by Andrew Grey
“No problem,” Terry said as he hugged Clay.
A stab of jealously jabbed at Andrew’s stomach at how easily Terry hugged him, as though it were natural. Maybe it could grow to be that way with them if he allowed it. Clay had kissed him—curled his damn toes and had him hard as a rock in two seconds flat. But maybe that was because Andrew had had a bad dream like a seven-year-old. Simple comfort and gentleness, nothing more, no matter how much Andrew might hope for it.
“We’ll see you both this evening,” Red said as he slipped an arm around Terry’s shoulders. “You wanted time to make that mint dessert to bring,” Red told Terry softly, and they left the house.
Andrew checked that everything was secured before following Clay out the back and locking the door with the dead bolt. Clay checked around the yard as they hurried through to the garage, and once they were on their way, they wound through town before returning to Clay’s.
They heard Petey’s barking as soon as they left the garage, and Clay rushed to the house. Petey raced out and across the yard, barking the entire way. He ran back to the back corner, yipping, and took off after a rabbit. Andrew released the breath he’d been holding. Man, he was jumpy. Clay turned to him, laughing as Petey trotted back triumphantly once the rabbit had skittered under the fence. This was his yard, and rabbits and squirrels weren’t welcome.
“Do your business and go on inside,” Clay said as Petey checked out his entire domain, sniffing and patrolling. Andrew walked over, and Clay unlocked the door to let him inside. “I know this has been hurtful. Do you need anything? Is there something I can do?”
The earnestness in his expression instantly made Andrew’s roiling uncertainty fade, and he stepped closer, pressing his lips to Clay’s.
In seconds, Clay’s arms wound around him, hands settling at the small of his back, pulling them nearer as Clay took control of the kiss, deepening it within moments. Heat rose to the point that Andrew thought steam might pour out of his ears. Damn, Clay tasted like heaven and earth all at once—sexy. Andrew wound his arms around Clay’s neck, drawing them even closer, needing to be near him, to banish the loneliness and loss that had dogged him all day.
“Oh God,” Andrew muttered when Clay drew back, both heaving for breath. “I was afraid that what happened… before”—Andrew was still embarrassed about how he’d reacted in the night. Andrew really hated it when he let his insecurities show through. Most of the time he did his best to push them away, to be strong and forceful—“was some pity kiss.”
“I don’t kiss anyone out of pity. I might help them, but never kiss them.” Clay pressed him back against the door. “I kissed you because you’re attractive, and under the hard-as-granite exterior of the Honorable Andrew Phillips is a warm, caring individual, and that’s the person I’m growing to care about.” Clay kissed him again, taking his breath away before gentling the kiss as it slipped away.
Andrew swallowed, speechless for a few seconds, blinking as he processed what Clay had just told him. “You care about me?” he asked, hardly able to speak. It had been too damn long since he’d heard that kind of declaration.
Clay rolled his eyes. “Of course I do.” He shook his head as Petey ran and jumped around their legs. “Besides, how could I not? My dog is completely in love with you.” Clay grinned as he stepped back, Petey clamoring, his little legs going like crazy as he tried to get at him. Andrew bent down, and Petey jumped up and licked his face as Andrew petted him. “I’m telling you the truth.”
“I’m sure that isn’t true,” Andrew said, standing back up, and Petey raced inside, probably to see what was in his bowl. “He just wants attention from someone new.” Andrew held Clay around the neck, hugging him closer. God, that felt so good. Sure, being intimate with someone, like Clay driving him to that peak of ecstasy, would be amazing. But just being caressed, surrounded by the heat from someone else, was near bliss.
“I think Petey wants your attention just as much as I do.” Clay clutched him tighter, neither of them moving for a long while until Petey yipped and pawed for their attention.
They broke apart, and Clay fed Petey and set out fixings for sandwiches for their lunch.
“What do we need to bring for the party?” Andrew asked. “Should we stop at one of the distributors and get a case of good beer or something?” Regardless of what Clay had in mind, he wasn’t going to arrive empty-handed.
