door.
“Good luck. We’ve all tried, and he’s not going to change. You, of all people, should know that,” Del said absently.
Harper did know Gerald wouldn’t listen, since he was that way with their friends’ kids, no matter if they were baby or teenager. And the kids flocked to him because of his bluntness with them. Harper glanced back at Del and noted he was busy cooking. He continued out of the room with the boys and settled them in the living room, since it was close to the kitchen. Harper turned on the TV and remembered Del mentioning they liked the Discovery Channel. He flipped the station and saw they had on a show about sharks. Setting down the remote, he saw the boys were already engrossed in the show. Harper turned to go get comfortable.
“Del told a fib. He’s always honest with us. He promised us he would always be.”
Harper faced the boys again. They were watching him, and Harper knew without looking at their freckles who had spoken. Their voices were a little different. Harper squatted before them and reached out to Dar, who had spoken, intending to brush his hair from his face, but stopped before he did.
“I don’t like people, but I like you, so you can push my hair back. People who care about us do it too.” Dar took Harper’s hand and tugged.
“Why don’t you like people?” Harper frowned and brushed Dar’s hair from his face.
Dar didn’t answer, just grinned. Rey leaned closer, face hopeful. Harper stroked his hair out of his face too. The boys looked pleased.
“Del always keeps his promises,” Rey stated.
They focused back on the TV. Harper stood and went to change. Going up the stairs, Harper didn’t know what to make of his unexpected visitors. As he changed, he still couldn’t figure out why Del had suddenly come to dinner. He pulled on his shorts, then paused, realizing maybe this was Del’s way of trying to extend an offer for friendship. Earlier, he’d said a few times they weren’t going to be friends, but maybe he’d changed his mind. Harper smiled, deciding to give Del a chance despite his bossy way of coming by for dinner. He finished dressing and returned downstairs. Harper went to the kitchen, pausing in the doorway. Del was peeling potatoes.
“Do you need help?”
Del glanced up at him sharply. “Christ. You again. Get out and go relax with the boys.”
“If you want to be friends, we’ll need to work on your nasty attitude,” Harper said, leaving Del to his cooking.
In the hall, he remembered he’d left his books on the table and turned to retrieve them. Harper ignored Del as he stomped back into the kitchen, got the bag with his books, and then retraced his steps to the kitchen door.
“Harper, we’re not going to be friends,” Del said.
“Then why did you come here for dinner?” Harper paused in the doorway, glaring at him.
“If you don’t figure it out by the time dinner is finished, I’ll tell you. Now get out.” Del smiled, then made a shooing motion of his hand.
Harper wanted to know now, but at Del’s last words, he left before he followed through on the temptation to bean Del with a book. Hefting his bag, he returned to the living room. When the twins spotted him, they made space between them for him. Harper took their silent invitation, sitting between them and placing his bag of books on the floor. They leaned on him, and Harper watched the show for a few minutes, then sat forward. They moved away, and Harper sat on the floor and started sorting his books. The boys slid off the couch and sat on either side of him, pressing against him again. Harper smiled at each of them and placed his books in piles so he could put them on the bookshelf later. He picked one and leaned against the couch. The boys shifted to join him, lying down, putting their heads on each of his thighs. Harper stroked their hair.
“You can’t see the TV lying like that,” he said.
“I’ll fix that.” Del spoke, startling them.
He shifted the table out of the way so the boys could see the TV. Del studied the books on the table, then lifted his head, observing the filled bookcase on the right wall before focusing on Harper.
“Where do you want them?”
“Out here is for books I’m done with and willing to lend out. Until I read those, they go in my man cave. I’ll put them away later,” Harper stated.
“A man cave. We saw about those on TV. Can we see it?” Dar asked.
Harper hesitated. He’d only recently started going into that room again. It had been an oasis he and Karl loved to share at night.
“Okay.” He rose as the boys moved off him.
He picked up some of the books he’d separated. The boys held out their hands, and he gave them each a smaller pile. Del picked up the rest. They all headed for the man cave. In the hall outside the closed door, Harper took a breath. A hand touched his back, and from the size, Harper knew it was Del’s. For a moment, he leaned against the small show of support, then caught himself and straightened before moving away. He opened the door and led them in.
The room felt so different than when Karl was alive. The boys looked around, talking between themselves. Harper took the books from them, went to the bookcase, and placed the books where he wanted them. He turned and realized Del was right behind him. Harper took the books Del held and placed them on the shelves.
“Why do you have different bookcases for your books?” Del asked.
