The truth was, Sky didn’t need to work. Beckett had taken care of the house on his salary fine and managed to put some money away, and Sky had a nice, hefty savings account. Hell, he could help Sky invest his money to give him something to support them. But not needing to make money didn’t mean Sky didn’t need to be doingsomething.
It didn’t help that they’d been so into each other they hadn’t been all that social either. Sky had healed up and Beckett had finally caught up on his rest, and after that there was nothing to stop them from really getting to know each other again. They’d been hiking and boating, riding and off-roading in his Jeep. They went camping for a few days and drove up to spend a few more in Montreal. They’d put in the time they needed to make their marriage solid again, but that narrow focus isolated them some too.
Tonight, though, they were having Adam and Trish over. They seriously needed the company, and Adam had been making noises for a month. So Sky was grilling for guests, and he’d set the table with cloth napkins and everything, like they were real, grown-up boys.
Sky was worried, stressing over the chicken, turning the vegetables again and again, muttering to himself. So cute.
That kind of stress was good, though. It got Sky out of his head and into the moment. Meeting new people was a good thing, and he assumed Sky knew Adam was a VIP.
He refilled his margarita glass and brought it out to share with Sky. “Best margaritas in Vermont. I better be careful, it’ll kick my ass.”
“Thank you.” Sky lifted his face for a kiss, and Beck loved that. How Sky was here, with him, wanting him.
One advantage to not being around rodeo cowboys. Some were cool; many were not. But here they were completely free to be who they were. “You’re welcome. They’ll be here any minute. How’s the chicken?” He handed his glass to Sky for a taste, or three.
“I think it’s okay—a little spicy, but…it’s Mexican, right?”
“Right. Also, Trish loves spicy food. Not to worry.” The doorbell rang and the first thing he thought was, why didn’t the dog bark? It had been that long since they’d had visitors, and longer since he’d had a dog. “I’ll get it,” he said, leaving his drink with Sky and added, “We need a dog.”
He jogged through the living room to the front door. “Well, hello.” They all exchanged hugs and Trish gave him kisses on both cheeks like always. “Come in. Sky is a busy grill master, so I have to bring you to him.”
“The place looks great, Beckett.” Trish grinned at him. “Had a little help with the landscaping this summer?”
“A little.” He laughed, leading them out to the deck.
Sky was a picture with the sun low, hat on, jeans and button-down making a perfect cowboy silhouette.
Trish hummed softly, and Beck got it. He was so proud of his cowboy.
“Trish, Adam, this is my husband, Skyler Paulson. Sky, Trish and Adam Walker.” He was formal about it because it had been a long time since he’d been able to introduce Sky that way, and because he wanted Sky to know how proud he was.
“Skyler. It’s wonderful to meet you.” Trish was warm as ever and went right to Sky with her cheek-kisses. Hardly even giving Sky time to take off his hat.
“So nice to meet you, ma’am. I’ve heard a lot about y’all.” Sky’s smile was warm as hell. “Would y’all like a drink?”
“Pleasure.” Adam stuck a hand out, giving Sky a real Vermonter’s handshake and looking Sky right in the eye. “If it looks like that margarita, you can count me in, please.”
“Sky made you iced tea, Trish.”
“So sweet. I’d love a glass, thank you.” She looked at Sky.
“My wife has never had a drop to drink in her life.” Adam winked at Sky.
“Good for you, ma’am. I can’t say the same, but my momma could.” Sky poured the iced tea first, making Trish flutter, and then grabbed a margarita glass. “Salt or no?”
Oh very nice, Stud.
“Salt, please. Is that chicken in there? It smells great.” Adam inhaled deeply. “Very good. It’s a nice evening, isn’t it? I doubt we’ll have too many more this warm.”
Adam was in shirtsleeves, he was in a light fleece, and he’d bet Sky was a little on the chilly side even with a T-shirt under his button-down.
He could warm Sky up later, no problem.
“Adam was born in Maine, he’s never cold. Once the sun goes down the rest of us will want jackets, and he’ll just laugh.” Trish took Adam’s arm.
“I’m a desert baby, but I’m managing okay.” Sky winked at Adam. “Do you say ‘ayuh’?”
“Ayuh. Do you say ‘fixin’?” Adam gave Sky a toothy grin.