by RJ Scott
“You can pet them,” Rowan said, sinking to his knees right in front of Gideon, burying his face in one of the Collie’s necks and gripping tight. “Deon is my dog. We all have one, all the kids.”
The rest of what he was saying was a blur. All Gideon could think about was the graceful way that Rowan had sunk to the ground, his dark pants stark against the settling snow. And all he could think about was his buttoned-up PA falling to his knees and—
“Rowan! You made it!”
Five
Rowan
“Kevin, you’re here already?” Rowan got to his feet, fussed over Deon as the dog continued to nudge his palm. “I know. I know,” he said softly and scratched Deon’s neck.
“Hey, Dog, come here.” Kevin clapped his hands and crouched. The other Border Collie bounded over to him with Widget the terrier yapping as he chased behind.
“It really is called Dog,” Gideon noted in a low voice.
“She really is. Kevin’s eldest daughter named her. She must have been three at the time. Never could quite decide if Kevin was a genius or an idiot to go with it.”
Gideon shuffled closer, his eyes never leaving the large Newfoundland. “It’s kind of sweet, I guess.”
Rowan narrowed his eyes. “Not sure your face agrees.”
Gideon raised his hand to his mouth, a gravelly sound catching in his throat as he complained, “Shut up.”
Laughing, Rowan smoothed back Deon’s fur. Was I being sweet when I chose your name? Or being an idiot? He froze as Deon made a gruff sound that rumbled against his fingertips. Ah, I remember now.
Deon had been a timid, wary puppy, unlike Dog who had instantly bonded with Kevin, like the balls of energy they both were. It had taken Rowan and the pup he was responsible for naming time to connect, and in some ways, it had reminded him of coming to work with Gideon. Having to learn each other’s behavior, find a comfortable balance. “You were a grumpy little thing weren’t you.” He leaned down and stroked Deon, the dog flicking out its tongue and catching his chin.
He side-eyed Gideon. I guess he hasn’t noticed. He couldn’t help but smile.
“Do you need help bringing in your things?” Kevin called and made his way down from the main house. He was wearing jeans and a long-sleeve tee, the material slightly strained across his broad shoulders and muscular chest.
Looking good as always.
“Maybe later. We’re going to go say hi to everyone first.” He checked the gate to make sure it was closed. “Are Esther and the kids with you?”
“Nope. She took them to her folks for a couple of days, so they won’t be joining us until tomorrow evening.”
“Any of the others here yet?” Rowan enquired.
Kevin grinned and rested his hand on Rowan’s shoulder. His hand was warm, even through layers of clothing. Always warm. Always kind. The best big brother.
“Ava’s here and settled in but I wouldn’t rely on being able to talk to her. Sarah stopped by. Think she dropped off some food stuff for the dogs.”
Rowan leaned his head slightly, wanting to close the gap. Even after all these years, his heart stirred a little in the presence of his foster brother. It wasn’t so much romantic feelings as it was admiration, wanting to be doted on and protected, just like when they were kids.
“Hey,” Kevin grumbled. Bear was jumping up his back, causing him to lose his balance. “You big dumb thing.” He laughed and shuffled forward, bumping his shoulder to Rowan’s chest as he tried to get away from the dog. “Big and dumb just like Sarah.”
At over six feet, Sarah was indeed big, not so much dumb, though her ability to name pets was on the same level as a three-year-old.
But it looked like a bear when I saw it by the gate. I want to call it Bear.
Are we sure it isn’t a bear? she’d joked.
“I’ll tell her you said that.”
Kevin laughed at Rowan and gently patted his cheek. “Come on. Mom baked.” He flashed his teeth as he directed a wide smile in Gideon’s direction. “You can introduce your friend while we eat.” He walked to the house, with the dogs, except Deon, following excitedly behind.
With a sigh, Rowan closed his eyes and let the warmth of Deon’s tongue on his hand soothe him. He hadn’t seen Kevin since last Christmas. He hated it yet at the same time yearned for that feeling of being the little brother anytime Kevin was around. He had always looked up to him, envied his strength and his gentleness. Darcy had the same kind of aura.
