Boss Nanny

Matt moved through the lobby of Seamus's building with a little extra pep. The remix of early 2000 pop songs was a definite plus. Imagine Vanessa Carlton at a poetry reading where everyone's on ecstasy.

The lobby clerk laughed as Matt shuffled his way across.

What could he say? It had been a good week. Scratch that, a good month.

He didn't care how geeky it made him look; he was having so much fun learning the ropes from Roberta. Matt was incredibly nervous the first day. The fear of sounding dumb had stopped him from giving input. Roberta noticed almost immediately and put a stop to it. She was encouraging and gracious and everything a mentor should be. She let Matt shine and allowed him room to prove just how intuitive he was.

Matt set his stuff by the front door. Aidan was playing in the living room while Seamus sat at the table with his laptop. That wouldn't do.

"By all means," Seamus smirked as Matt pushed the laptop out of reach and straddled his lap. Once Matt was comfortable, Seamus rested his hands on Matt's hips and leaned back in the chair. "You're happy."

"It was a good day."

"Class was good?"

"Yeah."

"Work was good?"

"Definitely."

Seamus grinned and his eyes gave away just how happy he was that Matt was enjoying the job.

The two men enjoyed a private moment at the kitchen table, smiling and kissing. Matt wrapped his arms around his boyfriend's neck and shifted his hip just, so Seamus knew exactly what would be happening later when Matt was hit in the back by a certain spiky, brown-haired baby raged toddler.

"

Ow!

" Matt threw his hands up. "Oh, c'mon! You need to get over this." To prove he was an adult and could do what he wanted, Matt kissed Seamus again.

Matt's little stunt didn't go unpunished. Aidan grabbed a fist of Matt's side flesh and squeezed. Those little fingers packed some serious PSI. It was the equivalent of a baby alligator bite.

"No," Matt gently slapped his hand away. "That's owie."

The brothers stared at each other. When neither backed down, Seamus hefted Aidan with one arm until he was at eye level with the adults.

"Do you want to go to Grandpa's house tomorrow? For a long weekend?"

The jealous, demon-possessed kid vanished, and the cute blue-eyed boy returned. He was all smiley and wiggly at the mention of his favorite grandpa.

As much as Matt wanted to boot Aidan and his jealous ways to the curb, Seamus should've asked him first. What if his dad was busy?

"I should call Dad before we get Aidan's hopes up. Or my hopes for that matter," He whispered.

"I already talked to Brad. We're dropping Potato-for-brains off on the way to the airport."

Aidan giggled when Seamus peppered his cheek with kisses.

Matt leaned back and eyed Seamus. "Airport?"

"For the playoff game. Brad said he would take Monday and Tuesday off so we could make a weekend out of it."

"What about school? Work?"

"You don't have class on Monday and we'll make it back in time for your Tuesday class. Your boss is fine with you taking a few days off," Seamus winked. He was his boss.

"And Denise?"

"She loves you. You were off the schedule before we finished talking."

Matt rolled with it. He hadn't had a real getaway since he started at the university. A weekend away was the most exciting thing to happen in over a year.

"What game is it anyway? What are they playing off for?"

"Where is Jay when you need him?" Seamus looked around the room and laughed. "It's the game that determines if the Seahawks make it to the Superbowl."

Even Matt knew what the Superbowl was, and he knew that was a big game. "I thought those tickets were hard to get?"

"Not when your best friend is Jay Petermeyer."

Matt grabbed his phone and texted Kase right away. As he was texting, Seamus stole one more kiss, inciting an ugly sound from Aidan.

"Hey there," he soothed. "I give you kisses too, see?" Seamus kissed Aidan, then Matt, then Aidan, again. "We share kisses."

Matt had to admit that this was a far better tactic than provoking Aidan, so Matt joined in. He went back and forth a few times, kissing Seamus then Aidan until Aidan was nothing but smiles.

"I can't wait until this jealous phase is over," Matt mumbled under his breath as he got off Seamus's lap.

* * * * *

Kase was good and jealous. Hilary, too. Pretty much everyone was green with envy. Kase was even a little upset. How could Matt, the one person who didn't care about football, score tickets to a semi big game?

Matt almost felt bad about it, but,

nah

. Jay was his friend by proxy and Matt wanted to support him. Or make fun of him. Both options worked.

Matt had never met a famous person, but Jay broke every stereotype. He was hilarious, down to earth, and genuinely humble. Even when he pretended otherwise.

