Chapter Six
Daniel buried himself in the basement, working twenty-hour days. He had so much to accomplish before he was going to have the babies there.
He hadn’t thought that he was going to have to have them sleeping upstairs, and while that didn’t bother him much, it proved that he was going to have to learn to sleep in the afternoons and early evenings when Tenor was at work watching the girls.
For now, all he could do was work his ass off.
His phone binged with a text. Elle.
Can I come down?
Sure.
Dammit. It was Saturday. Already.
Elle appeared, butch as hell, her eyes shining with intelligence. “Just me. I left my girls upstairs with the new nanny. He is hotter than hell.”
“Is he?” Yeah, he knew, but it didn’t matter. He was never going to have a relationship. He knew that. He got hookups when he was travelling.
He slid from behind the piano, going to kiss Elle’s cheek. “How’s it going?”
She wrapped her arms around him and hugged him tightly. “It’s good. Britt is almost hysterical with wanting to see her Uncle Danny. She was devastated when you had to cancel last time. I made her wait upstairs so you can brace yourself for the onslaught.” Elle laughed, but it wasn’t unkind.
“Aww. I’ve just been busy. You know how that is. I leave for London Friday.”
“How long ’til those babies of yours show up? You’re going to be plenty busy then.”
“They’re safe to deliver in nine weeks, so that’s what we’re hoping. We have a doctor appointment on Thursday.”
“The day before you leave for London, eh? Are you excited, honey?”
“Of course.” No, right now he was just scared.
“Liar.”
“Yeah.” He looked at her, suddenly close to breaking down. “What if I can’t do this?”
“Oh, please. That’s a cop-out and you know it. I see how you are with Britt. She doesn’t adore you because you give her loads of candy.”
He didn’t give her candy at all. Which was probably Elle’s point. “You know that’s Matt.”
“Uh-huh.” She grabbed him in a hug and held on. “You aren’t alone, Danny. I swear. You’ve got people that love you.”
“And apparently a hot nanny.”
She snorted. “No apparently about it and don’t tell me you didn’t notice. But yeah. You’ve got a nanny, too, to do all the heavy lifting.”
“Yeah. I don’t know. Maybe I have a weird idea about what a nanny does.”
Her eyebrows drew together. “Now I have to know what you think it is a nanny does.”
“I mean… I don’t know. Matt was a part of everything. Tenor will be working a job, nine to six.”
“Well, in Matt’s case, your folks were gone—he was all you had. And are you sure Tenor’s just going to be working nine to six? I mean, I’ve seen the work he’s had done on the house—this is a guy who is into making this place right for those babies of yours. He seems pretty committed.”
“Yeah. I don’t know. I mean, I just don’t… Did you get the tour already?”
“Yep. I especially liked the bassinets in your room. They made me go awwww. Did you know he’s got a kid monitor in there—I think it connects to his room.”
“I know, but I’ll have them all night. I figure I’ll work when they’re sleeping and then sleep when they’re with Tenor.”
“Honey, there’s three of them—he’s going to help you out at night.” She sounded so sure.
“I can do it. I’m not a slacker. I’m just… worried.”
She looped her arm in his and started him toward the stairs. “I think you should talk to him about it. About what he’s expecting in the first few months. Communication is important.”
“Yeah. I don’t want to seem like an idiot.” He took a deep breath, getting ready to see his Britt.
They came up the stairs and Britt came running as soon as she noticed him. “Uncle Danny!”
“Oh, my sweet godgirl.” He swung Britt around, his heart just swelling. This was the best thing ever.
She squealed, arms holding tight around his neck.
Tenor’s deep chuckles sounded, along with Matt’s softer laughter.
“Uncle Danny! Uncle Danny! Oh, I missed you and missed you. Can I spend the night? Can I sit with you at supper? Are we having noodles?”
“Ask your Grandpa Matt.”
“Actually, Ten is making supper for us tonight, so you’ll have to ask him,” Matt said. “And yes, you can spend the night and you can sit with your Uncle Danny.”
“Oh, thank you!” She ran over and threw her arms around Matt. “I’ll grab my backpack!”
Daniel wandered over and kissed Tish. “Hey, lady. How are you?”
“Looking forward to having a night alone with my lady, actually. Thanks for taking her.”
“You’re welcome. You know I love having her here.”
“Not as much as she loves being here. So, how’s the new guy?” She nodded her head in Tenor’s direction.
“He’s very nice. He’s experienced, kind, and he likes to cook.”
“Hence him making us supper instead of you guys warming something up. It’s about time we met him. You knew you needed Elle’s approval, right?” Her eyes twinkled at him.
“She thinks he’s hot. You ought to be careful.”
“If there was any man I’d be worried she was going to leave me over, it would be you—you guys are like yin and yang.”
He hugged Tish, shook his head. “You know I’m going to steal her away one day.”
They both laughed. He’d been the one to set the girls up, and they were true soulmates. Perfect for each other.
“What’s so funny, Uncle Danny?”
Elle and Tenor and Matt all looked at him too.
“Your momma was telling me a wicked joke about your mom.”
“Really?”
“Uh-huh.”
