Flipping the Switch by Brigham Vaughn

SIXTEEN

The next week was a blur for Jude. Construction went into high gear with all sorts of contractors in and out. Electrical, plumbing, gas … Thank God for Logan, because he managed it all with a calm, focused energy that Jude envied. He would have been tearing his hair out when they ran into an issue with the city over the gas hookup, but within a few hours, Logan had made what seemed like seventy phone calls, and somehow by the following morning, work was moving forward again.

Jude had blown him in appreciation later that evening.

Tony had written up an official bid for the bar and they now had a legal, notarized contract for it, so Jude could breathe a little easier with that part of the project underway.

He’d offered to blow Tony in appreciation after that, but he’d declined and begged to blow Jude instead, and he wasn’t going to turn that down. Unfortunately, the three of them were struggling to find time to spend together.

It was now Saturday night and Jude had just parked his car in the lot near Maple Street. He was a little bit early. He checked his phone and found a message from Preston.

What’re you up to?

Taking my hot cinnamon roll of a play partner to a winter festival.Preston had been both horrified and impressed when Jude told him about the thing he had going with Logan and Tony.

Pendleton has kinky winter festivals?

Jude laughed. No! LOL. It’s a vanilla night out. Logan is in Chicago on business so we’re Dom-less tonight.

I’m Dom-less every night so fuck you. And I still can’t believe you’re fucking Archie’s dad.

You haven’t seen Archie’s dad lately, he fired back.

A glance at the clock told Jude it was time to go, so he stuffed his phone in his pocket and walked toward the corner of Higgins and Main, where he’d instructed Tony to meet him.

Jude took a moment to admire the town as he walked. It had snowed recently and the shops glowed with warmth. There were white lights on the trees and garlands wrapped around the lampposts. Charming as fuck.

Tony was waiting for him exactly where he’d promised to be. He was easy to spot, standing a good half a foot taller than most of the people going by. He was like a rock in the middle of a river, the stream of people parting to flow around him. He stared out toward the bay, bundled up in a warm-looking heavy green and gray flannel jacket with a black hood. The hood was down, and he had a black hat pulled low over his ears.

Jude was dressed in a knee-length camel-colored wool coat and a black cashmere scarf. No hat, because they always fit oddly and messed up his hair. He’d probably regret it by the time the night was over, but he wanted to look good for Tony.

“Hey there,” Jude said as he approached Tony.

“Hey.” Tony’s head swiveled around, and his face lit up as he leaned in. Jude didn’t hesitate to drop a quick kiss to his lips. Poor Tony, he’d had a rough week of it. Jude hadn’t minded that he’d told his father the three of them were involved, but Tony had clearly been stressed and miserable and Jude hated that.

Hence them going out tonight.

Oh, Jude had plenty of plans for sex and kink after as well, but he thought Tony could use a little time and attention outside of the bedroom for once.

“How are you?” Tony asked.

“I’m good.” Jude smiled at him. “Better now that I’m seeing you.”

“Yeah?” Tony ducked a little like he was trying to hide in his jacket. It was cold. The warm spell was long gone, and they were in the thick of a Michigan winter now. It had snowed a few inches the night before and there was more predicted this weekend.

“Yeah.” Jude pulled Tony in for a one-armed hug. “You might not have noticed, but I like you, Tony.”

“I like you too.” Tony glanced down at the sidewalk and bit his lip. “I was surprised you invited me to this.”

“Why?”

He shrugged. “No one’s ever really done that? Like, invited me out to do something instead of just wanting to hook up, I guess.”

Oh, sweet Tony.Jude wanted to hug him close. Poor darling boy had never been on a date. And Jude wasn’t sure if he should call it a date. It was starting to feel as though things with Tony and Logan were shifting, but he had no reason to think Logan wanted more with him, and he knew he and Tony weren’t compatible on their own. Fuck, this was complicated. And yet Jude had never felt happier. He wanted it to be a date.

He chose a neutral response. “You’re someone I enjoy spending time with in the bedroom, but I’m looking forward to spending time with you outside of it as well.”

Tony’s smile was brilliant. “I really have been looking forward to it too.”

