Mason's expression became solemn, which was a very odd look for him. "I told you, you're my closest friend. I couldn't hate you. And for the record, just because we don't want to sleep with each other anymore, it doesn't mean I can't still care for you."
A moment passed, with neither of them looking away, or speaking. Adam couldn't put into words how much he missed having Mason around every single day. Mason had filled the void that Luc had created when he'd turned into a jerk.Because Luc fancied me, Adam reminded himself.
"I hope I've helped," Mason said. "At least a little bit."
"You have," Adam assured him.
"I've got to get to sleep," Mason said regretfully. "You might have the luxury of sleeping until noon, but I've got to be at the theatre at half eight."
"Rehearsals startthatearly?"
"We have a ballet lesson at nine and rehearsals start after that. But we have to be fully warmed up before the lesson, so, half eight."
Adam whistled. "That's brutal."
"But worth it," Mason said, his face lighting up with excitement. "So worth it."
Adam laughed and sat up, so he could pull off his T-shirt, socks and jeans.
"But hey," Mason said, the thrill still wobbling his voice. "I'll be done by four, so if you meet me at the theatre, we can do something for a couple of hours or so, before I've got to get ready for the performance."
Adam got under the covers and laid facing Mason again. "Thanks for listening."
"Anytime," Mason said. "I'm always here for you." He reached to the switch on the wall above the bed and flicked the lights off, plunging them into darkness.
Adam smiled, even though it was too dark for Mason to see. "Right back at you, Mase. Right back at you."
Chapter Fifteen
Adam
Adam wasn't sure if he was any closer to reaching a decision. He'd been mulling things over the whole time he'd been visiting Mason, especially during the hours they were apart. He'd talked things through with his friend again—and again—too, to the point where he was sure Mason must have either been bored or pissed off. Not that Mason showed any signs of having either reaction. The train journey home gave him plenty of time to think as well; perhaps too much time. His thoughts led him round in vicious circles that left him more and more confused.
He'd left for a train when Mason had headed to the theatre for rehearsals, which meant he was home just after lunch. He shut the front door behind him and tossed his keys in the basket that sat on top of the shoe rack. The house was quiet.
"Hi, I'm home!"
He wasn't sure why he bothered. He knew from years of living there that the sound of the front door closing could be heard throughout the house and probably their neighbours' houses, too. If no one had shouted 'hi' to him the moment he got in the door, they were probably all out. Come to think about it, he hadn't noticed his parents' car outside. Not that it meant much, they often had to park a street or two away. None of the houses had drives or garages and several of them had multiple cars, making parking a nightmare.
Then he heard soft footsteps coming down the stairs towards him. He stayed where he was, his heart kicking up a notch. Luc appeared on the middle floor landing a couple of seconds later. As usual, his feet were bare, which is why he hadn't made much noise on the steps.
"Hey," Luc said, making his way down the rest of the steps. "Good trip?"
His voice made Adam shiver in the most delightful way possible. His hands were clammy with desire; his mouth watered at the sight of Luc in his fitted T-shirt and tight jeans. And there was his answer; or at least, part of his answer.
"Are Mum and Dad out?" he asked.
"Yeah. They said they'd be back around six. They're at the studio, doing exam coaching lessons."
He couldn't hold back. He stepped up to Luc, twisted one hand into his stepbrother's hair, placed the other firmly on his lower back and dragged him close for a desperate open-mouthed kiss. Within seconds, Luc's arms were wrapped around him, one hand slipping beneath his T-shirt to caress his back. When their lips parted, they were both breathing hard.
"We need to talk," Luc whispered.
Adam shook his head. "Upstairs," he barked out. "We can talk later."
"Don't mess around with me again."
Adam pushed him towards the stairs. "Upstairs."
