Page 39 of Carver’s Craving

“Ten? I don’t think I know ten people I’d want to stay with me—let alone ten family members.” Because that was the right thing to say. Or was it? I had legions of fans who would kill to stay with me…but fewer close friends who would feel the same. As for family? Just one set of grandparents, my parents, brothers, and sister-in-law. I did the math I my head—seven. Well short of ten. And better at a distance.

“Archer has s-six brothers and sisters.” Simeon laughed. “M-most are married—”

“All are now.” Ryan chiming in.

“Right. All are m-married. All have k-kids.”

My head spun. “So ten isn’t even enough.”

“N-nope. I built a c-cabin before and that s-sleeps six. Plus he has a s-spare room in his house and a huge r-recreation room.” Simeon shrugged. “I think n-now they have enough beds.”

“Good God, I hope so. Is Archer married?” An incredibly personal question…but I was curious how his spouse handled that many in-laws.

Ryan chuckled. “To Gideon. They have two kids and a dog.”

“Wow.” Gay and married and two kids. Sounded like some people’s dream. Not mine, perhaps…but some people’s. Is it Carver’s dream? Does he want a spouse and kids? Hell, I had no idea. And it shouldn’t have mattered—but it did. Carver was gay…but was he bi? Would he want a husband or a wife? Or neither? I just didn’t know.

“This is the house.” Ryan directed Chia to turn. Carver guided Poppin to follow.

The driveway was asphalt, unlike Carver’s gravel, and thus smooth.

I glanced down at Walter—who appeared to be snoozing comfortably. “Must be nice, buddy. To have other people do all the work.”

Simeon laughed. “We have a b-blanket for him. He c-can sit on the couch. If he’s allowed, t-that is.”

“He’s allowed in Carver’s house. And that’s very kind of you.” I grinned.

“Even Nanny let Chia on the c-couch. She’s spoiled.”

“As all dogs deserve to be.” I might’ve been new to the dog world, but I was already convinced of that.

“Yeah, that’s pretty great.” Carver again cut me a look I couldn’t quite interpret. Annoyance? Exasperation? Maybe a bit of gratitude? We were getting a free meal out of this deal and spending time with two really great guys. How awesome was that?

Once inside the front door, we all removed our shoes and coats. The scent of ham overwhelmed me, and my saliva glands kicked into high gear.

Simeon led us into the kitchen and opened the fridge door. “D-drinks?”

A shelf in the door held an assortment of different pops.

“Orange fizzy would be amazing.” I rubbed my hands together. I rarely treated myself.

Ryan, who’d grabbed our empty milkshake cups, rinsed them out, put them in the recycling, then washed the rescued straws.

Carver smiled. “Thanks for that.”

“I tend to drink hot beverages when I can. That said, a milkshake from Fifties is totally worth treating myself—even in the dead of winter.” He turned his attention to Simeon. “I’m going to make hot chocolate.”

“Oh.” I raised my hand. “Can I change my order?”

Everyone laughed.

Ryan set about making the hot chocolate while Simeon organized a blanket for Walter to sit on.

Poppin curled up on Chia’s bed by the fireplace and Chia hopped into one of the recliners.

“Am I wrong, or do the pooches rule the roost?” I gazed upon three contented dogs.

“You’re n-not wrong.” Simeon grinned indulgently at his dog. “She’s s-so good. A therapy dog at the r-retirement home. Everyone l-loves her.”