Page 42 of Embers Glow After the Fire

Fireworks

The cue cracks into the eight ball and bounces off the six, stifling giggles and chatter. Everyone is loitering near the billiards table. The six ball drops into the far right pocket, nailing his call out. Matthew takes a step back. He hauls a long swig off an amber glass beer bottle, furrowing his brow as he maps the next move.

Brendon props against the back of the couch, pinching a straw between teeth and the tip of his tongue as he focuses hungry eyes on the captivating player. His hazy mind undresses the birthday boy, article by article with each sip of a Midori sour. A daydream of Matthew’s meaty package shifting in white briefs beneath his khaki shorts is disrupted by Phoenix staggering into his shoulder.

“Hey.” His blue eyes twinkle and he rakes fingers through a fringe of blond curls hung over his forehead.

“Hey.” Brendon glances sideways at him, then back at Matthew’s calf muscle flexing under the weight of his body bent over the table. His toe kicks out and shorts pull taut over the arc of his ass and thick thighs. Broad shoulders bulge with back-and-forth strokes of the pool stick threading his fingers. He meets Brendon’s stare and flashes a half grin, wrinkling his freckled nose. He shoots without breaking their gaze. The balls scatter and miss every hole.

Brendon cools the simmer in his middle with a sip of clinking iced cocktail, licking sweet boozy citrus across his lips.

Matthew’s eyes stay on him as he moves around the table and perches on the sill of the picture window.

“You’re up, Robs.”

“You two fuck yet?” Phoenix slurs in Brendon’s ear.

“No.” Brendon bites back a scowl, excusing the crass for drunkenness. Though the filterless twink would be just as crude if sober.

“I tried once.” Phoenix curls his shoulders. “But he’s stuck on Adam.”

“Mmm” Brendon hums agreeably.

“Kinda makes me wish I’d met him—Adam.” He words slur. “Must have been an amazing guy.”

Brendon fixes on Matthew throwing his head back with laughter in conversation with Dennis, Robbie and Perry. He pulls another swig through his straw.

“I want someone to love me like that one day.”

Brendon’s face softens as he turns slightly toward Phoenix. He’s sweet when he’s vulnerable. He nudges his shoulder.

“You’ll find that someday.”

Phoenix winks. “Wanna go downstairs?”

“No.” Brendon chuckles. “Go play with Eli.” He nods at the boy cuddling Rosy on the couch.

“We should head down to the clearing before it gets dark,” Dennis announces over the room. “Let’s get ready and meet on the patio in twenty?” He checks his wristwatch.

“Good idea.” Matthew slips his pool stick into the wall mount and starts up the stairs.

Brendon follows, skipping risers to take the lead. He reaches back and scoops Matthew’s hand in his fingers, pulling him past the mezzanine and into his room. His inhibitions had melted away on afternoon indulgences.

He backs Matthew against the cedar panel wall and smashes their lips together. Holding Matthew’s face in both hands. Brendon finally tastes the treat he's truly been craving all day.

Matthew’s arms wrap his waist and pull him close, pressing their chests and bellies together. He kicks the door shut and they spin toward the bed. Stumbling over each other’s feet until they bump the frame.

Brendon pushes him back onto the mattress and climbs on top of him, straddling his body. Matthew's cock swells under his buttock and Brendon’s fills the inseam in his shorts. He grinds down and slips his tongue past parted lips.

Matthew’s hands grope Brendon’s long back, climbing under his shirt and lifting it over his head. His fingertips drag static heat down his skin igniting breathy gasps from his chest.

Brendon pops the button of Matthew’s shorts and reaches inside. Wrapping his palm around the prize. Rolling the tip with his thumb. Biting his lip as arousal shudders through him.

Matthew brackets his face in both palms and pulls their mouths together again, crushing their faces in a deep kiss.

Brendon strokes faster and rolls his hips on Matthew’s thighs, before stepping one foot to the floor and crawling backwards, down on his knees. He pulls Matthew’s shorts away. Inviting his dick to pop out into the air. A soft moan vibrates his chest at the sight of the treasure he’s pictured in his mind all morning. Even better than he could remember.

Matthew props onto his elbows and stares down into Brendon’s eyes.

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