10. Vail

10

VAIL

Having dinner with my sister and Dana was no different than eating in my home. They were my family. I didn’t feel the need to dress up or do anything special, except it was the day before my birthday. Having them over made me want to make sure everyone got along. Irene offered to cook dinner, but this was my family and I wanted to be the one to feed them.

Hartley practically bounced with how excited he was to see Cat again. It had been a long time since they last spoke.

I would have loved to have my parents here. They lived in North Carolina, so I didn’t see them much. When they heard who I was dating and how very public it went, they told me they couldn’t visit me unless Jordan wasn’t there. I didn’t expect them to jump up and down and congratulate me. They could have at least agreed to meet him at some point and said they were happy for me.

My parents took a while to come around after I told them I was gay. It was why I spent a lot of time with Forest. It was easier there. No one judged me.

I wouldn’t change who I was for anyone. My parents and I slowly rebuilt our relationship, but it wasn’t the best. Adding in Jordan didn’t help. Hartley was a different story. They remembered him being a little kid and sometimes tagging along with Forest and me during the rare times we were at my house. My mom tsked and asked what Forest thought. I didn’t bother to tell her I hadn’t heard from him in a long time, or that it didn’t make a difference if he was pissed or not. I wouldn’t let others dictate my relationships.

But tonight wasn’t about anyone else but the three of us, my sister, and Dana. I had to be on my game, not that Dana judged my cooking. I’d learned from him and wanted to do my best. Over time, my skills improved vastly. I no longer second-guessed what I did. Now it was a matter of making sure it was to the best of my ability.

“It smells good in here,” Hartley said, drifting into the kitchen. His feet were still bare. He wore a pair of slim-cut slacks and a fitted long-sleeved black V-neck. While Jordan always looked put together in his suits, Hartley was put together whenever we had guests, or when he left the house in designs he created. His talent had me in awe.

I left the spoon in the pot to put my arm around him and lean down to nuzzle my face against his neck, breathing him in. He always smelled so good. Jordan said it was a crisp scent. To me, Hartley smelled like comfort and home.

“You know how much I love when you touch me, but if you don’t stop, I’m going to get hard,” he said. “That’s not how I want Cat to see me.”

Chuckling, I leaned back and returned to the stove. “She’s missed you.”

“Your sister is great. And I finally get to meet Dana.”

“He’s a nice guy, calm, down to earth. He’s good for Cat.”

I heard Jordan’s shoes before I saw him. Hartley and I turned, waiting for him to appear. Jordan’s hands were in his pockets, his jacket was absent, and he wore a dark green button- down with a pair of black slacks. It wasn’t his usual look, although it definitely flattered him.

Hartley went to him and put his hands on his chest. “This works well. What do you think?”

“If you and Vail like it, I’m happy.”

Sighing, Hartley said, “You should feel good in the clothes you wear, powerful.”

“I feel that way when I’m naked. Clothes don’t bring it out in me.”

“You know what I mean.”

“What you make for me and ask me to wear is always perfect.” Jordan dipped his head to brush a kiss over Hartley’s lips.

“Thank you,” he whispered.

Jordan’s head lifted. “Is dinner done?”

“Yeah, I’m just finishing the sauce.”

I decided to go with a prime rib tonight, along with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, and homemade rolls. I also had a decadent chocolate cake for dessert.

Tahoe clicked into the room, his nails tapping on the marble. A mobile groomer came to the building today to bathe him. It was one I used countless times before. She was good with Tahoe, and he licked her face while she made him handsome.

He leaned against my leg, then sat to peer up at me.

“I’m not giving you anything,” I told him. “You better behave tonight.” Cat loved him. Dana would get on the floor and play. Whenever Tahoe saw my brother-in-law, it was game on. To keep him calm would be a feat.

“They’re on their way up, sir,” Raiden said from near the elevator.

“Thank you,” Jordan replied. The guards were still getting used to Jordan thanking them. At least Raiden had stopped gaping and simply nodded now.

I turned the burner off and poured the sauce into a serving dish as Tahoe raced to the elevator to greet those heading up.

Tahoe learned fast when the guard announced a visitor, it meant new people for Tahoe to play with. It was like when the mail was delivered at my house. Tahoe knew they were coming and would look out the window, waiting for them. It helped that they left him a treat often.

Hartley rushed to put his socks and shoes on. I did the same. I preferred being barefoot but wouldn’t when we had guests. It didn’t matter if they were my family or not.

Jordan, Hartley, and I stood behind the dog, waiting for Dana and Cat.

The elevator doors slid open. Tahoe knew to stay and not jump, although once he saw Dana, the rules were out the window. He bolted forward, barreling into Dana, who quickly crouched once he was out of the elevator. Tahoe couldn’t get enough. He bathed him with kisses, then ran to the living room to collect his stuffed frog. It was one of his favorite toys. Dropping it at Dana’s feet, he sat and waited for the game to begin.

“Can I?” Dana asked, picking up the toy.

“Go ahead,” I told him. “Try to throw straight back so he doesn’t crash into anything.” The three of us moved out of the way so Dana could launch the toy.

