“Ah. Well, I’m sure he can find someone else.” Any set of twins could dress up like cowboys after all.
“But if we do just print ads?”
Ryder sighed. “I’ll meet with him,ifCharles can come too.”
He shrugged and looked at Roper. “Fair?”
“Sure. Perfect. I’ll let him know. It’s not a big deal, Ry. I swear.”
Ryder simply shrugged.
That was a conversation he’d have with Ryder at dinner, while Roper was signing his autographs. He needed to know everything, so he could protect his…lover.
“If it pays well, it’s probably a big deal, Roper. We can let Ryder decide that for himself later with no pressure, right?”
“Sure. Sure. Joe’s a decent sort. He just is…intense.”
Ryder shook his head. “Bowling? Or are we going to walk and wander for a bit?”
That was strangely curt. He squeezed Ryder’s fingers. “I would love to bowl; it sounds like fun. Perhaps wander later when we’re tired.”
“Good deal. Let’s do this.” Ryder smiled at him, nodded. “You know where it is, Roper?”
“I do. We’re goingdown.” Roper blew kisses at them.
Oh my. He had no idea what he was in for, but he was ready for the adventure.
15
Ryder waved at his brother. “Good signing. We’ll be there at the show.”
He wanted to close his eyes and relax for two shakes.
“I’ll hook up with you after the show.”
“You know it.” He shut the hotel room door and locked it.
Charles was sitting on the couch in the common area of their suite, and he could feel those eyes on his back. “Locking the door to keep him out or us in?”
“Both. I just needed a second to breathe, you know?” Breathe and focus.
“Come sit.” Charles held out one arm and curled it around his shoulders as he sat. “That was quite a day.”
“Yes, Sir. It was…busy.” He leaned in, cuddling in close. Busy and a little stressful.
“It was. Roper seems to have endless energy.” Charles was settled though, quiet and still.
“He does.” Ryder was always a little slower to move. To breathe. To make a decision.
Charles kissed his head, nuzzling his hair. “What’s on your mind, cowboy?”
He shrugged. He knew, but he didn’t know if he wanted to get into it. “I’m just a little bitchy.”
“Is it about the meeting tonight after the show?”
He nodded. He didn’t like Gresham. Never had. There wasn’t a reason. He simply didn’t.
“You don’t have to go just because Roper wants you to. You know I’ll back you up. I’ll even say no for you if you need me to.” In fact, he’d wanted to do just that earlier.