“What you gettin’ at, Chuck?” Like Grandma, sometimes Chuck knew things.
“Oh, nothing. Been watching your videos and wondered who the pretty helmet is for.”
Oh, crap. “You never watch my channel.”
“Says who? If that’s the only way I can see you, I’ll take what I can get. Love the new look, by the way.”
Fuck. And Slade couldn’t ditch Noah to meet Chuck somewhere. Also, he didn’t want to involve his brother in all this hocus pocus shit. “I’m currently in Kentucky. I’ll let you know when I get back out your way.”
“I’m not hanging up until you tell me who the special person is.” Chuck’s stubborn streak hadn’t faded any since they grew up.
Slade let out a sigh. How much could he safely say? “We’re still new.”
“Oh? So thereissomeone. How new?”
“Less than two months.”
“Over a month?”
“Yeah.”
“I’m impressed. Tell me all about him.”
Though Slade called his lover Noah, he’d seen fake papers with the name “Mace” and a few others. Mace could be a nickname. Then again, Chuck sniffed out lies and half-truths better than a werewolf sniffed out rabbits. Must be something to do with teaching kids. “His name is Noah.”
Chuck groaned. “Please tell me he’s not a twink.”
“He’s thirty.” Or so they thought, not knowing Noah’s actual age when Paul found him.
“Ah, a real, live grownup, who you’ve kept around for longer than a month. It’s a miracle! I need to meet this guy. What does he do?”
Awkward question. “Right now, we’re on vacation.”
“What about when you’re not on vacation?”
Chuck wouldn’t let things go. “He’s my assistant.”
“Watch out for sexual harassment claims.”
Why was Slade’s face suddenly so hot? “We were… umm… involved before I hired him.” Not entirely accurate but "it's complicated" had never been truer. Slade watched the windows. So far, Noah hadn’t peeked out. With his hearing, he had to know Slade was home.
Home. A concept to worry about another day.
“Then—”
Slade cut off whatever comeback Chuck planned. “How did you know Lisa was special?”
Chuck’s tone grew cautious. “Getting serious, huh?”
“Maybe.”
“The fact you’re asking tells me you already know. About fucking time too. Bro, don’t fuck this up.” A wail sounded in the background. “I gotta go. The boss calls. Slade?”
“Yes?”
“You’d better damned call me, and I want to meet this guy.” Chuck ended the call before Slade answered.
Noah had come to mean something to Slade, more than merely a guy needing protection. More like he needed Slade, not simply anyone, justSlade.
