Del held it, drinking, and then gave Harper his drink to hold while he took his turn. He sunk another ball.
“Fuck. It figures you’d be good at pool too,” Gerald griped as he took his shot.
Del put the end of the stick on the floor, watching him as he shot.
“When my bartender and chef both told me they would be giving notice soon because a man offered them a better opportunity, I knew it was you,” a gruff voice said behind him.
“And even if I didn’t know you lived in Mapson, I should have known a place like this would be the idea of a smart businessman like yourself, Sebastian.” Del turned, grinning at the auburn-haired, green-eyed man behind him.
“You’re not going to butter me up, Del.” Sebastian Coleman crossed his arms over his chest. “I’m mad at you. We lost touch, buddy, and it’s your fault.”
Del moved closer to him. “Seb, you know I didn’t mean to.”
“Don’t use that innocent grin on me. You haven’t called, written, or sent a carrier pigeon, and now you’re in my place stealing away some of my best employees. Humph. You and Jerrod need to get better at keeping in touch.” Sebastian eyed him through narrowed eyes, and then a huge grin broke over his face. “I missed your ugly mug.”
“Now, you know I’m prettier than you,” Del teased.
They shook hands, patting each other on the back.
“So I’m not the only one you don’t call,” Harper said.
“Because I choose not to call, but drop by. You’re special,” Del pulled him by his side. “Sebastian, thi—”
“I’ve met Harper before.” Sebastian looked at the two of them. “I didn’t know you were involved. Wait… what are you doing in Mapson, Del?”
“From your question, I can tell you still don’t watch the news.” Del chuckled
“Why would I? All they do is slant shit and make you believe everything is so dire. Vultures, all of them,” Sebastian said.
“I agree with you. The last few weeks, I’ve been all over the media,” Del said.
“You… Mister Reclusive? Why?” Sebastian asked.
“I’ll fill you in when you come by my house. I live here now.”
“Really. That’s good. Now maybe you’ll keep in touch,” Sebastian retorted.
“I promise I will,” Del stated.
“That I’ll believe, since you keep promises,” Sebastian said.
“Oh… I want you to meet my brothers. You can meet the twins when you come by.” Del gestured for Bur and Bernie to come over.
“Brothers? I didn’t know you had a bro….” Sebastian trailed off as they joined him. He looked between the three of them before focusing on Del. “What the hell? They look just like you. You never said you were part of identical triplets. And you have twin brothers too? You have a lot of explaining to do. Do Jerrod, Sheldon, or the Andersons know?” Sebastian demanded.
“Yes.”
“We are going to have some words about your secrets,” Sebastian warned.
“I know.” Del sighed, then introduced Bernie and Bur.
They greeted Sebastian, then went back to their game.
“We’ll be talking soon. I need to get back to work.” Sebastian turned.
“If you get a chance, come back and play a few games with us.”
“You know I don’t play unless there’s a bet involved,” Sebastian said.
“Fine. You lay the stakes,” Del said.
“You find staff for me.” Sebastian grinned.
“I already planned to find replacements once I knew you were the owner of this place,” Del retorted.
“I didn’t say replacement. I’m opening a sports center, and I need staff. If I beat you at pool, then you find them.” Sebastian smirked.
“Fine. But I’m going to beat you this time,” Del warned.
“You wish. I need to check on a few things. Then I’ll get my Besty and meet you at this table.” He patted the side of the pool table.
“If you’re playing with Besty, I need a handicap,” Del protested.
“Nope. You said my stakes,” Sebastian said, walking away.
“That’s cheating!” Del called after him.
Sebastian just laughed. Del frowned.
“See? Even he knows you’re a matchmaker, and that you have a phone problem,” Harper said.
“He would. We used to date but decided we were better as friends. Usually, he and the Andersons gang up on me when they think I’m becoming full of myself. They do the same to Jerrod and Sheldon too. They say we’re too stuffy sometimes. In turn, we rein them in when they’re about to do something we think is stupid. That’s what friends do. Sebastian and I have lost touch for a few years. I didn’t even know he was in Mapson, or that this place was his, until we talked.” Del glanced at Gerald, who was still taking shots.
