Help Line (Siren Publishing Ménage Amour ManLove)

by H. D. Nels

  Brody grinned at the two men. “We’ve got six days before they get here. You’d both better come up with ways to distract me before then.” He turned and walked to the bar.

  Ian reached across to take Colby’s hand. “I can think of a couple of ways, but are you ready yet? We’ve only had one date, after all.”

  Colby glanced around the room, then back at Ian. “I’m at a bar with you and Brody. That must count as a date, even if one of us is working. I did say I don’t put out on the first date. I suspect he’ll be tired and I may even be asleep when he gets home, but there is the promise of later. Not much later, though.”

  Chapter Twelve

  It was only three days until Brody’s family arrived. Colby had a later shift because one of the split shift crew called in sick. He told the boss he’d cover, rather than force someone to change their schedule. Ian had already left for the office and Brody was still asleep. Colby was sipping his second coffee when the doorbell rang. He smiled at the handsome young man standing on the porch.

  “Hi, my name is Parker Robbins.” He extended his hand, which Colby shook. “I’m a private investigator here in town. I’m looking for Colby Graham, and thanks to LinkedIn, I think I may have found him.” He grinned. “You look exactly like the picture on your profile.”

  Colby frowned. “That would be me, but why are you looking for me?”

  Robbins smiled. “I was only hired to find you. My client will have to answer the rest of your questions. If that’s okay with you, I’ll introduce you and move on.” He smiled again when Colby nodded. He walked to his car and opened the back door before walking around to open the other door.

  Colby’s face blanched when he saw his mother and sisters walking with Parker Robbins toward the door. They stopped and suddenly five people were speechless. Robbins, because he didn’t know what to say. Colby, his mother, and two sisters were overcome with emotion. Colby quickly recovered and opened the door wide for his family to enter. Timing couldn’t be better for Brody to walk downstairs wearing only his sweatpants. Colby noticed Robbins’ eyes sparkle when he saw the magnificent sight. At least I know what team he bats for, Colby thought.

  Brody stopped suddenly when he realized he was the focus of three shocked ladies, a very hunky man at the door, and his partner looking decidedly distressed. “I’m sorry. I didn’t know we had company. Excuse me, I’ll change and be back shortly.”

  By the time Brody came back down, the four others were at the table with cups of coffee and tea served. To his mild disappointment, the handsome man who’d obviously brought them had gone.

  “Brody, this is my mother, Eleanor Graham, and my sisters Breanna and Shauna. Everyone, I’d like you to meet my…” His instinct was to say roommate, but his heart and Brody’s eyes overrode that. “My partner, Brody Langdon.” He blew out a breath he hadn’t realized he held. “Mom, why are you here? I haven’t heard from you from the time when they told me to leave.”

  “We left the community, Colby. It’s a long story and I’ll be happy to tell you later. For now, we’re going to find a place to stay for a few days, while we look for a new home.”

  Brody spoke up. “We’ve got plenty of room here and would love to have you stay for a while.” He couldn’t read the expression on Colby’s face and wondered if he was premature in his invitation.

  Eleanor looked around, impressed. “This certainly is a large house. We don’t want to be a bother.”

  “No bother whatsoever.” He glanced over at Colby who nodded. “If Breanna and Shauna won’t mind sharing a room for a few days, we’re good.”

  “Mom, I’ve got to work later today. When Ian gets home he’ll make dinner. Brody will be working later, too and won’t be home until you’re in bed. However, we do need to talk about what brought you here. I’m sorry but I already committed to covering this shift.” He kissed his mother, sisters, and Brody before going upstairs to change.

  “Your son is a remarkable man, Mrs. Graham. He’s gone through a lot, and I hope, despite what you may feel personally, he’ll have your support.”

  Colby hurried down and once again kissed everyone before leaving for his job.

  * * * *

  Ian had been thinking all day about how he was going to deal with Brody’s parents, especially his grandmother. He decided he’d follow the lead of his partner. He’d definitely have a heavy hand if there was any hurt dished out. It had been an exciting day with new programs, new projects, and fundraising ideas galore. He was looking forward to getting home to spend time with his men.

  Brody met him at the door with a hug and kiss. “We’ve got company,” Brody whispered.

