A Beautiful Disaster

by Marguerite Labbe

  Dakota snickered and grabbed a coffee mug. “How about an exchange? You add several more eggs to that mess you’re about to cook, and I promise not to abuse you with my stink.”

  “That’s not an exchange. It’s blackmail.” Julie ducked out of the way as Dakota came toward her with arms outstretched. “Okay, we have a deal. Troublemaker.”

  “I’ll make it up to you for dinner, I promise.” He poured himself a cup of coffee and dumped in a liberal amount of cream. “Damn, I do stink. Heading for the shower.”

  “Hey wait, before you go.” Julie looked out at Brenden on the sun porch. “You’ll give me a straight answer. Aden thinks I’m crazy.”

  “Sure.” Dakota mentally crossed his fingers. Brenden might be okay with Aden knowing their secret, but not Julie. Good thing he was an excellent liar if she had picked up on the vibe between them. “What’s up?”

  “Brenden hates me, doesn’t he?” Julie gave Dakota a troubled frown. “I mean, he’s always been distant, but it seems like ever since Aden and I got back together, he’s been more standoffish.”

  Dakota stirred some sugar into his brew as he considered the best way to explain Brenden. “He doesn’t hate you. He’s a big mama bear. He will forgive anybody who hurts him no matter the wound. But he holds on to grudges against those who hurt the ones he loves. His dad is a case in point. Brenden can forgive him for abandoning him, but he’ll never let go of the fact that he also abandoned his mom when she needed him the most.”

  “I knew it.” Julie’s expression fell even more. “I don’t have a chance at all in making it right with him, do I? It’s taken me this long to get to a point where Aden and I are good. Really freaking good. I’m definitely not where I was when I left him. Which was the stupidest mistake I’d ever made.”

  “Don’t worry about it. Brenden will come around. He sees how happy Aden is, and that’s all he wants. He wouldn’t jeopardize that happiness by holding a grudge against you. He’s thawing. It might not show, but he is.” It wouldn’t hurt if Dakota laid more groundwork. Julie and Aden had a good thing going, and he’d need the extra support when medical school started.

  “If you think so,” Julie said, doubt still in her voice as she pulled out a carton of eggs. “Like what time frame are we talking about before he thaws?”

  “Oh, by the time you have your second child for sure,” Dakota teased, hoping to get a smile out of her, and it worked.

  “You are terrible.” Julie snapped a towel at him. “Go, take your stinky self off before you ruin the eggs.”

  “Yes, ma’am.” And Dakota strolled away whistling. By the time he was showered and dressed, Dakota felt ready to take on whatever plans Brenden had for the day. He had no doubt they were thorough and detailed.

  He glanced over at Brenden as he came into the bedroom and his body stirred. This would’ve been easier if Aden and Julie hadn’t shown up. Then Dakota could retreat to his own room when Brenden was about to get naked and wet.

  “Julie says breakfast is ready. You, sir, are a moocher.”

  “She already had it half made.” Dakota swept his eyes over Brenden as he walked over to him. “Tell me I wasn’t dreaming about yesterday.”

  Brenden gave him a long, inscrutable stare. Dakota’s heart skipped a beat as Brenden shrugged out of his shirt and came to him. Brenden made him weak inside when he looked at him that way. He made him think that it might be allowable to surrender sometimes. Brenden wrapped his arms around him. “If it’s a dream, then I want to stay in it because I can do this.”

  Dakota could only hold on as Brenden kissed him, a sweet kiss that devastated his senses and his heart. He would sacrifice a hell of a lot to be able to do this for a very long time. Dakota groaned as Brenden pulled back. “I should’ve said screw you to the run and shower because I’m as fucking horny now as I was before I left.”

  Brenden’s eyes gleamed with wicked amusement. “Well, we’re even.” He strode off toward the bathroom as Dakota fell back on the rumpled bed with another groan. This was cosmic justice biting him in the ass for all the times he’d tormented Brenden. Even though Dakota hadn’t known he was tormenting the man.

  One thing was for certain. Life would never be boring again.

