Full Balance (The Peachtree Series Book 3) Read online

  “Well, it’s worth a try, right?”

  “Yeah, I’ll try anything.”

  “I know.” Stephen stepped forward until he was in Russ’s space. “Now, I think you’re just too up in your head about this. How about the two of us spend a little time in bed?”

  “Don’t you have an early meeting tomorrow? I thought that was why we were driving separately.”

  “I do. But I find those glasses extremely sexy. So, I think we’re just going to have to be quick and quiet.”

  “Well, if you insist.” Russ wound his arms around Stephen’s neck.

  “I do.” Stephen nuzzled closer, slipping his hands under Russ’s jeans and pushing them to the floor. “And I’m telling you I want you naked on the bed. Now.”

  Russ shivered as he stepped out of the puddle of fabric on the floor. “Mmm, you know I like it when you get bossy like that.”

  Stephen grinned as he walked backward toward the bed. He stripped the last of his clothing off, then let himself fall onto his back, bouncing once on the mattress. He looked up at Russ—who was naked except for his briefs and glasses—and stroked his cock. “Get yourself ready. I want you to ride me.”

  Russ raised an eyebrow at him as he shed the last of his clothing. “You’re going to make me do all the work again, huh?”

  “Yes. I want to watch you in those sexy glasses.”

  Russ grinned as he came around the side of the bed, then fished through the nightstand for the lube. “They really get you going, huh?”

  “They really do.”

  A few minutes later, Russ bottomed out with a quiet groan and Stephen’s dick was enveloped in tight heat. “Mmm.”

  “Ride me,” Stephen coaxed as he ran his hands up and down Russ’s abs. They flexed under his fingers as he began to move. Something about the contrast of Russ looking all smart and studious from the neck up, and powerfully muscular while he rode Stephen’s dick was incredibly arousing. “God, I wish you could see yourself,” Stephen rasped. “That is the sexiest sight I have ever seen.”

  He reached out and took Russ’s cock in his hand, stroking in time with his thrusts. The slap of their bodies wasn’t loud enough to travel downstairs and thank god the bed didn’t squeak, but as Russ got louder, Stephen sat up and covered his mouth with his own, smothering the sounds he made as he rode him fast and hard.

  They were both so worked up, it didn’t take long before Russ spilled over Stephen’s fist and a few hard thrusts later, Stephen came too, biting the muscle in Russ’s shoulder to keep from shouting his pleasure.

  After, Russ slumped against him, breathing hard. “Fuck.”

  Stephen chuckled as he plucked the glasses from Russ’s face, then set them on the nightstand. He eased their bodies down.

  “Did it live up to your expectations?” Russ asked against his shoulder.

  Stephen chuckled as he rolled them onto their sides. “More than.” He kissed Russ’s shoulder. “Since you did all the work, I’ll get something to clean you up.”

  “You are the best,” Russ muttered into the pillow.

  Stephen lightly smacked his ass. “Damn right I am, baby.”

  “Are you doing okay?” Dan asked Stephen one Saturday a few weeks later after an informal meeting they were having about the center’s financial future. A worried frown creased his forehead. “You look exhausted. Are things not going well with Austin?”

  “They’re actually going quite well,” Stephen said. “I am tired though.”

  “Do you want to talk about it?”

  Stephen waved off his concern. “It’s not really anything to talk about. We’re just running in sixteen directions these days. It feels like Russ and I are two ships passing in the night sometimes,” he admitted.

  Dan nodded. “I understand. The end of the school year is always a little crazy.”

  “We’re trying to get Austin caught up on his schoolwork,” Stephen said. “He’s making improvements, especially in math, but on top of shuttling him around, going to work, and trying to fit in workouts and volunteering here …”

  Dan closed his laptop lid. “Okay, you’re officially fired from your volunteering duties then.”

  “No, no,” Stephen protested. “I wasn’t angling for that.”

  “I know you weren’t. But I also know you won’t quit on your own. You want to help here, and your sense of duty won’t allow you to cut back, even though you should.”

  “I …” Stephen sighed. “You’re probably right.”

