Page 2 of Boy Toy Not Included

A momma’s boy. He really was a man after Kuba’s heart. “It’s good to hear you’re close with your mom. Mine was my best friend until she passed away two years ago. People liked to pick at me about doing everything with her and not the guys. I’d just shrug and tell them I’m sorry their mom doesn’t love them.”

A bark of laughter burst from Diesel. “That’s what I tell people too. I think you’re the first person I’ve met who gets it.”

Kuba tilted his head and inspected Diesel even closer. “Steel really did send the best match for me. I’ve heard he’s scarily good at pairing clients. My dad has known him forever. He’s always spoken highly of the guy.”

Diesel sat on the end of the bed and focused on Kuba as if settling in for a conversation. “Honestly, I think this time it was an accident. When I saw your dad at the office, and Steel offered me this job, he seemed shocked to find out it would be you I’m guarding and not your dad.”

Kuba called on a lot of acting skills to hide his reaction. “Nah. My dad doesn’t need anyone.” He left it at that.

Diesel stood. “Well, I guess it was fate, then. If we’re settled, I think I’ll head out. Mom isn’t expecting me until tomorrow, so I thought I’d surprise her. Steel made it sound like you’d be goodwithout me until after the holidays. If that’s not the case, say so. I’m cool with starting earlier if you need me. My guess is Dread doesn’t take the holidays off from his bullshit.”

Why did Kuba like this guy so much? Kuba rarely liked anyone at all. He had the weirdest feeling while in Diesel’s company. It was like an old friend had come to visit—like there was a slight awkwardness due to not having seen each other in a while, but a deeper sense of friendship that always prevailed. Diesel was probably one of those guys who everyone he met thought he was their best friend.

Kuba shook off the sensation. “Yeah, I need to jump in the shower. We’ve got each other’s numbers, so I can let you know if I need you sooner. As of right now, Dread is actually out of town to spend the holidays with his family. I should be good.”

His claim seemed to give Diesel pause. Kuba hoped he didn’t ask how he knew Dread’s business. That wasn’t a topic he cared to discuss.

Whatever had crossed Diesel’s mind, he kept his thoughts to himself. Another gorgeous smile appeared. “I’m completely cool with that. Just keep me posted. Otherwise, I’ll be here ready for duty on the second. If anything suspicious happens before then, let me know.” Diesel’s tone changed. He sounded like a man who could take care of anything. “I’m serious, Kuba. Don’t hesitate. I’ll be here.”

Why did that shit warm his chest? Diesel was literally getting paid to be his guard. “Sure thing. If you get bored, hit me up. Wecan find some trouble to get into. I know you’ll technically be my employee, but I’d love to be friends too, if you’re cool with that. Things will be less awkward around the house that way.” There. While he still didn’t like the way that came out, he had said the thing. Kuba was really bad about speaking his full thoughts. He always fucked up his words and ended up having private conversations with himself later about what he should have said. While he was confident to the point of cocky, speaking emotions wasn’t the same thing. He could be fake all day, but he couldn’t keep that bullshit up twenty-four seven with Diesel living here.

“I’d really like that too.”

A tidal wave of relief washed over Kuba. The limb he had gone out on hadn’t broken. Everything would be fine. They would get along great.

Chapter Two

Asquietlyashecould, Diesel let himself inside through the front door. He found his mom waiting on the other side—all smiles. Diesel ended up being the one surprised. He jumped backward.

“Holy shit, Mom. I didn’t expect you to be standing right there.”

Her musical laughter filled the air. “My baby is home.” She bounced in place.

Diesel dropped his stuff and hugged her, lifting her off her feet. “I planned to surprise you. How have you been?” He set her back on her feet.

She looked happy as hell, and Diesel loved it. “I was surprised when I heard the keys in the door. But I knew it could only beone person, and now I’m ecstatic. How did you manage to get here early? I thought you had a permanent client in California.”

Diesel pushed the door closed and moved his bags out of the door's path. He spoke while he moved. “Yeah. Blaze is at home with his soon-to-be husband, who used to be a Steel guard, so he’s good. I have another surprise.” His mom looked at him in suspense. He couldn’t hold it back any longer. “Steel found a position in Seattle.”

Her screech nearly took out his eardrums. She leapt forward and stole another hug. “Oh my God. I’m so happy. When do you start? Do you want to live here? Tell me everything.”

Diesel ushered her to the couch. “His name is Kuba. He’s an MMA champion. As per my contract, I’ll be living with him. We met this morning. I like him. He seems great.”

His mom hadn’t stopped beaming yet. “I’m just happy to have you closer. It’s been so boring around here without a partner in crime. Getting iced coffee and hitting all the discount stores isn’t that fun by myself.”

Those were some of his best memories. Of course, his mom was also notorious for taking him out where it was too far to walk home before springing the tough conversations on him. That was how she had gotten him to confess he was gay. He never knew which trip was a trap, but he was always in.

“It’s still early. We should do that today. I’ll buy you dinner afterward.”

“I love this idea.” His mom popped to her feet. “Let me change and get my shoes.”

“Okay.” She looked fine to him, but he knew her. His mom never left the house in sweatpants. She prided herself on her looks. They were the same ones she had passed down to him. At forty-five, Nova Henderson still had to fight men off everywhere she went, and they were always half her age. She was back in no time.

“Okay. Ready. Do you want me to drive?”

Diesel waved off her offer. “My Jeep hasn’t been out in a while. We should take that.”

Nova nodded as they headed for the door. “I’ve been starting it and letting it run occasionally. Every now and then, I move it a foot to keep the tires from getting flat spots, but you’re right. It definitely needs to be driven.”