Donny huffed out an exasperated noise and pulled back to see Roland’s face lit up, his lip pulling up in a smirk.
“You’re an ass. I have no idea why I like you,” he said, pulling Roland in for one more kiss before pushing him away and getting out of the car.
“So, what’s the deal with this again?” Roland trailed Donny into the elevator.
“My sister has a standing date to see Joel for lunch once a week, and he’s living with Gabriel now, so she just comes over and makes lunch. And I don’t know how I got the invite, since it’s not her house, but once you meet my sister, it’ll make sense. So, if I’m free on lunch day, I pop by.”
“That’s very gracious of Joel’s boyfriend.” Roland observed, finally sliding his phone into his pocket when they exited the elevator on Gabriel’s floor.
“His name is Gabriel.” Donny walked down the hallway and knocked on the door. He turned to Roland and hooked his fingers through Roland’s belt loops.
“Gabriel and Joel,” Roland murmured, dipping his head down and pressing his lips against Donny’s forehead.
“And Athena,” Donny’s sister chirped as she pulled open the front door.
“You get to open the door here too? Have you moved in?” Donny questioned her.
“Gabriel appreciates me, don’t you, handsome boyfriend?” she called over her shoulder.
“Of course,” came a reply from the kitchen.
“You must be Roland the artist,” Athena greeted him with an extended hand.
Roland tentatively returned her handshake and nodded.
“The artist part is used loosely.”
Donny elbowed Roland in the ribs.
“Not according to the paintings in the hallway, which my brother assures me are sunsets even though they just look like colors to me.” Athena dropped Roland’s hand and ushered them inside.
Donny pushed the door closed and slid his hand under Roland’s shirt, flexing his fingers against the skin at the small of his back.
“Donny said you liked roast beef and cheddar, so that’s what we got and pickles too, also—” Athena was well into her list of ingredients as she lined up eight pieces of bread on the cutting board.
“Calm down, Theenie,” Joel chided, coming down the hallway and into the kitchen. He scanned the room, his eyes passing over Donny and Roland, before they came to rest on Gabriel. His entire body relaxed and he smiled when Gabriel held his hand out in an invitation. He reached over and wrapped his fingers around Gabriel’s, then turned back to Donny and Roland.
“You must be Roland.” Joel smiled.
“And I assume you’re Joel. Even though Donny is apparently terrible with introductions,” Roland chuckled and Donny slid his hand down and grazed his fingers across the top of Roland’s ass.
“Watch your mouth,” he teased. “This is my sister’s best friend, Joel, and his boyfriend, Gabriel. Joel and Gabriel, this is Roland.”
“Nice to meet you,” Roland said smiling at the two men.
“Can I get either of you a drink?” Gabriel asked while he dragged his fingers across the tops of bottles in his wet bar before settling on whiskey.
Donny clenched his jaw together but forced a smile. “I’m fine with water.” He looked up at Roland, hoping that his face read in an even mix ofwhatever you want is fineandplease don’t want more vodka.
Roland smiled at him and reached out, lightly touching Donny’s cheekbones with the tips of his fingers.
“It’s a little early. Just water, please.”
Donny’s entire body relaxed as he let out a tense breath. Roland flitted his fingers across Donny’s cheeks again and he smiled. It was a small thing, but it felt huge to Donny. He wrapped his hands around Roland’s face and tugged him down, sealing their mouths together. Donny lifted up onto his toes and kissed Roland harder, licking his mouth open.
“It is early, isn’t it?” Athena called from the kitchen.
Roland quickly pulled away, a blush creeping up his cheeks.
