Hodges hugged him back and whispered, “Is someone dying?”
Reese cracked up and let go. “No, you old man. We’re just happy to see you. And happy to be home.”
“Hey! Who are you calling old man?” Hodges cried indignantly.
Reese rolled his eyes and turned to David, who still hovered by the car, giving them space for their reunion. Reese held out his hand, and David stepped forward and took it.
Reese had said he hadn’t any intention of hiding this, and he didn’t, but in hindsight, hereallyshould have told Hodges what was going on.
Though, howthatphone call would have gone, Reese could not imagine.
Shaking off the horrifying thought, Reese gestured between the two men.
“Hodges, this is David Zapetti. David, this is Hodges.”
David shook Hodges’ hand. “It’s nice to meet you in person. It’s good to put a face with the name and the voice.”
“Same.”
When their handshake ended, Mati threaded her fingers through David’s now-free hand, linking the three of them together and smiling up at Hodges.
Reese knew the moment Hodges figured it out—not because he appeared shocked or appalled or amused, but because his face went completely blank.
“Have a nice time in Boston, did you?”
“We did,” Reese agreed cheerfully.
“See the sights?”
“Did we ever.”
Mati failed to muffle her snort.
“And the drive?” Hodges asked, soldiering on.
Reese grinned. “Great. Turns out I enjoy going both ways.”
David flinched.
Hodges arched an eyebrow. “Fascinating,” he said, dry as dust. “So, it was an educational trip.”
Reese pictured himself giving David a blowjob. “I mastered many new skills,” he agreed, his cheeks getting hot.
Hodges glared at him. “Wonderful. With that in mind, I shall now go to the kitchen and gouge out my eyeballs with a spoon.”
“Oh, great. You can show me where the kitchen is,” David said, ignoring Hodges’ dramatics. “I’ll help unload and then get lunch started.”
“Lunch?” Hodges asked.
“David loves to cook,” Mati said with a knowing smirk.
“Real food?”
Reese didn’t think Hodges needed to soundthathopeful.
David paused as he lifted bags from the car. “As opposed to what?”
“Microwave burritos?” Hodges asked.
