Page 23 of Fated Redemption
“And that is how you do that!” Emmett jumped up, faked spiking his controller, and did a victory dance. Peyton hopped up and started dancing too, imitating Emmett.
“So, this is what it’s like to have a little brother?” Emmett smiled at Peyton, who halted his dance and looked up at the bear, surprised.
“Don’t you have two little brothers?” he asked.
Duncan snorted. “They don’t count. Finn has always been a fifty-year-old man, such a serious bookworm. Gavin was born a sarcastic, introverted little shit. I love my brothers, don’t get me wrong, I would kill for them, but they aren’t adorable, awesome gamers like you. You listen when I give you advice and know how to have fun.” Duncan ruffled Peyton’s hair.
“Let’s adopt him!” Emmett said suddenly.
“No way! We have first dibs.” David shook his finger at Emmett.
“Come on,” Duncan pouted.
“You all can be my brothers,” Peyton said shyly, then looked over to where Moe was putting bottles on the top shelf. “After Moe,” he whispered, as if he was afraid of Moe’s reaction. Moe looked over at Peyton and winked.
“You all can borrow Peyton when you need little brother time, but he’smylittle brother.” Moe’s voice was neutral but firm. He let the others know that Peyton was under his protection.
Rhys heard a sniffle to his right. Rian and Damian were dabbing at their eyes.
“That was just beautiful.” Damian blew his nose.
“They make the perfect big brother, little brother combination.” Rian sighed.
Peyton was beaming at the room. Rhys was pretty sure that this was probably the most affection the small man had ever seen. As they others returned to their game. Rhys turned to Rian and Damian.
“If I didn’t know you two better, I would say you were alcoholics. What are you doing back here?”
Rian shuddered and looked up at him. “Liam and Kent lost their damn minds when Sebastian passed out at Kate’s. Liam was a grouchy asshole and Kent just kept pacing back and forth. I had to kick them out. Once they left with Beau and Kaden, the house seemed kinda empty, so we came here to hang out with Peyton and check up on him.” Rian looked over the drink menu.
Rhys rolled his eyes and plucked the menu from his hand and placed it on the bar. He turned to mix up a Tom Collins for Rian, and he started an Amaretto Sour for Damian. When he was done he slid the glasses over to them. They smiled and picked up their drinks. After the first sips both men looked pleasantly surprised.
“How did you know what I wanted?” Rian asked. “I didn’t even know what I wanted.”
Rhys smiled. “I’ve been a bartender for a very, very long time.”
“This is amazing, I have never even had one of these, what is it?” Damian taking another drink.
“Amaretto Sour. You both like sweet things, but you never get sweet tea or milkshakes. So, I figured sour drinks would suit you better.” Rhys shrugged.
“Pure genius.” Rian sighed happily.
“Hey Rhys, what would I be?” Emmett asked.
“Guinness.” Emmett looked surprised.
“Me?” Duncan pointed to his chest.
“Boilermaker, because you always have to outdo your younger twin.” Rhys laughed at Duncan’s shocked expression.
“Us?” David and Daniel looked eager to hear his response.
“Shirley Temples. I know better than to give you two alcohol.”
They laughed.
“Me?” Peyton asked quietly.
“Pina Colada. Something tropical and sweet.”
