Page 110 of Dean

“You want something to drink?” I ask Ben, turning my attentionback to my son. He’s the one I want to talk to. Yes, I have to get my mind to focus. I want to talk to my son.

Tonight is not about Avery, as much as I want it to be.

“Yeah, sure. I’ll have some water,” Ben says, fiddling with the collar of his shirt.

“Not a beer or anything?” I ask, and Avery holds out the spoon he’s using to stir something in the pot on the stove. A noodle plops to the floor, but it goes ignored as I lean into him. He’s so fucking hot. I never want to stop touching him. It’s amazing how good he feels in my arms.

“He told you what he wants, Dean. Get your son some water. The last time Ben had something to drink he had to be carried home. He’s a lightweight.”

“You did a heavy pour,” Ben says, and Avery winks at him.

“I did. And boy, was it worth it,” Avery replies.

I clear my throat and move to the fridge, brushing against Avery in the process, dragging a hand down his lower back. I want to squeeze his ass, but I don’t. I just relish the fact that he arches into my touch. That he didn’t leave me.

Ben looks away, focusing on the art hanging on the wall.

“You like that?” I ask, setting a bottle of water before my son. “Avery painted it.”

Ben studies it, uncapping his water and taking a small sip.

“It’s really good.”

“It is. He’s really talented.”

I had no idea until I saw it. I didn’t even say anything, just grabbed a nail and hammered it into the wall. I want everyone to see this when they come by.

I want to brag.

“Dean, fuck, stop,” Avery says, his cheeks flushed pink.

“What? It’s really damn good.”

Avery’s eyes flick to me and then back to the stove. “Thank you, and as much as I love to talk about how talented I am, we should get the meat on the grill. The mac and cheese is almost done.”

I nod and grab some trays from the fridge, meandering into thebackyard and starting the grill. I can see Avery and Ben chatting and I’m thankful they get along so well.

I want to make sure Ben approves of the person I want to spend my time with…my life with, perhaps.

I focus on the steaks to make sure dinner is perfect. I want Ben to come over to hang out more often. I want him to always feel comfortable coming around.

I glance in the window and see Ben smile at Avery, the two of them laughing about something.

Fuck, it warms my heart. It’s one less thing I need to worry about.

My son and my partner…is that what he is? My boyfriend?

I’ll need to ask, need to discuss. I want a label. I want to make this official.

When the meat is done, Avery and Ben walk outside and I can’t help the smile that pulls my lips up. They chat like old friends and I interject when I need to, but honestly, I just love listening to them talk, listening to their plans. They’re so young and they have so much ahead of them.

There are only a few times I really feel old, but then Avery reaches over and touches me softly and I’m brought back to the happy little bubble we’ve created.

We might have an age difference, but it’s fine. It works for us.

It works.

“You have any plans tonight? We could watch a movie…” I ask Ben as we clean up. Dinner was, of course, excellent. I couldn’t be prouder of Avery.

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