“So, tell me all about this winter festival,” Jude said. “What it’s like?”

Tony shrugged. “I’ve never been. Like I said, I really don’t go out a lot.”

“Well, we’ll have to fix that,” Jude teased. He bumped Tony’s shoulder. “Looks like a bunch of action is happening in the park. Want to check that out?”

Tony shot him a sweet smile. “Yeah, that sounds great.”

It turned out, it wasn’t so different from the apple festival Jude had been to in September, only everything was winter-themed instead of apple-themed.

Made sense, given that Christmas was approaching fast.

The air was crisp and cold, but not unpleasant, so they watched the snowman building contest for kids and the ice carving contest for the adults.

They browsed the craft fair inside the pavilion, stopping at a few booths to buy whatever Jude saw that his mother or grandmother would like. They’d nearly finished when Jude came face-to-face with someone he hadn’t seen in several years.

“Fancy seeing you here, Jude Maddox,” she said.

“Grandma June.” He blinked at Donovan’s grandmother in surprise. “I mean, Mrs. Frazier.”

She gave him an understanding smile. “You can still call me Grandma June if you’d like.”

“Uh, thanks.” Jude nervously raked his hand through his hair. “How are you?”

“I’m well.” She beamed and adjusted her bright red glasses.

“I was sorry to hear about Harold’s death,” he said a little awkwardly. He’d liked Donovan’s grandparents and the death of her husband after half a century together had to have been tough. He’d thought about going to the funeral but hadn’t wanted to intrude and make Donovan uncomfortable on what must have been a very difficult day.

She nodded and reached out to touch his arm. “Thank you. I miss him a great deal, but life does move on whether we’re ready for it or not.” She nodded to Tony. “I see you and Donovan are both moving forward.”

Jude swallowed past an unexpected lump in his throat. “Yes. He seemed very happy with Tyler when I ran into the two of them at the tavern.”

Her smile was understanding before she turned to look at Tony. She gave him a thorough once over. “Well, don’t just stand there like a lump, Jude—introduce me to your new man.”

Jude grinned. He’d always liked her forthrightness. “Grandma June, this is my … uh, Tony. Tony, this is my ex’s grandmother. Grandma June. She’s the best.”

Her eyes sparkled as she looked Tony up and down. “Oh, you did well, Jude. Your Tony looks like quite the specimen.”

Tony’s cheeks turned pink and Jude didn’t think it was from the cool winter air. Jude slipped an arm around his waist and hugged him close. “He’s wonderful.”

“So, what are you doing in town?” she asked.

He told her about his restaurant and promised her a meal on the house whenever she stopped by after the opening. She thanked him and swore she’d be first in line the moment the doors were open. Knowing her, he didn’t doubt it.

They caught up for a few minutes before she excused herself. “I should get going. My friends are waiting.” He glanced over to see a small gaggle of little old ladies who were eyeing them with interest.

Jude smiled and waved at them, then glanced back at June. “Girls’ night out?”

“Yes. We’re on the prowl for dates,” Grandma June said with a sigh. “It’s so difficult when you reach this age. If you see any attractive men roaming about, send them my way. It’s been far too long since I’ve had a good orgasm.”

Jude laughed and promised he would. She’d always been frank about sex—helpful, given her career as a sex ed teacher—and he found her delightful.

“It was good seeing you,” Grandma June said, her blue eyes twinkling as she went in for a hug. “And very good to see you.” She winked at Tony. “Take care, Jude! Have good sex!”

Chuckling, Jude waved her off, then turned to see Tony staring after her with a look of wide-eyed confusion. “Is she always like that?” he asked when she was out of earshot.

“Yep. She’s one of a kind, that woman.” Jude told him more about her as they left the pavilion and stepped into the park. They passed a roaring bonfire, a warming station, and delicious smells of food wafted toward them as they approached the largest tent. Tony gave him a hopeful look. “Do you want to eat here?”

“I’d love to,” Jude said, linking their arms. “Let’s see what they’ve got.”

Jude perused the offerings at the tables lining the tent, but as they headed toward the back, he froze at the sight of the Hawk Point Tavern sign, and two people he really, really didn’t want to see standing underneath it.

