Page 25 of His Stepdad Wears Leather

Brody paused, frowning. He hadn’t thought about that in eons—and what did it have to do with their current situation? “What about it?”

“You got this look on your face when we stumbled across it… determination, I suppose. You were going to save that little broken bird. I saw it again and again on the field, when we were down in the fourth and needed to rally. You’ve got that same look right now—I haven’t seen it in a long, long time.” Lex pointed at Chris. “He’syour little bird with a broken wing.” Lex seemed pleased with himself. “And you’re going to save him.”

“Who said anything about saving anyone?” Brody barked.

“Have I struck a nerve?”

Brody rolled his eyes. “If you recall, that bird didn’t make it.” He paused, eyeing Chris again. “And too often, we’d ultimately lose the game. I learned a long time ago that the only person I could save was me.”

“That philosophy is why you’re alone.”

“What?”

“You don’t get invested inanyone. You don’t allow anyone close. You didn’t let the daddies in close. You sure as hell don’t with the twinks. When was your last relationship? I can barely remember.”

“I have agreatrelationship with my son and his moms. You. What more do I need?”

Lex eyed the bar for a brief few seconds before focusing on him. “I don’t know. What moredoyou need?”

Brody opened his mouth to argue. To say ‘nothing’. But his mouth wouldn’t spout the lie. “Fuck you.”

Last call was announced with the loud clamoring of the bell. His head bartender, Carter, screamed the announcement, dragging Brody’s focus back to the bar.

And Chris.

“Oh, don’t tell me you haven’t already claimed that ass,” Lex said, pulling him back to their conversation. “I can see it on your face. Now you want more.”

Another small group of patrons left. Brody paused, nodding and smiling, and biting back the smart-assed comment that wanted to leap off his lips.

The second they were past, Lex dug back in. “You can glare at me all you want, but I recognize what I see. This one’s different than the others.”

“No… he’s not. He’s a quick piece of ass who needs a roof over his head for one night. I stupidly offered it.”

Lex let out a shout of glee. “So he is staying the night? I called that one.”

“Extenuating circumstances,” Brody replied.

“And just how many of the guys you’ve slept with in recent months would’ve gotten that same offer if they’d needed a place to stay?”

None.“I’m done with this conversation.”

“Of course you are. You know I’m right.” Lex laughed in his loud, attention-stealing way. “Shoo. Go, take care of your little bird.”

Brody shook his head and returned to the bar. After a quick nod to Chris, he cleaned up in the general area—not going much more than ten feet away. He didn’t want to get too close, Lex’s theories bothering him more than they should have. The other two bartenders and the bar back zipped around him, doing the majority of the work. Slowly, as he neared Chris, he focused on the empty plate and cup of soda.

“How was it?”

“Delicious,” Chris replied. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a few bills. “How much do I owe you?”

“No charge,” Brody replied.

Chris lifted his stare and met Brody’s. There was a gentle smile in his eyes as he shoved the money back in his jeans. “Thanks… you didn’t have to do that. I appreciate you taking care of me.”

Taking care of me. Lex’s words whispered through his mind.“It wasjusta sandwich. No big deal. I’d do it for anyone.” It wasn’t a total lie, yet he didn’t like the fading smile on Chris’ face caused by his twist of the truth.

“Ah…okay.” Chris glanced away, shoulders lowering.

Before Brody could say another word, one of the regulars—Casey—walked up and tapped Chris on the shoulder. “Wanna dance?”

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