Harper was grateful he hadn’t asked something else. “Because that way, my friends know which books they can borrow if they want to. We have a lot of avid readers in the group. They know the books in the living room are free rein, the family room they need to ask, in here not at all because I haven’t read them, and… in my bedroom, don’t even think about asking. Those are my keeper books, which this will go to.” Harper lifted the book he still held. “Even without having read it yet, I know I’ll keep it. This is a great series.”
Del looked at the book. “J.D. Robb. I haven’t heard of the author.”
“It’s called the In Death series, and you have to read it. Wait. I have some extras of the start of the series.” Harper hurried out of the room and back to the living room.
He stopped before the bookcase and looked for the titles he wan
ted. Finding them, he pulled out the first four books in the series. He turned and stepped back to find Del right behind him again.
“Stop crowding me. Here,” Harper snapped, pushing the books into his hands.
Del took them, studying him with that aggravating small smile on his lips.
“I’ll read them and get them back to you.” He lifted the books.
“Not necessary. Keep them. You’ll get hooked and want to read the rest, so be prepared to buy them.” Harper moved away from him, sitting again on the floor.
The twins ran back in, resuming the position they had been in before. Harper glanced at Del standing by the bookcase.
“Are you going back to the kitchen or lurking over us?”
“Have to wait for the potatoes to cook,” Del stated.
“You could have done instant mashed potatoes,” Harper pointed out.
Del grimaced. “I don’t like them, and neither do the boys.”
“Okay. Sit then, instead of just standing there.”
Harper expected Del to sit in the chair close to where he stood, but he came toward them, sitting on the couch behind Rey. He started to read the backs of the books he held.
“Naked in Death is first,” Harper said.
Del nodded, still reading. Harper picked up his own J.D. Robb and started to read. He rested against the couch. Movement behind him made him glance back. Del had reclined on the couch, already engrossed in the first book. Harper forced his gaze from Del’s T-shirt-covered chest and returned his attention to his own book, ignoring the man behind him. The TV droned as background noise, along with the murmurs of the boys as they watched the show. Sometime later, Harper absently felt the shift of the couch as Del got up, but didn’t look away from his book. The story was flowing well, and he couldn’t stop reading. Suddenly, the book was snatched out of his hand. Harper rose on his knees to get it back. Del held it behind his back.
“I said dinner is ready. The boys are waiting to eat,” Del stated.
Harper realized they were no longer with him.
“I got caught up in the story.” Sheepishly, he rose, stretching.
“I did too. Almost burnt the potatoes. Thank God for inquisitive boys who poke you to get your attention.” Del chuckled.
Harper laughed, and they went into the kitchen. The table by the window already held steaming plates of food, with hungry boys waiting. Harper quickly washed his hands and went to the table. Del sat across from him, pouring him a glass of iced tea. Harper was surprised he hadn’t given him a soda from the fridge. They were left behind from when Bur was here.
“Bur mentioned you don’t like soda.” Del poured some tea for the boys and himself.
Harper nodded, then said, “No, Rey and Dar. Grace first, then we eat.”
They looked at him guiltily, then lowered their heads, and Del did the same. Harper lowered his and said grace. When he’d finished, Del offered him a roll and then set the basket in the center of the table, taking a roll for himself, then placing one on each of the boys’ plates. The boys ate, talking among themselves. Harper didn’t listen to their conversation, but enjoyed the sound of them as he ate. Del didn’t say anything, and when Harper glanced at him, he was eating too, with a smile on his face. To the chatter of the boys, they ate the scrumptious meal. Once finished, Harper overrode Del’s protest about cleaning the kitchen, making him and the boys go to the living room while he did it. Harper hummed as he cleaned the dishes and then wiped down the counters. Placing the dishtowel down, he turned, then stepped back.
“I told you to stop crowding me.” Harper crossed his arms over his chest, glaring at Del.
“Did you figure out why we won’t be friends?” Del’s expression was intent.
Harper hadn’t even thought about it. “Because you’re a standoffish idiot.”
“I can be that, but that’s not why.”
“Then I have no idea why. I’m a good friend. If you don’t want me to be yours, then that’s your loss.” Harper shrugged.
“I didn’t say I didn’t want you for mine. No one ever mentioned to me how intriguing you are, Harper Hillman.” Del lowered his voice.
Harper stared at him. Realization dawned, and he shook his head. Del nodded, closing the distance between them. Harper backed away, but Del caught him, pulling him against him.
“Do—”
Del kissed him, cutting off what he was about to say. Harper’s thoughts scattered, and he was steeped in sensation. Del took control of his mouth, claiming it as if he had a right to. He shoved his tongue aggressively against his mouth, almost as if he was demanding a response. Harper moaned, gripping him tight, returning the hungry kiss. He suckled Del’s tongue, nipping it and following it into Del’s mouth. Harper rubbed his along every crevice of Del’s mouth. Del matched his motions, holding him tight. Harper could feel the possessiveness in his touch. His thoughts came back to him and Harper shook.