  Dakota tried to think of banal things as he got dressed, but it didn’t help when he could hear Brenden in the shower. He made the bed and picked up his clothes. That ought to make Brenden happy when he emerged, and it wasn’t because Dakota wanted a glimpse of him coming out of the shower half naked and damp.

  He needed another cup of coffee and another family member to annoy and went in search of one. Aden was in the kitchen with Julie, bringing the dish of eggs and a carafe of orange juice to the table. “What are your plans for dinner?” Dakota asked as he poured himself more coffee.

  “All my plans for this weekend have been sideswiped, thanks to you and Brenden.” Aden gave him a sour look that Dakota ignored. It wasn’t like his own plans had gone the way he wanted them. Next time he’d warn Aden first instead of just Evelyn and Trev. In fact, if Aden had done the same, they wouldn’t be in this predicament. “Why, do you have something in mind?”

  “I ordered some beer and crabs. I planned on sitting out on the porch as we picked through them. Why don’t you put in an order for steamed spiced shrimp and we’ll split the meal?” Maybe it wouldn’t be as romantic as Aden and Dakota wanted, but it would still be nice as the sun went down.

  Julie gave Aden a bright smile. “I’d love that. We haven’t had any seafood this season. In fact, after we put in the order, Aden and I will hike down along the river and give you and Brenden time to do your geek thing. We’ll run by and pick up the food on our way back.”

  “That would be cool.” It was a win all around, though Dakota envied the idea of going for a hike instead of burying himself in paperwork. Southern Maryland had some awesome trails. As it got closer to the con, they’d have less time for outings like that. Maybe if they accomplished a lot today, he’d be able to convince Brenden that fresh air would be good for them both.

  “Perfect.” Julie picked up her empty plate and paused to kiss Aden’s cheek, then Dakota’s. “I’m going to go get ready.”

  Dakota waited until he heard the bedroom door shut, then turned to Aden. “How’d you figure it out? Did you see us last night?”

  “That confirmed my suspicions.” Aden got up, retrieved the coffeepot, and topped off both their mugs. “I’ve wondered a few times after you both moved out, but that’s not a question you raise at Sunday dinners. Then Brenden had his meltdown, and I’m willing to give you benefit and guess that half of it was because he was sick and unintentionally high.”

  Knowing that happened still made Dakota writhe in shame, though hearing about the secrets Brenden had been keeping helped him to see it differently. “I’d never deliberately put him in a state like that. Part of it was because I was a clueless bastard, and part of it was because Brenden holds too much in. That was a long time coming for many reasons.”

  “Then I saw the way you two acted the night we went out for karaoke. Brenden never quite looked you in the eye unless he was singing, and you watched him like no one else existed. I’ve seen you at clubs and bars before. I know how you are. If anyone glanced at Brenden with interest, you stared them down with ill intent.”

  Dakota hadn’t been that bad, though that might explain why Morris kept snickering and whispering with Theo.

  “You think Zach picked up on it?” Dakota hoped not. He could count on Aden to keep his mouth shut. He didn’t expect the same restraint from Zach.

  “Zach is utterly clueless, man. About so much.”

  That was true. It gave them breathing room. “Brenden’s terrified of telling Aunt Evelyn and Uncle Trev.” Dakota wished he could ease his mind there. It wasn’t like he could even feel them out to see how they’d react and shield Brenden. It was a situation they’d have to face together.

  “I would be too, but it’ll be okay,” Aden assured him. �
�Once everybody sits back and looks at it, they’re going to realize you and Brenden are still yourselves. And after they get used to the idea of you two as a couple, every single one of them is going to wonder why they didn’t see it before.”

  That was Dakota’s sense of it too. He went silent as he heard a door open and close before he realized it was Brenden moving around. He made a plate for him and set it at the table as Brenden appeared, freshly showered and looking pounceable.

  “Hey, you ready for war?” Dakota asked, indicating their whiteboard and Brenden’s laptop.

  Brenden lifted one brow as he retrieved his coffee cup and sat at the table. “Only you would equate planning and preparation to war.”

  “I’m all for the Sun Tzu method.” Dakota cleared off his space and pulled out his battered notebook. “It’s much more fun when you consider it a battle. For all intents and purposes, we will be under siege. Gotta make plans and keep the hordes in line.”

