Chapter 41

________

WARD

WARD STOPPED at an intersection and couldn't help laughing. He'd hit every red light on his way to work so far. It seemed like a metaphor for what his life had suddenly become.

Hurry up and wait.

Poor Skylar had been frantic, all through yesterday morning. He'd been desperate to get everything taken care of, and even with Ward's assurances, Skylar hadn't relaxed until they'd finished all their errands. The sweet boy had been wound up tight.

And then there was Charlie. Ward got the feeling the boy was holding back, trying to stay focused on Skylar's needs. Even so, Skylar had been right.

Charlie definitely had a way of upending Ward's life.

The boy had a lot of rules. More than Ward had previously encountered. And Ward had a feeling they were barely scratching the surface.

It was tedious, having to take off his shoes every time he walked in the door. Especially yesterday afternoon, when Ward had to make several trips to the communal laundry facility. He did see Charlie's point, though. It would keep the floors cleaner. The boy had even insisted on vacuuming and mopping the whole apartment himself, just to make sure it was done correctly.

As for rearranging things, Ward was still adjusting to what little Charlie had changed. He wasn't used to his bed facing a different way, and in the kitchen, Ward kept heading for the coffee machine, only to remember it was in a different spot. Ward had caught Charlie eyeing the cabinets, too. He could only imagine how much everything would move if he gave Charlie the freedom to reorganize the rest.

Ward ran a hand through his hair as he chuckled and shook his head, then paused. It was weird for his hair not to be damp on his ride to work. He'd always been a shower-in-the-mornings kind of person. Of course, Charlie insisted they all had to shower at night instead.

Because bed, according to Charlie, was a clean place. A place to relax. And Charlie couldn't relax if he hadn't showered, which meant Ward and Skylar had to do the same.

Even with all that, they'd had an enjoyable afternoon yesterday. The boys had been content to sit quietly on the couch and read while Ward finished his laundry. Then they'd all curled up and watched a movie together.

Of course, Charlie insisted that the volume only go up or down in intervals of five. Nothing in between. Ward would just have to remember that.

One thing he wouldn't have to remember was setting an alarm. Somehow, Charlie woke up naturally right around five-thirty every morning, and had preset the coffee machine accordingly. If Charlie getting out of bed didn't wake Ward, the gurgling sound from the kitchen did the trick. And Charlie had a strict bedtime, too. Lights out by nine. Ward usually stayed up later than that, but going to bed with the boys was hardly a chore. How could it be, when it meant having them curled up beside him?

Waking up at five-thirty was going to take some getting used to, though. At least Charlie was quiet as a mouse when he got up. And, for Ward, coming out of the bathroom to find the boy had poured him a mug of coffee, just the way he liked it? He would have no trouble getting used to that.

The rest was all worth it. Ward couldn't believe the difference in the way his apartment felt, just having those two boys there. Everything felt so much warmer. More alive. More full. And it was incredible, not having to sleep alone in his big bed. Now, he got to have those two beautiful boys right next to him. Hear their soft breaths. Feel their warmth.

Know that they were safe and comfortable, and that he'd been able to provide that for them.

He'd only just left them a few minutes ago, but Ward couldn't wait for the day to be over so he could get back home to them again.

Ward finally got out onto the country roads, free of traffic lights, and made his way to Vista Robles Winery. He turned onto the property and bypassed the tasting room, then took the dirt road that led to John's office. Ward couldn't help smiling at the view that surrounded him. They didn't have grapes yet, but the vines were full and green, carpeting a landscape that was only broken by the glorious oak trees that dotted the massive property.

John's truck was parked under one of those trees, taking advantage of the shade it would offer. Ward parked his own truck beside it. The day promised to be hot, typical of June in central California. Ward made sure to crack the windows before he shut off the engine and got out.

He strode into the office, not at all surprised to see John already at his desk, scribbling out a to-do list. Ward chuckled. The man had relaxed considerably since Adam had come back into his life, yet John still had a tendency to get to work early and hit the ground running.

“Morning,” Ward greeted him.

“Morning,” John replied, barely glancing up from his notepad.

Ward eyed him, realizing the man looked stressed. Shit . “John? I'm sorry. I know it was inconvenient, but I really appreciate you letting me have the day off yesterday. I owe you one.”

John set down his pen and waved a hand. “I left you in a lurch here before when I had to go rush off to get Adam,” he said, referring to some drama from about this time last year. “Gotta take care of our boys, right?”

Ward felt some heat creep into his cheeks. He coughed and cleared his throat. “Right.”

John studied him. “Everything okay?”

“Yeah.” Ward pulled out his own chair and turned it around, sinking into it. “Sorry. Just…this is all so new. I'm not used to talking about it yet. Don't tell Adam,” he quickly added.

