Page 73 of The Boyfriend Gamble

“Not today.”

Normally, I liked to steep my tea for longer, but I wanted out of the claustrophobic kitchen. I fidgeted with the tea bag and eventually tossed it into the compost.

“You’re not adding sugar?” Rayne shivered. “Gross.”

Everett poked him in the ribs. “Not everyone dumps five teaspoons of sugar into everything.”

“Especially not dentists.” I mock glared. “When are you coming in for your checkup?” Rayne had become my patient after hooking up with Everett. Before that, though, he hadn’t been to a dentist for more than six years. That had been painfully apparent. We’d needed two cleanings and an appointment to get his teeth into better shape.

“My insurance turns over in January. I promise I’ll come in.” Rayne nudged Everett. “I appreciate having insurance. Novel feeling.”

We’d spoken, just once, about his past. Booted by his grandparents upon high school graduation when he’d come out. Making his way in the world for six years until meeting Everett.

Considerably smoother sailing from then on. A few bumps, to be certain, but things were much better.

“This dog is amazing.” Jasper met my gaze from across the room.

With Rayne and Everett, I moved to the living room. Everett and I sat on the couch while Rayne, after putting his mug on the coffee table, dropped to the floor again.

“Yeah, Champ really is amazing.” His grin matched the dog’s, whose tongue lolled. “So, what are you two up to today?”

I nearly choked on my tea.

Jasper grinned. “Cameron was giving me a tour of his place. I’m new in town. I live in a studio apartment on Second Avenue. My badminton buddy was showing me how some other people live.” He gazed between Everett and Rayne. “You live in the complex as well, I take it.”

Rayne flicked his hand out the window. “Three units down. Cameron and Everett both bought before the complex was built—while it was in presale. So they got a good deal.” His chest puffed. “I’m contributing to the mortgage now we’re together. Like, forever together.”

I chanced a glance at Everett, who had the goofiest grin on his face.

He caught my gaze, but his smile didn’t lessen. “I put him on the deed since yeah, we’re married. Seemed like the prudent thing to do.”

“I assume Gil did the paperwork?” Gil was the partner in the law firm where Everett worked. He, his husband Callum, and their two kids were also my patients.

Rayne snorted. “Of course he did. And Everett still had me read over every single word. Even suggested I should get my own lawyer to look it over.”

I arched an eyebrow.

“Right? So I paid their other lawyer, Nicole, to look it over. Only she wouldn’t take more than a loonie.” He pursed his lips. “So I took her to a rock concert in Vancouver. Grindstone. Awesome show.”

Jasper caught my gaze. “I love Grindstone. Someone played several of their songs at the party last night.”

I sipped my tea.

“Yeah?” Rayne grinned. “I have all their albums. Been a fan since the beginning.”

“You were in diapers when they began.” Everett snickered.

“Hey.” Rayne pretended to be affronted, although clearly he was amused. “Thirteen.”

“Yeah? Me too. Well, eleven.” Jasper’s eyes lit. “I heard about this garage band in Vancouver. My mom wouldn’t let me drive down with my older cousin to see the show.”

“Drive down from where?”

His eyes flashed. “Fort St. John. She was right, though. My cousin died in a wreck the next week. My aunt moved away, and I never heard from her again. I might’ve been in the car.” He twitched his nose. “My parents were extra protective of me after that.”

“When did you move here from Fort St. John?” Rayne petted Champ, who snuffled.

“Four weeks ago. I had a really good job in the oil fields since I finished high school, but I got laid off.” He chanced a glance at me.

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