Hands snaked around Simon’s waist and a face nuzzled at his ear, at the same time that a familiar fragrance filled his nose. “Maybe you just haven’t found the right partner,” Patrick teased as he pulled Simon back against him. Simon turned his head slightly, inhaling more of Patrick’s scent and pressing a kiss to his cheek.
“Hi there. Where’ve you been? I’ve missed you.”
Patrick squeezed tighter. “Helping Josh outside with the food. There’s a mountain of it, but it’s all done now. I’ve been let off the hook.”
“Good.” Simon clasped Patrick’s hands and closed his eyes, enjoying the sensation of Patrick’s breath against his neck.
“Huh-hmm.”
Simon’s eyes flashed open. They turned in unison at the sound of the throat clearing next to them.
“I guess I’ll leave you boys to it then.”
Before Simon could say anything, Charlie winked and disappeared toward the back of the house.
“Whoops.” Patrick laughed.
Simon turned and playfully nudged him in the ribs. “It’s your fault we were rude and just ignored one of our hosts. You’re too distracting.”
“Somehow I don’t think Charlie gives a damn.” Patrick tilted his head, and Simon followed the movement to see Charlie wrapped in Josh’s arms in the kitchen doorway. Love was definitely in the air.
Simon grinned and linked their arms. “C’mon, let’s go get something to eat. You must be absolutely starving, and I have it from a good source there’s a feast waiting for us outside.”
The backyard was filled with festively dressed partygoers, most of them balancing plates of food and drinks as they stood around in small groups talking and eating. Simon waved to acknowledge a few of his workmates on the way past to the table covered with food, but wasn’t tempted to stop and chat; there would be time enough for that later. Right now he wanted to focus on Patrick and making sure he had something to eat—knowing Patrick, he would have been running around helping all day and not taken the time to stop for food. He and Patrick were soon standing in a corner with their own heavily laden plates. The scent of barbecue filled the air, music drifted across the yard, and lights twinkled from where they’d been strung between the house and the trees.
The food was delicious and they made short work of polishing off their plates. They’d only just finished when they were joined by their friends Antonio and Duncan, the two of them dressed in Michael Jackson costumes.
“Hey, guys. How’s it going?” Antonio greeted as he reached them.
“Great, we’re doing great,” Patrick answered. “Charlie and Josh sure know how to throw a good party, don’t they?”
“They sure do. And the theme was inspired.” Antonio gave Patrick an exaggerated once-over. “Niiccce outfit.” He drew the words out and waggled his eyebrows. His gaze lingered, causing that little flare of jealousy that Simon was getting all too familiar with where Patrick was concerned.
“Hey!” Even though he’d been tempted to say something himself, Simon couldn’t help smiling as Duncan elbowed Antonio.
Antonio grinned and looked at his boyfriend. “You’re hot, too, babe.”
Duncan rolled his eyes and looked away from Antonio’s laughing face, turning to Simon. “And you don’t scrub up too bad either, Simon.”
“He looks gorgeous, doesn’t he? James Bond, eat your heart out,” Patrick said, wrapping an arm around Simon’s waist and pulling him close.
Patrick had chosen Simon’s costume—if it could be called that, because really he was just dressed in a dark suit. He was wearing a tuxedo with a crisp white shirt and black bow tie. Very simple, very elegant, and nothing like anything he usually wore.
Antonio raised a brow. “What’s James Bond got to do with dancing?”
“Absolutely nothing.” Simon chuckled. “I’m actually Fred Astaire.”
“Ah… old twinkle toes. You’ve got a lot to live up to then, don’t you? Can’t wait to see you in action.”
Simon groaned. Patrick chuckled, and leaned into Simon. “You don’t want to keep the man waiting, do you? Wanna dance?”
Simon turned in Patrick’s arms so they were face-to-face. He looped his arms around Patrick’s neck. Maybe if he kissed him he’d be tempted to stay right where they were. “You know I’m not much of a dancer.”
“But you’ll dance with me.” It wasn’t a question, and Simon smiled. Patrick was already swaying to the music. There was no way Simon would deny Patrick anything.
As soon as he nodded, Patrick grabbed Simon’s hand to drag him over to where a small group were dancing on the patio. “Back in a bit,” he called over his shoulder to Antonio and Duncan, almost as an afterthought.
Simon followed in Patrick’s wake and soon found himself in Patrick’s secure hold surrounded by other dancers. The song was a ballad, perfect for slow dancing. Simon enjoyed the feel of being in Patrick’s arms as they swayed to the music. It was easy to follow Patrick’s lead, to be as one with his fluid movements. For someone who was clumsy and accident-prone, Patrick showed amazing confidence on the dance floor. His rhythm was perfect, his movements sure. Dancing was something that was obviously in his blood and something he loved, so Simon was glad he could put aside his own self-consciousness and share this with him. He dropped his head to Patrick’s shoulder and closed his eyes, just listening and feeling, enjoying the moment.
