“It helps,” Corbin assured him. “Like tonight...” He shook his head. “I was floundering, man. I wanted to just hug him, but I didn’t want to be dismissive of his concerns.”
“He’s only ten, Corbin.”
“Ten and with the weight of the world on his shoulders. That was the other problem. How to respect his question without over-answering it. I didn’t want to bring up court or responsibilities or any of the adult things he shouldn’t have to worry about it.” He gave Lang a grateful look. “Showing up when you did helped drag me out of the emotional quicksand, if you know what I mean.”
“I was drowning in it myself, so I get it.”
“Good. Then feel free to hang around as long as you like. The house is plenty big enough for you.”
“Awesome.” Lang nodded in satisfaction. “Then that’s decided.”
Together, they stared out at the bright moonlight reflecting off of the rippling surface of the lake.
It eased some of Corbin’s tension, knowing his brother planned to stay in Sunset. But then what? “I know you, Lang. You won’t be content just hanging out. So what’s the plan?”
“I was thinking about that.” He folded his arms and leaned on the rail. “Sunset could use a sports complex, don’t you think?”
Nope, that didn’t surprise him, either. Lang was the highly motivated type who liked a challenge. “People would love it,” Corbin agreed. “It’s a small town, though, so I’m not sure how lucrative it’d be.”
“Meaning I won’t get richer?” Grinning, Lang shrugged. “Like you said, I’m thirty now. Not ancient, but I’m ready to settle down a little.”
“Ah.” Corbin fought his own grin. “Does Hope figure into those plans?”
Lang shook his head. “Who the hell knows? Right now, she’s satisfied with just being friends.”
Corbin winced for his brother. “Got you caught in the friend zone, huh?”
“It’s not a terrible place to be,” Lang admitted quietly.
“With Hope?”
“She’s different. How I feel about her is different.” Lang gave a gruff laugh. “And isn’t that screwed up considering I’ve never even kissed her?”
Awed by his brother’s patience, Corbin said, “So kiss her.”
He shook his head. “You know what she’s been through.”
Glad for the diversion from his own turmoil, Corbin pulled up a patio chair and sprawled into it. “There are all kinds of kisses. Start easy and build on it.”
“I don’t want to rush her.”
A simple kiss would be too much? Poor Lang...and honestly, poor Hope. “Has she discussed it with you at all?”
“No. I know only what you told me.” Lang worked his jaw. “But I sense things, if you know what I mean. It doesn’t take a genius to put the pieces together.”
“Bring it up,” Corbin suggested. “From what I understand, she’s only ever talked about it with Ivey. Talking to you would be completely different.”
Lang grabbed a chair, too. “That’s the problem.”
Feeling philosophical, as if Lang’s troubles were a hell of lot more solvable than his own, Corbin shrugged. “You won’t know until you try. If she balks, back off, but otherwise...” He let that hang, then added, “She might appreciate your perspective.”
Lang considered it but didn’t look convinced. “How about you and Ivey? She’s a doll, by the way. I love how she deals with people.”
“You included?”
Grinning, Lang said, “Hey, she likes me.” He tipped his head at Corbin. “But she looks at you like you’re Thanksgiving dinner.”
Funny how his brother could lighten his mood. “I know and it’s killing me.” Ivey held nothing back, including her sexual interest. “Eventually we’ll get together, but for now, I’m prioritizing.”
“Justin first?”
“First and foremost.” Where Darcie had failed, Corbin would succeed, in large part because he’d had advantages Darcie hadn’t. He knew love, knew what it was and what it wasn’t because his parents had shown him. God willing, he’d pass that along to Justin, too. “Luckily, Ivey’s been understanding.”
“I’m not surprised. She really is terrific.” Lang held out his arms. “But, hey, Justin and I could use a few hours of alone time. You know I wouldn’t mind. We could take in a movie, or go fishing, or—”
Corbin grinned. “There are probably a dozen ways for you two to amuse yourselves.”
“So let me,” Lang said. Sobering, he added, “Actually, I could invite Hope along. Justin would be a buffer for her, a way to make her more comfortable. It’d be a win-win for me, and it’d give you some free time, too.”
“Maybe,” Corbin mused, wondering if it was selfish of him to want time alone with Ivey. Even just a few hours. Long enough to kiss her the way he really wanted.
And more.
Lang sat forward. “I’m here anyway, right? This is one way I can make things a little easier.”
“Ivey is coming over each night this week. She’s even bringing Maurice.” At Lang’s questioning look, Corbin said, “Her cat. Trust me, that’s a huge concession on her part. The plan is for her to leave the dog and puppies here so Justin has company when I get back to work.”
“I’d be great company.”
“You can help supervise the dog and puppies.”
“Yeah, I can handle that. But what about a date? I can’t believe I’ve offered you a perfect solution and you’re dragging your feet.”
Was he? At the moment, his relationship with Ivey seemed so perfect, he didn’t want to risk changing the dynamics and possibly ruining it. At the same time, they were both adults and the chemistry between them was through the roof. “Next weekend?” Corbin asked.
“Sure. Whatever works for you. As it happens, my schedule is wide open.”
Corbin smiled. “I’ll have to ask Ivey.”
“Like you don’t already know she’ll be a solid yes.” Lang scoffed. “Thanksgiving dinner, remember? She’ll be all about it.”
Corbin gave in to a satisfied grin. Ivey was rather plainspoken about wanting him. He said only, “I’ll keep you posted.”
Lang was quiet a moment. “This is nice, right?”