Page 38 of Silver Fox in Cedarwood

“Ross screwed him up,” Aiden said. “I knew my dad wouldn’t be single for long. He’s a relationship kind of guy, but Ross did a number on him. They never should’ve been together, but I don’t know. Maybe there were good things about him. I never saw them. All I do know is that he’s gone and you’re here. Be good to Dad. He needs someone who can love him, warts and all.”

“I will.” Without question.

“Be good to him and I’ll be on your side.” Aiden clapped Isaac on the shoulder. “I’m glad he’s with you.”

“I’m proud to be with him.”

Aiden nodded again. “Do you swim with him or run together?”

“We’ve done both. I had to get a pass at the swim complex, but I didn’t care. I miss having someone to challenge me. It’s no fun swimming and running alone.” Isaac shrugged. “Do you still run?”

“Matt and I do. We clock laps on the trails. It sucks when we’re on opposing schedules, but we figure things out,” Aiden said. He sipped his wine again. “You should have some of this. It’s really good. I’m no wine connoisseur, but this is smooth.”

“Nah, I’m good. Thanks though,” Isaac said. “I’m not much of a drinker.”

“I remember.” Aiden smiled. “That’s another reason I know you’re good for Dad. You’re not prone to losing control and getting sloppy.”

“In our line of work, we need to be in control.”

Aiden sighed. “Just be careful with Dad and be honest.”

“I will.”

“Then let’s eat.” Aiden headed into the dining room. “I’m starving.”

Isaac got the hint—conversation over. He exhaled. He’d gained an ally in Aiden, but also knew where he stood with him. Good enough. He’d passed the test.

“It’s all good,” Len whispered. “And it’ll keep getting better.”

“It will.” Isaac took a seat at the table and relaxed. He had a family and people who cared about him. He wouldn’t trade it for the world.

Chapter Nine

Isaac stayed long after Aiden and Matt left. He sagged on the sofa. He hated the tense feeling, but damn it. He couldn’t settle down. “That went better than I thought.”

“I did, but I wasn’t worried. You were?” Len sat beside him. “Honey, it’s just Aiden and Matt. No one was going to turn you down or say anything.” He palmed Isaac’s thigh. “They like you.”

“But the age thing. I know Aiden said to be good and careful, but I know it’s got to be bothering him.” He groaned. “I’m overthinking this, aren’t I?”

“You are, because theage thingisn’t a big deal.”

“I was your doctor.” He couldn’t get past Aiden mentioning the concern going beyond him being Len’s physician.

“And you know me.” Len rested his head on Isaac’s shoulder. “Stop worrying about whatever you’re overthinking. You passed the test. You’re in and I’m the deciding vote. Aiden and Matt are happy for us because they see we’re both better together. That’s what matters.”

“That’s true.” If he didn’t get over his fears, he’d lose out on the person he cared about most. “Come here.” He tugged Len onto his lap, straddling him. “How’d things go today at the shelter?”

“Everyone’s fed and two dogs were adopted. The people came through,” Len said. He massaged Isaac’s shoulders. “Our contribution helped, too. Thanks for donating.”

“Any time.” He slid his hands over Len’s ass. “You center me.”

“I do?”

“You remind me what matters.” He kissed Len. “I appreciate it. I need all the centering you can give me.”

“My pleasure,” Len said. “What’s also my pleasure is to make things up to you. You’ve had a stressful day.” He ground on Isaac’s lap. “Let me destress you.”

A groan rumbled in Isaac’s throat and his cock throbbed.Damn.He needed this kind of appreciation. “It’s working.”

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