“What does wicked mean?” Britt asked him.
“It means she was teasing. Have you seen your new room here?”
“I have a new room?” Her eyes lit up, her excitement clear.
“You do. Mr. Tenor has been redoing the whole second floor.”
“Show me! Show me!”
Tenor laughed and held out a hand to her. She looked at Elle first, who nodded, then took his hand.
Daniel watched her go before turning to the ladies. “You two want a glass of wine while we chat about the baby shower? Or did you just go ahead and make plans?”
“Oh, we have to have wine. That’s half the point of having a planning meeting!” Tish went to the cupboard where the wineglasses were kept, taking down four, then turning back to him. “Is Tenor going to join us?”
“Yes.” Right? Tenor ought to.
“Good deal. I might have to grill the man who’s going to be looking out for my godnieces.” Elle gave him a look. “They are going to be my godnieces, right?”
“There is no one else but you two that I’d want. Ever.”
“I know. Just had to make sure.”
Tish rolled her eyes and brought the wineglasses over to the table. “So what are we drinking, o’ guru of wine.”
“I have a nice Merlot. Velvety, rich, a little heady. I’m thinking sparkling apple juice for our girl.”
“She’ll love that.” Tish grabbed the plastic sparkly pink wineglass bought especially for her and added it to the selection on the table.
“Excellent.” He served up, first Britt’s, then everyone else. By the time he was done, Britt and Tenor were back, Tenor smiling.
“Uncle Danny! The whole thing is different. There are baby beds.”
“I’m going to have babies, remember? Three baby girls?”
“You approve of my decorating?” Tenor asked.
“I like the rainbows and the pink.”
Tenor grinned. “I had a hunch. Are you looking forward to meeting Daniel’s babies?”
“No. Babies are loud. When they get bigger, I’ll babysit them.”
Tenor chuckled. “Good thing I like loud things then, eh?”
“Is this your boyfriend, Uncle Danny?”
“No, baby. This is my friend, Tenor. He’s coming to help with the new babies.” Was it his imagination, or had Tenor pinked a little at that?
“Everyone wants to see the new babies.” She rolled her eyes as only a six-year-old could.
“Everyone does. I can’t wait for you to meet them. I’ll need your help a lot, I think. I don’t know how to be a dad to little girls.”
“I could help?” She came and sat near him as the adults settled around the table.
“You sure can. You’ll have to make sure I’m a good daddy.” He held her gaze, her dark eyes sparkling and excited.
She nodded. “I can do that.”
“Thank you.” He held her hand. “You totally rock.”
She beamed at him and laid her head on his arm. “You’re gonna be a good daddy and I’m gonna be a good babysitter.”
“Fair enough, shall we toast?”
She grabbed her glass and clinked it against his.
“To us, Britt.”
“To us.”
“That is the cutest thing ever,” murmured Tenor.
“Isn’t it?” Elle asked, giving Britt and him a sappy look.
He rolled his eyes and rubbed noses with his goddaughter.
Elle, Tish, and Tenor all laughed, but he didn’t care. She was his special girl. He supposed that wouldn’t be true that much longer. Although she’d always be his goddaughter.
She curled up in his lap, and he grinned. No. Britt would always be his special girl. Love wasn’t like pie.
He watched Elle and Tish tag-team Tenor, grilling him on his credentials, his likes and dislikes, his beliefs in childrearing. Tenor took it easily, comfortable in his own skin, sure about his job and his ability to do it.
He’d done well. He could see that. He’d hired a good man to help look after his children.
“So are you going to keep to your five days a week nine-to-five hours when the babies come?” Elle asked, giving Daniel an arch look.
Tenor snorted. “I’m not a jerk. I’ll help out with midnight feedings. Goodness knows it’s more than possible the babies won’t be on the same schedule and feeding will be a continuous thing. I’m not saying Daniel won’t be able to handle things himself, I’m saying he doesn’t have to.”
“Elle, don’t be evil.” He didn’t need her sticking her nose in.
“It was a legitimate question,” Tenor noted. “And I’m going to be there for you when they’re born.”
“You need to be communicating, honey. Really. You get all in your head and you’re not—”
He glared over. “Elle.”
“We’ll manage,” Tenor assured her then gave him a smile. “We will.”
“Of course.”
“Uncle Danny, it’s okay. You can be scared,” Britt told him.
“Can I?”
“Uh-huh. I’m scared of starting school sometimes.”
Oh dear. “You are?”
She nodded seriously. “Momma and Mommy tell me that’s okay.”
“It is. Once you start, you’ll love it, I bet.”
“Recess sounds fun,” she admitted. “And art.”
“And there will be science and music.”
“And English and geography,” Tenor added. “Do you know what letters make up your name?”
“B-I-T-T”
“That’s a really good effort,” Tenor told her. “But I think you’re missing a letter.”
“Uncle Danny?” She turned that dear face to him.
“Let’s do it together. B.”
She nodded. “B.”
“B-R”
“B-R-I-T-T!” She bounced in his lap. “B-R-I-T-T-A-N-Y spells Brittany!”
