by Megan Slayer
“Oh. I— Sorry. Col says I’ve got to work on my tact.” Jordan smiled, and red tinged his cheeks.
“He’s right,” Bobby replied.
Jordan sighed and bowed his head. “You’re a good guy, Bobby. If Remy makes you happy, then that’s cool. I’d keep my head on, though. Reporters can be bullshit artists.”
He downed half of the beer in one swig, then swallowed. Maybe Jordan thought he was being a friend, but Bobby disagreed. The guy sounded like a jackass. “You’re trying to protect me, I assume. I don’t know why. We weren’t best friends ever in our lives.” He was on the edge of going off and gripped the bottle to keep his wits about him. “I’m good with Remy, but I appreciate the warning. I’ve got to say this, even though it’ll make me sound like I’m seventeen, but you don’t have to warn me about him. Everyone has their sleazy side. I bet you’ve got a few things you want to keep quiet because people would look at you a little differently.”
“Like what?” Jordan met Bobby’s gaze. “I’m not ashamed of my life.”
“You’re not ashamed of how you treated me and a few other people back in school? You used to close me in my locker on a weekly basis. Right before prom, you told me Jenna Newell wanted me to ask her out and to the dance. When she turned me down, you stood there and laughed.”
“That was almost fifteen years ago.” The muscle in Jordan’s jaw tensed. “But I’d forgotten about it.”
“I don’t care how long ago it was. What if it were Gage going through that? All parents and kids have to deal with this kind of shit, and I seriously hope you’ve learned from it.” Bobby wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. “It’s crap. No kid should have to deal with bullies.”
Jordan glared at him. “You’re right, but still.”
A thought occurred to Bobby. This was the root of what the group was dealing with in relation to the Coalition. Bullying. A few who weren’t happy making others feel bad in order to make them feel better. “Is this what the Coalition wants? For us to argue? For us to fight among ourselves and come apart at the seams? If we can’t get along with each other or them, then we’re perpetuating their lies. We can place a hundred million flags around Cedarwood, but until we accept the Coalition will think differently from us and that we can accept ourselves, we’re screwed.” He’d lost his shit and his head ached. He needed his day to slow down and for less action to happen.
Colin strode down the stairs and into the kitchen. Remy hurried behind him. Colin sighed and stepped between Jordan and Bobby. “I figured this would happen,” Colin said. He turned to Remy. “They hated each other in school. Like, down to their core hated each other.”
Colin was talking about Bobby like he wasn’t there, and it irritated Bobby.
“Bobby was sweet, quiet and so cute. I wasn’t ready to come out back then or I would’ve made a move on him. He wasn’t out yet, either, so it wasn’t a big deal.” Colin turned back to Jordan. “Stop acting like a hot shot. You don’t have to play to the cop stereotype. He’s still a sweet guy. Don’t be a dick.”
Bobby snapped his fingers. “That’s what I meant. The Coalition expect us to play to our stereotype and act like flamboyant gay men. They want to bait us into reacting with anger.”
“They expect us to rise up and march or picket,” Remy said. “If we lose our shit, then they’ll win and prove we’re bad for the community.” He stood beside Bobby. “It takes Bobby a while to get there with his explanations, but he’s got a point.” He sighed. “Maybe I shouldn’t send in that op-ed piece.”
Bobby draped his arm around Remy’s shoulders. “You should still publish it, but put a positive spin on it.” He bit back a snort. Who was he to tell anyone to be positive? He’d cornered the market on negativity lately. “Kill them with kindness.”
“I like it,” Colin said.
“I second it.” Jordan offered his hand to Bobby. “Sorry about being a dick. I’ll work on changing that. Back then, I was a mess. I’d probably have been in the Coalition if it had existed back then—all to prove to myself I wasn’t gay.”
“But you’re comfortable with it now,” Colin said. He hollered over his shoulder. “Gage. Come on.”
Gage, Farin, Steve and Genie thundered down the steps.
“It’s all clean,” Steve said. “The carpet’s a little damp from the steam cleaner, but nothing permanently stained.” He dropped the takeout boxes into the trash bin. “Next time we put the kids outside.”
“Or go to Colt’s restaurant,” Farin said. He laughed and squeezed Steve’s shoulders. “We need to get going.”
