Page 45 of Truth or Spare

“Whatever.”

There was no stopping Theo, especially when he smiled at Dewey like that. Not that Dewey really wanted to. He got nervous about the money part, but Dewey liked that he never knew what Theo would do next. Even if there was a minor catastrophe, Theo’s heart was always in the right place and he still managed to bring a smile to Dewey’s face. Or, something close to a smile, at least.

“Whatever you want, Theo. As long as we’re done with royal secrets and big surprises.”

“Jein…” Theo’s head rocked from side-to-side. “You know all the important parts, the other dings we can work through later. Ja?”

Dewey groaned. “I’m pretty dinged-up already, Theo. I don’t know how many more dings me or this bowling alley can take,” he worried, but Theo found that hilarious and laughed about it for the rest of the afternoon.

Chapter Twenty

It wasso goodto finally have everything out in the open. Theo woke up without any nagging guilt or fears that his secret would be revealed and Dewey didn’t appear to be holding a grudge.

“Mornin,’ Your Highness.” He growled the words in Theo’s ear as they came awake, naked and blissfully intertwined in the Winnie. “Why don’t you hop up and have a seat on your throne,” he suggested.

Theo did just that, grinding his ass all over Dewey’s beard before riding his cock like a jockey. They came fast and hard, breathlessly crossing the finish line at the same time. After, Dewey went back to his place to shower and change because there really wasn’t enough space or hot water for two grown men to shave and get dressed in the Winnie.

“Servus!” Theo said cheerfully when they met behind the front counter and pressed a quick kiss to Dewey’s cheek. “My throne,” he added quietly, making Dewey blush and stammer as Bryce and Chase joined them.

Chase said he wouldn’t feel right, keeping Theo’s advance and returning to Syracuse after being in Oslo for just a day. His fiancé, Sam, was visiting family in Virginia so he had offeredto stay for a week to help Bryce with some bigger repairs and upgrades that Dewey hadn’t been able to manage on his own.

Even Dewey agreed that a week with someone like Chase at the alley would be a godsend, especially with Bryce there to make the most of it. Between the two of them, the alley would be in tip-top shape by the end of the week and easier to run until Dewey could find a proper permanent manager.

But the real challenge would be in getting Dewey to take a step back so they could do the work themselves.

“Damn it. I told Chase I’d take care of it,” Dewey muttered when Chase pushed the lane machine out of the workshop an hour later. “The on and off toggle is sticky,” he said and went to intercept him.

Theo sensed that Bryce wanted to get something off his chest so he lingered, leaning against the counter and pretending to read the paper.

“Now that it’s just the two of us…” Bryce offered Theo a wide, awkward grin. “I’ve said some harsh things and I want to apologize, but I hope you understand that none of that was personal. I think you’re a great guy, just not bowling alley material,” he explained and Theo shushed and waved dismissively.

“You were right about nearly everything and I don’t blame youat all.You love Brooks and this place is much more than a business to you, it’s your family’s pride and its legacy.”

A soft laugh huffed from Bryce as he turned and watched Dewey push the lane machine out and unwind the cord. “Leaving Doobie and Oslo was the hardest thing I’ve ever done. I didn’t want to go away for school and was all set to do most of it online, but Mom and Doobie wouldn’t hear of it and he promised they’d be fine without me.”

“It must have been a shock, returning and finding an incredibly handsome, but practically useless stranger when youwere hoping for someone like Mr. Callahan,” Theo mused, then winked so Bryce knew he was joking. Mostly. “I understand that I overstepped by hiring him, but we still need help here,” he said and Bryce’s eyes narrowed.

“We?” He looked over his shoulder at Dewey before stepping closer. “I like you, Theo, and I think you’re a good and decent man. But Doobie isn’t…worldly and sophisticated like you are. He isn’t the kind of guy who can hook up with someone and forget about it. He doesn’t know how to use people.”

“Ach so…” Theo hummed thoughtfully, ignoring the offensive bits and focusing on Bryce’s loyalty and protectiveness. “I admire and respect your uncle and have come to care for him deeply,” he said with a lingering glance at Dewey. It was a relief, being able to openly lust after Dewey, now that Theo didn’t have to hide it from himself or anyone else. And how could henot? “There is so much of him to admire,” he said dreamily, enjoying the view of Theo’s backside, thick thighs, and big, capable hands as he fixed something on the lane machine. Theo leaned for a better view, then gave himself a shake.

Bryce frowned as his gaze flicked between Theo and Dewey. “Okay… But could you do me a favor and go easy on Doobie? Make sure you’re ready to be serious before things…get serious,” he said and pressed his hands together. “It won’t be just a fling for him, if something happens between you two, and he’ll be a wreck after it’s over.”

If?

“Natürlich!” Theo nodded quickly.Hewasn’t going to be the one to tell Bryce. That was up to Dewey. “I will keep that in mind. I promise,” he said with a salute, just as Dewey stepped off the lanes and joined them.

“Chase is a good kid,” he stated with a tug at his ball cap’s bill.

“He’s not the only one,” Theo said as he clapped Bryce on the shoulder. “He was just reminding me to be a gentleman with his uncle. Or else,” he added, giving Bryce an affectionate shake.

“Just looking out for Doobie,” he said with a shrug.

Dewey arched a brow at him. “It’s none of your damn business, but it’s too late. Theo’s already taken my maidenly virtue,” he said and snorted at Bryce.

“Oh!” he blinked back at Dewey, turning a deep shade of red. “That’s cool and you’re right: it’s not my business. Whatever makes you happy is great. I just didn’t want you to get hurt.”

That earned a hard glare from Dewey. “I’m not a child and I’m not fragile. And I don’t need you to protect me, B. I’ll be fine.”

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