“That’s your ex-boyfriend?”
“No. We dated. I’ve never been in a relationship.” Del studied Harper. “I didn’t feel the need to take the time with anyone to even attempt to get into one.”
“I’m not interested in one.” Harper studied him. “Maybe someday you’ll meet someone you’d want a relationship with.”
“Harper, it’s your turn.” Simon beckoned.
Harper touched his arm, then went over to join Simon. As he started to take his shot, Del couldn’t figure out why Harper was being so stubborn about being in a relationship. They had, of course, only just started going out, but Harper acted as if it was a foregone conclusion they would break up.
“You’re up, Del,” Gerald said.
Del took his turn, clearing the rest of the table. He absently listened to Gerald grumble about losing, still focused on Harper playing a few tables away.
“Let’s do this,” Sebastian said.
Del glanced at him, noting he had Besty in his hand. The pool cue was specially made for Sebastian. Del was not going to let him beat him. As they set up the table, he noted the others in his group stopped their games to watch them. Then, from the dining room, a crowd of people came in.
“I’ll let you break first, since you’ll only get that one shot.” Sebastian smiled arrogantly.
“Your mistake, since you won’t get any shots,” Del retorted.
He leaned over, placing his stick on the table, and took his first shot.
“THE BASTARD.” Del strode up the walkway.
“You should have quit when you lost the first game.” Harper laughed.
“He played on my competitive nature. Damn him,” Del said.
Harper walked beside him, not replying. Del knew it was his own fault that Sebastian had not only won, but demolished him at pool. Sebastian had even commented on besting him so easily. Those onlookers had let them know their disbelief about it being an easy win. Del knew, to them, they had put on quite a fierce competition, but Sebastian was correct. He had beaten him easier than usual, and the man walking by his side was why. He was distracted by Harper and wanted to know now where they were going.
Slow down, Del. Not everyone makes quick decisions like you. Just go with where things lead.
At Harper’s door, they kissed, and Del turned to leave. “I’ll pick you up tomorrow for brunch at Bacchus Sloan.”
“I have something to do before, so I’ll meet you there,” Harper said.
Del nodded, wanting to know what he was doing, but not asking. As he drove home, he reminded himself that Harper was still getting to know him and, in time, he’d come to realize that Del was not planning to let him go.
DEL’S THOUGHTS, as they had for the past four weeks when he wasn’t with him, turned to Harper. They had spent lots of time together, some with Harper’s group of friends. Periodically, Del attended various outings with them. The two he made sure to go to each week were the poker and movie nights, which were the ones he enjoyed most. Movie night was smaller, usually his brothers, Simon, Alex, and Harper. Sometimes others came if it was a movie they wanted to see. Poker, on the other hand, was a large gathering that changed location based on som
e calendar they had set up, and the attendees for the games were based on people’s work schedules. Afterward, they went to Destinations, where before the end of the night, Sebastian and he would have a friendly competition. They toyed between them what the stakes would be. Sebastian had become a part of his life again after they talked. Now the boys were calling Sebastian uncle, too, and loved him.
The boys and Harper also had become close. They had spent a lot of time with the boys, and Harper made sure to talk with them every night, even if they didn’t see him. Harper and he had many dates, exploring all over Mapson, enjoying various activities and each other’s company. During the week, Del made sure he met Harper at his store, and they went to the park for lunch.
Del frowned, leaving his bedroom. Today was the only day since that first one that Harper had told him he couldn’t see him for lunch. He was disappointed Harper hadn’t been able to join him, and the kids had been looking forward to it. School had recessed for the summer, and until Del decided what they would do for summer, they were home. Del descended the stairs, pausing at the bottom when he spotted the boys by the front door, looking out the glass pane.