John frowned and opened his mouth like he was going to ask why , then breathed a laugh instead. “Because he'll tell everyone . And you're not ready for that.”

“Exactly.”

John nodded. “That's fine. I get it.”

“Thanks.” Ward cleared his throat. “But, um, yeah. Got the boys mostly settled yesterday. That helped out a lot, so thank you again.”

John waved a hand once more, as though silently saying, Don't mention it .

Ward frowned, studying John gain. “I'm here, John. I promise. Whatever you need, I'll make sure we get caught up today–”

“Huh?”

“You look frustrated, is all.”

“Oh.” John shook his head and scrubbed a hand over his face. “No, it's not work. Though, yeah, we do have a lot to do today.” He blew out a breath. “I got home last night to a letter from my renters, notifying me that they're moving out. I hate interviewing potential tenants. It's so tedious.” John paused. “You wouldn't happen to be in need of a new place, would you?”

Ward blinked. “Me?” He frowned. “I thought you hated mixing business and personal.”

“I do,” John conceded. “But at least I know you're responsible and dependable.” He paused, then added with a laugh, “Besides, I know where you work.”

Ward chuckled, but it quickly faded as he considered the offer. He'd never seen John's place, but he knew it was out in the country, away from the noise and traffic of town.

Charlie would certainly love that. The boy had already complained about the noisy neighbors and the sirens on the freeway at night. But what about Skylar? He was used to big-city life. Or would the tranquility and isolation be appealing to him?

It was on the tip of his tongue to say yes , but Ward stopped himself. His life had enough upheaval lately without adding a move into the mix. The same was true for the boys. He was still getting Skylar settled and comfortable in new surroundings. The last thing the boy needed was another change. And as for Charlie? Ward knew Charlie had complaints about the apartment, but what if John's rental was worse?

Ward shook his head. “I appreciate the offer, but it's really not in the cards for me right now.”

John gave him a nod. “I understand. Trust me. I hate change.”

Ward laughed. That was an understatement if there ever was one.

John even joined in with a chuckle. “Still, if you change your mind…”

“I'll be sure to let you know,” Ward agreed.

John stood up and grabbed his notepad. “Enough of that. Let's get to work.”

Ward hurried after him.

The day passed by in a blur of activity. Between touring the fields to monitor the vines, checking on the vats and barrels, and everything else they had to do, Ward and John were both a sweaty mess by the time evening rolled around. And it was a good thing he'd had to stick close to John most of the day. Otherwise, Ward would have been obsessively checking his phone. Just in case the boys needed him.

As it was, he only got one brief text exchange right around midday.

Charlie : It's really weird not needing to do our 'good morning' texts since we woke up in the same place. Are you eating lunch? It's lunchtime. You should eat. My Sky and I are having salad!

After that came a selfie of Charlie and Skylar, standing at the kitchen counter with two bowls of salad in front of them. They were still in the clothes they'd worn to bed last night.

Geez, they're beautiful . Ward couldn't wait to get home to them. He fired off a text back, but had to skip a picture of his own. Ward had a feeling Charlie wouldn't like seeing the fast food he'd gotten for himself in a hurry while out dropping off a case of wine with their distributor.

Me : Good job, buddy! I'm proud of you. Both of you.

Charlie : :-D :-D :-D :-D

Ward grinned and forced himself to put his phone away.

But he checked it again once more before he left work for the night. The only new message was from his brother.

Vaughn : Car should be here tomorrow. I'll let you know when I find something.

Ward replied with a thumbs-up emoji, then set his phone down and fired up his truck. He hoped the boys were relaxing. Maybe he'd get home to find them curled up on the couch with a book.

The thought had him smiling the whole way into town.

Evening rush-hour traffic seemed worse than usual, stalling his progress, but he finally made it home. Ward unlocked his door and rushed inside, barely remembering to take off his boots in his hurry to see the boys.

He looked around, but there was no sign of them. “Boys?” he called. “I'm home.” When he got no answer, he felt his heart skip a beat. What if they'd left? “Skylar? Charlie?”

“ In here! ” Skylar called.

Ward heaved a sigh of relief, banishing memories of Kelly and all the others, and headed for the bedroom. “Did you boys have a good–” He lurched to a stop in the doorway. Skylar and Charlie both lay on the bed, completely naked, kissing and fondling one another. “Oh. Sorry. I–” Ward blushed and started to turn away.

“No! Ward!” Skylar called. He sat up, reaching for him. “Damn it. I'm sorry. We weren't meaning for you to feel left out. We were hoping to surprise you, hoping this would turn you on.”

“Oh.”

Skylar got a sly smile on his face. “Do you like this, Daddy? Coming home to find your boys naked in your bed?”

“Geez, Sky,” Ward gasped. He squeezed the growing bulge in his jeans, then took a step towards them.

