“Oh, sorry. I can come back another time.” He blinked at the TV. “What are you watching?”
She turned to see the main actor’s ass hanging out as he was frozen on the screen in a wrestling hold with a larger, more muscular combatant.
“And speaking of hung and making ‘em happy...” Katie murmured.
Xavier turned to her. “What did you say?”
“Nothing,” Justine blurted and glared at her friend.
“No, I think this calls for a man’s input.” Katie motioned for Xavier to join them. “Want some popcorn? We’re rewatchingSpartacus.It’s one of my favorite series.”
Xavier entered, and Justine helplessly closed the door behind him. With any luck, Katie would be less “Katie” and not shock everyone in the room into awkward silence. Yet that was one of the reasons Justine loved her. Katie didn’t hold back, not with what she said or how she felt. And the girl was loyal to a fault, a true friend even during their disagreements.
Xavier cleared his throat. “The Spartacus I know is based on the Thracian gladiator who rebelled against the Roman Republic for freedom. This... doesn’t look anything like the movie I once saw, which was an older version in black and white.” He joined Katie on the couch and took a handful of popcorn. “Thanks.”
Justine sighed. “Something to drink?”
“Sure. Anything’s fine.”
“Ice tea coming right up.”
“Top me off, Justine?” Katie asked.
“Fine, so long as you behave.”
Xavier chuckled. “Uh-oh. Katie doesn’t like behaving, eh?”
“Well, it’s more what we were talking about before you got here that’s got her worried,” Katie just had to mention.
“Oh?”
Don’t say it, you viper. Don’t you dare.The warning in her eyes must not have penetrated because Katie looked at her then looked at Xavier and said, “What are your thoughts on size versus skill?”
Xavier paused. “Well, I’d have to have more context.”
Katie pointed at the TV, where they could all clearly see hints of the combatants’ packages from behind. “Take our main man. He’s not as bulky as his opponent, but he’s streamlined and has a nice bit of man meat the camera’s teasing us with.”
Justine massaged her temples.
Xavier gave a noncommittal murmur. “Ah, I see.”
“I was telling Justine that I think size is important, but if you don’t know what you’re doing with that size, then it’s all for show.”
Justine tried but couldn’t see Xavier’s reaction, only the back of his head. She hurried over with more drinks for everyone and sat on the floor so she could observe while they talked.
His cheeks looked a little pink to her, and that naughty gleam in Katie’s eyes was telling. Her friend was having a blast with the vulgar conversation.
Xavier, though, surprised her by laughing. “You know, you and my sister would totally get along. Auggie’s pretty frank too.”
“Sounds pretty self-confident,” Katie said.
“You have no idea,” Xavier answered. “But in response to your question” — he paused to glance at Justine, his growing grin wicked indeed— “then I think both are important. First, you need to fit, physically. If he’s too big it could be painful. Too small, then there’s no sensation for either of them, really.”
“Good points.”
“Oh my God,” Justine muttered.
They ignored her.
