Page 16 of Any Given Lifetime


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“You, too.” Joshua smiled a little at his firm grip.

Salt-and-pepper hair and a weathered face made it clear that Fisher was a good ten years older than Paul. He was a chiseled guy, wearing an old Army T-shirt and jeans, and bearing himself with the ramrod straight self-assurance of an ex-military officer. His bear-paw hand was rough and calloused. It turned out he was a mechanic and they’d met when Paul brought his car in for some work.

Lee stepped out of the front door, and a whole new round of introductions took place. As they walked inside, Fisher’s big hand stayed on Paul’s lower back. Lee directed them into the living room where drinks were served and a discussion of how best to barbecue the steaks began. Lee and Fisher went out back to start the grill, and Paul chattered on about their life in Nashville, and how eager he was to see his grandma.

Slowly, Joshua relaxed. It was good to see Paul again. It didn’t hurt nearly as much as he’d thought it would, even when Paul brought up Neil and Magic.

“He loved that dog. Wasn’t that into me, though, was he?” Paul said, leaning against the counter separating the kitchen from the living room. “He used to stare at me back before you got together, and if laser beams could have shot from his eyes, I’d be dead.” He chuckled and tossed back the last of his bourbon. “Got any beer?”

“Sure,” Joshua said, turning toward the refrigerator and pulling out four, then popping the lids on two. “I thought he stared at you because he was into you,” Joshua admitted with a chuckle. “I was jealous as hell.”

Paul laughed. “You always were an idiot when it came to knowing a guy was interested.”

“Neil was hard to read.”

“True. Lee isn’t. He’s wild about you.”

Joshua grinned. “He is, isn’t he?” He gazed out the window to the back patio where Fisher and Lee were laughing and gesturing at the grill. “He’s brought me back to life.”

Paul came around the counter and pulled Joshua into a big hug. He pounded Joshua’s back and said, “After Neil and Magic, I was scared we’d lose you, too. But you pulled through it. I’m proud of you. Neil would be proud of you, too.”

Joshua’s throat closed up, and tears stung his eyes. He pulled away and punched Paul on the shoulder. “Asshole. Don’t make me—” He waved at his face.

Paul grinned. “Let’s take these beers out to our men.”

That night in bed, Joshua cuddled up with Lee and wondered what Neil would’ve said about Fisher being so much older. Joshua chuckled.

“What?” Lee had asked.

“Just thinking about Neil.”

“And you’re smiling. That makes me happy, babe.”

Joshua shrugged. “He made me happy. And seeing Paul today, hearing him talk about Neil, it reminded me that I shouldn’t let his death change that.”

“Nope.”

Lee kissed his head and after a respectful moment said, “So, this Fisher guy. Paul’s a bottom.”

“Seems like,” Joshua said.

Lee cackled softly and grabbed Joshua’s ass, squeezing. “Can’t believe Neil ever thought you and Paul were together.”

Joshua laughed. “I know. Neil was rarely wrong, but when he was, he was extra wrong.” He grew thoughtful. “Paul and Fisher are probably happy staying at Barren River, and they said Chris gave them one of the best rooms with a good view, but maybe we should have asked them to stay with us?”

“Where?” Lee asked. “Our place is kind of small. Oh, wait, were you thinking they could stay in our bed? Naughty, naughty Joshua.”

Joshua rolled his eyes and threw a pillow at Lee’s head. “We could turn the office into a guest room like we keep talking about.”

“In a few hours’ time? I don’t think so.” He laughed again. “I think a foursome is clearly the only solution to this problem.”

“Don’t be a smart-ass.”

“Also I like the office.” Lee reached into the bedside table for a bottle of lube. “Let guests stay at Barren River or another hotel. That’s what hotels are for!”

“True.”

“Now, get on your hands and knees. No more talk of foursomes.”