When they dropped Aidan off at Brad's, it was Matt who was feeling anxious about the separation. His anxiousness didn't go unnoticed and Matt glared at Seamus when he caught him smirking. How rude.

"What?"

"You're pouting. You never pout when we drop Aidan off."

"Well, you always pout when we drop him off so I guess we're even."

"I didn't say it was a bad thing. It's cute."

"Why aren't you freaking out more?" Matt asked. "You always get weird when you're away from Aidan."

"He's in good hands."

"He's always in good hands."

"I know."

"So, what gives?"

Seamus looked over at Matt and gave him a gentle smile. "The days aren't numbered anymore."

"What does that mean?"

"Just my own bullshit. I was always worried things might be temporary. That you and Aidan would leave."

"You're not worried anymore?"

Seamus looked at the road. "Nah. You and I are going to spend the weekend together, we're going to have a great time, we're going to grab Aidan on the way home, and life will pick up where we left off."

"And Aidan and I won't disappear?"

Seamus intertwined their fingers and shot Matt a look—it would be in their best interest if they didn't disappear.

"Fine." Matt tried to pout but the corner of his lip curled, giving him away. "We'll stick around." His heart beat a little faster.

* * * * *

Jay had offered to fly them private but the flight was only two hours and it seemed like a waste, so they flew commercial instead. It was Matt's first time. He'd only ever driven. You'd think he'd be more excited or maybe nervous, but it wasn't that big of a deal. Seamus helped him navigate airport, security, and the terminals. By the time they finished and called for a cab, Matt was ready to do it again.

When they got to the small private motel conversion Jay had booked for everyone, Jay was waiting outside like an unsocialized puppy. He was quick to greet his friends with big, welcoming hugs.

"Excited about making it to the Rose Bowl?" Matt asked.

Jay glared at an overly innocent looking Seamus. "You coached him."

"What?

Psff

. No."

"I don't think your boyfriend knows what the Rose Bowl is. I can't help but think this is a coup against my ego."

Matt's mouth opened. He was offended. "I happen to know lots about football games. There's the Tangerine Bowl, Rayon Bowl, La Hacienda Bowl, Aspartame Bowl—"

"Aspartame Bowl?" Jay groaned. "I know you're pulling my leg now. Try Orange, Cotton, Fiesta, and Sugar. Those are college bowls, anyway. Good God, I need to get out of here."

As punishment for trying to knock Jay down a few pegs, the athlete grabbed one of their bags and tossed it out of reach as he stormed off.

Seamus and Matt laughed then grabbed their bags and checked in. The room was nice. It was very California boho, if that was a thing. Either that or the designer was on some serious psychedelics during the remodel. Once they settled, they headed downstairs.

Everyone in a large gathering room. There were fifteen people including them. Jay was quick with the introductions. There were the board members—Will, Scott, and Trevor. A few of Jay's teammates—the famous "Sack Pack", and the guys they met at a bar back in Seattle. Matt quickly gathered that the sole purpose of the ladder group's attendance was in hopes to lure Jay's crush.

Matt was so far out of his league. There were caterers, for christ's sake. This was so not Matt's life. Social and economic statuses aside, he had to admit; it was pretty cool being part of the elite affair. He didn't know any of the players so he was far from starstruck, but they seemed nice. A lot like Jay.

The more Matt hung around Jay, the more he liked him. He was a seriously cool guy. Pretty funny, too. He had the entire room cracking up. But as dinner drew nearer, his easy demeanor changed slightly. Jay was watching the time more often and glancing at the door. His was still the life of the party but there was another, more subtle, look in his eyes.

After dinner when Matt had Jay alone, he called him out. "What's going on? Are you on drugs or something?"

Jay was stunned. "What? No. Why would you ask that?"

"You're acting weird and fidgety."

The blonde tried to release tension by shaking his hands and rolling his neck. When he was good and calm, he pulled Matt to the side. "Loren is coming. I didn't expect him to, but he did."

"And that's the guy you like, right?"

"Yeah, a lot."

"Have you talked to him yet? Does he know who you are?"

"Yes. He knows who I am. In fact, he knows where I stand."

"So, what's the problem?"

"I don't know where he stands."

"Have you asked him?"

"Very directly."

"And?" Matt pressed.

"I have no answers. He's a very complex man."

