Page 40 of Embers Glow After the Fire

“I’m sorry I missed him.” Robbie twirls onto Dennis’ lap.

“Me too.” Phoenix adds.

Eli scowls.

Phoenix offers an apologetic wink and kisses the air.

Matthew follows Brendon into the kitchen. “Have a good swim?” He leans on the island counter.

“I supervised.” His green eyes glint and his lips curve into a half smile. “I don’t really swim.”

“You went in the water with me.” Matthew’s index finger meets Brendon's on the granite slab.

Brendon’s cheeks glow pink and he strokes Matthew’s fingertip with his thumb.

“The mood strikes sometimes.” The edge of his brow lifts.

Matthew leans into his ear. “Good.” He suppresses the urge to lick Brendon’s musky neck. “Maybe the mood will strike later?” He steps away when Phoenix enters the room.

“I need to go shower. That lake makes you stink.”

Brendon giggles.

“I wasn't going to say anything,” Matthew teases.

“Matty!” Phoenix laughs, peeling his shirt off and sucking in a heavy whiff of the fabric. He rolls his eyes with a grunt and trots down the stairs.

Robbie sweeps in through the kitchen and heads for the fridge. He gathers a bottled water, pops the cap and swigs. “I think its time for a birthday party.”

Matthew’s eyes roll back. “I told you no party.”

“Go sit down.” Robbie commands.

“I’ll be right back.” Brendon excuses himself before scaling the stairs and disappearing past the mezzanine.

Matthew takes his seat at the patio table and sips more of the mimosa gone warm in the summer heat.

Dennis excuses himself to the kitchen.

Jamie, Nathan, and Eli sit in waiting with Matthew while the others scurry around the house to gather preparations for the festivity. They sip and listen to the birds chatter in the trees down the valley. Jamie and Nathan googly eye each other and Eli digs at sunburnt skin just starting to dry and peel.

Brendon appears in the frame of the sliders with a bright smile from cheek to cheek. Matthew’s chest flutters.

“Come on in gents.” He waves his arm and steps one foot back.

Jamie and Nathan lead the way, with Eli behind. Matthew trails the pack.

“Happy birthday.” Brendon whispers as he passes, sneaking a soft tap on his butt cheek.

Matthew growls and clears his throat before taking a seat on the sofa. A small pile of gifts atop the big square ottoman cranks up the heat on his sunburnt face.

“What is all of this?” Matthew doesn’t love being center of attention, but he does love his oldest friend's dedication to making him feel uncomfortable. It’s a cozy combination of endearing annoyance.

“Start with mine Matty.” Phoenix grabs the small flat package wrapped in metallic blue paper with a matching curly ribbon tied around it and passes it over the group.

“Phoenix, you didn’t need to get me anything.”

The twink beams with an air of mischief.

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