  Ian’s eyebrows rose. Three women he didn’t recognize sat primly in their living room. Brody did the introductions. It became clear that all three men needed time together to figure this out. Brody would take the following day off, as would Ian. Ian texted Colby to do the same. Ian searched online for a furniture store and placed an order for next-day delivery. He paid with his credit card. “Do you have time to help me clear out the office? We can put the desk and file cabinet in the games room downstairs.” He paused at Brody’s raised eyebrows. “Your family is arriving in two days. We need sleeping space for everyone.”

  It was a done deal. When Colby got home from work he and Ian did some planning. Brody’s family was coming, too, which meant they needed to make sure there was enough to eat and spare blankets, pillows, and toiletries. Colby was close to panic. Ian wanted to be gentle but enough was enough.

  “Brody’s grandmother is getting your room. I’ve ordered a king-sized bed for my—our room. It’ll be here tomorrow. You, Brody, and I share that. The guest room will be for your sisters. The second spare is for your mother. Brody’s parents will share the former office, now a bedroom. I ordered a double bed for there. I’m sure his parents won’t mind cuddling. We’ve got lots of space for visitors now.”

  Colby pursed his lips. “I can sleep on the sofa. It won’t be a big deal.”

  Ian nodded. “You’re correct, it wouldn’t be a big deal, except for the two men who love you. We’re adults and we don’t need to pretend we’re having a sleepover. If anyone has difficulty with that, it isn’t our problem. Don’t make it your problem or you’ll be back in that controlled community you so readily left. Not physically, but in your head. Brody and I love you—want you to be our partner. Don’t diminish that if you feel the same way.” He grinned and slapped Colby on the shoulder. “No pressure, stud.”

  Colby sighed. “Well, my family already met Brody when I introduced him as my partner. I’d best bite the bullet and debut you the same way. Those three are fresh off the turnip truck and thrown into a house where not two, but three men are living in sin. Sin according to the rules of the community they’d left. Lord, I hope they don’t go screaming back to that life.”

  Ian hugged his man close and kissed his neck. “We’ll help them understand. It took a lot of courage for them to make the choice they did. The three of us will give them all the support to succeed.”

  Everyone had settled into a routine for which Ian was grateful. He’d been the least of the three to be surprised when neither Colby’s mother nor his sisters batted an eye when he was introduced to them as Colby’s other partner. It was refreshing to see them so willing to accept their family member for who he is—and to accept his partners as part of their family. For the men, the next test would be when Brody’s family arrived in a few hours.

  Colby walked over to Brody with a wide smile. “Calm down, mister. You’ve got nothing to worry about. If my mother and sisters can get past their beliefs, yours should be a shoe-in for acceptance.”

  Brody shook his head. “Not so much worried about Mom and Dad as I am about my grandma. I was so surprised at her reaction when I came out to them. I’m still trying to figure out why she even agreed to come along. I know they’ve argued a lot about her attitude toward me. I don’t want to see them torn apart.”

  Colby came in for a hug. �
��Obviously your parents love you, despite the old lady’s feelings. Nice to see they stand up for you. Let’s get the rest of my room cleaned out and the bedding changed for your grandma.”

  Brody snickered. “Yeah, we wouldn’t want her to question the stains on your crusty sheets now, would we?” He laughed at the blush.

  Eleanor came in from the kitchen and looked at the two men. She smiled at the obvious affection they felt. “We’re going to cook dinner for tonight. Breanne and Shauna will do the vegetables and dessert, and I’ll prepare the roast and potatoes. There’ll be plenty to go around. Would seven be too late? I’m thinking it would give your family time to settle in and relax. Before he left for his office, Ian said he’d be picking up wine.”

  Everyone tried to soothe Brody during the wait. Speculation among them ranged from him worrying about something being wrong with his grandmother, to his family’s acceptance of his two partners. Ian bit back a smile when Brody nearly jumped out of his skin at the sound of the doorbell.

  Brody opened the door to two smiling parents and a grandmother with her lips pursed together. Once everyone was inside, Brody hugged and kissed his mom and dad while his grandmother stood there saying nothing. “Grandma, thank you for coming to visit. I’d like you all to meet some special people.” He led them to the living room where everyone else had gathered. He’d introduced them to Colby’s family first. Taking a deep breath, he walked over and stood between Ian and Colby. “I know things may seem unusual, but these two men, Ian and Colby, are my partners. We’re a family.”

