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“ U ncle Trent? Uncle Trent, do you like this dress? Do you think they’ll like me at school? Do you think they’ll notice if I don’t say y’all?”

Lord have mercy, that little gal could talk when she was worried.

School started tomorrow, and she was just about wired for sound.

“Uncle Trent.” Amelia looked at him very seriously. “I made Daddy stay here, so this is important .”

“Yes, ma’am. This is important.” He stopped and looked her over. “I like the way that the blue looks with your eyes. It makes them sparkle.”

That earned him an instant smile that reminded him so much of Fox. “Okay. Thank you. I better go hang it up so it’s nice for tomorrow.” She kissed his cheek and skipped toward her room. “Don’t want to get chicken poo on it!”

“Nope. Chicken poop is no one’s friend.” He chuckled and waved her off into her very yellow bedroom. It really made that room pop.

“Well, you were right,” Fox called, tromping up the back steps in his new work boots. “I might not know what the fuck I’m doing, but I managed to clear out that area for the trampoline anyway. We just need to level it. We probably need to call in the professionals for that.” Fox was grinning under all that sweat and dust and dirt. “Or at least someone to show me how.”

“No problem. Greg can come with his grader. Let me see what all you wrought.” He loved to see Fox all sweaty and masculine. Turned him on.

“Sure, one sec.” Fox grabbed a beer from his porch fridge and opened it, taking a long swig. “Okay. Come look.”

He headed down the steps, admiring the huge spot Fox had cleared away. “Damn, man. You did good! Look at this!”

Oh, that would have taken his poor arm forever.

“Right?” Fox put his hands on his hips, looking over the wide area that was cleared of all the stones and ground cover. “I think I did okay. Is it big enough?”

“I think so, yeah. You know, we could do an in-ground one…” It might be a touch safer.

“Whoa. They make in-ground ones? I’ve only seen the ones with the nets around them.” Fox wiped his brow with his forearm.

“Jude sent me a link. You dig a hole, put the trampoline in, put pads on the edges. It’s pretty damn cool.” And then they’d have to worry less about all the neighbor kids.

“Cool. Let’s do it. I’ll find a vendor to put one in. I can dig a hole, but maybe not by myself.” Fox sipped his beer.

“Oh, we can do that.” He was just going to hire a backhoe, because that was less work.

Less fun than watching Fox learn to work a backhoe, but still…

“I don’t think you want me near your house with a backhoe.” Fox shook his head and huffed a laugh.

“So, I know we decided to just keep the path mowed…” We being Rope, who thought it was a great job for Silas. “What did you decide on fence?”

“Uh. Well, I did some googling, and I don’t know much about fencing, but I wanted something that would blend a little, you know? So you feel like you’re out in nature, not stuck in a tunnel or something. I was thinking maybe like a galvanized wire mesh? Maybe black so it blends in a bit?” Fox shrugged. “But you would know better than me. I just don’t want them getting eaten by anything.”

“Yeah. I’m going to run barbed wire about six feet outside the main fence. That will keep the critters out, for the most part. I don’t want them hurting themselves when they fall on their bikes.” He worried. He’d never had to worry before.

“And then we gate each end, right? I’m going to get myself an ATV like yours so we can leave the trucks here.”

Trent was taking Fox truck shopping to distract him while Amelia was in school tomorrow.

Truck shopping, lunch out, and then the feed store. He needed chicken feed and sweet feed, plus dog kibbles.

“Thanks for letting me do all of that. It felt good. It made me feel… useful.”

“You are useful. The kids are going to be over the moon.” And they were going to be the hit of the county, too.

“They are.” Fox rested a hand between his shoulder blades. “How are you feeling today? Did you do your PT?”

Trent breathed out a deep lungful. Damn, that was a fine touch. “Yessir. It’s aching today, but I did it. I’m a good dog.”

“Good. What do you want for dinner?” Fox turned and started heading back to the porch.

“I took out hamburger meat. Thought we’d have burgers on the grill.” It felt a little celebratory, after all.

“Perfect. The cheeseburger girl will be very happy. You’re good to her.” Fox stepped up onto the porch and finished his beer. “Man, when does the heat let up down here?”

“Thanksgiving.” Fall came at Thanksgiving. Winter at Christmas. Spring at Valentine’s Day.

“What?” Fox drew the word out, eyes wide. “No. Are you serious? Damn.”

“Hottest time of the year is September. We got a good HVAC man, don’t worry.” He had Dan Simpson on speed dial.

“Well, it can’t be worse than New York City in August. And I bet it smells better.” Fox winked at him.

“Daddy! Uncle Trent liked the blue dress!” Amelia came busting out of the house and into Fox’s arms, then bounced back a step. “Oh, you’re smelly.”

