Page 60 of The Key Holder

“Yeah, but that’s not what you want him to take care of.”

“I wouldn’t object to a little⁠—”

“If you guys don’t mind,” Ford interrupted the porn scene about to take place, “we had plans for the day.”

“Oh yeah?” Axel said. “Anything we can help with?”

“I don’t think the roof that needs repairing is in the lake.” I watched Ford’s jaw clench, causing the muscles in his cheek to twitch. “We were going for a swim.”

“Maybe we can join you later?”

“Bro, we don’t have swimsuits.”

“Skinnydipping!” they both said in unison.

“I know they don’t seem it”—River laughed, walking over to slap Brock on the back—“but they’re the best in the business. And don’t worry, they’re brothers, and they’re all talk.”

Brock winked at Ford. “Wouldn’t you like to find out?”

I had had enough of this. They needed to stop flirting with my Ford. He filled my hole, and no one else’s. I took a step forward, ready to launch into a full-blown ‘he's mine, bitches’ tirade, when Ford’s hand, warm and firm, settled on my lower back. It was a subtle gesture, but it was enough to calm me down, letting the air out of my jealous rage balloon.

Ford leaned down, his breath warm against my ear. “Run upstairs and grab two towels, the sunscreen, and lube.”

As if he needed to prove his claim, he gave my ass a healthy slap as I left the room. It only took me a minute to throw what he requested into a totebag. By the time I made it back downstairs, there was a picnic basket on the table, Ford was filling a cooler with ice, and the strapping studs were nowhere to be seen.

“All set,” I said, holding up the tote bag.

“Good.” Ford turned to River. “How many days do you think it will take?”

He put his coffee down, and answered, “Probably about three.”

“Can you text me when you’re done for the day?”

“Sure thing.” River nodded. “Sorry about those two. I know they’re a handful, but as you probably noticed, they’re pretty strong.”

“No worries,” Ford said, ushering me towards the door, cooler and basket in hand. “Don’t bother locking it up when you leave, there’s no one around.”

“Roger that. Have fun, you two.”

I slipped on my flip flops and headed outside.

Ford threw a glance at Axel and Brock, who were unloading materials from a trailer. Both stopped to give Ford another once-over but he didn’t notice, he was too busy pushing me towards the woods.

“Where are we going?” I asked.

“A secluded spot. No one should bother us.”

I followed Ford, down an unfamiliar path into the forest, the air crisp and clean. “They were practically licking you back there,” I said, eager to break the silence.

“I noticed.”

“It’s nice to find other queer folk out in the boonies.”

“There’s no silver lining to it.” Ford stopped to look at me. “It was intensely inappropriate.”

“I flirted with you for the last month. How is that any different?”

“We’re”—he motioned back and forth with his hand—“together.”