Page 40 of Quinton's Quest

“We’ll just be going.” Gideon, who was shorter than Archer by several inches, and with brown hair and beguiling light-brown eyes, pushed his husband.

“Not at all.” I offered my best smile. “These parties are by invite only to keep the riffraff out. Friends of friends are always welcome. In fact, two friends called to say they couldn’t make it tonight—bad flu. So you’re perfect.”

“Which friends?” Maddox’s gaze traveled between me and the tray of curry puffs. “Did Dean make those?”

I swatted his wandering hand away. “Never mind which friends. Get drinks for everyone and head back into the living room. Well, and take the spring rolls with you.” I moved swiftly to the oven, donned a mitt, opened it, and pulled the tray out. “Well, they might yet be a little hot.”

Ravi grabbed two sodas off the counter, Maddox grabbed the tray of curry puffs, and both skedaddled.

Archer gaped. “You know…they’re usually so…”

“I really want to hear you finish that statement. Because I knew recluse Maddox before he ever met sunshine Ravi. I believe he’s been corrupted.”

“Who?” Gideon shook his head as if to clear it. “Ravi or Maddox?”

I laughed as I slid the spring rolls onto a plate. “I don’t recognize Maddox anymore. He tries to be grumpy, but he fails miserably. Doting father and husband suit him more.”

“We really don’t have to stay.” Gideon fidgeted with the collar of his shirt.

I tried to see the longshoreman Leo had described. Or the broken man.Things you should know nothing about.“Seriously, I’m glad you’re here. What can I get you to drink? I have wine, beer—”

“Do you have cola?” Again with the fidgeting.

“Sure—regular or diet?”

“Regular.” He leaned back against Archer. “For both of us.”

“Okay.” I offered my widest smile. “So tell me a bit about yourselves. Well, as much as you’re willing to share.” I grabbed two cans of cola from the fridge. “Ice?”

They both nodded.

I nabbed two tall glasses from the shelf, added ice from the freezer, then poured the drinks.

“Gideon’s grandparents lived in the mountains north of town. He was living in their house when I noisily moved in next door.”

After handing first Gideon his drink, and then Archer’s, I cocked my head. “Now that’s a story I have to hear.”

“It’s not as exciting as it seems.” Gideon sipped his drink. “Thank you.”

Archer grinned. “I bought the adjacent property and hired a construction company to build me a country retreat.”

Gideon rolled his eyes. “That makes it sound like a three-room cabin.” He met my gaze. “He built a mansion.”

“Hey.” Archer’s dark-gray eyes sparkled. “My house back in Point Grey was a mansion—this is a family home.” He pressed a kiss to Gideon’s temple.

A wave of longing washed over me.

“I was far more disruptive than I should’ve been.” Archer shrugged. “And then a tree fell on my SUV, and I had to get help. Naturally, I went to my neighbor’s home.”

“He wasn’t in the SUV.” Gideon added that quickly, likely noting the look of horror on my face. “But he had no way to get back to town. So he came to my door.” He gazed up at his fiancé. “I owe that storm everything.”

Archer kissed his lips.

Gideon winced. “God, that sounds so cheesy.”

I laughed. “I think it’ll be a great story to tell your kids.”

“Oh, the kids know.” Gideon bit his lip. “Sorry, I should explain. I have two children from a previous marriage. Archer—” He swallowed.