Page 37 of Silver Fox in Cedarwood

Stan barked, bringing Isaac out of his thoughts. He couldn’t stay in his head all day. He left the car and the porch light came on. Len strode out of the condo.

“You made it.” Len made his way up to the car. “Hi, Stan.” He turned his attention to Isaac. “I’m glad you’re here.”

“You missed me?” Isaac held on to Stan’s leash and guided him out of the vehicle.

“I did.” Len threaded his arm around Isaac. “You make me happy.”

“Make me pretty happy, too.” He paused. “Aiden’s here.”

“And Matt.”

Shit.“Am I walking into an ambush?”

“No. I told them to drop by any time and they did.” Len squeezed Isaac’s side. “Don’t worry. If I thought you’d get attacked, I wouldn’t have been okay with all of us being together.”

“You’re sure?”

“Yes.” Len kissed his cheek. “Come inside. If we’re going to be together, then we have to get along. It’s not hard and we can do this.”

“Agreed.” He held tight to Stan’s leash. “Let’s go. I’m ready.”Sort of.

“You’ll be fine.” Len opened the door for them. Stan strode into the house first and yanked the leash. He pranced with Cissy and barked.

Isaac unclipped the leash, then sighed. What a time to lose his courage.

Aiden and Matt stood together at the counter in the kitchen. Aiden waved.

“Hi.” He couldn’t hide his discomfort, but he’d deal. “How are you?” He kicked out of his shoes and left the leash with Cissy’s by the door.

“Good.” Aiden strode into the living room. He offered Isaac a glass of wine. “Is it rocking there at the clinic?”

“It’s busy.” Isaac nodded. “I sent some tests over to the hospital labs today.”

“Nice.” Aiden held up the glass. “Want some?”

He should stay level-headed. “I’m good, but thank you.” The offer could be a test or a goodwill gesture. Either way, he wasn’t in the mood for a drink.

Len eased up beside him and squeezed Isaac’s ass.

Matt headed into the living room. “Good to see you, Isaac. Len’s talked about you nonstop.”

He blushed. His skin heated and a prickle ran the length of his spine. “I’m not that exciting.”

“I don’t agree.” Len laughed. “You’re plenty exciting.”

“Dad.” Aiden shook his head. “I don’t need to know.” He laughed, too.

Isaac smiled, unsure if he should be proud or embarrassed.

“Matt, help me with the chicken,” Len said. He elbowed Matt. “You can add the garnish.” He and Matt left the room.

Aiden sipped his wine, then stared at Isaac. “So, you and Dad.” He dipped his head. “I could see it all along. You’ve always hit it off with him.”

“You knew?” He contained his shock, but not by much.

“Everyone knew. When you and I discussed Dad after his stroke, I could tell it was genuine concern, not doctor-patient worry. There was a sparkle in your eye, but also a catch in your voice. You were just as scared as we were. That made an impression on me and apparently on Dad, too. I haven’t seen my dad this happy in forever.”

He wasn’t sure what to say. His world was better with Len in it. He cared for and loved Len.

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