Tenor clapped. “Good job! You already know something they’re going to teach you in school. So you’re ahead.”
“I’m going to be just like Mom and Uncle Danny when I grow up. I’m going to write musics.”
“You don’t have to wait until you grow up to write music—did you know that?” Tenor asked her. “You could start now.”
“No. Right now I read the music. E-G-B-D-F Right?”
“That’s right.” Daniel clapped, tickled pink. He sang the notes, Britt answering him, her little voice as clear as a bell.
“Oh, you both sound lovely.” Tenor laughed softly. “I can keep a tune. Sort of.”
“She’s amazing,” Elle said. “Our little prodigy.”
“That’s great. Is she helping to plan the baby shower?” Tenor took a sip of his wine and looked pleased with the flavor.
“Uh-huh. We’re having pink and purple balloons and chocolate cake.”
“With pink icing?” Tenor asked.
“Uh-huh. And flowers. Big flowers.”
“Do babies like flowers?” Tenor took another sip of his wine. “I think we’ve got crackers and cheese that would go nicely with this.”
“My new babies will like flowers,” she pronounced, so sure.
Tenor’s lips twitched. “Okay. What else are they going to like?”
“Tater tots and butterflies.”
“Those are two very fine things. Would you like some tater tots for supper tonight?” Tenor asked.
“No. I like noodles. I will have pancakes for breakfast, and tater tots and hot dogs for lunch before Momma and Mom come to pick me up.”
Daniel managed to keep a straight face. “Say thank you for the offer.”
“Oh. Yes. Thank you for asking, but I like noodles.”
“Got it.” Tenor went to the fridge and pulled out some cheese. “Do you like cheese and crackers?”
“Uh-huh. Can I help?”
“Sure. I’ll give you the cheese and the crackers, and you can bring them to the table, okay?” Tenor handed the food over and grabbed small plates and a couple knives, bringing them over to the table in Britt’s wake.
He helped her open the cheese, and Elle poured a little more wine while Tish and Matt decided on music.
Tish got out her iPad and started taking notes as they talked about the baby shower.
“Elle and I are going to get together with Tenor and register you. He knows what you still need, and Elle knows what kind of stuff you’d want. So you don’t have to worry about that at all.”
“Yep. That just leaves us with the guest list.” Elle took a long drink of her wine. “The hall I’ve booked can hold up to a thousand, so just give me your contact list, and we’ll go with that.”
“Of course.”
Tenor gasped. “A thousand people?”
Elle nodded. “This will be the party of the year.”
Tenor turned to Daniel, his eyes almost comically huge. “The party of the year?”
He shrugged. “Do I have to go?”
“You can sit on the queen’s chair with me, Uncle Danny.” Britt patted his hand.
“The queen’s chair? And it’s your baby shower—why wouldn’t you be there? Hell, why are you having this huge party if you don’t want it?” Tenor looked, simply put, confused.
“Because we need to celebrate these babies. Because no one will want to have them out and about and it’ll be fall and the holidays and and and.” Elle winked. “We want to give you the party you gave us, Daniel. You made us feel like we were special.”
“Oh, that’s sweet,” Tenor noted. “But nobody has explained the queen’s chair yet. I sense a story.”
“Our daughter thinks that all parties need a throne for the guest of honor. She’s a little obsessed.” Tish’s voice was dry as dust.
“Then wouldn’t Danny automatically be sitting in the queen’s chair?” Tenor asked.
Britt shook her head vigorously. “It’s my chair. But I’ll let Uncle Danny sit with me.”
Tenor laughed. “Okay. There’s a certain logic to that. I think.”
“There totally is.” Daniel didn’t know what it was, but there must be, right?
Matt brought cookies over. “In case anyone wants something sweet after their cheese and crackers.” Matt did love to spoil his godchild. Daniel had a feeling that was going to go triple when his grandkids arrived.
Britt ended up in his lap as they discussed cakes and food, goodies for the attendees and music. The wine flowed, and soon there was a lovely pasta and everyone was a little tipsy and laughing together, Britt sleeping in his arms.
Tenor seemed to fit pretty well with his friends. He participated a little, watched a lot, and made his girl Britt smile. It made him feel like he really had made the right decision in hiring the guy.
“Let me take her upstairs,” Tenor offered. “I can put her in her new bed.”
“You sure?” He was a little unsteady on his feet.
“Yeah, I’m an old hand at this.” Tenor managed to pick her up out of his lap without waking her.
Matt leaned in after Tenor left. “He stopped drinking wine after the first glass.”
“He didn’t have to.”
Elle chuckled softly. “He’s a good guy. I like him, a lot.”
“Me too.”
Matt nodded sagely. “Daniel picked the right man.”
He grinned over, Matt’s approval feeling good. “Thanks.”
Matt met his gaze and smiled, and he could see the pride there from the only father he could remember. Hell, Matt was the only dad he needed.
It was how he knew it would be okay that his girls only had a single dad. He’d turned out pretty damn good and that’s all he’d had.
Tenor came back in, arms empty. “She didn’t even crack an eyelid.”
“Let’s clean up and then take this to the courtyard, hmm? It’ll be gorgeous with the firepit.” He stood up and grabbed his plate.
