Page 21 of Embers Glow After the Fire

They exchange apologetic grins and each gathers a fistful.

Matthew is on his third cocktail since dinner. The booze is already pinching his glossy eyes and flushing his freckled cheeks. He bites into the ball of buttery goodness gripped in his fingers.

Brendon is being cautious with his consumption after last night’s debacle. Taking moderate sips. Limiting himself to just two drinks.

Eli is enthralled, while Phoenix sprawls over his lap with less interest in the film.

Robbie perks up and harmonizes quotes with giddy enthusiasm. His favorites are the Wicked Witch’s most popular one-liners. “I’ll get you my pretty—and your little dog too!” he sneers at Phoenix.

The curly twink rolls his eyes, but can’t hide a grin.

Soon everyone familiar, joins Robbie in reciting the script.

They all laugh at each other’s silliness and the energy of the room is light with drunken banter.

Brendon catches Matthew watching him several times. Bashfully smiling on the third.

Nathan dozes off three-quarters in and Jamie has to guard over him when Robbie suggests playing a dirty joke involving whipped cream they have in the fridge.

Soon the spectacle of flying monkeys, shy wizards, and heel-tapping ruby slippers gives way to the end credits.

Robbie rolls over the back of the sofa and floods the room with the blinding house lights.

Nathan wakes and Jamie leads him out to their trailer.

Phoenix makes suggestive eyes at Eli and they sneak off downstairs,

Perry excuses himself to go read before bed.

The host pair hang around to mingle until their eyes get heavy.

Leaving Brendon and Matthew, alone—again.

Brendon held to his two-drink limit but was still feeling the generous tequila pours.

Matthew downed four margaritas and two pina coladas. His face is shattered but he wants to keep the night rolling. “Stay up with me.” His puppy dog eyes are irresistible. “I’m going to go for a swim,” he gently slurs, leaning over the cushion to speak in Brendon’s ear.

“It’s nearly midnight.” Brendon looks out the glass wall at the moonlit forest filling the valley below.

“Oh c’mon.” He grips Brendon’s hand and tugs him toward the slider.

“We should tell someone we’re going down to the water.” Brendon’s wits are slippery but intact.

“They’re sleeping.” Matthew giggles.

Brendon surrenders himself to be led by the hand. Across the patio and down the grassy knoll. The clear sky is sprinkled with stars and the upcoming full moon casts enough light on the trails that maneuvering the terrain wouldn’t be an issue, if they were sober.

They stagger down the mountain to the lake. Matthew drops his button down and peels out of the snug tank top. He looks into Brendon’s eyes with a sly grin and drops his shorts.

Brendon’s gaze can’t resist the temptation, drinking in every inch of the man’s body. More intoxicating than the heavy tequila pours.

He’s thick from his neck to his toes. Porcelain skin with subtle tan lines on his biceps and thighs, covered in cinnamon freckles and hair. The tight curves of his body carve out broad shoulders, a solid chest, and a full belly. His dick matches his physique with a pale pink tip coordinating sand dollar nipples. He winks and jogs into the water. Lifting his knees to kick up waves before diving into the wake.

His head pops back through the shimmering surface and whips sopping curls across his forehead. “Come in—it’s so nice.” He lays back into the water and pushes off.

Brendon slips out of his sandals and pulls his shirt over his head. Folding it neatly before laying the bundle on the down tree trunk and slinking toward the water. He dips his toes and steps in until it covers his ankles. Letting his skin adjust to the temperature drop before going further.

When he’s waist-deep, Matthew whirls around him. Backstroking across the surface. His wet belly and dick bob as he glides.

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