Page 23 of In Step

Terry flipped him off. “Fuck off, arsehole. A sleep-in with no one to cook breakfast for is worth more than any hangover. I’m too damn tired, not to mention old, to go clubbing. The only thing I can pull these days is the tab on this can of beer.” He held it up. “Dad bod is a real thing.”

“Hey, you’re only thirty, and you’re still hot.” Judah slipped alongside Morgan, wrapping an arm around his husband’s shoulder. “I was all over that cute little butt of yours in high school. Sneaked a peek whenever I could.”

Morgan elbowed him. “You’re such a little shit.”

Judah laughed. “He knew.”

“I did.” Terry smiled. “But I can assure you my butt is less perky these days, along with a few other things.”

“Rubbish,” Jam added. “You look great.”

Patrick agreed. “There’s nothing wrong with your arse, man.”

Terry’s cheeks blazed. “Jesus, you guys are gay as fuck. I’m out of here before someone decides to take me shopping. Anyone want a ride?” He reached for his jacket and Jam and Patrick got to their feet to join him.

I finished my beer while Leroy walked them to the door, thinking about how very much more than ‘just family’ this group actually was. How it must feel to be Kane, watching these lunches come and go, and always from the outside.

When Leroy got back, Martha and Cora brought coffee, and the seven of us settled on the three couches facing each other.

“On a different topic,” Judah began once everyone was comfortable. “Abe’s had the brilliant idea to extend the kids’ performance into a general community dance afterward, including an exhibition of tango. Under Abe’s instructions, I’m gonna partner Morgan, and Jon and Connie are willing to give it a go. I was kind of hoping the rest of you might agree as well.” Judah looked specifically to Leroy who suddenly paled. “Abe will teach us everything we need to know, and we’ll keep it simple.”

“Are you fucking crazy?” Leroy’s eyes bulged as he slid off the arm of the couch to squeeze alongside Fox. “I don’t dance...ever. At least not in public.”

I bit back a laugh.

“Hey, it could be fun.” Fox pulled a scowling Leroy closer.

“No, it fucking couldn’t.” Leroy wriggled free. “And it’s all right for you. You might have a voice like rusty iron, but at least you have rhythm. I have two tree trunks for legs.”

“Make thatexcellent rhythm.” Fox kissed Leroy’s temple. “It’s all the practice I get, and the very specific anddetailedfeedback you give me.”

Leroy blushed and shoved him away with a smile. “Idiot.”

“And you dance better than you think,” Fox added, pulling him back against his side. “I’ve watched you in the kitchen.”

“We’ll do it,” Martha piped up. “I did a bit of ballroom when I was young.”

“And your father and I danced a little too.” Cora kicked Leroy’s foot. “Come on. It’s a great idea.”

“No. It isn’t. I told you. I don’t dance.” He looked desperately at Fox.

“Well, I for one wouldloveto dance with you.” Fox’s hand slid up Leroy’s jaw as he pressed a gentle kiss to Leroy’s lips. “Come on. Let’s do this for Judah and the kids.”

Leroy stared at Fox with soft eyes as something private passed between them that I couldn’t read. A bubble of something too fucking close to envy rose in my dusty heart and I squashed it flat.

“You don’t play fair.” Leroy cupped Fox’s face. “But okay. For you and the kids.” Then his narrowed gaze swept the room. “But if I hear a single laugh or snide comment, I will personally fuck you all up. Understood?”

Everyone laughed and promises were made.

I turned to Leroy. “I’ll keep the steps simple. The tango is really a walking dance, which means if you can walk, you can tango. It also relies on a truckload of attitude and connection with your partner.”

“Attitude?” Fox laughed and pressed a kiss to Leroy’s cheek. “Oh. My. God. You havesogot this, babe.”

Leroy swatted Fox’s arm.

“And you’ll have plenty of time to practise,” I reassured him. “The concert is still weeks away, and I promise that if you absolutely hate it, you can pull out.”

“Damn right.” Leroy slouched in his seat and Fox pressed a line of kisses down his cheek. “You missed a spot.” Leroy pointed to his lips when Fox was done.

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