Probably why I was drawn to him too. We weren’t compatible though.
“What does he know?” Gideon’s voice was close, leaving a trail of heated breath on Rowan’s ear.
Rowan opened his eyes and turned his head. Gideon’s face was next to his as he leaned into him.
So close.
“Know? Know what?” He looked over as Kevin stepped inside. What was my face like just now?
“About us.”
“Us?” Rowan asked with confusion in his voice.
Gideon nudged his shoulder. “I don’t want to sound like a dick so don’t make me say it…I think he was looking at me funny. We’re just friends, so what was with that big goofy face of his? That smile?”
Rowan laughed.
“It’s not funny.”
“Sorry. Sorry.” Rowan patted Gideon’s shoulder.
He’s so cute when he gets flustered.
“As we agreed I told them you’re a friend from work. That’s all. You had no plans for Christmas and being so big-hearted, I took little old you in for the holidays.”
“Little old me, huh.”
“You know I don’t mean that. You’re not old. I mean, Kevin is your age, and I don’t consider him old.”
“Thanks. I think.” Gideon bowed his head.
“Are you pouting?”
“No. You must think I am pathetic being alone for Christmas.”
Huffing a breath, Rowan rested his hand on his hip. “Why would I think that?”
“I mean, it’s an excuse, right? You saying you want to hire me as a friend for the holidays?”
I could shake you.
“Think what you like. As far as I’m concerned, you’re doing me a favor,” Rowan started. “Though, I won’t deny that, like my moms, I can’t ignore a stray. Especially the big adorable ones.” He chuckled and lightly punched Gideon in the arm. “We should head in. We can get our things later when we head for the cabin.”
“Yeah, about that.” Gideon stopped him. “You said we were sharing but never really went into details.”
“Oh, you mean the honeymoon cabin?”
“What?” Gideon’s eyes widened.
“I…” Rowan started laughing and struggled to stop. “You are so funny. I’m kidding. But we will be sharing a room. Twin beds. Though if it’s a problem I can sleep on a couch up at the house.” He waved his finger over his chest. “Cross my heart.”
They’re going to eat him alive in there.
“You’re the worst.”
“Yes, yes.” Rowan walked away, patting his leg, and called, “Come on, boy.” He glanced up at Gideon. “You too.”
“Ro…” Momo was standing in the entrance as he stepped inside, ready to scoop him into a tight embrace.
“Can’t breathe,” he said.
She eased her hold, and he relaxed into the hug. He breathed in the familiar comforting scent of her sweet perfume, baked goods, and dogs.
“Missed you,” he uttered, burying his face in her shoulder.
Momo patted his back. “In that case, you should come home more often.”
“I know.” He hadn’t been home since Mother’s Day, having taken a few days’ vacation.
“Though we do appreciate the calls every month.” She released him and leaned back. “So, who do we have here? Gideon, is it?”
Rowan hooked Gideon’s arm and dragged him forward. “Gideon, this is Momo or rather Jodie. Momo, this is Gideon.”
“It’s lovely to meet you,” Gideon said and held out h
is hand.
Momo smiled but didn’t take it straight away. “I’m sure Ro told you that I’m somewhat the hugger, so if you find that kind of thing uncomfortable, this is your one and only chance to speak up, and I promise to keep the hug harassment to a minimum.”
“Earth to Gideon?” Rowan squeezed Gideon’s arm.
He seemed taken aback, confused. “Sorry. I, erm, no, that’s fine. Hugs are fine.” He lowered his hand and despite his words, his body stiffened beside Rowan as he was pulled into an awkward one-armed hug by Momo.
“Well, it’s lovely to meet you too. Feel free to call me Momo, but Jodie is just fine.” She quirked an eyebrow as she patted his shoulder. “My you’re a…solid young thing.”
“Stop being a dirty old lady, or I’ll tell Mom,” Rowan warned.
Momo shrugged. “We’ve been together for nearly forty years. You think she doesn’t let me look every now and again.”