“Us too.” Colin nudged Jordan. “You’ve got an early shift tomorrow, and I’m opening the store. Remy, keep us posted on the article. I think if you and Bobby work together on it, it’ll be dynamite in a great way.”
Bobby liked the sound of that. He showed the foursome out to the front porch and watched them drive away. When he turned to go back into the house, he bumped into Remy. “Sorry.”
“Why?” Remy threaded his arms around Bobby’s waist. “I like bumping into you.”
“I figured you still weren’t happy with me.” He tugged Remy to the railing and leaned against the post. “I’ll keep apologizing because that’s who I am. Ask my ex-wife. She made my life miserable, and I kept telling her I was sorry for dicking her over.”
“You’re a good man, that’s why. You don’t like when crap happens.” Remy bumped noses with Bobby, then kissed him. “It stung. I won’t lie. I hate fighting with anyone, but you were looking out for your kids. I understand. I’d be just as vicious if it were my kids in that situation.”
“The thing was, I didn’t know what had happened. Chris never said. He and Darce suffered in silence.” Bobby rested his forehead against Remy’s. “I wish I would’ve known earlier. I would’ve kicked Terry’s ass to the curb right then and there.”
“That’s why you didn’t know. He knew he had someone wonderful and wasn’t ready to give up on you.” Remy kissed him. “I don’t agree with what he did, but I understand. I don’t want to lose you, either. I like the kids. They’re great and you’re right, I’ve always been a kid person who didn’t realize he was a kid person.”
“I’m glad.” Bobby stuffed his hands into Remy’s back pockets. He didn’t care who saw them on the porch. Let the Coalition watch them. Let them get upset or put more flags in his yard. Fuck them. He was happy, just like his mom and the others had said.
A car driving by honked but didn’t stop. No one shouted anything. Bobby held his lover tight. He wasn’t sure how close he’d come to losing Remy—from his own anger or the assault—but he was damn happy he had Remy around. He could see Remy with him and the kids as a family unit. They could have a future together, and that was what he wanted.
“How about we allow the kids to swim a while? We can’t hide in the house.” Remy kissed him again. “Besides, I bet they’d like to get out.”
“I’m sure.” He eased his palm from Remy’s pocket and swatted Remy’s ass. “We should wear them out.”
“Oh yeah, because Chris always goes right to bed when you tell him.” Remy draped his arm around Bobby’s waist and headed into the house.
“No, but it’s worth a shot.” He closed the front door and engaged the lock. “We should check out the damage in the family room too.”
“It’s not bad. The kids, the guys and I picked everything up. Like someone said, the carpet’s damp from where we cleaned up soda and pizza sauce,” Remy said. “Feel free to check, though.”
“I trust you.” Bobby grasped the banister. “Hey, guys? How about a swim?” He glanced over at Remy and blew out a long breath. Remy couldn’t know just how big a step saying the words I trust you were for Bobby. He chuckled. For the first time since he’d split from his ex-boyfriend, Neil, he was ready to move on. Telling Remy he loved him had been a bit fast, and he wasn’t sure if he could vocalize those feelings right away. But he did care for Remy. He loved and trusted him.
Darcy ap
peared at the top of the stairs. “Really?” she squeaked.
“Really, Peanut. Get your suit and tell your brother.” Bobby clapped the railing. “Where is Chris?”
“On the phone with Nicki.” Darcy shrugged. “He likes her. Sounds like she doesn’t like him—in that way.”
“I know.” Bobby sighed. He wasn’t ready to have a child in the dating arena. Good God. He was still trying to date. How awkward was that? He sure as hell wasn’t going to go on double dates with his son.
“Sorry, Dad.” Chris hurried down the stairs with his board shorts in hand. “We were just talking. She’s got a boyfriend.”
“Get changed and don’t worry about it.” He wasn’t going to stop the march of time or keep his kid from growing up. He grasped Remy’s hand. “Shall we go outside?”
Remy laughed. “We shall.”
Chapter Eleven
Remy strolled out onto the deck with Bobby. He marveled as the lights turned on around the pool. The slight wind rustled the leaves in the trees, and streaks of purple, orange and red stretched across the sky. All he needed was a beer and this would be a perfect night. He tugged a chair over to the edge of the deck. He faced the pool as he stretched out on the lounger.
