Page 57 of Sidelining the Safety

Drew nodded, rubbing their cheeks together. “About coming out publicly.”

Lee peered at Drew. “How did you know?”

“Fitz found me and more or less told me to tell you to get your head on straight. He didn’t want our ‘drama’ affecting you. Said you should talk to Caitlin in PR.”

“I already did, which is why I wanted to talk to you guys. I have to make some decisions, but this affects you both and possibly the diner, so we’ll need to bring Momma and Ken up to speed, too.”

“Why would it affect the diner—oh.” Mac shrugged. “Media attention, loyal fans, tons of paying patrons, lines out the door…”

“Caitlin thinks you might have to hire extra security.”

“With how many of our city’s finest patronizing our establishment? People would be stupid to pull shit. Hence why Troy is the dumbest person I know right now.” Mac paused as he stared at the empty diner. “I don’t know that Dad would be that upset, especially if it got a few more players through the doors.”

Lee smirked. “I mighta mentioned how much Ken is a fan. Expect packages.”

“I knew I loved you for a reason.” Mac’s mouth dropped open. “Uh…”

Lee brushed it off. “Figure of speech. I’m not expecting declarations yet. I’m firmly in the ‘I really want to be with you and jump your bones’ stage.

“Same,” Mac said. “We should get on that.”

“I heard that!” Katy said with a happy bounce. “No damage except to the dumpster and a bit of scorched wall. Momma and Dad are going to keep the place closed for the rest of the night. I’ll help them clean up. You guys can go do what guys do. La la la.” She covered her ears as she went to meet Mac’s parents by the door.

“Let me just…” Mac strode over and talked to his folks for a minute, then came back wearing a frown. “I’m opening tomorrow, so no late-night shenanigans for me. Boo.”

They good-naturedly ribbed him, but Lee knew it affected them, too. “Let’s go back to my place then. We need to make our game plan.”

“Right. Plans.” Mac rubbed his hands together and then held them up, placating Lee when he growled.

“This is serious, Mac.”

“I know, I know. I’m sorry. You want me to ride with you or Drew?”

“Go with Drew. You’re too distracting.” Lee rolled his eyes, sure as the day was long that he’d get that ride from one of them before the night was out.

CHAPTER 40

MAC

Too distracting? Mac huffed. How could it be him that was too distracting? Seriously, he was goddamn lucky with two studs for boyfriends. Add in the fact that neither minded his brand of dominant fuckery in the bedroom… Yeah, he couldn’t have asked for better.

The quiet ride with Drew gave him time to plot a plan to get them from point A to point B. B stands for Bed, of course. Though C for Cooking might have to be first.

“I’m so nervous my butterflies have butterflies,” Drew said, breaking their silence. “Do you think he wants us to keep our relationship on the down low?”

“What?” Oh… that’s right. C was for Conversation. Damn. He’d forgotten all about the “needing to talk” text with the craziness of the fire. Fucking Troy. What a tool. He hoped Carey caught him dead to rights and tossed his ass in jail. Not only would he be booked on the arson charges but also for violating the terms of the restraining order.

“... relations is probably going out of her mind. Or maybe not. The Troopers have so many queer players and staff now. It’s probably par for the course.”

“Drew, sorry. What are you talking about?”

Drew parked in one of the guest spaces and turned off the car. He peered at Mac. “Let me guess, your brain is on the ABC’s right now. Anal, Bed, Cum, Dick.”

“Oh, fuck you,” Mac laughed. “Eager, Fucking, Gorgeous.” He popped open his door and got out.

Drew hooted. “I was right.” He circled the car and swaggered into Mac’s personal space. “Hot, Iconic, Jacking, Kneeling, and no matter what he says, we aren’t leaving his place until we get to some amazing S and our heads hit the pillows for some Z’s.”

“I like this plan.” Mac grinned, grabbed Drew’s nape, and hauled him in for a deep kiss.

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