  The two men were warmly greeted by Brody’s parents, while his grandmother folded her arms and frowned.

  “Mother, would you try to be civil? We’re guests of our son and his family. There’s no need to be rude.” Tess, Brody’s mother, seemed tired of her mother’s antics.

  Ian wanted to break the tension. “Would you like to take your things to your rooms before we eat? Mrs. Graham and Brody’s sisters prepared a nice supper.”

  Colby’s mother also sensed the tension. “Ian, honey, please call me Eleanor, or, if it isn’t too forward, Mom. The same goes for you, Brody.” She glanced at Brody’s family. “Tess, would you join me in the kitchen? I’d like to see if you might have some ideas about gravy or a sauce for the roast.”

  Tess glared at her mother. “Behave yourself. Cory will take your bag to your room.” She smiled at her husband. “Won’t you, honey?”

  Colby led Mr. Langdon to his former room. “Your son was quite worried about the visit, especially his grandmother’s reaction. Thanks for understanding. Somehow, we three seemed to fall in love.”

  Cory nodded. “It happens, and we’re not going to pass any judgement. Tess and I will handle Annie. God knows we’ve had some harsh battles trying to convince her that Brody is still the loving man she knew before he told us he was gay.”

  “There must be a reason why she’s reluctant to accept him, I mean look at him. That man is witty, smart, attractive, and respectful. He’s always got a smile even though he’s hurt by his grandmother’s rejection.” Colby stopped outside his former room and indicated that Cory should take her bag inside. They rejoined everyone in the dining room.

  Two tables were placed end to end with a mishmash of chairs around. There was enough room for everyone to sit. Eleanor and Tess set the carved roast and side dishes out for everyone to serve themselves. Ian and Colby poured the wine or juice. Once everyone was seated, Brody glanced around at everyone. “I’m not sure how everyone feels, but maybe we should say Grace before we eat. Grandma, would you lead us in prayer?”

  Annie frowned and shook her head. “I most certainly will not. What exactly would I give thanks for? You seem to take pleasure in making a mockery of the meaning of family.”

  She was about to continue when Tess interrupted. “Listen to me, you miserable old bag. That is my son, your grandson, you’re speaking to. I won’t have you hurt him any longer.” She glanced around the table. “I’m sorry you’re hearing this crap from a crotchety old bat that can’t seem to get past the fact that her husband, my father, was an ass. Worse, she chose to stay with his lying and cheating ass, and is now taking it out on Brody.”

  Brody spoke up. “Mom, I appreciate you defending me and all, but it has to be Grandma who decides if she can accept me.” He looked at the older woman and smiled. “You made the best baked mac and cheese I ever stole. I know you saw me sneak tastes while it was cooling but you never said anything. I’ll bet, deep in your heart, you can overlook the fact that I’m in love with two men. That has to be your choice.”

  Colby’s mother decided to weigh in. “In our community, a bunch of old men pretty much ran all aspects of our lives. When they decided my son was to marry a much older widow, he told us he was gay. His father and the others declared him to be shunned. They took his house and forced him out of the community. I’d had enough. They weren’t going to tell me my son wasn’t worthy of anything so I contacted the county and filed complaints. I was able to get the deed to my son’s property restored in his name and have a buyer lined up for the house—someone from outside the community. There will be arrests and some major changes, but I refuse to go back there. I filed for divorce. My son and daughters come before anyone or anything.”

  Annie tried to hide the slight smile that pulled the corners of her mouth as she looked at Brody. “Your mother meant well, putting me in my place. I do take offense at the ‘old’ comment, but she’s bang on with the rest of it. Your grandfather was a gay man hiding in our marriage. I painted everyone with the same brush, I’m afraid. I can’t undo the hurt I’ve caused but from here on, I’ll do my damn best to make up for it.”

  Ian decided to relay the story of the first time he met Brody, carefully editing it to downplay Janet’s behavior. “My former assistant suggested I volunteer as a bingo caller and pole dancer at the senior’s center. Hotshot over there”—he nodded toward Brody—“suggested you’d be generous with your tips.”