“I think the guys would appreciate that, though this party isn’t a huge boozefest. Some of the guys will need to leave early to go on shift, so Kip and Josten always have punch and nonalcoholic drinks. A lot of the couples have kids, so there will be plenty of activity. Last year they rented a bouncy castle and placed it in the back of the yard.”
“Yeah,” Andrew sighed. “I never saw myself having kids. I’m gay, so it just wasn’t in my worldview. Now I see so many couples adopting children.” It both shocked him and made him happy. Whenever he oversaw cases that involved children, his heart went out to them because most likely they were the innocent bystanders and the ones with the potential to get hurt the most. That’s part of why he never did family law.
“Yeah. Carter told me he never expected to have kids until he found Alex, and now the three of them are like the model gay family. Alex is a happy, laughing, smiling boy. Kip and Josten are raising Josten’s brother, Isaac. He’s about Alex’s age, and the boys are best friends.” Clay brought over lunch meat and multiple kinds of bread. “I love the sourdough from Aldi, but you can have whatever you like.”
“I’ll try some of that.” Andrew reached for the loaf as Clay set down a plate and condiments, along with fresh deli bags of meat that smelled amazing. “Will there be more kids than that?”
“I suspect so. Not all of the couples will be gay, of course. Kip loves to make the party a family event. It’s a big deal, and they go all out. I thought I’d cook off a couple dozen eggs and devil them. I add a little horseradish and capers, so they pack a punch.”
“Sounds good,” Andrew said as Clay filled a pot with water and dropped a bunch of eggs in it before setting it on the stove.
“So no kids in your life?” Clay said as he sat back down, got some bread, and started the process of building a sandwich that would have made Scooby-Doo jealous.
“I didn’t say that. I have a sister. She’s eighteen months older and has some health issues. She’s on disability for herself and the kids. They don’t have a lot, but enough for rent and to live on. My mom and dad helped her a lot… always did and probably still do.” He shrugged. “I don’t see them very often.”
“Why not?”
Andrew shrugged again. “My father and I don’t get along. He’s a small-town lawyer in Shrewsbury, where I grew up, and he wanted me to go into practice with him when I graduated law school.” He shook his head. “I love the law, and so does he, but that would have been hell on earth. And when he pushed, I laid out my case in a very lawyerly fashion, and when he continued pushing, I told him I’d rather have a root canal without a hint of anesthetic every day for the rest of my life than go into practice with him.” That was one of many things he could admit that he regretted saying, but it had gotten the point across.
“You didn’t!” Clay’s hand stilled with his sandwich halfway to his mouth.
“Word for word. I know I should have been nicer, but he wasn’t listening to me and never would. He saw me taking over for him, but I wanted more. I used to see myself being one of those big, high-powered lawyers like on television. But I changed directions a few years ago when I was appointed to the bench to fill a vacancy.”
“Your dad should be proud. I know I would be.” Clay took a bite and set his sandwich down.
Andrew nibbled at his. “You’d think so, but we barely speak. I talk to my mom on the phone, but going to see them is always so damn painful, and my dad disappears into his office, making a huge production of leaving. My sister stays out of it and is supportive, but I think Dad scares her sometimes.” Things were pretty mes
sed up.
“So what do you do for holidays?”
“Thanksgiving I sometimes get invited to friends, and at Christmas I go home for the day because of Mary and the kids. I don’t get to see them as often as I’d like, so I ignore the drama and lavish as much attention on them as I can. Last fall I took Auburn and Duane to the aquarium in Baltimore. We had a ball, and afterward we went to dinner.” Andrew could remember how wide their eyes got when he said they could order whatever they wanted. One would have thought it was Christmas. He’d also managed to slip some cash into his sister’s purse when she went to the bathroom. “Mary and I are trying to work out some time when they can all come up for a visit for a few days.”
“You really like the kids, then.” Clay took another bite, leaning forward a little to show he was listening as he chewed.