Fox laughed. “I’ve been working on the trampoline.”

“My trampoline! Eee!” She squealed, dancing him around. “It’s going to be the best!”

“You’re a little excited about school, huh?” Fox laughed as they spun in a circle. “It’s tomorrow. It’s weird, right? It’s not even September yet.”

“I know! And we’re going to be so busy! We’ll be jumping and swimming, and I have friends already. Uncle Jude told me about Girl Scouts and dance and gymnastics and—” She blinked at Fox. “I have little Muffin and Blueberry and Pumpkin, plus my kitties, and my chickies!”

That little girl did love her miniature horses.

“Uncle Trent has burgers laid out for dinner. Why don’t you go make sure your backpack is all set?”

“I think it is, but okay. I’ll check!” Amelia hugged Fox again. “And I love cheeseburgers.” She gave him a hug too, on his good side, before disappearing again.

Fox shook his head. “Good grief she is wired for sound.”

“It’s a huge shift. I don’t know what school is like in the City; I know that Silas says it’s very new, but he managed just fine.” They had figured out how to get Ames on the carpool schedule, no sweat.

“She’s pretty outgoing, in case you hadn’t noticed. I’m optimistic for her. Kids are probably the same everywhere, really. Just trying to make friends and keep up and pass math. Xan would be proud of her, asking for what she wanted and everything. I’m excited for her.”

Trent was too. He loved that she was trying new things, throwing herself into life.

Fox opened the door and looped an arm around his waist to usher him inside. “Show me those burgers, and I’ll start up the grill. Are you flipping or am I?”

“Doesn’t matter. I got chips, onion dip, and some potato salad. Will she eat those? I think there’s corn…”

“Not sure about the potato salad, but I love it. Corn is always good.” Sometimes it was like they were an old married couple.

It worked, he guessed.

He was having as much sex as your average married guy, he reckoned…

It wasn’t long before the grill was going, and the burgers were on. Amelia helped shuck the corn and get it into the pot, and soon enough they had a regular summer feast going.

“No carpool tomorrow, right? I want to drop Amelia off myself.” Fox took a big bite of his burger.

“No. We’ll head in together, then car hunt.”

Amelia glanced at Fox. “You can drive?”

Fox laughed at her. “You’re funny. Did you forget who took you to register for school? It sure wasn’t one-armed Uncle Trent.”

She fluttered her eyelashes at him. “He’s got both arms, and he can drive. Sorta…”

He hooted, tickled shitless. “Yep. I’m a sorta driver. I’m getting better.”

“Almost trustworthy.” Fox winked at him. “You did a good job on the grill though.”

“My cheeseburger is so good .” Amelia rolled her eyes in cheeseburger heaven.

“Thank you. Mine is too. I like the corn best, though.” Kids liked to know about food, he knew.

“It’s really fresh. Good stuff.” Fox always ate well. He paid attention to his food the way he paid attention to everything else.

Including his family.

Including Trent.

It made him a little breathless sometimes, if he was honest.

He just needed to quit casting eyes and be in the damn moment.

“Early to bed tonight, right, sweetheart?”

Amelia nodded. “Bath, book, bed. Like always on school nights. I remember.”

“Are you excited?” Trent was—he was stupidly nervous about her first day. He wanted her to be happy.

He wanted them to stay.

He loved pretending like he had a family.

Amelia nodded. “Yes. Kinda scared too, but Silas said he was also when he started and he did fine.”

“Starting something new is scary, I know. You got friends already, though, and I bet you make a ton more. And you got yourself all ready.”

Amelia nodded and pushed her plate away. “I’m full. I’m going to take a bath. Will you both read to me tonight? Please?”

“Sure, we can do that.” Fox smiled at her. “Uncle Trent can tuck in one side, and I’ll tuck in the other.”

“Works for me. I’ll take the right side.” Trent winked at her, smiling as she took her plate to the sink.

“You guys are so weird. I just need a book.” Amelia rolled her eyes. “I will call you when I’m ready.”

“Yes, ma’am.” He could tell that Fox was trying so hard to hide a smile.

“So. Weird,” he teased, as soon as she left the room.

“She meant you.” Fox grinned at him.

“Moi?” He fluttered his eyelashes, just being over the top.

Fox giggled at him in that silly way he did and stood. “Well, obviously.”

“She’s a good kid.” He wanted to kiss Fox. Was that weird? It was probably weird.

God, he was getting a headache.

Fox started clearing the table and putting dishes in the dishwasher. “Beer on the porch later? Seems like a nice night.”

