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“What the hell is going on out here?” A lanky man stepped out of the shop and searched the sidewalk until his gaze landed on the trio. “Hope, what have you done?”
“Gary, your wife is unhinged,” Finley said as he pulled his soaked shirt away from his chest.
“You’re just figuring that out, kid?” he asked. Gary’s sandy brown hair was going gray at the temples. His black-framed glasses sat slightly askew on his nose, and he assessed Kieran with kind eyes. “As far as meet-the-parents encounters go, this must be one for the records.” He extended his hand. “I’m Gary Newton. Husband to this wonderful woman, and stepfather to this incredible young man. You must be the Kieran we’ve been dying to meet.”
Kieran didn’t know if their first meeting broke any records, but it sure did shatter the ice. “Good to meet you, sir,” Kieran replied, shaking the man’s hand.
Hope hip-checked her husband out of the way and was on Kieran faster than Nellie on a denim-clad ass. Unconcerned about his wet shirt, she flung her arms around him and hugged him tight before stepping back and smiling up at him. “I’m so happy to meet you, and I’m sorry I blasted you with the gun.”
“That Salvation Anew leader had just baptized me with an ice cream cone, so no worries.”
Hope growled protectively as she looped her arm through Kieran’s and led him toward the store. “I have a shirt you can have.”
“Mom, he’d rather go naked on the streets than wear a shirt with one of your slogans on it.”
“How bad could it be?” Kieran asked over his shoulder. He understood Gary’s and Finley’s laughter when he surveyed the options in his size a few minutes later. He could claim that a yoga session a day could keep the bad sex away, boast that good health includes sexual health, or advertise that her Monkey Grease puts the self in self-care.
“I’ll just wear my wet shirt,” Finley announced.
Kieran snorted and tossed him the sexual health shirt while he chose the Monkey Grease for himself. Finley’s eyes twinkled with mirth as he reached for Kieran’s hand and tugged him into the changing rooms attached to the yoga studio. He reached for the hem of Kieran’s wet shirt instead of his own, so Kieran reached for his. But they stood there staring into each other’s eyes instead of undressing.
“The young guy my mom first hosed down is my ex.”
Kieran didn’t get a very good look at him, and it was impossible to see much with the beards anyway. “He’s an idiot. Bet she really enjoyed blasting him.”
“Damn right I did,” Hope called out from the other side. “You boys want us to step out for a little bit?”
“No,” Finley said. “We’re not fooling around. I just wanted to make sure you haven’t scared Kieran off.”
Kieran pointed to where Finley’s hand had shifted on his body. Instead of moving away from Kieran’s crotch, Finley gave it a good squeeze.
“Are you scared off, Kieran?” Hope asked. It was cute that she actually sounded concerned.
Finley squeezed his junk a little harder like he might be trying to influence Kieran’s answer. Like he had anything to worry about. “Not in the least.”
“Would you boys like to get a bite to eat?” Gary said. “We were just talking about closing up for a quick bite at the diner.”
“Can we get a rain check?” Finley asked. “We’ve got a big poker game back at the ranch soon, and I’m in charge of ordering food.”
They’d started playing every Saturday, which had allowed Kieran and Ivan to get to know one another better. The ginger giant turned out to be a teddy bear when he let his guard down. They also discovered Finley’s winning streak wasn’t limited to his first time, and the two of them still treated the showdown like foreplay. Finley looked for ways to outdo the menu each week, and he had planned a big barbecue feast that made Kieran’s mouth water.
“How about we do family dinner at our house tomorrow night?” Hope asked. After a pause, she added, “Don’t worry. I won’t try to cook. I’ll order something from a local restaurant.”
“Thank goodness,” Gary replied.
Finley, whose hand still gripped his lengthening dick, arched a brow in question. Kieran nodded and tried not to lean further into Finley’s touch.
“We’ll be there. Text me the time.”
“Great,” Hope said. “We’re going to head out now. Just use your key to lock up after yourselves. Take your time. I’m going to leave a goodie bag for you on the counter so you can try my latest product.”
Finley groaned and dropped his hand, and Kieran breathed a little easier. He too let go of Finley’s shirt and waited to follow his lead. “Mom, we’re not going to bang in your dressing room.”
“You’re such a prude,” Hope told him. “It was lovely meeting you, Kieran. I can’t wait to get to know you better.”
The situation was completely surreal, but somehow charming as hell. “I’m looking forward to it too.” And he realized he meant it.
Gary and Hope started chatting about what they wanted to eat. Their voices got softer as they got farther away. The bells jingled over the front door when they exited, leaving the two of them alone.
