“Morning, honey,” Teddy said. He wiped his hands on his apron and gave Geoff a hug and kiss. “I’m showing Ciaran how to cook more things.”
“We’re having pancakes, scrambled eggs, baked beans, toast with butter and jam, and juice,” Ciaran said.
“Sounds wonderful,” Geoff said. “I can’t wait.”
“Why don’t you leave breakfast to us, and you go relax?” Teddy kissed him.
“I’ll be waiting,” Geoff said.
Teddy held onto Ciaran’s hand to help him flip the pancakes at the right time. The tingle persisted. He couldn’t explain it. It was a connection he’d never felt with anyone other than Geoff.
What’s happening?
“This came out great,” Teddy said.
“It’s all thanks to you. I don’t think I could make half this stuff.”
“Well, now you know,” Teddy smiled.
Ciaran set the table while Teddy brought out all the food. “Breakfast is ready.”
Geoff joined them, and they filled their plates.
“This is fantastic,” Geoff said. “These pancakes are so buttery.”
“That was Ciaran’s idea,” Teddy said. “He wanted a little extra butter in the batter. Turns out, it works. I’m adding that to my recipe.”
He glanced over to see Ciaran blushing.
“I’ll help clean up,” Ciaran said when they’d all finished.
“Are you sure?” Teddy asked.
“Yup. I helped make breakfast—and create the mess—so I’ll help clean it.”
“Then I’ll head into the living room and finish reading.”
Teddy and Ciaran carried plates into the kitchen to clean.
“So,” Teddy started. He wanted to bring up the talk Geoff had with Ciaran, but didn’t know how to start.
“Yeah?”
“Geoff told me he talked with you about our lifestyle.”
“That you two sometimes play with a third? Yeah, he told me.”
“I just wanted you to know that we don’t pressure people who stay here. We don’t play with guests because we like to keep our personal and professional lives separate. I just wanted to makesure you didn’t think we invited you to stay so we could have sex.”
He watched Ciaran for a reaction. They liked him. After cooking with Ciaran, he understood the connection Geoff felt. This would get complicated if they played with him.
“I didn’t feel pressured,” Ciaran said. “He explained everything to me, and I understand.”
“I just wanted to make sure you felt comfortable here with us,” Teddy said.
“Of course.”
“Most of our guests don’t stay in our house down the hall from us,” Teddy laughed.