  Annie wiped a tear from her eye as she composed herself after a fit of laughter. “I bet he said I’d put him back into my will if he told me he knew the dancer.” She once again looked at her grandson. “You were never taken out of it, dear. I might have told your mother that I had, in a fit of anger.”

  Brody shrugged. “I don’t expect anything from you, Grandma. Your acceptance and maybe some of that amazing mac and cheese would be perfect.”

  Ian spoke to Brody’s grandmother. “Your husband lived in a time when being gay was both criminal and considered a mental illness. I’m not defending his actions. Many men in those days married to cover their desires. Those relationships often ended badly. I can’t imagine having to hide like that because being attracted to your own gender isn’t a choice. How we act on it is. Unfortunately for you, it didn’t end well. On the bright side, if you’ll forgive me for being flippant, we’ve got this amazing and beautiful man in our lives. So there is a silver lining.”

  Chapter Thirteen

  Brody’s family left for their homes, much relieved that things had been finally been smoothed over. Colby’s mother and sisters were out searching for apartments. Ian, Brody, and Colby sat at the table enjoying coffee.

  “I’d like an opinion from two wonderful men, please.” Colby glanced at both grinning partners.

  Before he could say anything else, Brody piped up. “Personally, I think you’ve got a wonderful ass. What say you, Ian?”

  Ian laughed. “The package isn’t too bad, either. I think we’ve got a perfect candidate for a switch-hitter right before our very eyes.”

  Colby frowned. “Any chance of adults joining this conversation? I’ve been thinking about it after Mom told me she had a buyer lined up for my house. Would you object if I sell it and give her the money? It would give them enough to buy a place of their own.”

  Both Brody and Ian nodded. “That’s a great idea, go for it. Also, the time has come to consummate our relationship. Jerking off together is nice, but there is so mu
ch more to share. Meet us in the bedroom in thirty seconds.” Ian laughed as Brody took off running, pulling off his shirt as he went. He looked at Colby. “Somebody’s eager. Shall we join him?” Ian stood and held his hand out to Colby. He immediately noticed his sweaty palms. “Try to relax. You’re not going to do anything you don’t want to or aren’t ready for.” Ian leaned in and gently kissed Colby’s full lips, bringing a moan from him. They got to the bedroom where Brody was already naked on top of the covers, slowly jacking his hard cock.

  Brody looked at his lovers with hooded eyes, the lust obvious on his face. “Sandwich time, Colby. Ian and I are the bread, you’re the meat filling. You’re going to fuck me while our buddy, Ian, there slips the dick to you. We’ve got some serious prep work to do first though.” Brody stood and helped Ian undress Colby. The taller man stood and let his partners do all the work. Once his shirt was off, Colby groaned as Ian and Brody worked on a nipple each. Ian unbuckled his belt while Brody slid his hand down the back and gently palmed his firm ass cheeks.

  Colby wasn’t nervous, but had never felt a level of arousal this intense before. He knew he wanted this—he didn’t want to fuck it up, no pun intended. His cock was throbbing painfully. He’d never been this aroused in his life. He sent a silent prayer. Please Lord, let me last for at least a few minutes with these animals.

  Brody looked into his eyes and grinned. “The only thing that can save you now is a sacrifice of a virgin to the sandwich god.” He wiggled his eyebrows. “Oops, I guess you’d be that sacrifice.” He pulled Colby in for a deep kiss.

  Ian dropped to his knees, pulling Colby’s pants with him. He leaned forward and parted Colby’s firm ass cheeks before diving in tongue first. It was almost like a spark jolted him when his tongue first connected with that tight muscle barring entrance to his man’s hole. He edged the tip of his tongue in. Meanwhile, Brody dropped to his knees in front of Colby. His hand wrapped around the hard throbbing cock pulsing before his eyes. A string of clear precum dripped and he eagerly lapped it up. He slowly, agonizingly peeled back the snug skin from his lover’s cockhead, watching the deepening purple crown slowly emerge. Another large dollop of precum leaked from his slit. Brody engulfed his entire crown, wrapping his lips behind the rim of the man’s knob. He began sucking, like a calf on its mother’s teat. Colby groaned. His concentration on his cock allowed his sphincter to relax. Ian slid his tongue as deep into his man as was possible. This was a moment when he wished he’d had a long sticky tongue like a chameleon.