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“I just wanted to say this. Growing up, I can’t remember a day going by where Effie wasn’t laughing, dancing, singing. She was always so happy. My dad used to tell me it was because she felt safe. That she knew she was protected with us. Not just physically, but that we gave her a safe space where she could be herself.”
Steele nodded. He knew Brooks didn’t really need a reply. He just had to get this out.
“I never understood what he meant. Not until he died and Effie’s sense of safety died with him.”
Okay, that part Steele didn’t like, but he kept his mouth shut.
“It took her a while to recover and I had to go into foster care. They were good people, they treated me well. But I had just lost my dad and the only mom I’d ever known. Aunt Effie came for me, though, as soon as she was well enough. She’s always been there for me when I needed her. But she didn’t sing or dance or really smile for a long time. And even then . . . it wasn’t the same. She’d dance when she thought no one was looking. Or sometimes she’d sing in the car. And she’d smile and be happy. But she wasn’t fully safe without Dad there to take care of her. And I couldn’t really give her that. She hasn’t had that since he died. Not until the two of you.”
“Brooks, you are the world to her.” Steele never wanted the kid to think that they were pushing him out.
Grady nodded in agreement but stayed quiet.
Brooks grinned. “Relax. I know my place in her life. I come first.” It was said without boasting but with total confidence. Damn, Effie had done a good job with this boy.
Effie and Joe.
He glanced over at Grady, who was watching them both steadily.
“What I’m trying to say is thank you. I know things were different between Aunt Effie and my dad than they are with the two of you. But you’ve given her back that safe space where she can be herself and she knows that not only is she not judged, but she’s loved and protected.”
“Fuck, kid. You’re far too smart for me,” Steele muttered.
“Smart and caring,” Grady noted. “Something we never were at your age.”
“You forgot good-looking,” Brooks boasted. “Of course, you two still ain’t that.” He shot up with a laugh before either of them could grab him and ran to the pool, jumping in.
Grady looked over at Steele.
“Can you believe him?” Grady commented.
“He’s a great kid. With the job Effie’s done with him, think about how she’d be with our kids. Never thought I’d have kids, but Effie has a way of making you see things differently.” Steele glanced over at Grady.
They’d been taking things slowly. Making sure that the transition from best friends to lovers went smoothly. Also, since Effie loved to watch them, they hadn’t had much one-on-one time.
But right now, it was just him, Grady, the moonlight and some beers.
Oh, and Brooks. But he was busy swimming.
Reaching over, he grasped the other man around the back of his neck and drew him close, pressing his lips to Grady’s.
It was different from kissing Effie. She was soft and thankfully didn’t have any facial hair. Not that he was complaining about Grady’s. But she yielded instantly to his dominance, eager to give him whatever he needed.
Yet, between Grady and him, there would probably always be a fight for who was in control. Grady liked rules and order. It helped after his chaotic childhood. But Steele needed control too.
Grady’s dominance was down below the surface. Locked up tight and only let out when Grady chose.
While Steele wore his like a second skin.
But that didn’t mean that Grady would just submit like Effie did. And he didn’t expect him to.
He drew back from the other man, his breathing quick and deep. His dick was hard, pressed against his jeans. Tight and uncomfortable.
Leaning in, Steele wrapped his hand around the other man’s neck once again. “You ready for this? To give our girl the rest of her birthday present?”
“Yeah. I’m ready. Wouldn’t be wearing a damn anal plug if I weren’t.”
Steele grinned. They were going to give their girl a show. That’s what she’d asked for her birthday. Dancing and to watch them touch each other.
