Page 9 of Trapped for Christmas

“Ryder, what are you doing here?”

“It’s great to see you too, Mason,” he said, sitting down.

Ryder looked as if he’d just come from the gym. He was wearing a tank top, tight shorts, and his body was sweaty.

“Did you walk through the restaurant looking like that?”

“Nah, came in the back way. Didn’t want to give anyone a heart attack.”

Mason chuckled. He had a point. It was hard not to stare at the guy. He had a body anyone would be envious of, and he was incredibly handsome, but then he opened that mouth.

“What are you smiling at?” asked Ryder.

“Just thinking how attractive you are until you open your mouth.”

“Sorry, Mason, I’m off the market.”

Mason rolled his eyes.

“And besides⁠—”

“Two tops don’t make a pair. You’ve not said that before.”

“Do you think Deacon bottoms?”

Mason shook his head. “Where has that come from?”

“I know he hooked up with Max years ago, and they both come across as toppy. I could see Deacon being more flexible than Max.”

“Maybe they didn’t fuck.”

“That sounds boring.”

Mason couldn’t help laughing. “Is there a reason you’re here, Ryder?”

“Yes. The boss sent me to talk to you.”

“Who are you . . . you mean Sebastian?”

“Knew you were a smart man. He says you’re going a bit Glenn Close about Zeb’s new beau.”

Mason prickled. “I’ll speak to Sebastian.”

“He’s worried about you.”

“I’m fine.”

“Yeah, the way your jaw’s clenched is very convincing.”

“What’s the issue with me looking out for my employee?”

Ryder burst out laughing, and Mason felt his face heating. The guy knew how to push Mason’s buttons better than anyone. He knew his friends were worried about him, and he appreciated it. He felt as though he had six brothers, rather than one, but that also meant they couldn’t stop interfering in his private business. To be fair, he had gone to Sebastian and asked about hiring a PI to tail Zeb to see where Kaden lived so they could run checks on him. The moment he’d said it aloud, he regretted it.

“There’s something about this guy that I just don’t trust,” said Mason. “I know I have no grounds for that, but Zeb has been different since he met him. He only works his contracted hours, and he’s all businesslike when he speaks to me.”

“And you’re used to him batting his eyelashes and bowing at your feet?”

“Ryder!”