“By helping me convince him to stay.”
ABRIEFsearch of the house turned up no sign of Alex. “Figures,” Paul huffed over his morning coffee. The moment he started to think Alex a worthwhile human being, the man went out hunting ass. No, that wasn’t entirely fair. Alex had every right to go out and find a willing partner.At least he’s giving me what I want and leaving me alone.Paul wondered, if he’d truly gotten what he wanted, why he felt abandoned.
After breakfast he called the florist to ensure they’d delivered the gladiolas—Alfred’s favorite flower—and hurried to the hospital, arriving seconds after visiting hours began. He knocked and then opened the door, grinning when he spotted Alfred sitting up and appearing little worse for the wear. His smile dimmed at the sight of Alex reclining in the chair next to the bed, looking smugly satisfied.
“Good morning, sunshine,” Alex said, upping the wattage on his smile. He sat up, causing his shirt to gape open and revealing a vivid bite on his chest.
“Alex,” Paul greeted coolly, concealing his red face in Alfred’s neck with a hug. He’d actually slept with Alex! And left evidence for anyone to see! Ignoring his ill-advised one-night stand and the telltale love bites, Paul focused his full attention on Alfred. “How’re you today? What’s the doctor saying?” he blithered, hoping the dim lights hid his embarrassment.
Alfred grinned like a kid at Christmas. “The procedure went well, and if I’m careful and do what the doctor tells me, I’ll be back on my feet in no time.”
“Wonderful! The house seems empty without you.”And without Alex, Paul added silently. No need to pad the man’s already overinflated ego by telling him, though.
Alfred snorted. “The house would seem empty with a dozen of me in it. As much as I love the place and the memories it holds, sometimes it’s too damned big.”
“Well, I love staying there. It always felt like home to me,” Paul replied, heartened by Alfred’s improvement. After his uncle’s illness, he’d developed a fear of hospitals, associating them with bad news. Particularly Mercy General Hospital, where he’d spent a good deal of time over the past year—and where his father had died. Despite the doctor’s prognosis, he’d privately feared Alfred’s trip a one-way ticket. He murmured an inaudible prayer of thanks.
A quiet “ahem” reminded him of Alex’s presence. The man’s twinkling baby blues gave a moment’s warning before Alfred sprang the unexpected. “Paul, I know I’ve asked before, now I’m asking again. Please consider moving in, at least temporarily, until I’m back on my feet.”
Paul’s mouth dropped open, and he swept a panicked gaze back and forth between the two men, sensing collusion. Finding his voice, he squeaked, “How does Alex feel about me living under the same roof?”
“Alex?” Alfred raised a brow at his nephew, humor sparkling in his eyes.
“I think that would be an excellent idea,” Alex replied with a grin.
“You’re sure?” Paul went from surprised to wary at light speed. Alex had wanted him gone mere days ago; what happened since then to change his mind? Oh, yeah. Sex happened. Sadly, sex wouldn’t be happening again.
Alex’s answer sounded convincingly earnest. “Yeah, I’m sure. We’ve been talking, and I’ve decided to sell my place back in Houston. I’m moving here permanently.”
“Here? Why?” Never in his wildest dreams would Paul have believed Alex would give up a glamorous, carefree lifestyle to move to LA and care for an aging relative. And if Alex relocated, Paul would have to watch the beautiful bastard fuck his way through the local population. That idea didn’t appeal for more reasons than he cared to admit.
“Because Uncle Alfred asked me to,” Alex replied simply.
“All in the same house?” Paul suddenly visualized himself as a mouse caught between two cats. No matter which way he turned, he’d find no escape.
“Well, we’re still debating. I’d originally planned to find a condo downtown. However, it turns out Uncle Alfred wasn’t a hot-shot California attorney for nothing.” Alex cast a sly gaze at Paul. “He’s kind of persuasive and likes having us both at the house.”
So do I,Paul’s heart said, frustration creeping in at the thought of seeing Alex every day, knowing he couldn’t have more. They did say familiarity bred contempt. Maybe he’d lose interest after a few more weeks of daily exposure. His own reservations aside, the arrangement would make Alfred happy. It wasn’t like Paul’s store assistant couldn’t handle things through the week, and he could always drive back to Bishop on weekends.
A nurse tapped on the door, saving him from having to make an immediate decision. “Excuse me, gentlemen. I need to change Mr. Anderson’s dressings and remove his catheter. Would you mind stepping outside?”
“No problem,” Alex answered. “We’ll head down to the cafeteria and get some coffee.” Grinning like a child with a new toy, he wrapped an arm around Paul, steering him from the room.
When the door closed behind them, Paul jerked away, hissing, “What the hell do you think you’re doing?”
The wicked grin disappeared. “Look, I know what you’re thinking, and I had nothing to do with the invitation. Uncle Alfred wants us with him—both of us.” Alex’s bold blue eyes held none of their usual mockery. “I know I haven’t been there for him like I should, or for Byron, either, and there’s nothing I can do about it now. I can’t change the past, but I can try to do better in the future. Alfred’s about all I have left, family-wise, and he wants me here. He also wants you here.”
A warm hand cupped Paul’s cheek, and the heady scent Alex had worn the night they’d spent together filled his senses, inspiring an immediate reaction. Paul jumped. Shit! One night in Alex’s bed and he’d reverted to a hormonal teenager! No wonder the man was arrogant if he managed such an effect after a single night of sex.
Possibly misunderstanding the reason for Paul pulling away, Alex sighed, dropping his hand to his side. “I know I’ve said some things, done some things that I shouldn’t have. I’ve made some pretty harsh accusations, and I’m sorry.”
What? Alex apologizing? Paul opened his mouth to argue, but Alex cut him off. “No, just listen. I won’t bother you again. It’s clear you love the old man in there as much as I do. I’m now coming to understand what kind of love that is, and I’m willing to admit I assumed wrong about a lot of things.”
Again, Paul found himself wondering who this person was and what they’d done with the real Alex Martin—not that he’d pay the ransom if a note suddenly appeared. He liked this rational being much better, so he gave Alex the benefit of the doubt. “Go on.”
Alex raked his fingers through his hair and stared at the floor. “I want you to understand how much I worry about my uncle. As misguided as I was, I only wanted to protect him. Knowing how you much you care about him, I believe you’d do the same.”
Paul honestly couldn’t argue the point. He had no idea what changed Alex’s mind about him, but for Alfred’s sake, he’d accept the cease-fire at face value—for now. He still didn’t fully trust Alex, though he desperately wanted to. It would make working and living together a hell of a lot easier. Perhaps in time…. “I don’t know what to say.”