The others all grabbed theirs as well, but it was Tenor who got things into the dishwasher and put away the salt and pepper, the block of parmesan. It was Tenor who began washing the wineglasses by hand.
“You don’t have to do that, Tenor. You’re… You don’t have to.”
“I don’t mind, Daniel. Go out with your friends. I’ll join you when this is done.”
“I’ll help.” He felt weird. He wasn’t a slave driver.
“You don’t have to, but it does go quickly with two.”
“Yeah. It does. Will you come to the party?” He didn’t love crowds.
“If you want me there, I’d be honored.”
“I’d like that. Crazy, but it’s dear that they thought of me.”
Tenor snorted. “From what Elle said, it’s going to be the party of the year.”
“Everyone likes a party, I suppose. There will be great music.”
“You’re not really selling it if you want to know the truth. Are you even going to actually know most of the people there?”
“Not a chance.” He’d met them all, sure, but that was it.
“Huh.” Tenor got this look on his face—the one he was coming to learn meant the man was thinking, planning. Up to something.
He sort of liked it, if he was honest. It was… interesting.
Tenor shook himself, like he’d wandered off. Then he smiled at Daniel. “Good to know. I’ll definitely come. I can tell you what gifts are appropriate and which ones you should regift.”
“You’re helping with the registry, right? The girls don’t need gold-plated rattles.”
“I am definitely helping with the registry, but I know Elle and Tish have already included some stuff you really don’t need. Besides, in my experience, lots of people don’t consult the registry, or if everything is marked as bought, instead of buying a duplicate, some of which would be appropriate, they bring their own thing. And I get the feeling, from what’s been said, that a lot of these people are going to be the gold-rattle-buying type.”
“Maybe if someone bought them little pianos.”
“Baby grands for the babies.” Tenor said it with a straight face, too.
“Pink ones.” He started giggling.
“Diamond encrusted.” Tenor still hadn’t broken into a smile, but his cheeks were beginning to show the strain of not laughing.
“With platinum stools…”
“There’s got to be gold somewhere too…” Tenor narrowed his eyes. “I’ve got it! The keys can be gold and silver instead of ebony and ivory.” Soft snickers were coming out of the man now.
He rolled with mirth, just tickled pink. God, this was fun. He just might be able to survive this party if he could count on Tenor for this kind of support.
“You know, now I’m tempted to put this in as a write-in on the registration list. See if anyone tries to come up with it.”
“Yeah, yeah. Don’t tell Elle.” He stopped, blinked. “I want a place where we can have donations to something. Something for kids.”
Tenor’s smile was warm, full. “That’s the best thing I’ve heard all night. You want me and Matt to look some up?”
“Yes. Totally. How much shit do we need? I like the idea of giving back.”
“Well, we don’t need any ‘shit’ because I didn’t know there was going to be a shower and pretty much bought everything already.”
“Now we have a plan.” Lots of people would bring gifts anyway, but this was better.
“We’ll find a couple of great children’s charities. I wonder if we put a goal in it’ll encourage people to go that way over gifts…”
He could see Tenor was busy working things out in his head.
“Talk to Tish. She’ll know how to do it.”
“She do a lot of charity stuff?” Tenor asked.
“More than the rest of us. She’s a spokesperson, huh?”
“Oh cool. Right. Don’t worry, we’ll get it sorted for you. And seriously, you should go hang out with the ladies—they’re going to wonder where you are.” Tenor put away the last glass.
“I’m not worried.” Excited, maybe a little. “Come out, if you’d like.”
“You sure you don’t mind me hanging out with your friends?”
“I wouldn’t have suggested it if I’d minded.” He wasn’t good at false emotions.
“Cool. Cool. It takes a while, you know? Figuring out exactly my place with the family. It’ll be easier once your girls are here. That anchors me, makes me feel like I belong.”
“Soon, huh? You’ll get to see the ultrasounds this week.”
“I know! I can’t wait.” There was real joy in Tenor’s grin, and it felt amazing, knowing the man he’d picked to help him raise his kids was looking forward to their arrival as much as he was.
“They look like blobs, a little.”
Tenor laughed for him. “They’ll look less like blobs on this ultrasound, I promise.”
“I hope so. They’re getting bigger. The heartbeats are amazing.” He was going to use them in a song.
“I can’t wait to hear them.” Tenor grabbed a water bottle and they headed to the backyard together.
The girls were macking on the low sofa and Matt had disappeared, so he cleared his throat and shook his head. “You two stop it.”
“Are you saying it’s not that kind of party?” Elle asked him. “I mean, isn’t that what you two were doing in the kitchen?”
Tenor made a choked sound and blushed.
“Be good, you ass.” He swatted her playfully and parked himself in a chair.
Tenor sat in the chair next to his and took a long swig out of his water.
“Are you dating anyone?” Elle asked Tenor as soon as he’d swallowed.
“Uh. No, no, I’m single.”
“Don’t grill the man, Elle.” Daniel rolled his eyes and leaned back. “Elle is notoriously nosy. Forgive her.”
