Page 57 of Ballads of Lines Blurred

Slater grinned. “I have something that might put him in a better mood.”

“Good, because Livy’s hyping him up, trying to get him into full dad mode.” Corbin rolled his eyes.

“My sister, the fierce protector,” Cody said with a grin.

“It’s sweet,” I added. “Having a sibling can be a lot of arguing, but also, knowing they have your back and are there for you, it means a lot.”

“You’re right,” Xaiden agreed and placed the platter of meat on the table. The table was the same color wood as the dark cabinets and had six wooden chairs with cream cushions around it. Another chair looked like it was brought in from the patio. Cody had mentioned Xaiden, Val, and Corbin were homebodies and didn’t entertain a lot, so the smaller table made sense.

Val emerged from the hallway where the bedrooms were. Before he could utter a single word, Slater pulled an envelope out of his back pocket, and handed it to him. “As a thank you for having us over.”

With narrowed eyes, Val opened the envelope. Even I didn’t know what it was. I might have had I not rambled incessantly on the way here before Slater gave me an epic blow job.

A sudden gasp left Val’s lips. “Are these…”

“Tickets to our tour stop in Philadelphia? They are. We just got them today. The arena hasn’t even been announced yet or the rest of the stops. You have the first tickets.”

“Oh my god. I might pass out.” He fanned himself with them.

“There’s enough for all of you, as well as Xaiden’s family. I have more for yours, Milo.”

“I was going to give you a hard time for dating Cody,” Val said, his eyes still in awe. “Now I can’t. I’m too happy. Don’t think you can bribe me like this every time.” He pointed at Slater.

Xaiden pressed a kiss to Val’s temple. “Sure, he can’t.”

Val tapped his arm with the tickets. “You’re not helping.”

“Can we eat now?” Cody asked then called for his sister to join us.

I was grateful Slater thought ahead to bring something to dinner. I was going to bring wine, but in my haste to leave the house without being seen by a straggling ex-fling, I flew out the door like my ass was on fire and forgot the wine on the counter. Concert tickets were better.

They made me a little sad though. We were just getting into the thick of this relationship. Slater would be on tour before the year was out. Within months he’d be gone. He’d mentioned something about us possibly going with him, but that was a while ago. Did he still want us to?

Cody and I both had jobs and couldn’t readily pick up and leave. I’d have to get someone to take my place with Dexen’s approval. Cody would need his shifts at the gym covered.

The more I thought about it, going on tour with them would be a lot of fun. Would he want us there day in and day out for months on end? Talk about a commitment.

I was very anti-relationship previously. Here I was considering a future where I would be with these two men and how I didn’t want to be apart from Slater that long. Cody surely felt the same way.

“Milo?” Cody asked, drawing my attention to him. “Ready to eat?”

“Yes, definitely. I’m starving.”

We sat down to dinner that was melt in my mouth delicious, though there were far too many vegetables for my liking. Cody said that was all Xaiden. He liked to eat healthy and make sure the ones he cared about did too. I ate them, not wanting to get hatred from Xaiden. They weren’t bad, but I preferred the beef roast.

After dinner, we sat outside on the patio around a fire while Olivia told us stories about Cody when he was younger, trying to embarrass him. All they did was endear me to him further. If I wasn’t already falling for him, tonight would have sealed it. With Cody on one side of me and Slater on the other, I was right where I belonged, with two men who were quickly claiming the heart I thought I’d never give to anyone.

26

SLATER

The Dremest Hotel stood tall in front of us as we pulled up in the limo. A mainstay in downtown West Dremest, this was where the wealthy slept when they came into the city for business or pleasure. The outside was historic with the restored stone of when it was first built. A large sign replicated what originally was placed over the awning at the front. Dremest Hotel was written in gold with the letters easily read while displaying the loving care that went into the restoration of the hotel, inside and out.

I remembered being a kid in the car with my parents and brother. We drove past the hotel countless times. Christmas was my favorite though. They’d dress the big windows in the front of the hotel with a festive scene that highlighted that year’s trending holiday designs. I always smiled when I saw it. Too bad we’d be on tour when it was decorated this year.

Tonight, we were here for a benefit and silent auction. Xaiden’s family ran charity events throughout the year. The band had been invited in the past, but our schedules didn’t line up. This year was a bit more personal to me because of Cody. When Xaiden asked if we could attend, we readily accepted. We donated signed instruments, each their own item to bid on. There would also be a session with the band for a lucky winner to hang out and play with us. All proceeds went to a food bank to help feed the people in the city who needed assistance. It was a great cause that we were happy to help raise money for.

Cameras flashed as our names were yelled. We exited the limo with our men by our sides. Reed got out first, followed by Elic, then Casper. They flanked Elic while they walked inside, waving to the reporters who stood there. None were allowed inside for the event. Instead, it would be covered by the foundation’s social media team to ensure the posts were curated and didn’t intrude on anyone’s evening.

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