“Yes. I definitely do.” That reminded Andrew that he needed to call his sister to check in and see how the kids were doing. Things were hot and cold with her sometimes because of the disability, but he didn’t give up. “Auburn has her seventh birthday coming up soon. I have her bicycle in the basement of the house, labeled and ready for shipment. I also have one for Duane because I like to get things for them. I always get them both a present at each other’s birthday. It’s hard when they’re that young, and it’s an excuse to get them what they might not have otherwise.”
“How old is Duane?”
“Four, so his bike comes with training wheels, and they’ll both get helmets.” He should also ask his sister about shoe sizes for the kids and have some sent. They always needed those too.
“Wow,” Clay said with a smile. “That’s really nice.”
“They’re my niece and nephew.” Plus Andrew loved shopping for them. It was a lot more fun than shopping for himself.
“I have… I had a brother,” Clay said softly. “He was born with Down syndrome and had a lot of health problems growing up. He looked different, and the kids picked on Denver sometimes, but he was the nicest, most easygoing person I’ve ever met.” Tears welled in the corners of Clay’s eyes. “He used to laugh at the strangest things. I think it was because he found joy everywhere. Simple things made him happy.” Clay blinked hard. “I haven’t thought of him in quite a while. He died at eight. His heart just quit in the middle of the night and he didn’t wake up.” Clay pushed back his chair, left the room, and returned with a framed picture. “That’s me and Denver. He was seven and I was nine.”
“Look at that smile,” Andrew said, the light in Denver’s eyes so clear and sparkly.
“He was like that all the time. Before he died, Mom had said that the doctors wanted to do more surgery to fix some of the things that were wrong with Denver.” Clay wiped his eyes and set the picture on the counter. “I think he was already so tired and had been through so much that he left us while he was happy. At least that’s how I want to remember him.” He took a deep breath and let it out.
Andrew slowly stood, walked around the table to stand behind him, and wrapped his arms around Clay the same way he’d comforted him. “What about your mom and dad? They must have been crushed.” Andrew could only imagine.
“Mom went to pieces. They said that the heart issues might be genetic, so Mom and Dad had already decided not to have more children. Denver’s challenges weren’t hereditary, and the doctor who told Mom and Dad that should have been shot, but they didn’t know. Mom grieved for a long time. Denver was her little baby… her last child. I don’t think she’s ever been the same.” Clay leaned back. “I miss him sometimes, even after all these years.”
“Of course you do. He was your brother.” Andrew squeezed, then released Clay and went to sit back down. “When was the last time you talked about him?”
Clay huffed. “A long time. Mom and Dad never mention Denver anymore. I think they both think it’s painful for the other, so they keep the memories to themselves. There’s a picture of Denver hanging in my mom and dad’s hallway. They pass it every day, but like anything you see all the time, they probably don’t pay much attention to it.” He shrugged and went to check on the eggs and turn down the heat. “These will be done in a few minutes. We’ll stop on the way to get some beer.”
“Sounds good.” Andrew let Clay change the subject. It was probably for the best. He checked his phone, and when he found no messages, he set it aside and ate the rest of his sandwich. Once they were both done, Andrew helped Clay clean up and make the deviled eggs. It was nice and companionable, doing simple things together.
Andrew spent part of the afternoon watching baseball with Clay. They had to keep an eye on the time, but the Pirates game went quickly and then it was time for them to go. Andrew changed clothes and helped Clay gather the things they needed, then stayed with him as they went out to the car.
He picked up a case of Heineken at the distributors and then went to Kip’s, parking around back. The house was nice, and similar in a lot of ways to Clay’s. The backyard was enclosed with a fence, and as soon as they stepped inside, the joy of kids playing blew away Andrew’s reserve and nerves. How could anyone not be happy with half a dozen kids talking and yelling for joy as they waited their turn for the bouncy castle? Andrew wondered if he could get a turn in it.
“Clay, Judge Phillips,” Officer Kip Rogers said as he held out his hand. “Glad you could make it.”
“Please, call me Andrew.” He shook Kip’s hand and was introduced to his husband, Josten. “Thank you both for having me.”
“It’s great you could join us.” Josten turned to where some of the kids were yelling. “Isaac, please… no yelling.” He shook his head. “Got to have eyes in the back of my head.” He pointed in the direction of the house. “There are appetizers under the tent and drinks in the cooler.”