“Sounds perfect. I’m in.” He’d screened in the back porch because Amelia and little Brittany Kileen wanted to camp out there a couple of weeks ago. They’d made it to almost eleven o’clock.

They’d just gotten dinner cleaned up when Amelia called them, and then it was not one book but two before they made a big show out of tucking her in, which made them all laugh.

They said goodnight, and Fox closed the door as they left the room.

“I still can’t believe she’s starting fifth grade.”

“Right? She’s at a great age, and I love that she’s going to have so much to do.” And it was just going to get busier.

“Me too. She was busy in New York, but she seems more excited about it here.” Fox brushed past him. “I need that beer.”

“Grab me one?” He went to turn on the ceiling fan on the porch and settle in the porch swing.

“Uh-huh.” A second later, Fox appeared with two beers and handed him one. “No painkillers today?”

“Nope. Not for two days. I’m sore, but I’m not in distress, you know?” He raised his bottle to click with Fox’s. “How you doin’, Dad?”

Fox clinked and then sat with him on the swing. “I’m… nervous for her. But good. I’ll feel better after tomorrow when I know for sure we made the right choice.” Fox glanced at him, giving one of those warm smiles. “I’m pretty sure we did.”

“She seems happy. So do you, really.” Fox was busy now, painting things, working in the yard, making plans. The man even loved those mini horses.

Fox nodded and took his hand, raising it slowly to look at it, thumb sliding over his knuckles.

His belly tightened at the touch, and his cock threatened to fill.

“I know. I am… happy.” Fox kissed his fingers, then flipped his hand over and kissed his wrist.

Oh. Oh, fuck him sideways. His nipples drew up, and he knew he was staring, his lips open, tongue flicking out to wet them.

Fox slid closer on the porch swing, close enough that their thighs were touching. “What about you?”

“I—” He put his beer bottle in the little holder. “I’m over the motherfucking moon, darlin’.”

And I want you. Bad.

“Can I have that kiss now? The one I should have let you give me that first time?” Fox’s tone was quiet, curious.

“If you’re ready, I’m aching to.” He searched Fox’s eyes. “You’re damn fine to me, darlin’.”

He brushed their lips together.

Fox caught his jaw and pulled him closer, turning his light touch into something much more.

Stronger.

Hotter.

He groaned and gave into the urge that told him he could have a deep, hard drink from those hungry lips.

Fox was with him, moaning softly as their tongues found each other. If it really had been a while for Fox, he’d never have known it. The man’s kiss was confident and capable, knowing and needy.

Oh, fuck him, that felt amazing. He was glad he was sitting down, because his damn head was spinning like he was ten seconds into an eight-second ride.

Fox let go of his fingers, and that hand slid up under his shirt to rest on his abs, burning into his skin. Fox was a solid presence beside him. Even if his head was dizzy, it felt like Fox could hold him steady.

He explored Fox’s lips, leaning hard into the firm, warm touch. Trent’s free hand slipped up along Fox’s arm, then around to the solid muscles of his back.

The swing moved, rocking them and creaking a little as they shifted to get closer, to fit better. “I’ve been thinking about this.”

“Have you? Is it as good as you wanted?” Trent hoped so. He was over the fucking moon.

“No. Better. Way better. In my head, I made a total fool of myself.”

“I’m not laughing, darlin’. I’m not laughing one little bit.” In fact, he felt serious as a heart attack.

“I appreciate that.” Fox grinned, and he could feel it against his lips. “It’s been a minute.”

“I get that. I have you, though. I got your back.”

“You do, and your hand is hot as fuck, man.” Fox kissed him again, pressing him into the back of the swing.

They started swaying, and it was heady as hell, the rush of adrenaline shooting up his spine.

Fox’s fingers slid across his abs and higher, gliding over one nipple, making it draw up hard. “I know I made you wait. I’ve just been so unsure about everything. But this was worth waiting for.”

“I wasn’t gonna push you. I’m no asshole. Important things take time.” He knew that. He believed that. “Kiss me again.”

“Yes, please.” Fox nodded, so focused on him, the kiss making everything around them disappear.

This kiss was deeper, slower, and it totally stole all his focus. He tugged Fox closer, wanting to feel more, to know more about that hard body.

“Yeah.” Fox responded with heat and hunger. “We need more.”

Could he invite Fox to the bedroom? He wasn’t sure. It felt like it might be too much for Fox, and there were still bruises and scars. He’d let Fox drive this. Let Fox take what all he needed.

Fox reached back and pulled his own shirt off, dropping it somewhere on the porch floor. “Can I—will it hurt your shoulder?” Fox’s fingers tugged at the hem of his shirt.

“If it don’t hurt you to look on it, no.” He unsnapped the shirt for Fox to push away.

