Page 80 of Embers Glow After the Fire

“Someone’s hungry.” Matthew laughs.

“That makes two of us.” Brendon moans.

Matthew smirks. “I’ll get her fed and we can go get breakfast?”

”I’ll get dressed.” Brendon tosses the covers off his body.

Matthew ogles the naked beauty. “Take your time.” He growls, leaning in for a kiss and tracing Brendon’s thigh with a finger.

Brendon chuckles, standing up and displaying his backside. He peers over a shoulder with half a smile and a quirked brow.

“She’s waiting,” he nods toward the kitchen and bends to collect his clothes on the floor.

Matthew bites his lip and spins on a heel, trudging into the kitchen to fill Honey’s bowl.

“We can walk down to the cafe on the corner. They have amazing croissant sandwiches and decent coffee…” Matthew announces toward the hallway.

“Mmm, sounds perfect.” Brendon appears in his white shirt, loosely unbuttoned to the middle of his chest and French tucked into his jeans with his bare ankles peeking from loafers under folded-up pant legs.

Matthew trots across the room and wraps around him for another kiss.

“We should brush our teeth.” He waves a hand past his nose.

Brendon laughs, poking his chest. “Watch it, mister.”

Matthew giggles and pulls him in again, smashing their faces together.

“You’re right.’’ Brendon laughs. “My suitcase is in the living room, yeah?”

They freshen up, side by side in the bathroom mirror, giving each other googly eyes and giggling.

“I’m so happy you’re here. I’m keeping you, just so you know.” Matthew charms.

Brendon pecks his lips, “what time is Perry’s party?”

“Six, tonight.” Matthew checks his fresh coifed curls.

“Perfect… I’m excited to have you to myself for the day.” Brendon smiles.

They head out in last night's outfits with Honey on a leash to enjoy buttery croissant sandwiches and decent coffee at the sidewalk bistro on the corner, before wandering the neighborhood until late afternoon.

They get back to the condo and cuddle on the sofa, while the pup gnaws toys at their feet and drifts off in each other's arms for a blissful afternoon nap.

***

Phoenix gives himself a once-over in the gilded gold frame full-length mirror hung next to the towering double door entry of Club Nero. The space had once been a neighborhood theatre he remembered Perry reminiscing fondly over, from days when he would perform in musical productions while he was in law school.

He smooths his hands down his sculpted torso, flattening out any potential creases in the pressed navy dress shirt with black leather collar and cuffs, double checking the silver links are fastened tight. He spins to admire his own perky ass in slim-cut grey slacks that stop above his naked ankles, tucked into shiny black loafers.

Matty had given him a fresh cut two days ago with a new pomade glistening his curls that smells of grapefruit. His dewy tanned skin is highlighted with just a hint of shimmering powder enhancement and his blue eyes are framed with a sharp trace of navy mascara.

Multicolored laser and black lights cut the dark as he strolls into the club and across the dance floor. There are bars along three of the walls with pairs of bare-chested tenders manning each. The DJ is already spinning the early songs on a carefully curated playlist Phoenix had spent months putting together. Gathering all of Perry’s favorite underground dance mixes from the 80s and 90s, with a few modern bops for the boys he’s invited for himself. That hot new chef from a few days ago is priority one on his agenda for the evening.

Guests are arriving in groups with the occasional couple or single straggler strutting in. He had invited everyone in Perry’s closest contacts, except for the few conservative clients he knew not to. He’d almost forgotten how hot so many of Perry’s older friends are. He may just be thirsty for a Daddy, instead of the young chef, tonight.

His phone vibrates his ass cheek from his back pocket.

Robbie: “We’re pulling up now.”

---