  “Look, we know Russ is going to keep volunteering at the drop-in center because it’s when Austin sees Kellie.”

  Stephen nodded. Her appearances were spotty at best, but he and Russ tried their hardest to make sure Austin was there so he could see her if she did show up. Neither of them wanted to deprive Austin of his relationship with his sister.

  “So you need to be the one to admit you’ve taken on too much,” Dan said kindly.

  “Says the man running an enormous nonprofit center, with four children he’s raising on his own?” Stephen teased. A pained expression crossed Dan’s face and Stephen wondered if it was the reminder of his loss that had done it. “I’m sorry,” he said softly. “I didn’t mean to—”

  “No, you’re right,” Dan said. “I do take too much on. This is absolutely a ‘Do as I say, not as I do’ situation. But I can tell you that parental burnout is real. And it’s nothing to ignore. Because the more tired and stressed you are, the less patience you have for a kid who needs you to be at your very best.”

  Stephen swallowed hard. “Okay, you’ve got me there.” He hadn’t snapped at Austin yet when he left shoes laying around inside the door or forgot to close the kitchen cabinets or left hoodies draped over the couch, but Stephen had been forced to make a conscious decision to respond in a calm, even tone. And the more tired and stressed he was, the tougher that would be.

  “So take a step back,” Dan said kindly. “Carrie is doing great and you’ve done an amazing job mentoring her for this position. But if you step back now, you’d give her the opportunity to really show what she can do.”

  “I’ve never been fired so politely before,” Stephen teased.

  “I’m not paying you, so I’m not firing you.” Dan’s teasing smile softened into a look of concern. “Seriously, Stephen. You and Russ are new parents. You’re doing a great job, but it’s a huge lifestyle adjustment. There is no reason you can’t take a little time off here. Carrie has things under control in the finance department and when you do come back, I am sure there is plenty more we can find for you to do. But right now, your focus should be on your family. The center will survive without you. What you’re doing for Austin is important and absolutely should be your priority.”

  Stephen nodded. Dan was right and there was no question he had a hell of a lot more experience with this than Stephen did. “Okay,” he agreed. His sigh was regretful, but he felt a little of the weight lift from his shoulders.

  “When was the last time you and Russ went out? Just the two of you.”

  “Other than lunches at work and the support group meeting?”

  “Yes. A date night with your husband.”

  Stephen thought back. “Before Austin came to live with us.”

  “That’s what I thought.” Dan tapped his pen on the table. “You two need some alone time. And it will do Austin some good to get a break from you two.”

  “Thanks.” Stephen shot him a wry grin.

  “You know what I mean. It’s good for him to see you have a healthy relationship,” Dan said.

  “I know,” Stephen said.

  “Benjamin and I tried to take regular date nights and it did us, and our children, a world of good.”

  “I’ll plan something with Russ.”

  “Good.”

  FOURTEEN

  “You sure you’ll be okay?” Stephen asked.

  Jeremy gave him an annoyed look. “Dude, we’ll be fine. You’ve briefed us very thoroughly on everything we need to k
now. Go, have a night out with your man.”

  “I really appreciate you doing this.”

  “It’s fine. Maybe you can return the favor.”

  Stephen raised an eyebrow at him. “You two planning to have kids now?”

  “I meant watching the dog if we went out of town or something, but who the hell knows? Now go.”

  “I’m going, I’m going.” It wasn’t that he didn’t trust Jeremy and Evan. He did. It was just nerve-wracking to leave Austin with anyone. He’d done fine with Addie when they went to the support group meetings, but it was worrisome every time. He suddenly had a flash of sympathy for parents who had a difficult time leaving their infant with a babysitter. At least Austin could speak up if he needed something. Or call them.

  “Ready to head out?” Russ asked. He’d been skeptical about Dan’s suggestion when Stephen first broached the subject but eventually agreed it was something they needed. They’d both probably gone overboard preparing, with printed out instructions and emergency numbers, but it made them feel better.

  “Yes,” Stephen said a whole lot more decisively than he felt. “Thanks for doing this, guys.”

  Evan, who was already studying at the dining room table, lifted his hand and waved. “No problem.”