“What are you two doing?”
They jumped and turned to him, smiling widely. “Nothing. It’s a secret.”
Their innocent expressions made him suspicious, but with them saying it was a secret, he didn’t ask. Unless they wanted to tell him, he wouldn’t know.
“Let’s get some lunch.” He gestured.
They looked dismayed, then shook their heads.
“Why?” Del asked.
“I’m not hungry yet,” they said together again.
“Let’s play some Uno,” Rey said.
“Yeah. I’ll get the cards.” Dar ran toward the game room.
Del glanced past the staircase, watching him as he disappeared from view. Then he glanced at Rey and walked over to him.
“So, Rey, what are you and your brother up to?” Del asked.
Rey’s eyes widened and he put his hand over his mouth, shaking his head.
“Come on. You can tell me. I won’t tell Dar you told,” Del cajoled.
Rey shook his head again, lowering his hands. Del grinned, knowing he would spill.
“I’m going into the living room,” he blurted out and ran to the right.
Del was surprised he hadn’t gotten it out of him. Although the twins could keep secrets, usually Rey might unintentionally blurt it out or could be prodded to tell. He strolled after him, entering the living room.
“Did you tell?” Dar demanded, coming in the room from the other direction.
He’d come around through the opposite hall off the living room. Del silently cursed not having more time to work on getting the secret out of Rey.
“Uh-uh, I didn’t. He tried to get me to.” Rey looked at him accusingly.
Dar mirrored him. With them both glaring at him, Del almost felt guilty. Almost.
“You shouldn’t keep secrets from your brother.” Del stilled as he said it. He dismissed the sense of guilt his words incited. His secrets were for everyone’s good.
“We’re not telling you,” Dar said.
They went to the table by the window and set up the cards. Del joined them and waited as Dar shuffled the cards, placing them on the table and moving them, one over the other, until they were mixed. The phone rang, and Del rose.
“I’ll get it.” Rey slid out of his chair and ran out of the room.
“There’s a phone right by the couch,” Del said, confused as to why he left the room.
“He needs to get the phone in the kitchen,” Dar said.
“Why?”
“A secret.” Dar moved the cards around.
Del didn’t even try to get him to tell. Dar could keep a secret. The sound of running footsteps made Del look toward the living room doorway. Rey came in, a big grin on his face.
“What’s going on?”
“The door is for you,” Rey said.
“Rey, you were supposed to wait for the bell to ring,” Dar admonished.
Rey looked contrite. “Sorry. I got excited.”
“What? You let someone in the gates?” Del stood, striding to the entrance of the living room, then to the front door. “You know better than to let a stranger inside.” Del yanked open the door, looking at the boys who had followed him.
“I’m not a stranger. At least I hope not,” an amused voice said.
“Harper.” Del turned.
“My turn to come by without calling,” Harper teased, moving close and kissing him.
Del returned it, then said, “But you couldn’t meet for lunch today.”
“Not at the store, but I came here. Kenton sent pastries, and I’m making all of you lunch.” Harper pushed him back gently.
He closed the door and faced Del. Del was surprised and pleased to see him.
“I didn’t expect to see you today.”
“If he had to wait for an invite from you back to our house, he’d never get one,” Rey piped in.
Del glanced at him.
“Rey, that’s supposed to be between us,” Harper said.
“He’s a blabbermouth.” Dar pushed Rey.
“Am not.” Rey shoved him back.
“I’ll get lunch, and you take care of the bickering siblings. They’re just like you and your brothers.” Harper laughed, heading in the direction of the kitchen.
“Hey, I would have eventually invited you back.”
Harper lifted his hand. “I know you would have eventually, but I invited myself. Like you do all the time.”
Del chuckled. He dropped in at Harper’s house often, knowing he would comment on it. It was a friendly banter they shared.
“Take it back!” Rey screamed.
“I will not!” Dar yelled.
Del glanced at the boys and hurried forward when he saw Dar lift his leg to kick Rey. He was aiming for his kneecap.
