by Jerry Cole
“I’m drinking with Peter, and we’re watching a movie.” I walked over to hand him a bottle, watching as he shot me a gorgeous smile.
“I want a beer,” she pouted with her eyes wide like she used to do as a kid.
“No. You both had several drinks with dinner. Ease up,” I snapped playfully as my mom laughed.
“Fine.” She crossed her arms over her chest as Rosa looked at her with laughter in her eyes. “What movie are we watching?”
“Dad picked the new comedy that just came out. Does that work?” I asked, and they both nodded.
We got settled in and got the movie on-demand within half an hour. We stopped at two beers each, cuddling during the movie as Mom and Dad held hands in their recliners.
They were the first to go to bed when the film was over, and the rest of us gazed at each other. “So how long are you staying for?” Taryn asked as I rolled my eyes.
“I talked Mom into a week. We’ll see what happens after that.”
“She has friends lined up to help.” Taryn laughed before glancing at Rosa. “I’ll be here too, but I’m glad you’re staying as long as you’re all going to be okay with your jobs.”
“Both of us work a lot. We have the time,” I grinned at Rosa as she nodded in agreement.
“Good.” Taryn dropped her head back, letting out a yawn. “Linda is coming to see Mom tomorrow with some food. I think we’re off cooking duty.”
“Good. Dinner tonight made me realize that we’re not good in the kitchen. At least, not when you compare us to your mom,” Rosa shuddered dramatically as we all chuckled. “I’m exhausted. I am going to bed, so I’ll see you guys later.” She stood and hugged both of us before looking at Taryn. “See you soon.”
“I think that we should do the same. Linda is an early riser,” I said as Peter looked at me. “It would be rude not to be awake when she gets here.”
“Shit. She is. Since she’s saving our ass, we all need to be up.” Taryn stood, running her hands through her long hair. “Good night, boys.” We both hugged her and watched as she walked down the hallway toward her room.
We cleaned up the bottles and shut the lights off before going to bed. It was quiet in the house as we stripped for bed, slipping under the covers. “Can you stay for a week?” I asked Peter as I pulled him close.
“Of course, babe. I’m getting work done here.” He pressed his mouth to mine, making my skin tingle.
“I know, but you’re away from home.” I felt his lips on my jaw as my eyes dropped closed.
“Are you?” His voice was a whisper as I jerked against him. “Ouch.”
“Are you okay?” I asked as I felt him rubbing his face. “You caught me off guard.”
“By the kiss or the question?” Peter asked as I cupped his face.
“A bit of both.” I pecked his lips. “I love being here, helping my parents. Have I wondered about moving back here? Sure. Their accident terrified me. I also know that you and Rosa have a bond and a life in New York. I love you, and I don’t want to be away from you.”
“I love you,” he replied, and our kiss deepened. It led quickly to his mouth wrapped around my cock as I quietly rocked inside of him. I breathed out when I came, jerking inside of him as warmth washed over me. He turned me around, rubbing lube on himself and me before taking my ass. “I love you,” he whispered, gripping my hips as he moved.
“I love you,” I breathed, trying not to moan. “Harder, babe.”
He did just that, driving his cock inside of me until I felt him cumming. We kept quiet, making me want to have him alone just for a night.
We could do that when we returned to New York.
We cleaned up when finished, slipping back under the covers to go to sleep. Linda would be at the door by nine at the latest, and I wanted to be awake.
***
I sat in the kitchen drinking coffee with Mom when the doorbell rang. She went to answer it, and I grinned when Taryn rushed down the hall dressed for the day. The others didn’t seem to be awake yet, but they weren’t obligated as we were to this visit.
Linda walked through the living room, carrying a large bag with a smile on her red lips. Her hair was still as black as ever, and she looked stunning. “Hello, kids. It’s great to see you both.”
“It’s good to see you.” I rose, hugging her first as she squeezed me. I was pretty sure my mom met Linda in first grade, and they’d been close ever since. Taryn hugged her next, and we both helped load the food into the fridge. This had to be enough for three days with a houseful of people, and more for just Mom and Dad.
