Chapter 23

Sure enough, when Troy looked through the window, his man—Troy was perfectly comfortable with that label—was busy working on a dining room chair. Troy smiled, content to watch his man work. However, Beck seemed to sense his presence, looked up, smiled, set down the power tool, and approached the door.

“Hey,” Troy said, smiling goofily at Beck.

“Hey yourself.”

Troy opened his arms and Beck walked into them. Troy held Beck, nuzzling his hair and taking in the comforting and calming smell of the man.

“Missed you, daddy.” Beck’s words were muffled as his face was pressed into Troy’s shoulder.

“Missed you, too, babe.”

“How was your meeting with Adam?”

Troy sighed. “He’s hurting.”

Beck rubbed Troy’s back. “And you feel torn about how or if you can help.”

Troy nodded, no longer surprised how in tune Beck was to his feelings. “He’s a good guy, real lonely. I sense that his folks are distant.” He told Beck about how cold the place felt.

“Well, come on in and let me warm you up.”