Donovan was easy to spot with his shock of red hair, and Tyler—who was running the bar area nearby—was as handsome as ever with his short dark hair with silvery temples. Embarrassment washed over Jude as he remembered what a jerk he’d been to both of them. How pushy he’d acted when he’d propositioned them. Ugh, if he could just erase that evening from his brain or, preferably, all their memories, he’d be so much happier.

He turned to look at Tony, who was staring at him curiously. Jude sighed. “So, um, the Hawk Point Tavern has great food, but I really, really don’t want to deal with my ex and his new boyfriend right now,” he admitted.

“Somewhere else it is,” Tony said.

Jude could have kissed him in gratitude. And then he realized he just wanted to kiss him. Tony was so beautiful with his chiseled jaw, broad chest, and soft, kind eyes. “You’re the best,” Jude said gratefully.

Tony’s cheeks pinkened and he cleared his throat. “You’re not so bad yourself.”

Jude did kiss him then, a smacking one on his still-warm cheek. “So, is there anything here that appeals to you?”

“What about something from the brewery? I don’t know if they’ll have it here, but at the restaurant, they have this cheddar ale soup I love.”

“That sounds great.” Jude walked over to the brewery table. They did indeed have Tony’s favorite soup and they also had fried pickles and a smoked gouda burger on a pretzel bun. Jude was usually pretty mindful of what he ate, but tonight was a night for indulgence, so they ordered it all to split and washed it down with a fantastic cherry cider for Jude and an equally tasty brown ale for Tony.

“I’m stuffed,” Tony said when they’d eaten every last crumb and drunk every last drop of alcohol.

“Same,” Jude said with a contented sigh. “Gonna have to hit the gym hard tomorrow morning.’

“Or we could work it off tonight.” Tony’s smile was hopeful.

Jude grinned back. “Even better … both.”

“Sounds good to me.”

They tossed their trash, then wandered out into the night air again. People were lining up along Main Street, so they followed the crowd. Jude realized there was a parade about to begin, so they stood there for a while, watching the floats go by. They were all lit up with Christmas lights—even the firetrucks were decked with strands of them—and the high school marching band wore Santa hats and some of the kids and their instruments had been wrapped with festive lights.

“Do you enjoy Christmas?” Jude asked as a float went by—this one containing the town’s Santa and a lit-up Christmas tree.

Tony shot him a sidelong glance. “Not really. I loved it as a kid, but it’s sucked since my mom left.”

Jude could picture that. Tony must have been a cute wide-eyed kid, and Jude could imagine him in pajamas, sitting on the living room floor staring at a brightly lit tree. Jude knew his mom had run out on the family when Tony was a kid, and he could only imagine the heartache there.

“You?” Tony asked.

Jude shrugged. “The big family holiday party on the twenty-third sucks. It’s all obligation and no enjoyment. I loved Christmas as a kid though. It was the best.”

“I’m sure you had all the fancy new toys,” Tony said with a smile.

“I did,” Jude acknowledged. “I was never lacking for anything.”

Except his father’s approval. His mother had been great, though. She could have hired a dozen people to help her decorate, but she was always the one who trimmed the tree and hung up the garland. Oh, she had help too, but she never hesitated to get her hands dirty rolling out gingerbread men and decorating them with Jude.

He supposed that was partly why he loved the kitchen so much—he had so many memories with his mom in there—and he felt guilty when he remembered he needed to email her back.

“Take a picture with me,” he said impulsively.

“What?” Tony gave him a confused glance.

“Take a selfie with me that we can send to my mom. Show her what I’ve been up to lately.”

“Sure, okay.” Tony still looked puzzled, but he stood next to Jude as he pulled his phone out and posed. Tony pressed his cheek to Jude’s, cold from the winter air, and smiled at the camera.

Jude snapped a few shots until he was satisfied with one and sent it off to his mom with a quick note.

“Won’t she ask you who you’re with?” Tony asked.

“She will,” Jude admitted as he typed out a message to her. “Can I tell her you’re someone I’m seeing?”