“Oh my God.” Rowan pressed his hand to his forehead. Why did I think bringing Gideon here was a good idea? He lowered his hand in time to see Momo cupping her hands in front of her chest.
“Besides, even now Mom still has the best—”
“Oh wow, I’m parched. How about you, Gideon? Shall we get a drink?” Rowan tugged on Gideon’s arm, making it a few steps when the one who he lovingly considered the Bringer of Chaos Number Two, Momo being Number One, emerged.
“Did someone say drink?” Ava leaned around the kitchen door. She held an empty wine glass loosely between her finger and thumb and was wearing a ruby-red hooded cardigan. The hood was pulled up, its thick fur trim framed her face, and stitched dog ears hung down either side, flopping and swaying as she ran in small steps and jumped at Rowan.
“Ro.” She giggled and smushed her face to his before planting a sloppy kiss on his lips.
“Geez, you stink.” Her perfume, mixed with the strong smell of alcohol, hit the back of his throat, and he honestly thought he was going to gag. “Are you drunk already?”
“It’s Christmas,” she slurred, her legs seeming to give out as Rowan was left supporting her weight.
“Geez. Momo?” He looked at her for help.
“Yes, yes.” She hooked her hands under Ava’s armpits. “At least let him get through the door properly.”
“Boo,” Ava said with a pout as she was pulled off him. “I want Ro. Ma bro. Bro-Ro.” She snorted a laugh and squirmed free, finding her feet.
Rowan glanced over his shoulder at Gideon. Rowan wasn’t sure he could describe Gideon’s expression. Amazement, complete and utter disbelief. He was probably regretting agreeing to tag along. “She’s not usually this bad. I swear.”
“I’ve had my heart broken.” Ava roughly prodded her chest. “Ow,” she mumbled and rubbed the spot she had poked.
“Lloyd’s an idiot. Rowan and I need to have a word with him.” Kevin was behind her rubbing her head through the hood.
“We do?” Rowan remembered Lloyd was a bodybuilder type, built like an outhouse and fond of trying to lift Bear, or so he’d been told.
Kevin pulled Ava into a hug. “Gotta look after our little sis,” he teased.
“I’ve got your back,” Rowan said and then stepped back dramatically to hide behind the door.
“Whatever, little brother. Ava, come on, how about we get you some water and one of those cookies.”
Ava curled down her bottom lip and sniffed. “Okay,” she said, sounding small and pathetic.
Oh boy.
Rowan’s family home was a far cry from the expensive sophistication of Gideon’s offices, from his fancy suits and everything having its own place. In this family, organization was scored in the negatives then throw in some dogs, and it was a bubbling pot of emotions and insanity. But it was also a home of love and warmth and everything Rowan had needed growing up, and still did now.
In small doses. Very small doses.
“Are you okay?” Rowan asked Gideon. “I know you’re here now, but if you wanted a timeout we can go and check out the cabin instead.”
Gideon shook his head and pulled the scarf from around his neck. “No. It’s fine. As you said, we’re here so we should make the most of it.” His gaze seemed different. Brighter?
“If you’re sure.” Rowan shrugged off his jacket and held out his hand to take Gideon’s.
“I’m looking forward to it.” A genuine smile spread across his face. “I’m sure we’ll have fun.”
“So, did you have fun?” Rowan asked as he dropped down on the bed. He stared at the ceiling light and listened to the sound of running water.
“I can’t talk…just…give me a minute.” He was in the bathroom cleaning vomit off his suit pants. Not his vomit, which kind of made things worse.
Rowan laid back and rested his arm over his face and grimaced. “Feel free to add it to your fee.”
“I think I’m going to be sick.” Gideon’s voice was strained.
“Do you want me to do it?” He lowered his arm, glancing at the bathroom door.
“No.”
Rowan sighed. “I thought you’d be used to things like this. You’ve cleaned up after Kimi before, right? She’s a cat. They cough up all sorts, don’t they?” He closed his eyes.
Gideon turned off the faucet. “It’s not so much the sick as it is the volume.” He huffed a breath as he came back into the room. “Was Ava okay?”