  “I’m leaving you two to your plotting and getting out of the way before I’m forcibly recruited,” Aden announced as he took his plate to the sink. “Good luck and don’t let Dakota get you in over your head.” He grinned as Dakota shot him the middle finger.

  Brenden shook his head and pulled out his phone. “Okay, first off, let’s examine our presale numbers after our latest guest announcement, and then let’s see how many of our volunteers we can wrangle together to set up a conference call. I want at least the team heads.”

  Dakota fired up his tablet and retrieved his spreadsheet. He glanced at Brenden, who tapped his pen down the checklist on his clipboard with that little frown over the bridge of his nose. His heart tugged. That was his other half sitting there in his pressed shirt and khakis, so serious as they were about to dive into what they did best. Damn, Dakota was a lucky man.

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  BRENDEN HAD to admit, this weekend had been a good idea. They came up with a solid plan for their next steps for the convention. They were caught up with what each other was doing and where there were lingering issues that had to be cleared up. They’d even nailed down their volunteer list and spoken to them all over a series of calls. He was tired and energized at the same time.

  He was also horny and frustrated. Two nights of lying next to Dakota with nothing but kisses to sustain him was a situation he had never anticipated or planned for. It was amoral. He had Dakota in a sense, at least up to the point where they both got a little too excited, and then Dakota pulled back.

  Dakota came into their house carrying his record player. Brenden eyed it as he walked by. It had been a really sweet gesture when Dakota pulled him into that dance. Brenden craved other tender moments like that, and Dakota seemed inclined to give them.

  It couldn’t last. Dakota had vowed his entire life to never settle down with one person. Brenden believed Dakota did love him on one level; he wasn’t so sure Dakota would love him enough to stay. Brenden knew how annoying he could be, and knowing that didn’t inspire him.

  Now that they were home and there was no worry about Aden and Julie overhearing them, there was no way Dakota would keep his hands to himself. And Brenden would encourage him. He wouldn’t be able to stop himself now that all the feelings had been opened again. He wanted Dakota, all of him, body and heart. But once sex came into the equation, Dakota would revert to his old habits. Even Dakota was afraid of that happening. Celibacy. How the fuck could you be in a romantic relationship and be celibate? Only Dakota would concoct such a crazy-assed plan.

  “When is the sitter bringing by our inkblots of doom?” Dakota asked as he came into the room. “I miss the little terrors.”

  Brenden hid a grin. Dakota was completely gone on that kitten, and Toothless lived to get into Dakota’s belongings. “In about twenty minutes. I wanted to make sure we’d be here when she brought them by.” According to her text messages, they were very put out over Brenden and Dakota’s disappearance.

  Dakota’s expression of disappointment said it all. Brenden picked up the overnight bag he’d thrown onto the couch with an uncertain grimace. He’d lived with Dakota off and on for years, and suddenly he didn’t know what to do.

  Dakota narrowed his eyes and put his hands on his hips. “Bren, what’s going on in that head of yours?”

  That I want to fuck you silly and then make you see that being with someone forever is not a prison sentence. Brenden clamped his lips together before he blurted that out.

  “I’m wondering what our sleeping arrangements are going to be. Now that we’re home.” Brenden wasn’t sure he could handle another sleepless night next to Dakota, but he didn’t want him to go away either.

  Dakota’s eyes gleamed with wry amusement. “Well, it would be easier and safer for our sanity if we slept in separate beds.”

  Brenden nodded. It made sense, but it was still disappointing. He liked having Dakota beside him, even if he was tormented by erotic dreams and Dakota’s wandering hands. Not only was he a cuddler, but he was touchy-feely in his sleep. “I’m sure my snoring is a factor.” It had been a breaking point for more than one past boyfriend.

  “Not a chance. I can sleep anytime anywhere.” Dakota took his bag from Brenden. “To be honest, separate beds isn’t going to work. I said it would be better for our sanity, but I suspect I’d really miss being next to you. So the real question is, my bed or yours?”

  Brenden’s heart squeezed at the thought of having Dakota so close. Sometimes he couldn’t believe this was real. But fuck it. He wasn’t going to drive Dakota away again. He was going to enjoy every moment. “Mine’s bigger, but yours is more comfortable.”