“ Hhnn ,” Charlie whined. He jabbed a finger at the bathroom. Shower! Hurry! he signed.

Ward chuckled and held up his hands. “Okay, buddy.” He gave the boys a lingering stare, taking in the lean, smooth lines of their naked bodies, then muttered a curse and whirled away. Ward dumped his clothes into the hamper and raced through a shower. His dick stood straight out from his body the whole time, hard and aching, desperate to get back to the bedroom. Despite that, he made sure he was thorough. He even took a couple minutes to brush his teeth, knowing the boys would appreciate it.

Finally, he padded into the bedroom, his dick leading the way.

Charlie was half on top of Skylar, so Ward climbed up beside the boys, running his hands all over them. Fuck . He just couldn't get enough. Who could possibly resist all this temptation?

“Hi, Daddy,” Skylar gasped.

“Hey, kitten.” Ward swooped in and gave the boy a kiss, then turned and claimed Charlie's mouth next. Both boys whimpered, kissing him back, opening up for him, returning his caresses, drawing him closer. When Charlie whined, Ward broke the kiss and leaned back just enough to see his face. “Hey, sweet boy. What do you need?”

Charlie pointed at his own dick, then at Skylar's groin. He signed, Help?

“Help? You want me to help you make Sky feel good?”

Charlie nodded emphatically.

“Okay.” The boys already had condoms out on the bed, so Ward grabbed one. He tore open the wrapper, then reached for Charlie's dick. “Let's get this on.”

Charlie tipped his head and watched as Ward rolled the condom into place. He let out a little moan, thrusting into Ward's fist.

Ward couldn't help smiling as he took over, stroking his length. “That feel good? Yeah?” He looked at Skylar next. The boy lay there with his legs spread—an open invitation—but Ward knew he had to make sure. “Is Sky ready?” he asked Charlie.

The boy tipped his head again, his gaze wandering.

“Here, let's check,” Ward said, taking Charlie's hand and guiding it to Skylar's groin. “We don't want to hurt him, now, do we?”

Charlie solemnly shook his head.

“Good boy.” Ward released Charlie's hand and looked at Skylar, getting a nod of permission before he ran his fingers between Skylar's legs. “Feel this, Charlie.”

Charlie hesitated.

“I know,” Ward murmured. “You probably don't like the feeling. But you'll want to make sure he's slick enough for penetration. And it won't hurt to tease him a little bit. Touch him. Play with him. Get him so worked up that he's desperate and begging for more.” While he spoke, Ward toyed with Skylar, teasing him with his fingers, spreading around the natural lubrication.

Skylar closed his eyes and moaned. “ Jeebus criminy .” He sucked in a breath. “Oh fuck. Don't stop.”

Ward curled two fingers and slowly pushed them inside.

“Oh!” Skylar arched his back. “More, Daddy, please! Holy shit. Charlie? Fuck me. Please. Somebody. Oh hell.”

Ward gave him one last teasing thrust with his fingers, then slowly withdrew them. Skylar whimpered, but Ward reached for Charlie's dick, spreading Skylar's lubrication from his fingers onto the condom. “Okay, Charlie. You ready? Let's go nice and slow.”

“ Hhng .” Charlie looked down and watched as Ward lined up his dick, then slowly began to push inside.

Ward pulled his hand away and rested it on the small of Charlie's back instead. “There you go. Just like that.” He applied pressure, helping guide Charlie as the boy thrust.

Charlie's own need quickly took over, and he resorted to his usual, stiff movements. His body hinged rather than rolled, and his pace was a little too fast. Ward checked on Skylar. The boy wasn't showing any signs of pain, but he clearly wasn't getting much in the way of stimulation, either. Ward was just about to say something when Charlie stopped himself. The boy let out a pitiful whine, then turned to Ward. Help! Help!

“Okay,” Ward murmured, running his fingers through Charlie's hair. “Okay, sweet boy. Daddy help.” He shifted over, molding his body to Charlie's back. With one hand braced on the bed, Ward put his other hand on Charlie's hip. “Easy, now,” he murmured in Charlie's ear. “Move with me.”

They went slowly, and Charlie whined as he had to work at keeping his back flush up against Ward's body. But it did the trick. Charlie's movements, guided by Ward, became more fluid. His thrusts, less stiff. With his hips rolling, it got his dick sliding in and out of Skylar at an angle, hitting Skylar's sweet spot just right.

Skylar let out a genuine moan, his eyes wide with surprise. “Oh fuck. Charlie!”

Charlie went still, then whined and pulled on Ward, silently begging him to continue.

So Ward did. His chest ached, watching the two boys find connection they'd never had before. It left him feeling like the odd man out once again. But then Charlie twisted around and looked at him with both need and gratitude, and the pleasure on Skylar's face was breathtaking.

Nothing mattered more than making sure his boys were happy.