“Um, sure.” Tony shrugged. “I told my dad about you guys.”

“That brings me to my next question. Would you like to come with me to the holiday party?” Jude asked when he finished sending the text. “And be my date for the night?”

“What?”

Jude stuffed his phone in his pocket. “So, I wish I could say it’s going to be a fun night, but I’ll probably be stressed as fuck. The food and drinks will be great, but honestly, I’m asking you to go as moral support. I hate the party, and I hate going alone even more. I’d love to have someone there with me.”

“Isn’t Logan going?”

“He is. But he’s supposed to be there as my dad’s guest and well, I’m kinda afraid if I’m not careful, my dad will see right through us, you know?”

“Ahh. I’d be there as a distraction and to throw them off the scent.”

“No.” Jude turned and grabbed Tony’s shoulders so he could look him in the eye. “You’d be there because I enjoy spending time with you. Because you’re a great guy and you’re someone I like a lot, and you and Logan are the only two people I can imagine making an evening that is usually a nightmare into something bearable.”

“Oh.”

“I know it’s hard for you to get away and it would have to be an overnight. It’s in Fort Benton, so if you don’t want to be that far from your dad in case he needs you, I will totally understand. But if you can make it, I would really, really like you to be there.”

“I’d like that too.” There was something soft in Tony’s eyes. “I’d like it a lot actually. And I’ll figure out something with my dad. I can’t keep doing this … I can’t keep putting everything I want on hold. I am so sick of it. I want … this. Well, not this because we’re not … but I want a life, you know?”

There were a lot of half-finished thoughts in there that made Jude curious, but he nodded. “I know. Logan and I will help you figure out how to have that.”

“And I’ll come with you to the party,” Tony said firmly. “I’d be happy to be on your arm. Will I need something formal to wear?”

“A nice suit. It’s not black tie but …”

“I can get one,” Tony said. “I’ve never had a reason to own one before, but I don’t mind. I have plenty of money, so you don’t have to worry about that.”

Jude had wondered. Though, based off what Tony’s Joseph Lynch designs sold for and how well he said his family’s businesses were doing, Jude shouldn’t have. God, he was a snob sometimes.

“I look forward to seeing you in a suit,” he said lightly.

“I look forward to seeing you too.” Tony’s expression turned a little dreamy. “And Logan …”

Jude sighed. “Yeah, he’s ridiculously handsome in formal wear. I just about fucking swallowed my own tongue when I saw him in a suit this fall. I am not going to have an easy time keeping my hands off either of you that night, that’s for sure. Maybe the three of us can get a hotel or stay at his place in Fort Benton or something. I usually stay with my parents, and I am all for a clandestine hookup under their roof, but I suspect Logan won’t go for it.”

“Probably not,” Tony agreed. “But you never know.”

“I suppose not.” Jude smiled wickedly. “And I am very persuasive.”

Tony laughed. “You are.”

The crowd had begun to disperse after the parade ended and someone bumped into Jude. “Oh, sorry,” Jude said automatically.

The guy glanced up and nodded. “No worries. I should’ve been lookin’ where I was going.” There was a hint of a Southern accent in his speech, but it was Tony abruptly straightening that made Jude give him a second look.

“Jarod.” Tony’s eyes widened. “And Forrest.”

“Hey there,” the first guy said. “Haven’t seen you in a while, Tony.”

Tony cleared his throat and turned to Jude. “Jude, this is Jarod Keener. He runs the auto body shop in town.”

Jude held out a hand. “Yeah. We met at uh, a get together in Fort Benton a few years back. Jude Maddox.”

Jarod nodded. “Yeah, I thought you looked familiar. This is my boyfriend. Forrest Patton. He’s an accountant here in Pendleton.”

Jude knew of Forrest thanks to the rumor mill in town, but they’d never officially met.

Both men were attractive. Jarod with his stubbled jaw, thick dirty-blond hair, and dimples. Forrest, with his brown curls and delicate features.

“How do you know each other?” Jude asked, looking between Tony and Jarod.

“Work,” Tony said, but his words overlapped Jarod’s, “We used to hook up occasionally.”

