Page 10 of Embers Glow After the Fire

“You're welcome.” So are Matthew’s. “Let’s get back to the others,” and put this awkwardness behind us. He follows Brendon to the stairs, admiring the tidy work on the back of his head as they descend. His gaze wanders down the man’s long neck, lingering on broad shoulders stretching his t-shirt taut, to a narrow waist, and ass cheeks in snug shorts that bounce with each step.

The others have broken out more wine and cases of beer. The aroma of fruity alcohol and hops wafts through the kitchen.

“Beautiful!” Robbie cheers. “Well done Matty.”

“He’s a gorgeous canvas to work on.”

Brendon looks over his shoulder and smiles back.

Matthew winks.

“Here—you boys need cocktails.” Robbie hops up from the table and crosses the room toward the bar. “What can I make you?”

“I’ll just grab wine.” Brendon sits on a barstool at the edge of the kitchen island, facing out to the patio.

“You know what I haven't had in ages—” Matthew pauses. “A daiquiri!”

“Oh Matty, that's brilliant.” Perry chimes in. “One for me too please.”

“Daiquiris for everyone.” Dennis boasts.

“Strawberry—or banana?” Robbie calls back to the group.

“Both!” Matthew laughs. “Where have Phoenix and Eli gone?” He makes note of the missing boys.

“For a walk down to the lake,” Perry answers. “Eli is too young to drink and Phoenix was in the mood for a swim.” He wags his brow.

Matthew grins and takes a seat at the table. “Poor Eli,” he snarks.

“That kid could use a little fun.” Dennis sips his wine.

Robbie returns with a tray full of sweet beverages. “Daiquiris are served gentlemen.”

They laugh and jeer as the booze flows and the sun sets. Phoenix and Eli re-emerge at one point. Wet and disheveled with a little extra sparkle in Eli’s eyes.

Robbie fires up strands of white string lights that drape the pergola rafters and latticed wall of climbing ivy, enveloping the space with a warm glow into the night. Drunken sleepiness claims the hosts first and the others shortly after.

Brendon staggers up the stairs with Matthew carefully following.

He bids, “Goodnight,” to the tall fresh buzzed temptation with a loose grip on the doorknob of his room.

Brendon leans dazedly against the frame of his door. “Thank you again for the haircut—I really do love it.” His smirk is intoxicating. His arm raises overhead to stroke the soft fuzz on his head, lifting the hem of his t-shirt and exposing a peek at the sparse dark trail on his belly. He tucks the other thumb into the waistband of his shorts, fondling the drawstring with his index and middle fingers.

“You’re welcome, babe.” Matthew swallows the pool collecting under his tongue.

They gaze at each other breathlessly for a long moment before Matthew slips away. Closing his door and climbing into bed.

Chapter 5

Twinks

The morning passed as everyone slept off last night’s excess. Dennis is up and working away in the kitchen. He’s gracefully stealthy for such a big beast of a man. Preparing a feast for guests is his happy place.

Brendon trudges down to join him. “Morning.” His voice gravels.

“Hey, doll.” Dennis looks up from stirring a huge bowl of sweet-smelling batter. “Sleep okay?”

“I did. —Thank you.” He forces a smile.

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