Just One Night (The Kingston Family 1)

He rose from his seat and pulled out extra glasses from the cabinet above the counter in the corner of the living room before heading to the door. He opened it just as Dash and Xander exited the elevator.

They strode past him with muttered hellos and entered, heading straight to the bar.

“Make yourselves at home,” he said, shutting the door, as they took their bottle of choice and poured themselves a drink.

“Jesus, I need one after the day we endured.” Xander slugged back the contents of his glass, and Dash did the same, adding more before settling on the sofa.

Linc refilled his glass and joined them, sitting back in the chair.

“Who the hell came up with the idea of filling diapers with candies that look like shit?” Dash leaned an elbow on the arm of the couch.

Linc shook his head. “Beats me. But Aurora enjoyed it and I’m glad it’s over.”

His brothers nodded in agreement.

“How are you both doing with Aurora?” Linc asked, wondering if they were getting close with her.

“She’s a good kid,” Dash said. “But I haven’t had much time to get to know her. I’m hoping when I get out of the studio before any touring we’ll get together.”

Xander nodded. “I’ve been to the house a few times and we’re getting to know each other. I really like her. Life dealt her a shitty hand but she’s not bitter. And she’s not money hungry despite having access. She impresses me.”

Linc leaned back in his seat, comfortable and chilled now that his brothers were here. “How are the songs coming?”

“Depends on the day.” Dash shrugged. “It’ll come together. It always does.”

Linc was so proud of his brothers. Despite their father’s lack of interest, they’d both grown up to pursue their dreams. In Xander’s case, writing had come after the military, a time Xander didn’t like to talk about.

“So what about you? You mentioned you’re gearing up for your next movie?” Linc asked him, then lifted his glass and took a sip.

“They’re going through casting now. It’s been hard to find the right fit for the part of the wife. They’ve been screen-testing a shit ton of actresses, but I have faith my producer and director will come through with the perfect woman.” Xander sounded certain, so Linc doubted there’d be problems.

“And meanwhile you’re writing your next novel?” Dash asked. “Ever consider a rock star as the hero?” He grinned and tossed back the last of his drink.

Xander raised an eyebrow. “No way. My guy is loyal and doesn’t fuck his way through every woman he meets. Unlike the rock stars I know.”

Dash smirked and let out a laugh. “It’s a good life if you can get it. Okay, enough about us. What’s going on with you?” He zeroed in on Linc with his penetrating stare.

Knowing he couldn’t avoid this forever, he filled his brothers in on what their father had been up to prior to his death and the way he’d handled things.

“Jesus. I’m sorry. If there’s anything I can do, let me know.” Xander frowned. “I’m shocked he’d make decisions that could hurt the business knowing he had dementia,” Xander said.

Linc drew in a long breath. “Well, we do know he never wanted to face his diagnosis. And if he thought he was making good choices, he wasn’t worrying about his diminished mental capacity.”

“What does Wallace have to do with it? He’s supposed to be Dad’s good friend.” Dash rose from his seat. “Anyone want another?”

Linc and Xander shook their heads, and Dash headed to pour himself more then returned and sat back down on the couch.

“According to his doctor, who I’ve spoken to, Dad’s behavior isn’t surprising. As for Wallace, I have a PI tracking him down. I want answers.”

His brothers nodded in agreement. They spent the next hour talking, reminiscing, and having a good time, something they didn’t get to do together often enough. Everyone’s schedules kept them busy.

“So I have a question.” Dash looked directly at Linc. “I noticed not only did you show up with Jordan but you had your hands all over her. So to speak. What is up with you two?”

“Now I do need a drink.” Linc stood, walked to the bar, and poured himself another scotch before turning back to his brothers. “We slept together. A couple of times.”

“I knew it.” Xander’s tone was the equivalent of a pat on the back. “You finally gave in.”

“Yeah. I finally gave in. And so did she.”

Dash laughed. “I should have figured out you two would end up together years ago.”

Linc raised an eyebrow. “What makes you think it’s something permanent?” He couldn’t even get her to commit to the word relationship, let alone something long-term.

“Well, if any one of us was going to settle down, excluding Chloe, it’d be you. You’re the stable one. The one who worries about the rest of us more like a parent,” Dash said.