“It means we need to trust one another. It also means we need to trust that the decisions we’re making are the right ones for the right reasons.” With that, he walked over to his dad and hugged him. When he pulled back, he swallowed past
the lump in his throat. “I’m glad you’re okay. You need anything?”
Tony smiled warmly. “Got everything I need right here. You boys go on. Get some rest. The next few days are gonna be kind of intense.”
Dex stared at Tony and let out a bark of laughter. Only his dad would call a wedding intense after what he’d just been through. Dex headed for the door, waiting for Cael, who’d stopped to give their dad a big hug. After some murmured words between them, Cael joined Dex. The door to the office closed behind them, and Cael frowned at Dex.
“What happened to telling the truth? Let me guess, it’s not your place to tell.”
When had his little brother become such a smartass? “There’s a reason she hasn’t told him,” Dex said, making his way to the locker room. He was looking forward to a nice hot shower and then going home and crawling into bed with his man.
“Yeah, she’s saving her own ass. She knows if she tells him, he’s done.”
“No, there’s something else. I’m sure of it.” Dex paused outside the locker room. “You think Dad’s really okay after everything that happened?”
Cael sighed. “You know Dad. He doesn’t sit and think about things. They happen, it’s over, and he moves on. Either way, after he gets debriefed, he has to see Dr. Winters. Hopefully the doctor can get through to him.”
Dex hoped so. Their dad wasn’t big on sharing his worries or insecurities. He wasn’t a big talker, especially when it came to his own well-being.
Inside the locker room, Sloane sat on a bench talking to Ash, and Dex took a moment to admire his beautiful mate’s profile. Sloane was down to his black undershirt and charcoal gray boxer briefs. He had one ankle up on his opposite knee, his big hand and long fingers resting on his ankle. The V-neck T-shirt was snug, stretching across his broad shoulders and over his biceps, since he was slightly turned to face Ash. His stubble had grown in thick. Dex stalked over and straddled the bench beside Sloane, who was engrossed in whatever he and Ash were talking about. Dex slid his arm around Sloane’s waist and rested his chin on Sloane’s shoulder. They were pressed together from head to toe.
“Mm, comfy,” Dex said. He inhaled deep and groaned. “You smell so good.”
“And on that note,” Ash said, tugging at one of Cael’s belt loops playfully. “Hey, sweetheart. Want me to get you anything from the canteen while you shower?”
Cael smiled brightly as he leaned in and kissed Ash. “A hot chocolate?”
“You got it.” Ash stood and kissed Cael in return before Cael headed off to the showers.
“I guess I should shower,” Dex mumbled, not wanting to move from where he was pressed up against Sloane. Sloane turned his head and patted Dex’s thigh.
“Make it a quick one. I just want to get you home.”
Somehow Dex found the energy to spring up and off the bench. He cupped Sloane’s face and kissed him long and deep until he heard Ash grumble beside him.
“Do you mind? No one needs to see you two sucking face.”
Sloane laughed against Dex’s lips, and Dex reluctantly pulled back. He smiled knowingly at Ash. “You’re just jealous because that’s what you wish you were doing right now with Cael.”
Ash’s face flushed, and he muttered something under his breath before walking off. With a laugh, Dex stripped down to his boxers. He grabbed his toiletry bag from his locker as Sloane stepped up behind him, nuzzling his hair, his voice low and husky when he spoke.
“You really need to hurry up.” Sloane trailed a finger down Dex’s spine, making his body shiver. “I want to get you in bed and see what it takes to make you purr.”
Dex shut his locker and turned to Sloane, his toiletry bag covering the erection he now sported. Sloane licked his bottom lip, and Dex followed that sinful tongue. He lifted his gaze, a moan escaping him at Sloane’s blown pupils.
“I, uh, guess I better go shower.”
“Quick.”
“Quick,” Dex agreed before walking around Sloane and jogging toward the showers, a wide grin spreading across his face. So, Sloane wanted to see what it would take to make Dex purr? Challenge accepted.
CHAPTER 12
“DEX, THIS place is stunning.”
Dex chuckled at his aunt’s huge eyes as they walked through the estate gardens where the wedding ceremony would take place. Months ago, Lou had presented him with a slideshow of possible venues, but when the photographs of this place came up, Dex knew immediately this was it. The historic French chateau-style castle and estate in Long Island was exactly what he’d wanted. They were surrounded by miles and miles of greenery, or rather a host of fall colors. The lush trees that stretched as far as the eye could see were beginning to burst with yellows, oranges, and reds. It was blissfully peaceful. No traffic, no city noise. They were in their own little bubble of serenity.
The estate was dazzling with its elegance, and for the next three nights, its thirty-two guestrooms would be occupied by Dex and Sloane’s family, friends, and their friends’ loved ones. Those attending the rehearsal dinner had arrived and were all currently touring the impressive and prestigious estate. Tony and Danelle had been the first ones to arrive, followed by the entire Hobbs clan, along with Darla and her beau, Armel. Julia and Darla wasted no time in bringing Vivian Keeler into their circle of awesome momness. Then Lucia Huerta arrived with her husband, Thiago, and the parental monarchy was complete.