“He’s a new attorney at the firm. He just started about a month ago, so all the places in town were already booked for the season. The intern was already here by then, so Pop called me.”
“Okay… So, why didn’t you say no? I’m still not seeing how this guy became your responsibility.” Bailey’s eyes narrowed as he scrutinized me.
I rolled mine, cocking my head to glance at him. Why waseveryone assuming I had any control over my father? “He gave methe look. What was I supposed to do?”
He winced, knowing all too well what that meant before shaking his head. “But, still… It’s weird, even for him. Pop should of known better than to hire someone without checking to make sure they had somewhere to live. How did he know this guy wouldn’t kill you in your sleep?”
I gave a brief rundown of how our father knew Derek through the internship program, and Brooks before that, stealing glances at the man in question every once in a while. My heart fluttered at the wide smile he wore as he continued to happily chat away with my dad.
Bailey snuck his hands into the pockets of his khaki shorts, humming softly. “I don’t know, it still seems fishy to me.”
I shrugged, not really sure where Bailey was going with this. “Derek’s a cool guy. We actually get along pretty well, so I’m not complaining.”
I felt Bailey’s eyes on me as I took a long sip of my tea, dreading the teasing that was surely to follow from the knowing grin I could see out of the corner of my eye. Instead, I was saved by the man who started this whole mess.
“Colton, son, could you—Bailey!” My father called, his voice pitching up into an excited chirp as he realized his middle child had arrived.
My brother pushed into my side. “Think he knows you have a hard-on for his newest employee?”
Despite my better judgement, my eyes dropped to my crotch. Bailey let out a deep roll of laughter at the glare I sent his way before he stepped forward to embrace our father as he came over. They traded the usual back slaps before Pop pulled away.
“Good to see you, my boy!” He drawled, his joy so clear on his face.
Derek slipped into the space beside me as Bailey caught up with our dad. “I’d ask who that man is, but he’s practicallyCharlie’s identical copy. Is that what he’d look like without facial hair?” He whispered near my ear, sending dangerous tingles down my spine.
I tilted my head toward him, lowering my voice some. “Yeah, Mom once showed us a photo of Pop from high school and it’s freaky how much Bailey looks like him.”
Bailey took that moment to turn his attention on my roommate, his large hand coming out in an offered greeting. “Bailey, good to meet yah.”
Derek took his hand, giving it a polite shake. “Derek Hammond. It’s a pleasure to finally meet you Bailey. I’ve heard a lot about you from both your father and Brooks.”
The grin on my brother’s face faltered ever-so slightly. It was subtle and had I not known him or been looking at his face, I wouldn’t have noticed it. “All good things, I would hope.” Bails caught himself, rolling right back into pleasant conversation.
Derek offered a warm smile as they dropped hands. “Of course.”
We continued to mingle, Bailey peppering Derek with questions about himself whenever it seemed like the conversation might lull. But after a while, Pop turned toward me, hands on his hips.
“Colton, would you help me with setting up a grill?” He tilted his head back toward where he and Derek had been standing, a small individual charcoal grill propped next to the one he’d been using for burgers. “I asked Derek to man the burgers while I get the sausages going on the smoker.”
I nodded, “Sure, no problem.”
Turning his attention on Bailey, a large hand clapped down his shoulder. “Mind helping me with the smoker? For old times sake?” My brother’s lazy grin spread over his face, his eyes softening. “Any time, Pop.”
As they passed, Bails sent me a significant look before following after our old man. I rolled my eyes, letting out a smallhuff. If my crush was obvious to the brother I only saw every few months, I was fucking hopeless.
Turning, I made my way toward the grills, noting Derek had already returned to his position before the stainless steel monstrosity.
Near the base of the smaller grill was a bag of charcoal. I made quick work of lining the inside with briquettes before lighting them. When they were reduced down to ash, I spread the mixture before placing the lid back on so the grating could pre-heat.
“Shit, it is too hot to be standing over an open flame.” I complained, wiping at my face where I felt sweat accumulating.
Derek smirked at me, trying and failing to hide it behind his drink.
“What?” I asked, squinting at him.
“Nothing,” he snickered, “you just have some charcoal on your face.”
“Oh, shit, where?” I rubbed my cheek reflexively.
