LaCroix leaned forward, his attention fixed on Cross. “Is that really a good idea? You know you’re painting a target on that young man’s back. Are you prepared to offer him protection for the rest of his life, even after you split up?”
“We’re not splitting up,” Rusty burst out.
“No, of courseyouwouldn’t think so.” LaCroix pushed to his feet, standing several inches taller than Cross. Rusty like the fact that he topped LaCroix by about the same number of inches.
Cross said, “We’re not splitting up. And if, in some year to come, we did? Yes, I would keep Rusty safe, whatever that looked like.”
“Except we’re not.” Rusty tried to stare that certainty into Cross’s eyes.
At least that made Cross smile. “No, mon chou. We’re not.”
“So it’s a mute point.”
“Moot.” LaCroix shot the cuffs of his snowy white shirt.
Cross growled, “Dad,” in a warning tone.
LaCroix shrugged. “It’s hard to keep you safe, RJ, when you insist on putting yourself at risk. I understand this young man is partially responsible for the attempted kidnapping.”
“Huh? No, he’s not.”
“Well, I did date Tyler,” Rusty noted, his temper simmering. “But we could also say your dad’s responsible because he doesn’t give away enough of his money.”
“What?” LaCroix stared at him.
Rusty had a moment to regret what his mouth had gotten him into, but it was too late to back off now. “Yeah, right? If you’d given away, say, ninety percent of your wealth, you wouldn’t be a gazillionaire and Tyler wouldn’t have thought Cross was such a great target. So, yanno, lots of blame to go around.” He held his breath till dark sparkles floated in his vision.What the fuck did I just say?Maybe he had a few more daddy issues than he realized.
But after a minute, LaCroix actually nodded. “Or we could blame the two men responsible, of course. Point taken.” He turned to Cross. “Who else will be at your press conference? Someone from our corporate media relations?”
Cross threw Rusty a look that said,What the hell was that?but answered steadily, “No. The team’s media person will, maybe someone else from the Rafters management. Plus Amy and whatever security she considers appropriate.”
“And our lawyer, of course.”
“No, Dad. I don’t need a lawyer.”
“You always need a lawyer.”
A tap on the door interrupted them. Elise said, “Oh good, here’s breakfast. Now, no shop talk over the food. Promise me.”
The silent hotel staffers set out their meal on the suite’s own dining table, four places with cloth napkins and silverware,crystal glasses for juice and water, and serving plate after plate with domed silver covers. At a nod from Elise, the covers were whisked off, revealing eggs and bacon and French toast and pastries and crepes and cream-saucy round things that were probably Cross’s favorite Benedicts, and fruit, and sauteed peppers with onions, and yogurt and…
“Holy shit!”
Rusty didn’t realize he’d said the words out loud until LaCroix frowned. “Excuse me?”
He clearly meant,Excuse you, but Rusty dug deep in his well of don’t-give-a-shit and grinned. “Looks awesome, Elise. Thanks for inviting us.” Technically, LaCroix had done that, but if he said so, he’d be taking the credit from his wife.
“I’m so glad you could come.” Elise pulled out a chair. “Here, come sit by me. Tell me about your family.”
Rusty sat as directed.Might as well rip off the Band-Aid fast.Cross eased into the chair beside him and laid a hand on his thigh under the table as he said, “I lost one brother a year ago, and my parents declared me dead when I came out to them, so I have no clue what they’re up to now.” His throat ached, thinking of his youngest brothers, but there was nothing he could do about it.
Cross squeezed his thigh, and to his surprise, Elise touched his forearm with her fingertips. “Oh, I’m so sorry. How awful. Well, if you’re RJ’s boyfriend, then we’re your family too.”
Rusty carefully didn’t look at LaCroix to see how he took that statement, but Cross said, “You have a big sister already. Marie likes you a lot.”
“Marie has met Rusty?” LaCroix asked.
“At the game when I got hurt.” Cross eyed his father. “They were both at the hospital afterward, and for my second surgery.”
