FIFTEEN
“He seems interesting.” Sean sprawled in Chris’s lap on the sofa. “Tell us more.”
“Interestingisn’t the word I’d use to describe Leo,” Morgan replied, wondering if he could get drunk and pass out so as not to have to answer his friends’ questions.
“I have other words, if you’d like to know. Gorgeous, hot as fuck, and so into you.” Sean cackled. “That man is fine with a capital Hot Damn.”
“Shut up,” Morgan muttered.
“He’s right, you know.” Chris’s fingers played over Sean’s scalp. “And it’s obvious the feeling is mutual.”
“Oh, for God’s sake, that’s ridiculous. We’re total opposites, and he drives me crazy. The man is rude and obnoxious and nothing like my type.”
“Yeah. I can see. So why was your wallet next to his bed?” Chris’s wide grin split his face. “Explain that one if you can.”
“Uhhh…” Morgan searched frantically, then gave up. If he couldn’t be honest with his best friends, then who? “Temporary insanity?” He laughed. “I could never hide anything from you guys.”
“Why would you want to? Damn, man. You sure know how to flip the switch. From white-bread Jeffrey the Jerk to Leo the Luscious?Mmm-mmm. Those eyes alone are a killer, but add in the muscles and tats? I’m surprised you can walk.” Chris howled. “I’d be down for the count for days.”
“Okay, well, let me just crawl into a hole right now and die of embarrassment.” Morgan ducked his head and studied the shining hardwood floor.
“Hey, come on, you know we’re kidding. We love you, and we’re thrilled you’ve met someone.”
“Whoa, wait a second. This isn’t a relationship. It’s something that just…happened. We don’t even really like each other. I’m sure it was a one-time thing.”
Sean sat up. “Why?”
“Didn’t you hear me? We argue every time we see each other. He annoys the shit out of me.”
Sean’s hazel eyes sparkled. “That kind of sex is the best. If Chris and I argue, I get so turned-on, I can barely walk. Making up takeshours.” He waggled his brows.
Morgan rolled his eyes. “You’re crazy.” But he could still feel the rasp of Leo’s scruff, and his skin tingled, his whole body aching with pleasure.
Chris wrapped his arms around Sean’s waist and rested his chin on his shoulder. “Look us in the eye and tell us he wasn’t incredible—the best sex you’ve ever had.”
He met their frank gazes and held up his hands. “I can’t. You’re right, you got me. It was incredible.”
“It’s not a matter of ‘getting you.’ We just want you to be happy.” Sean laced his fingers with Chris’s.
“I’m trying. Really. Moving in here was the first step. I’m making a life for myself separate and apart from being Jeffrey’s plus-one.”
“And Leo is helping?”
“I told you. We’re not together. We can’t even be in the same room without sniping at each other. We’re totally incompatible. He’s not the right one for me.”
“Except in bed.” Morgan kept silent, and Sean pushed forward. “Look. I know it’s hard to move on. Jeffrey was a certain type, and I get it, believe me. I never dated a white guy before, but once I met Chris, I knew he was the one.” He placed their entwined hands over his heart. “The only one. Who he is inside, not his skin color, is what’s important. People give us the side-eye sometimes, and I won’t deny it can be hurtful, but they can fuck right off. They don’t know me or him or what makes us work.”
“I’m sorry shit like that still happens.”
“Not your fault,” Chris said. “It’s something we deal with, and we try not to let it bother us. What matters is that we love each other.” He kissed Sean’s cheek. “The world needs to wake up. So if you really like Leo, who cares if he’s got tattoos and doesn’t wear a suit to work?”
“Yeah, I know. After all, look how well that worked out the first time.” A shudder rolled through him. “It’s not the suits and tattoos. He’s just…” Morgan waved his hand halfheartedly. “I don’t know.”
“You haven’t heard from Jeffrey again, have you?” Sean frowned.
“Not since that phone call. I’m hoping he got the message and moved on.”
“Take your own advice, babe. Leo doesn’t have to beit, but he can be a hell of a lot of fun until the right one comes along.”