“Embarrassed mostly. Kevin was putting her to bed.”
“Is she in a cabin too?”
Rowan breathed in deeply. “No, she’ll have one of the spare rooms in the main house. Sarah and her kids will take the others. Kevin is in the next cabin ready for when Esther and his daughters arrive.” Rowan licked his lips. “Ah, I’m withered.”
“What?”
“Like a plant on a sunny day.”
Gideon moved closer. “I get that. I guess your family is a bit like the sun.”
“Yeah, hot and bothersome.”
“I was thinking bright and warm.”
Rowan opened his eyes as Gideon sat in the chair beside the bed. He held his suit pants in his arms, a dark patch up the legs where he had tried to clean them. Rowan’s gaze drifted from Gideon’s socks then up the dark hairs on his bare legs to the boxers showing beneath the bottom of his dress shirt.
“I’m really sorry,” he said and looked away. “If you want to go back, I’d understand. We might be able to get you a flight.” He lifted his hips and fished his phone from his pocket. “I’ll check for you.”
“There’s no need,” Gideon insisted.
“Really?”
Gideon nodded. “I am rethinking my luggage, however.”
“It’s all suits, isn’t it?” Rowan laughed.
“Not all.”
“Well, lucky for you Kev is your size, and I’m sure we can find something for you to borrow if it comes down to it.”
“I guess. But ignoring clothes for a moment. I’m not sure you’ve realized the more pressing matter at hand.”
Pressing matter?
Rowan lifted his head. “What’s wrong?”
Gideon folded his arms and gave him a firm look.
“What did I do?”
“Nothing.”
“Then, what’s the problem?”
Gideon leaned forward. “You’re lying on it.”
Puzzled, Rowan sat up. He examined the bed. A frown creased his brow. The only bed in the room. What happened to the twin beds?
It’s a king.
Six
Gideon
Gideon had seen this movie before. Steve Martin and John Candy sharing a bed in a hotel and waking up in a full-on man hug because they’d unconsciously sought out body warmth in the night.
Not happening.
Rowan stared down at the bed as if it was going to suddenly morph into two single queens, or maybe that a wall would sprout up in the middle. He was searching for solutions and Gideon had seen that look before when Rowan was doing the accounts and things didn’t add up. The way he fro
wned, the way he stared as if by sheer will alone he could solve the puzzle.
“Oh,” he finally said and scooted off the bed to stand by the side of it, arms crossed over his chest.
“I’m guessing you didn’t realize this cabin had only one bed.”
“I swear.” Rowan held up his hands in innocence. “This used to be a twin cabin, and if I’d known it was one bed I would have spoken to my moms and reorganized.” His lips twisted in a wry smile. “It will be cozy though.” Rowan smirked.
“There is absolutely no way I’m sharing a bed with you.”
“Settle down, I’ll fix this.” Rowan took out his cell phone. “Mom, small issue, this is one bed…yeah…no…he’s definitely…no, Mom.” At this point, he pushed a hand through his hair and turned his back on Gideon, lowering his voice as if no one would be able to hear him. “He’s my boss, and a friend, not even a…Mom…didn’t I tell you when I had Freddie over to sleep…yes I know you heard the banging…and Jeremy as well…but I told you…jeez…okay. Yeah, love you too.” He sounded exasperated, but by the time he turned he’d schooled his expression into what Gideon liked to call client-mode. It was what he used at the moment he was showing new clients into the office. Official, calm, cool. “So,” he began and then stopped.
“So?”
“Well, when I told my moms I was bringing a friend, and even with the backstory of you being alone on Christmas, which isn’t a story but is the whole truth because you would be alone for Christmas, and I don’t like—”
“Rowan! Focus.”
“Sorry, it’s just that they thought I was bringing a friend-friend.”
“Huh.”
He made a circle with his index finger and thumb then poked his other index finger into the hole. “Y’know, friend-friend.”
Gideon rolled his eyes. He didn’t need the graphics nor did he really want to hear about this Freddie or Jeremy that Rowan had clearly brought home and had sex with so loud his moms heard.
