“What?” Arran shrugs. “I’m being factual.”
And God help me, I laugh. Because I can’t stop it. It’s too much. Too surreal. Too weirdly perfect.
Rowan steps forward then, slower than the others. His expression softens into something warm, steady, almost vulnerable. “Derrick,” he says in that deep Scottish voice.
“May I …?”
We love a consent king. I swallow and nod. His hug is gentler, grounding. Not chaotic like Callum’s. Just … solid.
“I’m really glad to finally meet you,” he murmurs.
“Me too,” I whisper.
Tavish pushes him aside. “My turn.” He hugs me like I’m his long-lost best friend. “I can’t believe this is happening. We’ve wanted to know about you for so long.”
Arran hugs me last, warm and sweet. “You’re stuck with us now. Sorry in advance.”
Callum throws an arm around my shoulders. “Okay, now, we can start this sibling shit for real.”
“Oh, who are you?” Arran asks, clocking Charlie in the doorway, silently taking it all in.
Charlie clears his throat, smiling. “Hi. I’m Charlie.”
Callum eyes him up. “Damn, brother, you did good.”
I slap his arm. “Stop flirting with my boyfriend.”
“I see jealousy runs in the family.” Callum winks.
“This is awesome. We’ve never had a gay brother before,” Tavish says, looking genuinely thrilled.
Rowan groans. “For the love of …” He pinches the bridge of his nose.
“Was that offensive?” Tavish asks, looking very confused, which is sweet.
“I’ve never had straight brothers before,” I tease, which makes Tavish burst out laughing.
“I knew you would be cool.” Tavish grins.
Tavish then shakes Charlie’s hand, and we usher them into my home, which feels rather small with these four burly men and Charlie in it.
“Can I get anyone drinks? We have beer, wine, champagne, water, sodas?” Charlie asks.
“Think today deserves champagne, don’t you think?” Callum answers.
“Every day deserves champagne,” I tell him.
“You’re going to fit right in,” Callum tells me as we take our seats in the living room.
“Your home is beautiful,” Rowan says, taking a seat in the armchair.
“It’s the first home I’ve ever bought. It’s small, but I love it.”
“Such a great location too. You’re near the action,” Callum adds.
“My studio and shop are just up the road within walking distance, because LA traffic is horrendous. Dirty Texas Records is a couple of doors up, which is great for my business partner, Sienna. She’s married to Evan Wyld from Dirty Texas, and they can see each other,” I explain.
“Derrick is so much cooler than you guys. He hangs out with rockstars,” Tavish adds.