  He’d warned them he had an exam coming up so would probably spend most of the night with his nose buried in a book, but Stephen was confident Jeremy could handle anything that cropped up.

  “Have fun, Austin,” he called out.

  “Bye.” There was a sullen note to Austin’s voice. When they’d spoken to him about it earlier in the week, he’d said he didn’t care. But as the days passed, he’d become more and more quiet and withdrawn. That concerned Stephen.

  “We’ll see you in a few hours,” Russ said. “Call if you need anything.”

  “Whatever. Just go already,” Austin muttered.

  He and Russ exchanged glances and Russ gave him a helpless shrug. They’d talk more with Austin when they got home.

  “Ready to go?” he asked Russ.

  “Ready as I’ll ever be.”

  With that they were off to Midtown Soul and their first date in months.

  After Russ and Stephen walked out the door, Austin snuck a glance at Jeremy. Russ and Stephen had said he was a friend, but it was sort of weird because he looked a lot like Russ.

  “Who are you, anyway?”

  Jeremy raised an eyebrow at him. “Jeremy Lewis.”

  “No, like, are you related to Russ or something? You look like him,” Austin said.

  “Nah, no relation.”

  “So how do you know them?”

  “I’m Stephen’s ex-boyfriend.”

  “No way.” Austin gaped at him. “Really?”

  “Mm-hmm.”

  “And you’re still friends?”

  Jeremy shrugged. “Why not? He’s happy with Russ, I’m happy with Evan, and we have a lot in common. Besides, we dated fifteen years ago. Before you were even born. It’s all ancient history.”

  “Huh.”

  “Come on,” Jeremy said as he walked toward the living room. “Let’s leave Evan in peace.” He lifted his head from where he was studying and gave them a small smile. Other than when he’d showed up, he’d hardly said a word. Austin was fine with that.

  “You want to play video games? You can interrogate me while I kick your butt,” Jeremy said.

  Outraged, Austin followed him. “I wasn’t interrogating you,” he protested. “And you’re not going to kick my butt.”

  Jeremy shot him a smug smile and took a seat on the couch. “Get it set up, pick out a game, and we’ll find out, won’t we?”

  “Well, hello there. I haven’t seen you two in a while.” Tod approached their table with a saunter and a cheeky grin.

  Stephen returned the smile. “Well, we’ve had a lot on our plates lately.”

  “Hopefully good things. Not boring ol’ work.”

  “Some boring ol’ work,” Stephen admitted. “But mostly very good things. We have a son now.”

  Tod’s eyes widened. “Why, congratulations! That’s wonderful. I suppose becoming daddies is a good reason for y’all to neglect me.”

  Russ chuckled. “As if we’d ever neglect you intentionally.”

  “You do know how to soothe a man’s ruffled ego, that’s for damn sure.” Tod preened. “What can I getcha? Your usual bourbons, I assume?”

  “Naturally,” Stephen said. “What are your specials tonight?”

  Tod rattled them off. “Anything strike your fancy, Russ?”

  “Oh, um.” He shook his head. “Stephen, why don’t you order? I need another minute.” He slipped his glasses out of his pocket and put them on.

  Stephen looked down at the menu. “The smokey grilled pork chops, please. But could I get the collard greens on the side instead of the mashed potatoes?”

  “Sure thing. You’re going to owe me though,” Tod said.

  “Oh, I am, am I?” Stephen asked with a laugh.

  “Mm-hmm. Just keep sittin’ there lookin’ fine and we’ll call it even.”

  “I think I can do that.” Stephen smirked. He had enjoyed Tod’s flirtatious banter from the get-go and he always lavished Russ with just as much attention, so it was fun, rather than awkward or intrusive.

  “What about you handsome, you ready for me now?”

  “I am.” Russ grinned at him. “The trout and the warm fingerling salad, please. Do the same rules apply to me?” he asked.

  “Nah, you’re gonna have to undo a button on that shirt of yours.”

  “Ouch,” Russ said. “I’m hurt. My face isn’t enough?”

  “Hmm. Well, those glasses are pretty fuck-hot but nah, I just wanna see a little of that fine-looking chest.” He gave a cheeky wink.

