Page 8 of Joey

Ethan snorted. “I promise, not all big guys are gay, but we are. Sorry, hun.”

“Are you a model?” She tilted her head. “You look like you could be.”

Joey ducked his head a bit, trying to stop her from examining him too closely. “No. Just a normal guy.” He helped Ethan with the drinks.

“I love these tattoos.” She stepped closer.

“Oh, Christi. Didn’t you want to show me those pictures on your phone? The different patterns you wanted my opinion on?”

“Yes! I’d almost forgotten. Let’s sit down so I can show you without spilling my tea down me.” She sauntered off.

Ethan stopped in front of him. “You owe me big time for this. I hate listening to her drone on about these designs, but I’m doing it for you.”

Joey didn’t think. He dropped his head and kissed Ethan on the lips. “Whatever you want in return.”

“Whatever is a big word,” Ethan cautioned.

“Whatever,” Joey stated again.

He leaned back against the counter and blew out a breath. Should he stay, or should he hightail it with the next dawn?

****

Chapter 3

Ethan

Ethan’s alarm woke him the next morning with its usual incessant beeping. So annoying, but that was the point. He also charged the thing on top of his chest of drawers across the room, so he had to get out of bed to turn it off. It’s the only way he would get up in the morning.

Bleary-eyed, he stumbled into the bathroom and under the shower, letting the shock of the initial freezing spray wake him up before the warmth could send him back to sleep again. He washed, dried, brushed his teeth and dressed in his uniform before descending the stairs, pausing when he heard sounds from the kitchen. It took him far too long to calm his racing heart and to remember he’d invited Joey to stay with him.

Entering the kitchen, Joey stood at the counter, pouring beans on top of toast on two plates. Ethan didn’t eat that early in the morning, but he hadn’t told Joey that, and he refused to deny him.

“Morning,” he said.

“Morning,” Joey replied, a hint of a smile on his lips. “I’ve made coffee as well.”

Ethan frowned. “I don’t have any coffee.”

Joey put the pan back on the hob. “I went for a jog this morning and bought a few things. You mentioned not having had caffeine yesterday, so I thought I’d make you some. And breakfast.” Joey frowned. “I hope that’s okay?”

Ethan blinked. “Yes. That’s…fine.”

Joey handed him a plate and some cutlery, and Ethan settled at the small dining table. His new friend brought their mugs over to them before going back for his own plate.

“You don’t have to cook for me,” Ethan said. “I was only joking.”

“I don’t mind. I’m usually up early, anyway. But today…more so.”

Ethan cut up his toast and paused. “You didn’t sleep well?”

Joey sighed. “I haven’t for a while. It’ll get better.” He glanced at Ethan. “You’re not an early bird, I take it?”

“God, no. Whoever invented time should have the early hours of a day shoved up their ass until it hits their throat.”

Joey laughed. “Quite a visual.”

Ethan shrugged and finished his mouthful. “I have a way with words.”

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