Whether he continued to choose celibacy remained to be seen, but if so—at least it would behischoice and not others forcing it on him. Whatever his decision on that matter… Derek would offer him full support and respect.
“How far out here is it?” Patrick grew a little anxious the further they got from the city.
“We’re about there,” Derek said. “It’s approximately a forty-five-minute drive to the city.” He smiled. “I think you’ll like it. It’s really beautiful out here. There’s a path through the woods where I go for runs. We have a large swimming pool. A huge rear lawn that borders the woods. It’s kind of like paradise.” He chuckled. “I think so, anyway. But maybe not to a hardcore city boy.”
Patrick sat up a little straighter as the car turned off the two-lane road onto the long drive that would take them to the house. “I’m not a hardcore city boy,” he murmured. “I like the country.”
“Great.”
When the house came into view, Patrick’s eyes widened a bit. “It’s really big.”
“Yeah. Good thing.” Derek parked in front and killed the engine. “Otherwise, it would be pretty cramped in there.”
Patrick looked nervous. “How many people live here?”
“Hm. Quite a few. Some of the guys live in the city and just come out here to…” He faltered, suddenly feeling awkward talking about the porn shoots. “… uh… to shoot scenes.” He quickly moved on. “Lucas’ boyfriend, Bailey, has an apartment in town. He splits his time between here and there. But he’s an EMT and on call a lot, so he has to stay in town much of the time.”
Patrick nodded as he stared at the large structure.
“Listen,” Derek said quietly. “If it becomes uncomfortable for you here, we’ll help you find a place where you feel more comfortable… an apartment of your own… something.”
“Okay,” he whispered.
Derek didn’t want him to leave, but he wouldn’t ask him to stay if the filming and general “activity” of the house caused him unease. Derek feared it would—how could it not? To come from a religious,sexlessenvironment that painted gay sex as a sin against God—tothisenvironment… how could he possibly feel comfortable?
Maybe he’ll surprise you and quickly adapt.
Though he had his doubts, Derek clung to that hope.
They climbed out of the car and Patrick hesitated. Derek leaned against the car, not rushing him to go inside. “I know you’re nervous, but the guys here are really good people. Most of them know about you and are aware of your beliefs. And respect them. They’re not going to do anything that will make you uncomfortable.” He ducked his head and laughed softly. “Though, I do feel I should warn you about the twins. They love meeting new people and can be a bit… intense… but I assure you, they’re harmless. And Gideon said he would talk to them about toning it down.”
“It’s their home,” Patrick whispered. “All of them. They shouldn’t have to…suppressthemselves because of me.”
“It isn’t suppression,” Derek said. “It’s being respectful to a guest. And no one in that house will have a problem with that.”
. . .
“Boys.”Gideon’s firm tone halted the twins as they raced for the door having heard Derek’s car pull up outside. “Remember what we talked about.”
The boys moaned. “We just want to properly welcome him to our home.”
Gideon laughed low. “The way you welcome newcomers to our home is anything butproper.”
The twins smirked and giggled. “No one ever complained.”
“True.” Gideon chuckled. “But Patrick is different. Derek has told you about him and so have I. So, you need to take it down a few notches. No excessive touching or draping yourselves all over him. And no suggestive comments.”
“Shit, boss…” Lucas sauntered out of the rec room with Garrett. “… that’s a lot to ask of these two sex demons.”
“The same goes foryou.”Gideon pointed at him. “And everyone else.”
“Everyone’s cool,” Garrett assured, smiling. “It isn’t going to kill us to show some restraint once in a while.”
Lucas smirked. “Speak for yourself.” He winked at the twins. “Am I right, boys?”
The boys nodded vigorously, giggling.
Garrett shook his head. “You’ll survive.”