“Is your boyfriend here? I’d love to meet him,” Linda told me once we were settled around the table with coffee and fresh pastries.
“He is, but still sleeping. He and his best friend Rosa should be up soon. They both came to help out here.” I smiled at her as she nodded.
“That’s wonderful. You have a great group of kids, Amber.” Linda nodded in approval as my mom laughed.
“I know it. They’ve been wonderful doing everything for me.” She beamed at us as I cleared my throat.
“We haven’t been cooking that great. They’ve suffered through it, but you’re here to save the day now. I appreciate that.” I smiled at Linda as she threw her head back and laughed.
“I’m sure you’re not that bad,” she assured me as I shrugged at Taryn. We both looked up when voices carried down the hall, seeing Rosa and Peter walk in with remorseful faces.
“I’m sorry. I just woke up a few minutes ago.” Peter looked around the table, delicious in a fitted tee-shirt and messy hair.
“Linda, this is Peter.” They shook hands as she took him in, winking at me as Mom went to get coffee cups for them. I also introduced Rosa, and Linda was just as interested in her as she was in Peter. Once they were settled with coffee, she asked them some light questions. I knew that she wanted to know more about Peter, and the fact that I brought up Rosa told her that she was important to him.
They seemed to relax as the conversation went on. Even Dad joined us as Linda peppered him with questions about how he was feeling. She ended up staying long enough for an early lunch, and we made sandwiches for everyone with chips and fruit.
She left with a promise to be back soon, hugging each one of us. When the door closed, Rosa let out a sigh. “She is a force to be reckoned with.”
“Yes, she is. Linda is one of my oldest friends, and I’d be nothing without her.” Mom replied with a proud smile. “She adored both of you.”
“What happens when she doesn’t like you?” Peter asked as Mom laughed.
“I don’t know. She likes everyone around me.”
Chapter Sixteen
Peter
We ate a dinner of stew and crusty bread outside that night, enjoying the sunset. The women relaxed with wine, and I grabbed beers for the men.
“I’d never tire of this view,” Rosa said with a pleased smile as she leaned back in her chair. “Will you ever leave this place?”
“Not unless I’m forced to. This is my home where I raised my kids,” Amber boasted as she smiled at her twins. “It’s going to them when we’re gone so that they can continue the memories.”
“I can’t imagine having kids, Mom. I don’t even have anyone in my life.” Taryn laughed as Rosa gazed at her. I knew that a part of Rosa did want kids when she was supposed to get married, but now? I had no idea. It wasn’t impossible now that she was with a woman, just more difficult.
I smiled as I imagined her and Taryn ending up together and asking one of us to help them out. I’d do it in a heartbeat for my best friend, and I did not doubt that Owen would do it for his sister. We were quite the unconventional group.
I then looked at Owen, knowing I wanted kids with him. I never had that thought with anyone before, and certainly not in my last long term relationship.
I sipped my beer, returning to the present where Amber assured her daughter that she was still young. That could change at any time, but there wa
s no pressure or rush on her part. I caught the glimmer in her eyes as she talked about grandchildren, and there was some rush.
The air chilled as the sky darkened, and Mel lit the fire pit so we could stay outside a bit longer. I sipped my fourth and last beer, holding Owen’s hand as we talked about the holidays. We were a sure in for that, and I couldn’t wait.
Owen told me that he was comfortable leaving the coming weekend since his parents were doing so well. I asked if he was sure in bed, and he kissed me before telling me that he needed time for just us. I whispered that I was proud of him before we made love quietly.
More friends came by the house over the next few days, making me see why Owen was willing to go home. They were warm and wholly supportive of Amber and Mel. The couple would be well taken care of, and I enjoyed getting to know all of them. Owen assured me that I’d see them again around the holidays, so I took in every moment. I didn’t want any of this to end.
