Graham snorted. “Why did they even apply, then?”
“Just because it’s Austin.” I leaned against Graham’s shoulder. “But Silas has some ideas. Evidently, Clay has a military buddy who’s out now and looking for work. He’s supposed to be this take-charge alpha who doesn’t put up with shit and manages the hell out of everyone.”
“That sounds like it could either go really badly or really fabulously.” Russ made a low hum. “I’m leaning toward badly.”
“Clay just keeps saying he’s wonderful and Austin’s going to love him.” I was reserving judgment, but Silas and Clay seemed confident. “Clay won’t say if he’s a Dom or not, but he says the guy isn’t an asshole. So that means take-charge and in-control guy is either asshole or Dom because no regular alpha who wants to work for an omega would be described as controlling or take-charge. It’s too close to setting off every omega rights nut in the room.”
Graham chuckled. “Austin has to be losing his mind.”
“Silas promised that if he hates him, they’ll talk to someone else.” I shrugged. “I feel bad that he’s struggling with this, but he really needs help. Especially if he’s thinking of looking more into politics.”
That didn’t sound like fun at all and I really didn’t have the skillset for it.
Graham kissed my forehead. “Don’t feel bad. He knows you helped as long as you could and he’s not upset with you. It’s just going to take the right person to come in and manage the chaos so he can have time with Silas and get everything he wants to get done.”
“I know. It’s still hard, though.” I shifted so I could look up to Graham, but before I could get another kiss, Russ broke in.
“Oh no, no more kissing and groping. We’re here and I’ve still got a boner from the last round of teasing.” Russ was trying to sound stern, but it sounded more like he was pouting. He didn’t want to be there any more than I did.
Evidently,Graham’s mother hadn’t been terribly nice the few times he’d gone with Graham to a family function, so he’d decided that it was better for both of them if he kept his distance whenever possible. I wasn’t sure he’d told Graham what happened, but that was a topic for another day.
“I think you look sexy like that.” I leaned into him since the car was parked and started stroking his thigh. “I love how sexy my Masters are.”
Graham groaned. “Stop that.”
He was starting to sound like Russ. I gave him a pout, but he grinned, still shaking his head. “Time to face the music. Then we’ll teach you not to tease your Masters while we’re driving.”
Oh,a spanking?
“Should I tell you how sorry I am, Master?” As I scooted closer, Graham laughed and unbuckled.
“I’m not going in there with an erection either.” He grinned, shaking his head as he opened the door. “Naughty boy.”
I might be a naughty boy who was going to get a spanking later, but he was back to being my happy Master and his stress level had gone down dramatically, so even if I didn’t get to come, it would be worth it.
As Graham climbed out, Russ took my hand and pulled me toward his side of the car. “Come here, blue eyes.”
He pulled me close as he helped me out of the car, squeezing my hand and smiling. “Good boy.”
“I love you.” Smiling, I tried to show him how badly I wanted to throw myself at him, but in front of Graham’s parents’ house wasn’t the best place for that.
“I love you too.” He took a deep breath as he shut the car door. “Time to brave the dragon’s den.”
Trying not to laugh, I nodded. “Yeah, that about sums it up.”
But we were going to be brave for Graham. Even if it was hard.
****
“I like meeting your friends, Graham, but I’m not sure I understand why you wanted to come over when your mother was out.” Graham’s father looked like I always thought a college professor would, with glasses and a confident, comfortable feeling to him. It was like seeing a copy of Graham but aged about twenty-five or thirty years.
Graham was going to be hot.
But that wasn’t what I was supposed to be focusing on. However, in my defense, my mind wandered when I was stressed.
“Because I’m not willing to have this conversation with her around. Mom is wonderful in a lot of ways, but she is not open-minded or able to see things from anyone else’s perspective.” Graham’s honest, determined words had his father sitting up straighter but not correcting him about his mother.
Interesting.
