Neo’s gaze moves over to Wylder, and he makes a face. “Well, I guess you’ll do then.”
Wylder sighs. “I’m not interested. I don’t do men.”
“Why not?” Neo runs a hand down his chest. “I’m fantastic. Ugh, whatever. Where are the other hot brothers lurking? I know they’re all hotter than this troll.”
Wylder doesn’t bother to answer. “I’m going to my office. Makesure you walk him to the gate when he leaves. We don’t need him meeting Harley.”
There’s truth in that. He doesn’t need to meet any of my brothers. Neo seems like he’s trouble. I can’t imagine him teaming up with one of them. But then again, what fun would that be. What a riot.
“Can I show him the house?” Ansel asks, and I cock my head.
But before I can answer, Wylder shouts, “Do not show him the fucking house! My god!”
Neo grunts. “Rude.”
Ansel pats his arm. “He doesn’t trust you. I don’t think they trust many, to be fair.”
Neo sweeps a disapproving gaze over the foyer. “Yeah, well, they are the Buckinghams. They should be wary. Because it wouldn’t take much to bring a family like this down. I bet they have skeletons in all sorts of closets. Lots of them.” He meets my stare. “You do, don’t you?”
I don’t answer. If Neo wants a staring match, I’m game. I can outlast anyone. Just watch.
Ansel rolls his eyes at us. “I should’ve known you’d be like this with each other. Can you just not, please? Neo, keep those thoughts inside, and, Cade, stop glaring at him.”
I don’t blink or look away from Neo. “I’m not glaring. I’m staring.”
Neo waggles his brows. “Bring it on. I’m the stare-master champion.”
“That’s Stairmaster,” Ansel corrects him, shoving him with a scowl. “And you’ve never been near a Stairmaster in your life.”
Neo looks away from me, and I secretly crow in triumph. “Why would I torture myself? There are far more fun ways to get your cardio in, thank you very much.”
That’s true. I can think of several I want to do with Ansel. I wonder how fast I can get Neo out of here so I can make a start on it. My ass is still sore, but hopefully Ansel’s has recovered.
Unfortunately, it looks like I’m going to have to wait. Ansel is looping his arm through Neo’s and steering him toward the kitchen. “Yeah, I’ve heard you getting your ‘cardio’ in far too often. Are you seeing that guy still? The plumber?”
“Yeah.” Neo’s head bobs energetically. “I mean, we’re not exclusive or anything. But I’m hopeful.”
I trail after them, unable to stop myself piping up. “So hopeful that you’re hitting on my one straight brother and asking about the others.”
There’s a wicked gleam in Neo’s eyes as he glances back at me. “Ah! So only one is straight, then. Lucky me.”
“Behave,” Ansel scolds him. “You’re worse than a dog in heat.”
“Don’t judge me,” Neo says as we enter the kitchen. “Not all of us are content to be single forever like you. It’s about time you got laid, given how long it’s been.”
My chest puffs up as Ansel shoots me a shy look, his cheeks glowing. “Maybe I’m not single anymore.”
I kiss Ansel’s cheek before swiping an apple from the fruit bowl. “That’s right. We’re together now. Ansel’s mine.”
“Reeeeally?” Neo stretches out the word over several syllables as he perches on a stool. “Interesting. And you’ve known each other how long?”
My eyes narrow as I slide my hands onto Ansel’s shoulders. “Time doesn’t matter when it’s right. When you know, you know.”
Ansel squeezes my fingers, smiling up at me. “Exactly. And we know.”
“Hm.” Neo clearly isn’t convinced, but whatever he’s going to say next is forgotten as Jules slides a plate of pancakes in front of him. His head whips around to stare at the chef. “What’s this?”
“Crepes.” Jules bows his head with a small smile. “Or pancakes, as you heathen Americans insist on calling them. Can I interest you in toppings? We have strawberries, raspberries, Nutella, sprinkles, cream…whatever you can think of. Nothing’s too much trouble.”
