“We go out for dinner and things like that, but we’ve never said, ‘This is a date,’ or anything like that. Do I need to ask him, or will it freak him out?”
“It would take a lot to freak a man like Derek out,” said Hassan.
Kieran wasn’t sure what to say. He suddenly felt insecure about what he had with Derek. He knew the man cared about him, and they had amazing sexual chemistry, but they’d never put a label on what their relationship now was. He certainly didn’t think of Derek as his former stepdad anymore, but what was he?
“What’s everyone eating?” asked Kieran, wanting to change the subject.
“Subtle,” said Hassan.
“Or we could talk about you being the only one in the group not getting regular orgasms?”
Liam and Milo laughed.
“I get plenty of orgasms, thank you,” said Hassan.
“But you’ve not found yourself aboyyet?”
Hassan glared at him.
“What have we missed?” asked Milo.
“Derek thinks Hassan is a daddy.”
“I can see that,” said Liam.
“What the fuck!” said Hassan. “See it how?”
“You’re very . . .bossyand . . .organisedin bed.”
They all cracked up. Even Hassan couldn’t help himself.
“So, when are we going to meet yourdaddy?” Kieran asked Liam.
“He’s a father, not a daddy. And anytime you want. You should come and visit. We both usually work on Saturdays, so Sunday is the best day for us.”
They all agreed and said they’d make time to do it before the end of the year, although it was already October. At the start of the year, they had been four single guys– well, Milo had been secretly screwing the deputy prime minister– and now it was only Hassan who was single.
After ordering food, they caught up on their respective lives. Milo was busy getting his book ready for publication, Liam was making changes at the family bakery he’d taken over when his mum had died, and Hassan was completing more qualification so he could move into private consulting. He had a desirable skill set that could make him a shitload of money on the side.
He missed their little group. After living together for six years, he’d gotten used to seeing them every day, even if they wound each other up constantly. Kieran still had Hassan, but he liked to boss Kieran around. It had been more balanced with the four of them. It was easier for Kieran to just agree with what Hassan was saying most of the time. He knew it came from a place of love, and his bestie was a control freak, so anything for a quiet life. Remembering what Liam had said, he couldn’t help snorting.
“What?” asked Hassan, narrowing his eyes when he saw Kieran’s smile. “Do I want to know?”
“Just realised that you’re not just bossy in thebedroom.”
They all laughed again, even Hassan. They needed to make time to do this more often.
“Are you okay?” asked Hassan when they were back home.
Liam and Milo had returned to their respective homes, and Sarah was working, so it was just the two of them. Kieran was surprised Omar hadn’t moved into their flat yet. He knew Hassan wasn’t happy with his brother sharing a house with a dozen other people in East London. At the moment, he seemed focused on getting Omar a job that wasn’t in hospitality.
“I’m fine. Why are you asking?”
“I didn’t mean to put you on the spot about Derek. You should just talk to him. He probably assumes you’re in a relationship but doesn’t want to say it and freak you out.”
“I’m not freaked out by it.”
“Aww, look at you. All grown up,” he said, ruffling Kieran’s hair.
