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dishwasher in his underwear.
You're crazy, Evan commented as he set the controls.
What?
You're watching me like I'm doing something sexy. When what I'm actually doing is housework.
I'm sorry I find you stupidly hot. Matt rubbed his chin. Do me a favor?
What?
Just stand there and show me your arm so I can see your tat&
Evan rolled his eyes. Like this? He turned his arm so Matt could see the inside of it, traced the
USMC lines with two fingers.
Matt shifted in his shorts.
Can I ask you to do something else?
I think I already told you bare-assed in the kitchen was not my thing, Evan said. He shut off the light
over the sink and walked past Matt to the staircase.
Can we do bare-assed in the bedroom again?
Evan paused. You know, I I enjoyed it, okay? But I'm a little sore.
Matt almost swooned. You should have said something I'll kiss it and make it feel better.
This time Evan was the one who had to shift in his shorts.
* * *
Sunday night came and found them sleeping on the couch clothes on, for the first time since
yesterday. Matt was tucked against the back of the couch, Evan lying next to him. It was warm and
cozy, and thank God Matt couldn't get it up one more time he was fucking exhausted.
Should we talk about anything before the kids come home? Evan asked drowsily.
We need milk?
Not what I meant.
Fortunately for you I'm middle-aged and I can't get it up all the time, so you will have some breaks,
Closer. Evan opened his eyes, those baby blues that got Matt into so much trouble in the first place.
I needed this to happen on my terms.
And it did right? Matt shifted slightly, his hand on Evan's chest.
Yeah, it did. Evan smiled. I was just explaining I'm glad I didn't force the issue before.
Matt nodded. It wasn't a deal breaker; it never was. This doesn't complete our relationship or
elevate things. It's just fucking awesome.
Evan snorted. God, you're a walking erection.
For your ass's sake, be glad that isn't true. You'd have to quit work.
Have I created a monster?
Matt mock growled.
They heard the doors of a car open and shut outside, the noise of the kids coming up the walkway and
to the front door.
Quiet naked time over. Matt sighed as Evan disentangled and sat up.
Hiiiii, we're home, Elizabeth slammed into the house and ran over to jump into Evan's lap. We
had a great time. Did you miss us?
Were you gone? Matt threw a throw pillow playfully at her head.
Ellie and Walt brought in the rear as Katie and Danny were bickering over something; there were
questions about food and did anyone want coffee. Evan stood up and went into the kitchen.
Matt lay on the couch with a dopey smile on his face. He just couldn't help himself.
Chapter Eighteen
Bennet poured Matt a drink at the bar and handed him the heavy cut glass filled with amber liquid. It
wasn't like Matt was expecting Bennet to crack open some brewskis, but still he sniffed before he
took a sip.
So I'm curious what you decided, Matt. Bennet didn't waste time getting to the point. He sat in an
elegant chair, legs crossed and black eyes narrowed in the other man's direction. Will you take the
job with me?
This is going to sound crazy, because frankly you're offering me a shitload of money, but I'm
needed at home. Matt sank into the creamy white cushions of the sofa. The kids aren't ready to be
alone, you know?
No, actually I don't. Bennet said with a laugh. But one day I hope to. I suppose I can appreciate
your devotion to family. If you won't do the everyday detail, I was wondering if I could impose on
you some consulting work. We could work our meetings into a schedule that wouldn't conflict with
your other obligations.
There was no irony or derision in the man's tone and that sealed the deal for Matt.
Consulting, I can do. I'm guessing you mean security and not& Matt gestured at the opulent space
Bennet referred to as his office.
Decorating.
I don't know, I'm thinking of going suburban man cave next season, Bennet said drily. But yes,
security consulting. I'm building a new place out on the island, and I'd like it to be as safe and secure
as humanly possible.
You don't mind me saying, I think you're going a tad overboard with the security thing. I know what
happened to Daisy was scary, but&
I know I seem overcautious, but Daisy means the world to me, and second only to that is my privacy.
I've long since existed mostly under the radar, but now well, now the spotlight seems to be shining
in my direction.
Good for your career.
Bad for peace of mind. Bennet sipped his drink. Will you help me, Matt? I promise to make it
worth your while.
Done. And don't worry we'll find someone to watch Daisy twenty-four seven if need be. She'll be
fine.
They finished up a bit more business, and though Matt tried his best to demur, Bennet pushed a check
into his hand for their meeting. Matt resisted the urge to choke when he saw the tightly scripted
numbers written out on the pale blue paper.
He dialed Evan's cell phone as he waited for the valet guy to bring his car around.
Hey, wanna have dinner tonight? he asked before Evan could get out anything but a hello.
We have dinner every night, Evan said, and Matt eye-rolled the wall of the garage.
I mean, you and me, out alone for dinner.
The kids&
Can order Chinese and watch television without our presence. Come on it's Friday night. Date
night.
I& Evan seemed to hesitate, then sighed. Matt held his breath just a little bit. He knew things
weren't entirely settled, but they had to start somewhere. Dinner on a Friday night sans children and
with a big check would be a good place to start.
Okay, Evan said finally. I should be home around seven.
Perfect.
* * *
Matt gave the kids fifty bucks and made them sign blood oaths to behave like little angels and not call
unless someone was unconscious. Their eyes wide at the wad of tens, they all three nodded and
swore.
I think I'm almost ready to buy a car, Katie announced as she pocketed her share.
I still want a pony, Elizabeth said.
Danny mumbled something about his own place.
He took a shower and changed into a respectable outfit, a date outfit frankly, dark jeans that fit well,
and a long-sleeved button down with a leather jacket.
He even used aftershave.
Katie whistled when he came downstairs, and Matt tried not to blush.
Dad just pulled up, Elizabeth announced from the deep recesses of the easy chair.
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