He nodded.
Killian gestured toward the construction trailer. They’d been filming at the site of J&K Construction’s latest project; their team was expanding the habitats of some of the larger animals at the zoo. The locale had been ideal because it gave them the added opportunity to capture some awesome footage of bears, tigers, and gorillas to include in the show. With the exception of the catio guy episode, which was a fairly meh interview, this season was shaping up to be one of their best with the brewery, Hank’s ranch, and now Justin and Killian at the zoo.
The two of them climbed the steps into the trailer, Killian offering him a chair. They sat down as Miles glanced around, noting the photos on Killian’s desk. One of him, Justin, and Lily, another of his son Fergus, with his wife and their baby.
“I hope you won’t think I’m out of line, but…” Killian paused. “Is everything okay between you and Joey? I’m aware I don’t really know you from Adam, but I know Joey, andthat,” Killian pointed out the window to where Joey was standing, “isn’t him.”
Miles considered making up some excuse for why Joey was so subdued, but Killian had opened a door, and he wasn’t going to waste the opportunity to talk to someone who would truly understand.
“I’m sorry Joey and I haven’t been ourselves.”
Killian waved his hand. “Not asking for an apology. I’m just concerned.”
Miles wasn’t sure what to say, so he just started at the beginning. “A few weeks ago, we filmed an episode at a brewery. The brewmaster, Lucy, is…” Miles grinned. “She’s amazing. Sweet, funny, beautiful.”
Killian nodded. “I see. So you and Joey are fighting over a woman?”
Miles shook his head. “Not exactly. Not at all, actually. We, um… Well, you know all of Joey’s siblings have relationships similar to your marriage. It turns out, he’s interested in the same.”
Killian’s eyes widened. “Oh. I see. It makes sense that he’d be open to that kind of relationship, considering he’s around it so often. But it’s new for you. Are you uncomfortable sharing?” he asked, searching for some understanding. “Jealous when he’s kissing Lucy?”
“Jesus, not a drop. I love watching them together.”
Killian laughed. “That was a quick answer. If sharing isn’t the issue, what is?”
“The production company set us up in an RV this season as we travel around the country to film. They’re including outtakes of our travels as part of the show.”
Killian smiled. “Sounds fun.”
“We convinced Lucy to join us on the road. The three of us traveled to Nashville and then Texas. Things between us…” Miles ran a hand over his head. “Joey wants acommittedthreesome. He’s not looking for a casual affair, but I…”
“You aren’t sure if you want the same?”
“I was pretty damn sure I didn’t want the relationshiporthe affair, but Joey can be a sneaky, persuasive bastard. He kind of inched me and Lucy toward his vision for our future.”
Killian tilted his head. “No one can inch you toward anything if you don’t take those steps yourself.”
Obviously, he wasn’t going to let Miles get away with downplaying his own role in everything that went down between him, Lucy, and Joey. He respected that as much as it annoyed him.
Miles leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees, looking down. “You’re right. Joey opened a door, let me see inside. I’m the one who made the decision to walk in.”
“What was holding you back to begin with?” Killian asked.
Miles lifted his gaze, wondering how forthright he should be. In the end, he just said it. “I’m straight, and Joey admitted a while back that he’d gone on a couple dates with guys. I was worried…” He blew out a breath, not wanting to sound like a homophobe or an asshole. “I’m not wired that way.”
Killian crossed his arms, nodding slowly. “Neither am I.”
“Justin?” Miles asked, before quickly raising his hands. “Ignore that. Out of line. That’s none of my bus?—”
“He’s straight too, though his line might have one or two curves in it. We’ve never explored that because he knows I’m not interested in him sexually. To be perfectly blunt, I’m closer to Justin than I am my twin, Tristan. Justin’s my brother, so the idea of us being together that way feels almost incestual.”
As soon as Killian said the words, Miles realized that was how he felt too. And hadn’t Joey said basically the same thing? They were brothers. “That makes sense.”
“Did Joey put a move on you? Is that why you two are out of sorts?”
Miles shook his head. “No. Joey knows where I stand, and he says he’s okay with it.”
“You don’t believe him?”