“We’re going to talk to Uncle Bur about showing you that move,” he told Dar, holding the squirming boy.
“It wasn’t him. It was Uncle Ramsey,” Rey said.
“Tattletale!” Dar screeched.
“Behave,” Del said firmly.
The boys subsided. Rey glared at Dar, then turned his head away. Dar relaxed in Del’s arms. Del put him down, not saying anything, just watching them. Dar moved closer to Rey, mirroring his stance, head turned away from him.
“Aren’t you going to talk with them?” Harper asked softly behind him.
Del stepped back by his side. “No… just watch. They’ll work it out.”
HARPER WATCHED silently with Del. The boys glanced at each other, then away. Slowly, they inched closer, closing the space between them until they finally bumped shoulders. They shoved each other with their shoulders, then faced each other.
“You’re an idiot,” Rey said.
“Better than a doofus.” Dar made a sniffing noise.
Harper’s eyes widened as he realized it was very familiar. “They’ve seen Bur and Gerald fight.”
“Oh yeah. Imagine my surprise when they came home one day and fought, then Dar called Rey the F word, and Rey called him a part of the anatomy.” The exasperation in Del’s voice was clear. “It wasn’t hard to figure out where they got it. But before I could step in, they stood next to each other, as you saw them when you came in. I waited, and they did what they just did and made up. Now it seems as if Ramsey has been teaching them Bur’s favorite move.”
“Not kicking in the kneecap.” Harper chuckled.
“Yes. Which we will discuss about not using on each other, right, boys?” Del said.
Dar and Rey looked at him and nodded meekly.
“Now we’ll go play,” Dar said.
“Yeah. Making up is the best part. Come on, Dar.” Rey ran out of the room.
Dar followed him, their laughter sounding as they chased each other toward the living room.
“Gerald told them making up is the best part?” It was a question, and Harp
er returned to the kitchen laughing.
Del’s footsteps came behind him. “Yes. God knows how they’ll turn out when they get older. I worry about how I’m doing raising them.”
Harper waited for him to come by his side, then put his arm around Del’s waist. “You’re doing a good job. They’re happy, healthy, and have good role models.”
“Yeah, even Gerald with his bluntness. He tells them the truth but makes it innocent for them. Damn aggravating man.” Del smiled. “I’m glad you’re here.”
“I’m spending the day with you and the boys. Playing hooky from the store.” Harper released him and went back to unpacking the groceries.
Del left the room. Harper found a knife and started cutting the food. He glanced up as Del returned.
“Here. This is for you. That way, you don’t have to have one of us let you in the gate. This will let you in.” Del held up a small cylinder-shaped object.
“Put it in my pocket.” He showed Del his dirty hands.
Del stalked toward him, and Harper gulped at the power in his movements. He crowded Harper against the counter, pressing against his back. Harper ached for Del to touch him. He moaned, rocking his hips, and Del groaned, rubbing against his jean-clad butt. Del placed his hands on either side of his waist, just above his pockets. He slid his hands under the bottom of his T-shirt. Harper shuddered as the cold metal touched his skin, then shivered at the sensation of Del’s hot hand finally against his flesh.
“Del!” Rey yelled, then the sound of running footsteps approached.
Del grunted, then whispered, “Your skin is so soft. I want to touch you all over. But for now….” Del slid his hand into his pocket.
Harper locked his knees as Del’s thumb rubbed against the side of his cock before Del pulled his hand out. Del stepped back just as Rey, quickly followed by Dar, came in. Harper was grateful he had the island blocking him from inquisitive eyes. Del sat on a stool on the other side of the island. Rey got onto one on his left, then Dar on his right. They talked with Harper as he cooked. The boys came in and out, asking random questions so they could not get close to each other. When lunch was ready, they ate and afterward cleaned up, and then went back to the living room to play Uno.
Something in Common (Dreamspinner Press Bundles) Page 55