Page 8 of Scorched

“You can get back to enjoying your day. I’m sorry for soaking your clothes.” Fabrice swam backwards and gave Kirkland his space.

Something he couldn’t decipher passed over Kirkland’s features before he stood. His wet clothes molded to his body, and Fabrice cried inside. Kirkland was hard and cut. He hid a hell of a lot behind his old man facade. Apparently, Fabrice wasn’t meant to know his secrets. He slipped beneath the water and headed back toward the hidden grotto. When he knew he was out of sight, Fabrice pushed his way out of the pool. On his way inside, he stopped and grabbed a towel from one of the many towel receptacles. He might as well go back to bed. There was nothing for him here.

Frustration welled inside Kirkland. He wanted to whimper. Fabrice was incredibly beautiful. A work of art, really. He looked like a French sculpture. Kirkland couldn’t think straight when they were together. There were a lot of things about him that he hadn’t addressed. As Atticus had suggested, Kirkland was well aware he needed therapy. He had shut down more than thirty years ago. Now he didn’t know how to let go.

“Well, you really muffed that, didn’t you?”

Kirkland jumped at the sound of Beau’s voice coming from a different grotto. The one with a splash area and sandbox. Kirkland’s gaze shot in that direction. Kylo played in the sandbox wearing a ruffled pink swimsuit. Beau looked relaxed. Kirkland had only spoken with the man once, but had been warned by everyone.

Kirkland no more knew how to respond to Beau than he had with Fabrice. “It would seem so.”

Kylo tossed a shovelful of sand over his shoulder. The pile landed on Beau’s lap. An indulgent smile lit Beau’s face. Love was written in every line. Now, they had an age gap. That didn’t seem to be a problem for them. Everyone raved about Beau’s happy marriage. Unlike Beau, Kirkland had no desire to be anyone’s daddy.

Kylo looked his way. “You should buy him some flowers and say you’re sorry. That always works for him.” He motioned with his thumb over his shoulder.

A giant smile exploded across Beau’s face. “Yeah, but you’re spoiled. Not everyone likes flowers.”

Kylo gasped and turned Beau’s way. “You called me spoiled. Take it back.”

Beau laughed. “Yes, I’ll buy you some flowers later.”

Kylo looked his way with an evil smile. “See?”

Despite his current situation, Kirkland chuckled. They were definitely a pair.

Beau focused on him again. “I challenge you to put on a pair of jeans and a t-shirt. You know, dress like you live here. Go to Fabrice and show him you’re interested. Otherwise, he will get away. You’re nowhere the only one around here interested. However, you are the only one he gives the time of day. Move your ass.”

Beau’s entire tone and demeanor changed on that last line. He had turned hard and looked deadly. He didn’t soften.

“And don’t forget, that boy was raised as one of mine. I won’t see him hurt.”

Well, fuck. What was he supposed to do now? He gave a short bow out of habit and headed for the door.

“Daddy, why are men dumb?”

Kylo’s words cut through the exotic plants and landed before Kirkland made it inside. He pinched the spot between his eyes.

“They think with their dicks, baby.”

“Can I get you to think with your dick right now?”

Kirkland practically leapt into the house before he heard anything more. He had been so determined to get away, he hadn’t grabbed a towel. Luckily, the floor was made for that. Still, he knew he had left a mess for someone else to clean. He darted out and grabbed a towel before jumping right back inside. Kirkland needed to change and head to the gym. It seemed he hadn’t worked off enough energy in his morning boxing session. He needed his knuckles to bleed.

Chapter Four

Accepting Beau’s challenge meant he had to go shopping. While Kirkland owned some clothes beyond his suits, he hadn’t worn a pair of jeans since he was a teen. He didn’t even know where to start. One thing he knew for certain: if he wanted to pursue Fabrice, he would need to get past his hatred of Fabrice’s friend, unfortunately.

It took him some time to find Tidy, especially since he didn’t want to ask anyone where he was. Kirkland finally spotted him heading for the garage.

“Oh, are you headed out?”

At Kirkland’s question, Tidy made an exaggerated turn. While Kirkland recognized the move had been in humor, a distaste just lived in his mouth.

“Yeah. I’m bored. Why? Do you need me to hold your bag again?”

Despite his conversation partner, Kirkland smiled. Tidy’s eye had stayed black for two weeks after the last punching bag he held. “I think I’ll give that a rest for a little while. Obviously, I have no aim.”

Tidy stared at him wide-eyed. “Did you just smile? I didn’t know you could do that.”