Matt was about to respond when someone mentioned that Loren's car had arrived. Corey was heading toward the door to greet his best friend. He never stood a chance against Jay, a guy who spent his life chasing men on a professional level.

Everything happened in slow motion. Jay was off. His feelings were the football, Loe was the end field, and everyone in the room were his enemies. He darted left, faked right, then spun around some guy who had no clue what was happening, and sprinted to the door. Just as Corey was about to exit, Jay slipped in front of him, vicariously beating him out the door.

Loren's best friend stood frozen. He slowly turned and smirked at his friends, who were quick to laugh. Jay's action hadn't phased them. If anything, they'd been waiting for it.

Matt made his way to Seamus as he watched Jay make his way across the room in a

very

over-the-top manner. "What just happened?"

"I don't know." Seamus laughed. "I've never seen him act like that before. Don't get me wrong, Jay's outgoing and goes after what he wants, but not like that."

"You've never done anything like that to me," Matt frowned playfully as Seamus rolled his eyes and wrapped his arms around Matt.

"No, I can't say I went Heisman on a room full of people but I did drop everything to be your nanny. I think that counts for something."

Matt bit his lip and smiled. Yeah, that counted for something.

They were still wrapped up in each other when Loren walked in with Jay trailing behind, a bag in each hand. Matt's jaw dropped. Jay hadn't talked about Loren much but he'd left out one enormous piece of information.

His crush was Loren Patrick. As in, livingtheloelife's Loren Patrick. One of the few social media influencers that he actually followed.

Good for Jay. He really knew how to pick 'em. Loe was hot on social media. In fact, he had a couple of black and white photos that could boil blood. Between filters and preferable angles, real life never held up. Wasn't that the point of social media? Making life seem better than it really was?

Except in Loren's case. He hotter in person, like, tenfold.

He was also shorter. Matt had assumed he was at least six-foot when actually he was

maybe

five-seven. Regardless, the guy was a work of art. He was everything Matt expected and more.

Matt shamelessly but discreetly snapped a photo and shot it off to his friends. They would never believe it.

'Seriously? First Jay and now livingtheloelive? You undeserving prick.'

Kase responded.

'That man is fine as hell. Send shirtless pic. Please and thank you'.

'

Nooooo, I see enough shirtless men online!'

Kase cried.

'Get him to make you a drink or better yet, name a drink after you!'

'yasssssssssss'

Between those two, his phone was blowing up all night. Despite their nonstop messaging, Matt ignored them during dinner. Mostly because he got seated next to the mega manfluencer himself. He didn't try. He sat down next to Seamus and

bam

, Loren sat down on his other side.

Matt was nervous the whole time and struggled to come out of his shell. Everyone was older and had their life together. He was in a room of professional athletes, business owners, and influencers. It was hard not to compare. Food could cure all. He didn't know what he was eating, but it was delicious. By the time his belly was full, he was talking and laughing with everyone like they were old friends.

The whole evening Seamus kept one hand on Matt; his knee, his thigh, his back. It was incredibly comforting. Every time Matt looked at Seamus, he was greeted with the kindest, most admiring smile in return. It was the first time Matt had ever been to a party with a boyfriend and not felt insecure. Seamus made Matt feel so loved.

You'd think being in a room with famous players and hunky men, Matt would've been distracted. He wasn't. Seamus was far and beyond the hottest guy in the room, not to mention the humblest. Catching Seamus looking at him—the way he slyly smiled when no one was looking and how he pulled Matt away from Corey and his crew because he was tired of sharing—those little things made his chest swell.

They stood in the bathroom, brushing their teeth. The night had been a total success and Matt could barely contain his smile.

"Did you have fun?"

Matt looked at Seamus through the reflection in the mirror. "I sat by Loren Patrick at dinner. Yeah, I had a great time."

"You know who else you sat by at dinner? Me. But I guess that's not nearly as exciting."

Matt grabbed Seamus's hand and pressed it to his crotch. "I find you plenty exciting."

"Prove it."

He did. Twice.

* * * * *

As cute as the hotel was, the walls were thin. Matt and Seamus woke as the players got ready for the day. They had to leave early for practice or meeting or something. Sport routines were foreign to Matt. Who knew or cared what they did?

Once they left, it was quiet again. It wasn't until they headed for breakfast that they heard chatter. Seamus's friends were sitting at a large round table, waiting patiently, whispering amongst themselves.

Never in a million years would Matt's friends back home have waited. They would've been on their second helping. Hell, they wouldn't have waited for the Queen herself.

