Firefly Lane (Briar County 1)

“Okay.”

Holden watched some motocross videos on his phone while Vince showered. He definitely wanted a bike, and he wanted to ride more, he just wasn’t sure about the logistics.

When Vince came out after his shower, wearing a pair of shorts, he turned off the lights and climbed into bed with him. Holden stripped down to his underwear.

“Wha’cha watching?”

“Dirt bike stuff.”

“Here, let me see.”

They lay there in the dark, watching videos for a while. Eventually, Vince yawned, and Holden put his phone away.

They always fucked when they were together. They had great chemistry in the sack, but neither moved toward the other. Holden also didn’t mention the fact that Vince always slept naked. There had never been a time when he’d crawled into bed to sleep with Holden and had clothes on, until tonight.

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

Monroe

Roe got up early, got the ribs on the smoker, and fed the animals. He wasn’t proud of how much time he’d spent thinking about Holden and Vince the night before. It had been a long time since he’d…what in the hell did you even call it at forty-five? Having a crush on someone made it sound like he was sixteen—and holy fuck, what was he even doing thinking he had a crush on someone? It was the most ridiculous thing he’d ever heard. But he had a something when it came to Holden Barnett, and he needed to figure out how to nip that something in the bud and do it soon.

Maybe Vince coming here now was exactly what Roe needed. It was a reminder of who Holden was, and that he had a life outside of Harmony that he’d go back to.

Roe got some work done around the property, then started organizing the barn. He’d planned to start yesterday, but he’d been too busy avoiding his own home.

Wyatt had stayed with him the night before. When he woke up, he came out of the house with Zeus. “Wha’cha smoking?”

“Ribs.” Roe wiped the sweat from his brow.

“Do you know what Sean and Holden are doing today? Maybe we can go riding?”

“We can’t. I must have forgotten to tell you—we’re all eating together. Marilee too. Holden’s boyfriend is up from Atlanta for the weekend.”

“Holden’s gay?” There was a sharp snap to his voice that surprised Roe.

He turned to look at his son. “Is there a problem with that?” Wyatt grew up knowing his dad was gay. He’d known Roe’s ex. When he and Rich had ended things, Roe had made sure Wyatt knew that if he ever got into another relationship, it would be with a man. It was something he and Lindsey talked about often in front of him, so he didn’t understand where this was coming from.

“No, sir. I just…didn’t know.”

“It’s fair to say you didn’t know, but remember, straight shouldn’t automatically be the default. Would you have said the same thing if Holden’s girlfriend was coming?”

“No. I didn’t mean… Sorry, Dad.”

Roe walked over to him and ruffled his hair. “It’s okay. I know you didn’t mean anything by it. It’s important to me that even though we live here, that you’re used to a diverse group of people. We should be careful not to make assumptions about people.” Wyatt nodded, but then Roe recalled he’d assumed Holden was straight as well. “Even at my age, these are lessons I have to remind myself. I have to admit, I assumed he was straight too.”

He was surprised when he didn’t get a teasing remark, Wyatt giving him hell the way Roe likely deserved. “Is Mom coming to dinner tonight too?”

“Yeah, buddy.” Roe gave him a one-arm hug and kissed the top of his head. “We’re gonna make some good food, spend some time outside, maybe play games or something. Mom and Marilee got along well at movies with goats.”

“Maybe afterward me and Mom can stay here and have a movie night.”

“We’ll see.” Roe took a step back. “Now you gonna help me get some of this work done, or what?”

“I don’t feel good.” He clutched his stomach.

Roe laughed. “Nice try, brat.”

Wyatt smiled, then got busy helping. A couple of minutes later, he said, “Hey, Dad?”

“Yeah?”

“I love you.”

“I love you too, kiddo.”

Lindsey brought dessert with her when she arrived. Holden and Vince were already at the cabin, but Roe hadn’t seen them yet. Holden had texted him that morning, and apparently Vince didn’t want to come empty-handed and was making potato salad.

Trying not to think about Holden and his boyfriend had been quite the feat for Roe all day. Sometimes he did okay. A lot of the time he failed. They’d been together alone in a hotel the night before…they would be that night too, and eventually, Holden would go to Atlanta, where Vince was.

“How you doing?” Lindsey asked, hooking her arm through his. They were outside by the grill and picnic table.