We packed on Saturday night after a dinner out, planning to head home the following day. Rosa seemed a bit more somber than usual, and I sensed something between her and Taryn. They seemed more intense, and both were too quiet.
Amber cried at home when she was sitting outside with us. Mel comforted her, assuring her that we’d be back soon, and Owen confirmed this. I expected to be back every weekend that he could get away, though the team told him everything was great back home. Taryn even shed a few tears, and Rosa hugged her from the chaise lounge beside her. I wasn’t a guy that cried a lot, but this was getting to me. I felt Owen squeeze my hand and glanced over to see him smiling at me.
The next day after a lengthy lunch, the three of us hugged everyone goodbye. Tears were shed and promises made to see each other soon. Owen kissed his mom and sister on the cheek, and I watched for a moment while Taryn and Rosa pecked each other on the mouth.
We slowly got into the car, waving as we pulled out of the driveway. Rosa was in the back, and she let out a sigh as she dropped against the seat. “Your family is amazing, Owen.”
“I know. I appreciate them every moment of every day.” He smiled as I glanced over at him.
“How do you not move back here?” She asked as a thoughtful expression crossed his face. At the next light, he shot me his gorgeous smile.
“I have a lot in New York. I’m happy there, but I love every visit to see them. It is my home in my heart, but this was a new start for me.” Owen sounded confident, and my heart filled with love. “I have a future planned at home.”
“That was so romantic,” Rosa sounded breathless, and I laughed with Owen. “You two are as sweet as you can possibly be.”
“My sister is the same way when she’s into someone,” Owen dropped a massive hint as I winced.
“I know,” Rosa admitted as he and I smiled together. “Taryn is great, and I don’t know where my head is there. A part of me just wanted to stay there and see where this goes, but I have a job and a life in New York. How do I choose?”
“You get both. We’ll visit a lot, and she’ll do the same. It’ll be fine,” Owen assured her as she pulled her blue hair into a messy bun.
The drive back home was uneventful. We listened to music and remained quiet, all tired from the last couple of weeks. When we arrived back in the city, Owen went to his place, and I followed him inside in a quiet understanding that I would be sleeping there for the night, if not the rest of the week.
We washed clothes and prepared for the week. That didn’t take much for me, but it was more involved for them. I planned a long day of work to make up for the shorter times I was in Connecticut, and Rosa had a long week to look forward to. She was in bed before us, though we heard her laughing as we passed on our way to bed after a movie.
“Tar,” Owen guessed as I squeezed his hand. We stripped for bed, slowly kissing before we made love. He told me that he wanted to sleep at the loft sometime this week so we could be loud together, making me grip my cock as I came into the towel a beat after he filled me.
“I love you so much,” Owen told me as he inhaled me close once we were cleaned up.
“I love you. Thank you for being here with me.” I closed my eyes and let the exhaustion from the emotional day take over.
“This is home.”
It was back to normal the following day. Rosa left for work early in the morning with a large travel cup of coffee. Owen got up, and I joined him at the gym before he went to the rink. I sat down at the table to finish up some projects, getting lost in the quiet and solitude. I loved being around people, but it was vital for me to be alone as well.
I let some music play in the background, using a focus app as I worked. I couldn’t help but smile, knowing that I was at a high point in my life. I was in love with a wonderful man that gave me the family I never had. I had my best friend by my side and living with both of us. Rosa had the chance at a new kind of love that just might suit her well. It felt like everything was coming together for us.
We overate take out during the week and stayed up too late watching movies and laughing. There were a lot of calls and face timing with the family, and Mel and Amber looked great. They were healing up and spoiled by friends and Taryn. I knew that made Owen feel better about everything, and we stayed at the loft Thursday and Friday night for some us time.
That made Rosa giggle, and I wondered if she would be up to anything over the phone with Taryn. They looked flustered every time we talked in a group, and I could only imagine their personal conversations.