  Russ chuckled and slapped his menu into Tod’s hand. “Keep dreaming, buddy. I’m not stripping for you in public.”

  “What about in private? Is a sandwich on the menu tonight?” He looked meaningfully between the two of them.

  “No,” Stephen said with a laugh. “It most certainly is not.”

  Tod sighed regretfully. “It was worth a shot.”

  “I thought you were still seeing Chris anyway?”

  “I am.” He beamed. “And I love him to bits, but a boy can flirt, can’t he?”

  “He can,” Russ said. “But he might want to be careful about propositioning other men.”

  “Oh, pffftt. Chris knows I only come home to him. It’s all good, I promise.”

  “Glad to hear it.” Stephen gestured for him to run along. “Now get. I want my dinner before midnight.”

  “Oooh.” He winked at Russ. “I do like when he gets bossy.”

  “So do I.” Russ gave him a sly little grin.

  “Ooh, girl … You are luck-y.”

  “Bourbon. Now,” Stephen said, trying to be stern as he fought a smile.

  “Fine, fine.” Tod stalked off, head held high as he pretended to be offended.

  “He’s so shameless,” Russ said with a laugh when he was gone. “I love it.”

  Stephen grinned. “So do I.”

  It was an unusual relationship to have with waitstaff and from what they’d seen, Tod wasn’t nearly as blatant in his flirting with other guests, but Tod was friends with Evan and Jeremy now and they occasionally socialized with him outside of work. Besides, Tod knew just how far to push the flirtation. And clearly his boyfriend was fine with it.

  “Well,” Stephen said, leaning forward to look at his husband. “What do you think? It’s kind of nice to be out, just the two of us, yeah?”

  “It is.” Russ reached out and took his hand. “It’s been too long.”

  After Jeremy beat him at League of Legends for the third time, Austin grudgingly had to admit he was pretty good. “How’d you get so good at this?” he asked as he tossed the controller on the ottoman.

  He shrugged. “No idea. I’ve only played a few times. Evan doesn’t enjoy video games that much. Beginner’s luc
k, I guess?”

  “No fair.”

  “Come on, I’ll buy you some pizza to make up for it. What do you want for toppings? No pineapple.”

  “Hey,” Evan protested. “You let me get pineapple on my pizza.”

  “Fine.” Jeremy stood with a groan. “If you want that crap, Austin, you can split your pizza with Evan.”

  “No pineapple. I like pepperoni or Italian sausage,” he said.

  “Now that’s what I’m talking about,” Jeremy said and bumped fists with Austin. “Come on, little man. Let’s figure out what else we want to order. Stephen left us with a wad of cash and I’m happy to spend it.”

  Evan snorted. “You’re such a good example, Jeremy.”

  “Hey, I’m not supposed to be. That’s what you’re here for. I’m the fun uncle.”

  Austin shot him a glance. That was weird to hear. He’d never met his dad’s brother. He’d died in Afghanistan or something before Austin was born. And his mom’s sister was all the way across the country with like eight kids of her own, so Austin had never met her. She hadn’t wanted him and Kellie when the state had tracked her down after his mom died. But Jeremy wouldn’t be so bad to have as an uncle.

  As Jeremy ordered a ton of food, Austin snuck another glance at him. No one had mentioned the scar on his face or why he limped. “What happened to your face?” he asked once Jeremy hung up.

  “Car accident.” He leaned on the counter and looked him in the eye. “I really can’t recommend driving on rainy streets with bad brakes. It does not end well. Keep that in mind when you’re old enough to drive, okay?”

  “Was it bad?”

  He snorted. “It was pretty fucking bad. I’ve got a rod and about a million screws in my leg. I almost died a couple of times.” He sounded weirdly calm about it. “Seriously, zero out of ten stars. Do not recommend.”

  “How come you didn’t die?”

  Jeremy shrugged. “The miracles of modern medicine, I guess?”

  “So Evan’s your boyfriend, right?” he asked curiously. Jeremy was definitely older than Evan but not nearly as old as Stephen. None of these people made sense to him.