“If that’s what you want to do.”
“It is,” Creed told him, but Winter got the feeling his mate wasn’t sure. He wasn’t going to force the issue, not at that moment anyway. “All right let’s go downstairs, I’m sure Terry and Jarrod are at each other’s throats by now.”
“Terry?”
“Yeah, I left him in the kitchen.”
“Baby, Terry isn’t here. When Riley and I walked into the kitchen, it was empty.”
“That’s weird. I know he and Jarrod don’t get along, but I thought Terry would have at least stuck around for me.”
“Maybe that’s why he left, and he didn’t want to ruin our night by arguing with Jarrod.”
“I guess, but I would have loved for him to have at least said bye.”
“I’ll kick his ass later for you,” Creed said leaning to kiss him on the side of his head. “Come on. I can’t wait for you to meet Riley.”
Winter pasted a smile on his face and walked down the stairs with his mate. When they got to the living room, he was happy to see his parents there with another man he could only guess was Creed’s friend. Riley was not what he expected, knowing Creed’s type. He was muscular and about Creed’s height with cool brown skin, short wavy hair, and deep brown eyes that reminded Winter of chocolate.
“Riley, I’d like for you to meet my mate, Winter Di Matteo.”
“It’s nice to meet you finally,” Riley said extending his hand, then pulled back realizing Winter was holding Connor. “It’s great to put a name to the face finally.”
“You as well,” Winter said, hoping he sounded convincing. “Creed talks about you a lot.”
“Don’t believe anything he tells you, I’m not that nice.”
Winter chuckled and hated himself for thinking the worst about the man. Riley seemed like a nice guy.
“This must be Connor?”
“Yeah, he’s our little bundle of joy,” Creed said like a proud father. “Do you want to hold him?”
“Would it be all right if I did?”
“Yeah,” Creed answered before taking the child from Winter’s arms, kissing him on the cheek before handing him to Riley.
The second Connor turned his head and looked at the other man, he let out a wail that Winter had never heard before. He knew he’d told the kid to cry when they met Riley, but he didn’t expect Connor to actually do it.
That’s my boy.He couldn’t stop himself from thinking.
Acting quickly, Winter stepped beside them lifting Connor from Riley’s arms and he immediately quieted down. “It’s all right, Connor, I’m here.”
“Maybe he doesn’t like me,” Riley said. He looked sad, and Winter almost felt sorry for him.
“I think it’s because you’re a stranger,” Winter said, soothing the man's ego. “He’s never met you before, plus he’s been a bit cranky all day since he’s teething.” Winter started backing out of the room. “Why don’t you guys follow me into the kitchen while I get Connor situated, and then we can eat.”
“Do you need any help?” His mother asked, and for a strange reason her voice sounded as if she was holding back a chuckle.
“No, mom, I’m good.”
“I’m sorry, man, I guess Connor is having one of his off days.” Winter heard Creed say as he left the living room.
“I got to hold him, and he didn’t cry,” Jarrod added, and it made Winter want to go back into the room and kick his friend’s ass.