We’d learned early on that Tahoe’s tail was dangerous, given the expensive art Jordan had. Jordan relocated the sculptures and other breakable items after Tahoe accidentally knocked one over and it shattered. I offered to replace it, but Jordan wouldn’t hear of it. As much as he said he didn’t like dog hair on his clothes, I saw the way he’d sit on the couch or in his office and absently pet Tahoe. He loved him.

Tahoe returned seconds later with the toy in his mouth. Dana tried to grab it, but Tahoe dodged out of the way, wanting Dana to chase him.

Dana laughed. “Okay, enough, boy. I’m not here to play with you.”

“He thinks you are,” I said. “You’ve trained him to play every time he sees you.”

Cat ignored her husband and walked over to hug me. “Happy early birthday, big brother.” She handed me a gift bag.

“Thank you.”

Hartley was next. Cat wrapped her arms around him tight. “Hartley, it’s so good to see you. It’s been forever.” She leaned back to take him in. “You’ve really grown up. I can see why my brother is attracted to you.” A blush heated Hartley’s cheeks. Cat winked.

Then she moved to Jordan, who stood stoically, not uttering a word. I braced myself. Anything could come out of Cat’s mouth.

“Well, well, well, if it isn’t big, bad Jordan Altair. So, you’re one of the men my brother is in love with.”

“It would appear so,” Jordan said, no hint of irritation in his tone. I couldn’t tell how he felt about my sister with her pink hair, jeans, and bright pink shirt.

“You love my brother and Hartley, right?”

“I do.” Jordan had come a long way from when he had a hard time voicing how he felt. It brought a grin to my lips hearing him tell my sister. I doubted he’d run out to the street and shout it. With my family, he was a little more at ease. He knew how much they meant to me.

“You take care of them and protect them?” I knew better than to interrupt her. She’d shush me if I did. I still wanted to remind her I could take care of myself. I didn’t. The urge was there though.

“I do.”

“And you don’t involve them in any of your other bullshit that could put them in jail?”

“Never.”

“Okay, one last question. How much would I have to pay to convince you to ignore my brother’s request not to touch Gil? I want that fucker dead, buried deep so no one will ever find his fucking body.”

“Cat,” I said with a sigh.

She ignored me, focusing solely on Jordan. “Well?”

His lips twitched. I knew putting him in a room with my sister would be dangerous. “There is nothing you could say or do that would have me go against your brother.”

Cat leaned closer, her eyes narrowing. “Are you sure about that?”

“Cat, stop,” Dana said, reaching for her hand to pull her away. Dana wasn’t a fan of Jordan. Yes, he wanted me to be happy. He wasn’t thrilled to be here, especially with my sister. He was as protective of her as Jordan was over Hartley and me.

“While your defense of your brother is admirable, I won’t go behind Vail’s back and hurt his pathetic excuse of an ex. If he wanders into my building or into the path of a car I’m in…” Jordan shrugged.

“Well played.” Cat grinned. “I like you. Not as much as Hartley, but you’re okay.”

“I’ll cherish your approval,” he replied drolly.

Laughing, Cat turned toward Dana. “This is my amazing husband, Dana. Honey, you already know Vail, but this is Hartley.”

Dana shook Hartley’s hand. “I’ve heard a lot of good things about you.”

“I’m sure Cat embellishes.”

“Probably, but that’s okay.”

Cat rolled her eyes and focused on Jordan. “This one doesn’t need an introduction.”

Jordan stuck out his hand. For a moment, I thought Dana wouldn’t shake it. When he finally did, I let out a breath.

“It’s nice to meet you,” Jordan said. “Dexen and Vail have sung your praises repeatedly.”

“Dexen pays me, so he’s biased. Vail’s related to me, so he’s always nice.”

“Are you sure about that?” I asked.

Dana chuckled and shook his head. “Can we eat now? I’m over the awkward introductions.”

“Thank fuck,” Hartley said. “I’m starving.”

While they went to the dining area, I started bringing dishes from the kitchen counter to the table. Dana offered to help, pulling me aside before doing so.

He spoke softly. “It’s obvious how much you care for them. I’m going to worry, but your happiness means everything to me and Cat. If you love them and they love you and treat you how you deserve, they’re okay with me.”

“Even though Jordan does illegal shit?”

“If you can live with it, so can I.”

“Thank you.”

He clasped me on the shoulder. “You’re my brother by marriage, but you’re so much more than that. I want the best for you.”

I pulled him in for a hug. Cat finding Dana wasn’t only lucky for her, but for me too.

I had already been living in Dremest when she came for a visit. She literally ran into Dana on the street, and they hit it off immediately. Next thing I knew, my sister was packing her belongings and moving here from North Carolina. Having her close was a comfort I didn’t realize I needed until she was here.

Cat had always been there for me, no matter how many miles were between us. Having her a short drive away, that was special. We had a lot of fights growing up and didn’t always see eye to eye. At the base of it, we wanted each other to be healthy and loved. And we’d always have each other’s backs.