Darcy darted past him and jumped straight into the pool. Chris ambled onto the deck. “She does love her water,” he said. “The crazy fish.”
“Just like you’re a fool for running. It’s great.” He gripped the arms of the chair and sighed. He ached all over from the assault.
Bobby joined Remy on the deck. “You got the good chair.” He yanked an Adirondack chair over to where Remy sat. “I like that one.”
“I can see why. It’s comfortable.” Remy crossed his ankles. “I could sleep out here. The air’s just right and the wind in the leaves is mesmerizing.”
“Don’t you dare go to sleep yet. How’s your head?” Bobby asked.
“It’s fine. If I feel off, I’ll say something.” From his head to his toes, he hurt. He felt wrung out. He did want to sleep, but he also wanted to not have to worry about anything. With Bobby, he could rest and let go.
Bobby handed Remy an open beer. Remy downed a swig of the tart brew, then rested the bottle on the armrest and slipped his hand into Bobby’s. “So you’re staying?” Bobby asked.
“Yeah. You wouldn’t let me go.” He laughed at his comment. He didn’t want to leave anyway.
“You make me sound like an awful person.” Bobby tipped his beer bottle. “I’m not.” He drank the beer, then sighed. “I’d let you go.”
“I bet you’d let me leave, but if you did you’d have a coronary and worry.” He squeezed Bobby’s fingers.
“I would.” Bobby held up his bottle. “Every second you were gone I’d be a wreck.”
Remy rested his head on the back of the chair. He loved the closeness he shared with Bobby. Bobby’s admission of love had been rather spontaneous and Remy didn’t put much stock in the feelings. He believed Bobby was fond of him and liked having him around, but love? Maybe. Besides, he wanted to move with caution. Remy could vocalize his love for Bobby, but Bobby had the kids to worry about. He massaged the bridge of his nose. He wanted to be part of the family unit. He was close to Bobby but yearned to be more.
He sat with Bobby and worked on his beer. He wasn’t sure how much time had passed, but the longer they rested together and the kids splashed in the pool, the sky darkened and the lights around the pool and fencing brightened.
“Hey, guys?” Bobby sat up and tossed his beer bottle into the recycle bin. “Let’s head inside for the night.”
Darcy climbed out of the water first and threw her soggy arms around her father’s neck. She dripped all over him. “Thanks, Dad.”
“Welcome, Peanut. Get a shower, brush your teeth and head to bed,” Bobby said.
She grinned at Remy, then draped a towel around her waist. She went into the house. Chris lingered a moment longer in the pool. Once Darcy was out of range, he strode up to Bobby.
“Thanks, Dad. I like my sister and the other kids, but I needed to get out of there.” Chris toweled himself off. “I am not meant for babysitting.”
“Good to know.” Bobby stood. He gripped Chris’ shoulder. “I appreciate the help. Things were out of hand today and you stepped up like a champ.”
“Does this mean you’ll add a little to my allowance? I’ve almost got enough for the better fitness tracker.” Chris clutched his towel. “Yeah?”
“We’ll see,” Bobby said. “Same thing I told your sister. Get a shower and head to bed—after you brush your teeth. Night, bud.”
“Night, Dad.” Chris saluted. He nodded once to Remy, then strode past them.
He waited for Chris to disappear into the house. He faced the door and folded his arms. “I love my children, but they wear me out. This whole day has worn me out.”
“Trust me. I understand.” Remy recrossed his ankles. Ever since he’d shown the article to the group members, he’d been wondering if he’d done such a good thing. He didn’t regret his words. They’d been written in a moment of emotional distress but were from the heart. He believed what he’d put on the tablet. But maybe he’d gone about getting his point across the wrong way. “I’ve been thinking about the article. You’re right. I should’ve made the whole thing more positive. We’re a happy community. We should show that rather than giving in and getting angry.”
“Rem, you have been. The Positively Cedarwood articles have been great.” He sat beside Remy again. “I’ve read them. If someone who doesn’t know anything about Cedarwood doesn’t think we’re a wonderful community, then they’re not reading the right stuff.”