  “My bed it is.” Dakota headed down the hallway, lugging his bag with him.

  “Change the sheets,” Brenden called after him. He hadn’t peeked into Dakota’s room in weeks. It might be safer for them to sleep in his room. Every inch probably needed a good cleaning and disinfecting.

  “I’ll make sure it passes inspection before your delicate self steps foot in there,” Dakota said with a mocking laugh. “I’ll even be sure to tuck in the corners military style and dust.”

  Delicate his ass. Brenden was a toughened warrior after years of dealing with Dakota. He peeked into the refrigerator to scrounge what he could whip together for dinner and was left uninspired. They’d put in enough work that he felt okay with ordering Chinese and vegging on the couch.

  His phone chimed with a series of incoming messages, and Brenden winced. Or as much vegging as his phone would allow him. He scrolled through them, prioritizing them as he went. He needed to remind Dakota to send out the latest announcement. No, he wasn’t going to micromanage. He’d promised. Dakota knew what he had to do, and if Brenden couldn’t stop looking over the shoulder of the one guy he trusted implicitly, then he had no hope of letting go of the rest.

  Brenden retrieved the delivery menus and texted back a reply. For once it was an easy question. This particular vendor had the same requests every single time. “Dakota, you want an order of beef and black bean sauce?”

  “Oh, hell yeah,” Dakota called back, his voice coming closer. “Make it a double. These morning runs are leaving me starving.”

  “There is another option,” Brenden said as Dakota appeared. “Sex is a good cardio workout.”

  Dakota swept a lingering gaze over Brenden that had his hormones perking up. He couldn’t decide if he was teasing himself or Dakota more. “So true. Let me ask you a question and you give me an honest answer. If I strip us both naked right here and we christen this kitchen, would you expect me to stick around tomorrow?”

  “Tomorrow, yes.” Brenden would even give Dakota a year. He was sure he could keep Dakota’s attention longer than Felipe. “To turn it back on you, do you see yourself staying?”

  “I really want to, Bren.” The raw honesty in Dakota’s eyes made Brenden’s throat tighten. He’d never seen Dakota like this and it hit him in his most vulnerable spots. “And until we both are secure on that, I’m going to have to very regret
fully decline christening this kitchen until the appropriate time.”

  Brenden gave him a quelling stare to mask his disappointment and relief. Only Dakota could ever get him to feel such conflicting emotions on a regular basis. Usually without even trying. “Even if that time comes, there will be no christening of the kitchen or any other surface we eat off of.”

  “Ooohh, challenge accepted.” Dakota laughed as Brenden shook his finger at him. “I heard back from Jackie. She’s down for designing the convention badges for vendors, artists, and staff.”

  It was only fair to give the project to her. Dakota had wanted her to do the banners too, but Brenden had vetoed that idea for Morris, and they’d both been pleased with the results. He wanted to advertise as many of their friends’ work as he could. “Think she’ll be ready to give us the images by the Richmond show? We ought to get the order in for them sooner rather than later.”

  “I’ll poke her, but I don’t think it’ll be a problem.” A knock at the door had Dakota spinning around and raising his arms in celebration. “The inkblots are home!”

  “I seem to recall you wanting me to give them up,” Brenden said with a laugh at the genuine delight on Dakota’s face. This was the same guy who’d sworn pet owners were crazy. “Who’s the sucker now?”

  “Shut up. Where’s the check? Never mind, found it.” Brenden half listened to Dakota’s rambling monologue as he placed their order for dinner. He returned, lugging the kittens’ cage, and Brenden winced as he set it on the table. One of these days, Dakota would grasp the concept of sanitary and unsanitary. “Hey there, you two, did you raise hell in cat jail?”

  He opened the cage and pulled out Toothless. The kitten smacked his paw against Dakota’s nose in a gesture that ordered Dakota not to nuzzle him, but Dakota always ignored those gestures from every creature. Dakota rubbed his nose against Toothless’s fur, making nomming noises. Brenden shook his head as the kitten purred. He had to admit, his reaction would be the same. He was the real sucker.