Andrew handed Josten the case of beer. “I wanted to bring something to the party.”
“This is awesome. Thanks.” Josten smiled as Kip took the case from him.
“Actually, I think this is for me.” Kip kissed Josten and then hurried up toward the coolers.
“Please go join the guys. I have to watch over these little hooligans.” Josten seemed happy about it, and Clay guided Andrew to where groups of guys congregated.
“Hey, Clay, Judge Phillips,” Pierre Ravelle said as they approached. “It’s good of both of you to come. You know Jordan from Judge Fortier’s office.” Pierre slipped his arm around Jordan’s waist.
Andrew shook hands with both of them, and Jordan excused himself, hurrying to where the kids were playing.
“We haven’t seen hide nor hair of Harper Grange in more than twenty-four hours. Nothing at all.”
“Did you contact his family?” Clay asked. “I could feel my mom out.”
“I put the fear of God in his mother. She swore he hasn’t contacted her, and your mother said the same thing. None of his usual haunts have come up with anything, and we’ve had his picture on every news broadcast for the past two days. I swear everyone under the sun is looking for him, but there’s been nothing.”
Andrew turned to Clay. This was too damn close to home, and he needed to have this threat alleviated. “What’s our next move?”
“That we stay close, keep you safe, and hope he’s left the area.” Clay turned to Pierre. “Tap his mother’s phones. Get a warrant. Judge Fortier will probably approve it because you can build a good case. I can verify that Harper is close to his mother. He will call her eventually.”
Andrew nodded his agreement.
“Thanks,” Pierre said. Then a group of guys—officers and deputies—surrounded them, all of them talking and laughing. Andrew liked that they included him and that they didn’t talk about work the whole time. He’d wondered if they’d talk shop all the time, but football and the Eagles’ chances seemed to be the main topic of discussion, with a few Steelers fans being given a great deal of good-natured grief.
“Here,” Clay said, pressing a glass of beer into Andrew’s hand. “I hope you’re having a good time.”
�
�I am.” Andrew smiled. “Everyone has been very nice, and there are plenty of guys to talk Eagles with.” He raised his voice as a cry went up from the other Eagles fans, the Steelers fans going quiet for a few seconds and then razzing the others.
“Do you follow other sports?” Terry asked, standing next to Red.
“I watched you at the Olympics.” Andrew raised a glass, and all the others did as well.
“I’m just glad all that fuss is over and I can have him back full-time,” Red said.
“The promotional tours and endorsements took a lot of time for a while. But it was worth it.” Terry leaned against Red’s shoulder. “Now I have a really nice bauble to hang on my wall.”
“And every one of his swim classes fills up almost instantly. The Y has seen a huge jump in membership because he’s on staff,” Red said proudly.
“And I’m working with the high school swim team as a volunteer coach. I think it’s important to give back to the people who helped me.”
Terry seemed pretty special.
A squeal went up, and Andrew turned as Jordan and Pierre hugged a new arrival and then approached. “Brad, this is Andrew and Clay. This is my friend, Brad.” Jordan had his arm around Brad’s shoulder. “They’re both single, I believe.” Jordan looked at each of them as though he were assessing the potential for matchmaking.
Clay scooted close enough that Andrew felt his touch. He turned, meeting Clay’s possessive gaze. Andrew smiled and slid his hand into Clay’s. Brad seemed nice enough, but he didn’t want anyone fixing him up.
“I think you’re out of luck,” Clay said gently.
“I get that,” Jordan said with a nod and a smile. “Sorry, Brad.” Both of them giggled as though they were sharing some secret, and moved on through the crowd.
“What’s with him?” Andrew asked, following Brad’s movements for a few seconds.
“He just broke up with another boyfriend,” Pierre explained. “Brad has the worst luck with guys, so Jordan asked if it was okay to bring him to the party. I think they were hoping for more single guys.” Pierre shook his head. “Apparently Brad has a thing for police officers, and ever since Jordan found me, he’s been jealous.”
