“Yes. Are we there yet? I’mhungry.”
“Just about.”
“I want waffles.”
“Ooh. Waffles.”
Connor’s hand landed on his thigh again. “I don’t know how you keep a straight face. I really don’t.”
“Hours of practice. I can’t let them get to me, you know?” He winked over, tickled as all get out.
“It’s a skill. I’m impressed. Handsome and brilliant. I am a lucky man.” Connor was looking fine himself in the starched jeans and black shirt Early had packed for him. But then Connor looked good in just about anything.
In fact, he loved Connor in everything and nothing at all.
“Is this the place? We better get these guys some food before they get hangry.” Connor was folding clothing as the boys handed him things.
“It is.” The restaurant was big enough for lots of folks, the jalapeno toothpicks were amazing, and the beer was cold. He was a fan.
“We haven’t been here before have we? I don’t recognize it.”
“It wasn’t really little one friendly? I used to party here when I was a teenager.”
Connor grinned at him. “Oh yeah? This should be fun. Everyone is going to know you, aren’t they?” Connor helped the boys out of the truck.
“Some of them, sure. Maybe quite a few.” He didn’t know, but he’d always had fun here, and Rick had been a regular.
The boys ran for the door and waited for them there, but Connor hung back with him, letting him lead. “And we’re cool here? Or…”
“Uncle Rick had been having a threesome with the bartender and an electrician from the Four Corners, honey.” He managed to say that with a straight face, just.
Connor shook his head, relaxing visibly. “The things a man doesn’t know…in you go, guys.”
“Early Jericho! Is that you?” A gorgeous dark-haired man stared at him, and it took him a second to recognize the guy he’d had a torrid affair with during the summer between high school and college.
“Jesus. Chayton? Chayton Benally?”
He got wrapped in a hard hug. “I heard your news. I wish your family peace.”
“Thank you, Chay. God, it’s been an eon.”
Connor cleared his throat, and Early knew exactly what was up as Connor put on his most charming smile and offered Chay a hand. “Hi, I’m Connor.”
“Chay, this is my husband, Connor, and our boys.”
“No shit. Wow. Wow, he’s hot, man. Good job.”
Early nodded. He knew. He had picked a beautiful, strong, smart son of a bitch.
“Thank you.” Connor never minded a compliment. “I think I did even better, though. Good to meet you.”
“Same. Want to catch up later? I’m heading down to the river for the afternoon.”
“I’m in town for another couple of days, for sure.” And he thought he’d be turning around and coming right back.
“Good. You feed your crew. I’ll text you later. Great to see you.” Chay gave them both a nod and headed out.
“He’s good-looking,” Connor teased as they were seated.