Chapter 14 #2
He caught Roper’s gaze deliberately. “I told him he had a choice. He made it. I certainly had no intention of starting something with a man who works for me. But we both wanted…to start something.”
“You got a nest egg, though, right? You are good, because?—”
“Solid as a rock, brother.” There was no hesitation, no tension in Ryder at all.
Charles was touched by the trust Ryder had in him.
He knew two things for certain. He and Ryder were going to be good for each other, and Roper would most assuredly kick his ass if he didn’t treat Ryder with the respect he deserved.
Ryder had chosen, however, not to share their financial agreement should things not work out between them, so he wouldn’t either.
“You know your own brain, man. You’re happy?”
“Yeah.”
“I can visit and see where you’re living? Can I tell Mom?”
Ryder glanced at him, really quickly.
That was an easy question to answer, even if it made him a bit uneasy. He couldn’t be sure Ryder’s family would find him suitable. “It’s your home too now; invite anyone you like. And I look forward to meeting your mother.”
“So, yes, you can visit, and I’ll tell the family. No bringing them with you, or I will be real put out.”
He kept eating and let the brothers talk. He was learning a great deal by keeping his mouth shut until spoken to.
“I would never.” Roper looked shocked by the idea, but even he could tell it was a playful lie.
“Butthead. I’m serious. I’m not ready for Momma.”
“Fair enough. I wouldn’t be either. Ever.”
The brothers grinned at each other, then started laughing, shoulder to shoulder.
As Charles watched the two of them laughing together, he realized without any resentment whatsoever that he could never be the most important person in Ryder’s life.
A very close second was a good possibility, but a bond like that was just different.
It was important, and he knew he had to respect that.
Besides, he enjoyed seeing Ryder so happy.
“I take your mother is a lot of company?” He smiled at them and sipped his coffee.
“Mom is a lot of…woman. She’s dear and brave, but she’s raised two sets of twin cowboys.” Ryder winked at him. “She’s bulletproof.”
“Ah. Delaying a visit seems to be the prudent choice, then.” He chuckled and licked coffee off his lip.
“Yeah, Mom can be intense, and with new relationship energy?” Roper shook his head, so dramatic. “Nope.”
New relationship energy. He liked that. He was enjoying the energy so far, and he could see not wanting to share that with Mom.
“I’m looking forward to watching you ride again tonight, Roper.”
“Thanks, man. I appreciate it. Hopefully I stick for the eight.” Roper winked at him.
“I have every confidence.” He gave Roper a nod and forked up a big bite of eggs. They were very edible for a hotel restaurant.
“I like him. I like him a lot. You can hang with him.”
Ryder rolled his eyes. “Thanks. I live for your permission.”
He chuckled and kept eating, but quietly he was pleased to be on Roper’s good side. “What are your plans today? I think Ryder was hoping to spend some time with you.”
“I’ve got nothing all day. I have to sign autographs at six, just like always.”
He nodded, mouth full of another bite of maple syrup heaven. After he’d swallowed, he looked at Ryder. “I won’t be the least bit insulted if you’d like some family time.”
“I thought we could all do something, even if it’s just gambling or bowling or something.”
“Oh, do you bowl, Charles?” Roper’s eyes lit up.
“Not in quite some time, but I have, yes.” He was terrible at it, but he recalled having fun. “Is this something the two of you do well?”
Ryder chuckled softly. “No one said we did it well…”
He glanced up and grinned at Ryder. “Then I think we’ll have a fair competition.”
“We really just like throwing the ball and laughing. The place here? Does glow in the dark bowling.” Roper grinned. “Let’s do that.”
“Glow in the dark?” That sounded dangerous, but the entire point of this adventure was to do new things. “I’m interested.”
“See, I knew I liked him. Seriously.” Roper winked at Ryder. “This is really a good omelet, believe it or not.”
“I have no complaints about my pancakes.” He had just taken the last bite. “And the coffee is drinkable.”
“Isn’t all coffee drinkable?” Roper asked, and Ryder shook his head.
“Not yours, man. You make terrible coffee.”
He raised an eyebrow at Roper. “The coffee Ryder makes me at home is delicious. Do you make it differently?”
