Page 233 of Game Night: Truth or Dare

“We have our own duvets, otherwise, I end up like you did last night,” Jamie said with a wink.

Ben was still laughing when the subjects of their conversation shuffled into the kitchen. Ben noticed just how much of a carbon copy Wil was of his father. They both sported mussed curls—although Kellet’s were shorter and tidier—and dark stubble framed strong jaw lines. They were even dressed alike in sleep shorts and ratty t-shirts.

Ben caught Jamie’s eye, and they both laughed harder.

“What’s so funny?” Kellet asked his husband curiously.

“Just the delight that is the James men, Drummer Boy,” Jamie replied affectionately as he accepted a soft kiss.

Ben glanced away to give them a modicum of privacy and found Wil looking at him.

“Morning,” Ben said. “Do you want a coffee?”

“Hey,” Wil replied. He shuffled over to where Ben was leaning against the counter. “Did you sleep okay? I got worried when I woke up and found you gone.” Wil traced a finger down Ben’s arm, sending a tingle down his spine.

“Son, if you and Ben are going to be a couple, you need to add extra blankets to your bed,” Jamie said.

A frown line appeared between Wil’s eyebrows as he looked at Ben in askance.

“You like to roll yourself in the sheets like a burrito.” Ben coughed and glanced over at Wil’s fathers. “Apparently, you take after your dad in that respect.”

“JJ, have you been telling tales again?” Kellet growled, mock-glaring at Jamie.

“It’s not a tale if it’s the truth,” Jamie retorted, standing up. “Let me make us all some coffee while you and Wil work your magic and make us breakfast.”

“I’m sorry,” Wil whispered to Ben. “I’m not used to sharing a bed.”

“That’s okay. We’ll add an extra blanket to the bed tonight.”

After a breakfast of pancakes and bacon, Ben sat nursing his second cup of coffee. Conversation had flowed during the meal, with gentle teasing from all three men showing their close bond.

“Wil says you’re doing a creative arts and media degree. What are your plans when you graduate?” Kellet asked him.

“I’d really love to get into special effects and set design, but it’s a cut-throat industry, as you can imagine. I’ll be applying to a couple of places for an internship, but so will everyone else. I do some graphic design work on the side, so that’s another avenue I can explore.”

“You should talk to Cal,” Kellet said. “He used to work for one of the gaming developers, but now has his own company, CSW Consulting. He may be able to put you in touch with people in the industry.”

Ben darted a look at Wil, who nodded in agreement. “That’s a great idea, Dad.”

“I have them occasionally,” Kellet mused dryly.

“What are your plans for the rest of the day?” Jamie asked.

“We were just going to hang around here, until it’s time for the party,” Wil said. “Unless there’s something you want to do, Ben?”

“No. Just chilling here sounds pretty cool. I’ve got some schoolwork to look at, so I can do that.”

“We’ll leave you boys to it then,” Kellet said.

“Where are you going?” Wil asked.

“Nowhere, unless you want to count the studio to play with the melody Seth came up with yesterday.”

“How far away is the studio?” Ben asked, interested in what process the band used to create their hits.

Wil nodded towards the garden at the back of the house. “About fifty feet that way.”

Ben turned and looked out the large kitchen window that overlooked the pool and manicured gardens. He could see a low stone building tucked away amongst the foliage.

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