“Yeah, you’d think he’d have more self-respect—“
“I’m back and I have coffee.”
Micah jumped, but the relief was instantaneous at the sight of Nicholas. He took the cardboard cup. “Thanks.”
“You’re welcome.” Nicholas dropped his voice. “Just ignore them. They’re showing off in front of the girls.”
Micah cringed, hating that Nicholas had overheard what they were saying. “I know.” And Micahdidknow, and that made him hate this own reaction even more.
“Plus,” Nicholas added. “I think you look adorable in those leggings.”
His gaze flicked to Nicholas who gave another of those winks that caused Micah to melt a little each time. “Thanks.”
“Come on, let’s finish up. I’m heading to a club to catch up with some friends tonight, so I want to get out of here.”
They made fast work of securing everything in the workshop area and taking the rest to the storeroom in the kids’ play center, Micah glad to have something to do to distract from the flare of jealousy at the thought of Nicholas out with his friends. “I think that’s about it,” Micah said, after doing a quick double-check to make sure they hadn’t overlooked anything.
“Cool,” Nicholas said, grabbing his bag. “I guess I’ll see you tomorrow, then.”
“Yep. See you then.”
Micah watched him walked away with his familiar confident swagger. He gave himself a mental shake, but it seemed time had done nothing to kill the crush he’d always had on his brother’s best friend and he needed to learn to live with it. Resolved to do something to take his mind off it, he dragged out his phone and texted a friend. Maybe a movie or a few drinks at a bar would do the trick.
Chapter Four
“So,howareyoufinding it so far?” Micah asked as he dragged a pair of jeans over his legging-clad thighs a couple of days later.
Nicholas tore his gaze away from Micah’s crotch and met his gaze.
“Er…” He swallowed heavily, mind trying to catch up with the question rather than focusing on the direction his thoughts had taken at the sight of Micah who was now swapping shirts. “Actually, it’s a refreshing change.”
“Yeah?”
Taking photographs of kids wasn’t something Nicholas had done before, and it certainly wasn’t the way he’d intended to spend his vacation, but he’d found the last few days surprisingly enjoyable. He tried to tell himself it was seeing the happiness and delight on the children’s faces, but in truth, it was seeing the joy on Micah’s face as he dealt with them that gave Nicholas the most enjoyment. Micah was friendly and invested in ensuring all the kids had a great visit with Santa, and he did a brilliant job of entertaining the children who were nervous or upset. He warmed at the memory of Micah’s elfish antics and how he’d brought smiles to tear-stained faces. “It’s more fun than I thought it’d be. What about you?”
Micah chuckled. “It’s moreexhaustingthan I thought it’d be. I can’t wait to get home and put my feet up.”
“So no big Friday night out on the town for you, then?” Nicholas said, packing up the last of his camera gear and stowing the equipment in a locker in the play center’s storeroom.
“God, no. Pizza and a movie is about the most I’ll be able to manage after a day like today.” Micah looked up from putting on his sneakers, his pretty blue eyes peeking from under his bangs. “You’re welcome to join.”
Nicholas’s heart jumped at the idea of spending some more time with Micah, this time without the many kids around. The strength of his reaction surprised him, but he decided not to give it too much thought. He’d always had a soft spot for Micah and his big heart, and he was Chad’s brother, so of course he’d been part of his life over the years. “Sure. Sounds good. I’ll grab some beer and meet you at yours?”
“I’ll text you my new address.”
His phone pinged with the message from Micah and they parted ways, but it wasn’t long before he was knocking at Micah’s apartment.
“Hi.” Micah’s grin was wide as he opened the door and gestured for him to come in.
He stepped inside and passed over the six-pack of local craft beer. “I’m not sure what you liked to drink, so I hope this is okay.”
“Thanks,” Micah said, tucking the pack under his arm. “Come on through to the kitchen.”
He followed Micah down a short hall to a tidy kitchen where Micah grabbed two bottles, passing one to him, before turning to place the remainder in the fridge. The jeans had been replaced by comfy gray sweats that hugged his ass as he bent into the fridge. He was slim, but his cheeks were perfectly rounded. Nicholas felt the stirrings of arousal. He cleared his throat as Micah straightened. “You changed,” he said, stating the obvious as Micah caught his gaze.
“Yep. The second I walked in the door,” Micah said, a faint flush appearing on his cheeks. “Let’s go relax on the couch while we wait for the pizza.”
“How long have you lived here?” Nicholas asked, looking around the living room. He couldn’t help but smile at the Christmas decorations adorning the small tree in the corner and the twinkling lights.