Fox looked confused for a second, then gave him an indulgent look. “Stop that.” Fox slid the shirt off his good side easily, then took his time with his other shoulder. “I saw it before the stitches came out.”

“You did. I thought you were going to lose it. I was damn proud.” He knew he was a little tore up, but all the important bits were there.

Fox chuckled. “Proud of me? For what? Not gagging because your shoulder looked like hamburger?” Fox winked at him. “I wasn’t the one in pain.”

“Yes.” Trent didn’t bother to point out that he was always in pain. It was just a matter of degree. “I was damn proud.”

“Well, it looks better now. Stronger.” Fox’s blue eyes flashed. “Sexy.”

Thank God Fox liked guys with scars. “I like that.”

Those eyes were so goddamn pretty.

“Good.” Fox dropped his shirt, so it disappeared wherever Fox’s had gone, then smoothed warm hands over his skin. “Mmm. Look at these abs.”

He rolled them, showing off some, letting himself feel a little sexy, a little hot. He wasn’t pretty as some, but he had the bull rider abs.

Fox slid those fingers over his beltline and cupped his cock through his jeans. His lips opened like Fox had pushed his buttons.

Bingo.

By this point, they knew each other’s cocks as well as their own, but almost nothing else. Fox took his hand and placed it in the center of a sturdy, fuzzy chest, giving him permission to touch, then went back to working on his belt and fly with practiced ease.

He dragged his fingers over Fox’s skin, exploring the way the planes and valleys moved, seeking out all the hot spots, the sensitive areas. He loved hearing the little gasps, feeling the goosebumps that rose up when he found a good spot.

Fox’s foot slipped, and the swing rocked forward, making them both lean into the cushions. When it rocked back, Fox stood and lifted him right up before stepping clear of it with a chuckle. “Damn thing is dangerous.” Another shift, and Trent’s back was against the wall of the house, and Fox picked up where they’d left off.

Trent pushed up as he leaned down, meeting him halfway. He forgot, most of the time, how much shorter he was than Fox.

The man simply seemed large.

“Gonna have to get you a milk crate.” Fox grinned and kissed him again, bracing an arm on the wall and bending a little more so he didn’t have to stretch so tall.

“Shut up.” He grinned, though, then set to proving exactly how hot a shorter guy could be…

“Oh. Fuck.” Fox grunted as he tugged those dusty jeans open and wiggled them low on Fox’s hips.

“Mmm…” Trent grunted at the blistering touch of that cock on his belly, like a brand marking him as Fox’s. “More.”

“More?” Fox rolled his nipple between thumb and forefinger.

“Uh—uh-huh.” Damn, that blew his mind, and electricity slammed through him.

Fox rocked into him, cock sliding across his abs. “Yeah. More.”

He found Fox’s cock, pressing it harder against him, adding to the friction.

“Oh, shit.” Fox groaned. “Really? Okay… fuck.” Fox rocked again, eyes crossing.

Really what? He didn’t follow, but it didn’t matter.

He wanted more.

Trent got plenty as Fox pushed through his hand, cock leaving hot streaks on his skin. “Fuck. Hot.”

“Yeah. Come on, darlin’. Show me.” He felt hot as fuck.

“Uh-huh. Gonna… Oh, God.” Fox humped against him a couple more times and then sprayed Trent’s fingers and chest, groaning as he shot.

He panted, his own prick heavy and bobbing, aching for a little attention. It wasn’t going to take much. Just a touch, a whisper.

Fox was bent slightly, breathing against his ear, then kissed him hard as fingers pushed his jeans open and dove under his briefs.

He grunted, the sound muffled in their kiss. His eyes went wide, and his head snapped back. Yes. Fuck, yes. So fucking close.

“Look at you. Gorgeous.” He managed to get a breath before Fox started stroking him hard and steady. “Take what you need.”

“Uhn.” That was close to yeah, right?

Of course it was.

His eyes rolled and his spine almost snapped as he shot, his toes curling.

“Yeah. Damn, baby.” Fox kissed his chin, his jaw, nuzzled his ear. “Damn.”

“Make me dizzy,” he confessed. “I swear to God, you make my world spin.”

Fox nodded, still catching his breath. “The way you make everything but us just disappear.”

“You—” Should he ask? “Want to share a shower? I got a nice one.”

Fox didn’t freeze up like he had about the kissing question, but it took him a second to answer. “I’d like that.”

Oh, thank goodness. “Me too. Come on. We’ll clean off and get soapy.”

They tucked back in, at least enough that they’d be decent if a certain little girl woke up, and Fox followed him quietly into the house.

Hopefully, he could turn this into a twofer.

A man could wish.