“Those can’t be comfortable. I’ll give you a pair of jeans. I keep a second wardrobe here in case something comes up.” He went to the closet and found a favorite pair of well-worn jeans and tossed them to Tyler who frowned as he slipped them on.
Knowing Tyler was naked inside his jeans, his cock resting soft and warm behind the buttons, was a huge turn-on for Marcus. He swallowed hard, buttoned his own pants as best he could, and slipped on a solid black V-neck sweater, while Tyler remained shirtless.
After grabbing each a bottle of water from the bar, Marcus returned to the sofa, Tyler following him. He accepted the bottle and sat, tucking his legs underneath him.
“I know you’ve never been in a relationship. And I’m not the type for one-night stands. So right away we’re at opposite ends of the spectrum. But the most important thing in my life right now is making sure Lillie is safe and protected.”
“I wouldn’t hurt her.” Marcus frowned. “You can’t possibly think I would.”
“Not intentionally, no. But she likes you, and I think you tolerate her because of me. Which is perfectly fine. But what I can’t have you do is throw money at her and buy her toys and clothes or anything else she wants.”
“It’s not intentional. If I’m on the computer, she likes to watch. I can’t help it if she shows me stuff. It’s not a big deal.” He sulked, picking at the label of his water bottle. “I wasn’t doing anything wrong.”
To his surprise, Tyler laughed, then scooted over and gave him a hug. “No, and it’s incredibly sweet. But I don’t want her spoiled and thinking all she has to do is ask you and you’ll give it to her.”
That was exactly the truth, though. Secretly Marcus liked it when Lillie sat with him at the computer. She was a lively, bright little person, smarter than many adults he knew.
“I can try, but she’s a very convincing child. Does that mean you’ll come back to the apartment? What about preschool—you know she loves it there, and she’s made friends.”
Tyler rubbed his hands on his thighs. “I don’t know. Maybe for now, until after the holidays, we can keep her there. But if we stay,” said Tyler shooting him a hard look, “I’m paying you rent and doing the cooking.”
“Naked cooking sounds good.” Marcus tugged Tyler close. “You can bring me breakfast in bed.”
“Naked cooking sounds terrible,” said Tyler, laughing. “Things could catch on fire or get stuck or burned. But I’m all for breakfast in bed.”
Marcus dipped his head down to meet Tyler in a kiss. His thoughts turned to getting naked on the sofa again when there was a sudden, loud banging on the door that sent them springing apart.
“Who the hell is that?”
The door opened, and Julian’s blond head appeared, with his hand shielding his eyes.
“Are you decent? Or should I say is Tyler decent, since you’re beyond hope, Marcus.”
“Oh for fuck’s sake,” said Marcus groaning as he watched all his friends traipse into his office. “What do you all want?”
“We had to check and make sure you were all right.” The wide smile on Julian’s face tipped Marcus off his friend was up to no good. Juli had always had an evil streak, the bastard.
“The only problem I have is you. Do I look like I’m not all right?” Facing Tyler, he pointed at his friends. “Do you see what I have to put up with?”
“Oh come on. The noises coming from inside here were loud enough to hear down the hallway, probably in the next building.” Julian circled around his desk and picked up the open box of condoms, putting them back in the drawer. “Might want to hide the evidence.”
“You know, Juli, you’re one step away from getting that pretty face of yours punched.” Marcus half rose, but Tyler pulled him back.
“You realize he’s baiting you and you’re falling for it.” Tyler murmured in his ear. “I’d expect nothing less from your friends.”
Letting go of his not-giving-a-shit attitude would be the hardest thing about a relationship. He’d never had to care about someone else’s feelings or concerns.
“You’re normally the one who gets a fist to the jaw, not me,” said Julian, returning to Nick’s side. “How could you forget Nick’s first time meeting you?”
“Or Sam’s,” said Zach, piping up from his place by the door. “Don’t forget Sam laid Marcus out right by the bar.”
Tyler shook with laughter next to him. “You mean,” he gasped, “each one of you punched Marcus the first time you met him?” At their nods he fell back on the sofa, howling with laughter.
“It’s not that funny,” said Marcus sulkily. “And aren’t you supposed to be on my side?”
Finished with the hysteria, Tyler wiped his eyes and kissed him on the cheek. “I’ll always be on your side. But you have to know how funny that is.”
Marcus slipped his arm around Tyler and shot a glance at his friends. Each of them stood with big stupid grins on their faces, except for Julian.
