True enough. He exhaled. The weight on his shoulders wasn’t so heavy now that he could tell someone about his issues. “Thanks.”
“Anytime. We’ve got to stick together and support everyone in the community.” Remy left the booth and stood. “You’re a good man and I’m honored to know you.”
“Thanks. You are, too.” Evan hugged Remy. “We should get together.”
“Double date? I’d love that.” This time, Remy’s eyes lit up. “We haven’t had a night out in forever. Chris has gone to college and our daughter’s just learning to drive. She’ll be loose in no time.”
“Chris?”
“Our son—Bobby’s son, but I adopted him.” Remy beamed. “Freshman in college.”
“Great. Congrats.” He didn’t see himself as the dad type. Kudos to those who were.
“Oh. You don’t know. Bobby’s been a mess since Chris left. He worries a lot.” Remy chuckled. “I understand. Chris is in a different part of the state and he’s on his own. Until recently, he was home. Bobby had some control. Don’t get me wrong. Bobby’s not a control freak, but it’s a dad thing. You want to keep your kids safe. When you can’t see them or have close access, it’s scary.”
“It’s tough. They grow up fast and we just get old.”
“Yes.” Remy hugged Evan. “I’ll tell Bobby and we’ll have a night together. Thanks for the interview.”
“Welcome,” Evan said. “Keep in touch.”
“Will do.” Remy waved, then walked Evan to the doors.
Evan made his way to the truck. All he wanted to do was go home. He had no idea if Mick was still there, but Evan was more confident about his feelings. Mick was special and he was happy.
Fifteen minutes later, Evan pulled into the lane. He drove up to the shed and parked in the slot for the truck. The lights blazed in the house, but the media seemed to be gone. He didn’t see any of their vehicles. Mick’s car remained in its spot near the walkway. Evan hurried up to the porch, then into his home.
Mick sat at the kitchen table. Papers lay all over the table and counter. He was staring at his laptop, glasses on and forehead crinkled. He massaged his temples.
“Are you okay?” Evan closed the door and hung his keys on the rack. “Babe? The media circus left, didn’t it?”
“Yeah.” Mick shook his head. “They pretty much followed you. It’s been quiet.”
“Then what’s wrong? You’re tense.” He wanted to touch Mick, but kept some distance.
“I’m stuck.” Mick abandoned his glasses. “Remember Mr. Tate?”
“He owned the deli, didn’t he?” Evan sat opposite Mick. “What happened?” He paused. “If you can’t tell me, don’t. It’s not my business.”
“He passed three months ago and left a very simple will. He designated that each of his three daughters get an equal part of his estate. Money-wise, things are fine. Thing-wise, there are problems. The girls are fighting over the stuff—who gets what. The items aren’t big-dollar things and are mostly sentimental objects. I don’t know what to do for them. They put names on what they wanted and almost everything has all three names. Mr. Tate didn’t label who got what, so it’s a mess.”
“Ouch.” He appreciated being the only member of his family left. Everything went to him and he couldn’t argue with himself.
“They’re going to drive me to drinking.” Mick closed his laptop. “Every time I say, why doesn’t Carol take this and Colette have this, then Cherie says she wants whatever it is. I can’t make them happy.” He sighed. “I’m sorry. I should’ve kept my mouth shut.”
“You’re stressed and I won’t say anything.” Evan reached across the table and held Mick’s hand. “Why don’t you stop for now and let me help you think about something else for a while?”
“How?” A wicked grin curled on Mick’s lips. “Do you have a plan for stress relief?”
Evan wasn’t great at much, but he knew how to please his lover and right now he wanted to make Mick happy. He stood, then rounded the table. He hauled Mick to his feet. “I’ve got lots of plans. Come with me.”
Chapter Seven
Evan led Mick up to the second floor. This time, he wanted to go slow. He slipped into the bedroom. Mick fell into his arms and sighed. Evan kissed him. The tenderness and sweetness washed over him. He could turn this moment into a song. Had to. He swayed with Mick and ground against the growing bulge in Mick’s pants. He loved the closeness and sucked on Mick’s tongue.
Mick groaned and pulled his mouth away. “You make me crazy.”
“That’s the point.” Evan grabbed Mick’s ass. “The feeling is mutual.”
Mick sighed. “Evan.”
“Yeah?” He squeezed Mick’s ass again. God, he loved the feel of his boyfriend’s backside. “What?”
“I can’t think straight.” Mick grinned and the light filled his eyes. “You overwhelm me.”
“Good.” He let go of Mick and removed his shirt. Once he tossed the garment onto the floor, he reached for his lover again. He tugged at Mick’s shirt, popping the buttons free from their holes.
“You want me naked?” Mick asked. He finished removing the garment and parted his lips. “It’s warm out today, but nothing like being here with you.” He grabbed the front of Evan’s jeans. “I want you.”
“Want you, too.” He directed Mick to the bed. Evan shoved Mick’s pants down, then nudged him onto the mattress. He sank to his knees.
“Evan.” Mick threaded his fingers into Evan’s hair. “Baby.” He guided Evan. “Do it.”
Evan slid his palms along Mick’s thighs. He buried his face in the apex of Mick’s legs and breathed his lover in. Intoxicating. He’d never get over this feeling—completion.
“Yes.” Mick groaned. “You so make me crazy.”
He hadn’t done anything yet. Evan licked Mick’s shaft, then kissed the inside of Mick’s thigh.
Mick tugged on Evan’s hair. “Oh, my God. You’ll kill me. Tease.”
Of course. Evan nuzzled Mick’s shaft. He licked and kissed the tender skin as Mick’s erection burgeoned. His lover’s dick stood tall and Evan brushed