Tony grimaced. “Well, there’s that too. And I kind of made an ass of myself last summer because I got jealous.” He looked at Forrest. “I am sorry about that.”

Forrest gave him a vague wave. “No harm done.”

“So, uh, how’s the garage doing?” Tony asked, clearly eager to change the subject. He seemed jittery and uncomfortable, so Jude slipped an arm around his waist. Tony leaned into the touch as if grateful.

“Really well.” Jarod smiled. “Forrest here has me all set up in the office so I can spend less time doin’ paperwork and more time getting my hands on cars. I’m getting a steady stream of vintage ones to work on lately, which I’m really enjoyin’.”

Forrest beamed. “Honestly, I love doing it. It’s so rewarding.”

“Hmm,” Jude said. “Maybe I should talk to you about the restaurant I’m opening.” He had an accountant he’d been using for years, but the guy was older than dirt—he’d been old when Jude’s father had begun going to him—so maybe it was time for someone new. Besides, Tony liked the idea of working with someone local to Pendleton.

They talked for a few minutes about Jude’s restaurant and Forrest handed over his card before Jarod turned to Tony. “How’s business going for you?”

“Truthfully, I’d like to sell the whole thing,” Tony said with a sigh. “If you know anyone looking to buy a towing and scrap metal business, let me know.”

“Why do you want to get rid of it?” Jarod asked with a tilt of his head. “Is it not doing well?”

“It’s doing great actually. I just don’t love it, never have, and I have some other things coming up that I’d rather do.”

Jarod shot Tony a curious look. “Yeah? What’s that?”

He licked his lips. “Um, I’m actually a woodworker.” Jude squeezed him closer, pleased to hear Tony opening up to people about it. “It’s not common knowledge but I’m the guy behind Joseph Lynch designs.”

“You’re that guy?” Forrest’s mouth dropped open. “Wow. You do amazing work.”

Jarod turned to look at him. “You know his stuff?”

“Yeah. He has nice kitchen things. We have that cutting board and I bought my mom that big salad bowl for her birthday. But he also has kinky stuff that I’ve been eyeing in his Etsy shop.”

“Oh, right, I remember the bowl, and that is a nice board. Why haven’t you shown me any of the kink stuff though?”

Forrest shrugged. “Well, we tend to play a lot more … organically.”

“True.” There was something wicked in Jarod’s grin.

Huh. Interesting. They’re a kinky couple too.He’d assumed as much since he’d seen Jarod at a munch, but sometimes kinky people dated vanillas. It rarely worked but there were exceptions. Jude looked them over, amused by their very different styles. Forrest, all buttoned up and proper-looking. Jarod, casual and a bit rough. They were an unusual pair, but Jude could see the affection between them. That spark as they looked at each other.

Jarod shrugged. “But I like to keep my options open when it comes to what we do. You’ll have to show me Tony’s work when we get home.” There was a firm note in Jarod’s voice that made Jude smile. Dom voice was unmistakable.

“I do custom work as well,” Tony said. “If you ever have something in mind, let me know.”

“I will.” Jarod flashed him a small, genuine smile. “And hey, good luck with all of it. I hope you can do what you love. There’s nothin’ like it in the world. Well, almost.” He shot another wicked grin at Forrest.

“I’m trying.” Tony sighed. “I am serious though, if you hear about anyone who wants to buy the business, let me know.”

“I will.” Jarod glanced between Tony and Jude. “So, are you two seein’ each other?” His gaze was curious.

“Yes,” Jude said firmly.

Tony looked over at him and beamed.

It made Jude’s heart ache a little, wondering how often Tony had been denied. How often had men taken him for granted and not treasured the sweetness wrapped up in such a handsome package?

Jude kissed his temple. “Tony’s an incredible guy, and I’d like to see him be able to do what he loves.”

Jarod hesitated. “Look, so, I can’t make an offer or anything until I see some numbers, but depending on the price and how fast you’re looking to get rid of the business, I’d consider it. It would make a hell of a lot of sense to keep the towing and scrap in house instead of paying someone else to deal with it.” Jarod grimaced. “That is, if you’d even want to sell to me. I’m not a man to hold grudges but you did kinda out my kink to everyone in town so I’m guessin’ you had some pretty hard feelings after we stopped seein’ each other.”

