“Mm-hmm. I knew it,” Bo said. “Now he’s in his natural habitat.”
Ralph stood Bo up, turning him for another kiss, letting one hand linger flat on Bo’s chest where he had years before.
There was no mistaking it this time. Bo’s heart was racing.
Ralph reached up and disengaged the shower nozzle extension. He hosed both of them down until all the suds were gone.
“We have to get out of here,” he said. “Because sex is going to happen if we stay, and I need something to eat.”
As if on cue, Bo’s stomach gave a loud growl.
“And apparently, so do you.”
* * *
As they were drying off, Bo opened the three-pack of boxers he’d bought and tossed Ralph a pair. “I think we’re about the same size.”
Ralph slipped them on. “Perfect,” he said.
They went back into the den and kitchen. Bo flipped the overhead light on. “Sorry, there’s no furniture. We have to stand at the counter or eat in bed.”
Ralph opted for sitting on the counter. He opened the Moo Goo Gai Pan, grabbed a plastic fork, and began digging in the container. “Wow. It’s still hot.”
“Good. I’m starving.” Bo said, snagging the Kung Pao and hopping up on the opposite counter.
The two of them ate for a while without speaking, only the sounds of the crackling fire and their consumption, like dogs, not even caring how brutish or loud they were.
“You wanna trade,” Ralph asked, extending his container of chicken. Bo accepted, handing him his, and they went to town again, devouring the food.
“We’re probably eating too fast,” Ralph said a few minutes later, forcing himself to put the container down on the counter.”
“God, it’s good though.” Bo tilted the container up, scooping out the remains as if he were drinking it.
“I love a man with a healthy appetite,” Ralph said. “It’s sexy. Primal. Especially watching you wolf it down in your boxers.”
Bo set the empty container down, reached for a napkin, and wiped his face. “I’m sorry. I’m usually here alone. Manners aren’t necessary.”
“Doesn’t look like you’ve been squatting here long, Bo. That candle you’re burning is new... and the towels and underwear too. How longhaveyou been here?”
“Tonight’s the first night,” he answered.
“Wow. For real?”
Bo hopped down from the counter and looked around. “Weren’t you bringing beer?”
Ralph’s eyes went wide. “Holy shit. I left it in the back of the truck.”
Bo grinned, heading toward the front door. “Should be nice and cold.”
* * *
To Ralph’s surprise, Bo went outside in nothing but his boxers, barefoot. The snow was steady now, covering the ground... but it was dark, and the neighboring houses far enough away that Bo didn’t seem to care.
He came running back in quickly with three sacks. Ralph shut the door behind him and he placed the goods on the counter.
“Let’s see what we have here,” he said, removing the contents.
Ralph came up behind him, wrapping his arms around Bo’s full stomach. “I can’t believe you just ran out there like that. Aren’t you freezing?”
