“I feel like I should bump and grind, but not in front of the babies.”
“No. You’ll traumatize my Pansy.”
“Exactly.” Dillon slid in next to him on the couch, snuggling up.
He wrapped one hand around Dillon’s hip, settled the blankets. “This good?”
“This is grand.” Keying up the remote, Dillon started the movie.
“Hell, yeah.” It was perfect.
Perfect.
Chapter Sixteen
“So, what should I get Coke for Christmas?” Dillon tilted the phone up under his ear, doing the dance of cooking and talking at the same time.
“Porn?” He heard Sam Bell’s laugh, low and husky.
God, it was good to hear Sammy’s voice. For a bit there, he’d thought it would never happen again. “I could get the video camera, I guess. Give him home movies.”
“Uh-huh. I came to get Beau a truck box for the hammer and wire. A new one.” The brain injury had scrambled Sammy’s ability to talk a little, but it was so good to know he was still in there.
“That’s cool, man. I was thinking of a snowmobile…”
Mmm. Bacon.
“Oh, yeah? Coke likes to spin the four-wheelers. That’s four-wheelers in the snow. I walk to come and try.” Right, like Beau’d allow that.
“Any time, Sammy. You know I like speed.”
“You come to see us?” Sam asked.
“Yeah. Yeah, we’re planning to after Christmas.”
“Good. Beau can cook.” Sammy laughed, and he heard Beau’s soft, teasing voice.
“Coke will be tickled. Me? I’ll sneak in McDonald’s.”
“Bring me a shake.”
“I will. Give Beau a big hug for Coke and pinch his butt for me, huh?” Beau would laugh like a loon at the very idea.
“I will. Tell Nate happy Santa.”
Nate. Jesus. “You know it, Sammy. Love you.” He never, ever wanted his friend not to know that.
“Love you, man. Going.” Click.
He chuckled, shook his head. Lord.
Coke’s cell phone started ringing in the living room. He knew Coke was outside, working on the hot tub cover.
Dillon bebopped out and got it, taking it back to his bacon. “’Lo?”
“Gramps? It’s Aje. Missy’s all swollen and she’s going into the hospital.”
“Coke is outside. Hold on, huh?” This was important enough to have Coke actually talk to AJ, even if they couldn’t do anything.