Tony blinked. “I … what?”

“The rumors that went around town. About me bein’ kinky and all.”

Tony shook his head slowly. “That … that wasn’t me, Jarod. I—I was a little miffed, yeah. And I’ll admit I wasn’t very nice to either of you when you called me to tow your ’Cuda last summer after she broke down, but I never badmouthed you. Hell, I don’t think I ever mentioned we were involved to anyone.” He ducked his head and rubbed the back of his neck. “To be honest, I don’t get out much and until Jude, I didn’t really have anyone around town to talk to even if I were the type.”

That thought made Jude glad Tony had him and Logan now. Whatever they were, he deserved people in his life who cared about him.

Something that looked like regret flickered across Jarod’s face. “Well damn, I’m sorry. I assumed it was you, but I guess I shouldn’t have.”

“Probably another of his previous hookups,” Forrest said with a laugh. He glanced over at Jarod. “And you can’t be too mad about the rumors. That’s how I knew to approach you.”

Jarod shot him a wry smile that dimpled his cheek and made Jude very curious to know how they’d begun dating. When Jarod turned back to Tony, his expression grew serious again. “I should have known you weren’t the type to do that. No hard feelings between us?”

“None.” Tony’s nod was decisive. “And I am sorry that things got a little weird last summer, but I’d like to be friendly at least, if we can manage it.”

Jarod nodded. “I’d like that too.”

“And … if you really are interested, let’s talk numbers about the business.”

Jarod smiled. “I’m happy to look over a proposal when you have it ready.” He held out a hand. “Email me what you’ve got, and we’ll go from there?”

“I will,” Tony said, shaking enthusiastically. “And thanks!”

“Hey, too early to thank me for anything yet, but I’m happy to see if we can come to an agreement.”

They all said their goodbyes, and as Jude and Tony turned away to head back to the park, Tony’s expression was so happy it made Jude’s heart warm. Even if his ears were fucking freezing.

“Well that’s great news,” Jude said, pressing a little closer to Tony.

“It is. I’m a little afraid to believe it’ll actually work but …”

“Hey, you know there’s some interest at least,” Jude said. “And it’s a starting point.”

“It is.”

It had begun to snow, fat lazy flakes that drifted out of the sky like they had all the time in the world, and Jude turned to look at Tony. “So, I’m thinking we should grab some hot chocolate to warm up, take one last stroll around, then head back to my place.”

“I like that idea,” Tony said.

Ten minutes later, Jude had paid for two hot chocolates, and he slipped a hand into the inner pocket of his coat.

“How about we add something extra?” Jude held up a silver flask, wiggling it a little for emphasis.

Tony laughed.

“Are you scandalized?” Jude teased.

Tony grinned. “Mostly impressed you thought to plan ahead.”

“Oh, I can’t take credit. I saw other people doing it when I was here at the apple festival in September. They were carrying flasks and doctoring their hot mulled cider. I thought it would work equally well for hot chocolate. I promise, I don’t usually carry a flask with me every day, though I swear, with as crazy as stuff has been at the construction site this week, I might start considering it.”

Tony chuckled. “Well, it’s perfect for tonight.”

Jude added a splash of peppermint schnapps to each of their cups, and Tony took a sip of his drink. “Mmm, yum.”

“Now that tastes like Christmas.”

“It does.” Tony’s expression grew serious. “There’s just one thing missing, isn’t there?”

Jude tilted his head. “What’s that?”

“Logan.”

Jude nodded. “Ahh, yeah. It would be perfect to have him here.”

But as they walked through the park, his thoughts turned a little melancholy. He’d been enjoying the evening so much he’d almost forgotten that he and Tony were mismatched when it came to their kinks. But Tony and Logan weren’t. Tony was clearly enjoying himself tonight, but maybe he’d rather be here with Logan.

Once Tony felt ready to open up completely to Logan, would either of them really need Jude?

And when that moment came, would he lose them both?