taking the Friday afternoon off—if you go.”
Robin opened and closed his mouth. Half a day off wasn’t that much to ask.
His mom got in first. “And of course, you’re snowed under with all the work you’ve got on right now,” she said with a glint in her eyes.
Dad blinked. “Well… no… but—”
“You said a moment ago you’ve got orders you’re not even starting until after New Year’s.”
Dad gave her a hard stare. “Hey. Whose side are you on anyway?”
“I’m not on anyone’s side,” she said in a patient tone. “But Robin’s right. This sounds like it would be an amazing weekend. He hasn’t had a break this summer, unlike Ryan. Robin worked right through it, while Ryan hung around the house and went out with his friends. I think that deserves a reward, don’t you?”
Robin gave her a warm glance. His mom was awesome.
Dad gave a grudging nod. “I suppose you’re right. He did start working with me right after graduation.” He smiled at Robin. “I’ll still talk to Mr. Quentin, but I don’t foresee you having a weekend away being a problem. And it sounds like Mr. Quentin has plans to make it a fun weekend too.”
Robin had no doubt they would have fun—it just wouldn’t be the kind of fun he could tell them about.
Once he’d cleared the table after dinner, Robin dashed to his room and sent a quick text to Dean.
Dad is going to call you tomorrow.
A few seconds later, Dean’s reply arrived. Okay. Thanks for letting me know. How did it go?
Robin smiled. Better than I thought it would. After Mom’s intervention, he breathed a little easier. Then his phone pinged again. Another text from Dean.
Call me tonight before you go to sleep? Make it a video call?
Okay, that was new. Sure. I don’t go to bed all that late, even though it is a Friday night. Then he thought about it. But you’re going to see me tomorrow morning. Can’t it wait until then?
Dean’s reply sent a rush of heat through him. No, because I want to see you in your bed. Humor me.
Robin’s heartbeat quickened as he typed his response. Only if you’re in yours. He waited to see Dean’s reply, his mouth dry again.
Deal. Buzz me when you’re in bed. (Grin emoji) I bet you have the cutest pajamas.
Robin couldn’t resist. Who says I wear them?
A little purple devil emoji popped up on his screen. Brat. Now I’m hard.
Robin laughed as he typed. Damn I’m good.
He couldn’t wait for bedtime.
At ten-thirty, Dean’s phone buzzed, and he picked it up hurriedly.
In bed.
Dean grinned. I can’t believe I’m about to do this. He went upstairs to his room, stripped off his clothing, and sat on his bed, leaning back against the carved wooden headboard. He pressed the video icon, and seconds later, there was Robin’s sweet face, framed by the white cotton of his pillow, a snowy white comforter pulled up to his chin. Dean noted the earbuds already in place. Clever Robin.
“Hey there.”
Robin’s gorgeous smile greeted him. “Hey.” He spoke quietly.
“You know, seeing you like that? You look like a virgin.” Dean chuckled. “Except that’s not true anymore, is it?”
Oh my God, that flush is cute as fuck.
Robin cleared his throat. “Okay, I’m in bed. You’ve seen me.” His lips twitched. “You’ve seen what’s under the comforter too.”
Dean grinned. “What does your bedroom look like?”
“Really? You wanna see my room?”
“Like I said in my text. Humor me.” He wanted Robin relaxed and comfortable.
“Fine.” Robin flipped the camera, and Dean gazed at the tidy room. A typical teenager’s room, sure, but way neater than Dean’s bedroom had ever been. There were posters on the wall, mostly of movies, and a tall bookcase crammed full of books.
Dean liked what he saw.
“What kind of books do you read?”
The camera zoomed in on the bookcase. “Take a look.”
Dean scanned the shelves. There were little kids’ books on the bottom shelves, but farther up he spied a lot of science fiction and fantasy, plus a big selection of books on Art. One spine caught his eye. “You like the Pre-Raphaelites?” He hadn’t expected to see such a book in a young man’s bedroom.
The camera flipped again, and Dean was looking at Robin once more. “Yeah. I love their paintings. Especially the ones that showed knights and kings, girls in long, flowing dresses…”
Okay, that told Dean a lot. “Well well well.” Robin was becoming more interesting by the minute.
Robin’s eyes widened. “What?”
Dean smiled. “You’re a romantic at heart, aren’t