The guys even stood when Matt and Seamus neared and greeted them as if they hadn't spent the entire evening together.

At best, Matt's friends would've given a nod as they stuffed their face.

It was a glaring contrast of community, respect, and maturity. It said a lot about closeness Seamus and his friends had and why they were so well respected. When you radiate respect, you earn respect. It's an Alpha thing. It was hard not to be jealous about the endearingly wholesome connection. Matt would probably never have this with his friends back home. Maybe Kase and Hilary, but not with his friends from high school.

"Fuck." Will grabbed a plate for breakfast. "Did you guys sleep as good last night or what? Those mattresses are something else."

Seamus nodded. "Best night sleep in a while. Helps when you don't have a toddler coming in at all hours."

"Isn't that what cribs are for?"

"Not when your kid is Houdini."

Everyone laughed and slapped his back with sympathy. Matt's chest felt tightened as Seamus so effortlessly claimed Aidan as his own. Seamus loved that kid, no two ways about it. Matt knew it and so did everyone else.

They finished loading their plates and made their way back to the table just as Loe and his friends came in and claimed the table next to theirs. Conversation stretched between the two groups. Every single one of them was out going, even Seamus was louder and more vocal than normal.

Somewhere between conversations, Will looked at Matt and his face softened. "We never congratulated you for your badassary."

"For what?"

"For being all Super Spy Accountant."

Matt blushed. "Well, it wasn't that big of a deal."

The group scoffed. They'd known for a while that Seamus suspected something was going down. They'd pushed him to investigate time and time again and argued when Seamus continued to do nothing.

They were also glad to see the issue coming to head and they praised Matt for his part. The other table joined in. In fact, Loe offered to make some celebratory drinks.

There really wasn't a way to play it cool but Matt thought he managed well enough. One of Loe's friends filmed the whole thing. Matt was content. It was nuts. They made Matt stand there while Loren talked about the drink, a chocolate chip oatmeal cookie mocha. Matt was drooling. How could he have known it would be Matt's favorite?

They had to do a couple of takes because Matt wasn't 'camera friendly'. Which was code for awkward. They wanted him to interact more and stand like a statue less. After the fifth coaching run, Matt felt like he was getting the hang of it. He was nowhere near as comfortable in front of the camera as some of the others, but he wasn't a scared rabbit anymore. Heck, maybe he had a future in the biz.

Nah

.

He almost texted his friends but decided against it. Having them find out on their own would be far more satisfying.

Having livingtheloelife make him a drink that would be shared with millions of followers wasn't even the best part of the day. After breakfast they hung out by the pool until Jay and the other players got back.

There wasn't anything particularly special about the day, it was just, good. The best part, of course, was Seamus.

The man totally shined with his friends. They brought out a different—and absolutely wonderful side that Matt wished he saw more of.

Seamus was outgoing; singing, joking, dancing with his friends around the pool. Seamus even had his phone out and was taking pictures and videos then uploading it on his Instagram. Heck, he even willingly let himself get roped into doing some Tik Tok videos.

Matt sat on the lawn chair and watched with tears rolling down his face as Seamus tried—and failed miserably—to follow the dance montage. Everyone teased him relentlessly but Seamus took it in stride. He just laughed and tried again.

Well, the

literal

best part was when Matt got up from the lawn chair, casually strolled across the pool to where they were struggling with the dance routine, and nailed it on the first try. He left the group stunned.

But seriously, watching Seamus in his element made Matt warm and mushy inside—and a little hard on the outside.

As they went to bed that night, Seamus had a new energy. Matt promised himself that he'd do whatever it took to make sure his boyfriend had that energy, that spark, more often.

A lot more often.

* * * * *

The next day was the big game.

Matt expected Jay and his friends to be gone before they got up. It seemed logical that they needed to be at the field before dawn to get ready. That wasn't the case. Jay and the Sack Pack stayed at the hotel until an hour and a half before the game.

They spent the morning together. Matt was getting to know everyone and genuinely enjoying their company. Loe made coffees for everyone. Once again filming. He had the players on camera this time. They did a better job than Matt did. They knew how to interact with Loe and make it a fun segment. They really hammed it up on camera, especially Jay—who flirted a little without being too obvious. Both were open about their sexuality and the speculation would probably drive-up viewership. How Loe felt about the flirting would forever be unknown. He showed no reaction whatsoever.