She swatted his knee. “He’s going to be raising my goddaughters. I want to know.”
“I’ll care for them like they’re my own,” Tenor assured her.
“If you’re a turd, that doesn’t make a difference,” she pointed out.
“I’m not a turd.” Tenor sounded a little growly now. “Daniel wouldn’t have hired me if I wasn’t the right guy for the job.”
“She’s just teasing you,” Tish said. “Seriously. We trust Daniel’s gut implicitly.”
“And here I thought it was my innate interview skills and amazing references that got me the job.”
“You had to have had the background stuff dealt with before you ever got in the door.”
“I had the background stuff done just by being with Mannies Inc.,” Tenor noted. “It makes it easier for the clients.”
“He’s the right one, guys. Let it go.” He was getting a headache.
“Thank you,” Tenor inclined his head. “I appreciate the confidence.”
“You know I’m just poking, right?” Elle aimed the words at him rather than Tenor.
“I know, but I know you.” Elle could be a challenge.
She stuck her tongue out at him and Tish grabbed it between her fingers. “I’m going to have to take you home if you don’t behave.”
“Did Matty give up for good or is he coming back?”
“He said he was retiring for the night.” Tenor grinned. “I should probably do the same. That way you guys can stay up late and not have to worry about Britt when she wakes in the morning.”
“She’ll end up in Uncle Danny’s bed. She knows right where it is.” Elle grinned at him, winked. “You mind if we go? We’re wanting to go dancing.”
“Get an Uber, huh? You two have had a little wine. You can leave your car here.”
“Sounds good. Don’t wait up for us.” Elle laughed, and she and Tish held hands as they headed out.
Tenor blinked a little. “They’re like a whirlwind.”
“They are. Elle’s still the same as she’s ever been.”
“Yeah? You two are thick as thieves, but you’re so different.”
“We were two outcasts in a school of beautiful creatures.” They’d gravitated together like magnets.
“You weren’t one of the beautiful creatures?” Tenor sounded surprised.
“Shit no.” He’d been gangly and homely, all eyes and long-limbed.
“You are now.”
He dipped his chin in thanks. “I needed to grow into myself.”
Tenor chuckled. “Well, you did a fine job of it.”
“What about you? How was school for you?”
Tenor shrugged. “I was into sports, so I was good. But I loved babysitting. Which I never told anyone.”
“Yeah, I never did that until Britt, but I love taking care of her.” Daniel had fallen in love with her on sight, right there in the room with Tish and Elle.
“I needed the pocket money. And I wound up discovering something I was made to do.” Tenor yawned. “Sorry. It’s not the company, I swear.”
“No problem. If you want to head off, I understand.” He could totally entertain himself.
“Well, we could settle in with a movie, if you want. Something not kid-friendly that we’re not going to be able to watch once your little ones get here. In my room where we can lock the door.”
“Can we hear Britt? I’d hate for her to go up to look for me and get scared.”
“Sure, let’s slip a monitor in her room.”
“She’s just used to being able to find me upstairs.” She ended up in his bed every time.
“So, if she wakes up before we’re done with the movie, you go upstairs so you’re there.” Tenor shrugged. “If you’d rather not, I’m easy.”
“That works.” He grinned over at Tenor. “You’re the only person I stay up late with.”
“Your late-night buddy.” Tenor waggled his eyebrows outrageously, making the words seem so much dirtier than they were.
Daniel’s cheeks started to heat, but he nodded and grinned because he imagined there’d be a night or two where he’d have to ask for a hand.
Tenor chuckled as they went upstairs and grabbed one of the baby monitors from the nursery and snuck it just inside the door of Britt’s room. Then they headed for Tenor’s little suite, the love seat in front of the big screen TV very inviting.
“Should we do a scary movie?” Tenor asked. “I like a clever one, as long as I don’t have to watch it alone.”
“Sure, why not? You have any suggestions?” He’d done one or two scary scores.
“Are there any you’ve done the music for?” Looked like Tenor was on the same wavelength.
“A few. I did Why? and Don’t Hide.” They’d been a blast, to be honest.
“I haven’t seen either of those. Let’s see if Netflix has either of them.” Tenor settled on the love seat and got the TV turned on, working the remote like a pro.
“I’ll check on Britt and make sure the monitor is working.” He grabbed the receiver end of the little walkie-talkie looking thing and turned it on before heading for Britt’s bedroom.
She was an angel, sleeping hard, her face at peace. He felt the surge of love for her he always felt when he saw her. Would he feel the same way with his own girls? He certainly hoped so.
He checked the monitor—the light was on. He whispered “test, test, test” near the monitor, then backed out and went to Tenor’s suite again.
“I totally heard you testing the monitor.”
“Excellent. Those are handy, aren’t they?”
“They rock. And for a lot longer than kids being babies. I found Don’t Hide on Netflix and it’s all cued up. You want some popcorn? I bought myself a little microwave and snack supplies.”
“Not yet, thank you. I’m still full from the noodles.”
“Yeah, you don’t eat a ton. I’m not going to have any, then because I may have to grab you out of fear and I don’t want to get greasy handprints all over you—Elle would tease you forever.”
