Page 44 of Stirring Up Trouble
“Hello there, Cousin Blaze,” Jake said with a teasing tone in his voice.
Ever since the first time I met him, and he realized my name was legally Blaze, he's been enamored with using it all the time. He also liked to be able to call me cousin because he wants more family. Never mind he has a big family himself plus all the extended couples and siblings that come along with it. There's even a group of Daddies that have become a big family of sorts from the way Maddox told me.
“Hello, Cousin Jake.” His grin grew at hearing the laughter in my voice.
Robin was taking in the conversation between us with wide eyes. I held my hand out for him to come join me. When he did, I tucked him into my side. Jake's eyes lit up, then he spun in a circle quickly and grabbed Leon.
“Look, Daddy Lee! Cousin Blaze has someone and it's a man.” He spoke dramatically in a whisper that wasn't really a whisper.
Leon shook his head, then wrapped his arms around Jake to keep him still. It wouldn't last long, but I appreciated the effort since I felt dizzy just watching the other man. The amount of energy he had was unreal. If he could bottle it up and sell it, he'd be even richer than he was now.
“Why don't you let Cousin Blaze tell us what he's got going on,” Leon suggested. “Good to see you again by the way.” The last part was directed at me.
“Good to see you too, Leon. I still don't know how you two handle him.”
Maddox bumped my shoulder. “You don't have to worry about that. What you should worry about is telling me who this young man is.”
My annoying cousin shifted around me, moving to Jake's other side. He held his hand out to Robin. “I’m Maddox, this big idiot's cousin on his mama's side of course.”
Robin smiled and shook his hand. “Of course! I'm Robin.”
They continued to shake hands as Maddox waited for him to elaborate. I pulled their hands apart after a few more seconds, tired of my cousin holding on to my boy as I said, “Robin is my partner. My boyfriend. Whatever you want to call him. He's mine.”
Jake shivered. “Oh, there's just something about his voice that's all deep and growly. Do you know what I mean, Robin?”
My boy nodded and bit his lip. “It's really hot.”
Jake cracked up at that, as did Leon and Maddox. Robin blushed and turned his face into my neck.
“Don't be shy baby. These three are just a bunch of goofballs. They love to play around and tease people. Besides, I like that you like my deep voice. You aremine.”
I kissed his forehead, then turned back to see the others staring at me slack-jawed.
“It's rare to see you so….” Maddox waved his hand.
Leon finished the statement declaring, “Cuddly,” with a firm tone.
Jake sighed. “Yeah, cuddly. He's definitely got big teddy bear energy right now. You know except if teddy bears had abs and biceps and a really clean-cut jaw.”
Leon squeezed Jake closer, then leaned down to whisper in his ear. The way the other man's pupils dilated and his whole body went slack meant it was some kind of promise I didn't need to know the details of.
Maddox cleared his throat to draw our attention. “Anyway — SURPRISE! We're here. We'd love to help if you need it. If not, tell us where to get some grub and how to have some fun. It's been a hot minute since I've been to a rodeo, you know.”
I smiled. “Yes, it has been a while. Don't those hockey contracts tell you not to get into any dangerous situations? Or is that just something made up on the internet?”
Leon, who had a smirk the size of Texas on his face, gave me a firm nod. “It's real. Which means none of us are getting on a horse or a bull or anything.”
A noise of discontent tore out of Jake. “I really want to get on something, and not a hockey player.” He made grabbing hands as he waved his arms around. “Load me up with all the cutest animals in the world.”
Robin looked at me, then to Jake. “Do you want me to take him? I could maybe get him on one of the gentle horses. Definitely not May.”
Jake's hands went to his hips. “Who's May, and why can't I be a part of this secret society that rides them?”
Before Robin could interrupt, Maddox was stepping in front of Jake. He pointed his finger in my direction. “Don't tell me you still have that fucking crazy horse of yours.”
Not one to be left out, Jake leaned around him. “It's a horse? Yes I love horses. Let me ride a horse, please.”
I smiled at him before turning to Maddox. “I do still have my perfect little angel May. Sorry to tell you, Jake,” I directed to the other man, “but May only lets me and Robin ride her. She won’t just let anyone hop on.”