“But none of those have been about our community,” Remy said. “I’ll probably twiddle with the op-ed, but I’ve got a better idea for something more long-term. What about a weekly column that features different aspects of Cedarwood? Maybe a different business and business owner or a group around town. This way I can make sure some of the groups and businesses are from the LGBTQ community.”
The more he talked about his newly hatched plan, the more he liked it.
“I’m convinced.” Bobby nodded. “Sounds interesting.”
“I like it.” Remy held up his nearly empty beer bottle. “Cheers to a new article and me taking the weekend off. I need time to recuperate.”
“I like the sound of that.” Bobby opened a second beer. He clinked bottles with Remy. “We should celebrate tonight.”
“Only if I get to be the bottom. I’m starting to run out of steam.” He wanted Bobby in his ass, then to curl up beside the man he loved.
“So you want me to suck your dick while you lie there?” Bobby asked. “Licking your balls and making you come? Then you want my cock in your ass, making you come again?”
“Yeah, I want it all.” Remy gripped the arm of the chair. He shivered. When he closed his eyes, the image of Bobby between his knees came to mind. He wanted to feel the softness of Bobby’s hair under his hands and the silk of Bobby’s tongue along his dick.
“Horny toad,” Bobby said.
Remy snapped his attention to his lover. “You sound shocked.”
“Nah. I’m just as ready to fuck as you are.” Bobby left his chair and leaned over Remy’s. He held on to the arms of the lounger. “We need to go inside. My bed is nice and big.”
“I remember,” Remy murmured.
Bobby kissed Remy and bit his bottom lip. “It’s better with you in it.”
“Is it?” Remy draped his arms around Bobby’s neck. “I would think you’d like the space to move.” He was stalling. He needed to gather the energy to go upstairs.
“Moving is overrated.” Bobby kissed him again. “I’d rather hold you.”
Remy grinned. “You’re a closet romantic.”
“I’m totally out,” Bobby said. “I’m head over heels for you. I want you with me and the kids.”
“I want to be here,” Remy replied. He kissed Bobby again. “Let’s go upstairs.” He held on
to Bobby’s hand as he left the chair.
“Move in with me.” Bobby held Remy to his side. He opened the door for Remy and switched off the pool lights. The security lights turned on, leaving the backyard illuminated. “At least stay over for the weekends.”
Remy paused in the kitchen. “I haven’t given you an answer yet, and you’re already begging.”
“I’m trying to work with you.” He smoothed his hands up Remy’s chest and pinched Remy’s nipple through the fabric of his shirt. “I’m trying very hard not to let you go.”
“I thought you wanted to slow down.” Hell, he was ready to speed everything up. He wanted to move in with Bobby yesterday.
“I did, but not now. I had my life put into perspective today. I know you and trust you.” He locked the sliding door, then ushered Remy to the steps. “I didn’t trust my heart for the longest time. I can’t not trust it now.”
“So you love me?” Remy knew better than to expect to hear the crucial word again. Bobby could go to certain lengths, but no amount of perspective could push him out of his comfort zone when he wasn’t ready. He needed to bide his time with Bobby.
“I’m very fond of you.” Bobby helped Remy to the second floor. “Be right back.” He ducked into Darcy’s room.
Remy headed down the hallway to Bobby’s bedroom. He stretched out on the mattress and groaned. Every muscle in his body screamed. The weight of the afternoon crashed down on him. Fond of me. Jesus. Bobby was just shy of saying the words…again. Although Bobby’s hesitation irritated him, he wasn’t ready to give up. He’d bide his time until Bobby felt strong enough to vocalize his feelings. There were more than just the two of them in the relationship.
He closed his eyes and listened to the soft conversation between Bobby and the kids. The sweetness between Bobby and his children wrapped around Remy’s heart. If things went south between him and Bobby, there was more than their heartbreak involved. The kids would be affected. He couldn’t hurt them. They were too important.
Wouldn’t Remy’s former lovers and friends back in Cleveland get a laugh out of this—the man who’d sworn he wasn’t a kid person not only was but wanted to be part of this family. The funniest thing? He regretted nothing of his time with Bobby. Sure, they’d had some odd moments and an argument, but what couple didn’t have a fight from time to time? Most of his prior relationships had involved lots of sex and twice as much arguing. Having a normal relationship soothed him.