“She would. I’ll make sure to sit closer.” Was that flirty?
Tenor smiled and it was sweet, maybe a little flirty, too. “I’ll try not to grab you too hard.”
“I’m stronger than I look.”
“Then I won’t worry about it, I’ll just grab.” Tenor got the movie going and shifted slightly, their shoulders touching.
He was just sitting and enjoying Tenor, listening to the music, half watching the ghost story. About halfway through the movie, Tenor jumped about a foot in the air at a scary part, and reached for him with both hands, a soft gasp filling the air.
Tenor’s fingers dug into his arm for a moment, but then Tenor let go and rubbed his skin. “Sorry. That one got me,” Tenor whispered.
“I have you. I have you.” He wrapped their fingers together.
“Gonna keep me safe?” Tenor settled a little closer and kept holding on.
“I’m going to be the dad; that’s probably my job.”
“Does that make me the mom?” Tenor asked, glancing over at him.
“Now, that’s not what I said.”
Tenor laughed and leaned his head on his shoulder. “I’m just teasing. Besides, I’ve never had a problem being seen as a mother figure. I’m a nurturer by nature.”
“I don’t know what I am. A musician.”
“An artist. You make the world a more beautiful place.”
“I try. I want to.”
“I believe you do. Your kiddies will too.” Tenor looked back at the TV as someone screamed and he winced. “Oh man, I was hoping she was the one who was going to make it to the end—she had spunk.”
“You never know. That’s part of the deal, isn’t it?”
“Sure, some of it’s nature—they’ll arrive with their own personalities already right there. But I believe nurture does a lot, too. It shapes how those personalities and each baby’s talents develop.”
He’d meant the movie, but that was okay. He knew the babies would be musical. They’d have to be.
They got absorbed in the movie again, and Tenor jumped and grabbed him again at the next scary part. It felt strange and odd and a little wonderful to have someone reach for him.
“Sorry. I did warn you I was a wuss, though.”
“Are you having fun? Enjoying the boo?”
Tenor gave him a warm grin, eyes sparkling with life. “I am. And you make a great scare-buddy. Are you enjoying it?”
“Yeah. Yeah, it’s nice to have someone to relax with.” To have a friend that was there.
“Yeah, exactly.” Tenor shifted, lying with his head on his shoulder, and it felt good, comfortable and warm. Surprisingly easy.
He supposed that was a good thing. Tenor was going to be around for a while.
A few more boo moments had Tenor gripping him, and he had to admit that it was kind of like a date. A date in his house, in Tenor’s rooms. Weird.
When it was over everyone had died and Tenor sighed. “I have to admit I do like it when at least one person lives. I don’t know, maybe I’m too soft.”
“Yeah, you want the one person to make it, right?”
“Exactly. I’ve noticed a trend toward everyone dying off, though. I guess that little bit of hope is going out of fashion.”
“It’ll come back. I know it.”
Tenor stretched and yawned. “Is it wrong that I want to curl up next to you like a cat and go to sleep?”
“No. I don’t think so. We slept well together.”
“We did. It had been awhile since I’d slept with anyone. A long, long while.”
“We could take the monitor into your room…”
“I’d like that.” Tenor nodded and stood, stretching again, shirt riding up. He grabbed the monitor and then stopped. “You wanted to be in your room, though, in case Britt woke up and went up there.”
“Did you want to come up? Is that weird? If she does?”
“Her moms sleep together, so she gets the concept of grown-ups sleeping together—but she will ask why I’m there too. So it’s up to you if you want to talk to her about it or not. I’d love to come up, but it’s totally your call.”
“Well, I’m not ashamed. Come on up.” He guessed it was okay, right? Nothing to be ashamed of. “Would you like to put on pajamas?”
“Yeah. Just bottoms okay?” Tenor already had his shirt off.
“Totally. I’ll meet you upstairs?”
“Be up in five.” Tenor handed him the monitor.
Daniel headed upstairs, peeking in on Miss Britt before going to undress and find his most comfortable pants. He supposed with the triplets coming he really should invest in a few pairs of pajamas.
Tenor arrived moments after he had changed, wearing flannel pajama pants with Muppets on them. They were adorable.
“Those are cute as hell. Seriously.”
“And kid-appropriate.” Tenor grinned and did a little pirouette for him. Tenor was just a little chubby, love handles inviting him to touch.
His fingers curled into fists because it wasn’t his place to reach out.
“This side mine?” Tenor asked, going to the side he’d slept on last time.
“Works for me. Do you find it odd to sleep with someone?”
“Odd, but surprisingly nice. Like I said, it’s been a long while since I slept with another grown-up.”
“I like to sleep with someone. It’s comfortable. Comforting.”
“I liked sleeping with you the other night,” Tenor admitted as he slipped beneath the covers.
“Yes.” It had felt normal. Was that reasonable? Was it all right?
Tenor lay down, then shifted over to push onto his side of the bed so they’d be close when he got in himself.
“Would you like to watch something simple while we go to sleep?”
“Sure. Or some music.”
“I can arrange that.” That pun was not lost on him.
