Chapter Nine
“So, Richard’s brother is your mate,” Terry said. It was a few minutes after he’d put Connor down for his nap.
“Yeah, it was unexpected.”
“I find it a bit Hollywoodish,” he said rolling his eyes. “Two childhood best friends fall in love with brothers. Gods, I need water to wash away the sweetness of it all.”
“Gods, you’re an asshole.”
“That is true,” Terry said. “But you knew that about me anyway, and it’s also the reason why you love me.”
“Unfortunately, I do.” Terry walked over to Winter and pulled him into a hug. “I miss her so much.”
“I know you do, and I wish that I was here for you and her. I failed as your friend. I’m sorry.” He leaned back and cupped Winter’s cheeks. “But she trusted you, and it allowed her to die in peace. She knew that her son would be taken care of and it isn’t because you loved her. It’s because of who you are. If I had a kid, you’d be the one I’d want to leave him or her with.”
“You make me sound like a loyal pet,” Winter told him as he wiped off his face.
“But you’re such a cute little pet, yes you are,” Terry said pinching his cheeks making him smile.
“You’re annoying,” Winter said pulling him into a hug. “I know you don’t like staying in one place too long, but don’t leave me. Not yet.”
Terry kissed him on the crown of his head. “I’ll leave when I know you don’t need me.”
“That will never happen. I’ll always need you.”
“Tell me that in a couple of weeks when I get on your nerves.”
They both stepped back when Winter’s cellphone rang. His brows creased together when he saw that it was the college that he worked for during the summer months.
“Hey, let me take this,” Winter said to Terry.
“Yeah, you do that. I’m going to head out.”
“You don’t have to leave.”
“I need to go see my folks.” He kissed Winter on the side of his head again. “Answer the phone before they hang up.”
He was out the door before Winter could stop him. “Hello.”
“Mr. Di Matteo, this is Janice Perl, Dean Filmore’s assistant.”
“Is there something wrong?” Winter asked. He knew he was grieving, but he’d made sure to fill out the forms correctly.
“There’s nothing to worry about. Dean Filmore would like to meet with you next week. He would like to offer you a full-time position with us.”
“Wh…what?”
“I see I’ve caught you off guard?”
“Yes, you have.”
“I understand, but Dean Filmore and most of the faculty are impressed with the reviews you receive from the students and feel you would be an asset to us.”
“Wow.” Winter had never looked at the end of semester reviews because he felt they were the student’s feelings on the course, and nothing should be taken personally. “Can I have some time to think about it?”
“Of course, but Dean Filmore would still like to meet with you. There are a few things he wants to speak with you about, just to sweeten the pot, so to speak.”
Winter chuckled. “How much sweeter is he going to try and make it? I’m sure the job comes with a higher pay than what I make already.”
