“Not anymore,” Jesse corrected.
“Daddy doesn’t work Sundays any longer,” Lake said softly. “That’s our time.”
“That’s good,” Jacob said sincerely as he reached in the container for his tea bag. “I’m glad to hear it.”
“We’re not talking about me,” Jesse interrupted. “Why are you having tea so late?”
He didn’t owe his brother an explanation. Like he said, Jacob was an adult. “Because I want one.”
“Jacob,” Jesse warned.
Sometimes Jacob had to remind himself that Jesse was so protective because he loved him. It had been the two of them against the world for so long that it had just become habit for Jesse. And maybe sometimes Jacob needed Jesse checking on him. Hadn’t it been just a few nights ago that panic and fear had taken Jacob to hide in his bed?
“I’m fine,” Jacob said soothingly. “I swear. I’m actually better than fine. Happy.”
“What’s going on?” Jesse demanded.
It wasn’t his story to tell. Jacob thought about what he could say that would reassure his brother while also keeping James’s confidence. “New year, new me?”
Jesse snorted. “I don’t believe that for a second. Try again.”
Even Jacob could see how ridiculous that statement sounded. He laughed. “I’m just enjoying my nights until school starts again. I swear I’m fine.”
“You do sound better than the last time we talked,” Jesse admitted. “How are your house guests?”
Damn his brother. Jacob should never have admitted to his attraction to James. “They are not house guests,” he argued, like he always did. “They rent an apartment from me.”
“Uh-huh,” Jesse responded.
“And Scott is visiting with his older brother and friends back home until the next semester starts,” Jacob admitted.
“Which leaves your boy all alone,” Jesse said.
“Not my boy,” Jacob reminded his brother.
“I do think he protests too much,” Jesse teased. “What do you think, baby?”
Lake giggled but didn’t answer.
“Did you call for a reason?” Jacob asked.
“Can’t I call my little brother and check on him?” Jesse questioned with that cocky edge to his voice.
“Minutes,” Jacob corrected. “You are minutes older than me.”
“Still older!” Jesse said and laughed.
Jacob groaned. “How do you put up with him, Lake? Do you want to come live with me? I have a very nice house right by the beach.”
Jesse grumbled and cursed just like Jacob knew he would.
“No, thank you,” Lake replied seriously. “But Daddy said we can come visit and go to the beach when it warms up.”
“I’d love to have you.” The kettle began to whistle, alerting Jacob that his water was boiled.
Jacob turned off the heat under the kettle before carrying it over to his mug. He poured the hot water over the tea bag and set it back down. “Now I would like to enjoy my tea in peace. Is there anything else or did you just have to hear my voice.”
“Lake wanted to invite you to town for his birthday in a few weeks. We’re going to have a party at the club,” Jesse told him.