I didn’t care when Owen was taking me hard from behind, making me cry out his name as I gripped myself. It didn’t matter how much he satisfied me sometimes before sex. I still came with him, trying to keep it as clean as possible. It was the way that he moaned my name as he fucked me, or I had him in my mouth, so hoarse and low. It was the way he panted when he was going at it hard, telling me that he loved me.
I focused on work when we were apart. I had clients to take care of and money to earn. I still paid rent on the loft and insisted on helping Owen with the bills at the apartment. I wanted to get ahead in the process as well. I wanted too much, and my future was worth working hard for.
We got back to the apartment on Saturday because Rosa wanted to go dancing. We weren’t too surprised to find Taryn there, drinking with Rosa as they got ready. It was a fun night that included sushi and a lot of drinks and dancing. The girls made their growing relationship official with a long, deep kiss on the dance floor that brought on a lot of cheers and whistles. Rosa blushed since she hated that, but she was too drunk and happy to care at the end of the night.
We all went home and to our beds, but Owen and I were too drunk for anything past sloppy kisses and hand jobs. It was apparent that more happened with the girls the moment I saw Rosa the following morning, but I felt happy seeing her smile. I felt happy when she held Taryn’s hand and smiled when Owen’s sister kissed her hair with a gentle press of her lips.
There might have been a moment where I told Taryn to be good to Rosa when we happened to be alone in the living room. She gave me a sincere stare and smile, assuring me that she had Rosa’s best interests in mind and that she didn’t intend to hurt her. I believed her, and we hugged on it, raising the brows of Rosa and Owen when they came back from a lunch run before Taryn headed home.
As soon as her lights were out of sight, Rosa took my arm. “You big-brothered her, didn’t you?”
“I did. It’s my job.” I grinned as we walked back into the apartment. “I don’t want you to get hurt again.”
“I’m not worried about that. I am worried about the fact that I’ve never done this before. I know men. What do I do with a girl?” Rosa sighed as she dropped on the couch.
“You’re asking the wrong guys that question.” Owen handed us each a beer. “She’s not going to rush you into anything.”
“I know. I like everything so far,” Rosa admitted, blushing as she looked between us. “It feels weird discussing this with both of you. I suppose you’re like my br
other now too, Owen. Is it strange that I’m talking about your sister?”
“Maybe a bit, but I support both of you. You are my sister, as well as Taryn. We’re an odd little family now.” Owen grinned, and I slipped an arm behind his back.
“I like our little family,” Rosa admitted, snuggling against me as I wrapped an arm around her.
“Me, too.” We sat in silence for a few moments, drinking our beer.
“Want to order some food for dinner?” Owen asked after a while, and I yawned. We’d gone out to lunch a few hours ago, and I was starting to feel hungry.
“Indian?” I asked, and they both agreed. “You need to let us cook more. You’re always buying us food.”
“You both cooked enough for my parents. I dare say there was an improvement over the last week or so,” Owen said as I raised a brow at him. “I did!”
“Your mom taught us a few things. That is the only reason,” I protested, reaching for my phone on the table. “What sounds good?”
We ate, and Rosa put it away before yawning. “I’m full and slightly buzzed. I’m going to get some sleep for another week tomorrow.” We hugged her, and she went into her bedroom to sleep for a few hours.
“That was fun. I like it when my sister surprises me, even if it is at least fifty percent for Rosa,” Owen chuckled as I smiled.
“I think that’s going to be a regular thing. How does she have weekends off?” I asked as Owen shook his head.
“She busts her ass with everything during the week. Taryn practically runs that place, so they give her weekends off. If she ever owns it, that might change.” He shrugged, and I nodded. “It gives us time together, and she loves that store. I’ll take you there next time we visit. It’s a quaint little building.”
“I’d like that,” I replied, looking into his deep dark eyes. “Want to watch a movie in bed?”
We stripped and slipped under the covers, turning on a series that we recently started watching. It was slow progress since we were both so busy, but I enjoyed the time. I pressed closer to him, breathing him in as my hand wandered down his stomach to his hard cock. “I thought we were watching a show,” Owen teased me, dropping his head back as I gripped him.