Dorian had moved to stand behind Josh, one hand resting lazily on the back of his neck. The touch looked possessive but gentle, his fingers absentmindedly scratching the short hair there while he continued observing the room.
Josh was too focused on the accountants to be affected by what seemed likely to be Dorian’s go-to way to calm him down. “Does Oliver know about this?” he asked, his voice hesitant.
“No. I wanted my party games to be a surprise,” I answered.
Josh grimaced. “Because he really hates watching stuff like this.”
“I think it depends.”
“That’s not—”
“Relax,” I cut in. “It’ll be fine.”
Josh looked unconvinced. “He’ll get upset,” he insisted. “Like, actually upset.”
Dorian’s hand tightened slightly in Josh’s hair. “He’ll be fine,” Dorian said quietly.
Josh glanced back at him. “You don’t know that.”
“I do.”
“Why?”
Dorian’s mouth twitched. “You’ll just have to see.”
Lane made a soft noise of agreement. “Hayes and Hudson will handle it. Plus, if you two do end up too uncomfortable, you can just hang out in another spot in the house.”
Josh blinked between them, clearly unsure how that was supposed to be reassuring.
I leaned forward, resting my elbows on the table.
“Listen,” I said gently. “Tonight is about bonding. No one has to do anything they don’t want to.” I continued cheerfully, “Participation is completely optional.”
Across from me, one of the accountants began shaking his head violently.
Lane covered a small laugh with his hand.
“Not for them. Obviously,” I added.
Josh looked like he was reconsidering every life choice that had brought him into this house.
Outside, headlights suddenly cut through the trees again.
I perked up immediately. “Looks like we’ll be able to get started soon.”
A black SUV tore up the gravel drive a little faster than necessary before the vehicle braked sharply near Greyson’s car.
The driver’s door swung open, and Hayes stepped out.
Even from this distance, there was no mistaking the twins. Tall—easily the tallest in the family—with swimmer’s builds that made them look sleek rather than bulky. Hayes was dressed like he usually was—tight black jeans, a dark top that hugged his torso, with boots that crunched softly against the gravel as he walked around the front of the car.
The passenger door opened next.
And there he was.
Oliver climbed out, so small compared to the rest of them, barely reaching Hayes’s shoulder when he stepped around the door. His curly brown hair bounced a little with the movement, unruly as always. He wore an oversized cardigan that looked about three sizes too big, loose pants, and comfortable sneakers.
Exactly the opposite of his husbands.
