Page 107 of Noah

The obligatory cat calls ensued.

"Noah says we're having ribs," Brody said, changing the subject. He must be hungry. I hadn't made lunch for us today because I knew Owen and Ethan would make way too much food. I was proven correct as they both started unloading dish after dish of sides from one of Owen's fridges.

I hit the drink fridge under the counter and came back to Brody with two local IPAs. Brody took his and nearly drained it. He wasn't on anything other than Tylenol for pain now. He could drink as much as he wanted to if it made him feel more at ease.

Owen took the cooked marinated ribs out of a fridge and headed for the door outside. We all joined him, talking and laughing as we nursed our beers under the heat lamps. Owen fired up his massive grill and threw the ribs onto it. Brody listened mostly, sometimes interjecting, even laughing on occasion. He looked to be at ease. I was proud of him.

Proud to be with him.

He was my man, and I was never letting go of him.

After dinner, we retired to the family room, occupying every seat. Owen had a Christmas tree up and decorated with presents beneath. Every year, we all chipped in and bought one fun present for each of us. I counted the packages. There were five. Tears welled in my eyes as I realized what the guys had done. Without me knowing, they'd bought Brody a present as well.

Best friends ever.

Ethan handed out the presents. Brody hesitated, glancing at me for reassurance. I nudged him and nodded my head. He took the gift. Based on its shape, I had my suspicions what it was.

Brody laughed softly as he tore the wrapping away to reveal a very expensive boxed gin. Liam had been the one to suggest it because it was Brody's drink of choice at the pub.

"Thank you," he said to the room.

A chorus of your welcomes came back.

I opened my gift and burst out laughing.

"Assholes!" I shouted.

"Yup," Liam exclaimed. "That's what it's for."

"That's hilarious," Brody said quietly to me and surveyed the room. Everyone had gone back to talking with each other about the gag gifts each of them had opened.

Brody stroked my thigh. "And extremely hot."

I raised my eyebrows. "Yeah?"

In my hands was a long and fat double-ended dildo. It hadn't even crossed my mind that Brody might be into having something up his ass. We'd never incorporated that into our playtime.

"I'm not against it," he whispered.

My cock immediately thickened.

"Jeezus, Brody. I think we need to go home now." I jumped to my feet. "We're leaving. Brody has had enough of you bunch and wants to go to bed."

Brody nudged me. "Sure. Blame me."

Liam laughed. "Nothing to do with your gift, huh?"

I smirked. "I may be washing the newness off some silicone when we get home."

"Enjoy!" Ethan leapt to his feet and launched himself at me, giving me a tight hug. "And Merry Christmas." He turned to Brody. "Can I give you a hug?"

Brody paused but then nodded. The hug looked heartfelt. I could feel it in my bones. My friends had accepted Brody. Knew how happy he made me. They'd be fierce with their support of us. After maneuvering Brody and his leg cast into the car, we headed for home. We held hands as I drove. "I have a question. Keeping in mind, you are under no obligation."

"Sounds ominous," Brody replied.

I chuckled. "Might be. My parents host a Christmas Eve dinner every year. It takes the place of the upcoming mandatory dinner. But I'm willing to skip it if you don't feel comfortable going."

"You wouldn't go on your own?"

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