Page 45 of Stirring Up Trouble
Jake's bottom lip stuck out. “Well, that's just mean. Daddy Maddy, I want to ride a horse.” He stomped his foot, acting like a brat. The two men beside him took it in with smiles on their faces. This was just a normal day for them.
Meanwhile, Robin watched the entire interaction with interest. I knew it was because Jake had let the Daddy titles fly so easily. Robin had spent time with the men of the Coleman Ranch, but not as much as he likely could have.
I think seeing the dynamic in action was eye-opening for him. Jake being so carefree about it all probably helped Robin realize that it wasn't as unconventional as he probably thought. That this thing between us could just be a natural relationship.
Maybe it would also ease some of the fear he had about our time after the rodeo because I intended to find a way to keep him with me, whatever that entailed. If I had to build my own goddamn vet clinic on my land and have people come visit us, which heaven forbid, would suck because I love my privacy, then I would.
Robin spoke up next, which drew my attention back to the conversation. “I think that we could probably eat and then do horses if that's okay with everyone.”
He looked to me, waiting for my agreement before turning to the others. When I gave a nod, Maddox and Leon followed as well with their acceptance. Jake did a happy dance, then reached out for Robin's hands. The clipboard he held started to fall, but I grabbed it just in time.
Jake winked at me, throwing out, “Thanks,” before tugging Robin free. The two skipped away. Or at least Jake skipped.Robin shuffled quickly to keep up with the exuberant boy at his side.
Maddox and Leon flanked me, the pair giving me big smiles.
“I think the two of them are gonna be great friends. How did this happen anyway?” Maddox asked me.
I shrugged. “He showed up at my house. I needed some help with the rodeo after some volunteers couldn't make it in, so I called a favor with the Coleman Ranch.”
Maddox's brows rose. “Wow! The Colemans. I hadn't thought about them in forever. Whatever happened to Clancy?”
A frown covered my features. “He passed a while ago. It's been a transition time much like I've been having to deal with. Atticus sent over three men. One wound up being Robin, and from there, it was impossible to ignore the connection we had.”
“Sounds like the love bug hit you.” Leon said, placing his hand on my shoulder. “It smacked me and Maddox straight on our asses, so we totally get it. No judgment here. But I do want to inquire… I also got some other vibes. Is there something you want to share with us?”
My cousin snorted. “Jake just called us both Daddy in front of them. Blaze is well aware of our dynamic. I don't think he would care much if we were being nosy when it's just us.”
I smiled at the pair, then nodded for us to walk. The longer we stood still, the more likely someone would approach to ask me something, and I really didn't want to get stopped again.
Maddox and Leon were both big men. Bigger than me in some ways. Though Maddox didn't resemble me all that much given the difference in our skin tones and facial features, he still had an ease about him that would let people know we were close. Hopefully that was enough to keep them at bay.
“There is more to it,” I admitted after we made it a ways through the back area. “I have always been a Daddy, which Maddox probably knew but forgot since we don’t talk about itmuch; however, I’ve never had a boy because I thought I was straight this whole time.”
Leon coughed. “You've never been with a man before this?” He kept his voice low, which I appreciated. Not because I didn't want people to know — they obviously knew given the display of affection I've been putting on with Robin — but I didn't need them questioning me the way these two would.
They could get away with being personal. Others couldn't.
“Yeah, it's a first for me. But I gotta admit, it's been insanely natural. It’s like this was what I was supposed to do all along. It's opened my eyes, and I don't want anyone but Robin. My sexuality is just what it is. Technically, I know it would be bisexual or pansexual, I think. I don't care about titles though. I care about him. I want him to be mine.”
We stopped as we reached the edge of the food section. The trucks were all lined up, and we could see Jake and Robin looking over the menus as they talked rapidly about something. I smiled at the sight of Robin so happy. It was better than the moody downturned expression he’d had since this morning.
My boy was an overthinker. Sometimes he needed someone who underthought to get his mind off things. Though that wasn't fair to Jake. His mind just raced so fast I don't think he had time to be nervous. He was actually really fucking smart.
Maddox stepped in front of my line of sight, his expression serious. “Whatever you need help with, we’ll make it happen. We can convince him that you're a good guy or help move all his stuff or pay for a flight or whatever you need. I know the Coleman Ranch isn't anywhere near here.”
I nodded. “Yeah, it's several hours away. Not close enough for frequent visits but not so far as to make it impossible either.”
“Would you do long distance?” Leon asked.
“I mean, I would do whatever it took to have him. I'm hoping I can convince him that being here is worth it.”
Maddox hummed. “Then it sounds like we need to put a plan together, and you know who's really good at planning.” He motioned to himself and Leon. “We have one of the best hockey teams in the world. We're very strategic, very efficient. Let us help you get your man.”
Leon shook his head. “He sounds like a salesman. What is with this version of Maddox?”
My cousin rolled his eyes, looking very much like his other boyfriend at the moment. “I’m just trying to help Blaze out. The bigger the family the better. Plus Jake's already attached to him. We can't let him get away. Just look at them.”
We all turned towards the boys.
