Touchy. I retrieve the paper from him, avoiding his gaze.
It’s hard for many to comprehend why we need an NDA, but for me it’s natural to hand them to business partners or employees. My fathers, the patriarchs of the Decker family, like to keep their private life within the family.
It’s what my parents decided to do once they became a couple. Being celebrities made them news. Chris Decker is a legendary rockstar, and Gabe Colt is a critically acclaimed, award-winning actor. And yep, both are men. These days it’s hard to understand why a gay couple would want to hide their relationship, but when their relationship started, it had to be kept under wraps if they wanted to protect themselves and us—their three children—from gossip. If it hadn’t been because of their rules, we would have become an attraction from day one. Watch the latest news about the triplets of the famous gay couple.
These contracts are created to protect my loved ones and keep them far away from the media. There’s always a foe ready to find some important piece of information about our lives and sell it to the highest bidder. That’s why I brought this with me, to make sure Tristan doesn’t leak any information regarding the family, like my brother’s recent nuptials.
Of course, Jacob, my triplet, didn’t mention that Tristan already signed one when we spoke on Saturday, during his wedding reception. He only told me to inform Tristan he’d be out of town for a few months and that I’d be in charge of all his shit. Shit which includes Thrice, the nightclub Jacob and Tristan are opening next year.
Tonight seemed like a convenient time to let him know that we’ll be seeing a lot of each other. Okay, so maybe I used that as an excuse, but can anyone blame me?
Why did I have to do it in person?
The NDA. I always cover my bases when I have to deliver any kind of sensitive information about my family—including the secret wedding. Jacob Decker became a solo act and with his new fan base, it’s in his best interest to remain single and detached. At least that’s what Pria, his wife and PR rep, said.
“Jacob got married this past weekend. He’s going to be out of town on his honeymoon. You and I will be spending more time together.” I wiggle my eyebrows as I slide into the chair in front of him.
His growl is priceless.
“I’m hurt.” I touch my chest, then lean closer as I lower my voice. “Your mouth says you don’t like me”—I give him my best cocky wink—“but your body screams that you want me.”
He tries to laugh off my comment even though we both know it wasn’t intended as a joke. “I’m not gay like you, Matthew.”
My eyebrows lift, unamused because he’s assuming, like everyone. If I’m seen with a woman, I’m straight. Yet, if I’m with a man, I’m automatically deemed gay. I like and enjoy being with both—but despise labels.
“My taste is… different. We’re different, Matthew,” he says, his emotionless eyes narrowing on mine. “You wouldn’t understand.”
I rise from my seat, placing my business card on top of his desk. “Email me your travel schedule. When you’re working in Seattle, you can stay at my place. There’s no point in wasting money on hotels when I have plenty of room. I’ll give you a set of keys and the code since I travel as much as you do.”
And with that perplexed look now covering his face, I turn to make my exit.
“Decker?” he calls after me as I’m about to open the door. My shoulders hunch as I wait for him to insult me. “Are we okay?”
I spin around, leaning against the heavy door and watching this contradictory man who, I’m guessing, has no fucking idea what he wants and is afraid of who he might be. I set my gaze on his and wait a few breaths as I search for an answer.
An answer for what…
What does he need, and can I give it to him?
I don’t know. He shuts me down every time I try to start something with him.
I shrug. “You tell me, Cooperson.” I cross my arms. “I hate labels. And no, I’m not gay. I sleep with whoever I’m attracted to.”
I press my lips together, halting any more words from escaping, as I feel they’re coming out all wrong. But in part that’s the truth. “I like women, men… I don’t like to label who I am. I find you strikingly hot.”
Tristan’s eyes narrow, his hands become two fists, and his jaw twitches.
This guy has issues. I should just walk away.
“In my mind, there’s nothing wrong with telling you that I want you because your body responds to me. If you’re straight, you might want to rethink a few things because your reactions toward men say something else.” I shrug and immediately regret saying the last sentence because, holy shit, I hit a nerve.
Tristan stares at me, the strength of his glare unsettling.
Awkward.
I can’t help but ask, “So, you only sleep with women? Is that it?”
He gives me a blank stare, and his hands are no longer fists.
“Have you ever been with a man?”
He remains stoic, though, he begins to fidget with his pen.
I smirk. “I’ll take that as a yes. Is it me then?”
He blows out a noisy breath. “You’re a public figure, Matt. You’re comfortable with your sexuality—whatever that might be. Good for you. I prefer to keep my business to myself.”
Tristan’s gaze drops, and he stares at the desk.
I flinch at his last words.
Oh man… he’s in the fucking closet.
I run a hand through my hair, my long strands falling onto my forehead. He’s piqued my curiosity, and I want to discover what’s behind that façade. He needs help, a friend, support. It might eat him alive if he continues to hide behind it. I push myself off the door, walk to where he sits, bend down, then kiss his cheek.
Fuck. How I want to do much more than simply kiss his cheek.
“Around me, you can be yourself. I will never judge you, Tristan.” I place my hand on top of his.
“Whenever you need me, I’m here for you,” I whisper, and leave the room.
Chapter Two
Tristan
My legs shake as the door closes behind Matthew Decker.
I order myself to stop staring in hopes the smoking-hot hunk will come back, fighting the urge to beg him not to leave—to use me any way he wants.
Tonight will be one of those nights I won’t be able to sleep. That sweet, fucking gorgeous man keeps me awake at night after I see him. His musky scent, clear blue eyes, and ripped body play inside my head all night long while I try to figure out a new way to avoid him.
I always fail.
He likes to taunt me, chase me.
Do I want him to catch me?
I refuse to succumb to him. And it isn’t easy to stand my ground. Since the first moment I met the Decker family, I’ve been actively fighting Matthew’s charms. Hell, the whole family is irresistible.
There’s his sister Ainsley, who I don’t dare look at since her husband Mason might kill me. Ah, Mason Bradley. Of course, their scary brother-in-law is hot too. Jacob and Matthew are almost identical, but the latter has a lot more sex appeal. The fucking dimple gets me every time. It’s sexy as hell, and combined with his deep, playful eyes, I could lose myself in him.