Gideon shuffled closer, his eyes never leaving the large Newfoundland. “It’s kind of sweet, I guess.”
Rowan narrowed his eyes. “Not sure your face agrees.”
Gideon raised his hand to his mouth, a gravelly sound catching in his throat as he complained, “Shut up.”
Laughing, Rowan smoothed back Deon’s fur. Was I being sweet when I chose your name? Or being an idiot? He froze as Deon made a gruff sound that rumbled against his fingertips. Ah, I remember now.
Deon had been a timid, wary puppy, unlike Dog who had instantly bonded with Kevin, like the balls of energy they both were. It had taken Rowan and the pup he was responsible for naming time to connect, and in some ways, it had reminded him of coming to work with Gideon. Having to learn each other’s behavior, find a comfortable balance. “You were a grumpy little thing weren’t you.” He leaned down and stroked Deon, the dog flicking out its tongue and catching his chin.
He side-eyed Gideon. I guess he hasn’t noticed. He couldn’t help but smile.
“Do you need help bringing in your things?” Kevin called and made his way down from the main house. He was wearing jeans and a long-sleeve tee, the material slightly strained across his broad shoulders and muscular chest.
Looking good as always.
“Maybe later. We’re going to go say hi to everyone first.” He checked the gate to make sure it was closed. “Are Esther and the kids with you?”
“Nope. She took them to her folks for a couple of days, so they won’t be joining us until tomorrow evening.”
“Any of the others here yet?” Rowan enquired.
Kevin grinned and rested his hand on Rowan’s shoulder. His hand was warm, even through layers of clothing. Always warm. Always kind. The best big brother.
“Ava’s here and settled in but I wouldn’t rely on being able to talk to her. Sarah stopped by. Think she dropped off some food stuff for the dogs.”
Rowan leaned his head slightly, wanting to close the gap. Even after all these years, his heart stirred a little in the presence of his foster brother. It wasn’t so much romantic feelings as it was admiration, wanting to be doted on and protected, just like when they were kids.
“Hey,” Kevin grumbled. Bear was jumping up his back, causing him to lose his balance. “You big dumb thing.” He laughed and shuffled forward, bumping his shoulder to Rowan’s chest as he tried to get away from the dog. “Big and dumb just like Sarah.”
At over six feet, Sarah was indeed big, not so much dumb, though her ability to name pets was on the same level as a three-year-old.
But it looked like a bear when I saw it by the gate. I want to call it Bear.
Are we sure it isn’t a bear? she’d joked.
“I’ll tell her you said that.”
Kevin laughed at Rowan and gently patted his cheek. “Come on. Mom baked.” He flashed his teeth as he directed a wide smile in Gideon’s direction. “You can introduce your friend while we eat.” He walked to the house, with the dogs, except Deon, following excitedly behind.
With a sigh, Rowan closed his eyes and let the warmth of Deon’s tongue on his hand soothe him. He hadn’t seen Kevin since last Christmas. He hated it yet at the same time yearned for that feeling of being the little brother anytime Kevin was around. He had always looked up to him, envied his strength and his gentleness. Darcy had the same kind of aura.
Probably why I was drawn to him too. We weren’t compatible though.
“What does he know?” Gideon’s voice was close, leaving a trail of heated breath on Rowan’s ear.
Rowan opened his eyes and turned his head. Gideon’s face was next to his as he leaned into him.
So close.
“Know? Know what?” He looked over as Kevin stepped inside. What was my face like just now?
“About us.”
“Us?” Rowan asked with confusion in his voice.
Gideon nudged his shoulder. “I don’t want to sound like a dick so don’t make me say it…I think he was looking at me funny. We’re just friends, so what was with that big goofy face of his? That smile?”
Rowan laughed.
“It’s not funny.”
“Sorry. Sorry.” Rowan patted Gideon’s shoulder.
He’s so cute when he gets flustered.
“As we agreed I told them you’re a friend from work. That’s all. You had no plans for Christmas and being so big-hearted, I took little old you in for the holidays.”
“Little old me, huh.”
“You know I don’t mean that. You’re not old. I mean, Kevin is your age, and I don’t consider him old.”
“Thanks. I think.” Gideon bowed his head.
“Are you pouting?”
“No. You must think I am pathetic being alone for Christmas.”
Huffing a breath, Rowan rested his hand on his hip. “Why would I think that?”
“I mean, it’s an excuse, right? You saying you want to hire me as a friend for the holidays?”
I could shake you.
“Think what you like. As far as I’m concerned, you’re doing me a favor,” Rowan started. “Though, I won’t deny that, like my moms, I can’t ignore a stray. Especially the big adorable ones.” He chuckled and lightly punched Gideon in the arm. “We should head in. We can get our things later when we head for the cabin.”
“Yeah, about that.” Gideon stopped him. “You said we were sharing but never really went into details.”
“Oh, you mean the honeymoon cabin?”
“What?” Gideon’s eyes widened.
“I…” Rowan started laughing and struggled to stop. “You are so funny. I’m kidding. But we will be sharing a room. Twin beds. Though if it’s a problem I can sleep on a couch up at the house.” He waved his finger over his chest. “Cross my heart.”
They’re going to eat him alive in there.
“You’re the worst.”
“Yes, yes.” Rowan walked away, patting his leg, and called, “Come on, boy.” He glanced up at Gideon. “You too.”
“Ro…” Momo was standing in the entrance as he stepped inside, ready to scoop him into a tight embrace.
“Can’t breathe,” he said.
She eased her hold, and he relaxed into the hug. He breathed in the familiar comforting scent of her sweet perfume, baked goods, and dogs.
“Missed you,” he uttered, burying his face in her shoulder.
Momo patted his back. “In that case, you should come home more often.”
“I know.” He hadn’t been home since Mother’s Day, having taken a few days’ vacation.
“Though we do appreciate the calls every month.” She released him and leaned back. “So, who do we have here? Gideon, is it?”
Rowan hooked Gideon’s arm and dragged him forward. “Gideon, this is Momo or rather Jodie. Momo, this is Gideon.”
“It’s lovely to meet you,” Gideon said and held out his hand.
Momo smiled but didn’t take it straight away. “I’m sure Ro told you that I’m somewhat the hugger, so if you find that kind of thing uncomfortable, this is your one and only chance to speak up, and I promise to keep the hug harassment to a minimum.”