Page 64 of Wood

Geoff waits until the others have started toward the clubhouse before he leans in.

“Five under,” he says. “Not bad for a guy who almost topped it on sixteen.”

“You saw that.”

“I see everything.” He takes the putter from my hand and slides it into the bag. “Come on. Beers are on Bobby tonight. Kid owes us that much.”

“He can’t look you in the eye,” I say.

He nods, “I noticed.” Then he grins at me. “I think he has the hots for you.”

My mouth drops open. “That’s… crazy.”

“Nope, definitely got that vibe.” He smiles even harder. “Bet you.”

I look at him sideways. “What’s the wager?”

“Winner gets rimmed.”

A loud laugh bursts out of me before I can stop it, drawing stink eyes from several golfers.

“Baby, you want me to rim you, you just have to ask,” I say in a low rumble for his ears only.

He blushes bright pink.

39

GEOFF

This Great Room is truly magnificent. Apparently rebuilt twenty years ago after a fire ravaged the valley and hillside, it’s a stunning mountain lodge. Massive logs spread above us forming high peaks that have chandeliers made from elk antlers hanging down. The fireplace is cozy, open on both sides with a red hearth inviting feet or butts.

Ben is surrounded by golfers, and I lean back against the bar to watch my husband. The caddies went out for burgers, but that’s just not a fun time for me anymore, not ever, and especially not since Scotland, so I’ve skipped it. Bobby is looking much better. His color is bright and his shoulders are relaxed. I snicker as he leans in towards Ben. Bobby is enthralled, and I don’t blame him at all. My husband is so fucking hot. His gray temples and salt sprinkled hair is brushed back from his face, thick and shining. I want to mess it up.

Someone slides onto the barstool next to me and I turn. And blink. Todd Harrington - The Third, my mind supplies with a snicker - gives me a nod.

“Geoff, good to see you.” Well, damn, he remembered my name.

I nod back. “Mr. Harrington. How’d the links treat you today?”

He huffs and tips his hat back. “Please, it’s Todd. And I’m at par. Unlike your husband there.” He nods towards Ben.

We both watch as Bobby giggles and touches Ben’s shoulder. Looks like I’m getting my ass eaten tonight, I smirk. Todd sees my smile and quirks an eyebrow.

“Not jealous?” he drawls, and I huff a laugh.

“I made a bet with Ben that Bobby was into him. I win,” I grin, taking a sip of beer.

He laughs and gestures to the bartender for another round. “I will not ask what the wager was for. My straight little brain would probably die of shock,” he chuckles.

I cough and give him a wry snigger. “Smart man.” I consider for a moment, then ask, “How’s your son?”

His mouth quirks and he replies, “Ben told you, huh.” I nod, and he continues on. “Better,” he finally says. “Coming up tomorrow for the weekend rounds. Agreed to go to your party with me. Wants to chat with you, if you don’t mind.”

“Of course,” I agree readily. “I had a pretty easy coming out, though,” I admit. “My folks are gone, but I know they would have been ok with it.” I think a bit. “Mom was a little wild in her day.” I smile at the memory. “So, no one to come out to, really. Except myself. And, well, Ben.”

Todd considers. “I’ll let him know and he can decide.”

“That is the right thing to do, Todd. Just support him, whatever he wants, whatever that looks like. I know some super sweet twinks we can invite to our party, too, if you’d like? They are… bold. Out and proud.”