Page 28 of Trapped for Christmas

“His brother having his assistant as his boyfriend has definitely changed his perspective,” said Felix.

“Where did you hear that?” asked Zeb, unable to keep the excitement out of his voice.

“Ryder gets chatty after orgasms.”

They all cracked up laughing.

“When did Leo get a boyfriend?” asked Zeb. “How much did I miss when I was . . . when I was gone?”

Both of them looked at him with sympathy, which he appreciated and hated in equal measure.

“I don’t know the full story,” said Felix. “Leo went off to his cabin to write his book, like he does every year. He hired Jacob as his assistant, and then obviously something happened. Now they’re in love, but Jacob is still his assistant.”

Zeb didn’t know what to say. Hope bloomed within him. Could it be possible that Mason had changed his mind? If that was the case, why hadn’t he said anything?

“I can hear you planning the wedding from here,” teased Felix.

Zeb grinned. “I just . . . why hasn’t he said anything? Is it because of Kaden? Am I damaged goods now?”

“I think it goes deeper than that,” said Hunter.

“Is that what Deacon says?” quipped Zeb. It was something he did when things got too serious.

This resulted in more laughter, and Hunter going crimson. Zeb knew just how to tease his bestie. If anything happened between him and Mason, he knew Hunter would enjoy paying him back.

“I think you need to get some time where it’s just the two of you,” said Hunter.

“We live together, and it’s just the two of us there.”

“In a five-bedroom house over four floors. That’s intimate!”

“What are you suggesting?” asked Zeb.

“The cabin,” said Hunter.

“Mason’s cabin? In Cherry Falls?”

“That’s the one. You two should go away for a weekend together.”

Zeb huffed. “I don’t think he’d agree to that. He’s not going to leave the restaurant in December.”

“I could count on one hand how many times he’s left someone else in charge of service in the past two years,” said Hunter. “Since Thanksgiving, I’m almost out of fingers. That’s because he wants to be at home with you.”

“That’s only so he can make sure I’m eating properly.”

“He could prep your meals if that’s all it was.”

“Hasn’t the cabin only got one bedroom?” asked Zeb.

“Yes,” said Felix. “It’s a short walk from the main street of the town. Secluded enough to feel private, but not in the middle of nowhere. There’s only one street of shops, and then it’s all cabins and cottages. It gives off Hallmark vibes, the perfect setting for something to happen between you and Mason.”

“I think you’re getting carried away,” said Zeb. “Just because Leo is in a relationship with his assistant doesn’t mean that’s changed anything. Mason’s known me for two years. Leo had just met Jacob. It’s different.”

“It’s completely different,” said Hunter.

“I can always rely on you, bestie.”

Hunter smiled. “What I mean is that you two might as well already be in a relationship. You know everything about each other, except for how big his cock is.”