Page 54 of No Rules
Ryan took a sharp breath. “Anyway, we weren’t talking about me. The choice is yours, but if you think your father could be okay with it, it might not be the worst idea. Also, for safety reasons.”
“Safety reasons?”
“When people who aren’t in the lifestyle discover the marks from a scene, they don’t always understand those are consensual.”
Right. That made sense. “I’ll think about it.”
“Look, your old man’s gonna have questions, no doubt,” Ryan said, his Texas drawl becoming more pronounced. “But that doesn’t mean he won’t accept you for who you are. And hell, if he’s got a problem with it, he can take it up with me.”
“That’s…oddly comforting,” Alex said, a small laugh bubbling up. Warmth spread through him. “You’re much better at this whole support thing than I would’ve expected.”
“Who knew?” Ryan shrugged, a playful glint in his brown eyes. “Now, come on. We’ve got some time before your dad shows up. Let’s get some work done.”
They focused on paperwork, and the time went by faster than Alex had expected. Before he knew it, they’d retreated into the living room, and the doorbell rang. Alex’s heart leaped in his throat. His father was here. He blinked away the anxious haze clouding his vision and glanced at the others. Ryan had done as he’d promised, instructing everyone to be on their best behavior, and they all sent him encouraging nods.
“Deep breaths, Alex,” Ryan murmured beside him. “You’ve got this.”
As Alex opened the door, his father stood tall on the doorstep, dressed in full uniform with his gray hair neatly combed back. “Dad!”
Alex hugged him tightly, closing his eyes when his father’s arms circled him. “I’m so glad to see you, kiddo.”
Wasn’t it funny that his dad and Wander both called him kiddo? Thank god Ryan didn’t, or things could get confusing. “You too, Dad.”
His dad let go and ruffled his hair. “You look good, kiddo.”
“Thank you. So do you, all dressed up.”
His father chuckled. “Not much choice when I’m meeting with the brass, especially General Flint. That man is a stickler for protocol.”
Alex pulled him inside and closed the door behind them. “Can I introduce you to everyone?”
“I’d love to meet your team as long as we can also spend some time together to catch up.”
“Absolutely, Dad.”
He led him to the living room. “Everyone, please meet my father, General Frank Beck. Dad, this is Jesse, who owns this house, and that’s my boss, Wander.”
Both Jesse and Wander got up. “Welcome, General.” Jesse extended his hand. “I’m Jesse Beyer. It’s an honor to have you in my home, and thank you for your years of dedicated service to our country.”
“Thank you, Jesse. I appreciate your hospitality.”
“Wander Dwyer.” Wander shook his father’s hand next. “And I can only second Jesse’s words.”
“Thank you. I’m glad to meet Alex’s boss. He’s told me a lot of good things about you.”
Wander shot Alex a warm smile. “That’s mutual, General. Alex is an absolute joy to have on our team, both for his skills and his personality.”
Jesus, if they kept that up, Alex would never stop blushing. His father grinned at him. “I’m glad to hear that, though I’m not surprised he’s doing well. He’s always excelled at adapting to new environments.” His smile faded. “Probably a consequence of being an Army brat.”
“You know I never minded, Dad.”
“I know. Doesn’t mean I can’t look back and consider if it was always the best thing for you and your siblings.”
“Can I offer you something to drink?” Jesse asked. “And a snack, perhaps? You’ve traveled by train from DC, from what I understand.”
“I would love a good cup of coffee. The crap they served on the train was so weak that I spit it out after the first sip.”
Jesse laughed. “A man after my own heart. We take coffee seriously here, General, so we’ve got you. Why don’t you and Alex make yourself comfortable in the library, where you’ll have a bit more privacy? I’ll have coffee and snacks brought in a moment.”