Page 83 of Obsessed

“I know, right?” Rain stood aside, letting him in. “There’s, like, a zillion hidden rooms in this place.” He hung Tristan’s coat and the second his hands were empty a shopping bag full of gifts was shoved into them.

“Tristan, you didn’t have to!” To Rain, his presence was more than enough.

“It’s the holidays, kid!” His light brown eyes softened with joy. “And it’s not all for you, greedy. There are gifts in there for Mason and Mouse too - and speak of the devil, there she is! Hello, sweetheart, I missed you!”

She wound herself around Tristan’s legs, giving him plentiful meows that told him she felt the same. Picking her up, he scratched her under the chin while studying the painting by the stairs.

“That is intense. I feel like I’minthat garden. Do you know who the artist is?

“My grandmother.” Mason, who’d been lurking in the living room, came forward, eyes hesitant. “This was her house.”

“Was?” Tristan gave him a solemn nod. “I’m sorry for your loss, and for the art world’s loss as well. She was incredibly talented.”

“…thank you,” Mason said with a slight grin. After a beat, he held out his hand. “I’m Mason.”

“Tristan.” They shook warmly, and Rain tried not to pump his fist because he always knew that they’d get along; they both had quiet souls. Besides, Rain often spoke about how he owed a lot to Tristan because he’d kept Rain as sane and safe as possible growing up, and Mason’s eyes had always lit up with interest whenever Rain mentioned him.

However, when Rain had first asked about inviting Tristan over for the holiday, Mason had been unsure. Since Rain had lived with Tristan during the not-breakup, Mason had been worried that Tristan would dislike him or have a poor impression of him, and Rain had to explain that Tristan didn’t have the ability to hold grudges.

“Just so you know, I caught the exhibition a few days after it opened.” Tristan put Mouse down and she settled right next to him. “Honestly, I’m glad I wasn’t there on opening night because I shed a few tears. You made Rain look ethereal.” Extending his arm, he gathered Rain up, squeezing him against his side, and Rain felt like a kid again in the best way.

“He does that himself. Rain makes my job easy.” Mason’s intense gaze held nothing but love.

“Look at this man with the correct answers!” Tristan stage-whispered to Rain. “No wonder you’re smitten.”

Mouse trilled as if she agreed and Rain barked out a laugh, feeling his cheeks burn.

“Iamsmitten.” He enjoyed how Mason’s lips twitched, slightly curving into a smile. “Anyway, you should show Mason the pictures from your hike!”

“Kid, I am not even close to the level that he is.” Tristan put his hands up, waving them as he chuckled.

“I want to see them,” Mason insisted with an unexpected level of enthusiasm and they all sat at the dining room table, next to the real painting of Mason on the porch as a boy. Now that the house was theirs and Mason’s family was no longer a threat, Rain had encouraged him to display it and he’d readily agreed.

“Is that you?” Tristan looked back and forth between Mason and the piece. “She truly knew how to get to the root of a person. I guess it runs in the family.”

Mason’s eyes widened a bit, but then he grinned softly. “I wish I had half her talent.”

“Shut up, Mason, you haveallher talent.” Rain kissed him on the cheek and while Tristan showed off his photography skills, Rain went into the kitchen where he’d been keeping their dinner warm. Since Mason wasn’t a cook and Rain could only make basic things, they’d ordered in from Rain’s favorite place, and once he’d plated everything and brought it out to the table, Tristan let out a long whistle.

“You are spoiling me,” he stated, heaping potatoes onto his plate. “Once again, thanks for having me over. I’m so glad that you two worked everything out. I’ve never seen Rain this happy.”

“Tristaaaan, you’re giving big dad energy right now.” Rain could feel his cheeks burning as he slathered a roll with butter.

“My life’s goal is to keep Rain happy,” Mason declared in his low, serious tone. It hung there for a few seconds before Rain remembered to close his mouth.

Meeting Mason’s eyes, Tristan nodded.

“Another correct answer.” He tried the turkey. “This is amazing, guys.”

“It’s takeout.” Rain couldn’t be more grateful for the subject change.

“Still amazing.” Tristan ate another forkful. “As long as it’s not instant noodles, peanut butter, or granola bars, I’m good.”

“Way too much of that on the trail, huh?” Sampling the food, Rain tried not to hum as it melted in his mouth.

“Yes. And after eating dry ramen-”

“You ate it without adding water?” Mason interrupted and Rain stared at him in shock, not used to seeing him interact normally.

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