Twin Ties 1: My Brother's Lover by Lynn Kelling Read Free Book Online Page B

brushing his dirty hands futilely over his grime-smeared arms. His second appointment of the evening came to mind. “And can I grab a shower too? Just, you know, while I’m here.”
    “Sure.”
    Once Evan had scrubbed off the engine grease and emerged from the bathroom both looking and smelling much cleaner, the two men sat down across from each other at Jimmy’s table. There was a big plate loaded with salad and a sandwich set out for Evan, so he dove in.
    “What’s up? Why aren’t you at home, eating with Brennan?”
    Evan shrugged, taking a large bite of bread to avoid having to verbally answer.
    “What’s he like?”
    “Hmm, well....” He thought about it for a long moment. “He’s a twink. Bleached hair, dainty little glasses. The whole nine. One of the first things he told me was that he’s gay. He asked if it was gonna be a
problem
.” Evan huffed out a laugh and took another bite when the chuckle twisted and turned cold.
    Jimmy sighed, his face a picture of concern. “I’m sorry.”
    Evan’s brow furrowed and he bowed his head, chest heaving with emotion.
    “Does he know?” But it only took one look at Evan’s face to make the answer clear. Jimmy answered his own question, saying, “Of course not. Maybe you should tell him. He’s going to find out anyway.”
    Defensively, Evan barked out, “Says who?”
    “He’s your twin brother, Evan. I understand having a sibling is a new concept for you, but Brennan will be able to read you, especially living together in such close quarters. It could help you two get closer.”
    “I don’t want to be closer. I didn’t ask for this. I opened my home to him because he had nowhere else to go, but it doesn’t mean anything. He’s a stranger.”
    “You don’t think that he could
possibly
understand where you’re coming from? Hmm?” Jimmy suggested, glaring at Evan.
    “He’s nothing like me,” Evan spat. “He likes who he is. He’s proud of it.”
    “Do you resent him? For being proud of himself? For getting to be with Maggie?” Evan set down the sandwich, shutting down, turning off. “He didn’t ask for this either. He’s just trying to survive and grieve, same as you.”
    “Whatever.”
    “Hey, if you wanna try again, I’m sure there are enough pills in the medicine cabinet to do the job. I won’t interfere this time.”
    Evan sat back in the chair, hugging himself and scowling, gazing blankly out the window.
    “Go on. What’re you waiting for? You still wish I’d left you alone?”
    Breathing shallowly, watching a flock of sparrows take flight over the swaying grass, Evan didn’t answer right away. Then, reluctantly, he grunted, “Sometimes.”
    “Then why are you here? Why are you telling me all of this stuff about Brennan?” There was a pause as Evan answered Jimmy’s questions silently, to himself, only. “Have you talked to Charlie?”
    “No.”
    “You should. He loves you.”
    Evan scoffed. “Sure.” Standing, grabbing the sandwich to finish off on the walk to Cedar Mill Road, Evan mumbled, “Thanks for the food and the shower. I’ve gotta go. Got a hot date.”
    Jimmy stood with him, walking Evan to the door. “Use protection.”
    Evan laughed, hastening down the steps and hurrying away. “Why bother?”
    Jimmy grunted with frustration, his hands balling up into fists. “Evan!”
    “’Bye, Jimmy.”

    Alek’s truck rolled to a stop at Cedar Mill Road. His tires crunched over loose gravel, leaving the asphalt behind. Awaiting him on the edge of the woods, Evan was laid out on a blanket and gazing up at the fading daylight.
    Reclined on his side, Evan sipped a beer, propped up on an elbow with a faraway look in his eyes as his thoughts went to places his body couldn’t. Cutting the engine and hopping down from the truck, Alek headed right for Evan. Pulling his shirt off as he fell to his knees, Alek lowered himself down on top of Evan, who grinned slyly and set his beer down in the grass.
    At least he’s not