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Wood watched him intently as if he was dissecting his every word. As if he was searching for a hint of dishonesty. Trent released a shallow breath before he leaned in and gently pressed his lips against Wood’s. He heard an irritated groan in the room, but he didn’t let it distract him. Wood’s arms tightened around him, strong fingers splaying across his lower back as Trent allowed Wood to deepen the kiss. It only lasted a few seconds, and by the satisfied glaze shimmering in Wood’s eyes when he pulled away, Trent knew he’d made his point.
“Can I say something now?” Bishop asked.
“Sure,” Trent agreed, suddenly feeling lighter.
“Do you mind climbing off his goddamn lap first?” Bishop griped.
“I knew you’d have a problem,” Trent said angrily, sliding off Wood’s lap but not going far.
“What?” Bishop asked, pushing his big body to the edge of the recliner, nudging Edison off his lap. “Yeah, I got a big problem. I don’t want to watch my little brother hump on his boyfriend in front of me.”
Wood laughed loudly, but Trent didn’t find anything funny. He mimicked Bishop’s posture and returned his glare.
“Your grand gesture wasn’t necessary, Trent. I already knew about you and Wood. But Edison thought it’d be best if I let you tell me yourself.”
Trent turned toward a blushing Edison. “You promised.”
“I didn’t say a word, I swear. Bishop just figured it out like he does everything. He doesn’t even know I cut your hair for you guys’s first date.” Edison slapped his hand over his mouth. “Oops.”
“Well, he does now,” Trent muttered, rolling his eyes. “I was gonna tell you, B, you know that. I just wanted you to see that I was sure about this. It’s not something I jumped into without thinking.”
“I know that, Trent. You’re not the man you used to be. I don’t think any of us are for that matter. I knew you were serious when you stayed home from work for two days to take care of him. You wouldn’t do that for just anyone.”
“So you’re not surprised I like a man?” Trent raised his voice. “Forget that it’s Wood.”
Bishop made a noncommittal sound and shook his head. “Nope. Put that together a while ago.”
Trent dropped his head, digging his palms into his eyes. He couldn’t believe what he was hearing.
“You were different when you came out of prison, T. I knew you’d maybe experienced something in there,” Bishop said more gently. “Not necessarily bad either. I prodded at the subject a couple times, but you’d always clam-up. So, I left you to it and just waited.”
“Did you know I’d like Wood also?” Trent asked sarcastically. “Since you know everything else.” He was only a little pissed that he’d never been able to deceive Bishop or Mike.
Shit… Mike.
“No. But I knew you wouldn’t dislike him.” Bishop smirked. “So yeah, I thought maybe you two would hit it off. Then when you lied to me to protect Wood after he relapsed, that’s when I was sure.”
“What?” Trent gaped.
“You know you suck at lying, T. And did you forget that I lived with Wood for five years? And in all that quality time we spent together, I never even saw this asshole get a runny nose, so I wasn’t buying the whole flu story,” Bishop said before lowering his voice.
“I know you like to think you run people away, Trent, but you don’t. I’m sorry the men you met were such cowards and didn’t stick around.” Bishop glanced in Wood’s direction. “I just wanted to introduce you to someone I knew who would.”
Trent realized he was nodding when he felt Wood’s calming hand in the center of his back.
Bishop comically scrubbed at his clenched eyes. “I had a theory you two would work, but I can’t say I was prepared to actually see it.”
Trent’s face felt warm, but he held his head up and met Wood’s eyes. He fought to hold in the emotion that was overtaking him. His brother trusted his judgment and no longer considered him a fuckup. Trusted him enough with a man he’d come to admire and respect. In that moment Trent swore to never let either of them down.
“I know, dude.” Bishop reached over and shoved Trent’s knee. “You got this.”
Trent scoffed. “Stop fuckin’ reading me.”
They laughed for a moment until Wood gripped him behind his neck and pulled him into his chest. Trent automatically went to Wood’s mouth that was curved in that sexy smile he loved.
“All right, enough of this mushy shit. Let’s get some food.” Bishop clapped his hands together. “But I do wanna hear about this first date y’all had.”
They ended up ordering two large pepperoni pizzas and watching reruns of Game of Thrones, trying to get Wood caught up. Trent kept the displays of affection to a minimum, and after a while it felt like just a few guys hanging out and having a good time. Trent had never been on a double date, but the thought of having more of these evenings made him feel all grown-up and mature.