Judging by Tenor’s snorting giggle, he’d gotten it too.
“Sounds good.” And there was another one.
They began to laugh, both of them together, the sound ringing out. Tenor rolled toward him, face bright and happy, eyes shining.
The urge to lean forward, take a kiss, was surprising and huge, but he couldn’t. He just couldn’t. He was the employer and he had the power here.
“God, I want to kiss you. I’m sorry, I probably shouldn’t have said anything, but it would have felt like I was hiding it if I didn’t. I can go if you want me to.”
“I… Would that be weird? Bad? I don’t want to make it bad.”
“Oh man, if you think kissing me might be bad, I should probably go.” Tenor pulled off the covers and sat up. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to overstep.”
“I didn’t… I mean, I’ve never done this. I don’t want you to think I’m like… abusing you.” God, he was a fuckup. This was why he hired competent men to come help him out when he needed… physical assistance.
Tenor looked at him like he’d lost his mind. “Abusing me? Because I want to kiss you? You mean taking advantage because you’re the boss?”
“Yeah. Yeah, exactly.”
“So, does that mean you want to kiss me, too? Because if you don’t, then the discussion is moot, right? We both need to want the kisses for a discussion of the ramifications of the kiss to make sense.” Tenor ran his hand through his hair. “Wow, that was convoluted. This is new for me, you know? The family I was with had a happily married—and both straight—mom and dad, so this kind of thing never came up.”
“I want to kiss you too. I… I like you. A lot.” He felt like a teenager.
Tenor got back into bed and lay down next to him. “So let’s kiss, eh? Maybe we’ll hate it or there’ll be no chemistry.”
“Maybe. I haven’t kissed another man in a while.”
“Me either.” Tenor leaned toward him, looking at him while they slowly drew nearer. “I feel like a teenager, actually. All unsure and excited at the same time.”
“Yeah, you and me both. Crazy, isn’t it?” It was insane, but sort of wonderful.
Tenor nodded, then closed the last of the distance between their lips to initiate the kiss. Tenor’s lips were soft and warm, gentle against his, and a small spark went off where their lips met. They breathed together, nice and easy, their air mingling.
Tenor smiled and pressed their lips together again, the warmth and spark returning, sliding through him.
So they had chemistry. For sure.
Tenor raised a hand and touched his cheek, sending tingles along his skin.
“Wow.” He licked his lips, his eyelids going heavy.
“Yeah. You’re something else.” Tenor continued to stroke his cheek and kissed him again.
This kiss was deeper, longer. When it was over, Tenor rested their foreheads together, panting heavily.
“That was… I liked that.” Liked. What a stupid word.
“Me too. I wanna do it again.”
“I can handle that.” He leaned forward, exhaling as they moved together.
Tenor slipped his tongue out this time, painting Daniel’s lips with warmth. He groaned and opened his mouth, letting Tenor in. He heard the way Tenor moaned, but he felt it too, deep inside.
Tenor brought his other hand up so he was cupping both of Daniel’s cheeks, and it made him feel cared for. Cherished. Each touch and kiss built a wave of warmth that flowed through him.
Daniel found himself opening, the kisses deepening, and he shifted closer, one hand on Tenor’s hip. Tenor moved too, coming toward him.
Tenor’s body was so warm, solid against him. “It feels really good. Lying with you. Kissing.”
“Better than good, I think.” He was thinking it was intense.
That made Tenor smile and push closer, bringing their mouths together again. He opened up to let Tenor’s soft tongue explore. Tenor was slow but thorough, touching his gums, exploring his teeth and stroking his tongue. He began to ache—his balls growing heavy, his cock filling.
Tenor dropped a hand to his crotch, fingers sliding on his cock. “Oh. Nice.”
He arched, his eyes crossing, breath catching in his chest. Humming, Tenor rubbed against him, their bare chests sliding warmly. Tenor’s hands were sure, hot, sliding his soft pajama pants over his aching need.
It would only have felt better if it had been skin on skin—Tenor was very good with his hands.
Still, this anticipation was delicious and he didn’t try to push it.
Feeding him one kiss after another, Tenor continued to stroke, to explore the shape of him.
He was going to begin to leak soon, his balls too heavy, too tight. Tenor’s gaze stayed on his, eyes bright.
“I…” He wanted to push closer, rub madly against Tenor.
“You what?” Tenor asked, looking like he really wanted to hear what Daniel had to say.
“You make me ache.”
“Oh.” Tenor smiled. “Good. You make me want.”
That was an invitation to reach out himself, cup the heavy ridge in Tenor’s pants. Tenor moaned at his touch and pushed toward him.
“You’re big,” he whispered.
“I’m a grower, not a shower.” Tenor winked.
He chuckled softly, measuring Tenor from base to tip. Tenor’s eyes rolled back in his head, his mouth opening on a soft gasp. “Beautiful.”
God, he wanted to taste.
“Making me feel so good. Probably gonna come before too long.”
“I… We don’t want a mess.” He ducked under the covers.
“What?” Tenor asked, then gasped again as he kissed Tenor’s belly, then one soft love handle.