No one had kissed him like that since Karl. Held him as Del had since Karl. The only man he loved and would love. Harper stiffened and pushed Del away, moving away from him to the other side of the island.
“No. You can’t do this. Karl—”
“Is dead. And you are alive, Harper. You deserve a man to hold you, kiss you, and make you scream,” Del stated.
The cold, almost clinical tone pissed Harper off. Clenching his fist, he held it in, not wanting to hit Del because he knew he would not be able to stop.
“You fucker. Is that what this is, buttering me up to get in my pants? That is really a low thing to do. Karl is barely dead.”
Del frowned. “I thought he died almost two years ago.”
“It’s been nineteen months.”
“So one year and seven months. There is no time frame that says if you find yourself attracted to someone, you can’t go with it.” Del put his hands palm down on the island.
Harper gulped, then spoke again. “I don’t even know if I like you.”
“Then think about that, and come find me when you figure it out.” Del straightened, turned, and walked toward the kitchen door.
“You really are an asshole,” Harper said.
Del pivoted and strode over, crowding him back against the island. He spoke in that same cool tone. “Why? Because I’m making you face that you are very much alive? Harper, I didn’t know Karl, but from what people have said about him, he wouldn’t want you to lock yourself away like some monk. You might not like me, but your cock is hard from wanting me.” Del ground his erection against Harper’s equally erect shaft.
Harper hated him for pointing it out. He pushed him off. Del stepped back, walking backward.
“When you decide what you want to do about it, come see me.” Del tried going back to the door.
“I don’t want a relationship!” Harper yelled.
“And I’m not offering one. Sex, Harper. That’s what I’m offering. Hot, carnal release and that’s all. I’ll tell the boys you said goodnight.” Del didn’t even pause or look at him as he left.
Harper stood where he was, hearing the murmur of voices, although he could not make out what was being said. The sound of the door closing came shortly afterward. Harper released a shuddering breath, closing his eyes. He opened them and pounded his fist on the island.
“Fucking asshole.” Furious, Harper closed up the house and went upstairs to his bedroom.
He bypassed it, going to his old room, the one he’d shared with Karl. After Karl’s death, he couldn’t sleep there anymore. There were too many memories. Harper opened the door and went in. The room was empty of the things that had been theirs. Most of the furniture in his current bedroom was new; Harper had replaced it. Sitting where their bed once was, he glanced around the shell that was once the place that gave him solace.
“Why did you have to die on me?” Harper blinked as tears filled his eyes.
He lay down on the floor, curling up in a ball, and wept for all he’d lost.
Aren’t you tired of crying? A voice se
emed to echo in the room.
Shocked, he sat up, glancing around. “Karl?”
If that’s who you want me to be, but you know it’s just me… your inner voice. I’m tired of crying.
“But I miss him,” Harper said to the empty room.
I do too. But Del is right. Karl would not want you to be alone. Harper, you have so much love to give. The voice changed from Karl to Gerald.
Harper remembered what Gerald had told him in January of this year. At the time, he hadn’t wanted to listen. He still didn’t think he wanted to. Harper stood, moving toward the window seat. He ran his hand over the indentations there. For each year they were together, Karl had carved a line in the seat. The ten lines were such a short time to have with the man he loved.
“I won’t replace him,” he stated.
Dramatic much? No one can replace Karl. Just be open to the possibilities. The voice was definitely Gerald’s, in that lascivious tone.
Harper knew it was all his imagination, but it was sound advice.
“I know what I have to do.” Harper turned and left the room, closing the door softly behind him.
HARPER DROVE up to the house and stopped at the closed gates. Last night, it had made sense to go to Del, but now he didn’t even know how he would get inside. Before he could talk himself into turning around and driving home, the gates slid open, and though he was startled, Harper pressed on the gas and followed the driveway to the house. Parking beside the Escalade, Harper reworked what he would say in his head, then got out. Pulling the bag on the passenger seat out of the vehicle, Harper closed the door and went up the steps to the house. In front of the door, he paused, then raised his hand to knock. It opened before he could, revealing Del. Harper wet his lips, studying the man who had thrown him so thoroughly. Del’s chest was bare, showing off more muscles than he’d expected. The tattoo on his shoulder was the same as Harper had seen on his brothers’ shoulders. On Del’s muscular shoulder, the treble clef over a trinity with the word Triumvirate was artfully done. Pale-yellow, loose pants covered his lower body, and his feet were bare. Harper realized he hadn’t said anything and lifted his head, meeting Del’s amused gaze.
Something in Common (Dreamspinner Press Bundles) Page 49