Read The Way Things Are for Free Online Page B

said.
    “You sure? I can call my dad, if that’d be better?”
    “No,” Patrick said. “Hell, Jay’s been riding the damn train for the last week trying to find his way around. Between that and the bus, we’ll get home. What time do you need me to come in?”
    “As soon as possible! I’ve only got David on tonight and he’s not really a people person, you know? And if you get here quick, I can introduce you to somebody.”
    “I don’t want you to try and hook me up with anybody.”
    “Not just anybody. The driver for my beer distributor is hot, and he’s a pretty cool guy, and I think you two would be cute together.”
    “Please don’t, Corbin. Not now.”
    “Oh, fine. Whenever you can get here, then.”
    “I don’t know when, but I’ll be there,” Patrick promised. He ended the call and plopped down on the utilitarian bench beside Jay. “Uncle Corbin’s going to let me pick up a shift at his place tonight. So what am I going to do with you?” Patrick asked, not really expecting an answer.
    Beside him, Jay mumbled something.
    “What?”
    “Am I grounded?” Jay asked.
    Patrick scoffed. “You bet your ass you’re grounded. Two weeks. I catch you sneaking in or out, and I’m taking your sketchbooks away.”
    Jay stared at him, wide-eyed and suddenly alert. “My sketchbooks? But you always take away video games first.”
    Patrick nodded slowly. “Your sketchbooks. All of them. You’re going to take the cordless phone into your room at night, and when I call, you’re going to answer it. I’m going to call at random, and I might just call all night long. If you aren’t there to answer the phone, I’ll throw the sketchbooks in the trash.”
    Jay shivered and pulled his knees up to his chest, folding his arms and hiding his face for a moment. Patrick felt like an asshole, but over the last two years, he hadn’t found any other way to get through to Jay.
    “You know what those mean to me.”
    “I do.” Patrick nodded gravely, setting his hand on Jay’s shoulder. “I also know this was supposed to be your fresh start. Is there any other way I can make sure you’re home at night? Even if I could afford a babysitter right now, I think you’re a bit old for one. Although I’m sure one of Uncle Corbin’s sisters would be willing.”
    “I’m almost fifteen, Pop. I’m going to be old enough to drive and get a job in another year. I don’t need a babysitter.”
    “Yeah?” Patrick zipped his jacket shut and leaned back, hoping the city bus was still running. “Prove it.”
    A blue-and-white car with emergency lights on the top, a King County logo on the side, and the word “PROBATION” stenciled onto the side pulled up beside them. The passenger side window rolled down and the driver leaned across the seat.
    “Mr. Connelly? And Mr. Connelly?”
    Patrick gasped at the sound of that voice. It was deep, masculine, and perfect. It seemed to vibrate on some top-secret harmonic that ricocheted through his entire body, jolting his cock to life in an instant. Whoever he was, whatever the hell he was saying, he had the sexiest voice Patrick had ever heard. With tanned skin, thick brown hair, and dark, almost gray-blue eyes, the man in the car was gorgeous.
    Patrick didn’t mean to stare, but the man sat still, staring right back with a detached, beautiful smile. Even as Patrick’s own treacherous body began to respond to the sight, growing hard and anxious, Patrick knew he had to do something. He crossed his legs, hoping Jay wouldn’t notice how uncomfortable he’d just become. “Yeah, what do you want?”
    The man’s smile twitched and vanished, his eyes narrowed. His expression shifted from friendly to hard and professional in an instant. “Mr. Connelly, I’m Ken. I’m your son’s juvenile probation counselor. I understand that you ran into some trouble when you were on your way here this morning, so I thought I’d give you guys a ride. Hop in.”
    “Remind me why we need a ride?”