A loud meow rent the silence, and before he knew it, Cleo jumped into his lap. As he stroked her, he thought about the miraculous events of the day.
Now that Brandon had found his brothers, his life would take a different turn. They’d be able to introduce him to the life he should’ve had. What Tash still didn’t completely understand was why Brandon had run away, lived under an assumed name, and never tried to contact anyone. Although Luke had changed his name, Ash hadn’t. Surely Brandon would’ve looked for his older brother at some point.
The doorbell rang. Caesar stalked off into the depths of the house, and Cleo followed him, jumping off Tash’s lap to race behind her brother. He wasn’t expecting anyone but figured Valerie was the most likely person. After all, who else would come see him but his sister?
It was a bit of a shock, therefore, when he opened the door and found Brandon on his doorstep. In a calmer state than he had been earlier, Tash hesitated, then leaned his shoulder on the door frame, not offering Brandon entrance into the house. Tash could see Brandon noticed his actions as he’d already taken a step up as if to walk inside, then stopped, an uncertain expression on his face.
“Um, hi?” Confusion reigned in Brandon’s eyes.
Tash’s stomach tightened with unaccustomed nerves. “Hi. What are you doing here?” Why was Brandon not with his brothers and their families?
“What’s wrong? Are you mad at me or something?” Brandon wrapped his arms around his waist as a chill wind blew in from the river. It smelled like autumn; the dampness of the air mixed with the smell of fallen, decayed leaves and the smokiness of people’s fireplaces. Tash had yet to light his; it was one of the things he loved about the season.
He knew he’d sounded angry—harsh and more blunt than necessary—but maybe that would keep Brandon at a distance.
You’ll thank me for this. I’m doing what’s best for the both of us.
“No. I’m surprised to see you, is all.” The chill was becoming too much for him in his thin clothing and bare feet. With a resigned sigh, he moved away from the entrance and opened the door wider. “Come on in.”
Now it was Brandon who hesitated. “Are you sure?”
No. Because if I let you in, I’m going to want to kiss you again, and I know I shouldn’t.
“Yeah, come on. I can’t let the cats see the door open.”
Brandon stepped inside yet made no movement to enter the house, remaining by the front hall. Tash raised a brow.
“Let’s go in the kitchen. I was about to make something for dinner.”
Without waiting for an answer, he turned and walked away but heard the tread of Brandon’s footsteps behind him. The kitchen was safer than the living room, with its wide and comfortable sofa. Nothing sexual would be happening against the cabinets or hard quartz countertops.
“Can I help?” The hesitancy in Brandon’s voice saddened Tash.
Help me understand why I can’t stop thinking about you.
“Uh, sure.” He indicated the big pot on the stove. “Can you fill it with water? I’m going to boil some water for the pasta.”
“Sure.” Brandon hefted the pot and brought it to the sink. “What were you going to make?”
“Just some pasta and sauce.” Tash shrugged. “I don’t really cook, even though I buy all this delicious-looking stuff from the supermarket, intending to try. At the end of the week I usually have to throw it away.”
“Would you let me make you something? I can look in your fridge.” Brandon stayed on the far side of the kitchen.
Before he could stop himself, Tash said, “Sure. Knock yourself out.”
The smile that broke across Brandon’s face would’ve brought Tash great pleasure if he hadn’t already decided to keep away from the man. Still he warmed to the sight of Brandon busying himself, chopping mushrooms and zucchini and frying them in a pan, then adding a can of crushed tomatoes. Soon the delicious aroma of garlic and onions cooking permeated the air. The comforting sound of the sauce bubbling in the pot mellowed Tash, and he relaxed his guard.
“That smells fantastic.” Tash’s stomach grumbled, and he laughed. “I don’t think I’ve eaten since breakfast.”
“You need to take better care of yourself.” Brandon stirred the sauce and tasted it. “Umm, that’s tasting pretty good already.” He dipped another spoon into the pot and brought it over to Tash. “Here, try it and tell me if you like it.” He held out the spoon.
Tash obediently opened his mouth, and Brandon slid the spoon inside. Flavor exploded inside his mouth, and he moaned around the spoon. “Oh, that’s amazing.” He licked his lips. “Where in God’s name did you learn to cook like this?”
When Brandon failed to answer, Tash glanced up, only to wince at the expression of longing residing in Brandon’s eyes. Instead of asking him again, Tash stood up, hoping that a little distance between them would cool down the flame of attraction that had been building between them all day.
“Why don’t I open a bottle of wine?”
Brandon blinked. “Uh, yeah, sure.” He returned to the stove.
