in eighth grade. Then when we got to high school, the others sort of drifted our way.”
“But you didn’t know Levi and Seb were gay when you were in junior high, did you?”
Finn shook his head. “That came later.” He snorted. “Discovering gay magazines in Seb’s gym bag was a bit of a giveaway, but then, he never was subtle about liking guys.”
Joel bit his lip. “Okay, you don’t have to answer this, but… your gay friends… did you guys ever…?”
It didn’t take a genius to work out where that question was going.
Finn burst out laughing. “Lord no. They’re more like my brothers. Not that I ever felt attracted to any of them, you understand. Which doesn’t mean they’re ugly, because—”
Joel’s eyes twinkled. “Quit digging that hole. I get it.”
“There’s nothing wrong with them,” Finn continued. “It’s just…”
“Just what?”
Finn shrugged. “They’re not my type.”
Joel’s smile did things to Finn’s insides. “So you do have a type?”
Lord yes, and I’m looking right at him.
Finn coughed. “I’m gonna plead the fifth.”
Joel’s breathing hitched. “I see.” He took a drink from his bottle, and neither of them said anything for a couple of minutes.
I could’ve lied. I could’ve said I was interested in firefighters, doctors, any kind of men. Anything to keep him from knowing I’m into older guys—well, one older guy in particular.
Joel stopped rocking. “Oh. Something I forgot to mention. It won’t just be me who’ll be watching you from the back door this weekend. The kids are coming over, and they’re staying here Saturday night.”
Finn beamed. “That’s great.” He cocked his head when Joel didn’t respond. “Isn’t it?”
“I suppose. I’m happy Nate feels confident enough to make the trip without Carrie as support.”
“You never know. Maybe not having Carrie around will mean he opens up a little.” Finn could only guess at how much the situation hurt Joel.
“Maybe. We’ll see.” Joel nodded toward Finn’s bottle as he drained the last of his beer. “Want another?”
“Better not.” Finn glanced at the clock on the wall. “In fact, I’d better be going. I have to be up very early.” He stood, and Joel got up too.
“Sure. Thanks again for coming over. I really didn’t expect you to do that.” He held out his hand for Finn’s bottle, and as Finn handed it over, Joel’s fingers brushed his. Joel’s gaze met Finn’s. “Thanks for sharing, too.”
“You’re welcome.” Neither of them moved, until Bramble sat on Finn’s foot, leaning against his leg. Finn glanced down at the dog and laughed. “Can I help you?”
Joel let out a soft chuckle. “He doesn’t want you to leave.” With that, he went into the kitchen with the bottles.
Finn knelt in front of Bramble and held the dog’s head in his hands, gazing into liquid brown eyes. That makes two of us. Then he stood once more as Joel came back into the room. “I’ll see you Saturday, bright and early.”
“I’ll look forward to it.” Joel walked him to the door.
As Finn gave a final wave before pulling out into the road, his mind was wrestling with one question.
Is he looking forward to getting the job done—or seeing me?
Finn knew which one he wanted it to be.
Chapter Thirteen
Finn opened the side gate and walked through to the back yard. He’d awoken at sunrise like he usually did, but he’d waited a couple of hours before leaving the house. It wouldn’t be good to wake up his new client by clattering around the back yard before seven-thirty.
He glanced at the roll of landscape fabric. That would be the morning’s first task. Then he turned his head toward the back door as it opened. Joel stood behind the screen, a cup of coffee in his hand. The aroma was almost as tantalizing as the view: Joel wore a pair of soft-looking gray sweatpants and a loose sweater.
Is there anything that doesn’t make him look good?
“Good morning.” Joel glanced down at his body. “Please excuse the clothing. I was about to get dressed when I heard your truck.” Bramble nudged his head past Joel’s leg and let out a soft woof. Joel glanced at him and reached down to stroke him. That was apparently all Bramble wanted. He disappeared from view.
Finn smiled. “Hey. I came straight on through. I wasn’t sure if you’d still be sleeping. I wasn’t gonna ring the doorbell at this hour.”
“Don’t worry. I’m an early riser.” Joel cocked his head to one side. “Do you get up early because that’s what you’ve gotten used to with the