“We must,” Ryder said. “Because Roper’s sucks.”
He snorted. “Noted. House rule number one. Roper is welcome in our home, but he is not to touch the coffee maker.”
“Exactly. It would never be the same. Ever.” Ryder caught the napkin Roper threw at him.
“Boys, we’re in polite company,” he teased. “Behave yourselves.”
“Yes, Sir,” they spoke, in perfect unison.
His lips twitched as he held back a grin. “Very nice.”
They both reached for their coffee cups, said, “Thank you,” and drank.
“That was cute. I can still tell you apart, though.” It wasn’t their looks; it was something in Ryder’s eyes, in the way that Ryder looked at him. Their eyes were built the same way, but they didn’t see the same.
Ryder watched him with weight, with intent. It was more than desire, and Charles craved it.
Roper sighed. “You’d be the only one. Except Mackey.”
“It’s true, though. I can tell.” He winked at Roper and put his fork down. “I am stuffed.”
“You made a dent.” Ryder winked at him, eyebrows waggling.
“A good one. I won’t need lunch.” He snorted. “I’ll need a milkshake later, however.” Those were a worthwhile indulgence.
“Those are better than sex,” Roper said, and Ryder’s lips twisted.
He chuckled. Roper really was an instigator. “I’m not sure about that, but they’re just as sinful.”
“Sinful sex…now that’s a thought.”
“Roper, you be nice,” Ryder muttered. “No baiting my man.”
“I’m very difficult to bait. Or ruffle. Not to worry, cowboy.” He reached across the table again, and took Ryder’s hand, lifting it to kiss the back.
Ryder pinked, and Roper arched one eyebrow. “Y’all are sweet. Lord have mercy.”
“Thank you.” He let Ryder’s hand go, then reached for his wallet. “I hope to keep your brother happy and…fulfilled.” He chose that word carefully, curious to see if Roper would pick up on his meaning.
“You might make it. You seem to have the…vibe.”
That seemed to be the acknowledgement he was looking for. “I might at that.” He handed his card to the server to pay for breakfast. “So, bowling, then?”
“Sounds good to me. Thanks for breakfast.” Roper held his hand out to shake, and that tattoo of a rope with a lock peeked out.
“Yes, thank you, Sir. I appreciate it.”
He shook with Roper, looking Ryder’s twin right in the eyes, then signed the check and stood, putting his card back in his wallet. “My pleasure.”
Roper smiled at him, then at Ryder. “Are you going to be busy tonight? Joe Gresham is coming to the show, and I have a meeting with him at the bar after.”
Ryder tilted his head. “Yeah? You still working the deal, there?”
“He wants you too.”
“I don’t want to.”
“It won’t hurt?—”
Ryder frowned. “I don’t want to.”
“Just pictures, no film? Just come talk to him. It’s a lot of money.”
“What’s this about?” Charles took Ryder’s hand. He didn’t like the sound of it, and Ryder had already said no.
“I have a guy who wants cowboy twins in his commercials and ads. He wants us,” Roper explained. “Both of us.”
“Ah. Well, I’m sure he can find someone else.” Any set of twins could dress up like cowboys after all.
“But if we do just print ads?”
Ryder sighed. “I’ll meet with him, if Charles can come too.”
He shrugged and looked at Roper. “Fair?”
“Sure. Perfect. I’ll let him know. It’s not a big deal, Ry. I swear.”
Ryder simply shrugged.
That was a conversation he’d have with Ryder at dinner, while Roper was signing his autographs. He needed to know everything, so he could protect his…lover.
“If it pays well, it’s probably a big deal, Roper. We can let Ryder decide that for himself later with no pressure, right?”
“Sure. Sure. Joe’s a decent sort. He just is…intense.”
Ryder shook his head. “Bowling? Or are we going to walk and wander for a bit?”
That was strangely curt. He squeezed Ryder’s fingers. “I would love to bowl; it sounds like fun. Perhaps wander later when we’re tired.”
“Good deal. Let’s do this.” Ryder smiled at him, nodded. “You know where it is, Roper?”
“I do. We’re going down .” Roper blew kisses at them.
Oh my . He had no idea what he was in for, but he was ready for the adventure.