Leaving Home by Chase, A. (life books to read .txt) 📗

of events that Tony had ridden at. So that meant

the big blond was Brody, Tony’s partner.

“Chaz, my man, how are you doing? It’s great to have you come hang out with us.”

Tony smacked him on the back, and Chaz hoped he hid his wince of pain. “I’ll be making an appearance in Nashville this weekend. Maybe I’ll hitch a ride to Tennessee with you.”

“Yeah, right. You’ve gotten too used to the luxury of having a private jet at your beck

and call.” Brody snorted as he offered Chaz his hand. “Brody MacCafferty, Tony’s partner.

I’ve seen you work a few events. You’re one of the best.”

“Thanks.” Chaz grinned at Tony. “You’re welcome to ride with me if you want, man,

but I think a plane might be easier on your old bones.”

Tony punched him in the arm. “I’m not that much older than you, so shut the fuck up.”

“Tony,” Les said in a warning tone.

“Sorry, ladies.” Tony turned to tip an imaginary hat at Margie and Tammy. “My

language is not appropriate for the dinner table.”

“As much as your courtesy is appreciated by the ladies, I know I’ve heard Tammy

swear worse than that out in the barns,” Jackson teased.

Tammy slugged him in the chest. “Thanks a lot, Jackson. You’re my husband. You’re

not supposed to rat me out like that.”

Jackson held up his hands. “Why? You do it to me all the time.”

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“It’s a woman’s prerogative to do that,” Margie informed all the men in the room.

“Thank God I don’t have to deal with females on an intimate basis,” Randy quipped.

Chaz smiled as everyone laughed, then there was a general movement towards the

table. Everyone found their seats, and the conversation flowed along with the food.

“Peter, have you heard from Roscoe again?” Les asked.

Peter shook his head. “Not since the night Chaz and I kicked him out. I guess he figured

he wasn’t ever going to get money from you or me, so he left for greener pastures. I did hear from my mother, though.”

Chaz shot him a glance. “You didn’t tell me that.”

“It was earlier today, and you were driving. I didn’t think it was important enough to

bother you. I was going to see you anyway.” Peter shrugged. “She just called me to inform me that she was fine, and not to bother her or the rest of the family again. I got the hint. I’m done worrying about them.”

Chaz reached over to grip Peter’s hand. “You’ve made a brand new family for yourself,

and, from what I’ve seen, they’re far superior to your old one.”

“Thanks,” Peter said and smiled. “Yes, I know how lucky I am with my family and my

boyfriend.”

Chaz felt his face grow warm, but he didn’t retreat from Peter. This was heading

towards a really serious relationship, and he wasn’t going to deny it or Peter in front of anyone.

Dinner was finished, and after cleaning the dishes they all moved to the living room.

Chaz found himself being enveloped by the men and women Peter was closest to, and he

discovered he enjoyed it.

After an hour or so, Tony and Brody headed home while Les and Randy went off to

find their own bed. Chaz and Peter stared at each other for a moment, before going to Peter’s bedroom. Peter got ready for bed first, then, while he waited on the bed, Chaz went into the bathroom to brush his teeth. He crushed up some pills to sniff, wanting to ensure his back wouldn’t bother him during the night.

He climbed into bed, then kissed Peter. As their lips touched, Chaz thought it was the

best welcome home he’d ever received.

“We need to talk, Chaz.”

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Chaz sighed, having a feeling he knew what was coming. “No, we don’t, Peter. I told

you I’m fine, and I’m dealing with the pills.”

Peter looked at him, scepticism showing in the very tilt of Peter’s head. “Are you really dealing with it? Or are you just telling me that so I’ll leave you alone?”

“I’m doing what I need to do, and I’m not addicted to any of that shit. I don’t need to

take it all the time.” Chaz pressed his lips to Peter’s, stroking his tongue along the seam of Peter’s mouth.

He slid his hand down to cup Peter’s balls, then he squeezed a little. Peter gasped, and

Chaz gave a mental cheer. Getting Peter all hot and bothered would be the perfect way to

avoid the conversation, so Chaz set about seducing Peter.

When their lovemaking was over, Chaz let Peter snuggle close to him while Chaz made

the decision to avoid talking about his problems. Chaz knew he could deal with his pain and the pills on his own. He didn’t need help from anyone, and he’d prove that to Peter.

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LEAVING HOME T.A. Chase 131

Chapter Twelve

Peter sat, eager to watch Chaz work. He couldn’t believe it when Chaz had invited him

to come out to Oakland for the event there. It had been two weeks since they’d seen each

other, but they’d managed to talk every day and night that whole time, though not about the white elephant standing between them. Every time he tried to bring up the Vicodin and other drugs, Chaz changed the subject or would get defensive about Peter not trusting him to

handle the problem himself.

Peter was still in shock at how fast their relationship seemed to be developing. He never would’ve thought a man he’d found strung out in an alley would turn out to be the love of his life. While he still had concerns about Chaz’s use of pain drugs, he couldn’t bring himself to break it off with Chaz. Peter simply kept hoping that Chaz would quit like he’d said he would.

The bullfighters came out, and Peter jumped to his feet, yelling like a fool. Somehow

Chaz must have heard him, because Chaz glanced right at him. He waved, and Chaz waved

back. He settled back in his seat as Chaz began jogging around the arena floor. His lover started out with a slight hitch to