“You made it.” Rudy hugged Casey then Jared. “Now what?”

“My cousin is meeting us here.” Jared spoke up. “Since we’re staying with him for a few days after you guys move on, we need to organize how we get in touch with you, and where we go for these games.”

“Games? Hi, guys.” A low, soft voice drew everyone’s attention.

The voice belonged to Jared’s cousin, Clevelly, and Casey turned to him with a smile. Clevelly looked exactly as he had the last time they’d seen him. A mop of shoulder-length brunet hair, warm, intelligent brown eyes hidden behind large, square, black-framed glasses, and wearing a thick, oversized woolen sweater. Casey seemed to remember Clevelly having a similar sweater in an assortment of colors.

“Clevelly! Hey! Good to see you, cuz.” Jared hugged the newcomer, but before Casey could get close, Rudy unceremoniously hip-bumped him aside.

“Clevelly? Nice name. I’m Rudolph. My close friends call me Rudy. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

Unable to believe his ears, Casey moved to stand beside Jared and stared. This wasn’t the brash, outrageous Rudy he knew. This was a quieter, more serious side of the shifter.

“Um -- hi, Rudy. Rudolph? That’s an ... an unusual name.” Clevelly blushed crimson, but didn’t move away from Rudy.

“Believe me, some of my closest friends have names much more outrageous. But be sure to call me Rudy, anyway.” Rudy winked at Casey. “And, yes. A group of us are going to have a mini winter games. Would you be interested in coming?”

“Well, sport isn’t really my thing.” Clevelly wrinkled his nose. “You know, a bunch of fit, athletic, jock-guys, then there’s me.”

“I think you’re very fit.” Rudy flashed a bright smile, seemingly unaware of the deepening blush on Clevelly’s cheeks. “Come as my guest. I promise no one will say anything about you being an observer rather than a participant. You’re family.” Rudy waved toward Casey and Jared. “You can’t say no.”

“Well ... if you guys don’t mind me tagging along.” Clevelly glanced at Casey then Jared. “Working from home has its advantages. And if I take a couple of laptops with me, I can probably deal with any emergencies.”

Realizing Jared was too shell-shocked to reply, Casey stepped forward. “We’d love to have you there. Why not have a time out from work altogether?” Casey draped an arm across Clevelly’s shoulders. “Just chill.”

“Well, perhaps I’ll put a kind of out of office on my emails. I have a separate cell phone number for emergencies. I mean, the games sound ... interesting.”

Casey didn’t miss the glance Clevelly sent Rudy, or the way his shifter friend puffed out his chest. He grinned. Things are going to get very interesting at these games. He could hardly wait to see how things unfolded between Clevelly and Rudy.

“Great. So, let’s get going, shall we?” Casey clapped his hands.

“Sure. My car’s out this way.” Clevelly indicated the exit and then smiled as Rudy linked an arm through his.

“Follow us, guys.” Rudy looked over his shoulder and flashed a wide grin.

“Sure, don’t worry about us.” Casey glanced at Jared who looked somewhat anxious. “Hey, don’t fret. I know Rudy well enough to trust him.”

“Well, if you’re sure. We’d best hurry. They aren’t even waiting for us.”

“Quick, before we lose sight of them.” Snatching up their cases, Casey hurried after the odd couple. Jared kept pace at his side, carrying their hold-all and snowboards. It was Casey’s hope that they’d get an opportunity to get on the slopes themselves.

By the time they’d caught up with Rudy and Clevelly, the men were at Clevelly’s car, engrossed in quiet conversation.

“Thanks for the hand with our luggage, guys.” Casey dropped the cases at Rudy’s feet.

“Oh, sorry. Let’s get them in the car.” Clevelly had the grace to blush, but Rudy just smirked.

“We were a little preoccupied. I’ll take the front seat with Clevelly. You guys get in the back. I was telling Clevelly a little about the games. We’ve got a nice place to stay. It won’t cost you guys anything. Once his stuff’s packed, we can get going.”

“Gee, thanks.” Casey poked his tongue at Rudy who just snickered and hurried around the car to claim his seat. Jared helped Casey pack their luggage in Clevelly’s trunk. When they looked around, Clevelly was nowhere in sight.

“Want to bet they’re both in the car?” Casey asked Jared.

“Nope. Lazy pair. I’m starting to feel like a third wheel.” Jared nudged Casey. “What about you?”

“Definitely. But things’ll be different when we get to the games. Rudy has to participate, and then Clevelly will be with us. But it’s nice to see him taking such an interest in Rudy.”

“It is.” Jared sighed as he shut the trunk. “I just wish I wasn’t such a worrywart.”

With a single step, Casey closed the distance between them and kissed his husband. “Being a worrywart is part of you, and I wouldn’t change you for the world. I love you just as you are. Warts and all.”

Jared snorted a laugh and hugged Casey tightly. “Thanks, I think.” Then he grew more serious. “I love you, too.”

“Good.” Casey pecked a kiss to Jared’s nose. “Let’s get going. I can’t wait to see Nic and Jack again, and watch these games. It’ll be a blast.”