“Listen for the kiddo, please?” He pulled the waistband down, discovering Tenor’s heavy cock. The scent was heady, rich, and he wrapped his lips around the tip.
Tenor’s answer was almost a keening sound.
Salt and male heat teased his tongue, and he sucked, begging for another drop. Tenor’s hips jerked, the tip pressing deeper between his lips, spreading them wider.
He felt naughty, wicked, and he dragged his tongue along the base.
Tenor shifted, trying to spread his legs wider for him. “Oh God, please. So good. Your tongue.”
Yeah. Yeah, he hadn’t done this in too long. Tenor tasted good and warm. It was almost comforting.
He took more and more, sucking harder, bobbing his head.
“Oh God. Oh God. Daniel. My God.” Tenor’s hands dropped to his head, fingers sliding into his hair.
So erotic—he could hear the music in Tenor’s moan. Each lick and suck earned him another sound, and they built, joining together to make a song.
He rolled Tenor’s balls, gathering them close to Tenor’s body. Tenor’s low groan was heartfelt.
“Don’t stop. Don’t.”
No. No, he wasn’t going to. Not a chance.
Tenor began undulating, pushing his cock in along Daniel’s tongue. He groaned and sucked harder, demanding more of that flavor. He got it, Tenor leaking drop after drop, filling him with the scent and the taste of it. His nose was buried in the wiry curls, the scent of Tenor flooding him.
Tenor wrapped his hands around Daniel’s head, moving with more intent now. He could hear the way Tenor panted, pulling in each breath. It was arousing, exciting, and he opened wider.
Tenor cried out, cock pushing deep and slipping into his throat, and he swallowed hard, his throat closing around the tip.
“Daniel!” Tenor shouted, his only warning before Tenor shot, spunk pouring down his throat.
He took every drop, the salt and bitterness filling him, coating his tongue. A few more spurts kept the flavor going, and then Tenor moaned one more time, hands patting his head.
Daniel gasped for breath, forehead on Tenor’s belly.
“Thank you. That was incredible. Thank you.”
“It was… so good.”
“It’s a special guy who says that after sucking you off.” Tenor grabbed his arm and tugged. “Come back up and let me kiss you?”
He crawled up Tenor’s body, rubbing the whole way. Tenor’s lips dropped down over his, kissing him, as one hand slid down his body.
“Oh…” He arched, his head falling back.
“Want me to suck your cock?” Tenor asked, the dirty words making him hot.
“I do…” He grabbed for Tenor, dragging their mouths together.
Tenor kissed him back, tongue pushing into his mouth again as Tenor tugged at his pants, pulling them off his hips. He wasn’t as thick and long as Tenor, but he was hard and needy. When their kiss ended, Tenor wriggled down the bed. The anticipation built. He knew it was coming, but Tenor seemed to be taking forever.
His eyes landed on the baby monitor, and he said a little prayer that Britt didn’t wake up. Then Tenor’s lips landed on his cockhead and everything else flew out of his head. He tried to open his legs, but he was caught in his pants.
Tenor’s lips spread farther around his cockhead, all heat and long licks of that wet tongue. Each lick shot pleasure through him. He shoved his fist in his lips, hiding his cries, muffling them.
Tenor took him deeper, lips tight around his shaft as they descended around it. He curled his toes, his calves tightening. Tenor’s suction became stronger, tongue licking at Daniel’s slit, again and again. He could feel the pleasure, screaming at him, clawing up his shaft. Daniel’s eyes rolled back in his head. Tenor just kept sucking, pulling the pleasure from him, building it in waves. How could he bear it, the intensity crescendoing inside him?
Tenor began going down his shaft, head bobbing, moving the covers like they were breathing. He wanted to pull away, push deep, something. Anything. Tenor moved faster, sucking harder. It wasn’t practiced or polished, but it was enthusiastic. It felt like magic, and he reached for the headboard.
Tenor sucked harder, like he was asking for Daniel to come.
“Soon,” he whispered.
That made Tenor nod, and it felt really neat, having the angles change briefly. He arched up, his heels digging into the mattress, sliding on the sheets. Tenor pulled off for a moment, then took him back in, the slurping sounds visceral and raw.
He couldn’t wait a second longer; his body released, his balls emptying. Tenor swallowed a few times, making him spurt a bit more. Then Tenor cleaned his skin, tongue working over his flesh in the most delicious way.
He closed his eyes, head falling into the pillows. When Tenor had done licking him clean, he slowly kissed his way up Daniel’s chest. Then Tenor pressed their lips together again. He opened up and they were sharing each other’s tastes. When the kiss was over, Tenor pressed their foreheads together, panting for his breath.
Had they really done this? Really? God, they’d really done this.
Tenor brought their lips together again, slow and easy. Daniel blinked, unsure of what to do, how to process all this. Tenor smiled and his eyelids drooped. It wasn’t long before his eyes closed and stayed closed.
He turned the light off, one ear cocked to listen for Britt, just in case.
It was warm and comfortable with Tenor sharing his bed. And exciting, too. He hadn’t felt like this in a long time. He liked it. He liked Tenor.
He had a smile on his face as he let sleep have him.